"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News September 27th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each year on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving, the Marco Island Clergy Association designs an island-wide Thanksgiving worship service for all of God's people on Marco Island--Jewish, Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical. This year, United Church of Marco Island has been selected to host the worship service on Tuesday, November 26th at 7PM. Clergy from eight different houses of worship on Marco alongside city representatives will convene in our sanctuary as we praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I have participated in this service in years past at other churches as well as the Jewish synagogue, and I (alongside many of you who have attended) have been so blessed to be part. Music Director Luwayne Arnold has also been selected by MICA to provide inspiring music for the event. United Church's Deacons will be hosting refreshments in Disseler Hall following the worship service. In addition, Bargain Basket Manager Samantha Kopren has announced a bulletin coupon promotion that will honor all who attend. Be sure to put Tuesday, November 26th at 7PM on your calendar today--you won't want to miss a great opportunity to share pews with others in the community as we thank God together.

I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark

P.S. Sunday is the last day we will be collecting our Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Relief offering, and Sunday is also the deadline for feedback submission to the music director search committee in the box provided in the narthex.
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, September 29th
"Inefficient Love"

Scripture :
Luke 15: 1-7

Reader : Russ Rainey
Deacons : Ron and Judy Hattendorf
Ushers : Brad and Paula Carlson
Greeters: Mary Jane Irvine and Marie Dowling

Earl Witten will be the soloist this Sunday. His wonderful tenor voice has been a blessing to our congregation!
Prayer Study - Beginning this Tuesday!
Pastor Kathy's Prayer School begins again on October 1st in the UCMI Sanctuary and will continue through April 2020.

Prayer study will meet at 9:15am and the focus for prayer study through 2019 will be Psalm 23.
Following Prayer School, join Pastor Mark Williams in the Sunset Conference Room for Bible Study at 10am!
Bible Study - Beginning this Tuesday!
Pastor Mark's Fall Bible Study:
I John, II John, III John

Beginning Tuesday October 1st at 10AM, Pastor Mark will begin his 12-week fall Bible Study on John's letters in the New Testament. In his letters, John expresses delight at believers who are "walking in the truth" and behaving with the integrity that reflects the gospel. This involved not just correct doctrine but living and embodying love for God and neighbor. It's this love, John argued, that shows the truth of the gospel really being grasped. All are invited to attend! Simply bring your Bible and an open mind!

Up north? No problem. You can call and participate: Dial 1-866-866-2244 Access code: 5218829
Children's Church
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with significant enthusiasm that we welcome Debbie Bonavita, United Church's new children's ministry coordinator. Debbie comes to us with many years of experience as a teacher in church and school settings. Her love for children and infectious enthusiasm for our program will surely be a blessing to children, parents, and teachers! Debbie will be responsible for resourcing our children's church classrooms on Sunday morning as well as for recruiting and equipping our dedicated teachers. When you see Debbie on Sunday, be sure to welcome her to the United Church family!

Children's Church will continue learning the lessons on Paul and the Apostles. This week students will learn that the Holy Spirit enables believers to encourage others when going through great difficulty.

Lesson: Shipwreck!
Teacher: Pam Shudes
Bargain Basket Update
Get your Halloween costumes! Halloween merchandise is now on sale at the Bargain Basket. Most costumes are just $3!

And join us on Tuesday, October 1st in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Wear pink and you'll receive $3.00 off your purchase!
Ladies Who Lunch
Join the ladies of UCMI for lunch on the first Thursday of every month for a great time of food, fun and fellowship at an area restaurant. This is a great time to get to know other women at UCMI that you are not acquainted with and grow in Christian love together. All are welcome to attend.

This Thursday's lunch will meet at 1PM at the Snook Inn on Marco Island.
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.
This Week at UCMI
Tuesday, October 1st
  • 9:15 AM - Focused Prayer (Sanctuary)
  • 10 AM - Bible Study (SSCR)

Thursday, October 3rd
  • 1 PM - Ladies Who Lunch (Snook Inn)
Upcoming Birthdays
10/03- Nolan Williams
10/03- Phil Zwergal

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!