News 01/09/2020

SUNDAY SERVICE – “A DANGEROUS BAPTISM” – MATTHEW 3:13-17

The story of Jesus’ baptism is a glorious one that sets the tone for our own baptism, even if that baptism occurred when we were infants. As adults, we can now better understand the significance of what we’re going to see as a “dangerous” baptism. In baptism, we are liberated to a new life through the forgiveness of our sins. We receive a new identity and new life through a relationship with God, who is present at our baptism as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And we are invited to once again take on our vocation as people created in God’s image — a vocation that involves stewardship and care for each other and for God’s good creation. We’ll look at both Jesus’ baptism as well as our own this Sunday. — Dave

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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 this Sunday’s discussion please read Matthew.

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CHRISTMAS FUND

The Christmas Fund is a special offering normally received in December and is used to assist active and retired clergy, as well as lay employees of local churches. Gifts made to the Christmas Fund are used to supplement small annuities, assist with health care costs, and provide emergency grants to those facing extraordinary concerns. We are grateful for the generous support over the years for this special fund. You are invited to continue this support this year. We will be taking this offering, this Sunday, January 12th. Offering envelopes can be found in the pews. Thank you for your support of this special effort to care for those in the church who so often care for others.

ABUNDANT GRACE IS IN NEED OF FOOD DONATIONS

If you can donate, please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

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MISSIONS

On January 5th, 53 pairs of women’s & 71 pairs of men’s socks were delivered to Abundant Grace. They were filled with complete gratitude and joy. With this cold weather hitting us, they were so low on socks, they didn’t think they would have enough to distribute. We received 131 children & baby socks. These socks will be delivered to LAMP this week. There were 103 pairs of socks which they go through so fast. This mission project is so important and it is wonderful we have the support of the church. Let’s keep this alive. You are all appreciated for your efforts in helping this succeed. Thank you and Go with God. Riva Wharton, Missions Chair

2020 WOMEN’S MARCH

Will take place on Sat, Jan 18th @ 10am at The Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. The march is a community event which will be held in conjunction with marches across the country and throughout the world. There will be speakers, music and food! FMCUCC will be tabling at this event! If you would like to assist in operating the table between the hours of 8:30 am and 1:00 pm, please contact our Community Minister Wesley at wesleysnedeker@gmail.com. Click here to go to Women’s March Ft Myers on Facebook for more information.

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UCC WOMEN

LUNCH BUNCH – Will meet on Tues., January 14th at noon at the church for a shared cost luncheon with time for conversation, friendship & fellowship. Our guest speaker will be Jessica Stanfield, Executive Director of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Foundation – 20 th Judicial Circuit, formerly Voices for Kids. This is one of the community organizations that we have been supporting with our outreach donations for many years. The Foundation raises funds and administers three programs on behalf of the GAL Program of SW Florida. Come learn how these programs work to represent the best interests of abused, neglected or abandoned children. Please sign up on the UCC Women’s Bulletin Board and indicate whether you want stuffed green pepper or meat loaf for you lunch.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP – Will meet on Thurs., Jan 16th, 6pm at the church for a shared cost dinner followed by a discussion of “Rise: How a House Built a Family” by Cara Brookins. Women are encouraged to borrow or purchase a copy of the book to be discussed (a copy is in the Church Library). The Lee County Library System also has copies of this book. You can read the book prior to the dinner, or if you haven’t had a chance to read all, or even part of the book, come anyway for the lively discussions and fellowship. Please sign up on the UCC Women’s Bulletin Board.

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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.

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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 wesleysnedeker@gmail.com. Please click here for a detailed description of all classes offered.

INSPIRED: BOOK DISCUSSION FOR WOMEN

Facilitator: Rev. Nancy Rohde. January 6, 13, 27, February 3 at 2:00 pm. If the Bible isn’t a science book, instruction manual, or position paper, then what is it? New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans invites readers on a journey of rediscovery as she explores the magic of the Bible, engaging the old, familiar stories in new ways that honor the past and enlighten the present.

UCC HISTORY, POLITY, AND THEOLOGY

Facilitators: Rev. Dr. Jim Boler and Rev. Wesley Snedeker. January 12, 19, 26, February 2; 11:15 am – Noon. Rev. Dr. Jim Boler and Community Minister Rev. Wesley Snedeker will offer a four session workshop that will consider the origins, identities, and workings of the United Church of Christ. We will draw from personal experiences, official denominational resources, and the stories of those gathered to explore where the UCC came from and where we’re headed. If you have ever been curious about our denomination and what it stands for, this is the course for you!

ATTIC TREASURES

GETTING READY FOR ATTIC TREASURES Monday, January 13^th – 7:00 PM – Fellowship Hall. EVERYONE is welcome. An overview of plans will be presented. Suggestions for improvements are welcome. All who participate are important to make the project a success. You will meet new friends and have lots of fun!

Dates to keep in mind. Sign up to let us know where you can help. Many hands make for a lighter load!!

Wed., Feb. 12^th – Room set-up, tables, racks etc. (time to be determined)
Thurs., Feb. 13^th and Fri. Feb. 14^th – Donation drop off, sorting, pricing etc. (morning hours)
SAT., FEBRUARY 15^th – ATTIC TREASURES SALE (morning hours)

Questions?? Contact Sandy Blackington (239-432-1082 or sblacking@aol.com) or Barb Coons (239-549-8283 or kayebarb3344@gmail.com)

DANCING IN CHURCH

Praise Dance Ministry practices will be held beginning Wednesday, January 15th, 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.

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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.

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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