Vehicle Donation of the Month
We’re off and running, once again! As a result of a short newspaper article publicizing this program, we had a call from an elderly man who, because of sickness in his family, will no longer be able to use his motor home. He has decided to donate it to us, and it will be offered for sale by Wes Wheeler’s business on North Pine Street! When it sells, the sale price, with no deductions, will be available for our operating budget. Once more, we thank Wes Wheeler for his incredible generosity! This vehicle, a 31-foot 1991 Winnebago Itasca, is in remarkable condition for its age, and has all the amenities one could desire. It can sleep up to six, and has the power to easily tow a full-sized car, even in mountainous terrain. It will be available for viewing and test-driving soon! PLEASE CALL DAVE KEITH 598-6272 FOR DETAILS!Bookmark this link:The church calendar is now on-line. Visit this link to view our church events and be up-to-date with all of our happenings! Bookmark this link as your favorite and visit weekly to be in the know.
Here's some upcoming events you sure don't want to miss:
Dates to Remember:
- Capone's Event @ 9 a.m., February 4th (See article)
- Women's Sunday, February 5th
- Deacons @ 2 p.m., February 7th
- Mary Marino's Luncheon Event @ 11:45 a.m., February 8th at Stone Creek
- Women's Fellowship @ 10:00 a.m., Feburary 10th
- Mardi Gras Event @ 6:30 p.m., February 11th
- Board of Evangelism & Church Growth @ 10 a.m., February 13
- Board & Comittee Reports due to Lisa, February 13th
- Bereavement Support Group @ 10 a.m., February 15th
- The Gator Event @ 9 a.m., February 18th (See article)
- Council @ 7 p.m., February 20th
- News & Views due to Lisa, February 21st
- Ash Wednesday @ 6 p.m., February 22nd
- Bereavement Support Group @ 10 a.m., February 22nd
- International Food Festival @ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., February 25th
- New Members Class @ 5:30 p.m., February 26th
- Bereavement Support Group @ 10 a.m., February 29th
Adult Bible Study: 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
- Lent Luncheon @ 12:00, February 29th, March 7th, 13th, 21st, and 28th
- Choir Practice @ 6:30 p.m.
- Bell Choir Practice @ 7:30 p.m.
Exploring Church Membership Class
The next class will be held Sunday, Feb. 26th, at 5:30 p.m. in the choir room off the church narthex which is to the left of the sanctuary as you enter. A light supper will be provided, we’ll watch a video made in 2007 when the United Church of Christ celebrated it’s 50th anniversary. Pastor Hal and our Board of Evangelism and Church Growth will have some things to explain about the workings of the church and ours in particular. Anyone who is interested in checking out membership with our church is welcome to attend and one can join as either a full member or an associate member where you can keep your membership current at another church, too, which is what many of our snowbirds do. We hope to see many of you there who are giving some thought to joining our loving family at First Congregational UCC, Ocala. Please call Valerie Raisch (291-8768) or e-mail me at nightowl2late4u@earthlink.net by Feb. 12 of your intentions to attend.
You can also let Lisa in the church office know (237-3035). Looking forward to getting to know you better
Greeting Cards and Used Ink Cartridges Needed
The Board of Evangelism and Church Growth is in need of greeting cards, especially get well and birthday ones. If you have any extras lying around or would care to donate some, please give them to Valerie Raisch or leave them in the church office. The used ink cartridges are recycled and the money used for various things to do with our office and Board. We have purchased file folders, copy paper, ink cartridges, a paper punch, etc. The ink cartridges you are planning on throwing away, please save and give to Valerie or leave in the church office. We thank you all in advance for your past help and would appreciate any new contributions to help keep our budget costs down for our Board
Bereavement Support Group
The Widowed Persons Service of Marion County will hold a bereavement support group for anyone who has recently lost a spouse. This group is open to all faiths and will be a six week program, meeting each Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the choir room of our church. There is no cost. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this support group, please encourage their participation. Facilitators are Ed and Marianne Carlson, both of whom have lost spouses.
