What's Happening this Week at
The
Congregational
Church
December 5, 2021
This Week's Message: "The Ultimate Christmas Emotion".  
The fact that God loves the whole world is a New Testament concept that begins with Christ arriving a Christmas. Nowhere in the Old Testament does it say that God loved the "whole" world. It is implied but never stated. This revolutionary idea or ultimate Christmas emotion springs to life with Jesus coming for Jews and Gentiles - for saints and sinners. "Love Devine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down!" The great Ken Bible carol says, "Love has come - a light in the darkness!  Love explodes in the Bethlehem skies. See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! God loves you, He really does.
SCRIPTURE LESSON FOR December 5th
Luke 2:1-7
  Read by Pastor Jim Keough
GREETERS: Karen Deutsch and Darlene Fortin 
USHERS: Dawn Keough, Dorothy Robertson, Diana Shimpeno, and Darla Webb
Deacon Of The Month: Dawn Keough
Altar Flowers & Bulletins
The Altar Flowers and Bulletins are given this week by Jerry and Mary Starkweather who were married 35 years ago at The First Congregational Church in Pontiac, Michigan. Happy Anniversary!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 for December 5th
*
Music Ministry on this Second Sunday in Advent as we celebrate together Advent Holy Communion Billie Thatcher will sing "Come, Share the Lord". Billie will also be singing "What Child Is This?", "The First Noel", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".

....Read More About ... Billie Thatcher

Harriet Dawson will open and close the service with the Memorial Chimes. 

Kevin O'Connell will play the piano prelude and direct our music ministry.

Holy Communion
ADVENT HOLY COMMUNION: Our celebration of the Lord's Supper today is the only communion service during the Advent/Christmas season. Our family gatherings and holiday meals during this festive time remind us of the anticipation and wonder that filled the guests at that last gathering around the table with our Lord in the Upper Room. May Jesus be present in all your holiday activities this year.
Coffee Hour Every Sunday
We are now having conversation and coffee in the Fellowship Hall after our Sunday morning services. Please join us! Thanks to Cathy Reitmyer for continuing to head up the kitchen and this important social time for the congregation.  If you would like to donate baked goods or other snacks contact Cathy at (860) 276-7806 or sign the sheet in the narthex. Thank you.

Ladies Fellowship - December Event
*
*
The Ladies Fellowship,
Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 10:25 am
Baker House Tour, Decorated for Christmas

Friday, December 10th: Erinn Abu RETURNS. Hear the amazing saxophone sounds of Eirinn Abu Friday, December 10th at 6 p.m. He will be playing Christmas songs and two of his newly released tunes. Tickets are on sale now following the morning worship. Tickets are $20 with proceeds helping the Infant & Toddler Pantry.

Saturday, December 11th: Pancake Breakfast For Infant And Toddler Families - On Saturday morning December 11th we will have our annual breakfast for the families of our Infant & Toddler Pantry. Mary and Joseph will be here as we read the Christmas Scriptures. Santa will arrive as we close our morning together. If you want to help in the kitchen or assist in serving Contact Cathy Reitmyer or Leslie Adams.
We have started our Christmas Gift Bag distribution for our Infant and Toddler Pantry. Thank you to all who have helped make this possible.

Wednesday, December 15th: Christmas With Kevin O'Connell And Friends. Your favorite music for the Christmas Holiday performed by your favorite talents. Come experience Christmas on Wednesday, December 15th at 6 p.m. Kevin and his trio, Billie Thatcher, Bob Stehman and surprise guest! A Free-will offering will be taken. Proceeds benefit the Infant & Toddler Pantry Christmas Bags for Children Fund.

