"Celebrating God's Presence, Serving All People"
United Church News October 4th, 2019
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Once again, United Church's congregation rose to the occasion in their generosity toward a special Hurricane Dorian relief offering to assist the Bahamian people $5,167.00 was contributed by the church and $539.50 was contributed at the Bargain Basket for a grand total offering of $ 5,706.50 . Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
 
On Sunday, I will be concluding my summer sermon series on the parables with a sermon on the parable of the mustard seed. Holy Communion will be served as well! See you Sunday!
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Mark
This Sunday's Sermon Title and Scripture Reading
Worship Sunday at 10am
Sunday, October 6th
"Go Small and Trust in God"

Scripture :
Matthew 13: 31-32

Reader : Alicia Purple
Deacons : Brad and Paula Carlson, Dave and Joanie Fuller
Ushers : John Foster and Rich Kostecka
Greeters: Mary Jane Irvine and Marie Dowling

Ron Hattendorf will be singing this Sunday. We always enjoy hearing his wonderful bass voice!
Mission Moment
UNITED CHURCH SUPPORTS TRAVELING VIETNAM WALL

Pastor Mark Williams of United Church of Marco Island presented a $1,000 check to Commander Lee Rubenstein and other Officers of American Legion Post #404 at a ceremony at the Church offices on Thursday morning.

This contribution is to offset some of the costs the Legion Post will incur in bringing the “Traveling Vietnam Wall” to Marco Island in February 2020.

The contribution was made in memory of United Church and American Legion members Chuck Purple, Bill Irvine and Dick Dowling. Church members Mary Jane Irvine and Alicia Purple attended on behalf of their late husbands.

This contribution was made possible through the Bargain Basket Ministry of United Church.
Trustees Extend Worship Security Year-Round
At their August meeting, United Church's Trustees voted to extend our Sunday morning worship security initiative from a seasonal effort to a year-round effort. Each Sunday, a Marco Island Police officer and a police vehicle will be on campus from 9am to noon. Though we all enjoy living in this safe paradise, having this security presence as a deterrent blesses the congregation--especially the older adults and young children in our fellowship. As always, if a safety concern arises or if you witness an unusual circumstance/interaction, please don't hesitate to share your concerns with the officer on duty.
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
Children's Church
Children's Church will continue learning the lessons on Paul and the Apostles. Last week, the children were shipwrecked on their way to Rome with The Apostle Paul! This week students will learn that even during the worst times you can be cheerful because God always keeps his promises.

Lesson: Safe Ashore!
Teacher: Marcy Marinelli
Attention all children's church teachers or others who may want to teach in our children's church program for the first time: If you are interested in teaching children's church in October, November, or December, kindly email Debbie Bonavita, janine.danielle2@gmail.com, so that she can put you on the schedule!
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
Monday, October 8th
  • 1 PM - Social Events Committee Meeting (SSCR)

Tuesday, October 9th
  • 9:15 AM - Focused Prayer (Sanctuary)
  • 10 AM - Bible Study (SSCR)
  • 3 PM - Building and Grounds Committee Meeting (SSCR)

Friday, October 11th
  • 9:30 AM - Music Committee Meeting (SRCR)
Upcoming Birthdays
10/05- Glenn Heseman
10/07- Bev Shull
10/11- Joe Mena

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!