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An Open And Affirming Community Of Faith -
We Welcome All Beliefs!
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Sage meets every Friday at 1 PM. Check here for the church calendar for the link.
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June is Pride Month! See our special page on the website for Pride events. PRIDE EVENTS HERE
- Meditation on Wednesday, June 5th at 7 pm
- Pot Luck 6/30 after service - see below
- On Sunday, May 26, at 2 pm, HC MCC will be offering a worship service at the International Mr. Leather competition at the Congress Park Hotel at 2 pm. Contact Jim U or Rev. Martha if you would like to participate and for more information..
- Next Board Meeting is June 20th via Zoom
- Brookfield 4th of July Parade - See Below
- Looking ahead to June, if you would like to add or update a photo of your father (Fathers Day in June), or of someone who was a parental figure to you, dig those pictures out to send to Roxann at roxann.victory@outlook.com.
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Support Holy Covenant MCC
with Your Generosity Today!
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Giving Needed Weekly
(4 WEEKS) $1,170
The monthly difference is $514
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Our bills are listed for the month of
MAY 2024.
Your generosity helps us pay the bills. Any amount helps us meet our obligations.
If you would like to pay one of the bills,
please designate that in your donation.
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UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST | |
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PINTS WITH THE PASTOR
JUNE 13TH!
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Join us at Pub 78 in beautiful downtown Brookfield for no-host dinner and/or drinks. conversation and good times from 6 pm - 8 pm.
Time: 6 pm, Thursday, June 13th.
Pub 78
3733 Grand Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
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MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of summer.
The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War.
This national observance was preceded by many local ones between the end of the Civil War and Logan's declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it. However, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams with originating the "idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers—Union and Confederate" with flowers.
Official recognition as a holiday spread among the states, beginning with New York in 1873. By 1890, every Union state had adopted it. The world wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as "Memorial Day" and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.
Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day (which is earlier in May), an unofficial U.S. holiday for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day (on November 11), which honors all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
More information is available on Wikipedia.
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POT LUCK JUNE 30TH! BE FABULOUS! | |
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POTLUCK - PRIDE!
JUNE 30, 2024
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See our Special June Pride Events Page Here | |
| Would you like to see birthdays and anniversaries in the newsletter? | | | |
Brookfield's 4th of July Parade | |
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Holy Covenant used to participate in this parade-let's do it again! There's no fee for us to have an entry, but we would need to have a few folks willing to organize it. We would have to decide if we want a vehicle or a walking entry, obtain a vehicle (if that's what we decide), pick a theme and how to decorate our vehicle/float, etc It's a pretty short route, and it's right here in Brookfield. We will need about four or five people to organize it, and as many people as are willing to be in the parade! If you would like to be part of this, please contact Rev. Martha or any board member by June 1!
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE FOR MAY 28th at 11 am -
Exploring the Expansiveness of Gender
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Are you looking for ways to better support trans community members? Do you have questions you’ve been afraid or embarrassed to ask or don’t know who to ask?
Join Karari Olvera (she/they) and Jes Favers du Shine (they/them) from Praxis Group for a guided discussion in a non-judgmental space as they explore the expansiveness of gender through national data and their own experiences navigating the world as trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people.
Click here to download the informational flyer and to attend you must register here.
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Thrive with Pride Cafe on June 6th
Holy Covenant's Thrive with Pride Cafe will gather on Thursday, June 6th at 7 pm via Zoom (contact Rev. Martha for the link). We will be exploring the Expansiveness of Gender.
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Dive into our Queer History Course and learn about the often-hidden stories of queer lives, struggles, and triumphs across different cultures and time periods. Explore the lives of trailblazing activists, artists, and everyday people who shaped the LGBTQ+ community, from Stonewall and beyond.
This course fulfills the Ministry Action Plan requirements, and is open to anyone who is interested. The course will have Rev. Dr. Kelby Accardi-Harrison as the instructor.
Preliminary Meeting: June 1; 11AM-12PM CST (1 hour)
Class Meetings: June 22, July 13, July 27; 11AM-1PM CST (2 hours each)
Please contact Rev. Cathy Alexander via email for more information (link below).
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Join our comprehensive Gender and Sexuality Course which delves into the fascinating and diverse tapestry of the human experience. Explore the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality, and how they affect our human lives. Let's challenge the stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and gain insights on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
This course fulfills the Ministry Action Plan requirements, and is open to anyone who is interested. The course will have Rev. Dr. Francisco Danielsen-Morales as the instructor.
Schedule: June 7, June 14, June 21, and June 28; 4PM to 6PM ET
Please contact Rev. Cathy Alexander via email for more information (link below).
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HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING
JUNE 20TH VIA ZOOM
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The next Board meeting will be held on June 20th, 7 pm via Zoom. The Board discussed about moving meetings to Zoom and it was approved by everyone. If you would like to attend a meeting via Zoom, please contact Rev. Martha for the link so you can listen and observe.
You can find all the Board agenda, 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 Meetings Agenda, Minutes and church financials here
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WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION | |
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HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
REV. MARTHA DANIELS PREACHING
10:00 AM CST
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Our worship celebration is every Sunday at 10 am CST. If you would like to join us you may join us in person or go to our YouTube page and click to watch the service or previous services.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
John 3:1-17
Sermon Title: "Water & Spirit"
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.
Rev. Martha is available by email, phone, Facebook Messenger, and text for any pastoral needs you may have revmarthadaniels@gmail.com
DO YOU WANT TO HELP WITH WORSHIP?
Do you feel a call to help with worship? To read a prayer, or a reading, or to usher or serve communion? Whether you are here in person or virtually, we need and want your gifts! Contact Rev. Martha or Roxann at roxann.victory@outlook.com.
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our June 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!
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SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP!
