God's Acre MCC ~ Weekly Newsletter |
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My sermon yesterday, was talking about Jesus being the Word, and how we derive such comfort for reading the words in the Bible.
Knowing that there is strength, and power, in the Word also helps us lean into God and into Jesus; it allows us to feel the Holy Spirit around us.
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It's not only the Holy word but words, in general, that have an effect on our life; it's how we feel, how we think and how we behave.
More than ever this year, I really would like a more simplistic way of living; simplicity requires us to look inwardly - soul deep.
Simply being ourselves might feel like a daunting task, but it’s one that perhaps we haven’t done for a long time
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The beginning of the year gives us space in order to reflect, as I’ve said before, but it also allows us to look at the year that’s stretching out before us.
How will we make this year good for us and good for others?
Let us let’s all try to be positive this year; let's find something positive in every day and be thankful. Being thankful to God makes us feel better and uplifted.
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So let’s start this year thinking about being mindful, and letting the light of God shine through us and in all that we do.
May God bless you all this first week of January, Amen.
In Christ
Rev. Janice
Rev. Janice Bowker
Senior Pastor | God's Acre MCC
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This Week's Sunday Service
3rd January 2021
2nd Sunday after Christmas
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To ensure the best sound quality, please make sure that your volume is turned up, or that your speakers and/or headphones are plugged in.
If you have a SMART TV, you can also view our services directly on your TV via our:
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Word of God Speak
MercyMe
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Dear Reverend Janice
We would like to thank you for your dedication and preparation for all the services online.
They have been an inspiration, in these very difficult times, and an encouragement when times have become hard.
Both you and Marina, your eye to detail, has been incredible and trying to get everything so right which you achieved. We are so privileged to be able to watch online and enjoy the time with you.
We have felt spiritually connected with you all, and remember you often in our thoughts and prayers. We all pray the time will come, when we will be back to some sort of normality whatever that is.
Wishing you and Marina and all at God’s Acre a very blessed and happy 2021.
As somebody quoted today ‘Christmas cannot be cancelled; you can’t cancel the coming of the saviour of the world’
Lots of love
Tom & David xx
Bournemouth, UK
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Starting 3rd February 2021
Online Bible Study
Wednesday Evenings at 7pm
Only those registered will receive the link to attend
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To sign up for your FREE Zoom account, just CLICK HERE
You can also get the FREE ZOOM APP, for your iPhone or Android; just check out your App store
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Whilst the church building remains closed, for in-person gatherings, we are doing our best to bring online worship, prayers and other church activities, to you virtually. |
JANUARY 2021
10th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
17th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
24th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
31st - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
FEBRUARY 2021
3rd - Online Bible Study
7pm on Zoom
Registration Required
7th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
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Board Members &
Lay Delegate Info
Moderator: Rev. Janice Bowker
Vice Moderator: Alan R
Treasurer: Maureen P
Clerk: Gena T
Lay Delegate & Social Media Admin: Marina L
Next Board Meeting
31st January 2021
Board members will meet virtually
for the foreseeable future
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We ask for the following prayers this week:
*Continued prayers of thanks for Rev. Janice; thank you for her continued hard work, guidance & strength; for her leadership & for being our shepherd in times of trial
*For Caroline, whose baby is due very soon, along with her family & Liz, her mum, in the UK
*Healing for Ruthie & Claire
*Healing for May & Clare in the UK
*Strength for Gwen in the UK
*Continued prayers of healing & pain relief for Deb in DE & John F in Australia
*For continued strength & guidance for all of our members & online viewers
*Prayers for Sandy & all teachers, as they return t the classrooms this week
*Continued prayers for healing for Betty G - Paul's mum. Strength for Paul & Roy also, at this time
*Prayers for Megan, Blake & Luis
*Continued prayers for our country, as we continue to see the high daily rise in COVID cases, and a new, more transmittable strain.
