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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, January 11, 2026 – Rev. Dr. Sally Haynes
As previously announced, Rev. Dr. Sally Haynes returns to lead Worship this morning as Mark is away.
​The Office is regularly open from 9am-3pm on Monday through Friday.
Mark is normally on campus Tuesday-Thursday pending pastoral visits or off-site meetings. Please feel free to just “drop by” or make an appointment directly with him by email: mark@sanibelucc.org or text/phone at 908-477-5426.
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​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.​
SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION
This year’s “Advent Unit” has concluded. Our next unit will begin in late January or early February. The topic and schedule will be announced soon.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study will meet this Thursday, January 15 at 10:30 am on Zoom. ​
​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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Don’t Miss This!
A Council of All Beings On Monday, January 12, from 1-4:30 SCUCC will host a workshop called A Council of All Beings.
Please see the January Sanibel Light for more details. In this creative ritual, participants temporarily step aside from their human identity and speak on behalf of another life-form. Sitting in council together, the beings speak of their concerns, describe the challenges they face, and offer their unique gifts to the humans. The experience will be enhanced by a guided meditation, songs, easy mask-making with natural objects and simple craft supplies, and teachings from the Work That Reconnects. Invite your friends for this unusual opportunity.
Donations are on a sliding scale from $10-35. After paying for snacks and the materials we need, we will donate the rest to buy native plants for the church’s butterfly garden.
Questions, call Linda Graf at 708-415-7020. To register, see sign-up in Fellowship Hall or go to the website of our facilitator:
before Friday, January 9.
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 February
Luncheon
​The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will next meet on Friday, February 13 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!
