STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Our Stewardship Emphasis is underway. The letter, budget, and pledge card have been mailed and you should receive it today. Our Stewardship Speaker this week is Ken Wiersma. Your pledge card can be brought forward on Celebration Sunday, March 8th. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

NEW TESTAMENT STUDY

GROW hosts a New Testament study before worship every Sunday at 9am! We are using Marcus Borg’s “Evolution of the Word”. We are reading every book of the New Testament in the order they were written. Each session covers one or more texts, along with Dr. Borg’s historical-critical introduction. We are so excited to be digging into scripture together! In preparation for the March 1st discussion please read Acts.

ASHES TO GO

Ash Wednesday, February 26th, we are taking it to the streets. Well, to the parking lot and driveway, at least. From noon until 2:00 pm, Pastor Bucey will be performing the age-old rite of Imposition of Ashes to anyone who will turn off College Parkway and present themselves. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE Please join us on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:30pm for an Ash Wednesday Service following the 5:30pm meal.

LENTEN SCHEDULE

LENTEN MEAL PREPARATION TAKES ON A NEW FLAVOR

Beginning Ash Wednesday February 26th and continuing through Wednesday April 1st, our Lenten Study meals will be prepared by Retired Gold Medal Chef, Jeffrey Trullinger. Traditionally, our Boards and Committees have provided soups and and breads for the Lenten Study. This year, Chef Jeff will treat us to his savory soups accompanied by breads and desserts. The only responsibility our Boards and Committees will be the set up and cleanup for the meals. Plan to be on hand each Wednesday for delectable soups and breads with your church family.

30 PIECES OF SILVER

Sunday, March 1st, worshippers will be given a small hand-sewn cloth bag. The cloth bags are used to collect coins (30 pieces of silver) to allow participants inside the mind of Judas as he contemplated his misgivings about Jesus. On Palm Sunday (4/5) and Maundy Thursday (4/9), participants will bring their bags to the chancel as a means of admission of our own betrayal of Jesus. Some have put nickels, dimes and/or quarters in their bags. Others have opted for a more adventurous “betrayal.” Even John F. Kennedy half dollars and Susan B. Anthony dollars and an occasional Sacagawea dollar have made their way to the chancel.

ATTIC TREASURES A SUCCESS!

Many thanks to all of you in our Church Family for coming together to make the 2020 Attic Treasures Sale a successful event. Many of you donated items for the sale and shopped, contributing to the success. More than 50 volunteers contributed their time, talents and energy making it possible for us to open our doors to the community providing an opportunity for them to shop for that perfect bargain, well-needed item or goodie and also meet many of us face to face. It was a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to once again work side by side with long time friends and also get to know many of the newer folks a lot better.

As of Sunday, we have taken in just over $2,400 and have profit of almost $2,200 after expenses. This money will be used to make contributions to community programs supporting some of our neighbors in need and for special projects around the church.

L.I.F.E.

LIFE Nehemiah Action March 9. The plan is to have a bus from FMCUCC. Lee Interfaith For Empowerment, a faith based community organization for justice of which FMCUCC is a member, will hold the 2020 Nehemiah Action on Monday, March 9, 7:00 pm at The Rock Church, 940 Tarpon St, Fort Myers 33916. At the Action LIFE is asking Lee County Commissioners to fund infant care for low income families and asking Fort Myers City Council members to fund Affordable Housing. Our goal is to have 1,000 people attend with at least 100 from FMCUCC. Don’t miss this opportunity to take a stand for justice.

RADICAL HOSPITALITY

Are you interested in helping serve the FMCUCC community by being a welcoming face before guests enter the sanctuary? Please consider serving at the Welcome Center desk or as a door opener once a month. See the sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall to indicate your desire.

BODY PARTS

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27) Paul uses the metaphor of a human body to explain how Christians are to work together to be the body (and message) of Jesus in the world. There are lots of parts needed to make a body function. So too with the church. So what part are you? Please take some time to review the ministry opportunities and see all the different parts that are needed to make the church function. Prayerfully consider stepping out in faith and/or stepping up to leadership. Maybe your part is to host a coffee hour, or volunteer to usher. Maybe even join a committee. What part are you? Think about it.

DANCING IN CHURCH

Praise Dance Ministry practices are being held on Wednesdays, at 7pm at the church. Come prepared for exercise (wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring an exercise mat). For more info please call Jackie Boler at 651-437-2785. Thank you.

UCC HISTORY, POLITY, AND THEOLOGY

Rev. Dr. Jim Boler and Community Minister Rev. Wesley Snedeker recently led a four session workshop about the origins, identities, and workings of the United Church of Christ. If you were unable to attend or if you have ever been curious about our denomination, where it came from, and what it stands for, the full set of videos provided by the United Church of Christ are available here: Exploring UCC History, Polity, and Theology

GROW PROGRAMS

GROW is an educational ministry of Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ. It draws upon the resources that make our church unique to foster an atmosphere of intellectual and social experimentation. GROW is a series of free classes, workshops, and social events led by staff members, retired clergypeople, and guest facilitators who seek to edify our community through the enlightenment and organization of its members. You are welcome to attend any course listed at any point in its progress. If you would like more information about GROW or any of its courses, please contact our Community Minister Wesley Snedeker at [email protected] Please click here for a detailed description of all classes offered.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We have many volunteer opportunities available to assist with various aspects of our Sunday worship services and around the church. Please consider signing up for one of these important jobs. Sign-up sheets can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or send an email to Lisa Riehl, [email protected], and let her know what you are interested in doing. Thanks in advance for helping make our church so great!

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

The new Flower chart has been placed on the bulletin board outside of the Parlor. Please sign-up today. Envelopes to pay for the flowers can be found at the bottom of the board.

THE BOARD OF DEACONS NEEDS YOUR HELP

Did Joan go on the around the world cruise she’s been planning these past several months? Do you know whether Harold is recuperating at his daughter’s home in Wisconsin? And how about Marie – she’s usually back in Fort Myers for the season by now, have you heard from her? Oftentimes, the Board of Deacons and the church staff know when a church member is homebound locally, and keep tabs on him or her. However, we aren’t always informed by family members or caretakers when a member has prolonged health issues making it difficult for them to attend church functions. Here’s where the members of the congregation can help out. If you are aware of a member that is homebound, or have noticed a member’s prolonged absence but haven’t heard it announced at church, please bring it to the attention of one of the deacons or the church office. Most times we are aware of the members who are homebound locally, but we don’t want to overlook anyone.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

If you have walkers or bedside commodes you no longer need, please consider donating them to the church. We loan those items out to those in need and are currently out. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Riehl in the church office, 239-482-3133

NEED TO REACH US?

Rev. David Bucey – [email protected] – 513-535-2121

Rev. Wesley Snedeker – [email protected] – 239-297-1586

Church Office – [email protected] – 239-482-3133

Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ

News 02/25/2020