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 link below).
Donate online! In addition to mailing in your pledges you may also choose to donate online via PayPal or Tithe.ly
This Sunday, at 10am, click here to watch our Worship Service video on YouTube. Please see the Sunday Worship Bulletin below.
For any previous Sunday sermon, click here to go to the Sermons page.
“ULTRASOUND FAITH”
Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 28:16-20
Ultrasound imaging is a technology that allows doctors to peer inside the human body. It can detect spots on the liver and clogged arteries. And, of course, it can tell an expectant mother the gender of her unborn child and provide important information about its health.
There was a time, not long ago, when determining the gender of your child was far from scientific. Old Aunt Hattie, for example, was convinced you could tell whether the baby was a boy or a girl based on how the mother-to-be carried you the baby.
And this brings us to Genesis, where we pick up the story of an old woman who gets some very interesting news. Of course, Sarah of the Bible didn’t have ultrasound technology available to her. Yet as far as we know she was the first woman ever to know categorically the gender of her unborn child. She didn’t dangle a needle over her belly or journal her cravings to determine the gender of her child. Her ultrasound faith in the Lord told her all she needed to know. She was having a son who would fulfill God’s promise to her and Abraham.
Today we as people of faith face huge obstacles in our fight to bring about racial justice. And there are no guarantees. It might just take a Sarah-portion of faith to see it through.
We’ll talk about this on Sunday. See you there. — Dave
BULLETIN FOR 6-14-2020 PENTECOST 2
Too Wonderful?
Prayers for the Second Sunday of Pentecost
Opening Music: “Open My Eyes That I May See” – Linda Fairleigh
Welcome and Centering
Passing of the Pain
Call to Worship
Leader: Strangers visit Abraham and Sarah; they were welcomed with a feast!
People: How wonderful!
Leader: Strangers promise Sarah and Abraham a child in their old age!
People: Too wonderful?
Leader: Strangers leave Abraham and Sarah to wait and ponder:
People: “Is anything too wonderful for God?”
All: Let us worship our Wonder-full God!
Invocation
Holy One, who we so often don’t recognize,
come into our midst and make your presence known!
Renew our strength,
refresh our imaginations,
retool our weary efforts
to carry your Peace into the world.
Amaze us with your power to make all things new
And let us face your world with curiosity and hope.
In the name of the One who leads us on the Way, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 – Joe Hall
Sermon: “Ultrasound Faith” – Rev. David K Bucey
Invitation to Generosity:
The Psalmist writes: I love our God, who heard my cries and prayers!
Let us offer our gifts to God at this time, to support the life and work of the people of God in our community, and around the world.
Offertory: “Nearer, My God, to Thee” – Amy Maneval
Dedication Prayer:
Holy One, accept these gifts and multiply them
so that the wonder of your love, and justice and peace
may be known throughout the world! Amen
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Benediction:
Go forth from this time together
With hearts open to the surprising, inexhaustible love of God.
Greet friends and strangers with the gifts of Christ: Mercy, and justice, and joy.
Expect the Spirit to meet us wherever we are, in struggle, in grief, and in peace.
Ponder: Is anything too wonderful for God?
Closing Music: “Down to the River to Pray” – Chancel Choir
Copyright 2020 Justice and Local Church Ministries, Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
L.I.F.E. – LIFTING THE KNEE
“Taking a stand against systemic racism and police violence”
Saturday June 13, 2020, 9:30 am
Centennial Park, Downtown Fort Myers
We, as people of faith, are joining together for a vigil on Saturday, June 13th at 9:30 AM at Centennial Park to mourn the lives lost to racism and to grieve the realities of systemic racism that exist today.
The death of George Floyd has served as a stark reminder of the racism in our country that is alive and well.
Join us in an act of solidarity as we join together to pray, reflect, and strive for a world where all of us can breathe free.
Please wear black, white, or gray in a show of unity.
Join the live stream at: https://www.facebook.com/LIFELeeCounty/
Important Safety Information:
We are asking all attendees to wear masks or facial coverings to protect the public health and ask that you abstain from attending if you are ill. We will be practicing social distancing in the park with people staying 6-10 feet apart.
Sponsored by Lee Interfaith For Empowerment of which FMCUCC is a member.
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
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
2020 CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES
Linzy Canyock
University of Tampa
BSN – Nursing
Linzy is currently studying for the nursing boards and hopes to work at a hospital in Tampa.
Carlos David Torres
UCF College of Arts and Humanities
BA – Character Animation & Gaming
Carlos is planning to pursue a career in gaming and animated films.
Anna Miller
Graduated from Cypress Lake Center
for the Arts
Anna is planning a career in Speech Pathology.
Rachel Olivia Paul
Graduated from Fort Myers High School
Rachel is planning on attending The School of Music at University of South Florida.
GROW STAYS INSIDE
Currently, 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!