International Food Festival
A popular event in our community is our church's annual International Foods Festival. The date is Saturday, February 25 from 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. and will be held in the Enrichment Center. All those who love cooking international dishes, get out your recipes and be ready to sign up on the board in the narthex! You can decorate your table with items from your country and have lots of fun tasting all the other wonderful fare being offered! This is an all church fund raiser so be ready to help out, please. Questions? Call Marianne, 854-2872.
January Pledge Report:
As with the establishment of personal budgets, It is equally essential that we, as members of 1st Congregational Church, participate with Church leadership in their budget process. In the interest of responding to questions about our participation you need to know that pledges may be offered at any time. Pledges may note the minimum we expect to give rather than the maximum. Minimum pledges from all members greatly help the Trustees in planning for annual operational expenses, programs and our many organized activities. Numbered envelopes are available for all to help formalize our gifts and provide for an individual annual statement which serves to verify our giving for Federal Income Tax reporting. In addition, the envelopes also are convenient for those who generally prefer to donate cash as necessary. If you have additional question about our pledging and giving processes, please contact Linda Lohr, collections clerk, or Janet Demary, treasurer.
Big Band Music!
Do you love Big Band music?? We have a treat in store for you! The Board of Trustees is sponsoring their first fundraiser in 2012. Join us in the Sanctuary on Saturday, March 3rd at 6PM. The Southern Express Big Band will play classic music from the “Big Band” era. This is an 18 piece group – our own Noel and Bob Brouillard are members – and we all know how great they are! Tickets are $10 and are available from any of the Trustees or at the door. Please spend an evening with us and listen to the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman and others. - Board of Trustees
A Green Thought from the Collections Committee:
Several people opted not to have numbered envelopes to help cut operating costs, but still like the security of putting their check in an envelope. As we all receive so much junk mail, why not save all those unwanted return envelopes, cross out the old mailing address, and use those envelopes for your check donation??? I myself amassed quite a few envelopes when I first thought of this idea. I will leave them in the Narthex and anyone may take some or all of them. Recycling at it's best!
Collections Clerk
Collection Clerk memo: I seem to have had a few Senior Moments when assigning the envelope numbers for 2012 and I need your help to clarify my records. If you have been issued envelope number 156, 166 or 247, would you be so kind as to call me, email me, or leave a message with Lisa in the church office. Thank you so much.- Linda Lohr, 873-9872 or lohalin@hotmail.com
Women’s Fellowship
Eighteen members met in the choir room on Tuesday morning, January 9. We decided to go ahead with our planned fundraisers, as we know how much the church depends on them. The sign-up sheets for help came back with lots of names on them, and we know there will be eager hands from other committees.
Ann Marshall offered to provide two Avon fundraisers for us, also. One would be a "book party" where we all took order forms and turned them in for her to order, and the other would be part of one of our regular meetings in the fall. We appreciate her willingness to do this for us.
Our February 14 meeting will be in the choir room at 10:00 AM. The program will be given by Dr. Mary Beth Lake about her time spent in the Philippines.
Cherry Jones
Copies
If you would like a copy of the church By-Laws, please e-mail or contact Lisa Simmons at 352-237-3035 and we will be more than happy to e-mail you a PDF file of the By-Laws.
Finger Foods Sign-up Sheet for Brouillard Event, March 3rd
The Trustees would like you to know that there will be a sign-up sheet for the Brouillard concert. It will be a finger food sign-up sheet and no utensils will be provided, so be sure it's truly finger food ready. Thank you, Trustees
Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent known as Ash Wednesday will be on February 22 this year. On that day it has been our tradition to have a special service. During this service Pastor Hal marks our foreheads with the sign of the cross. These ashes are made by burning the palm crosses that you received on Palm Sunday last year. There will be a basket in the Narthex for the next few Sundays to place your Palm Cross so that we may have the ashes for this service.
A Quote:
"There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit." - Ronald Reagan
The Gator Event
When: February 18, 2012Where: United Church of Christ at the Villages (Click for Map from the Church)
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $15.00
The Gator Clergy invites you to a day apart filled with special discussions. Come and enjoy other UCC’ers building relationships, sharing thoughts, learning, listening to each other.
