God's Acre MCC ~ Weekly Newsletter
9th November 2020
Greetings!
It was good to hold our Annual Congregational Meeting online this past Sunday; we had a good turnout and we were able to vote on the new bylaw amendment, that now allows us to hold virtual meetings, as well as in-person ones. 

It was so good to see people from the congregation, as well as meeting our new members, from the UK, and our Theology Student from Iliff School of Theology. - Janice D. 
My prayer is that we can all meet up in person sometime soon; but, as I said during the meeting and in my report, we have to follow the science as well as keep praying. 

As we move on, we can look back and see how we have remained a church, how we have pulled together and how we made it happen.

We held online services and joined together in prayer. As we move into the Advent Season, during the four Sundays preceding Christmas, we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ; we light a different candle each week - the candles that symbolize Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. 
My sermon this week, was all about waiting and being prepared; as we wait for Jesus' return, it's not only the waiting, it's HOW we wait that is important to us. 

So let us lift up our voices in prayer, to the One who knows us the best, to the One who cares for us totally.

Our God is powerful, gracious and strong.  

May God add a blessing to you all this week, Amen  
In Christ

Rev. Janice

Rev. Janice Bowker
Senior Pastor | God's Acre MCC
This Week's Sunday Service
8th November 2020
To ensure the best sound quality, please make sure that your volume is turned up, or that your speakers and/or headphones are plugged in.

If you have a SMART TV, you can also view our services directly on your TV via our:
Song After Sermon
Through It All
Hillsong
We ask for the following prayers this week:

*Continued prayers of thanks for Rev. Janice; every week, she works tirelessly to bring us spirit filled worship, reflections & prayers; we thank her for her continued hard work, guidance & strength; for her leadership & for being our shepherd in times of trial
*For continued strength & guidance for all of our members & online viewers
*Healing prayers for JP; strength for Tammy, Mel & Rebecca in TX
*Continued prayers for Richie (Letty's dad); may he feel God's love surrounding him every day
*Prayers for Camille's grandson - Zavian - who broke his ankle
*Continued prayers for our country, as we continue to see the highest daily rise in COVID cases, than anywhere else in the world
*Support & strength for Sandy B, Letty C, Sandra B, Toni P, Gwen PR, Val B, Maureen, Rebecca, Janine, Wanda, Collis, Ed & Beverley K, Fran, Ruby & Gena T, Alan, Herb, the Staffords, Donald & Thomas, Keith & Dennis
*We pray that all people will act responsibly around COVID-19 & think of others, when out & about.
*Help every person to know peace, patience & kindness in these coming weeks
*Prayers for those in the pathway of Tropical Storm / Hurricane Eta; may everyone stay safe; we pray that it turns away from our shores and causes no harm
*For all the prayers on the hearts of the people that we don't yet know about; may God grant peace & healing
Whilst the church building remains closed, for in-person gatherings, we are doing our best to bring online worship, prayers and other church activities, to you virtually.
NOVEMBER 2020
15th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

22nd - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

29th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website
DECEMBER 2020
6th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

13th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

20th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

24th - Christmas Eve
In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

25th - Christmas Day
In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website

27th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
via Facebook, our YouTube channel and our website
Board Members & 
Lay Delegate Info

Moderator: Rev. Janice Bowker
Vice Moderator: Alan R
Treasurer: Maureen P
Clerk: Gena T

Lay Delegate & Social Media Admin: Marina L


Next Board Meeting 
29th November 2020
Board members will meet virtually
for the foreseeable future
November Birthdays
9th - Fran M
17th - Letty C
18th - Murphy
23rd - Dennis M
26th - Maureen P

If you have a birthday or anniversary, and it is not listed, please let us know, so that we can add you to the list
Don't forget that, during this time of social distancing, isolation and uncertainty, if you need to chat, have a prayer request, if you have a concern, or if you'd like to pass on some good news, Rev. Janice is available.