THURSDAY – 6/18 at 2pm
Dr. Eric Milbrandt – Marine Laboratory Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Last year, when the pollution of Florida’s waterways and the Blue-Green Algae outbreak were points of significant political interest, our church invited SCCF’s Rae Ann Wessel to discuss the vital work they do in conserving Florida’s water and educating the public on our role in Southwest Florida’s ecological community. Next week, we’ll be joined by Dr. Eric Milbrandt, SCCF’s Marine Laboratory Director, for a discussion on the foundation’s ongoing work, the Blue-Green Algae situation, and the impact of COVID-19 social precautions on our nonhuman neighbors.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83160776810
Meeting ID: 831 6077 6810
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83160776810# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,83160776810# US (New York)
Videos of previous Zoom GROW Sessions:
The Challenges the Church is Facing (6/5)
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.
CONDOLENCES
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.
UCC NEWS – JUNETEENTH 2020
UCC Juneteenth 2020 . . . And Still We Rise
Juneteenth marks the official end of slavery in the U.S. June 19, 1865, and the recognition of African-American history and heritage. Join the United Church of Christ for moments of remembrance, education, celebration, and calls to action.
In this moment we are witnessing public lynchings and state sanctioned violence against black bodies. Together we must stop the murders of African descendant people! Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd are the latest victims of state sanctioned militarism, and white racists invoking the “Stand Your Ground” law in order to justify lethal gun violence against African Americans.
“We Are Not OK”
These are more than words. We are not ok is a deeply felt response to the ongoing racism and injustices impacting communities of African descent. There is an urgency to dismantle systems and institutions perpetuating and supporting racists and racism.
You Are Invited
The United Church of Christ invites you to register and join the live webinar, Juneteenth 2020: And Still We Rise, Friday, June 19, 2020 at 12 noon until 1:30 pm EDT. Register below and download the program here.
Register
Become part of the movement to protect black lives, and create long-term sustainable movements towards liberation, equity, and healing, and calls to action for repair and reparations.
- We are called to stand in solidarity with protestors, grieving parents, and young people across multiple cultures and ethnicities nationally and globally
- There must be a radical shift to reimagine and reinterpret the Bible from the lived experiences of people of color, especially women of color.
- Be the Gospel and use our bodies and voices to defend human and civil rights
None of us are free until all of us are free from racism.
Join the Movement
June 19, 2020 will kick off a 4-year campaign within the United Church of Christ racial justice ministries.
Register for and join the live webinar, And Still We Rise: Juneteenth 2020 event.
For more information contact Rev. Dr. Velda Love, Lovev@ucc.org.
PLEDGE CARDS
As we continue to forge through these new obstacles, we know that some of you have not had a chance to return your pledge card. The Finance Board is working to have a completed budge and needs to make sure your pledge has been counted.
If you haven’t had the chance to send it in and would like to, click here to get a new pledge card that you can print out at home and mail in.
Thank you to everyone who has already returned your pledge cards and for everyone faithfully helping our mission continue.
Click on the card below to send your pledge information electronically to our Finance Coordinator, Laura Wunderly.
NOW MORE THAN EVER, YOUR STEWARDSHIP IS IMPORTANT
Fort Myers Congregational UCC is accepting your tithes and offerings via our website. Simply go to FMCUCC.org and find the word “DONATE” prominently displayed on the main page.
Depending upon which option you choose, your donation will be processed by PayPal or Tithe.ly as a safe and secure way to underwrite the expenses of our vital ministries. Or if you prefer, you may mail your offering in the convenient, pre-addressed envelopes you use every week. Don’t forget to mail in your pledge cards if you haven’t already.
Don’t have giving envelopes? Place your check in any envelope and mail it to FMCUCC. That way you’ll be participating in your church’s vital ministries during our time apart.
Remember: When You Give ONLINE Through tithe.ly You Can “Cover the Cost“ of the fees and save the church about $2.50 when you donate $100.00. That’s good Stewardship!
Click on the logos below to make a donation
Or, if you prefer, please mail your donation to the church
Fort Myers Congregational
United Church of Christ
8210 College Parkway
Fort Myers, Florida 33919
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The Men of the church are invited to gather on Zoom at the time of the regular monthly Men’s Breakfast. If you are new to Zoom ask for help.
Topic: FMCUCC Men’s Breakfast
Time: June 23rd at 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81851027038
Meeting ID: 818 5102 7038
One tap mobile:
+19292056099,,81851027038# US (New York)
+13017158592,,81851027038# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 818 5102 7038
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kYunrwXc2
DO YOU NEED A MASK?
Have you been leaving the house with an uncovered face lately?
We at FMCUCC want you to be safe and so with the help of our Deacons are able to provide you a cloth mask that will protect the people you encounter outside.
You can find masks inside a bright Christmas tin with a puppy on it, on the bench outside the Narthex door. Please take one for your family member who ventured beyond your home the most. If you are unable to get out and would like a mask, please call the church office 239-482-3133.
All masks are washer/dryer friendly and Should Not Be Microwaved.
We are also looking for individuals willing to assist in making the masks.
If you would to be part of this project, please contact
Vice-Moderator, Carolyn Martin at 315-529-3369
Sending out a big THANK YOU to Linda McGlashan for assisting Carolyn Martin in making and providing these wonderful masks!
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING
There will be a Council Meeting on June 23rd at 7pm by Zoom.
