This Week at The Congregational Church
August 9, 2020
This Week's Message: "Amazed By The Grace We Can Find"
There is no doubt that the last several months have been difficult for many. Illness, economic trauma, social unrest, and a heavy dose of fear. If you were painting a picture of your life in these days would those be the only colors on your palette. Life is not made up of only the dark days and the painful experiences. If you are willing to step back for a moment and see the complete picture you will be "Amazed By The Grace We Can Find".

SCRIPTURE LESSON: Ephesians 2:1-10 and Colossians 3:1-4
Scripture Reading by Carol Dalbeck, Deacon
GREETERS : N/A
USHERS:  N/A
DEACON OF THE MONTH: Larry Landermann
THE ALTAR FLOWERS AND BULLETINS:

The Altar Flowers and Bulletins are given this week by Rhea Cotter (Our Christmas Angel). They are given to the glory of God and in hopes of better days ahead. The floral centerpiece is given by Bill Deysher in honor of Polly Deysher. 
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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
Our guest soloist this week is Michele Blubaugh.  You will want to listen online and hear the beautiful voice of Michelle. She will be singing: "Amazing Grace", "The Lord's Prayer", and Sandi Patty's "In Heaven's Eyes". Kevin O'Connell will be at the keyboard of our beautiful new church organ for a special solo. Billie Thatcher will sing: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing", "Have Faith in God", "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" and the Dale Evans classic "Happy Trails".
Organ Fund
OUR NEW ORGAN Thank you to those who have supported this effort thus far. We are currently at $5,200. We are $4,800 away from reaching our goal. Watch online services as Kevin plays this beautiful new instrument for our worship. A gift of any size will be a blessing. If you are able to give a $125 gift you will receive a special music note brick on the Walk of Faith. Watch your mail for information and a form to become part of this musical blessing.  Thanks!
Holy Communion
HOLY COMMUNION. Our next Lord's Supper Service will be on Sunday, September 6th. You can pick up a prepackaged communion at the church office Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

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!!!
Movie Night
MOVIE NIGHT on Friday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m.. Social distanced in the sanctuary.  See "Dolittle" starring Robert Downey, Jr. A free-will offering for the Infant and Toddler Pantry will be received as you leave. (This activity is contingent upon us being back in our church facility again).
Watch the 10:00 AM Service LIVE!
Please note: You do not need a Facebook or YouTube account to access our live stream broadcasts. No sign up necessary! Use your browser of choice (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) on your computer or the Facebook App on your Smartphone or iPad.

Click HERE to go directly to our LIVE recording of the 10:00 AM Worship Service with music and message on our Facebook page for you to view. The broadcast will start automatically. (give yourself a few minutes before the service to get set up). You will receive a copy of the worship bulletin by USPS (regular mail) each week so you can follow along with the service.
If you need the Sunday Bulletin to follow along with the service, You can download it HERE.
Watch the 10:00 AM Service ANYTIME!
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 Sunday Bulletin to follow along with the service, You can download it HERE. 
Church Directory
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY AVAILABLE. .   If you have not picked yours up - PLEASE - do so as soon as possible. It is a beautiful spiral bound Church Directory.  You can pick one up from Mary in the Church Office Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. 

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.
August Birthdays
Dave Zecker and Jim Reid (4), Steve Falk and Cindy Robinson (5), Gale Wigner and Sue Gould (20), Bob Dawson (21), Ann Herrick (22), Mike Howard (23), Charles Kivitt (24), Nelli Elle and Kevin O'Connell (27), Jessie Edwards (28), and Carol Andreasian (29). Happy Birthday to all!

(If we missed your birthday, please, let us know. We will add you to the list.)
August Mission Projects
This month we will join together to support our sponsored child through Compassion International, six year old Luis Llugcha. During August your mission gifts will help us provide much needed help to Luis throughout the year. We will also send him a gift on his birthday and at Christmas time. The communications from the Rosa de Saron Student Center and from Luis' family indicate that our help is greatly appreciated and making a difference. Half the August mission offering will make all this possible and the rest will help children in our own community through the Infant and Toddler Pantry.
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.