Sunday, December 24th: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Don't miss our annual Christmas worship experience on Christmas Eve, December 24th at 7 p.m. This year Kevin O'Connell will lead our beautiful Christmas musical celebration with special guests: Billie Thatcher, Bob Stehman and special piano music by Kevin O'Connell You know it's Christmas when you stand in your beautiful church with a lighted candle in your hand singing "Silent Night". Come and invite a friend.
December Mission Projects
DECEMBER IS THE SECOND MONTH TO SUPPORT The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund. This local program gives scholarships to deserving high school seniors for academic achievement and exemplary volunteer service. Pastor Keough, Bill and Karen Lewis serve on the Board of this ministry to youth. Half of the Mission Offering this month will support the MLK scholarship program and the other half the Infant and Toddler Pantry.  

*** LiveStream Training ***
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you attend the Sunday worship service regularly and would like to learn how Terry, Bob, and Rick produce the
LiveStream, we would be happy to teach anyone who is
interested. You can call or drop by the booth before the worship service and speak to any one of us. Previous experience or technical knowledge is not required.

December Birthdays
Dick Simonet (1), Raymond Turner (6), Ann Denholm (10), Karen Lewis (11), Mary Starkweather and Cory Pearson (16), Sondra Hocker (24), Bob Thatcher 26), and Rhea Cotter (30).

(If we missed your birthday, please, let us know. We will add you to the list.)
Movie Night
MOVIE NIGHTS: Due to the busy schedule of concerts and other holiday activities, there will be no movie nights during November and December. Our next movie will be shown in January 2022.  

Gift Cards
GIFT IDEA FOR CHRISTMAS! The Mission Board and the Infant and Toddler Pantry (thanks to a grand idea from Janet Moe) are now selling Christmas gift cards. The card states that a gift has been made to the Infant and Toddler Pantry in the name of the person who receives the card. This is a great way to help the children of the Pantry and a tool to teach our family members and grandchildren about the importance of giving. See Janet Moe after services to make you purchase of these attractive cards. Three cards are just $30 with all proceeds going to the Infant & Toddler Pantry. Send a $10 gift card to a friend or family member and help the Pantry.
Covid Precautions
The number of COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths has been decreasing in recent weeks. Fortunately, those who have been vaccinated amount to less than 1% of those experiencing severe infections. Our church continues, as we have from the beginning of the pandemic, to encourage caution and protect the safety of our church family. We encourage you to wear a mask and keep a safe distance from other people. Hand sanitizers are stationed throughout our facilities.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By entering our church facilities you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
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 still 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.
Church Memorial Garden
THE MEMORIAL GARDEN continues to develop and additional granite markers have been installed. Thank you to Jack Baird for all his efforts on this important area of our church property.

If you are interested in information about the memorial garden contact the church office.
If you cannot attend services at the church you can follow us online. Invite your friends, family members and neighbors to worship with us online

Accessing our livestream 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.

To get a notice of all upcoming live events, follow us on Facebook.

Don't forget to SHARE the video stream with your friends when it begins.
Accessing our livestream 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. 
BUILDING FUND AND GENERAL FUND GIVING! 
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!
SURVEY RESULTS. Several weeks ago our church family participated in a church-wide survey. An outline of the survey results is available on the literature table in the narthex. If you have questions on the survey or the summary contact the church office.
 
OUR CHURCH JOURNEY. Get your copy of our beautiful book highlighting the journey of our church from the beginning in the Hampton Inn to our beautiful church facility and family of today. A gift of $25 to the Building Fund for each book. This is a limited edition volume, with a few copies available, so don't miss out. Available from the church office.

OUR DAILY BREAD daily devotional guides are available on the literature table in the narthex of the church. The books are printed in regular and large print editions. Feel free to take extra copies to give to friends and family.
                                
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.
                 
Thoughts for the Week
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."                                                                                       - Norman Vincent Peal 
 "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
                                                                               - Charles Dickens
Prayer Requests for December 5, 2021
Prayer Request help needed! When a difficult time arises, and we are in need of prayer it is easy to make a call or send a message asking for prayer. However, when God answers, and the need is no longer pressing we forget to contact the Prayer Team with an update. Some requests therefore linger on the list long after the need has been satisfied. Since there are more than 250 people who look to the church for ministry in this way it would be most helpful if you would take a moment to send a note advising of the status of your situation, friend, or loved one. Thank you for your help!  Together we are making a difference in the lives of people who need the comfort and help of prayer.
  
