FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

HYMNS

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You"

"Sing Them Over Again to Me"

"Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

"Danza de la Moza Donosa"

"Wayfaring Stranger"

September 8, 2023

Dear Congregation,

Please join me in welcoming Bianca Montenegro as our Church

Program Manager! Bianca, a member of CCC, joined our staff this week.

We’ll celebrate her new role which is multifaceted and focused on

church growth, mission, and collaborating with community partners,

with cake in Kelsey Hall after worship this Sunday.

On Wednesday, Bianca joined Karen Kett, Mission and Outreach

Chair, and me as we attended the Miami-Dade School Board meeting in

support of the resolution to name October as GLBTQ History Month.

Although it was defeated once again, we were there as allies of that

community, standing with them in a very contentious atmosphere.

Below is a clip of my remarks, thanks to Harold Marrero’s editing.

I am proud to represent a congregation that is Open and Affirming!

God Bless You! See you in worship Sunday.

In Christ’s love.

Pastor Candy

Dear Christ Congregational Church,

I want to express my profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Church Manager at Christ Congregational UCC. It is with immense humility and enthusiasm that I embark on this new chapter in my life. As I assume this role, I am reminded of the incredible journey that has brought me to this point. My personal and professional path has been a testament to unwavering dedication and the guidance of Providence. Born during Romania's challenging communist era, I, alongside my devoted single mother, set foot on American soil when I was just seven years old. The adjustment to a new life in the United States cultivated my deep spiritual connection with God, providing me with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives. As an adult, I felt a compelling calling to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families within our community.

My professional journey has been marked by a wealth of experience in program management, grant acquisition, and contract oversight. I have had the privilege of contributing my skills and knowledge to esteemed organizations such as Switchboard of Miami, the City of Miami Beach (Housing and Community Services Department), and The Children's Trust. Notably, I have been entrusted with pivotal roles in securing and managing multi-million dollar grants and their associated budgets, a responsibility I hold with great care and dedication.

My spiritual journey has been equally profound, reflecting my quest for a deeper connection with God. This journey led me away from Romanian Orthodoxy, as I discovered disparities between its teachings and my evolving understanding of God's message, as revealed in the Bible. I eventually found solace in Christian Baptist churches, where my spiritual beliefs found a closer alignment. However, I also encountered challenges within these congregations, where the message of God's love sometimes seemed overshadowed by negativity and exclusion towards certain individuals. Reflecting on the directive to "love thy neighbor," I came to the realization that judgment should be reserved for God alone. In response to these challenges, I distanced myself from Baptist churches for several years, believing that there might not exist a faith community that fully embodied the boundless love I held in my heart for God and His children.

However, in December 2022, a strong inner calling prompted me to embark on a renewed search for a spiritual home. After thorough research, I discovered Christ Congregational UCC, a place where my spiritual beliefs resonated deeply. This newfound spiritual community felt like a homecoming, and my decision to attend worship on my birthday, which happened to fall on a Sunday that year, was affirmed. In that sacred space, I experienced a profound sense of belonging, reaffirming my faith journey within a community that wholeheartedly embraced God's love without conditions.

In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the trust and confidence you have placed in me as I assume the role of Church Manager. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve our congregation and community. I look forward to working alongside each of you, continuing our collective journey of faith, and striving to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where God's love shines brightly. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns. I am here to support and collaborate with you in all aspects of our shared mission.

With love and gratitude,

Bianca Montenegro

*This offering will be received on World Communion Sunday,

October 1, 2023



CALENDAR

Sun. Sept. 10 | 10:30 am

Worship in the Sanctuary

 & Facebook Live

Mon. Sept. 11 | 6:30 p.m.

ZOOM Bible Study

Meeting ID: 691 735 4836

Sun. Sept 17 | 10:30 am

Worship in the Sanctuary

 & Facebook Live

Mon. Sept. 18 | 6:30p.m.

Men's Group meeting in the Kelsey Building

Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with India. To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries IMAGE. Below is this week's prayer, united we pray.

Prayers for India

Our Sovereign God, creator of heaven and earth and who by your word sustains the universe, we lift the great nation of India and its people before you. We thank you for keeping India thriving and flourishing throughout its 76 years of independence and as a republic. We thank you for the excellent tolerance and amity among the people of India despite the vast diversity in culture, caste, and language. We thank you for the missionaries who carried the good news of Christ to India. We thank you for all the foreign nations that work with India to increase the well-being, knowledge, and understanding of all peoples of this vast country.

We pray for the protection and security of all peoples of India so that they may experience your peace. May your peace that surpasses all understanding guard the hearts and minds of your children through Christ Jesus our Lord. We pray the church and the leaders hold fast to Christ and their faith in you, O God. We pray that you will grant them courage and strength as they are harassed and many of their places of worship are being vandalized. We pray for the people who are beaten, distressed, imprisoned, falsely accused, and hated simply for professing their belief in you.

Lord, we pray for the leaders in the Central and the State governments. We ask you to grant them wisdom and guidance so that they will lead the nation toward peace and justice. We ask you to bless India with all natural resources in their season and thereby alleviate poverty in the nation. We pray for you to make India a blessing to the world.

We thank you for the founder of Family Village Farm, Dr. Miss Pauline E. King, and our close association with the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through Global Ministries. We thank you for the many who accompany us in our ministry and all those well-wishers that Family Village Farm has through the Global Ministries.

We ask all these in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!