"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News March 8th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Sunday is shaping up to be another exciting day in the life of United Church! At 8AM in the narthex, our Deacons will be hosting a time-change party with hot coffee and delicious donuts for all who attend 8:15AM worship. At 10AM, we will celebrate with Cameron Portu and family the Sacrament of Baptism. And at 4PM, we will be blessed by an exciting harp concert (details below) sponsored by the Music Committee.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

Pastor Mark

P.S. Be sure to spring forward your clocks one hour this weekend...
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Sunday, March 10th
"Overcoming Temptation"

Scripture :
Luke 4: 1-13

Reader : Rita Clark
Deacons : Brad and Paula Carlson
Ushers: Trish Nash, Mary Jane Irvine, Chuck Jennings, Carol Jennings, Rick Kostecka, Margo Kostecka
Greeters : Becky Krisko, Linda Fox
Visit our website to listen and watch the Sunday sermons. No matter where you may be in the world, you can feel close to the United Church of Marco Island.
  HABITAT SUPERBOWL
THIS TEAM JUST WON’T QUIT!!
The whistle blew but players kept coming onto the field scoring more points. Plus Childrens’ Church kicked a field goal! The NEW FINAL TOTAL now stands at $105,037.00. You will understand why after watching this video of 2018 United Church home recipients, the Chavez family:


UNITED Church is now ready - set to build four new homes in 2019. Four more joyful and grateful families will purchase their first and forever home thanks to your “hand up.” Now it’s your chance to put “hands on” and help to build a Habitat home. Join me tomorrow - Saturday - from 8 am to noon on site at Dockside 952 Henderson Creek Drive. It’s easy to find: just take Collier Blvd. to the last right hand turn before our Wal-Mart, the construction gate will be on your right. Follow the street in and park in the cul-de-sac. I will be there to greet you.

You will have a choice of tasks including carpentry, siding and painting. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting mussed up. Habitat will provide on-the-job training, water and snacks. Just bring your United Church enthusiasm for helping others and...

Let’s Keep Building!

Curt Gillespie
Spring Forward Reminder


Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

The UCMI Deacons will be hosting a time change party in the narthex immediately preceding the 8:15AM service.

UCMI In the News
United Church and the Bargain Basket continue to make good news headlines in the local papers. After a wonderful story in the Marco Eagle a few weeks ago, United Church and the Bargain Basket were back in the news twice in the Coastal Breeze.
Bible Study Winter 2019 - Final Week
Continuing this coming week, join pastor Mark at 10am and 7pm every Tuesday in the Sunset Conference Room for Bible Study where The Gospel of Mark will be discussed. Click on the link below to see the schedule of verses studied each week.

All are welcome!

Call in for the 7PM study is available, and more participants at the 7PM study would be warmly welcomed!

Click on the link below to see this coming week's discussion questions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CALLING IN VIA CONFERENCE CALL FOR BIBLE STUDY:
 
Dial 1-866-866-2244 – When prompted dial the following access code followed by the #sign
Access code: 5218829

Member-Care "Winter Series"


YOUR BRAIN, ON LAUGHTER
Thursday, March 21st - 10:00am
Sunset Conference Room

Speaker, Dr. Randall Sprague, along with Mark Beland of AVOW Hospice, will be exploring with us the amazing health benefits our bodies receive as we re-experience the natural drug of laughter and joy.

The physiological study of laughter has its own name - gelotology. Professionals report that certain parts of the brain are responsible for certain human functions and emotional responses and that natural chemical benefits occur as we tune-in to a laughter driven life.

We all need a dose of this!
Come join us for information and fun! Our last "Winter Series" seminar, 'Know the 10 Signs' will be presented by the Gulf Alzheimer's Association on Thursday, April 18th at 10:00am.
Grief Share Support Group

Continuing This Week!


"Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one"

Join Pastor Kathy on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 in the Disseler Hall conference room for Grief Share Support Group.

Make sure to register today and let Pastor Kathy know if you have any questions!
Women's Fellowship
Monday, March 11, 2019 - 11:30AM
Disseler Hall

Program: Biblical Deborah
Presented By: Judy Daye
Devotions: Marge Koch

Long before God anointed kings, he appointed judges to restore law and order in Israel. There was a succession of twelve judges but the fourth one had qualifications that were quite different from the others- SHE was called Deborah. Was she just a judge or was she more? A prophetess? A warrior? Come and meet Deborah and learn her story firsthand. Just Daye will portray a reenactment of this remarkable woman of the Bible.

Barb Rassler and the board will be serving Barb's famous sloppy joes for all. It is suggested that others bring either a salad or dessert.

