"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News June 28th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On December 16, 1620 the Mayflower, coated in ice, arrived in Plymouth Harbor. On board the Mayflower were a group of Pilgrims who hoped to establish Christianity in a new world. The challenges they faced were nearly impossible. Amidst so many challenges, William Bradford, Separatist leader and five-time governor of the Plymouth Colony observed that it was God who sustained their effort. Bradford wrote, "What could sustain us now but God and his grace?" Indeed, the grace and presence of God has been with America from the start and is still with America today.

On Sunday at United Church, I hope that our celebration of God and country will remind us of our roots as Mayflower Congregationalists who do our part to partner with God to make America a city on hill for the whole world to see. Following an inspiring worship service with uplifting patriotic music, the Social Events Committee will be hosting a delicious feast in the fellowship hall consisting of gourmet hot dogs and bratwurst. Invite your friends and family!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, June 30th
" Don't Give Up On America "

Scripture :
Luke 13: 1-9

Reader : Denny Eckels
Deacons : Sheila Sawyer and Jeff Denslow
Ushers : Jean O'Neill and Mary Jane Irvine
Greeter : Pat Miller and Judy Hattendorf

Happy Independence Day!
Please note, our offices and The Bargain Basket thrift store will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observence of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th.
Celebration of God and Country
Join us for a patriotic celebration of God and Country after worship this Sunday, June 30th.

Hot dogs, brats, snacks, drinks, and desserts will be served.

Bring the whole family for good food and fellowship!
Reminder - Free Taxi Service
This is a friendly reminder that free transportation is available to our congregation. This can be used to get to and from worship on Sunday mornings as well as to and from any location on Marco Island, including The Bargain Basket.

To make a reservation, call A Class Transportation at (239) 389-0550.
Music
Sunday's Celebration of God and Country will include some incredible music!

Tom Lenard will open the service with "This Is My Country" on the gutbucket. Tom's annual playing of the gutbucket in worship during the off-season has become a legendary summertime tradition at United Church. Be sure to tell your friends and family that it's happening this Sunday!

During the offertory, Ron Hattendorf will be singing "Let's Pray For America," a song written in 1942 by Music Director Luwayne's Arnold's father.

We will sing additional patriotic favorites as well!  
Children's Church
Lesson: Paul and Silas Praise God in Prison
Teacher: Susan Ngondo

Dare to Be a Daniel!
During the summer months, our awesome children's church coordinator Susanne Golden will launch a new study curriculum for our children entitled "Dare to Be a Daniel." Children will be learning the story of Daniel in the Old Testament and will be challenged to live faithfully amidst an often wayward world. 

Week in Review
Mixed Ensemble

We hope you didn’t miss our mixed ensemble performance last Sunday!

The group performed "Come Christians Join To Sing" to the tune of the Ohio State alma mater.
Coastal Breeze Article

United Church of Marco Island was featured in another great article by Stef Stefanides and the Coastal Breeze.

The article featured our congregation's generous Easter offering that was presented to the Lee-Collier Honor Flight back in May.
Sad News to Report
Harold Bach

Sadness has come to the life of the church in the passing of Harold Bach. May the eternal hope of heaven be our hope as we grieve. Services for Harold will be in Illinois.

If you would like to reach out and express your sympathies to Margo, you can send a card to the following address:

Margo Bach 
1555 N. Astor St. #24W
Chicago, IL 60610
Focused Prayer Summer Study
Jesus taught a parable to his disciples, revealing that they should always pray and never give up!

In the 1990’s, it was my priviledge to teach a prayer school in the mid-west for 10 years. One of the most effective and beneficial methods of prayer i gleaned during that time was a prayer technique called, “focused prayer.” 

This simple training technique allows us to bow our natural thoughts, to the super-natual power of God’s word where we can simply soak in our Heavenly Father’s divine love!

“Focused Prayer” will consist of a 6 week class beginning, Tuesday, July 9th @ 10:00am, right here in our Sancturay. Each session will last 30 minutes.

The text for this class will be a very familiar scripture,
“The Lord’s Prayer”. We will be allowing Christ’s teaching of this prayer to his disciples to expand our hearts, minds and spirits. Come, participate in a refreshing, life changing prayer experience and allow “The Lord’s Prayer” to revive you as never before!

Pastor Kathy
Summer Book Discussions
Pastor Kathy Sprague's 5-week book discussion on Max Lucado's Anxious for Nothing, continues this Tuesday, July 2nd at 10am in the Sunset Conference Room. Over the past few decades, studies have shown that Americans are the most anxious people in the world. We take the most medication for it, see doctors to treat it, and spend fortunes trying to relieve it. How have we let our fears get the better of us? In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado leads participants to reflect on the promises of Philippians 4:4-8.  This passage from Paul’s epistle contains an antidote to anxiety that will help you develop a mindset of resilience.
Join Pastor Mark Williams on Wednesday, July 10th at 10am in the Sunset Conference Room for a discussion on Michael Medved's The American Miracle . In The American Miracle , bestselling author and radio host Michael Medved recounts some of the most significant events in America’s rise to prosperity and power, from the writing of the Constitution to the Civil War. He reveals a record of improbabilities and amazements that demonstrate what the Founders always believed: that events unfolded according to a master plan, with destiny playing an unmistakable role in lifting the nation to greatness.
Bargain Basket Update
This Monday, The Bargain Basket begins its backroom remodeling project. We're very excited for the completion!

The store will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th.
In The Coming Week at UCMI

Sunday, June 30th
  • 11 AM Patriotic Celebration of God and Country (Disseler Hall)

Tuesday, July 2nd
  • 10 AM Book Study - Anxious for Nothing (SSCR)

Click on the link below to see what the next few months have to offer at UCMI!
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.
Upcoming Birthdays
6/29 - Margo Kostecka
6/30 - Kathy Eckels
7/5 - Joanne Becker
7/5 - Craig Fenton

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!