God's Acre MCC ~ Weekly Newsletter |
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As October comes to an end there’s an autumnal feeling in the air, that we don’t often get in Florida; but when we do it’s quite pleasant; we’re able to get on with those outside jobs done that we’ve been putting off during the hot weather.
There’s an old saying that we find God in our Garden; the more time we spend in our gardens, the closer to God we become. There are many parallels with working in the garden and faith; we plant seeds and bulbs; we cover them over with soil; we water them, then hope and pray they will sprout and give us a beautiful flowers or vegetables.
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God also plants seeds in us and hopes it will bear fruit. Fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All the fruits of the spirit are grown in a believer’s soul.
How will these fruits will benefit us, and other people? Sometimes we can be overwhelmed with our own personal circumstances that are beyond our control. This is the time when we need to place our trust in God our Creator, who shows us grace, understanding and helps us through our difficult situation.
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Prayers for patience have helped me over the years. Here's a prayer you might like to say this week:
“Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart that seeks the best for others. Help me show empathy and compassion to everyone and do so with gentleness and respect.
When people or circumstances don’t meet my expectations, empower me to show grace and understanding. Help me see my situation, from your perspective, so that I can always rejoice and show patience when needed; in Jesus’ name, amen
May you all be blessed this week.
In Christ
Rev. Janice
Rev. Janice Bowker
Senior Pastor | God's Acre MCC
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This Week's Service
31st October 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.
You can also view the Closed Captions [CC] by clicking that options when viewing.
If you have a SMART TV, you can also view our services directly on your TV via our:
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Mercy Endures
Darlene Zschech
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Our finances are really running very low now; as a member, or regular watcher of our services online, we are asking for YOUR HELP.
We still have monthly bills / expenses to pay - they don't just go away because the church is not meeting in person. This is everyone's church & we need YOU to help us keep it running.
By financially supporting us with your tithes & offerings, we can start to reverse this critical financial crisis.
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We know that times are tough & many of you are on a fixed income; however, even $5, $10, $20, $50 - received regularly can (and will) make a big difference.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW
If you have ever been blessed by God, we ask that you bless your church. Please give something back to God.
We have made it very easy to donate, either by mailing a check or using our online option. You can easily donate online, by clicking on the button below
Or, 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
Please take a moment to think how this church has blessed you, over time. Please support your church, as God supports & blesses you every day.
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November 2021
7th - View Recorded Service via YouTube
NO In-Person worship yet
14th - View Recorded Service via YouTube
NO In-Person worship yet
14th - Annual Congregational Meeting
Members will be sent Zoom link
12:30pm US Eastern / 5:30pm UK
18th - Online Coffee Morning, via Zoom
with Rev. Janice
11am US Eastern / 4pm UK
21st - View Recorded Service via YouTube
NO In-Person worship yet
24th - Online Healing Service via Zoom
5:30pm US Eastern / 10:30pm UK
28th - View Recorded Service via YouTube
NO In-Person worship yet
30th - Online Meditation via Zoom
2pm US Eastern / 7pm UK
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Annual Congregation Meeting
Sunday 14th November 2021
12:30pm (US Eastern)
The meeting will be held on ZOOM & the link will be sent out to members in advance.
The Congregational Meeting Document Package has been Mailed Out to ALL Members; the Post Office have advised that mail is taking a few extra days to process & arrive. Please let us know if you have not received your packet by 6th November.
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USED STAMPS NEEDED PLEASE
We are still asking for your help to collect used postage stamps, to help a charity raise some much needed funds.
Henshaws, a UK based charity, supports people living with sight loss and other disabilities to go beyond expectations.
Their support, advice and training enables people, and their families, to build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.
All you need do, is tear off the stamps & collect them until you have a pile & then you can either drop them off at church, or mail them in to the church mailing address.
We'll do the rest & get them to the charity. Thank you all, for your help.