Please pray for Milt Wiest, Dawn Keough's brother. He will be having extensive back surgery on December 1st at a hospital in Ocoee, Fl. Pray God guides the surgeon's hands and for a successful surgery and recovery. Thank you.
 
Please pray for Diane Dresback as she is having abdominal surgery on December 1st in Ocala. Pray God guides the surgeon's hands and for a successful outcome and recovery.
 
Please pray for long time member Carole Zaccone. Carole had a heart attack recently and needs our prayers for strength and healing. Also, pray for her husband Dick during this difficult time. Thank you.
 
Please pray for Jean Gorney had an Interventional Endoscopy on Monday to evaluate the masses in her abdomen. Please pray they are not cancer. She is also experiencing constant itching due to a condition called dermagraphism. She is so very appreciative of the prayer shaw given to her which is giving her comfort. Thank You.
 
Please pray for Pam Sabo. Pam is having a lot of pain in her right knee. She will be having a total knee replacement on 1/4/22. Let's pray for relief and successful surgery.
 
Please pray for the family and friends of Gary Burmaster. Gary passed away recently from COVID complications.
 
Mary Starkweather is requesting prayers for Ron Baldak who is experiencing severe pain in his spine from degenerative disc disease and arthritis. He is only in his 50's from Waterford Mi. Please pray for comfort and healing. Thank you.
 
Penny Stinton is requesting prayers for her neighbor and good friend Kathy Carney. After spending a week in the hospital in Ocala and time in Freedom Point for rehab she is now at home trying to gain strength. Please pray for healing and strength .
 
Please pray for Carol Andreasian who had heart surgery on November 17th. She had some difficulties and needs our love and prayers.  Pray for successful recuperation and healing.
 
Pray for Bill Lewis. Bill is in rehab in New York. His wife Karen asks us to pray for Bill. Let's pray for healing and comfort for Bill and strength for Karen in this difficult time. Also, pray for Karen. She is having problems with her hip.
 
Please pray for Jack and Annelle Baird's neighbor Dave Charles. Dave has esophageal cancer. Pray for strength and healing. Thank you.
 
Mary Ellen Kresel's brother passed away recently after a long illness. Please pray for Mary Ellen and their family.
 
Dottie Landermann is requesting prayers for her son Danny Coombs. He is again experiencing severe abdominal pain related to diverticulitis. Surgery is most likely in the near future so please pray for comfort and successful uncomplicated surgery. Thank you.
 
Please pray for Tom Equels. Tom is the son of Dick and Pat Simonet. Tom sustained some severe injuries falling from a horse while riding at his farm. He is now home receiving care from family and therapy.
 
Our friend, Cahal Dunn, will return next spring to entertain us with his music and Irish wit. In the meantime please pray for Cahal's son who is a police officer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pray for his safety during this difficult time. Thank you.
 
Jan Doran is much improved after a lengthy battle with COVID. She returned to worship service last week and is on the mend. Thank you for your prayers and concern.
 
Please pray for Libby Regan as she is experiencing shortness of breath and weakness. Pray her breathing becomes easier and she regains her strength.
 
Please pray for Kathy Hall, is recuperating at home from cardiac issues. She lives in the village of Santo Domingo and her daughter Beth is here in Florida to help in her recovery. Pray for comfort and a speedy recovery. Thank you.
 
Jan Doran is requesting prayers for Dolores L'Homedieu. Dolores has kidney cancer, needs surgery and possible kidney donation/transplant. Please pray for a successful surgery, treatment and outcome.
 
