This Week at The Congregational Church
March 7, 2021
This Week's Message: "Amazed By His Presence"
The glory of God is the most critical thing in all of Scripture, in all of the universe. That's why God created man. He says in Isaiah 43:7, He said, ''I created you for My glory.'' ''The heavens,'' the Bible says in Psalm 19:1, ''declare the glory of God.'' That is the ultimate goal and purpose of everything. We exist for the glory of God. God created you to the praise of the glory of His grace. It's all about the glory of God. "To God be the glory, great things He has done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son."



SCRIPTURE LESSON: Exodus 3:11-15 and John 9:1-5
Read by Deacon Bill Deysher
GREETERS: Diana Shimpeno and Karen Deutsch
USHERS: Bill Deysher, Penny Lisle, and Nancy Doggett
Deacon Of The Month: of February is Bill Deysher 
Altar Flowers & Bulletins
The Altar Flowers and Bulletins are given by Mary Starkweather in celebration of her husband Jerry's 89th birthday. Happy Birthday!
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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 This Week

Our music ministry this week will be provided by Billie Thatcher. Billie will sing a Holy Spirit Medley (Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome", "Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart", and "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place". Billie will also be singing "Have Faith in God", "One Bread, One Body" (a communion hymn) and "He's More Than Wonderful" (by Sandi Patty).  .  


Read More About: Billie Thatcher




Kevin O'Connell will accompany Billie and play our prelude. The Memorial Chimes will be played by Nancy Doggett.
Holy Communion
HOLY COMMUNION will be served this Sunday, March 7th. If you are watching online please prepare in advance by having bread and "wine" available. All are welcome at His table.
Lenten Season
Lent continues until Saturday, April 3rd (the day before Easter). This is the time to use the prayer list and remember those who are struggling in prayer. Please use the "Our Daily Bread" devotionals that are available to you in the narthex free of charge. Feel free to take additional copies to give to friends.
Worship Services
WE WANT YOU SAFE AT OUR WORSHIP SERVICES.  Join us each Sunday at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary. Temperatures will be checked, social distancing will be observed, masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe. Your cooperation is essential to keeping our church family safe. If you have health issues that make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 please watch from home. God is wherever you are and we are always joined in spirit. The service will be similar to the one we have been using online. 
Reservations will need to be made by calling the church office (M-W-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Making a reservation means you will have a seat. They are not reserved seats. First come - first choice.
Face Mask Policy:

Please note that masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe. A face shield by itself doesn't protect YOU or the people around you. It must be worn with a face mask to protect yourself and others.  If you have difficulty breathing with a face mask, please consider watching Online from home.
March Birthdays
Bev Greene (4), Bob Martin (7), Sandy Hoffmann (8), Jerry Starkweather and Nancy Cowell (9), Jim Denholm (11), Diane Dresback (14), Gilbert Regan (17), Nancy Doggett (26), Margie Hutchinson (27), and Janet Doran (29).

(If we missed your birthday, please, let us know. We will add you to m list.)
March Mission Projects
The MARCH MISSION PROJECT is a church ministry in the Lowell Correctional Institution for women by Rev. Kristina (Kris) Schonewolf. This exciting ministry gives us the chance to touch the lives of women from our area who will be truly blessed and directed by God's love expressed through believers like you. 

As always the mission offering is divided between the designated mission and our own Infant and Toddler Pantry.
Mark Your Calendar
JESUS: THE GOD WHO KNOWS YOUR NAME. This book and Bible study developed by author Max Lucado will be our Lenten Study for 2021. Unfortunately, there was not enough interest to form a class this holy season, however, we will provide a online study each Wednesday during Lent. At 1 p.m. on Wednesday go to our church website and click on "facebook LIVE". Pastor Jim will give a brief study and there will be a video presentation by Max Lucado. This week's study is "Compassionate Physician".  Remember: there is no class at the church only online.

