"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News October 11th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last Saturday, my grandfather passed away. Today, my extended family will be gathering in Ohio for a funeral; however, I will not be with them. Instead, I'm at home with my hospital bag packed, ready for a third child to come into our family! Over the past week, I've experienced a range of emotions as I await new life to be born in the midst of death. Solomon's wisdom has certainly proven to be true in my life of late: "There is a time for everything that happens under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2)

In these recent days when I've found myself oddly sandwiched between death and birth, I sense that the unique wilderness that I've been navigating may actually be a rich metaphor for the Christian life as a whole:

As we face death, we trust in new life.
As we face grief, we pack our bags so as to be ready to meet up with the ones we love.
As we face hopelessness, we open our eyes to the joy that awaits us.
As we face loneliness, we embrace those who God has birthed into our lives.
As we face what is no more, we trust in a God who creates what is new.

May the God who brings new life in the face of death be with all of us today as we walk into our futures unafraid!

In Christ,

Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, October 13th
"Sweet Food"

Scripture :
Proverbs 25:11

Reader : Russ Rainey
Deacons : Wes and Karen Blackwell
Ushers : Mary Jane Irvine and Marie Dowling
Greeters: Murrel and Kathy Hollis
Wes English will be playing his combination valve & slide trombone this Sunday. This a most unusual instrument and Wes plays it beautifully.
Soup Ministry

Thank you to all who have contributed to our soup ministry! We are blessed with an abundant variety and no longer have space in our kitchen for more. We will let you know when the supply begins to run low again!
Edna Grod
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Sunday, we will honor Edna Grod who served as Bell Choir Director at United Church for the past 5 years and recently made the decision to retire. Edna also served United Church as an awesome accompanist for our choir and music director. For years, I have been so blessed to serve God alongside Edna. Her faith in Christ, her kind spirit, her musical talent, and her warm heart will be missed by all of us!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Join the men of UCMI every third Wednesday for good food and great fellowship at 9 a.m. for breakfast. Bring a friend or neighbor and join in the fun!

This month's breakfast will be at Mango's Dockside Bistro this Wednesday, October 16th, at 9AM.

We hope to see you there!
Craft Group
Join the UCMI crafting group each Wednesday morning in the church office from 9:30am-11:30am as they craft, chit-chat, and create beautiful new creations.

Right now, the crafting group is preparing for the November 8th Craft Bazaar and could use many volunteers!

If you are interested in joining this talented group, stop by on Wednesday at 9:30am!
The UCMI Craft Group is currently searching for sand dollars to be used in their upcoming projects. If you have sand dollars to donate please drop them off in the Church office. Thank you!
Carol Meles
Carol Meles passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at her home in Plainwell, MI. At United Church, Carol served on the Education Committee, taught children's church, and was involved in women's fellowship.

Marco Island held a special spot in Carol's heart and she spent many happy retirement years in her Florida home. As such, Carol's family will be hosting a memorial service for Carol at the United Church of Marco Island on Monday, November 11th at 10am . Coffee, muffins, and fruit will be served in the Narthex following the service.
Focused Prayer
Pastor Kathy's Prayer School continues this Tuesday 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
Pastor Mark's Fall Bible Study:
I John, II John, III John

Continuing this Tuesday at 10AM, Pastor Mark leads his 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
GriefShare
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn how to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays, what to do about traditions and other coming changes, helpful tips for surviving social events, and how to discover hope for your future.
Children's Church
Children's Church will continue learning the lessons on Paul and the Apostles. This week students will be crafting a tent! Not just any tent, but a tent that Paul would have made- inviting everyone in and spreading the word of Jesus.

Lesson: Rome at Last
Teacher: Marcy Marinelli

Mrs. Bonavita would like to add a BIG thank you to Pam, Marcy and Sue for helping in the classroom the last 2 weeks! Anyone who is thinking of becoming a volunteer for the UCMI Children's Church should feel free to sit in on a class any Sunday.
In the News
The United Church of Marco Island was featured in Tuesday's copy of The Marco Eagle.

The "Our Town" story featured the presentation of a $1,000 check to officers of American Legion Post #404 for the Traveling Vietnam Wall.

This contribution was made in memory of United Church and American Legion members Chuck Purple, Bill Irvine, and Dick Dowling.
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 every Thursday as Thrifty Thursday returns! Something on sale each Thursday. Sign up for the Bargain Basket e-news to stay up to date on upcoming sales.
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
Sunday, October 13th
  • 9 AM - Executive Committee Meeting (SSCR)

Tuesday, October 15th
  • 9:15 AM - Focused Prayer (Sanctuary)
  • 10 AM - Bible Study (SSCR)
  • 2 PM - Deacon's Meeting (SSCR)

Wednesday, October 16th
  • 9 AM - Men's Fellowship Breakfast (Mango's)
  • 9:30 AM - Craft Group (SSCR)
  • 2 PM - Bargain Basket Committee Meeting (SSCR)
  • 4 PM - Board of Trustee's Meeting (SSCR)
  • 5 PM - Executive Committee Meeting (SSCR)
Upcoming Birthdays
10/11- Joe Mena
10/12- Cheryl Coffin
10/15- Marjie Tobey
10/16- Judy Daye
10/16- Gary Griswold
10/17- Carolyn Leman

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!