E-Courier May 6th, 2021
Our Vision: We strive to live Jesus' charge to love one another and lead others to a growing relationship with God.
Friends,
The words that you hear in one time and place can have an entirely different impact on you if you hear them in another time and place. Take the simple words, “How are you doing?” If I say those words as you pass by me at the door of the sanctuary, we might perceive that as just a polite greeting. If I say those words while I am visiting you in the hospital, the words have much more focus and different meaning. They are the exact same words, but they carry a different resonance, intensity, and inflection based upon the context and setting.
My point in sharing that thought with you is for us to consider what that meaning shift means with the setting in John’s gospel. When reading John’s gospel, such a point is important. For us as readers we need to remember his words are always sounding different in at least two different contexts. There is immediate story line in John’s gospel that moves the story forward. That is the unfolding narrative of Christ and his ministry as recorded by John. We also need to remember he was writing to a certain community that gave birth to the Gospel and their setting (some two or three generations after Christ’s life on earth) was much later than the narrative John’s gospel. (Note: A third context is always present as well, which is what does the text mean today. That point is true but not explored in today’s writing.)
Consider how these same words sound in these two different contexts. Just before Jesus’ death he says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In its story form, that verse leaps out as an interpretation of Christ’s sacrificial action. Jesus is about to suffer and die. But what happens if we read those words in the context of a Johannine community, as it encounters increasing conflict with Rome and the Jewish community? The meaning shifts slightly and not only refer to Christ and his death but now the change in setting adds the sacrifice of the members of the community in a hostile world.
So, as we ponder John 15:9-17, the meaning moves between the two with the following verses:
·      “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (15:11).”
·      “I do not call you servants any longer… but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I heard from my Father (15:15).”
·      “You did not choose me, but I chose you (15:16a).”
In reading through this week’s text, remember to explore and reflect on the process of growing into the words of Christ, reflect on how the life of a faithful community is led deeper and deeper into the meaning of joy, friendship, and being chosen followers of Christ. Friends, we live in a complex world, and as we hold our lives up considering Christ’s words to us, may God give us the vision that answers Christ’s deepest hopes and prayers. May God equip us with strength as we move out as his faith-filled disciples.
Shalom,
Eddie Bellis, pastor
Verses for the Week are John 15:9-17
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, May 9th - Mother's Day
Happy Birthday Estela Tovar
10:00 a.m. Blended Worship Service in Sanctuary (Live Stream available via clpc.us)
(or broadcast in your car in the church parking lot on 89.1FM)
11:30 a.m. Spanish Worship Service (Chapel)
12:30 - 2 p.m. Spanish Service Lunch (in Fellowship Hall)

Monday, May 10th
Happy Birthday Jeanne Gaub
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Food Pantry (FH/Side Rm)     
4:30 - 7 p.m. Food Pantry (FH/Side Rm)     
7:00 p.m. Men's Bible Study (Chapel)

Tuesday, May 11th
Happy Birthday Hawley Botchford
Happy Birthday Mark Gisse
6:00 p.m. Voices in Bronze Bells Rehearsal
7:15 p.m. Deacons Meeting In Person/ Zoom
 
Wednesday, May 12th
Happy Birthday Judy Norris
8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Caloosa Carvers (in Fellowship Hall)
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Faithful Women (in Library)
5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Dinner-Chicken cordon bleu lasagna (in Fellowship Hall)
7:00 p.m. Gloria Choir Rehearsal
7 - 8 p.m. Scout Troops (Chapel)
 
Thursday, May 13th
Happy Birthday Betsy Luchenburg
Happy Birthday  Leidys Martin
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Knit 1 – Pray 2 (Rm.#2)
6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry (In Person)
7 - 8 p.m. Evening Bible Study (Last meeting until Fall)

Friday, May 14th
Happy Birthday Hal Slusher
Office closed

Saturday, May 15th
No Events
ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 9th - 15th
Nominating Committee Congregation Meeting: The Session calls a Congregation Meeting on May 16th for the purpose of electing new officers and a Nominating Committee. The meeting will immediately follow the 10 a.m. service on May 16th in the church’s sanctuary.

Wednesday Night Dinners: Each Wednesday in May. May 12th dinner will be: Chicken cordon bleu lasagna with green beans, bread and dessert. The dinner service will be at 5:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex on Sundays or in the church office during the week. Please let Mark Gisse know of any allergies and he will try to accommodate you. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of the dinner. In the past $5 was suggested and this covered the entire cost of the dinner with a little left over for the Church. For anyone who has never been to a Wednesday night dinner, you do not go away hungry.

Men's Group: Men of CLPC have started to meet on Monday evenings in the Chapel with a new format. At 6:30, we'll be discussing our church and talking ideas about how we can be intentional disciples. At 7:00, we shift to Bible Study, discussing last week's and next week's passages. We're a discipleship group with fellowship, research, and study. We're hoping to grow this community of men, and we'd like you to be a part of it. Reach out to Bruno Mauer or Steve Norris for more information. We'd love to see you on Monday night.

PW Bible Study: A new study will begin in October 2021.

PW Gift of Love Offering : Our Presbyterian Women’s Gift of Love offering is over and above each woman’s family pledge to the church. Our budget, our giving and our participation in church mission projects depends on the work of each one of us. If we give generously as individuals, our organization will be able to give generously. Giving envelopes will be available in the church office and the narthex and checks should be made out to CLCP Presbyterian Women. Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping PW during this difficult year.

