April 7, 2024

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL UCC

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY

10:30 AM

JOIN US FROM ANYWHERE ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP RESOURCES BELOW

WORSHIP BULLETIN

HYMNS

"Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain"

"As we Gather at Your Table"

"Peace I Leave With You, My Friends"

Sheet Music is here! Remember to click. Special Music links too!

SPECIAL MUSIC

"These Things Did Thomas Count"

"My Peace"

“WELCOME!"

We are so glad you are here!”

As we enter our church, as we live as members, as we experience important life-cycle events (falling in love, marrying, parenting, baptism, coming out, transitioning, etc.), words of welcome and support, understanding and love are what we all long for. This manifestation of God’s Extravagant Welcome and the justice and social witness that accompany it are the heart of what we hope to show our community and all who walk through the doors of Christ Congregational United Church of Christ.

PEACE BE WITH YOU!

April 5, 2024

Returning the Alleluia is Mary Tirb, the keeper of the Alleluia,

escorted by her son Greg.

Bianca's You Better Bee-lieve It Corner

CITIZENSHIP DRIVE:

🙏Church Family!🙏

We're excited to announce our upcoming Citizenship Drive, and we're inviting YOU to join us in this noble endeavor!

💒Step into the spirit of service on April 6th from 9:30am to 3pm as we extend our hands in support of aspiring citizens. Whether it's offering guidance, lending a listening ear, or simply sharing a smile, your presence can make a world of difference.

📜Embrace the opportunity to embody the values of compassion and hospitality as we walk alongside our neighbors on their journey to citizenship.

🎉Let's come together as a church family, united in purpose and bound by our commitment to serve others with love and grace.

Flyers will be shared with you soon, please feel free to invite friends, neighbors and family!

Let Bianca know if you want to participate! (Registration to follow!)

Pride Parade!

🌈 Calling all rainbow revelers and allies alike! 🌟

Are you ready to paint the town with pride and joy? Because it's time to mark your calendars and get those dancing shoes ready! 🎉

Join us on April 14th for a vibrant extravaganza as we hit the streets for the annual Pride Parade! 🏳️‍🌈 This year, we're stepping up the celebration with an extra dash of inclusivity and comfort, thanks to our partnership with Safe Schools.

Imagine this: basking in the rainbow glow, surrounded by love and acceptance, as we float through the heart of the city on Safe Schools' fabulous float! 🚀 Whether you're a seasoned parade pro or a first-time marcher, there's a spot for you on board, where the energy is high and the vibes are even higher!

No more worries about long distances or scorching sun – with the float, everyone can be part of the magic, spreading love and solidarity every step (or float) of the way. PLUS! They have invited us to help carry a section of the famous five-mile rainbow flag, a symbol of unity and love that has been part of celebrations nationwide!🌟

So, dust off those sequins, unfurl those flags, and get ready to strut your stuff with pride! Let's show the world that love knows no bounds and that together, we're unstoppable! 💃🕺

Ready to join the parade of a lifetime? Sign up now using the link below and let's make April 14th a day to remember! See you there, shining bright like the rainbow you are! 🌈✨

https://forms.gle/de4kxAhxLEtBKyqdA



JUST Pop Tops!

We are collecting pop tops for a special cause. These pop tops will be donated to support the Ronald McDonald Program, aiding children and families in need. Wondering how your pop tops can make a difference? According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, these tabs are recycled for dollars that directly support the children and families they serve in their Houses. By contributing, you're playing a part in providing crucial assistance to those in our community who need it most. Let's make this season a time of joy, creativity, and giving!

Join us and be a part of this wonderful initiative—where every pop top collected brings smiles and support to those in our community who can use it most.



April is Earth Month!

A time to celebrate and honor our planet and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the natural world around us.

Please click the below images to learn more about events and activities happening in Miami-Dade county and surrounding areas.

Planning for Earth Month with the UCC!

Resources for Congregations

Earth month is a great time to further discern how to best answer our first calling as Christians: the caretaking of God’s creation.

Click the image below to check out suggested activities!

The Sympathy of the Church is with the family and friends of Lucille Campbell who entered Life Eternal on Tuesday. Lucille had the joy of living to be 100 years old, able to live independently until very recently. She is shown at the time of her birthday in December 2003 when some of our members visited her. She will be remembered as a lovely lady and a remarkable women. Thanks be to God for Lucille! 

Click above to send a prayer or to read a prayer.

Karen is sharing a Facebook post from her niece Kathy Kirsch. She’s working with the US Embassy in Ukraine keeping the energy systems functional. She’s living in Kiev amidst all of the bombings and going to/ helping to organize the work at these destroyed sites.

Please keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers.

Find Us, Like us, Follow Us, and Share Us

on Social Media!

Facebook: Christ Congregational United Church of Christ

Twitter/X: @CCC_UCC

TikTok: @CCC_UCC

YouTube: ChristCongregational-UCC

Instagram: @christcongregationalucc

REMEMBERED IN OUR CONTINUING PRAYERS

Helen Wiley, Joan Hansen, Maggie McDowell, Paul LeGrand, Frank Tirb, Joy Reid, Daniel Best, The Family & Friends of Rev. Tom Franzman, the family and friends of Linda Soltys, Abigail Castro, Brittany McCune and family, Shawnalee Vassell, Mary Ann Dente, Gary Pearson, Rochelle, Theresa Gambrell, Don Warner, Julie Henkel, Kathy Kirsch and the people of Ukraine and The Family and Friends of Lucille Campbell.



For Pastoral Care Needs, please call Pastor Candy directly at 925-640-9289 or you may call and leave a message with the Church Office, 305-235-9381.

Please let Tracy Williams, Administrative Assistant at office@christcongregationalucc.org or Pastor Candy know if you'd like a name included.

ACTION ITEMS:

• We are all still reeling from the reports of tragic loss of life and continued atrocities taking place in Israel and Gaza. As we mourn, and pray for those who have lost loved ones, we must call on policymakers to support a Just Peace.

Contact Your Legislators

• Urge Congress to call on the administration to expedite protections and critical supports, including visa processing and access to resettlements, for Afghan refugees.

Act Now

• Register to pray for Peace in the Middle East.

Register Here

• Read the letter that was sent to congress.

Read letter

• Contact your State Senators to urge them to defend our democracy by supporting the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Protect Voting Rights

Global Ministries offers a weekly prayer for one of our global mission partners. This week's prayer is with Lesotho. To read their mission moment, please click the Global Ministries IMAGE. Below is this week's prayer, united we pray.

Almighty Father, we humbly approach you, burdened for Lesotho as it marks its 200th anniversary. In the halls of parliament, where destinies are shaped, we implore your transformative touch. Guide leaders with a selfless dedication to the well-being of the Basotho people, fostering stability, eradicating poverty, and envisioning a Lesotho free from conflict. Specifically, we lift up parliamentarians, asking you to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the nation’s pressing needs. May they transcend personal interests and tirelessly work for a Lesotho where every citizen can thrive. As we celebrate this milestone, we seek your divine intervention for everlasting peace to descend upon Lesotho. Let unity prevail, bridging political and socioeconomic gaps. Grant leaders the wisdom to navigate challenges, contributing to a stable government that stands as a beacon of hope. In the midst of festivities, let gratitude for Basotho heritage unify hearts. May this anniversary not just mark time but renew commitment to enduring principles. We entrust Lesotho into your loving hands, dear Lord, praying for a future where prosperity, justice, and peace reign. Amen. Quoting John 20:19-30, we find solace in the words that reassure us of your presence, bringing peace to troubled hearts. Amen.