Staying Connected with SunCoast MCC February 25, 2022

Join as we pray for the Ukraine.

“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Creator, our God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9

STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST February 25, 2022

We are a welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation!

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Time Sensitive Information

Rev. Craig, along with MCC and Equality FL, is working to put together a protest march at the state Capitol building in Tallahassee on Monday, March 7th. This would include a press conference and possible meetings with State legislators.

If you are interested in going, please notify the Church as soon as possible. We are planning on leaving March 6 after Worship and carpooling. Individuals will be responsible for costs.

Worship Information

Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson

Senior Pastor

Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe

Assistant Pastor

SunCoast MCC

Watch Sunday Service HERE

Join us this

Sunday, February 27 at

10 AM

for In-Person or Virtual Worship

Discipleship By the Sea: “Let’s Go”

Jesus says to the disciples, “Let us go...” The call to go is for all of us. It is a call to go and share the good news of God’s love.

Here are some questions we will consider as we ponder the call to “go.” Why is it important to go? Will there be storms or opposition when we go? When we go, what are the different ways we can demonstrate God’s love?

Join us Sunday to hear the answers to these questions and more!

Let’s Get Ready for Lent 2022 at SunCoast MCC!

A GOOD ENOUGH FAITH

Imagine – a faith that does not just make us feel guilty, but that asks us to offer more grace to ourselves and others!

We will explore Gospel Stories, Ash Wednesday through Good Friday that remind us that:

Perfection is impossible, but transformation is not. Sometimes, taking smaller, more manageable steps of faith is more life-giving. Ordinary lives can be holy!

In these days, when so much seems out of our control, we can learn to breathe, and give ourselves and others a break. We can admit that sometimes we need support, that “It takes a Village” to be healthy and whole.

The sights and sounds of worship will open our hearts to grace, and experience that “God is Here, and That is Good Enough!”

Celebrating Black History Month

As we come to the end of February, we hope that learning about the impact Blacks have made to our history will continue and not just be confined to one month a year.

We would like to say thank you to all who have made so many contributions as we continue to pursue racial equity and equality.

Below is a link to an article recently published in The New York Times titled "Black History Month is About Seeing America Clearly".

Use this LINK to read The New York Times Article

Thank you to all the Black Clergy and Lay people who have paved the way for others and continue to fight for racial equality and equity.

The following is a list of names of black MCC leaders who have made a difference and enormous contributions to MCC and through their involvement with the People of African Descent (PAD) conferences.

Rev. Cathy Alexander

Rev. Delores Berry (deceased)

Rev. Brendan Boone

Rev. Onetta Brooks

Michelle Burnett

Fred Cannady

Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis

Robert Ferguson

Rev. Wanda Floyd

Reece Jackson-Whitaker

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner

Rev. Vickey Gibbs (deceased)

Rev. Tijuana Gray

Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin

Sheryl Griffin

Less Henderson

Rev. Candy Holmes

Barry Hundley

Rev. Denise Junious

Rev. Dr. William Knight

Dr. Janice Merritt

Rev. Adrian Mobley-Bowie

Rev. Carolyn Mobley-Bowie

Kareem Murphy

Valerie Parson

Franc Perry

Orgena Rose

Rev. Elder Margarita Sánchez de Léon

Rev. Mykal Slack

Roland Smith

Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow

Elisa Vega-Burns

Rev. Marsha Warren

Cassandra White

Dr. David Williams

Rev. Doretha Williams-Flournoy

Anita Wright-Jones

Shannon Young

Black Clergy and Lay Leaders:

Below is the beginning of a list of other black leaders in MCC. Information about these people may be found in the MCC Polity Class, in some of Troy Perry’s books, the MCC Memorial Wall (on our website www.mccchurch.net), LGBT Religious Archives, Facebook, and through Google. The names below are not in a particular order.

