This Week at The Congregational Church
September 27, 2020
This Week's Message: "The Gospel in Four Words"
The Gospels, The Good News, tell the story of our Lord and His ministry. They are imbued with a love and power that changes hearts and turns our world in new directions. Libraries of books have been written in the study of the words of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You could spend your entire life studying and never scratch the surface of the treasures contained in these works. However, there are four words or essential pillars that summarize the Gospel message. These pillars represent the structure given to us so we can live with confidence, strength and faith. Today, more than ever, we need a faith that works through love and wherein our spirit is made strong in hope.
SCRIPTURE LESSON:   Isaiah 52:7-10 and Galatians 5:13-18, 22-26
Scripture Reading by Penny Lisle, Deacon
GREETERS : N/A
USHERS:  N/A
DEACON OF THE MONTH: Dick Greene
THE ALTAR FLOWERS AND BULLETINS:

The Altar Flowers and Bulletins are given this week by Jim and Dawn Keough in loving memory of Jim's mother, Nora Keough, on her 98th birthday.
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SPECIAL THANK YOU to everyone who signed up to support our altar flowers and our worship bulletins. Those who signed up have been contacted concerning their wishes. We will be taking the flowers to Hospice or sending them home with the donors.
Music Ministry This Week
It is always a pleasure to have Lamar Young with us to sing. He brings us wonderful music and his amazing spirit each time he comes. Lamar will be singing "Eternal Life", "If We Could See Beyond Today", and "Finally Home". We will also welcome back the amazing voice of Pinky. Ruth Ann "Pinky" Bigley will be with us to sing, "Be Thou My Vision", "The Solid Rock", and "Have Faith in God". Kevin O'Connell will direct the music ministry and accompany with piano and organ.  

Read More about: Lamar Young & Ruth Ann "Pinky" Bigley
Organ Fund
WE ARE SO BLESSED! The organ fund drive has reached its goal! We raised $11,835 since the effort began about two months ago. Kevin is really enjoying playing this wonderful instrument for our services. Thank you to all who supported the purchase with your prayers and gifts
Holy Communion
HOLY COMMUNION. Our next Lord's Supper Service will be October 4th. It will be celebrated in our sanctuary and online.  

Mark Your Calendar: Services will resume on October 4th at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary. Temperatures will be checked, social distancing will be observed, masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe. Your cooperation will be a major component of our successful return to our building. The service will be similar to the one we have been using online for the foreseeable future. Reservations will need to be made by calling the church office (M-W-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). The Online streaming of the service will continue to be available for those who cannot attend in person.

THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PILGRIM LANDING. On Sunday, November 15th we will observe the 400th anniversary of our pilgrim forefathers coming to New England. Two services will be held on Nov. 15th. The first at 10 a.m. will include sweet rolls, fruit, and beverages at tables in the sanctuary. The second will include sandwiches, chips and beverage at 12 (noon). The service will include a presentation by Kirk and Patti Lytle on the Pilgrims. Reservations are required. More information to follow.

Accessing our live stream worship service on Sundays
Please note: You do not need a Facebook account
to access our live stream broadcasts. No sign up necessary!

From your computer, smartphone or tablet, go to our website, www.thecongregationalchurch.org (using your browser of choice: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) (Give yourself a few minutes before the service to get set up.)

Click on the Facebook LIVE logo to go directly to our LIVE Service.
The broadcast will begin automatically.

If you would like to get a reminder of an upcoming Live event on Facebook,
click follow (optional).

Don't forget to SHARE the video stream with your friends when it begins.

Accessing our live stream worship service ANYTIME!
If you missed the LIVE broadcast,simply scroll down the home page (thecongregationalchurch.org) to the little block that says "Sunday Worship Service" and click. It will take you directly to the latest recorded service.
If you need the Bulletin to follow along with the service, CLICK HERE. 
Church Directory
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY. .   If you have not picked yours up - PLEASE - do so as soon as possible. 

Church Memorial Garden
One of the decisions we all need to make, unless we intend to stick our family with the chore, is where we wish our earthly remains to be placed after our death. Since we have this beautiful property, and it is where we have worked and worshiped together, a Memorial Garden on site seems to be appropriate. The Walk of Faith area between our buildings with it's lovely fountain will be a grand location. Each burial site will be marked by an engraved granite marker (name, date of birth and death). The fee of $500 will cover the marker, engraving, internment of the cremains, a perpetual care fund amount, and memorial service. If you are interested call the church office to set up an appointment. You will receive a complete set of guidelines and the opportunity to select your plot.
September Birthdays
Carolyn Crimmins (2), Alice Ralph, Nannette Martin (4), Dale Webb, Tony Katsune (8), Rollin Tomberlin (12), Carolyn Baker (13), Barb Robertson, Barb Newman (15), Dan Sabo (16), Ray Gould, Julia Deyo (17), Tom Stinton (21), Lynne Moyer, Marje Van Renesse (24), and Bonnie Thorpe (30).  
(If we missed your birthday, please, let us know. We will add you to the list.)
September Mission Projects
LAST WEEK TO SUPPORT THE SEPTEMBER MISSION PROJECTS.  Families in our area go to bed hungry and many are homeless. Your mission contributions this month will help two local hunger programs. We will send support to The Wildwood Soup Kitchen and The Christian Food Pantry in Lady Lake. Also, we will be assisting the work of The Infant and Toddler Pantry. Your gifts to "missions" will make this possible. Our mission efforts for August allowed us to fully support Luis Llugcha our adopted child in Ecuador. We will provide monthly care and birthday and Christmas gifts. The mission giving was successful enough that the Mission Board was able to send a $500 gift to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This gift will provide funds for research and assistance to those with MS. Mary Jo Vitale, wife of the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, who has sung for our church concerts and services battles MS. Pastor Jim's son has had MS for many years and the MS Society has been a real blessing. Thank you for your generous support of our mission programs.