Prayer request from Ginny Poe: "Mindy Parker is a young single mother with 3 young children and is scheduled for surgery for stage 3 breast cancer. It's an aggressive cancer and she needs prayers,"  Please pray!
 
Mary Starkweather is requesting prayers for Jean Harvey, a home health aide. She has been diagnosed with ALS since April and the disease is progressing rapidly. Prayers for comfort and peace would be greatly appreciated.
 
Please pray for Jerry Starkweather who faces continuing health issues. He is at home with nursing care. Please pray for healing, comfort for Jerry and also for his wife Mary.
 
Bonnie Pearson is requesting prayers for Russ Stehle who is experiencing internal bleeding. He is having testing done to locate the source of the bleeding. Please pray for a swift diagnosis and treatment plan. Pray for his wife Kathy as she helps him through this difficult time
 
Diane Dresbach is asking for prayers for Helga York,. She has just recently been diagnosed with cancer and has moved into an assisted living facility. Please send cards of greetings and encouragement to Helga York, 66 Hawthorne Dr. Apt. 215, Bedford, NH 03110.
 
The children who visit our Infant and Toddler Pantry and their families.
 
Pamela Hanower. Pamela is currently home in Massachusetts with her two puppies. She has been having a severe problem with pain that has affected her mobility. Pray for Pamela to find relief.
 
Please pray for Natalie Andrews. Natalie is having some atrial fibrillation issues. Your prayers will help.
 
Please pray for Gale Wigner. Gale was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He has had several surgical procedures The latest news is that recent tests show him to be clear of cancer. If you want to send a card: 6819 Williams Lake Rd., Waterford, MI 48329.
 
Karen Roosa is requesting prayers for her "quilting sister" Mary Ann Sasenick, who is undergoing chemo treatments for breast cancer. Please pray for successful treatments and comfort for her and her family.
 
Bill Deysher is requesting prayers for his son-in-law Scott Rofofsky who has been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal and liver cancer. Please pray for comfort and successful treatment. Bill greatly appreciates your prayers and concern.
 
Pray for calm, patience and peace for our world and society. The pandemic, troubles in Washington, economic distress and more are causing the very fabric of our lives to be ripped and shredded. Tension in homes and marriages. A rise in the suicide rate. Schools reporting increased behavioral problems. We need to pray for serenity and an end to the turmoil. Our bodies will have an increased negative reaction to this culture of anger. Sickness of every type will increase. Calm down and pray.
 
Please pray for Bob Gorney's brother, Anthony. Anthony is dealing with cancer and the treatments. Anthony's situation is still very critical and he needs our prayers.  Pray for strength and comfort.
 
Please pray for Dawn Payzant. Dawn has attended our services many times and is a good friend of Nancy Doggett. Dawn lives in Nova Scotia. She is currently suffering from an advancing case of Parkinson's Disease.
 
Pray for Steve Feustel. Steve is home in Michigan having rehab and overcoming the effects of a stroke. Steve will soon be having cataract surgery. Pray for Steve and Beth.
 
Please pray for Billie Thatcher's sister, Mary Lou Kovacs. Mary Lou is suffering with severe memory issues. Pray for her and husband Ron.
 
Please pray for Frank Szczepanski. Frank is having lung infection treatments that will last up to 24 months. The side effects from the medications have caused him to lose his hearing which will not likely return. Also pray for his wife, Vi, as they struggle through this difficult time together.
 
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. The most recent report is that Tami will be going to Shands Hospital in Gainesville for new treatments.

Please pray for Bennie Exum's son, David, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis. David recently had COVID and pneumonia. He is now on a heart and lung transplant list. Please pray for David and his mother Bennie.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Prayer request from Rick Nelli: "Please pray for my friends Melinda and John Thompson. John is at home with advanced prostate cancer and the prognosis is not good. Melinda spends most of her time as his caretaker. Pray for them both, please."
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
___________________
for more information:
Church Office: (352) 693-4545
Reverend Jim: (352) 250-6160