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*Continued prayers of thanks for Rev. Janice; for her tireless work, as she continues to guide & shepherd us, with hope & in faith, at this critical time for our church; may we not take her for granted
*On these All Saints & All Souls Days, we remember the following loved ones & friends, who have passed; may they be forever in our hearts: Arvo, DeeDee, Margaret, Nick K, Roma, Angela, Martin, Marcus, Rosamund, Alfred Ernest, Marjorie, Rev. Elder Jean White, Jim D's brother, members of the Pinkney family,
*Bold prayers of healing for Hettie, who is very sick in hospital in the UK
*Prayers for Jakki who has COVID
*Healing for Paul G, who has injured his back; for Justin, Tracey, Roslyn, Carl, Martin in the UK; Ritchie in TX, Kim & Ray P, Norma, Laura, Jakob, Megan, Pam, Wayne, Letty, Sandy, Kaye, Deb Nick D, Jon McB, Susan S, Camille, Val, Delores & Herb; Maureen's cousin - Diane
*Continued prayers of strength for Bebe & her family
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*Mighty prayers for God's Acre, as we continue to bring worship online through this pandemic; that the church will survive at this critical financial time
*Continued prayers for our country & the world
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As our members will have read, in the paperwork that has been mailed out in advance of the congregational meeting, it is our hope and prayer that we can look at re-opening again, in time for the start of Advent and into Christmas and the New Year.
Of course, there will still be some factors to watch for, over the next few weeks, but all being well, that is the plan.
We just can't wait to get back together, in the sanctuary, and enjoy worship in-person together again. Please keep that in your prayers, that we can make that happen.
If the majority can get their boosters, that will be a huge step forward to re-opening too.
This week's update come from the Florida Coronavirus Update & Information Group:
“Where are we in terms of % vaccinated: As of this week, 13,932,791 residents, or 73% of people age 12 and up, have received at least one vaccination shot, including 11,089,145 who have completed their shot regimens through Oct. 28.
On Oct. 23, the number of residents who had completed their shot regimens was reported as 11,279,765.
The week before, on Oct. 15, it was reported as 11,315,689. (Many are getting boosters and being moved from “series complete” to “additional dose” section.
**Where we are in terms of cases:
The FDOH also reported 12,880 new coronavirus cases this week among Florida residents to bring the cumulative total to 3,647,277.
With 867 more fatalities on record, 59,670 Florida residents have died.
Presently, the positivity rate decreased to 3%, but that’s for *new cases* only and excludes anyone who previously tested positive that has been reinfected.
With the help of vaccination and monoclonal antibodies coupled with all the organic infections we have come to a quiet lull after a huge wave with the Delta variant, one that will require us to get boosters to keep the seas calm, so to speak.
Remember: Huge tidal waves can sink the boat, calm seas make for nice sailing.
For those still flying by the seat of their pants who are relying on “organic immunity” on this one or rather using their pants as a sail on their boat — get vaccinated.
You are 5 times more likely to become reinfected without the help of the vaccine. (Latest research from the CDC)
According to the CDC, 59.5% of the state’s population is vaccinated and stresses people should get their boosters.
As always: Get vaccinated, Mask Up, Keep your distance, Wash your hands, Stay informed, Get your booster when it’s time, Stay safe
We continue to monitor the weekly information to assess when it might be safe to try to reopen again.
Let's all keep extra vigilant & do our bit to stay safe. We will continue to offer our services online, for you to participate in.
Please continue to keep Rev. Janice & the Board in your prayers, as they work towards reopening soon.
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November Birthdays
9th - Fran M
17th - Letty C
18th - Murphy
23rd - Dennis M
26th - Maureen P
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 use Amazon, how about trying AmazonSmile? Every time you shop online, using AmazonSmile, you can help God's Acre raise more money.
Join AmazonSmile
Simply sign up by selecting your favorite charity:
God's Acre MCC, Inc
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Worship Address: Online Worship Only via YouTube, Facebook Page & Website
Mailing Address: PO Box 770240, Ocala, FL 34477-0240
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