BUILDING FUND AND GENERAL FUND GIVING! 
Two factors have begun to have an effect on our church giving. First of all the "seasonal residents" have now made their pilgrimage to the north country. This creates a drop off in giving each year. This year we have had this problem compounded by the COVID-19 closing of church facilities and programs. It was not as pronounced at first, however, the longer this situation continues the more people forget we must support the church for it to continue to provide ministry and service at the levels people expect. Your continued support of the Building Fund and the General Fund is "Essential". There will not be government funds available to bail us out. Your stepped up support during this time will be a blessing. 
Mail your gifts to: 
The Congregational Church,
P. O. Box 804,
Summerfield, Florida 34492. 

Or Give Online… Click the Donate button on our website, Then select the fund you wish to donate to.

Thank you!!!
Pastoral Care
Contact Pastor Jim Keough on his cell 352-250-6160 or email: RevJim46@aol.com. If you are ill or going to the hospital please let us know. We want to pray for you and be of service.
Important Notice: Hospitals and Rehab Centers are limiting the visitation that can take place at their facilities. Clergy, including your pastor, are limited in their calling during the coronavirus crisis. Therefore, visitation will be limited to critical situations. Please be sure to check the "Prayer Request" section of our church website and pray for your church friends and their concerns. If you have someone you would like added to the list contact the pastor or the church office.
INFANT AND TODDLER PANTRY
YOUR INFANT AND TODDLER PANTRY. We continue to work together with many community churches and organizations to meet the needs of children in our area. Diapers, clothing, blankets, port-a-cribs, toys, baby food, formula, help with car seats and more are available through our pantry. Your financial support has made all this happen for nearly 12 years. This all volunteer ministry is the centerpiece of our mission program. Consider getting some of your friends and neighbors together and having a Baby Shower to support the Infant and Toddler Pantry.  

CHILDREN'S LITERACY PROGRAM. We are currently giving out children's books to the families visiting our Infant and Toddler Pantry.
  
"HALLOWEEN " CANDY.  We will be handing out bags of treats to the children who look to our Infant & Toddler Pantry for assistance. If you can help you can place your wrapped candy in the basket in the narthex. Candy can also be dropped off at the church office (M-W-F).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL BOOKS. If you would like a copy of "Our Daily Bread" for your personal daily prayer and devotions they are available at the church office. Call the office 352-693-4545 (M-W-F 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to schedule picking up a copy.
                                
THE WALK OF FAITH - We continue to place Brick Pavers in both the Veterans Area at the flag poles and around the beautiful fountain area. Make a gift to the Building Fund of $100 and have a brick placed in honor/memory of a loved one or a veteran. You can place a brick in the fountain area walk-way to celebrate an event, memorialize a family member, or simply place your name on a brick to show your support for our church. Mail your check with "Brick Paver" in the memo section to the church along with the information you would like on your brick. There are three lines with 15 characters per line available on each brick. Contact the church office for more information.
                 

Prayer Requests
Contact the Church Office 352-693-4545.  The Welcome center table has a supply of cards to register your prayer requests. Our church website also has a prayer request section for your use. Your prayer requests are listed on the church web site and sent out by email to church members and friends.

Nancy Doggett will be having cancer surgery on Wednesday, October 7th. Please pray for Nancy to have successful surgery and a quick recovery.

Please pray for Barb Robertson. Her husband, Dean E. Robertson, passed away suddenly this morning 9/16/20. Pray for Barb and family as they go through this difficult time.

Please pray for Tony Katsune. Tony is grateful for the results of further testing which have cancelled the heart procedure that was scheduled. Good news.
Sally Gillies, a friend and from Michigan, is having procedures and treatments for stage 3 cancer. Please pray for Sally to have strength, hope and healing.

Please pray for Tami Blaze. Tami has worked in our Infant & Toddler Pantry. She has been bravely battling health issues for several years. She recently was knocked down by an aggressive dog. She has a broken arm, stiches in her finger and soreness. Some cards and notes of encouragement would be helpful along with your prayers. Tami Blaze, 180 Palermo, The Villages, FL, 32159 Thank you.