Willie White (deceased)

Rev. Sandy Robinson

Rev. LaPaula Turner

Rev. Renae McCoy

Rev. Carlton Rutherford

Rev. Lucia Chappelle

Herman Simpson

Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla

Rev. Marlowe Valentine

Rev. Nokuthula Sikobi (deceased)

Rev. Victoria Burson

James Chavez

Rev. Jeffrey Jordan-Pickett

Rev. Dr. A. Leon Tredwell

Rev. Philip Venson Matthews

Dr. Carla Sherrill

Rev. Barbara Haynes

Rev. Bernie Barbour

Kedric Brown

Rev. Gina Durbin

Kathy Beasley

Rev. Magora Kennedy

Source: MCC Resources for Churches

Thank you, Rebecca Wilson and Rev. Wanda Floyd for sharing these resources with us!

Calendar of Events

Stay up to date with all the exciting activities happening at SunCoast MCC and the community. Download March Month at a Glance using the link below.

Download March 2022 Month At A Glance

SunCoast MCC Celebrating 27 Years Strong in the Community

Join us for Worship on February 27 at 10 AM as we celebrate the 27th Anniversary of SunCoast MCC.

We hope you will come as we remember, rejoice and gather to celebrate the work of SunCoast MCC and dream about the future of our Church.

Project Pride and Equality Florida has invited Venice Pride, Inc and SunCoast MCC to participate in an emergency rally this Sunday, February 27! This rally is in response to the bill making its way through Florida's legislature impacting the LGBTQ Community, racial inequities and other topics that will hurt those who are marginalized.

Join Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida as we proudly and loudly SAY GAY and unveil the world's largest progress pride flag--700 feet "The Grand Flag" across the John Ringling Bridge!

Event details:

Sunday, February 27, 2022

12:30-1:30 PM

John Ringling Bridge, Downtown Sarasota

Parking available at Bayfront Park or at the bridge.

We hope to see you there! Bring friends!

Contact Linda Staib if you are attending.

The Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for this Monday, February 28 at 4:30 PM. The meetings are held at the Church are open to all who would like to learn about the Church operations and to see our leaders at work.

If you are interested in attending, please email Kim at Info@suncoastmcc.com

Please keep our Board members in your prayers as they do the work of the Church.

Ash Wednesday Service

On the first day of Lent, Christians attend liturgical activities and receive ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross, signaling a sign of our faith and a reminder of remorse for our sins. When we receive the ashes, we are reminded: “Repent and believe in the gospel”; “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return”; “From the blessed earth you came and to the blessed earth you shall return”.

Join us as we take time for reflection and prayer as we enter the Lenten season.

March 2 @ 7 PM

This will be an in-person Worship service only.

Upcoming Lenten Book Study

As Lent is a time of searching for meaning and connection, we are excited to offer a seven-week book study on Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 PM, from March 2 through April 13 led by Cindy Duranko and Rev. Rick. This class will be in-person only.

Brené Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness” is an easy read that explores the relationship among spirituality, authenticity and connection, and offers strategies for helping ourselves and all who come through our doors feel a sense of true belonging. The class will focus on exploring how authenticity and spirituality strengthen connection in our cherished community.

Please call the Church or see Kim if you would like to purchase a book. We have ordered several. The paperback books are $8 and the hardcover is $12.

We need a minimum of 10 participants, with a maximum of 20. If you have questions, you can contact Cindy at cduranko@hotmail.com

Use this LINK to register for the Lenten Class

We are back…again!!

Suncoast MCC will be resuming choir and drumming rehearsals

When: March 9, 2022

Drumming: 6 - 6:30 PM

Choir: 6:30 - 7:30 PM

We will sing and drum in worship beginning Sunday, March 20 as we share in the joy of music ministry in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday!

Please e-mail our music director, Dr. David Katz, if you plan to attend rehearsal on March 9 at drdavidkatz@suncoastmcc.com indicating which group you wish to participate in (or both).

Please click the link below to review safety protocols for participation in both these groups.

