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Loving all people, growing in faith,
working toward God's vision of
justice, healing and joy​
An Open and Affirming/Creation Justice Congregation
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THIS SUNDAY, December 21 – ADVENT Continues!
We continue the sacred season of Advent. During these weeks, we prepare to once again welcome Jesus, the embodiment of God and God’s ways for us in the Christian spiritual community, into the world.
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Our theme for this year is, “What ARE We Waiting For?”
During the Sundays of Advent, with the exception of last Sunday’s Advent Music Festival we are exploring waiting, a central concept in not just Advent but the Christian spiritual tradition, from a variety of perspectives and biblical texts.
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS Available!
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In conjunction with Advent hard copies of the Advent Daily Devotional, A Calendar of Devotions, by Jan Turrentine are available in the Narthex.
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A number of digital copies are also available. If you would like one of those, please contact Mark and provide your preferred email address so he can send you a copy.
​The Office is regularly open from 9am-3pm on Monday through Friday.
​​Mackenzie Albert, our Director of Music, is normally on campus each Wednesday and some Fridays. Please make an appointment by phone or text at 203-517-5427.
*Please note: The Church Office will be CLOSED on Thursday, December 25 and
Friday, December 26 in celebration of Christmas.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study will NOT meet this Thursday. Bible Study will resume on Thursday, January 15. ​
​Each week, we explore the Scripture passage(s) being used in Worship that coming Sunday. The sessions are largely “guided discussion” in approach, focusing on your questions and insights from reading the text ahead of time, with Mark facilitating and adding relevant context and detail as needed or wanted.
This approach allows for participants to engage with the Bible creatively, and with an eye toward how the texts speak to us in our time and lives. In addition, they are great preparation for getting more out of the Sunday Messages!
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The passage(s) to be looked at each Thursday, as well as the necessary information for joining in, will be sent by email each Wednesday afternoon.​
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Christmas Eve Beach Service Volunteers
As previously announced, the Christmas Eve Beach service we sponsor will return this year after several year’s absence on December 24 at 5pm!
Please help us make it as warm and welcoming as possible for the Sanibel community and its holiday guests.
If you can give some time to volunteer in one of several ways, please check out the opportunities on the sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall.
CHRISTMAS EVE at SCUCC
With the return of the Christmas Eve Beach Celebration, we will celebrate Christmas Eve as a SCUCC spiritual community at 9 pm in the Sanctuary.
We will join together for a time of readings from Luke’s Christmas story, inspiring music, the Sharing of Light, and a from Mark.
Mission Moment – The Christmas Fund
The Christmas Fund of the United Church of Christ supports the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund of The United Church of Christ. This fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, monthly supplementation of small annuities and health insurance premiums, as well as “Thank You” gift checks each December to lower income retirees.
Your gift to the Christmas Fund brings relief and hope to clergy and church employees who have dedicated their lives to serving our churches. It reminds them that they are not forgotten, that they are loved, and that their ministries are appreciated and remembered. Many served small congregations with low compensation, often being supplemented by “in-kind” gifts. Therefore, their pensions are also low.
The Mission and Benevolence Committee encourages you to give generously to the Christmas Fund.
Envelopes will be available in the Narthex, and will be collected with the Offering next Sunday, December 21. You may also donate directly on the United Church of Christ website.
The Green Team is Growing!
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Are you interested in the stewardship of our natural world?
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Want to meet new friends?
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The Green Team invites you to join us!
Simply put, the Green Team seeks to fulfill our SCUCC mission in nurturing God’s Creation. We share resources and help sponsor programs and speakers to raise awareness on how we are all intimately connected with our environment. Periodic planning meetings are online. For more information contact the office.
“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right”
~ Theodore Roosevelt
​Ushers Needed
Please contact the office if you would like more information, or to be added to the contact list to be an usher during our Worship Celebration. Our office phone number is: 239-472-0497 and our email address is: office@sanibelucc.org
Floral Dedication Reminder
If you would like to honor a loved one by dedicating flowers to a Worship Celebration, please fill out a Flower Donation Form and your dedication will appear in the bulletin for that Celebration. Donation forms can be found in the Narthex. Drop off your request to the Office or place it in the appropriately marked basket. If you prefer, you may call, visit or email the Office to make a request.Checks for floral donations should be made out to SCUCC and include Flower Donation on the memo line. Please place your check in an envelope before placing it in the basket. If you prefer, you may give it to an usher, or place it in the collection plate.
Liturgists Needed
Please reach out to the office if you would like to be added to the contact list to serve as a liturgist during our Sunday Worship. Availability begins October 19th. Please call the office an email with any and all dates that you are available. Our office phone number is: 239-472-0497 and our email address is: office@sanibelucc.org
SCUCC T-Shirts
Please check out our new SCUCC t-shirts. They will be available for sale in Fellowship Hall on Sundays after Worship. A $10 donation is suggested.
Men’s Group January Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Men’s Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, January 13 at 11:45am at the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please call the office to let us know you would like to make a reservation for this luncheon. Our office phone number is: 239-472-0497 and our email address is: office@sanibelucc.org
.​​​​Women’s Group January
Luncheon
​The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will next meet on Friday, January 9 at 11:30am at the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please call the office to let us know you would like to make a reservation for this luncheon. Our office phone number is: 239-472-0497 and our email address is: office@sanibelucc.org
Interested in Joining SCUCC???
If you are considering becoming a member of SCUCC, or would simply like to find out more about us, please let Rev. Mark know. After you and he discuss the expectations and, as the old commercial says, “the benefits of membership”, you and he can schedule a Sunday that works best for you to become an official part of the SCUCC community.
​​​​​​​​​Like A Ride To Worship?
​If you would like a ride to Sunday Worship from Shell Point or Cypress Cove, please contact the Church Office at office@sanibelucc.org by noon on Thursdays.
The Santiva Islanders,
Cardio & Strength Classes
​Please join Mahnaz Bassiri at SCUCC for cardio & strength training. Classes are held from 9:30-10:30 AM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Fellowship Hall.
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Our mission is to love all people…grow in faith…and work toward God’s vision of justice, healing and joy. Our character is to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ: acceptance, forgiveness, kindness, respect(for each person, our islands and our earth), joy and love toward one another. You'll find us a positive,non-judgmental place for you to worship, praise, rejoice and find the purpose our Maker has for each of us, provided each week in a positive and uplifting message. Our church is one where you will be loved, accepted, supported, and affirmed regardless of your age, class, ability, race, ethnicity, gender identification, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, or where you are in your life journey, you are welcome here!