Please pray for Summer Ingalls. Summer is going through an extreme health crisis and needs our prayers. Summer lives in Massachusetts.

Please pray for Terry and Cindy Robinson’s son, Nathan and grandson, Ethan. They have both tested positive for COVID-19.

Ginny Klenk is asking for prayers for her dear friend Billie. Billie was taken to the hospital by ambulance because of intestinal blockage and that’s when the doctors discovered a tumor. Pray that the blockage is not cancer.

Please pray for Gail Meloni, a friend of Bonnie & Cory Pearson. She seeks a miracle as she undergoes testing for lung cancer.

Please pray for Pam Albright. Pam, age 50, is an elementary school teacher in Michigan. Pam is in the hospital on a ventilator battling COVID-19.

Please pray for Michelle Mindak Makas. Michelle had cancer surgery recently in New Orleans and is now back home in Florida recuperating.

Pray for Bob Mitchell, Annelle Baird’s cousin, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatments. He is 87 years old and lives in Lexington, KY.

Continue to pray for Cathy Reitmyer as she is recovering from heart issues.  Please pray for Cathy and her Mom (Rose).

Ann Ellenwood, a neighbor of Virginia Hampton, will be finishing her chemo therapy soon and will begin radiation treatments in September.

Pray for Shirley Boothroyd. Shirley is a member of our Mission Board and is going through a difficult time with health issues.

Please pray for Bennie Exum’s son, David, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis. He has a treatment at Mayo Clinic each month.

Pray for Jerry Starkweather’s long time friend, Les Hartzman, who was diagnosed with lung cancer and is going through chemo and radiation.

Please pray for Jean Gorney. Jean had a fall at home and broke her left shoulder along with several other painful injuries. Pray for her and husband Bob as she recovers.

Please pray for Billie Thatcher’s sister, Mary Lou Kovacs. Mary Lou is suffering with severe memory issues. Pray for her and husband Ron.

Pray for Danny Bethard. Danny is Libby Regan’s nephew and he had a mass successfully removed from one of his kidneys and is now having chemo. Thank you for your prayers and keep praying!

Please pray for Tom Pannett. Tom is a friend of Mike Howard’s son, Jim, and is currently in rehab.

Pray for Sandy Hoffmann. She is suffering with terrible headaches. Pray for relief from the pain.

Biff McBee is asking for prayer for a good friend, Bob Huizing. Bob is dealing with cancer and the start of chemotherapy. Also, pray for Bob’s wife Ginny as she seeks to help him through this.

Please pray for Leslie Tate, she is the wife of Otto Souder. She is battling cancer and other health issues. Also son, Scott, in Maryville, TN, has MS and recently fell and fractured his sternum. If you want to send a note of encouragement: Leslie Tate, 13670 SE 97th Terrace Rd., Summerfield, Florida 34491.

Pray for Annell Gillow is recovering at home. Annell is the wife of Mary Starkweather’s brother Bill Gillow.

Prayers are needed for Louise Tucker, the sister of Jean Gorney, who has been suffering due to a stroke and liver problems.

Pray for Mike Howard. Mike is still in the rehab facility in Michigan.

Please pray for Bev Huey, a friend of Cathy Reitmyer, who has been diagnosed with
kidney failure and had a recent heart procedure.

Pray for the necessary reforms to be brought about that will establish unity and justice for all citizens of our country. May economic justice, police reform and an end to racism be established.

Pray for the families of the police officers and individuals who have been killed in the recent violence in our country. Pray for the store and business owners who have lost everything to the senseless violence of the last few weeks

Pray for peace to return to the cities and towns of our country. Pray to stop the violence, looting and hatred. Give our leaders the wisdom to take the actions necessary to restore order.

Please pray for Cathy Kivitt, the sister-in-law of Charles and Kathy Kivitt, she is battling cancer and other health issues. Pray for healing, comfort and strength.

Please pray for Frank Szczpanski who is suffering with an ongoing lung infection.

Please pray for Roger Marvin. He has been placed in Hospice care where he fell and broke his hip. He and his wife, Shirley, need our prayers.

Pray for the many people around the world who are suffering from the coronavirus. Pray to stop the spread of this virus, halt the panic, heal the many children and elderly it is afflicting.

Carol Carlson. Pray for Carol who is having health issues. Carol is one of our Infant & Toddler volunteers and church family. Her husband Oakley also needs our prayers.

The children who visit our Infant and Toddler Pantry and their families.

Pray for the success of our new church programs: The Memorial Garden, The Infant and Toddler Literacy Program and The Organ Fund. Thank you.

If you have a prayer request contact Dawn Keough at: Nana6bn5g@aol.com or call the pastor at 352-250-6160.
15421 S US Hwy 301
Summerfield, FL 34491

Mailing Address: 
The Congregational Church,
P. O. Box 804,
Summerfield, Florida 34492
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for more information:
Church Office: (352) 693-4545
Reverend Jim: (352) 250-6160