THE GRAND FINALE: GLIMPSES INTO REVELATION
Rev. Dr. Carlan Heleason, pastor Spring Hill UCC
Description: Far too many people have been held captive to fear and consternation by trendy, but poor, interpretations of the Bible's last book. Come, learn to see Revelation as a book of encouragement and hope.
Some Dangerous (but Interesting) Re-readings of Scripture Texts
(Rev.) Ronal K. Freyer-Nicholas, OSL; pastor Pilgrims’ UCC, Fruitland Park .
Description: A brief, in-depth, look at several texts which open the texts to reconsideration for what they say. What did Gabriel really say to Mary at the Annunciation? Does God (Yahweh) have a feminine side? Why does the Hebrew Bible use the plural “elohim” for God rather than the singular “el”? Does any of this matter to us? Should it?
"Worship Ain't Art"
Rev. Hal McSwain, pastor First Congregational UCC, Ocala
Description: Although Christian worship is chocked full of artistic objects and experiences (including music, visual images, flavors, smells, and textures---some more, some less), worship isn't a time for Siskel and Ebert "thumbs up, thumbs down movie-type reviews." Worship is encounter between God and the community of faith---and artistic objects and experience can hasten that encounter. Dr. Harold W. McSwain, Jr. ("Hal"; pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Ocala, Conductor of the Central Florida Master Choir, holding Masters degrees in both music composition and conducting) is the author of "A Relational Aesthetic for Christian Ministry and the Arts" and "A Relational Aesthetic." Hal will show us at least ten ways to enliven and hasten Christian worship not pivoting on "That's Entertainment!" but on "Worship as Genitive to Worshipers---and God."
A Dog as a full member of the Church
Rev. David Wild, pastor Community Congregational, Marion Oaks. Description:
Marianne Hughes, moderator for Community Congregational UCC, Marion Oaks, Is a gifted lady who is blind. Her German Shepherd is a full member of the church. Marianne will discuss and demonstrate the training process that is undergone by both dog and owner. Highlighting the month long in house training where dog and sightless owner spend 24 hours a day, seven days per week together in such venues as city streets, department stores, airports and of course traffic.
“IMAGINE: Readers’ Theatre of The Mind – and Heart”
Rev. Drew Willard, pastor UCC at the Villages.
Bringing Bible stories and their lessons alive in a fun way for those who perform as well as their audience. A contingent benefit is experience in public speaking and confidence-building. When we ‘tell’ Bible stories, we give others an opportunity to hear their wisdom in new and meaningful ways.
Lenten Luncheon
As in past years we gather for worship and a meal on each Wednesday at noon during Lent. After a short service we enjoy a light meal of soup and crackers.
You may begin bringing your soup to the church on the Sunday before the Wednesday of the mid-week worship and luncheon. A box will located in the church narthex for you to place your soup.
Our soup schedule will be as follows:
- February 29--Chicken Noodle
- March 7--Tomato
- March 13--Lental
- March 21--Minestrone
- March 28--New England Clam Chowder
Where Were You?
Where were you on November 17, 2011? That was the day we celebrated the life of Ruth Prescott (She was 98 years old). She was the oldest member of our church and member since the 1980’s. There were only 15 of her church family present, 10 family members, and 7-8 friends, that’s all. How would you feel if only 15 church family members showed up for your loved one’s memorial service?
I can remember when she was active. I was chairman of Ways & Means when we had a big sale two times a year. She was always there to help. Ruth was a sweet, gentle, and loving lady with a beautiful smile.
She drove her car to church. When she stopped driving, Jean Welsh would bring her to church. When Jean moved away, Harvey (Jean’s son) would make sure she got to church until a few months before she passed on.
I came to our church in 1999- and joined in 2000. The first time I walked in the church, I knew I had found my church home. The women there were some of the greatest, sweetest ladies who had been in the church for a long time. They loved the church and the people. They had worked hard to make the church what it is today. They would have been there to show their respect for Ruth.
I was married to Stanley in June 1999. I was married less than two years when Stanley passed on. On our way to the church, I told my family not to expect anybody at the service because I didn’t know very many people. I was wrong. There were 65 people in the church. A feeling of love like a warm blanket wrapped around me. I made up my mind that day that I would be there to celebrate the life of anyone who passed on, and I haven’t missed a service unless I was out of town. I’ve been to services and did not know the person, but the family didn’t know that. What really made the difference was I was there.
