Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson | Rev. Vickie Miller
SUNCOAST MCC NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2019
CREATION: HOW GREAT THOU ART
"Awesome Wonders of Storms "
Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sun. | Sept. 15 | 10AM
Did you ever stop to think about how many popular songs, hymns and spirituals are centered around storms and stormy weather?  It is not only storm-chasers, but most of the rest of us as well who are fascinated, frightened and overwhelmed by storms. Jesus stilled a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, saying, “Peace, Be Still.” How can we find peace in the midst of the storm? 
Readings
Psalm 29, Mark 4:35-41
  • Sept. 1—Awesome Wonders of Oceans
  • Sept. 8—Awesome Wonders of Plants and Animals
  • Sept. 15—Awesome Wonders of Storms
  • Sept. 22—Awesome Wonders of the Cosmos
REMINDER!!
CONGREGATIONAL FORUM Immediately after Service on Sunday, Sept. 15.
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER SURGE AND SINGING
FAVORITE TRADITIONAL HYMNS
Mon. | Sept. 16 | 6PM
Brown Bag Dinner begins at 5:15PM
Rodger a new Congregant will accompany us on keyboard as we sing beloved hymns.
During this service we light candles, sing, and pray for our individual and collective requests and those from the Prayer Wall. There will also be a time for individual anointing and healing prayer. Rodger, our new congregant, will accompany us on the keyboard as we sing beloved hymns!


SPIRITUAL PRACTICES CLASSES
Contemplative Bible Reading
Tues. | Sept. 17 | 10AM
Learn how to read scripture in a new, enlightening way! We will spend an hour together reflecting on a familiar scripture passage by practicing Lectio Divina (Latin for Divine Reading) which is a sacred practice that has been exercised for centuries. Lectio Divina treats scripture, not as texts to be studied, but as the living word that speaks to us today through meditation and prayer to promote communion with God.


Rosaries, Novenas & Mantras. Oh My!
Tues. | Sept. 24 | 10AM
Have you ever seen someone holding a rosary, and wondered what they were praying? This is actually a very early church practice that started by using knotted rope, with the knots or beads helping one to recite prayers. Come and learn about these prayers and other aides, which can be used to enhance our personal spirituality and prayer life.
Sign up in Church Lobby for these programs.
SUNCOAST EQUALITY CONNECTION
Wed. | Sept. 18
5:30PM to 7:30PM at
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
RSVP www.eqfl.org under the events icon
LECTOR TRAINING
Sun. | Sept. 22
 Immediately Following Worship
Would you like to become a reader of scripture or sacred texts at church services? Lectors serve an important role during worship by making the words come alive for us. During the training, we will give some basic tips on reading and punctuation, as well as instructions on logistics and posture. We will practice together.

Please sign up in the lobby if you plan to attend.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE
If you have a prayer need, are ill or become hospitalized, call the church office to let us know. We would like to minister to you in your time of need.
CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY!!
For the last 3 years, SarasotaOUT.com has had the honor of recognizing the people and places that positively impact our community. The "OUT Awards" shines a spotlight on the BEST of the BEST in LGBT Sarasota! Please vote, share, and encourage your friends and family to nominate and vote for their favorites. Then, come out on Oct. 6th for the LIVE awards ceremony. Consider selecting SunCoast MCC and Venice Pride as some of your top favorites. Click here to cast your vote!
You are Invited to
Our "Homecoming" weekend of events! Come on Sat. and Sun. or either day. Bring a friend, neighbor or family member. Connect, mix, mingle and enjoy some laughs.
Sat. | Sept. 28 | 4PM to 7PM
Open House • BBQ • Game Show
Music by Susie Brenner (left)
◆ ◆ ◆ 
Sun. | Sept. 29 | 10AM to 11AM
Special Sermon and Music by
Rev. Renae Phillips (right)
ALL ARE WELCOME! Come and learn about our Church, events, services and what is happening at SunCoast. Any questions, call the office or email us.
The Gulf Front Players and Suncoast MCC

present
Love Letters
by A. R. Gurney
$10 in advance
$12 at the door
COMING SOON!!
Award Winning Play
"Funny, Poignant, Touching, Sad, Charming and Thought-Provoking"

This two-character play, starring Michael A. Marcello and Nikki Marinelli, is the story of two childhood friends, both born to wealth and privilege, whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards.

Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years – where he goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while she flunks out of a series of “good schools.” As life goes on, he goes off to war, she marries but her attachment to him remains strong and she continues to keep in touch. He marries, becomes a successful attorney and eventually is elected to the US Senate.

Her marriage falls apart, she dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. As time continues to march on, they become involved in a brief affair, but it really is too late for either of them. His last letter, however, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years – physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be. Contains some adult language and may not be suitable for children.
SOCK HOP WITH DJ LUCY BLU
Fri. | Oct. 25 | 7PM to 10PM
$12 Admission
Music from the fabulous 50’s and 60’s through today! Dance! Dance! • Dust off your saddle shoes and join us! • Shake , Rattle & Roll! • 50’s Costume Contest • Free Snacks  • Door Prizes • Games ...
Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29 —Education Class
Oct. 27 —Membership Class
Nov. 23 —Lip-Schtick
Dec. 13 —Suncoast Wind Ensemble Christmas Concert
Feb. 22 —SunCoast's 25th Anniversary
FOLLOW US
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
HOSPITALITY
If your last name begins with "S-Z" can you please bring snacks or sweets (sugar-free & gluten-free) in Sept. We are in need of peanut butter, celery, cream cheese, crackers, summer sausage, cheese slices, fruit, hard boiled or deviled eggs. Also looking for volunteers to help serve during fellowship. Thanks.
Venice Pride 2019
Sat. | Nov. 2 11AM to 4PM

  • Volunteering for the week of and the day of Pride.
  • Distributing flyers in the community.
  • Signing up Sponsors and Vendors. Deadlines extended through mid-Oct.
  • Promoting the Pet Blessing.
TREE OF LIFE DONATION
Commemorate the Memory of a Loved One on All Saints Day
Sun. | Nov. 3
Order a Memorial Leaf for the Tree of Life to honor and recognize a loved one in your life. A Memorial Leaf is $250.00 You can pay by check, cash, or on-line—just be certain to identify the payment like this: Memorial Leaf (and then the name of the person to be remembered.) Call or email the Office with the spelling of the honoree’s name and any specific wording to be engraved on the leaf. Deadline for all dedications to be announced on Nov. 3 is Oct. 27.
SunCoast MCC has a new website . Events are posted. Sermon recordings are available . There are Testimonials and much more. For Church members, there is also a password protected site that contains minutes and financials.
UPDATES: METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES
MCC COUNCIL OF ELDERS
Weekly Call to Prayers

Submitted by Governing Board on Sept 10

DONATE TO HELP
BAHAMIAN HURRICANE VICTIMS
As an international church and movement, we experience God’s call to stand with our sisters and brothers whose lives have been severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian. We ask you to join us by making a financial contribution to this effort. May God bless you as you give. Click here.
PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL TRANS VISBILITY MARCH
Sept. 28 in Washington, DC. We are With You. Click here.
Connect with us. You're in the Right Place.
As a welcoming, diverse and active community, we share God's love in a spiritual environment offering
truth • trust • transformation