COMING THURSDAY, MARCH 25TH.  There will be a "Diaper Drop Off" in the church parking lot from 10 a.m. till noon. The Infant and Toddler Pantry needs diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), clothing (boys and girls), and other baby items you may wish to donate. This is to help make up for the canceled Style Show. Spread the word.

Covid-19 Update
We continue to have limited seating at our Sunday 10 a.m. service in our sanctuary. Temperatures will be checked, social distancing will be observed, masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe until the danger is passed. 

If you have health issues that make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 please watch from home. God is wherever you are and we are always joined in spirit. 

Reservations will need to be made by calling the church office (M-W-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Making a reservation means you will have a seat. They are not reserved seats. First come - first choice.

Thank you for your love and support during this unprecedented time. We have never faced anything like this before and feel great pressure to do the right thing for our church family.
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
We are pleased that many in our church family are planning to use the beautiful new Memorial Garden as part of their end of life planning. We are currently reserving locations in Section A of the garden. Seventeen of the first section of 34 sites are already reserved. A $500 donation covers your internment site, granite marker, engraving, memorial service, and "perpetual care". If you want the best choice of locations in the garden now is the time to reserve. This is not a fund raiser for the church. It is to provide members and friends with a beautiful, yet economical, final resting place here at the church we all love. Contact the office for an informational appointment.
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 live stream 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.

If you would like to get a reminder of an upcoming Live event on Facebook,
click follow (optional).

Don't forget to SHARE the video stream with your friends when it begins.
Accessing our live stream 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! 
Two factors have begun to have an effect on our church giving. First of all the "seasonal residents" have now made their pilgrimage to the north country. This creates a drop off in giving each year. This year we have had this problem compounded by the COVID-19 closing of church facilities and programs. It was not as pronounced at first, however, the longer this situation continues the more people forget we must support the church for it to continue to provide ministry and service at the levels people expect. 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!!!
NOTICE: There will not be an Easter Egg Hunt this year because of COVID-19. We are collecting Easter candy to place in gift bags for the children.

2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available after church in the narthex. Using the envelope system helps the church treasurer provide you with an accurate record of your giving annually. In the box is an initial offering envelope that covers the cost to the church of providing the envelope system and the yearly donation we make to the national church. 

ONLINE SERVICE. Last week (2/21/2021) 200 people viewed our online service and 75 attended our online Lenten Study. 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. www.TheCongregationalChurch.org

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.
                 
Thought for the Week
"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God." – Ronald Reagan    

 "God loves you. He wants you to succeed. He wants the best
for you." – Norman Vincent Peale


A Lenten Prayer 
O God, there is a time to be silent. These difficult days are a time of listening, waiting, watching. Hearts are heavy as we witness the continuing pain in our country and culture. Forgive us for not raising our voices and rolling up our sleeves to help. Oh God, forgive us, as we pray with sighs too deep for words.  With your help, we walk through this dark night of the soul, knowing already
that the resurrection comes and that we are not left forever in despair. Until that Easter morn, O God, sustain us in the darkness, teach us to walk to the
cross and know its meaning before we move on. Amen.
Prayer Requests for March 7, 2021

Please pray for Janet Moe and family as her father Ken Bradeen passed away this morning. He was 99 years young and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Please pray for Irene Stackel. Irene is Melanie Rafferty's mother. She has directed our Pilgrim Singers group and attended services with her family at our church. She recently had cancer surgery and faces a long recovery. Pray for Irene and family.

Larry Landermann is asking for prayers for his sister, Joan Fridlington. Joan has pneumonia and is currently in Hospice care in New Jersey. Thank you for your prayers.

Nancy Reid is requesting prayers for Ron Wisk. He is a dear friend who is in ICU on a ventilator suffering from COVID-19. Thank you for your prayers.

Please pray for Anna Dewitt, She is Jim and Dawn's granddaughter in Wisconsin. She sustained a severe foot injury while playing soccer and it requires a surgery on 2/25/21. Anna is at home, surgery went well. She is resting, elevating and icing her foot. Please continue to pray for a successful rehab and recovery. Thank you all.