What is a church family? It’s a group of people who love and support each other. What is your duty as a member of our church family? It is to be there for each other. I hope to see more of you at the next memorial service.
Lent: A Time for Reflection
Lent begins this year on February 22, beginning with Ash Wednesday. We will have an Ash Wednesday Service on February 22 at 6:00 p.m. Please make plans to attend this very important service, vital to our corporate and spiritual lives.
Ever wondered what Lent is all about? Well, here you go, the skinny on Lent:
Many Christians throughout the world observe Lent. Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestants look forward to this annual time of sacrifice and simplicity. For non-Christians, Lent can be a bit of a mystery. For some, Lent is a period of going on a diet; for others, it’s when folks show up to work with ashes on their heads, and fast food restaurants start selling fish sandwiches. So what is Lent?
In basic terms, Lent is the season before Easter lasting from Ash Wednesday until the Thursday before Easter in the Roman Catholic Church and until Easter morning in Protestant Churches.
The purpose of Lent is to be a season of fasting, self-examination, spiritual growth, conversion, and simplicity. Lent, which comes from the Germanic word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual “spring cleaning” of those things that hinder our corporate and personal relationships with God and each other. The activities of Lent can help us transform our entire person—body, soul, and spirit. Eastern Christians call this process theosis, which St. Athanasius describes as “becoming by grace what God is by nature.”
The basic activities of Lent are fasting, almsgiving, prayer, and reading the Scriptures.
Fasting: The Western Rite of the Catholic Church requires its members age 18 to 59 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, unless a physical condition prevents otherwise, meaning only one full meal permitted in a fast day. The Fridays of Lent are days of required abstinence, meaning meat, and soups or gravies made of meat, are not permitted; that’s where the fish sandwiches come in. Most Protestant churches that celebrate Lent do not have these official requirements.
However, when we “give something up” for Lent, we are embracing a form of fasting, an excellent spiritual discipline designed to help us pay attention to our lives. Pope St. Leo offered a wonderful emphasis about fasting: fasting from wrath is required along with food. The point is learning to control a particular part of one’s life, which leads to greater self-discipline even when Lent is over. As such in Lent we can learn, examine, and get our material excesses under control. Whatever you decide to fast from, remember, as Steven Clark likes to say: “Lent is more than a diet.” Lent is about spiritual results, not material ones. So, while losing a few pounds may be a nice side benefit, all fasting should be done for God’s glory and spiritual growth.
Prayer: Lenten prayer is, like fasting, about discipline of self, and it’s a great time to develop or strengthen a discipline of daily prayer.
Charity: While Lent is about giving something up (i.e. fasting), it is also about putting something positive in its place. The best way to remove vice is to cultivate virtue. Lent has been a traditional time of helping the poor and doing acts of charity and mercy. While as Christians this is a year round calling, Lent is a good time to examine ways to get involved and to make resolutions to actually do them, and its more than just giving out money to people on the street. It can be done by helping your family, friends, and neighbors out of tight situations. However, one of the best ways to give alms is to get out of your comfort zone a little bit and volunteer to help out at the church or at a charity.
Scripture Reading: Again: another discipline. The fact is that Biblical illiteracy is rampant. Lent is an excellent time to remedy this problem.
The History of Lent
Lent probably originated with the pre-Easter baptismal rituals of those who were about to become Christians. Irenaeus (AD 180) testifies to the variety of durations of pre-Easter fasts in the second century. Tertullian (AD 200) suggests that Catholics fasted two days prior to Easter. However, the number forty, hallowed by the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and especially Jesus, probably influenced the later fixed time of forty days.
The Sundays of Lent are, of course, a part of the Lenten liturgical season, and the worship services tend to be more simple and austere than normal, lacking the Gloria, and the joyous “alleluias” of the Easter season. The Western liturgical color of Lent is violet, symbolizing royalty and penitence.
So, that’s a snapshot of Lent. Have a question? Call Hal. Make a coffee date. But don’t ask him to give up coffee for Lent. We couldn’t live with him