You can email or text & she will get back to you as soon as she is able. You can also call directly and, as long as she's not in a meeting, she will be happy to talk to you.

Don't forget to check in on Facebook too. Rev. Janice loves hearing from you all.
If you'd like to follow along, with the service and readings, please click on the link below, or the photo graphic above, where you be able to view a condensed copy of the Worship Guide for 15th November 2020 
Thank you to everyone, who participated in the Church Week at Rural King, a few weeks ago.

We have received a check for $100, as part of that fundraising event. This is gratefully received and will be a great help to ur church finances.

Rural King acknowledged that this year has been filled with much uncertainty and unprecedented times.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.'
Yard & Garden Team
Many thanks to Alan and Keith for keeping our beautiful garden watered & looking stunning each week. It is a joy to see it bloom.
Welcome once more to 'Tracking the Numbers'; we're are still seeing daily increases case numbers throughout Marion County, the state of Florida & the USA.
Here are the latest COVID-19 figures for the last week:

As of November 8th 2020, the total number of Florida COVID cases stands at 843,897 - which is another big increase of 36,485 additional cases since from last Sunday (Nov 1st).

The death toll has increased to 17,332 which is another increase of 339 deaths since last week. 

Marion county cases have jumped to 11,285, which is yet another increase of 302 cases since last week; confirmed deaths have risen to: 390, which is an increase of: 16 in the last week. 

In the church zip code (34482) the number of cases stands at 2,012; this is an increase of 9 new cases since last Sunday. 

We are aware that this zip code - 34482 encompasses a large area, in comparison to some zip codes, but as the church is in this zip code, it is still far too many cases; we need to see zero new cases before we can begin to breathe safely again. 

As you know, as long as the virus is still spreading, the church will remain closed.

We keep repeating it, but IT IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE YET - even with social distancing & wearing masks - to gather in our sanctuary. The only safe practice, right now, is to continue offering the online pre-recorded services, for the foreseeable future. 

As we repeat every week, we cannot become complacent. We have to keep following the health guidelines if we are going to keep ourselves safe.

KEEP SAFE - WEAR A MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - KEEP 6 FEET APART - STAY ALERT - STOP THE SPREAD
This is a very dangerous and deadly virus. So, until it is safe, we will keep offering the weekly recorded services online, until it is safe to meet back in person. The church building remains closed for now. 

Please keep Rev. Janice in your prayers
✔️Stay home and away from others
✔️Stay in touch with your health care
provider
✔️Alert close contact individuals to
self-isolate for 14 days
✔️Call the COVID-19 call center for
questions at: 1 (866) 779-6121
Ongoing Fundraiser at Racewash 

Just enter the 4 digit code: 7070 
when you select your preferred wash 
God's Acre will 10% from every wash

You can still help God's Acre & still maintain a safe social distance!

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS
3065 SE 24th Street
5199 SW 49th Court

2 more Ocala locations coming very soon - both on SR200 - watch this space
As we enter into the last 2 months of 2020, we would like to say Thank You to all of you who have faithfully continued to send a financial gift, to support God's Acre MCC.

We really do value every $ sent - without it, we would not be able to keep up with our financial commitments. 

Funds are very tight - it is still a costly business to run an online ministry, as well as maintain the church building and bring quality services to you each week. 

It's been a long 8+ months and we greatly appreciate your loyalty & faithfulness to keep our church running.

As you are able, we ask you to please keep supporting & blessing God's Acre financially. 
If you haven't done so already, it's very easy to give your weekly, or monthly, offering; EVERY $ really does make a difference.

You can quickly and easily donate online, by clicking on the button below; online donations are quick, easy & save time. 

You can also mail in a check, payable to God's Acre MCC, to our PO Box mailing address.

God's Acre MCC
PO Box 770240
Ocala
Fl 34477-0240

It really does mean a great deal that you continue to support God's Acre MCC.
Worship Address: 700 NW 57th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34482

Mailing Address: PO Box 770240, Ocala, FL 34477-0240