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Want to volunteer at Share Food Share Love, click here!
Food insecurity has emerged as a pressing public health issue impacting our communities, exacerbated by the recent termination of additional funding in the SNAP program. In response, it is crucial to rally behind initiatives like Share Food Share Love, a vital organization aiding those in need. Your contribution to the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry can significantly impact struggling families by providing three meals with just a $1.00 donation. Your generosity plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our community members do not go hungry. We urge all community members to join us in combating food insecurity by supporting the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry. Convenient drop-off locations are available, such as the food box at Tischler's or the church, for your non-perishable food donations. Let us unite in solidarity to navigate these challenging times together. Thank you for standing with us in this important cause.
If you live in the surrounding area of Brookfield, you may qualify to be our neighbor at Share Food, Share Love. You can stop in on Tuesday evenings 7pm to 9 pm and Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm to apply and gather up some food for you and your family. If you do come, please try to bring your own reusable bags but if you forget, we will have bags for you.
Thank you!
SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE GIVING PAGE
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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 and in person on Fridays at 1 pm. Please contact Eric Eugenio Vironet (evironet@cmsschicago.org) if you plan to attend in person as space is limited. Meeting are held at 439 Bohland, Bellwood, Illinois.
Please check out the link below to purchase tickets or make donations to our Spring Fundraiser supporting West Suburban Senior Services.
2024 Spring Concert | Chicago Methodist Senior Services (cmsschicago.org)
Join CMSS for our spring fundraiser Still Rockin’ at FitzGerald’s. The evening will feature music from the 60s and 70s performed by renowned Chicago musician Phil Angotti. All proceeds from the event support programming and resources for older adults at CMSS’ West Suburban campus.
Mother's Day Celebration & Lunch information click here
West Suburban May Activity Calendar click here
West Suburban May Menu click here
West Suburban Senior Services website click here
WSSS Facebook Page click here
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PASTOR'S PICK CORNER -
Rev. Daniels Reading/
Listening/Watching Suggestions
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Many of the most thought-provoking books, movies, podcasts, etc. are not actually religiously or even spiritually oriented. I find "thought experiment" books and such especially interesting, because they offer a way to follow concepts to their ultimate conclusion, especially the "what if" books. Two authors I every much appreciate in this vein are Guy Gavriel Kay, who writes novels set in places and times that are very similar to history--the Byzantine empire (Sailing to Byzantium) and medieval Italy (A Brigtness Long Ago) are but two examples.
Another favorite is Harry Turtledove, who writes alternative history. His breakout book is titled Guns of the South--what if the South won the Civil War? That victory is made possible because (this is not really a spoiler) time travelers from 20th century South Africa have brought AK-47s and sold them to the Confederates. I think he's too kind to Robert E. Lee, but that's a minor quibble. The part of the book that shocked me most when I first read it, back in the 1980's, I think, was Confederate troops marching into Washington DC (where I lived at the time) and into the Capitol and the White House. When the events of January 6, 2021 took place, it was surreal to see things happen that had only happened in imagination. Truth can, indeed, be stranger than fiction.
Turtledove published a book in December 2023 that I somehow missed at the time, titled "Wages of Sin." What if, he asks, HIV had developed and made the jump to humans much earlier in human history? Say, at the beginning of the European exploration of Africa and the beginnings of the slave trade? Before medicine was much of a science, before the development of the microscope, of germ theory, of antibiotics? How would society respond? How would the world have developed differently? There's much to ponder and echoes of other plagues the human race has known--the bubonic plague, smallpox, influenza, and let's not forget Covid 19.
Turtledove's speculations offer real food for thought as we reflect on his novel and compare it to both historical and modern experience. Some things about the human race just don't change...
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MEDITATION WILL BE JUNE 5TH! | |
The next date for meditation with Mary Ann will be on Wednesday JUNE 5TH at 7:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
For more information about meditation please contact Mary Ann Latsaras at only1amar@yahoo.com.
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AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!
UPDATED LIST!
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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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NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL? | | | |
NEW T-SHIRTS FOR HOLY COVENANT
NOW AVAILABLE! ORDER NOW! Show your support of Holy Covenant by buying a t-shirt. Many sizes, shirt types and colors to choose from. These shirts will be used throughout the year when we attend Pride parades or fests and for our garage sales so we are known to our neighbors. A small portion of the proceeds goes to Holy Covenant. Any questions please see Roxann Victory or email her at roxann.victory@outlook.com.
Click here to order! https://www.bonfire.com/holy-covenant-mcc/
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We mourn and pray for all the families who have suffered personal losses from gun violence at our schools, churches, and hospitals. public venues and other places.
Prayers of Thanksgiving for Patii & Laura's friend Bernedette who landed a paralegal position after 10-months of unemployment.1
Prayers for Karla C. that the Doctors find out why she is having strokes.1
Prayers of gratitude for Barbara R's grandson was accepted to the college of his choice in the Netherlands.1
Prayers for Roxann's friends Lita and Candy Jr in the passing of Candy Sr on Saturday night. May God bring them comfort and happy memories during this hard time.1
Prayers of healing for Roxann's friends DeVon and Evan and wisdom for their doctors.1
Prayers for Jim u.'s Brother-in-Law John and for his neighbor Dana who is in the hospital and travel mercies as he moves to Minnesota.2
Prayers for Scott to be healed from Cancer.2
Prayers for all mothers grieving the loss of a child, for those who are grieving the child they were never able to have and for everyone grieving the absence of their mothers.2
Prayers for David G. who in the hospital after surgery.3
Prayers for Richard L. who is undergoing chemo.3
Prayers for Bruce M. who recovering from surgery.3
Prayers that all that are unemployed or underemployed find gainful employment.
Prayers for those with harden hearts that 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.
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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 | |
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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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