Because of the current Covid-19 virus crisis and for the safety of our participants and the larger community, we have suspended all in-person gatherings on campus.
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The Heart of the Matter: "The Heart of Creation"
This Sunday we celebrate the intimacy of the risen Christ as experienced in community, and the glory of the risen Christ in all of creation. Grab a “worry stone,” a candle, and a bit to eat and join us as we gather virtually for worship.
You can find out more, practice the music we will be singing together, and watch last week's service, "With Glad Hearts," on our website. Download the bulletin here.
The Gravity Center, a contemplative Christian organization, is hosting free webinars to help people cope with our current circumstances. Mondays at 5:00 PM are "Wellness Mondays" with guest specialists in different areas of wellness.
Wednesdays at 5:00 PM are "Spiritual Practice Wednesdays." The first half hour begins with a reading, followed by a guided silent meditation. After the sit, participants are welcome to stay in the webinar for up to an additional 30 minutes for an interactive session with Phileena to cultivate wisdom for these uncertain times
within the context of virtual community.
Our Kids' Connection Sunday School has gone online! We are meeting at 2:00 on Sunday afternoons via Zoom. Please contact Rev. Marilyn Stone at stonemarilyn@gmail.com to get the login information.
ProFuture Faith
Featuring eco-theologion, author, and Tedx speaker, Rev. Michael Dowd, this eight week study group is a dynamic eight-session course that bridges the gap between head and heart, science and faith. Mind out more information and how to register on our website.
Thank You!
Because of your generosity, we are able to continue our life and ministry together. Recently, the roof on our sanctuary was replaced for the first time in 60 years. We also raised $2500 for the shower truck ministry that provides this much needed resource for not only our Tuesday night guests, but in other areas throughout the county, including John Prince Park. This was matched by a $1500 grant
from the Florida Conference of the UCC. And thank you for continuing to support the ministry of our church by mailing in your offerings and donating online.
Taking Action for Justice
Even though our Nehemiah Action was cancelled this year because of COVID-19, we are still working together on serious issues in our county and our state. Here is a specific way you can be involved now: There were over 4,000 children arrested last year who could have been given a civil citation and avoided a lifelong arrest record. The reason listed - as to why these child did not receive a civil
citation - is “No Reason Available." This is not acceptable – “no reason” is NOT a reason. The Department of Juvenile Justice must change their online system to follow the law and require a legitimate reason be given if a child is not offered a civil citation for a first-time, misdemeanor offense. We are asking people of faith from throughout Florida to take an action step by sending an email to the Secretary of DJJ. Together we can ensure that all children in FL receive a second chance.
Head to our website to see how you can be involved.
Needing Help With Zoom?
It has been a challenge for most of us to learn new technologies in such a short period of time. Sometimes it feels like we're in Disney World's Carousel of Progress, but it's spinning way faster than it should. If you're still having difficulty with signing on Zoom, here is a tutorial that might be helpful.
Thursday Morning Chat & Fellowship
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:30 for virtual chat and fellowship in our "virtual parlor." You can join us by clicking here. If you join us by computer, clicking the link will download the necessary software and take you right into the "sanctuary." If you are joining on your smart phone or pad, you will need to download the Zoom app
from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also call 646-558-8656 and enter code 718419400.
Thursday Evening Prayer Time
Join us on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in our "virtual parlor" as we share joys and concerns, engage in spoken prayer, and do a 10-minute silent meditation. This is a great opportunity to spend some time (no longer than an hour) together in the midst of our physical distancing.
This Thursday we will be engaging a teaching by Cynthia Bourgeault on holding presence that doesn't shut things down and allows for new possibilities at the end of our ropes, The Law of Three.
You can join us on Zoom. If you are joining on your smart phone or pad, you will need to download the Zoom app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also call 646-558-8656 and enter code 343871082.
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Facebook
First, go to our page and "Like" us. However, just liking us does not mean that you will see everything we post. Each of our Facebook posts only goes to about 2% of the people who like our page. To make sure you see everything, after you like us, go to the pull-down menu on the "Like" button and click
"Get Notifications." This way everything that we post will show up on your own Facebook wall. If you are on Facebook, you can keep up with what is happening "between Sundays" on our Facebook page.
| Facebook Live
As much as we love gathering together on Sunday mornings, there are times when we are out of town or otherwise unable to be there in person.
You can now watch our worship service live on Facebook right on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. At 10:30 on Sunday just head over to our Facebook page and join us!
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Thank you for your consistency and your generosity in your giving during our current unique and challenging circumstances.
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!
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