July 7th MCCC Updates
July 7th – MCCC Updates, Grace, Small Groups, Prayer Link Change, NO Kid’s Call in July!
MCCC Church Family,
I’m so very grateful for all your participation in last Sunday’s service with Hiram Christian and Hudson Western Reserve. By one count we had over 50 people on the Zoom call and lots of participation afterwards for coffee hour and sermon response. This week we will be looking together at a wonderful passage from the Book of Isaiah.
Please see attached for a paper copy of the July 5th service to read and/or distribute. Remember to go to the website for updates and links to services and podcasts.
Reminder for Grace
Just a reminder to extend some extra grace and compassion to yourself and those around you during this time. There is tension in the church and the world around the spread of COVID-19, racism, political division, theological differences, language about God, sexuality, job security, closing/reopening, wearing masks……do I need to go on? Tensions are high, but we shouldn’t fear that. Sometimes tension can bring about transformation and growth. That being said, sometimes it can produce stress and anxiety, too. We need grace in all those places. Let’s recognize, too, that grief is everywhere…all of us in different stages at different times–Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Sadness, Acceptance, Meaning-making. Can we love and accept each other through this? Can we make room for ALL at the Table? Can we remember the hurting? Christ entered into places of anger, fear, unfaithfulness, sickness, and injustice…yet emanated grace, forgiveness, and love. Can we seek the same in all we do?
Life 101 Gathering
I just wanted to give thanks for the ministry of Carol Buzbee and the Life 101 Sunday Chat group. They have been meeting for support and spiritual conversation in-person for about a month at Buchert Park in Mantua. They have followed our MCCC guidelines and have been safely meeting with masks, 6ft distancing, and outdoors. Last week we talked about what it means to “be the church” in this time and this week we talked about our negative emotions and what we do with them. There is a limit of ~10 for the group, but if you are interested in joining please talk to Carol.
Speaking of small groups…
Our survey of the congregation indicated that there is significant interest in small groups (in-person and/or Zoom) during this COVID season. Currently Life 101 is meeting in-person and the Anti-Racism Book Study is meeting on Zoom. If you would like to start or be a part of another small group or have a suggestion please email me back. I would like to hear what the congregation is interested in. Some have already expressed interest in service, support, study, or fun connections. Our guidelines are attached to this email and we hope that folks find ways to be connected!
Camp Christian is FREE Online!
Camp Christian Online is in the middle of their week of CYF. Next week is Chi-Rho and Otter the week of the 19th. If you have kids/grandkids interested go to the link below to see how to access the “Virtual Camp Portal” and register. There is NO COST! http://www.ccinoh.com/camp-christian/summer-programs.aspx
Zoom Opportunities
Due to my vacation time coming up and the need for kids/families to be outside later, we are taking a short break from the MCCC Kid’s Call in the month of July. Thanks to all who have been participating and I’ll keep you posted when we get back at it.
We will still have the Wednesday Prayer & Anti-Racism Study (see sign-in info below)as weekly opportunities to gather together. If you would like to gather separately for prayer or conversation (individually or small group), please be in touch with me.
Wednesday Prayer at 2:00pm – GOOGLE MEETING
Video Link: https://meet.google.com/syd-hdok-rgj
Wednesday ANTI-RACISM Book Study – 6:30-7:30pm
PHONE IN:
1. Call +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
2. Enter Meeting ID: 836 5442 8458(press #)
3. It will ask for “Participant ID or just press #. Just press #
VIDEO LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83654428458?pwd=NVVja2tZd0pndzFuU1hWaEZZRC84dz09
Password: 1111
Grace and Peace be with you!
Pastor Chad
Pastor Sarah