Sandy Hoffmann is requesting prayers for Diane Dresback. Diane's cardiac catherization was done today 2/23/21 and she did well according to Sandy. Diane is at home, Dr.'s are working on getting her medications adjusted for beneficial results. Please continue to pray for comfort and healing.

Penny and Joe Stinton are asking for prayers for their good friend's 17 year old niece. She was just diagnosed with brain cancer, her name is Emily Monahan. She had just been accepted to Clemson. Please pray for a successful treatment plan and a comfort for Emily and her family.

Please pray for Gale Wigner. Gale, our amazing greeter, has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had successful surgery on 2/22/21 and is at home recovering. They are waiting for biopsy reports. If you want to send a card: 6819 Williams Lake Rd., Waterford, MI 48329.

A special request from Darla Webb for a friend: Send a card, please! I would greatly appreciate if you could send a card to my grandson. He needs cheering up. Two & 1/2 months ago I had a successful kidney transplant. I am so grateful. However, at the same I was in surgery my grandson was air lifted to Duke Hospital for an open heart surgery. It was discovered that he has a cancerous tumor called Cardiac Angiosarcoma in his heart. Our grandson Jasper Jawanda is only 16 years old. The survival rate is 6-10 months. It is rare for much more. There is no cure. It would bring great joy to him if you could kindly send him a card. The message should just be that he is in your prayers. Thank you in advance. Send to: Jasper S. Jawanda, 660 N. Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines NC 28387

Diane Dresback is requesting prayers for her friend Sally Finan's sister Becky. Becky had a colonoscopy and the bowel was nicked.She is now home still having discomfort. Please pray for relief of pain and healing.

Please pray for Kathy Hall who lives in Santo Domingo. She had a heart ablation at Shands Hospital which was not successful and had open heart surgery as the result. She came home and is being taken care of by her daughter Beth. Please continue to pray for healing and her family.

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.

Penny Stinton asks for prayer for her water aerobics teacher, Jeanne Marciante. Last year Jeanne battled colon cancer successfully. She has now been diagnosed with brain cancer. Pray for Jeanne.

Pray for the family and friends of Billy Field. Billy was our sound tech and a good friend to our church. He passed away suddenly, at the age of 55, on January 28th,. The church has established a fund to help the Field family. Your gifts can be sent to the church with the check made out to the church and in the memo section "The Field Family Fund".
Please continue to pray for Shannon and children in this very difficult time.

Please pray for Libby Regan as she is having a cardiac catheterization on 2/2/21. Libby did well with her procedure and will return to her Dr.'s office for follow up instructions and recommendations. She thanks all for the concern and prayers.

Ann Denholm requests prayers for Janet Brooks who attended our church prior to the pandemic. She has been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer. She was in Shands hospital but now is home recovering. Please pray for healing and comfort.

Please pray for Dick Simonet on the recent passing of his dear wife Patricia. A memorial service will be planned in the near future.

Pray for Nancy Carroll who is battling pancreatic cancer and is on Hospice care. Nancy is a friend of Penny Stinton.

Pray for Cassondra, a nurse in New York, who has been working with COVID - 19 patients. She now has tested positive for the virus.

Please pray for Pam Sabo. Pam had successful knee replacement surgery. Pray for a good healing/recovery. She is doing outpatient therapy presently and working hard for good results.

Pray for Bob and Jean Gorney. They are both dealing with severe pain. Bob in the shoulder and Jean in her back. Pray for pain relief.

Please pray for Bob Gorney's brother, Anthony. Anthony is dealing with cancer and the treatments. Pray for strength and comfort.

Bob Brooks is asking for prayer for his wife, Carol. Carol has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her surgery at Moffit Hospital is March 9,2021. Please pray for a successful surgery, recovery, healing and strength.

Please pray for Robert Schmehl of Reading, Pa. Bob has just been diagnosed with COVID.