*Prayers for Toni, Tim, Val, Delores, Tom, David, Nick D,
*Continued prayers for Letty as she cares for Richie in TX
*Continued prayers for Jane & Jeanne
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*Help every person to know peace, patience & kindness in the coming weeks
*We give thanks for everyone receiving this newsletter and watching our services online
*For all the prayers on the hearts of the people that we don't yet know about; may God grant peace & healing
*Prayers for Joe, Wayne, Barbara, Carol
*We pray for our MCC Staff; we give thanks for all their hard work in supporting our churches, our pastors & congregations
*Thank you God for ALL that you give us each day
*Thanks for ALL essential workers, doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store workers, utility workers
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If you'd like to follow along, with the service and readings, for next Sunday please click on the link below, where you be able to view a condensed copy of the Worship Guide for 3rd January 2021
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Don't forget that, during this time of social distancing, isolation and uncertainty, if you need to chat, have a prayer request, if you have a concern, or if you'd like to pass on some good news, Rev. Janice is available.
You can email or text & she will get back to you as soon as she is able. You can also call directly and, as long as she's not in a meeting, she will be happy to talk to you.
Don't forget to check in on Facebook too. Rev. Janice loves hearing from you all.
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20th - Joe F
If you have a birthday or anniversary, and it is not listed, please let us know, so that we can add you to the list
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If you would like to join our Online Bible Study, starting in February, but don't yet know how to use Zoom, then watching this helpful video will help you get online.
You will find useful information & tips, so that you can join the Zoom online Bible Study, & other meetings, quickly & easily.
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Yes, some vaccines have started to arrive in Florida, but we are now faced with 2 new strains, that are being transmitted 70% faster that regular COVID-19. These new strains are very virulent and we really need to keep in our 'bubbles' to stay safe.
The experts cannot keep stressing it enough, and as plainly as they are doing, we still need to exercise extreme care & caution.
We are told that it may still be several weeks, or even months, before any of us begin to receive our first dose of the vaccine. Even then, we will still need to wear masks & practice social distancing when outside our own household bubbles.
The figures have risen again this week; we now have 18,337 cases in Marion county, which is another jump of 1502 new cases in one week.
Last Monday the Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced that people in the 65 or older age range can begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, if they register online at: https://tinyurl.com/y98cxp6s.
People who don't have computer access can call 352-644-2590 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and staff will submit the form on the caller's behalf.
As of Saturday, 2nd January 2021, the Trinity Clinic in Ocala, published this information (information submitted by a concerned congregation member):
The local healthcare community will be asking local political leadership for help as all three hospitals continue to struggle with increasing COVID admissions. More details to come.
As of 2nd January 2021
1. We are at 146 CURRENT COVID ADMISSIONS in Marion County, breaking yesterday's record of 140.
2. We had 466 new cases reported yesterday. That is 988 new cases over just the last three days.
3. All of the local COVID Skilled Nursing Facilities are now at capacity.
4. With 95 deaths reported in the month of December, COVID-19 was the 2nd leading cause of death in Marion County that month. Heart disease remains #1 with an average of 113 deaths per month. Cancer is #3 with an average of 92 deaths per month, accidents/injuries is #4 with an average of 33 deaths per month. Marion County reported 11 deaths in the last 48 hours.
Yes, we repeat it every week, and even with the vaccine, it will take several weeks (maybe months) before it will be safe enough to return to church, even with social distancing & wearing masks. The only safe practice, right now, is to continue offering the online pre-recorded services, for the foreseeable future.
KEEP SAFE - WEAR A MASK - WASH YOUR HANDS - KEEP 6 FEET APART - STAY ALERT - STOP THE SPREAD
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✔️Stay home and away from others
✔️Stay in touch with your health care
provider
✔️Alert close contact individuals to
self-isolate for 14 days
✔️Call the COVID-19 call center for
questions at: 1 (866) 779-6121
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Ongoing Fundraiser at Racewash
Just enter the 4 digit code: 7070
when you select your preferred wash
God's Acre will 10% from every wash
You can still help God's Acre & still maintain a safe social distance!
TWO GREAT LOCATIONS
3065 SE 24th Street
5199 SW 49th Court
2 more Ocala locations coming very soon - both on SR200 - watch this space
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If you haven't done so already, it's very easy to give your weekly, or monthly, offering; EVERY $ really does make a difference.
You can also mail in a check, payable to God's Acre MCC, to our PO Box mailing address.
God's Acre MCC
PO Box 770240
Ocala
Fl 34477-0240
It really does mean a great deal that you continue to support God's Acre MCC.
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Worship Address: 700 NW 57th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34482
Mailing Address: PO Box 770240, Ocala, FL 34477-0240
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