"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News March 15th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Often in my life, God has orchestrated events beyond my control that have come at just the right time or at just the right place. Indeed, the timing of fortuitous events in our lives can be beautifully and mysteriously divine! I have a word that I use when something happens that is a coincidence that could have only come from God: "Godincidence." Many of us have experienced Godincidences over the course of our lives: a chance encounter, a career opportunity that came out of nowhere, a remarkable provision, or an unlikely friendship. When the chips fall in ways that are truly amazing, we have a choice to make. We can either attribute what has happened to luck or we can attribute what has happened to God. When we attribute these mysterious blessings to God, we remember that our "God is able to do immeasurably more that we ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20) I look forward to saying more about this on Sunday in a special St. Patrick's Day sermon entitled "More Than Just Luck."

Also on Sunday, new members will be joining at both worship services. Exciting music has been planned. And be sure to remember your cans for the canned food drive benefiting the Marco food pantry. I look forward to seeing everyone at 8:15 and 10:00.

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Sunday, March 17th
"More Than Just Luck"

Scripture :
Ecclesiastes 11:5
Reader : Byron Farrell
Deacons : Russ and Linda Howald
Ushers : Brad and Paula Carlson, Chuck and Carol Jennings, Dave Fuller, Mary Jane Irvine
Greeters : George and Linda James, 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.

Signature Sins: Taming Our Wayward Hearts

Many have asked about the book mentioned in last week's "Overcoming Temptation" sermon. The book, titled "Signature Sins: Taming Our Wayward Hearts," can be found on Amazon.
Worship Security
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On certain Sunday mornings at United Church and at other large events in the life of the church, you may see Marco Island police present for the purpose of security. Our Board of Trustees and Deacons have been working together in recent months to ensure that all who come on our campus feel safe and secure. This time of year, we are often very crowded for worship and other events that are wide open to the general public. Occasional police presence can be a deterrent as well as a valuable help when responding to medical emergencies.

In Christ, Pastor Mark
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
Mission Committee Special Food Drive
EXAMPLE: (left to right) K Cereal for Kate, Jelly for New Baby Jake, Mayo for Mark, Water for Wanda, Diced Tomatoes for Debbie, Spaghetti for Stephen.
The Mission Committee would like to invite everyone in the congregation to join our special, unusual idea for the March 17th food drive! We ask that each person bring in one (or more) non-perishable food item that begins with the letter of your FIRST OR LAST NAME! 

Example: K = a can of kidney beans, Y = canned yams, P = Post cereal. 

This project will be lots of fun for each of you to see what great food gifts you can come up with.
We are hoping that everyone will try their best to give us 100% participation in this project. We will have food collection boxes in the Narthex next Sunday to place your chosen foods. Then we will be delivering this special donation to the OUR DAILY BREAD Food Pantry.

HAPPY FOOD HUNTING!

Linda James
Mission Committee Food Pantry representative
389-2164
UCMI In the News
United Church and the Bargain Basket continue to make good news headlines in the local papers!
Bible Study Winter 2019
Continuing this coming week, join pastor Mark at 10am and 7pm on 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 - NEXT THURSDAY
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!
Men's Breakfast
All men in the parish are invited to join the Men's Fellowship every third Wednesday as they jokingly discuss the economy and other world affairs or any other subject that suits your fancy.

This Wednesday, March 20th , join the group at 9AM at Mango's Dockside Bistro!
Women's Fellowship
Last Monday, Judy Daye wowed the crowd at Women's Fellowship with her performance as the Biblical Deborah. Next month, Women's Fellowship looks forward to the installation of new officers on Monday, April 8th. The installation will be officiated by Rev. Alicia Purple.
Children's Church



 Teacher: Sheila Sawyer
Assistant Teacher: Susan Ngondo
Lesson: A Captain's Faith, The Soldier's Servant
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
Jerry Walker will be the soloist at the 8:15 service. The choir will be singing an anthem at the 10:00 service based on a traditional Irish melody.
Upcoming Performances
Philharmonic Concert
TONIGHT - 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 Sale
Friday, March 15th