Link to Music Ministry Safety Protocols

Volunteers Needed

The landscaping team will be working on Saturday, March 12 starting at

8:30 AM.

If you can join the team for the entire time or just a portion, please consider helping to spruce up our beautiful property.

Please bring gloves and any tools that you may have to help the team.

Upcoming Membership Class

Are you interested in learning more about MCC and SunCoast MCC? We will be having our next membership class on Sunday, March 20, 2022 immediately after workship.

At that time, you can join others in fellowship, learning about SunCoast and ways to get involved.

A light lunch will be served.

If you are interested, please call the Church Office, signup in the Lobby or use the electronic form below.

Use this LINK to register for the upcoming Membership Class

Helping Those In Need

CHAPS is in need of hygiene products for their families. Due to the rising cost of items in our economy, CHAPS is running low on these types of items.

Hygiene items include (full size, not travel size):

Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Shampoo and Condition
Soap
Bleach
Lotion
Laundry detergent and Laundry softener
Cleaning Supplies
Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

Please consider picking up some of the items the next time you are at the store and drop them off at the Church.

Luck of the Irish Fundraiser

Feeling Lucky? Buy a ticket and you have a chance to take home the pot of gold!

The winning ticket will get half of the money raised from ticket sales, up to $1,500. The other half stays with the church.

Tickets are $20 each and are on sale through March 20, 2022. The drawing will take place on Sunday, March 20, 2022 during Worship. You do not have to be present to win!

To purchase a ticket. see any member of the Fundraising team, use the link or the QR code.

Purchase Luck of the Irish Tickets HERE

Weekly Offering and Attendance Information

Thank you for your continued support and generosity of your time, talents and financial support.

For the week of

February 14 to February 20,

our income and expenses were:

Weekly contributions were $2,655 which is $2,079 short of the budget of $4734

and

Year to Date (YTD) total is $29,472 received which is $5,016 less than the estimated expenses of $34,488 YTD.

Donate HERE

Attendance Week of

February 20, 2022

53 in person

29 families live streaming

19 YouTube views from February 13 to February 19

101+ In person & online, we're One Body

United in the Power of Prayer

Update from Your Pastoral

& Congregational Care Team

In Charity, kindly remember in prayer members and friends of our SunCoast Community – those who are confined to home, in a health care facility or hospital

and those who are alone. May Almighty God, Physician of souls and bodies, extend healing to ease their every pain and suffering.

May they, may we, be granted healing, strength, and spiritual comfort.

We ask everyone to join us in prayer for:

Randy M & Tim M * BJ H & Denise W * Joe D & Tim H * Bill B * Ron S * Paula J * Marty S * Jerry F * Bruce C * Mayra * Zami * Laura M * Greg H * Nikki L * Family of John G * Phyllis M * Barbara S * Judy * Gracie M * Joffrey S * Terrie B * Pam C * Lorna H * Karen & Lucy * George W * Dorothy B * Woody * Eleanor *

Teresa H * Christine * Tally N * Kathi K * Ann P * Ginny W & Doreen S *

Dallas B & Family

If you have someone in need of prayer to be placed on our Prayer List

or if you would like to become a member of our Prayer Team

Please Contact:

RevGeneHutter@SunCoastMCC.com

Updated SunCoast MCC Protocols for Onsite Worship

The Board of Directors regularly revisits the safety protocols in relation to COVID-19. We continue to monitor the local statistics and will make changes when possible.

We will facilitate social distancing at indoor and outdoor gatherings (indoors, people will be encouraged to sit with people they feel comfortable sitting near, people can sit farther apart, ushers will help people who need it). Chairs will be further apart outside, in small clusters.

In order to attend indoor worship, you must be fully vaccinated.

Masks are required for indoor services.

During outside worship, people will need to wear masks while singing as well as entering and leaving the Worship area. If you feel comfortable, you may remove your mask during outside worship.