"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News September 13th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Some days ago, as Hurricane Dorian threatened Florida, a weatherman remarked, "We are living in the cone of uncertainty." It's as true of hurricanes as it is for all of life's storms: We live uncertain of when storms will come. One of the great promises of Jesus, however, is that no storm can ever overtake us insofar as we build our lives on Christ and his teachings. I look forward to sharing more about this great promise when I continue my parables sermon series on Sunday with a sermon entitled "Be Storm Ready" from the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7: 24-27).

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, September 15th
"Be Storm Ready"

Scripture :
Matthew 7: 25-29

Reader : Alicia Purple
Deacons : Wes and Karen Blackwell
Ushers : Russ and Linda Howald
Greeters: Marie Dowling and Mary Jane Irvine
Karen Hearn will be soloist Sunday. Her beautiful alto voice and the spirit in which she sings is always a blessing!
If you are interested in making a gift to help those impacted by Dorian in the Bahamas, simply write "Dorian" on the for line of your check and drop it in the offering plate on any Sunday between now and September 29th.
Music Director Search Committee
Don't forget- Our committee kindly asks that all members of the congregation provide us input by responding to two questions by Sunday, September 29th at 11:15AM. Please submit your responses to Rev. Dr. Mark Williams at  ucmiminister@comcast.net or fill out the back page of the worship bulletin and submit it to the Music Director Search Committee feedback box in the Narthex.

1. What do you perceive to be the purpose of United Church's music ministry and programs?

2. What hopes and dreams do you have for United Church's music ministry in future years to come?

We look forward to hearing from all of you. What a bright future God has in store for our music ministry at United Church!
Soup Ministry
United Church's soup ministry has become increasingly popular in recent months. Many from the congregation have found it very helpful following surgeries and caring for loved ones to enjoy homemade soup. We are now all out and in need of replenishing our supply. If you are looking for a simple and kind way you can be a blessing to someone in need, make some of your favorite soup for us to freeze! Simply bring it to the church office anytime during office hours, and we will be sure to get in the section of our freezer dedicated to our soup ministry.

Thanks!

Pastor Mark and Pastor Kathy
Church Directories
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our new, beautiful pictorial directories have arrived! If you sat for a picture in the directory, you may pick up your new directory in the narthex following worship this Sunday or anytime during the week in the church office. If you are "up north"--we will be sure to save your for you when you get back to Marco. And if you are up north but would would like to have it ASAP, please contact Wanda Anderson in the church office, and she'll be happy to mail it to you. A special thank you to Nominations Chair Sheila Sawyer and her team of helpers for making this project possible. And a special thank you as well to Administrative Assistant Wanda Anderson who went above and beyond to help make these directories so awesome.

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
Music Committee Donates Old Choir Robes
In recent days, United Church's Music Committee donated the church's old choir robes to a non-profit organization called Robe Gifting International in Pennsylvania. The non-profit specializes in refurbishing and redistributing old choir robes "to bless economically challenged churches and clergy of all denominations." If you're interested in learning more about about this very interesting niche of an organization, click on this link to learn more about what they do: www.robegift.org  

Special thanks to Judy Daye and her many helpers for preparing and packaging the old robes to be shipped and donated to Robe Gifting International. Thank you to all who volunteered to help with this project!
Prayer Study
Pastor Kathy's Prayer School begins again on October 1st in the UCMI Sanctuary and will continue through April 2020.

The focus for prayer study through 2019 will be Psalm 23.

Following Prayer School, join Pastor Mark Williams in the Sunset Conference Room for Bible Study at 10am!
Bible Study
Pastor Mark's Fall Bible Study:
I John, II John, III John

Beginning Tuesday October 1st at 10AM, Pastor Mark will begin his 12-week fall Bible Study on John's letters in the New Testament. In his letters, John expresses delight at believers who are "walking in the truth" and behaving with the integrity that reflects the gospel. This involved not just correct doctrine but living and embodying love for God and neighbor. It's this love, John argued, that shows the truth of the gospel really being grasped. All are invited to attend! Simply bring your Bible and an open mind!

Up north? No problem. You can call and participate: Dial 1-866-866-2244 Access code: 5218829
Children's Church
Children's Church will continue learning the lessons on Paul and the Apostles. This week students will learn that the Holy Spirit enables believers to praise God during times of difficulty.

Lesson: Paul the Prisoner
Teacher: Emily Williams
Bargain Basket Update
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a joy it is to welcome to our staff team, Diana Moore, our new Bargain Basket Assistant Manager! Diana will be managing the Bargain Basket on Saturdays, evenings, and at other times during the week as scheduled. Diana's work experience began as a nurse in the United States Army. Diana then went on to work in both the healthcare and retail industries for many years. Diana brings to the Bargain Basket decades of retail sales experience. In recent years, Diana has worked for Target, Beall's department store, Hobby Lobby, and Naples Community Hospital. Originally from Austin Texas, Diana now lives in Naples where she enjoys sharing time with her grandchildren, volunteering for veterans organizations, and participating in the ministry of her church. When you bump into Diana at the Bargain Basket, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the United Church family!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
Men's Breakfast
Join the men of UCMI every third Wednesday for good food and great fellowship at 9 a.m. for breakfast. Bring a friend or neighbor and join in the fun!

Due to summer restaurant closures, this Wednesday's breakfast will be at Hoots.
Online Giving
To all those who would like to use our Online Giving Program, while up North for the summer or for the convenience, please click on the link below to see how you can do so.
This Week at UCMI
Tuesday, September 17th
  • 2 PM - Deacon's Meeting (SSCR)

Wednesday, September 18th
  • 9 AM - Men's Fellowship Breakfast (Hoot's)
  • 4 PM - Board of Trustee's Meeting (SSCR)
  • 5 PM - Executive Committee Meeting (SSCR)
Upcoming Birthdays
9/14 - Jo Baille
9/14 - Ruth Burnett
9/14 - Chuck Jennings
9/17 - Paula Carlson
9/17 - Elaine Oeler
9/17 - Wes Blackwell
9/19 - LuWayne Arnold

We hope your special day is filled with fun surrounded by the ones you love most!
We're sorry we missed your birthday! If you do not see your birthday listed in the e-news please check with the church office to see if we have all of your info!