TEDDY BEAR MINISTRY AND PRAYER SHAWLS. We are still giving out and sending to those who are hurting, our prayer shawls and teddy bears. If you know someone who would be encouraged by receiving one contact 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 putting together a new outreach program to the children of the area to be part of our Infant & Toddler Pantry. It will be a child literacy effort bringing books and story times to the little ones. We will emphasize children's books that teach the Bible and Christian principles. There will also be wholesome stories which provide parents with a chance to read and interact with their children. You can help by donating financial support directed to the program, children's books, or volunteering to read at one of our future "Story Time" sessions. Thank you to Sandy Hoffmann for starting us off with a donation of children's books for the program.

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.

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.

Our friend Bill Klenk has passed away at The Villages Hospital while being treated for COVID-19. Ginny Klenk is still under quarantine at home. Your prayers, cards and notes of encouragement and sympathy will be a blessing.

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 Ken and Alice Ralph. Ken has been going through some difficult days with several health issues. Also, pray for Alice as she provides love and care for Ken. You can mail a card or note of encouragement to: Ken & Alice Ralph, 13031 SE 90th Ct. Road, Summerfield, Fl. 34491.

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.

Rick Nelli and his wife Diane are asking for prayers for Diane's daughter, Debbie. Debbie has been dealing with a number of issues and your prayers will be a blessing. Also pray for Diane who will be tested for a breast lump in 2 weeks. Praying for a negative outcome.

Karen Orcutt is going through some very difficult treatments for her cancer. Your prayers and notes of encouragement would be a real blessing.

Dawn Keough's shoulder surgery went very well. She is home from the hospital with home health nurses and physical therapy. Thank you for your prayers.

Please pray for Jason Mika who has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Jason is the husband of Jerry Starkweather's daughter Alisa. Let's pray for this couple to beat the virus.

Pray for Dick Simonet's grandson and his wife, they are both doctors, they have been infected with COVID-19 and are under treatment.

Please pray for Allyson, a friend of Diane Dresback, who has an open wounds on her foot and calf which are not healing well.

Pray for Lisa, a 60 year old woman with breast cancer who is receiving intensive radiation therapy.

Pray for the family of Camilla who recently died of a heart attack. Diane Dresback lived with Camilla's family for 10 years.

Please pray for Carol Spano, a former co-worker of Diane Dresback, whose husband, Dominick Spano, recently passed away.

Pray for Bob Brooks' son, Rob, who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and is in a medical facility in northern Florida.

Pray for Annele Gillow who is a patient at The Club, in the Villages. Annele is the wife of Mary Starkweather's brother Bill Gillow.

Prayers are needed for Louise Tucker, the sister of Jean Gorney, who is in the hospital because of stroke and liver problems. Louise had been in rehab but had to return to the hospital.

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

Pray for Colin Henderson. Colin is the husband of one of our dedicated Infant & Toddler Pantry volunteers, Ina Henderson. Colin recently had a stent placed for cardiac issues.

Pray for Louis Turner, a cousin of Mary Ellen Kresel, who is suffering from cancer. He is home and receiving physical therapy. Thank you for your prayers.

Ann Ellenwood, a neighbor of Virginia Hampton, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is having chemo treatments.  Please pray for Ann.

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 Jerry and Lisa Sears from Michigan who were severely injured in an explosion at their vacation cabin.

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.

Continue to pray for Ed Schneitzer. Ed is having chemo treatments for cancer. A tumor between his esophagus and stomach. It is incurable. but they hope to bring it under control.

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 Jean Gorney. Jean had a fall at home and broke her left shoulder (plus several other painful injuries). Pray for Jean to recover quickly and for husband Bob as he takes care of her.

Cathy Reitmyer, recovering from heart issues.  Please pray for Cathy and her Mom (Rose).

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.
Thoughts for the Week: "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature and Selected Essays
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