"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News March 22nd, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There's an old Quaker saying that is loaded with wisdom: "The only enemies we have are the people whose stories we have not heard." Indeed, God often blesses us when we engage in conversation with those who are "different" or "other." One key place in scripture where this proves to be true is in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). When we risk conversation with strangers, both parties are blessed. I'll say more about this in a sermon on Sunday entitled "Holy Conversation." 

Also on Sunday, United Church's Missions Committee will promote our upcoming Easter offering that will benefit the Honor Flight for veterans. In addition, a guest soloist will be with us at both services. I look forward to being with you on Sunday at 8:15AM and 10AM.

In Christ,
Pastor Mark  
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Sunday, March 22nd
"Holy Conversation"

Scripture :
John 4: 1-26
Reader : Chuck Jennings
Deacons : Pat and Scot Kaufman
Ushers : Margo and Rich Kostecka, John Foster, Dave and Joanie Fuller, Mary Jane Irvine
Greeters : Becky Krisko, Mary Jane Irvine
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.
Deacons CPR Class
The Deacons are sponsoring a CPR course to be held Tuesday, March 26 from 9am - Noon at The Marco Island Fire Station.

We have a limit of 15 but we have room for more people to sign up.

For more information, or to sign up, please call Joanie Fuller, 239-404-6826
New Member Breakfast
If you have not already done so, please RSVP to Wanda by noon today. Thank you!
On Sunday at 11AM at the Marco Island Yacht Club, chairpersons on the Board of Church Life and Growth and all new members of United Church who have joined since last March will be enjoying brunch together. We are all so grateful for the gifts and talents new members bring to our fellowship! 
Social Events Committee
Potluck Fellowship

Following worship on April 7th, the social events committee will be hosting a "This & That" covered dish potluck. A sign up sheet for the potluck is posted in the Narthex.

Looking forward to all of the great dishes!
Mission Moment - Honor Flight Easter Offering
Collier County Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) 100% volunteer non-proft organization created to honor America's War Veterans for all of their sacrifices by transporting these Heroes to Washington DC for the day to visit and reflect at their memorials.

These trips are organized by volunteers, funded by local donors, and are at no cost to the Veterans. Honor flights are simply not possible without public support.

This Sunday, Dennis Eckles and John Campbell will provide more information at both services in promotion of our Honor Flight Easter offering.
Mission Committee Food Drive Results
A huge "THANK YOU" to everyone who contributed to last Sunday's fun food drive! Many of you were so creative in selecting food that reflected your name, the kids from Children's Church were so generous, and several strong men came forward to help load the "Our Daily Bread" truck during the coffee hour! The total weight from Sunday's contributions was 568 pounds of food! Our church set a record! To those of you who forgot your food gifts, please bring them into church any time, I'll be making another delivery! 

Quite a bit more food has been donated since Sunday's event. I delivered about 125 pounds of food to Our Daily Bread on Wednesday. Our congregation is awesome!

Linda James
Mission Committee 
Bible Study Spring 2019
Bible study continues this spring! Come join Pastor Mark on Tuesdays for a Bible Study on Mark’s gospel! Bible Study will meet at 10AM in the Sunset Conference Room. All are invited to participate. Come whenever you can or in response to any topic that may look interesting to you.

Simply bring your Bible and an open mind… 
Up North? No problem! Call in using the instructions below:


Dial 1-866-866-2244 – When prompted dial the following access code followed by the #sign
Access code: 5218829
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!
Children's Church


 Teacher: Cheryl Axelson
Assistant Teacher: Susan Ngondo
Lesson: A Captain's Faith, The Soldier's Servant
Children's Church is still 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


Chris Moore will be our guest organist and soloist this Sunday.

Chris recently retired as Music Director at High Street United Methodist Church in Springfield, Ohio.

Bargain Basket Update

Are you a full time resident of Marco Island? Do you struggle to find ways to keep busy during the slow summer months?

We could use your help!

The Bargain Basket loses more than half its volunteers in the summer. And with thrifting being more popular than ever, we continue to be busy!

If you're interested in volunteering at The Bargain Basket, please email bargainbasket@comcast.net to let Samantha know!
Only a few more weeks to shop The Bargain Basket's extended seasonal hours - open until 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays!
A Note of Thanks
To the United Church of Marco Island Family,

Thank you for helping us celebrate the life of Chuck Purple. Your presence alone comforted our family, but your warm service and reception brought us to tears. Such a life deserved such a memorial, and our family couldn't do it alone. Pastor Mark's words were as insightful as they were moving, and we know that Chuck heard them and smiled.

Our family would also like to thank you for the years that you welcomed him as a member, accepting him as one of your own. The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:14 that "the body [of Christ] is not one part, but many." It continues in verse 26 saying: "So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."

From beginning to end, your congregation went above and beyond and the Purple family will remain eternally grateful for all the support that you provided. Truly, it is no surprise that Chuck would always call the United Church of Marco Island a "World Champion Church."

May God bless your Church family and all of its missions.

In Christ's love,

Bill, Diane, and Conrad Bray
In The Coming Week at UCMI

Sunday, March 24th
  • 9 AM Education Committee Meeting (SSCR)
  • 11 AM New Member Brunch (Yacht Club)

Tuesday, March 26th
  • 10 AM Bible Study (SSCR)

Wednesday, March 27th
  • 9:30 AM Crafting Group (SSCR)
  • 10:30 AM Grief Share (Disseler Conference Room)- Registration still available

Thursday, March 28th
  • 9:30 AM Board of Church Life and Growth Meeting (SSC)
  • 3:45 PM Choir Rehearsal (Disseler Hall)
  • 5 PM Hand Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Click on the link below to see what the next few months have to offer at UCMI!
Birthdays
3/25 - Grayson Hamilton
3/25 - Preston Hamilton
3/26 - Ethan Zarate
3/28 - Susan Smith
3/29 - Irene Burns
3/29 - Alicia Purple
3/31 - Emily Williams

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!