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 31st, at 10am, click here to watch our Worship Service video on YouTube and click here for the accompanying Sunday Worship Bulletin.
For previous Sunday sermons, click here to go to the Sermons page.
SECOND ACTS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Acts 2:1-21 & John 20:19-23
On Easter evening, the disciples were traumatized. Yes, they had heard Mary tell them, “I have seen the Lord” (John v. 18), but they had not spotted the risen Jesus with their own eyes. With the trial and crucifixion of Jesus fresh in their minds, they were probably suffering from serious PTSD.
They were also scared. John tells us that “the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews” (v. 19). After Jesus was killed in such brutal fashion, no one knew what kind of violence might come their way. Their first act as disciples was over, and their second act did not look promising.
Then Jesus came and said, “Peace be with you” (v. 19). He passed through locked doors and was suddenly standing in their midst. Then he showed them the marks on his hands and side, demonstrating that it was truly him.
For the disciples, this was the beginning of their second act. Grief was suddenly replaced by joy; despair was quickly transformed into hope. Jesus had promised them that their “pain will turn into joy” (16:20), and his appearance proved that this promise was coming true. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (v. 21). Before they could completely process the good news of the resurrection, Jesus sent them on a mission.
On Sunday we’ll look at second acts such as what happened to the disciples as well as new beginnings as were evident at Pentecost. We’ll discuss what keeps us from being static — what propels is into new ministries.
See you then. — Dave
WE ARE STILL OPEN, JUST REMOTELY
During the extended stay at home, our Office Manager, Lisa, sends you well wishes and wants you to know that she is available if you need to be in touch with the church office number. You can reach her by phone at 239-482-3133 or by email: ofcmgrfmcucc@gmail.com.
If you need anything or just want to hear a friendly voice, she is always open to a call.
Stay healthy!
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.
REV. WESLEY SNEDEKER’S CONTRACT EXTENDED
At its May 29, 2020, meeting, our Church Council voted unanimously to extend the contract of Rev. Wesley Snedeker for an additional year as our Community Minister.
Wesley will continue to work in all phases of ministerial life with his greatest concentration being Preaching, the GROW program and our Youth programming. We look forward to building on the past nineteen months of Wesley’s ministry.
PRAYER CHAIN
In these days of uncertainty, comfort can be found in prayer. If you have someone who could use some extra prayers, whether it is in celebration or concern, please send your requests to our new Prayer Chain point of contact, Rebecca Totaro – rebeccatotaro@icloud.com. She will share your requests with the prayer chain. If you would like to be part of the prayer chain, let Rebecca know.
HERE’S OUR CHANCE TO HELP
FMCUCC is collecting “Pasta and Sauces” for the South Fort Myers Food 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
KAREN KELLEY is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Sunday school
Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Jun 28, 2020, 6 occurrence(s)
May 31, 2020 11:00 AM
Jun 7, 2020 11:00 AM
Jun 14, 2020 11:00 AM
Jun 21, 2020 11:00 AM
Jun 28, 2020 11:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/78269613848?pwd=aWdnbTdvSzkzcUI3d0JUajJ6eTVqdz09
Meeting ID: 782 6961 3848
Password: mushroom
One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,78269613848#,,1#,866720# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,78269613848#,,1#,866720# US (New York)
Dial by your location:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 782 6961 3848
Password: 866720
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAC8x7uhC
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!
FRIDAY – 6/5 at 2pm
Rev. John Vertigan – Conference Minister, Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ
In this time of social distancing and online worship, it can feel as if our faith community is in a vacuum. Yet, other churches and ministries within the United Church of Christ are weathering this challenge, as well, often in different, exciting, and innovative ways. Next Friday, we’ll be joined by our conference minister, Rev. John Vertigan, who will lead us in a discussion on the pandemic’s impact on the broader context of the organized church.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81651515289
Meeting ID: 816 5151 5289
One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,81651515289# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,81651515289# US (Chicago)
Videos of previous Zoom GROW Sessions:
Journeying with Brian McLaren (5/27)
Learning About Coronaviruses with Dr. Sharon Isern (5/22)
The New Sanctuary Coalition with Rev. Micah Bucey (5/21)
Grief and Self Care in Pandemic Times (5/14)
War is a Lie with David Swanson (5/7)
Literature, Connection, and Solidarity in a time of pandemic (5/1)
The crisis of stay at home orders when one has no home (4/30)
Discussing Immigration Law with Rev. Craig B. Mousin (4/24)
Farm Workers in the Time of COVID-19 (4/23)
Youth Group Zoom Sessions
Thursdays at 6pm
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
What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is a FREE service provided by United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help. From help with a household bill, food assistance, or counseling for suicide prevention, calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Instead of searching the phone book or internet when faced with a crisis, think of 2-1-1 as your first call for help.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out through calling, texting, chatting, or emailing.
- 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.
Chatting and texting are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact 2-1-1 during a crisis for help with:
- 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!
Visit the searchable database for local services online!
DUE TO COVID-19, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER CALL WAITING TIMES.
RETIRED PASTORS’ LUNCH
The Retired Clergy third Tuesday Lunch has reconvened on Zoom.
Next meeting:
Retired Clergy Lunch on Zoom
Tuesday, June 16
Noon -1:30pm
For meeting invitation email Jim Boler (jimsan3@live.com)
Did you know this about Lee Interfaith For Empowerment (LIFE)?
Did you know that LIFE is quickly approaching its 9th birthday?
In nine short years we have…
- Modified the school code of conduct for more equitable treatment of students.
- Addressed the problems with our alternative learning centers leading to one being closed and the other transformed into the success academy
- Banned-the-Box for Fort Myers city jobs
- Got the police department to address the unsolved murder problem with new police substations, new positions, and additional training and partnership with other agencies
- Passed a state bill to eliminate the unnecessary arrests of children
- Gotten additional county funding for a new mental health facility for children in Cape Coral
- Gotten additional county funding allocated for programs for children
- Organized a response to the county’s allocation of CARES funds
There’s so much more… we have trained hundred of community leaders, had actions with close to 1,200 people present, responded to hurricanes and community violence and pandemics. We have shared stories and built bridges across divides many would not think could be bridged.
We have laughed and cried and mobilized and we have worked hard. In the words of one member, “I’ve worked with LIFE for all this time because I actually see the changes we’ve worked for in my community. It keeps working so I’ll keep working it.”
Please visit www.LIFEjustice.org to learn how to make an investment so the work can continue for years to come.