Be sure to head to the Bargain Basket next Friday, March 15th for the St. Patrick's Day Sale! Everything in store will be 50% off!
Fashion Show Recap
Last Thursday, the United Church of Marco Island hosted The Bargain Basket "Spring Fling" Fashion Show chaired by Judy Daye, Carol Peterson, and Pam Shudes. The models displayed fashions in sporty attire, casual daytime, dressy luncheon, and evening attire. This year's models included Bargain Basket volunteers, Lou Basch, Bonnie Boyles, Lois Kirk, and Karen Lombardi as well as United Church member Susan Smith and Pastor Mark Williams.

Each year, The Bargain Basket selects a local non-profit organization to gift the show's proceeds to. This year, Our Daily Bread was the unanimous decision. Vicki Johnson, a representative of Our Daily Bread took the stage to share the reality of an immediate need for nourishing food to feed families in need in our area.

Additionally, the United Church of Marco Island missions committee elected earlier in the week to donate $15,000 to Our Daily Bread to use toward their needs. The check was presented to Celia Bolzani, JoAnn Lundquist, Liz Pecora, Vickie Johnson of Our Daily Bread during the show. Donations like that would not be possible without our customers and donors as well as all of our hardworking volunteers that keep the organization running smoothly.

Of course, we'd also like to thank Fanny Frugal for making an appearance... even though she steals the show each year (and probably some of the Bargain Basket sales with her "alternative" fashion methods) she sure does make a great coffee filter dress!
Only a few more weeks to shop The Bargain Basket's extended seasonal hours - open until 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays!
Lunch With Friends Over 60
Calling all friends over 60! Join us (the Marco Island YMCA and Our Daily Bread Food Pantry) for a free lunch the third Wednesday of each month at the Marco Lutheran Church on Collier. 

The monthly luncheons are a collaboration between the Marco Island YMCA and the Family Church Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and co-sponsored by the Marco Lutheran Church. 

With the support of local restaurants, businesses and sponsors, a luncheon (free of charge) is open to all area residents “60 or better.”

Each monthly event includes a time for networking, lunch, a program, and door prizes. Our next luncheon is March 21st beginning at 11 AM at the Marco Lutheran Church, 525 N. Collier Boulevard. 

We hope you can join us! Just contact Nancy Kot to let her know if you will be with us, (706) 566-8532.
Memo From Alicia Purple
Dear UCMI Family,

Please accept a big thank you from the Purple family for all of the phone calls, visits, and support during this time. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the service so lovely.

Sincerest thanks,

Alicia Purple
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!
In The Coming Week at UCMI

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

Monday, March 18th
  • 2 PM Executive Committee Meeting (SSCR)

Tuesday, March 19th
  • 10 AM Bible Study (SSCR)
  • 1 PM Staff Meeting (SRCR)
  • 2 PM Deacons Meeting (SSC)
  • 5 PM Bargain Basket Volunteer Hospitality Dinner (MI Yacht Club)
  • 7 PM Bible Study (SSCR)

Wednesday, March 20th
  • 9 AM Men's Breakfast (Mango's)
  • 9:30 AM Crafting Group (SSCR)
  • 10:30 AM Grief Share (Disseler Conference Room)- Registration still available
  • 2 PM Bargain Basket Committee Meeting (SSC)
  • 4 PM Board of Trustee's Meeting (SSC)

Thursday, March 21st
  • 10 AM Member Care "Your Brain on Laughter" (Disseler Hall)
  • 11 AM Lunch with Friends Over 60
  • 2:30 PM Brass Ensemble Rehersal (Choir Room)
  • 3:45 PM Choir Rehearsal (Disseler Hall)
  • 5 PM Hand Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Sunday, March 24th
  • 11 AM New Member Brunch (Yacht Club)

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