News 03/02/2020

March 2, 2020

 

IT’S THE FIRST SUNDAY IN…

As March begins, it is not only the First Sunday in Lent, it is also the First Sunday in Flu Season. We will celebrate and acknowledge both seasons this year. Please refrain from shaking or holding hands so we can do our part in stemming the spread of germs. Washing hands is still a great way to stop the spread of germs during any season. So, we applaud and encourage flu shots and your abstinence from touching each other during (1) Passing of the Peace and, (2) “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. Please join us in this simple precautionary act. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

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 Sharon Tilbe. 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 

WOMEN’S LUNCH BUNCH ANNUAL SALAD LUNCHES

Will meet on Tuesdays March 10 and April 14 at noon at the church for Salad Lunch, Part I and Part II. Again this year there will be two parts to the Annual Salad Lunch. Please sign up to bring your favorite salad for either March or April. Plan to attend both lunches to enjoy the many kinds of salads the excellent cooks of the church bring to share, along with conversation, fellowship and friendship. Please sign up on the UCC Women’s Bulletin Board.

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 8th discussion please read 2 Thessalonians and 1 Peter (p.547-562).

“ASHES TO GO” WAS A ROARING SUCCESS

Under sunlit skies and temperatures in the 80’s, a team from the Board of Deacons and Rev Bucey imposed ashes on 78 people in the driveway at 8210 College Parkway. The participants were very appreciative of the service as some were on lunch break and others going to or coming home from doctor’s appointments. There were 77 participants in the evening service as well as 40 clients served by Rev Snedeker at AVOW Hospice. Plans are already underway for next year’s Imposition of Ashes on Feb 17, 2021. 

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 were 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.

THE COMFORT AND BLESSING OF A PRAYER SHAWL

If you know someone who would benefit from the comfort and blessing of a prayer shawl, please don’t hesitate to let me know and you can present it to a loved one yourself. If you would like to create and donate a shawl, we can provide printed instructions and yarn. Of course you can always use your own pattern and yarn if you would prefer! In God’s service, Kris Hurren 911kris@comcast.net 239-565-4289

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. 

WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS FOR CIW

From March 10-12, farmworkers from Immokalee, their families, and consumer allies will flood the Big Apple for the 3-day “Follow the Money” March through New York City’s bustling boroughs, taking the fight for farmworkers’ fundamental human rights directly to the doorstep of those with the power to ensure that the women and men picking Wendy’s produce can labor with dignity, safety, and respect on the job. Although the march is happening quite a distance from Fort Myers, we can still support! The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is asking for donations of winter clothing for farmworkers and their families who are heading north for the action. If you have any spare winter clothing–perhaps a coat that you don’t use anymore because you’ve moved to sunny Fort Myers permanently–please bring it to the church office and we will donate it to the CIW. Thank you for your support! 

YOUTH GROUP!

FMCUCC’s youth gather at the church for fellowship, games, music, and faith formation! Youth group meets on Thursdays at 6:00 pm and ends around 8:00 pm. All middle and high schoolers in our church and our community are welcome! If you have questions about youth group, please contact our Community Minister Wesley at wesleysnedeker@gmail.com or our Chair of Christian Education, Catalina, at chirocata@gmail.com.

WITNESS FOR PEACE DELEGATION TO COLOMBIA, JUNE 2020

Lyn Clark Pegg will be leading a delegation to Bogota, Colombia on June 13-23, to strengthen solidarity with our partners and to learn how our continuing presence supports their efforts for a sustainable and peaceful future. Our solidarity matters!
Contact Lyn Clark Pegg (carolynpegg@yahoo.com, 218-348-3048) for more information; see Facebook posting, Click here – Witness for Peace

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 wesleysnedeker@gmail.com. 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, ofcmgrfmcucc@gmail.com, 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 – davidbucey@gmail.com – 513-535-2121
Rev. Wesley Snedeker – wesleysnedeker@gmail.com – 239-297-1586
Church Office – ofcmgrfmcucc@gmail.com – 239-482-3133

    

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