Between Sundays October 13, 2012

Published: Thu, 10/11/12


October 13, 2012                                                                                             
 
Let's Walk (or Give!)
 
 
Sunday afternoon, several of us will be heading downtown to participate in the 18th Annual CROS Walk. This is a walk that supports the ministry of Christians Reaching Out to Society, whose purpose is to collaborate with people of different faiths and organizations to create solutions to the unmet needs of people in our community. You can still walk with us or make a pledge to support our team of walkers. This year, you can even give online! Just type a pledge amount and the name of the walker you are supporting on our donation page. 

Take a look below for another great way we served our community this week. 

 
We Painted Our Hearts Out!
On October 4th, a group of 8 of us joined other community volunteers to paint the house of a Lake Worth neighbor in need (in 2 1/2 hours!). Thanks to Jimmy Suzanne, Michael, Lynne, Jim, Marty, Desiree,  and Anthony. You can see pictures of all the fun here. And yes, we will do it again soon!

The Waiting Room?
Are you in a "waiting" phase of your life? Waiting for a relationship? Waiting for a job? Are you losing patience? Have you lost sight of God in the waiting? The "Waiting Room" is a new small group for those that would like prayer and support while they are waiting. It will be facilitated by Richmond Schmidt and will take place at his home. Because of his schedule, this will be a group for "night owls" or "early birds," meeting on Thursday morning at 7:30 or Thursday evening at 9:00 PM. Email us if you are interested in this group.

Morning Prayers
You are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings for a time of prayer, song, and silence. It has been a life-giving midweek experience for those of us who have gathered so far. You can find out more information here.

 


 
 
 
Leadership Corner
This week in USA Today, there is an excellent article on the Unitarian Universalist church and it's 15% growth. Over the past ten years (while ALL other Protestant Christian denominations are declining!) Why is this spiritually open, socially progressive denomination thriving? Because they have clarity of vision. 

During our next Church Council Meeting, Pastor Jason will be sharing his reflections on the last five years of our work together and his hopes and dreams for our next five years of ministry. Even if you are not a member of the Council, you are invited (as you always are) to be here for this special time together. This might be an opportunity for you to discover how God wants to invite you into ministry in our community! 
 
 
We're On Facebook!
If you are on Facebook, head over to our Facebook page and "Like" us to keep up with what is going on at First Congregational United Church of Christ "between Sundays."

 







  

Broken and Blessed
In Jesus' conversation with the Pharisees (Mark 10:2-16) about marriage and divorce, many see the Teacher prescribing exactly what marriage should look like for the ages. This Sunday, we chose, rather, to use this passage, along with Job 1 and 2, to explore our own brokenness and how we may offer that to God and others.

You can watch the sermon here as well as find a wonderful song by Bryan Sirchio that expresses the idea of brokenness and blessing better than any sermon ever could.


Online Giving
Have you explored the opportunity of electronic giving? You can choose to have a set amount taken from your bank account on a regular basis or you can make a one (or more) time gift by checking account or credit card on our website. Your regular electronic giving means that your gift is available for ministry even when you are away (or forgot your checkbook!). Thank you for your continued support of the ministry of First Congregational Church! 

 
 

Don't Keep It a Secret!   
Did a friend come to mind when you were reading something in this email? 
 
Do you know someone who is looking for a community of people who are practicing loving God, loving others, and serving the world?
 
Why don't you forward this email to them? 

If a friend forwarded this email to you, first of all, thank them! Then subscribe for yourself at our website.