Harriet & Bob Dawson request prayer for Jim and Joy Meyers of Port Charlotte, FL. Jim & Joy both have COVID-19.

Please pray for infant, Mika Scott, he was born with several birth issues. He will have surgery soon in Orlando. He was born on 12/6/20 and weighed 6 lbs 9 oz. His family is assisted by our Infant and Toddler Pantry..

Please pray for Angelo and Lauren Rosado, neighbors of Paul and Darlene Fortin, the Rosados have tested positive for COVID. Anthony is now negative and in rehab recovering. Lauren remains in the hospital fighting to recover. Please continue to pray..

Please pray for John Robertson. John had a bad fall and broke his right arm in several places. He is waiting for further word from the doctors on a treatment option and is currently resting at home with his arm in a sling. Also, pray for his wife Dorothy as she helps him deal with the situation.

Billie Thatcher requests prayers for her friend's son, Bruce Landis. Bruce is in Vanderbilt University Hospital with liver issues and may need a transplant. Thank you for your prayers for Bruce.

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. This dear lady needs our encouragement and prayers. If you want to send a card or note (2 US stamps needed for Canada) her address is: Dawn Payzant, 1058 Albany New Road, Caledonia, Nova Scotia, BOT 1BO, Canada. They do not have any family close by and the prayers of our church family will be a blessing.

Pray for Steve Feustel. Steve is home having rehab and overcoming the effects of a stroke. Pray for Steve and Beth.

Pray for Carole Masters, Jim Keough's Administrative Assistant for many years in Michigan, who had a bad fall and broke her arm just below the shoulder. Pray for healing and relief from pain. She recently underwent surgery.

Please pray for Mike Howard. Mike is recuperating in rehab after a surgical procedure on his arm. He is healing well, is able to get out to visit 'Help is on the way' in Michigan. He will be staying at the rehab center for 2 more months.

Please pray for Janice Nystrom. Janice is the wife of our Board of Trustees chairperson, Carl Nystrom. Janice had a recent hospital stay at The Villages Hospital and will recuperate at home.

Please pray for Cathy Reitmyer's niece, Renee. Renee has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. She is only 37 years old and has 4 young children.

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.

Please pray for Ruth McGuy. Ruth, a long time member of our church, had surgery recently in Massachusetts. She will be having radiation treatments in a few weeks. Ruth's address is 6 Mary Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771.
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.

Please pray for Michelle Mindak Makas. Michelle had cancer surgery recently in New Orleans and is now back home in Florida recuperating. Penny Stinton sends an update on Michelle; She is in the "clear", doing rehab and returning to work part time. She is so very thankful for all your prayers.

Continue to pray for Cathy Reitmyer as she is recovering from heart issues.  Please pray for Cathy and her Mom (Rose).

Pray for Carolyn Baker. Carolyn had a total hip replacement and came home the same day. She is doing well and being taken to outpatient rehab twice weekly by her good friend Jesse Edwards. Please continue to pray for healing and good rehab results.

Please pray for Bennie Exum's son, David, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis.

Pray for Jerry Starkweather's long time friend, Les Hartzman, who was diagnosed with lung cancer and is going through chemo and radiation.

Please pray for Leslie Tate, she is the wife of Otto Souder. She is battling cancer and other health issues. She is home presently recovering from her hospitalization. Please pray for healing and strength.

Please pray for Bev Huey, a friend of Cathy Reitmyer, who has been diagnosed with kidney failure and had a recent heart procedure.

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.

Please pray for Cathy Kivitt, the sister-in-law of Charles and Kathy Kivitt, she is battling cancer and other health issues. Pray for healing, comfort and strength.

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.

The children who visit our Infant and Toddler Pantry and their families.

Pray for the success of our new church programs: The Memorial Garden, and The Infant and Toddler Literacy Program. Thank you.

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
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for more information:
Church Office: (352) 693-4545
Reverend Jim: (352) 250-6160