Sunday, September 20, 2026
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An Open & Affirming Community of Faith
We Welcome All Beliefs!
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UPCOMING NEWS
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LGBTQ+ Hybrid Discussion Group (formerly Sage) meets every Friday at 1 PM. Check the church calendar here for the link.
- We have updated our Amazon needs list. Please see below!
- First Day of Autumn 9/22
- Next Board meeting is October 15th via Teams Meeting at 7 pm.
- Katie Jones service 9/26 at 11 am
- Next Potluck is September 27th - Football Themed
- Worship Team Meeting: Thursday, October 1st, 7 pm via Teams
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We are now on LinkedIn. Follow us here!
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Support Holy Covenant MCC
with Your Generosity Today!
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Giving Needed Weekly (4 WEEKS) $350
The end-of-the-month difference is $3,625
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We are sharing the detailed list of our financial obligations for SEPTEMBER 2026, which YOU CAN CLICK TO DOWNLOAD for your convenience. Your generosity plays a crucial role in ensuring that Holy Covenant MCC can meet these obligations and continue to thrive as a welcoming community.
We truly appreciate any contribution, no matter how small, as it collectively adds up to make a significant impact. If you feel moved to support a specific bill, we invite you to designate your donation accordingly, fostering a spirit of collaboration within our community.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity; together, we can uphold our church's mission and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Current Designated Bank Balance 9/13/2026 = $2,051.19 (in QB) $2,051.19 (in FNBB)
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS
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Are you grieving the death of someone you cared about? Do you feel like you could use support and community with others who are grieving?
Join our friends at The HAP Foundation for their monthly virtual grief circles offered in English and Spanish. These groups, facilitated by HAP Community Health Workers (CHWs), utilize a peer support model for honoring and processing grief. This group is open to any adult who is grieving the death of any person.
Held on the third Tuesday - English third Wednesday - Spanish at 6-7:30 pm on Zoom
Questions? Email English -mburns@thehapfoundation.org
Spanish - Email mgomez@thehapfoundation.org
| |  | LGBT+ PROGRAM MONTHLY BOOK CLUB | |
Join the West Suburban LGBT+ Program for their Monthly Book Club, moderated by Frank Serafino, lecturer at College of DuPage. Next up will be The Country of The Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett on October 20th. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at (evironet@cmsschicago.org) for the Zoom link.
Click on the image to download the flyer.
October meeting:
Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 12:00 pm CST
In-Person or Zoom
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PRIDE BITES
AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHAT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
TIME: 12:30 - 2:30 PM
WHERE: OAKTON COLLEGE
We will be reuniting with our friends at Center of Concern, Oakton College, and Gerber-Hart Library to bring you another intergenerational event this fall. Learn about LGBTQ+ history and discuss identity in small, intergenerational groups. Pizza, soft drinks, and desserts
will be provided. RSVP is required by clicking here
Click on the document to download.
| | A TOWN MEETING AND 22ND ANNUAL NETWORKING EVENT | | |
This year's theme, Celebrating Resiliency: Together We Thrive, reflects the strength and determination of the people at the heart of our mission — and the network of community partners who show up for them every day.
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 6pm-9pm
Location: Hyatt Lodge, 2815 Jorie Boulevard, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Evening includes:
- Dinner and cocktails
- Silent auction and raffle
- Program and panel discussion
- Live entertainment
Click here to learn more.
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T-SHIRTS FOR HOLY COVENANT
🎉 NOW AVAILABLE — ORDER YOUR SHIRT! 🎉
👕 Get your Holy Covenant T‑shirt today!
Wear it while you volunteer at the garage sale, or grab one simply to show your support for our community. There are many sizes, styles, and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit.
These shirts aren’t just for one event—they’ll be used throughout the year at Pride parades, festivals, and future garage sales so our neighbors can easily spot our joyful, welcoming presence.
💛 A small portion of every sale goes directly to Holy Covenant, helping support our ministries and outreach.
Click here to order! https://www.bonfire.com/holy-covenant-mcc/
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MEDICARE & TRANSGENDER OLDER ADULTS: WHAT ADVOCATES NEED TO KNOW: SAGE AND JUSTICE IN AGING
Transgender older adults are navigating health systems that can be complex. This resource explains what to expect from Medicare coverage.
Click here to download the fact sheet in PDF.
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CELEBRATING THE LIFE
OF KATIE JONES
We will gather at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th at the Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510, to celebrate and give thanks for the life of Katie Jones. All are welcome to attend.
Katie was the beloved spouse of Rev. Karon von Gelder (she was a minister at HC) and a passionate lifelong student of music. Raised in a home rich with classical music, she became a devoted collector and historian of rock, R&B, and blues, believing that all music forms a single, interconnected tapestry expressing our shared humanity. Her reflection, “Why Music Matters,” was featured nationally on The Musical Life blog through Chicago’s WXRT Radio. Though The Beatles were her greatest musical love, Katie’s enthusiasm embraced a wide spectrum—from 60s rock legends to Motown, Stax, blues innovators, swing, and classic American songwriting.
