CHILDHOOD MEMORIES FROM OUR PASTORS
Rev. Nancy shares this memory: “When I was young, Christmas stockings were hung on the fireplace mantle, chimney, or in my case, over the bottom of my bed. We used my mom’s nylons! In the stocking was an orange, and some walnuts, and candy kisses and then some other small, gifts -- from Santa. One of my fondest memories is feeling the heavy stocking at my feet, waking my brother up, and opening our first little gifts ...”
Rev. Vickie reminds us, “Christmas is a time of giving. My mom would give my sister and I a Christmas allowance to spend on gifts. The bank offered a Christmas saving’s booklet with tear-off tickets for weekly deposits. I recall going through the drive-through with mom, tearing out the savings ticket, depositing the money, and then the excitement of collecting it at the end to buy Christmas gifts for my family. I don’t recall ever being tempted to spend it on myself...”
JOIN US AT THIS UPCOMING EVENTS
Advent Retreat
Sat. | Dec. 7
10am to 3pm
Lemon Bay Park
570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood
Rainbow Holiday Lunch
Sun. | Dec. 8
11AM | $8 per person
Traditional holiday meal.
Christmas Concert
Wed. | Dec. 11 | 7PM
at Trinity, Sarasota
Joint Choir Concert SunCoast & Church of the Trinity MCC
Sun Coast Wind Ensemble Christmas Concert
Fri. | Dec. 13 | 2PM
$5 per person
Christmas Concert
Sun. | Dec. 15 | 4PM
at SunCoast Joint Choir Concert SunCoast and Church of the Trinity MCC
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Dear Congregants, Friends and Community Partners,
Our church needs some Santa's this year.
- To support our friends at CHAPS (Charlotte Co. HIV AIDS People Support) by donating Walmart gift cards for kids of families impacted by HIV AIDS. Cards can be dropped off at SunCoast.
- To help SunCoast MCC close out the year in the black and begin the New Year with bills paid.
Maybe you need to catch up on your giving to the church? This is a way to do it!
Maybe you prefer to give once a year to the church? This is the time to do it!
Perhaps you contribute to several organizations during the holiday season. We pray that you consider SunCoast as one of your charities.
In 2019, with your loving support, we continue to:
- be the home of Venice Pride. This year, we hosted over 1,000 people on our church grounds — LGBTQ folks, straight allies, families, pets, vendors, other organizations, faith communities, community-minded businesses, drag queens, and musicians!
- support CHAPS monthly with donations of personal hygiene products, serve as a pick-up location and are one of their partners-in-charity.
- advocate for inclusive faith in social media and news outlets.
- offer counseling, support and hope to people every week, who come to our church needing guidance, referrals, help with coming out, getting married, seeking community and resources.
- partner with MCC's first church in Milan, Italy, that is seeking to provide an inclusive spiritual community.
- host on our church premises ongoing 12-step meetings, Sun Coast Wind Ensemble and other groups, such as, the Gulf Front Players.
- provide social opportunities, dances, game nights, bingo, homecoming, theater, and concerts.
- provide a safe space for monthly transgender support group meetings.
All made possible with your loving support. Your generosity continues to help us maintain a positive place that is open to everyone!
We will post a virtual stocking with your name on it on our new
website
. A way to celebrate your generosity and the holiday spirit. If you do not wish to have your name listed on a stocking
email us
.
Your gifts are greatly appreciated. You can mail it to us, bring it to the church or contribute online
(click here)
.
We offer you the gift of presence
—
and invite you to our holiday events, most of which are free of charge. Each is sure to lift your spirit in this season!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Vickie Miller | Rev. Nancy Wilson, SunCoast staff and the Board of SunCoast MCC
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