Please Note: The church building is currently closed due to the COVID-19 “Safer at Home” quarantine. Weekly worship services are still occurring via YouTube (see below).
On Sunday, May 24th, at 10am, click here to watch our Worship Service video. Click here for the accompanying Sunday Worship Bulletin.
For previous Sunday sermons, click here to go to the Sermons page.
“WHY DO YOU STAND LOOKING UP TOWARD HEAVEN?”
By Reverend Wesley Snedeker
Sometimes it feels as if so many of us Christians are just hanging out, waiting. We’re waiting for an otherworldly visitor to come and astound us with uncomplicated information about what we should do with our lives. We’re waiting for the end of everything to descend on a cloud. We’re waiting for God to do the delivering for us.
Jesus’ disciples watch him ascend into heaven at the beginning of the book of Acts. Acts is an evocative book, the only canonical sequel to a gospel. It is the book that asks, after the Christ event, “so now what? What are we supposed to do about all of this?” It’s a loose history of the first couple generations of the church coupled with a whole lot of theological and ecclesiological reflections on who God is and how God relates to us. The apostles aren’t quite ready for the depth of what they’re about to face as they’re standing there watching Jesus float off. They just stare upwards, mouths agape. A couple voices break the silence, calling them out of their stupor, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?”
Join us this Sunday, and we’ll look at the call to discipleship from a different angle.
OUR SANCTUARY IS GETTING A FACELIFT
During the long weeks and months of the Pandemic our sanctuary has been undergoing some big changes. Through a generous gift from the family of Lois and Denton Smith we will be ready for our return from the Pandemic. In late April two 82 inch Sony Bravia QLED monitors were attached above the chancel on either side of the organ speakers and the elevated cross. In the rear of the sanctuary a 75 inch LG LED monitor was installed for use by the pastor, liturgist and other worship leaders.
The screens will show prayers and readings for the congregation as well as hymns, illustrations, photos and videos. The gift further aids us in our quest to be paperless and better stewards of our resources. More information and news about the dedication of the Smith Gift will appear in future eBlasts.
Gifts honoring or memorializing family members are a great way to express your appreciation for loved ones and help FMCUCC at the same time. If you are interested in making a gift, please contact Pastor Bucey or the Church Office.
HERE’S OUR CHANCE TO HELP
FMCUCC is collecting “Pasta and Sauces” for the South Fort Myers Foot Pantry. As a replacement for our Peanut Butter Sunday, we are collecting pasta and jars of sauce for those hit hardest by COVID-19.
Each time you shop, you can pick up an extra box of pasta and a jar of sauce and help our sisters and brother.
There’s a brightly painted metal newspaper vending box under the portico at the main building entrance. Use it for your donations. The boxes will be emptied daily and then taken to Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church for distribution.
Look for the colored box and make a donation of hope for those caught in the COVID—19
If you would rather not go out and purchase the items, you can write a check and mail it to the church marking “South Fort Myers Food Bank” in the memo section. Soon we hope to have a designation in Tithe.ly for South Fort Myers Food Bank.
So, you may purchase or donate funds. Either way, you’re coming to the aid of those in need.
Questions???? Contact Linda McGlashan at 239-218-4272.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS MEETING
Click here for the details and schedule.
GROW STAYS INSIDE
Through the month of May, FMCUCC’s GROW is hosting conversations with advocates and educators who will guide us in exploring vital moral and theological issues while we’re all stuck inside. There are still important justice issues that require our attention and exciting possibilities for enlightenment we can pursue even though we’re staying at home!
Wednesday – 5/27 at 8:30pm
Brian McLarenYouth Group Zoom Sessions
FMCUCC’s youth group is still getting together–just virtually! If you’re in middle or high school and want to attend, reach out to our Community Minister Wesley at wesleysnedeker@gmail.com.
2-1-1: YOUR FIRST CALL FOR HELP
- Call 2-1-1 or (352) 332-4636. Calling is availble 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Text your zip code to 898-211.
- Chat with a 2-1-1 operator:
- Email an operator here.
- Emergency shelters
- Food distribution centers
- Shelter & federal assistance
- Grief counseling
- Helping locate family members
- Clean-up crews
- Potable water, ice, food, etc.
- Elder services
- Youth and child care issues
- Emergency financial assistance
- And more!