Her interests extended far beyond music. Katie delighted in concerts, theater, museums, reading, art, photography, writing, and exploring ancient and biblical history. She held a deep commitment to human rights, environmental stewardship, and the sacred worth of every person. Her life included remarkable chapters: serving as a Girl Scout primitive camp counselor in the Wisconsin Northwoods, and later working nearly a decade in law enforcement as an Academy‑certified police officer and 911/emergency communications specialist. A lifelong lover of space exploration, Katie often recalled listening with her father to Sputnik’s signal in 1957—a moment that sparked her enduring fascination with the cosmos.
A private gathering will be held at a later date to scatter Katie’s ashes in the church’s Memorial Garden. The September 26th service will be livestreamed for those joining from out of state or unable to attend in person. Here is the link to services for the livestream.
The service will include the sharing of Holy Communion, and please note that Communion is open to all.
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🏈 FOOTBALL POTLUCK: WHERE THE FOOD IS HOT AND THE RIVALRY IS HOTTER
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This month we’re throwing a football‑themed potluck, and everyone is invited to bring a dish worthy of the end zone. Whether you’re cheering for the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, or just here for the snacks, we promise a good time and zero judgment… unless you show up wearing a cheesehead. Then we might pray for you.
Bring your best game‑day food:
Chili that could tackle a linebacker, dips that disappear faster than a Bears lead in the fourth quarter, or desserts sweet enough to make even a Packers fan smile.
Store‑bought? Homemade? Fumbled together at the last minute? It all counts as a touchdown at this potluck.
We’ll eat, laugh, and cheer on the home team — even if half the room is secretly rooting for Green Bay. No penalties, no instant replay, and absolutely no flag on the play for switching teams halfway through the season.
Suit up, show up, and let’s make this potluck a victory for taste buds everywhere.
| | BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES | |
Celebrate Your Birthday or Anniversary With Us!
Attention, Holy Covenant community members!
You spoke — and we listened! Birthdays and anniversaries deserve to be celebrated and recognized.
If you’d like your milestone included, email socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org with:
- Your name
- The details you’d like to share
- Your important dates (years are optional for birthdays!)
Let’s make every celebration count and share the joy together! 💛
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HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 15th VIA TEAM MEETING
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The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15th, 7 pm via Teams meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting, please contact Roxann Victory for the link so you can listen and observe.
You can find all the 2026 Board agendas, minutes, and financials on our website. They are also posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
You can find a PDF of the past Board Meeting agendas, minutes, and church financials here
| | WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION | | |
HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
ANDREW HILLUM - CELEBRANT
10:00 AM CST
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Our worship celebration this Sunday is at 10:00 am CST. If you would like to join us, you may do so in person or visit our YouTube page to watch the service or previous services.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Today's Readings
“I call myself bisexual because I acknowledge in myself the potential to be attracted — romantically and/or sexually — to people of more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree.”
Robyn Ochs: Bisexual, Not Bisexual | Psychology Today
“… as a bisexual person, it always felt like Pride, and identity flags, and fabulous queer communities weren’t for me. I had always felt like an ally, not a community member.”
― Julia Shaw, Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality
Message Title:
“BISEXUAL AWARENESS DAY”
Have a candle ready to light, a cookie or bread, and a glass of your favorite libation for communion if you are watching online.
You can also find previous services on our YouTube Channel here.
If you have any pastoral needs, please email board.hcmcc@outlook.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, ushering, etc. Click on this link and sign up for SEPTEMBER!
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our September 2026 schedule. Join us all month long for informative seminars, brain health programs, fitness, history, entertainment, and more online and in person! Just click here for the list of classes.
We encourage you to share our class schedule with friends, family, and neighbors, near & far, of any age – everyone is welcome to join us! All of our classes are free & no advance registration is required. We hope to see you soon on Zoom!
Thank you all for being a part of the Aging Well Neighborhood!
For questions about the programs listed, please email AWN@agingcareconnections.org.
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HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY WITH
SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY
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💥 Let’s Fight Food Insecurity Together!
Families are feeling the squeeze — SNAP cuts are hitting hard. But we can make a huge impact through our partner, Share Food Share Love.
💛 How You Can Help
- $1 = THREE meals for a local family
- Give at church or through the SFSL website
- Drop off non‑perishables at Tischler’s outdoor box or at church
- Shop their Amazon Wish List or Families First Wish List — items ship
straight to the pantry
🌶️ New: The Spice Rack!
- SFSL has a Spice Rack so families can cook flavorful meals
- Order spices from their Amazon list or buy locally and bring them to church
- Barbara will deliver them or drop them at SFSL
- Any spices welcome!
🎥 Watch Their New Video
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See the pantry in action here and learn how your support changes lives.
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Sign up for their newsletter here
🍎 Need Food Assistance?