For more information regarding upcoming Women's Fellowship events please click on the link below.
Ladies Who Lunch - This Thursday!
Please note, the Ladies Who Lunch have moved their March gathering to March 14th due to the Bargain Basket Fashion Show falling on the usual date.

The next luncheon will be on Thursday, March 14th at The Island Gypsy in Isles of Capri. Those wishing to join should meet there at 11 am.

The Island Gypsy
292 Capri Blvd, Naples, FL 34113
Children's Church

Teacher: Emily Williams
Assistant Teacher: Cheryl Axelson
Lesson: The Pharisee & the Tax Collector

The children's choir did an outstanding job last Sunday as they performed, "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam."

Children's Church is in need of teachers and assistants to help with the Sunday lesson and activity.
"Susanne makes it so easy to volunteer, the lesson is on a platter for you." - Carol Peterson
If you are interested in helping, you can sign up directly in the Children's Church or email Children's Ministry Coordinator, Susanne Golden, susannegolden304@gmail.com.

Music

John Toussaint, trumpeter, will be performing during both services this Sunday.

Martha Gallagher, harpist, will also be featured at the 10:00 service.

Please see below for upcoming performances.
Upcoming Performances

Harp Performance
THIS SUNDAY - MARCH 10th, 4 PM

This Sunday, Martha Gallagher brings over 30 years of diverse talents and performances to The United Church of Marco Island. Join us in The Sanctuary at 4 PM for a harp performance that is sure to be a memorable experience!
Philharmonic Concert
NEXT FRIDAY - MARCH 15th, 7:30 PM

The Naples Philharmonic returns to United Church of Marco Island on March 15th at 7:30pm. Featuring Radu Paponiu as conductor and Glenn Basham, Emerson Millar, Ming Gao and David Mastrangelo as violinists. The group will be performing Vivaldi's Le Quattro Stagioni
and The Four Seasons in addition to Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major.
Bargain Basket Update
St. Patty's Day Fun

Thank you to all who joined the Bargain Basket and UCMI in marching in last Sunday's St.Patrick's Day parade on Marco Island. It was a hot day but the group did a wonderful job and passed out every item they had!

Be sure to head to the Bargain Basket next Friday, March 15th for their St. Patrick's Day Sale! Everything in store will be 50% off!
Only a few more weeks to shop The Bargain Basket's extended seasonal hours - open until 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays!
Introducing Jackie Weiner
Meet new Bargain Basket Store Associate, Jackie! Jackie is originally from England. She moved to the USA 25 years ago but just recently moved to Marco from NJ in September.
Jackie loves acting and theater- both on and off stage. She is a voice over artist and also enjoys working with kids in theater.
Some of Jackie's favorite things include animals, kickboxing, biking, walking the dog, The Island, sunsets, and her family!
Friday Fun!
Members of our Social Events Committee (left to right: Linda Fox, Mary Ann Schmenkel, Margo Kostecka and Tim Smith) showing off their new UCMI aprons!
A big thank you to our three hardworking helpers- Linda Fox, Cindy Johnson, and Kim Porter! Thanks to these three ladies, the kitchen is sparkly clean and has never looked better.
In The Coming Week at UCMI

Saturday, March 9th
  • Spring Forward Before Bed!

Sunday, March 10th
  • 4 PM Harp Concert (Sanctuary)

Monday, March 11th
  • 11:30 AM Women's Fellowship Biblical Deborah (Disseler Hall)

Tuesday, March 12th
  • 10 AM Bible Study (SSCR)
  • 3 PM Property and Grounds Committee (SRC)
  • 7 PM Bible Study (SSCR)

Wednesday, March 13th
  • 9:30 AM Crafting Group (SSCR)
  • 10:30 AM Grief Share (Disseler Conference Room)- Registration still available

Thursday, March 14th
  • 11 AM Ladies Who Lunch (Island Gypsy)
  • 3:45 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
  • 5 PM Hand Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Friday, March 15th
  • 7:30 PM Naples Philharmonic (Sanctuary)

Click on the link below to see what the next few months have to offer at UCMI!
March Birthdays!

Birthday Celebrations This Week

9th- Evelyn Case
11th- Pat Timbury
14th- Joan Shields
14th- Doug Baillie
Sorry we missed your birthday-
If you are not currently on the birthday list and would like to be, please stop in to the office or call and we will make sure to not miss it again!



On Wednesday, UCMI Administrative Assistant, Wanda Anderson, celebrated a milestone birthday. We were all glad to shower Wanda with birthday fun and show our appreciation for all she does.

Wanda, we hope your birthday was full of love and fun!