SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
JULY 16, 2023
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CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL UCC
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY
10:30 AM
JOIN US FROM ANYWHERE ON FACEBOOK LIVE
WORSHIP RESOURCES BELOW
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“When Morning Gilds the Skies" |
"Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast" |
"You Are Salt for the Earth, O People" |
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Sheet Music is here! Remember to click. Special Music links too!
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PLEASE CLICK OUR LOGO FOR "CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM 101" |
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“WELCOME!"
We are so glad you are here!”
As we enter our church, as we live as members, as we experience important life-cycle events (falling in love, marrying, parenting, baptism, coming out, transitioning, etc.), words of welcome and support, understanding and love are what we all long for. This manifestation of God’s Extravagant Welcome and the justice and social witness that accompany it are the heart of what we hope to show our community and all who walk through the doors of Christ Congregational United Church of Christ.
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
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July 14, 2023
Dear Congregation,
There has been quite a bit of activity going on outside around the
property lately. Trees are getting a much-needed trimming, as can be
seen by the large piles of dead branches in the parking lot. I’ve been informed they will be ground into mulch and used. I’ve also heard that this is just the beginning of taking care of landscaping that will greatly improve the appearance of the grounds. Power washing was also done this week and the pond was treated and is now crystal clear. I understand that work will be done next week to find the cause (possibly a broken underground pipe) of the pothole in front of the church entrance. I am so glad to see things being accomplished that we’d hoped would happen when the property was sold. Our landlord, Westminster Christian Schools, has been very responsive, and we are grateful to have property issues addressed quickly and so well!
I thought I’d bring you up to date on what’s happening here because
I know that you value the beauty of the property. It is a lovely, special,
peaceful place. Hopefully in the future, when plans for updating the
labyrinth come to fruition, others will be drawn here to enjoy the
spiritual nurture it offers.
Jesus uses many examples from nature in his parables. This Sunday
our focus will be on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, The Parable of the Sower.
I hope that you’ll join us in worship in person in the Sanctuary or on
Facebook as we reflect on Jesus’ words and what they mean for our
individual lives and for CCC today. God Bless You!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT CCC OR ABOUT THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST?
Pastor Candy would be happy to meet with you to talk about our Christian faith, your spiritual journey, and to discuss what church membership means. Please let her know if you're interested!
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CALENDAR
Sun. July 16 | 10:30 am
Worship in the Sanctuary
& Facebook Live
Sun. July 23
Worship in the Sanctuary
& Facebook Live
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OUTREACH: BACK TO SCHOOL FOR OUR GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND SOS STUDENTS
Over the next 2 weeks of July, we will collect school supplies for SOS (Elementary age) and our Guardian Ad Litem (High School) students. We will assemble them on July 23rd, which allows distribution 2 weeks prior to school beginning. Our Goal is to help 26 students start the year off right! Prepared, with dignity, proud of their new supplies! We have 25 backpacks and some supplies (pencils, composition books, glue) but need Spiral notebooks, lined and computer paper, notebooks, crayons, colored pencils, pens, glue sticks, rulers, etc.)
Items and financial donations of cash or check to Karen, in the plate or to the office, and credit card with text to Bianca noting amount accepted.
Thank you for being the difference!
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JEKYLL & HYDE, THE MUSICAL, JULY 23RD 2 P.M.
Seminole Theatre 18 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL.
Our own Graham Bryan will be performing in this play. From the theatre's website, "Experience the award-winning musical sensation, Jekyll & Hyde, live at the Seminole Theatre with the Seminole Players. The sensational score will move audiences through the epic battle between good and evil, and will transport them to a world of passionate, romantic love." Tickets may be purchased online. Please let Pastor Candy know if you'd like to go as a group from CCC.
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USE THE LINKS BELOW FOR
UCC RESOURCES
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Subscribe using these links and keep up with the latest Florida news.
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Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with Hungary. To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries IMAGE. Below is this week's prayer, united we pray.
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Gracious and loving God,
As we gather before you, we reflect upon the parable of the Sower, recognizing the importance of nurturing and cultivating the seeds of compassion, understanding, and peace in our world. Today, we lift up the nation of Hungary, its people, and the political situation it faces, particularly concerning the Ukrainian refugees.
Dear Lord, we pray for unity and wisdom among the leaders of Hungary. May they be guided by justice and compassion as they navigate the complexities of political decisions, seeking the best interests of their nation and all those affected by their choices. Grant them discernment to find solutions that promote harmony and understanding, even in the midst of challenges.
Lord, we also pray for the Ukrainian refugees who have sought shelter in Hungary. You, O God, are the ultimate refuge and provider of comfort. May these displaced individuals find solace in their new surroundings and be embraced with open hearts and open arms. Help the Hungarian people to extend a hand of friendship and hospitality, recognizing the shared humanity and the potential for mutual enrichment.
We ask for your grace to cultivate an atmosphere of empathy and compassion within the hearts of all Hungarians. May they see beyond borders and divisions, embracing the diversity of different cultures and backgrounds. Help them to embody the virtues of love, acceptance, and understanding, breaking down barriers and fostering unity.
Finally, Lord, inspire and empower us all to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, not only in Hungary but throughout the world. May we sow seeds of hope, justice, and harmony, knowing that with your grace, even the most challenging situations can be transformed.
In your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
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Find all UCC podcasts in one feed!
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REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS
Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, J.J. Ketzle, Carol McCreary, Mary Ellen Prather, Mary and Frank Tirb, Bradley Everhardt, Julio Balcells, Jessica Nodarse, Bianca Montelegro, Mark, Leslie Perichak
For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy directly at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.
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Thank you so much for the generous gifts of your time, treasure and talent in pursuit of A Just World For All! |
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Online Giving – We invite you to use our online giving option as a quick, simple, and secure method to make your pledges and ancillary gifts.
*Please indicate when your giving is other than pledge or plate.*
You may click this image or the
"Online Giving" link on the upper right of our website.
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The Rev. Candace Thomas | Pastor
Graham Bryan | Moderator & President
Jay Harragin | Music Director
Tracy Williams | Editor
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