PW Officer Nominations: The Presbyterian Women organization is looking for a new moderator and a new secretary for the coming fiscal year. If you know someone who would be interested in these positions please contact Marietta Meacham, Audrey Renn or any coordinating team member.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: It's Back!! Come on, come all to our Knit 1 – Pray 2 Prayer Shawl where we have an opportunity for you to get involved with the Presbyterian Women of our church. We meet every Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 P.M. in Room #2 in building #1 (facing Cypress Lake Drive). We knit or crochet a Prayer Shawl to take to members that are sick, home bound, OR just need a little encouragement. We can teach you how to make these and the pattern is not hard to learn. Come out and enjoy our fellowship and a chance to help someone in need. More information, call Matilda Wilson, 239-489-3582 .
Faithful Women: Come join the Faithful Women’s group for fun and fellowship on the May 12th from 12:30-2:30p. This will be the last meeting until Fall. We meet in the library.  Questions? Contact Garlet Grenz (239) 826-7154 or Kay Slusher (239) 246-4671
Stephen Ministry: Stephen Ministers meet the 1st Thursdays of the month In Person at 6:30 p.m. and the 3th Thursday of the month via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.
What is Stephen Ministry? Can a Stephen Minister help me during the pandemic? Stephen Ministry is a way our church provides care to hurting people in our congregation and community. Contact Pastor Eddie at eddie@clpc.us or Ginny Canning canningrhm@aol.com or 239-247-1042 for information.
Clothes Closet: The Clothes Closet is accepting donations so we are collecting CLOTHING again. (Please NO household items outside of clothing & items listed below.)
Drop off in the Narthex or during the week in the Office, Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm.
*Currently C.C. is in Need of NEW Underwear, Socks, Bras and Infant Supplies (diapers, blankets, sheets, etc.)
*Please separate clothes from non-clothes items into different bags.
*Monetary donations may be made out & mailed to: Faith United Methodist Church Attn Clothes Closet 15690 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Church Directory: Here is a link for the Church Directory (Updated 4/7/2021)

Office Hours: The normal office hours are now Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm. If you have a question or concern, please contact Katie Gayle at office@clpc.us

Office Contact Information:
Pastor Eddie: eddie@clpc.us
Pastor Joel: joel@clpc.us
Rachel Carrier (Director of Traditional Worship): rachel@clpc.us
John Ferris (Praise Team Leader): john@clpc.us
Katie Gayle (Office Manager): office@clpc.us

Give Online: For your convenience you can Give Online. Just click the link below.

Finance Report: Click Here to view the finance report as of 5/5/21
Help Needed at CLPC: Anyone that wishes to be trained for the sound booth and the video console. We need to have at least 2 more people trained.  Please email Keith Schneider ktsfamily@live.com or Brian Granstra BrianGranstra@gmail.com

Ushers/Greeters Needed: There is a need for ushers/greeters for the summer months. This is a great opportunity to meet members and greet newcomers.  It is an easy 1 hour volunteer job. Please email Karen Clifford at mrsgabby37@aol.com
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In Remembrance ...
On May 2nd, 2021, Helen Davis, a member of CLPC, passed away in Dublin, GA. Click the link below for more information about visitation and burial Funeral/Visitation Info .
Birthdays

May 9th - 15th
9th       Estela Tovar
10th      Jeanne Gaub
11th      Hawley Botchford
11th      Mark Gisse
12th      Judy Norris
13th      Betsy Luchenburg
13th      Leidys Martin
14th      Harold Slusher
 
Anniversaries

May 9th - 15th
None
 _______

Prayer List

Homebound
Frank Alberti
Elly Bartoe
Hal Gerhardt
Shirley Gerstenberger
Audrey Hayward
Al Hornung
Bob McFedries
Nan Read
Jean Hurst

Deployed Military
Javan Henderson
Randy Pepper
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Al & Shirley Haager’s Friend, Holly Scothern
Alex Kiss
Amanda Johnson’s Friend’s Father, Jeff Ward
Barb Pappalardo’s son Brett & friends; Don & Trisha Winship
Bev & George Westacott
Brenda Harcourt & her Son and family
Carolyn Hornung’s; Friends: Dawn Paulson, Sarah, Alamar, Lauren Paulson
Cindy Carver
Connie Hope’s Son, John Hope, & Friends: Brighton Curcio,
   Denise Curcio, Souleigha Curcio, Kendaen Curcio
Donna Brown’s Dad, Don Sporn
Elly Bartoe’s daughter-in-Law, Kimberly and Barb DeVore
Family of Helen Davis
Gregory Bradley
Iglesia El Redentor in Matanzas, Cuba
Jean Shell & Nephew, Tony
Jim & Matilda Wilson Friends: Millie Vazquez, Cheryl Dami
Jim Huffman's wife, Kathy
Joyce Botchford’s brother, Jim Tharp
Judy Schulte’s niece, Julie and Maybell
Karen Clifford’s Mom, Mary
Ken Vanswearingen & cousin
Kirk Charles’s nieces, Stacy Charles & Jessica Colondona & friend Rob
Larry & Christine Johnson’s Nieces, Megan Heinaman & Erin Johnson
Pam Smith’s Friend, Susan Christopher
Pastor Joel and wife, Miriam
Rich & Marietta Meacham’s Grandson, Ben, Daughter, Michelle
   Friends: Paul Timmons, Trasi, Gary & Suzanne
Sandy Wharton’s Sister, Marilyn Derau
Scott Heffington’s Mother, Ona Riggin
Sharon Werner’s sister-in-law Connie & Friends; Steve & Kathy Krug
Spanish Ministry Members with Immigration Process
Stacia Kiss-Shoemaker’s granddaughter Izzy & Friend Claire Keaser
Steve Norris, and friends, Jim and Jan Benadum, Terry Crockett
Sue & Marty Chanofsky
Tim Baldwin’s Son, Darren          
Walt & Pat France and Son, Scott France
Our Mission: Led by the Holy Spirit, we joyfully reach out to the community and the world in faithful love and service as we mature in Discipleship and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.