April 21, 2024

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL UCC

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP IN THE GARDEN CHAPEL

10:30 AM

JOIN US FROM ANYWHERE ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP RESOURCES BELOW

WORSHIP BULLETIN

HYMNS

"This Is the Day"

"God Is My Shepherd"

"Savior, Like a Shepherd"

Sheet Music is here! Remember to click. Special Music links too!

SPECIAL MUSIC

"Andante and Presto"

"What a Wonderful World"

“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!

April 19, 2024

Bianca's You Better Bee-lieve It Corner

Miami Beach Pride Parade

🌈 What an incredible celebration it was at the Miami Beach Pride Parade! 🎉 Words can hardly capture the sheer joy and vibrancy that filled the air as we marched in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

My mom, Lovett, and I had an absolutely fantastic time, soaking in every moment of the festivities and feeling the love and acceptance all around us. From the dazzling floats to the infectious energy of the crowd, it was a day filled with unforgettable memories and heartfelt connections.

A special shoutout and heartfelt thanks go to Harold Marrero for extending the invitation to join the Safe Schools float. Being part of such a meaningful representation meant the world to us, allowing us to proudly stand alongside our church and show our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.

As we reflect on the beauty and unity of the Pride Parade, let's carry the spirit of love and acceptance forward in our hearts every day. Together, we can continue to build a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are.

Here's to many more moments of joy, love, and pride! 🌈✨

🌟 Find Comfort and Renewal with Us! 🌟

Starting this week, we're excited to offer two new ways to support your well-being, completely free of charge!

🕯️ Grief Support Groups: Join us every fourth Monday at 6:30 PM for a safe space to share, heal, and connect with others who understand. Starting April 22nd, our monthly gatherings promise compassionate support and understanding as we navigate the journey of grief together.

🧘‍♀️ Yoga for Mind and Body: Discover the soothing power of yoga with our weekly sessions! Every Wednesday, unwind with Chair Yoga at 6:00 PM, perfect for all levels and abilities. Then, at 7:00 PM, immerse yourself in the flowing movements of Gentle Vinyasa Yoga, designed to restore balance and vitality.

Whether you're seeking solace in community or rejuvenation through movement, we invite you to join us on these healing journeys.

Please be sure to register!

Grief Support Groups: https://forms.office.com/r/XWB2mKEg2M

Yoga Classes: https://forms.office.com/r/E1VEUUzfbw

JUST Pop Tops!

We are collecting pop tops for a special cause. These pop tops will be donated to support the Ronald McDonald Program, aiding children and families in need. Wondering how your pop tops can make a difference? According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, these tabs are recycled for dollars that directly support the children and families they serve in their Houses. By contributing, you're playing a part in providing crucial assistance to those in our community who need it most. Let's make this season a time of joy, creativity, and giving!

Join us and be a part of this wonderful initiative—where every pop top collected brings smiles and support to those in our community who can use it most.



April is Earth Month!

A time to celebrate and honor our planet and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the natural world around us.

Please click the below images to learn more about events and activities happening in Miami-Dade county and surrounding areas.

Planning for Earth Month with the UCC!

Resources for Congregations

Earth month is a great time to further discern how to best answer our first calling as Christians: the caretaking of God’s creation.

Click the image below to check out suggested activities!

Click above to send a prayer or to read a prayer.

Find Us, Like us, Follow Us, and Share Us

on Social Media!

Facebook: Christ Congregational United Church of Christ

Twitter/X: @CCC_UCC

TikTok: @CCC_UCC

YouTube: ChristCongregational-UCC

Instagram: @christcongregationalucc

REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS

The Family and friends of Helen Wiley, Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, Paul LeGrand, Frank Tirb, Joy Reid, Daniel Best, The Family & Friends of Rev. Tom Franzman, the family and friends of Linda Soltys, Abigail Castro, Brittany McCune and family, Shawnalee Vassell, Mary Ann Dente, Gary Pearson, Rochelle, Theresa Gambrell, Don Warner, C.M. Chandler, Julie Henkel, Kathy Kirsch and the people of Ukraine and The Family and Friends of Lucille Campbell.



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.

Please let Tracy Williams, Administrative Assistant at office@christcongregationalucc.org or Pastor Candy know if you'd like a name included.

ACTION ITEMS:

• We are all still reeling from the reports of tragic loss of life and continued atrocities taking place in Israel and Gaza. As we mourn, and pray for those who have lost loved ones, we must call on policymakers to support a Just Peace.

Contact Your Legislators

• Urge Congress to call on the administration to expedite protections and critical supports, including visa processing and access to resettlements, for Afghan refugees.

Act Now

• Register to pray for Peace in the Middle East.

Register Here

• Read the letter that was sent to congress.

Read letter

• Contact your State Senators to urge them to defend our democracy by supporting the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Protect Voting Rights

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

We lift our voices to you, creator, savior, and sustainer of life. We praise you, recalling not only your act of creation but also your enduring love for us, which brought you to us even when we strayed from your path. 

As your servants, we present ourselves, our ministries, and the nations where you have placed us, seeking your presence and blessings in all our endeavors. 

Today, we bring before you the Middle East, specifically Lebanon and Syria, where people continue to endure immense suffering. We pray for them and all those who serve them, especially the churches facing tremendous challenges. 

May your Holy Spirit empower us with divine life, and may we follow the example of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, in alleviating pain, healing wounded souls, and guiding the lost back to the fold. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.