- Open on Tuesdays: 7–9 PM
- Open on Saturdays: 10 AM–12 PM
- Bring ID if it’s your first visit
- Reusable bags appreciated (bags available if needed)
🙏 Thank You
Your generosity keeps families fed, hopeful, and supported. We’re in this together.
| | WSSS (SAGE) CALENDAR, EVENTS & MENU | |
West Suburban Senior Services (previously known as West Suburban SAGE), a social support group for LGBTQ seniors, meets both via ZOOM here and in person on Fridays at 1 pm.
For questions about lunch or activities, please contact Senior Center Director Maggie Dodd at 708-234-1869 or maggie.dodd@cmsschicago.org.
You can click on the blue links below to bring up each of them to see what is going on. We hope to see you soon at 439 Bohland Ave in Bellwood!
West Suburban September Food Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban September Activities Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban Senior Services website - Click Here
WSSS Facebook Page - Click Here
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AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!
UPDATED LIST! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!
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We have updated our "needs" list online at Amazon. We ask that you look at our list of what items we are in need of and purchase something for the church.
This list is available to see here HC Need List and is updated as needed. You can order and pay for anything off this list and have it shipped directly to the church. We appreciate anything you can order for us!
We thank you for your continued support of Holy Covenant!
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MAYO CLINIC
IMPROVING CANCER OUTCOMES FOR
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES
Cancer experts know a lack of specialized care has contributed to poorer outcomes for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Mayo Clinic is working to change that. You can read more here.
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GRIEF GROUP FOR LGBTQ+
Center on Halsted is starting a new 10-week LGBTQ+ Grief Therapy Group. The group is for those 50+, is offered a no cost and will be held in-person at Center on Halsted starting in mid-January.
An intake is required for participation in the group. Please see additional info on the attached flyer and share with your networks. Click on the image to download the flyer.
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NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL? | | | | FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN BY CLICKING HERE! | | |
We mourn and pray for all the families who have suffered personal losses from gun violence at our schools, churches, hospitals, public venues, and other places.
Prayers of travel mercies for Barbara A. and Mary Ann L. as they go to a family wedding in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and return home on Monday.1
Prayers of travel mercies for Lisa and Donna as they travel to Vegas Sunday and come back Tuesday. They are going to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere.1
Prayers of thanksgiving that Jean B.'s surgery went well and that she is healing.1
Prayers for Barbara Adams' family whose Uncle Jimmy passed away this week in Maryland. Please keep her Aunt Debbie, Cousin Barb, and Jim in your prayers.”1
Prayers for Roxann's Aunt Marsha as she searches for safe, affordable housing that will allow her to live comfortably within her retirement income. May the right opportunity and the resources she needs become available to her.1
Prayers for Sue C., for relief from her persistent pain.1
Prayers for Jim's monetary issues.1
Prayers for Roxann's Grandma Margie as she recovers from surgery for a broken femur. May her recovery be swift and complete, and we give thanks for the neighbor who found her and made sure she received help.”1
Prayers for travel mercies for Jim's mom as she travels to her granddaughter's wedding.”1
Prayers for Tony & Judy and members of Moonlake, dealing with roofing problems.”1
Prayers for Karon as she mourns the loss of her beloved Katie Jones, who has left this earthly world. Service information is above.2
Prayers for financial help for Jim's Mom.2
Prayers for Jim's niece as she gets married.2
Prayers for Ann M. as she celebrated her beloved wife, Karen Valient's birthday for the first time without her physically being there in body.2
Prayers of travel mercies for Marsha.2
Prayers for Earnest's job search and for his mental health.2
Prayers for Jan's mental health.3
Prayers for Colleen, whose mother, Sandy, passed last week, and for Mary Ann Latsaras who lovingly cared for Sandy for many months.3
Prayers of thanksgiving for Abe B's successful heart surgery.3
Prayers for all who are ill.
Prayers for all who are traveling.
Prayers that all who are unemployed or underemployed find gainful employment.
Prayers for those with hardened hearts who feel the need to deface places of worship.
Prayers and strength for Ukraine, for those who are relocating, and to end the war and unnecessary deaths.
Prayers for all our first responders that they stay safe while helping others.
Prayers that God will provide for those who are hungry, unemployed, and homeless,
or in financial difficulties.
All those affected by HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, COVID-19, and other life-threatening illnesses.
All communities of faith.
| | LINKS AND OTHER INFORMATION | | There is a universal help line 211 for Cook County. They can help residents with housing, food, health services and more. It is a 24 hour seven day a week operation and have trained professionals answer the phone and are able to help you | | |
Missed a sermon?
Click here to catch up and watch on the Holy Covenant YouTube channel!
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If you or someone you know is in an emergency call 911 for help.
Need someone to talk to? Call the suicide lifeline by dialing 988.
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Dial 988
Other Useful Links
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Every day brings something new
and God is with us always!
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9145 Grant Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: 708.387.1611
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