God's Acre MCC ~ Weekly Newsletter |
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Good morning,
When we are in need, we don’t always ask for help but, as Christians, we should all be looking out for people who we can help, all the time.
There are more people in need now more than ever before; as Jesus followers we should be able to see that need and do something about it.
There are so many people who are not working, because of the crisis of the pandemic. I would like you to think, and reflect, on how you might be able to help, maybe by donating to the food banks, and/or the homeless shelters and refuges in the Ocala area.
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Brother’s Keeper, the Salvation Army, First Step, Interfaith Emergency are just a few local charities that have a daily soup kitchen, along with a shelter for men and women; we also have many local food banks that really are in need right now.
On my last visit to Brother's Keeper homeless shelter, to drop off some blankets, I noticed that the line outside the food bank was much longer than the last time I passed it; there are also always people lining up for lunch every day.
So, I ask you all today, please look at what you can do to help these people; our weather in Florida has been very cold this year and we have even more people sleeping on our streets.
I know that currently the shelter needs sheets, blankets and toiletries (especially for the women) and others who stay there.
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Following Jesus means letting others see the reflection of Jesus in our faces, as we see the face of Jesus in theirs.
Under normal circumstances we would hold the food drive in our church but, as we are not having in person worship right now, I would ask you to go along and add your donations to the shelter, or food bank, to help them help others today.
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May God continue to bless you all this week, Amen.
In Christ
Rev. Janice
Rev. Janice Bowker
Senior Pastor | God's Acre MCC
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This Week's Sunday Service
24th January 2021
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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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Jesus Take Me As I Am
Invitation Music
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Starting 3rd February 2021
Online Bible Study
Wednesday Evenings at 7pm
Only those registered will receive the link to attend
Information will be sent out, to all who have signed up, by 2nd February
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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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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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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
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
10th - Online Bible Study
7pm on Zoom
Registration Required
14th - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
17th - ASH WEDNESDAY
In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
17th - Online Bible Study
7pm on Zoom
Registration Required
21st - In person Service Cancelled
Recording will be made available
24th - Online Bible Study
7pm on Zoom
Registration Required
28th - 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: Sandy B
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
*Prayers of peace for our country & our world
*Prayers for Ed & Beverly;
*For continued strength & guidance for all of our members & online viewers
*Prayers of healing for David K, following his cataract surgery
*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 Paul, Roy, Betty, Jon McB, Lois, Blake, Megan, Sandy, Letty, Alan, Maureen, Rebecca
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*Help every person to know peace, patience & kindness
*Please keep the homeless safe, whilst they sleep on the streets; please keep the shelters & food banks supplied, os that they can provide food & warm shelter for them
*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
*Thanks for ALL essential workers, doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store workers, utility workers
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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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23rd - Sandy B
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'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 31st January 2021
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Vaccines are still en route; many have arrived, however, they are not being distributed as fast as everyone had hoped, so for many of us, we still have to keep waiting for that phone call, calling us in to receive the vaccine.
Appointments are available at Publix Pharmacies, CVS & Walgreens , so keep checking with them to book your place. COVID-19 is still very rampant, especially with more new strains being identified, 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. MASK UP - KEEP YOUR DISTANCE - WASH YOUR HANDS - STAY HOME - STOP THE SPREAD
The figures have risen yet again this week; we now have 23,124 cases in Marion county, which is another jump of 1,180 new cases during this last week.
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.
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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: Online Worship Only During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Mailing Address: PO Box 770240, Ocala, FL 34477-0240
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