Loving all people, growing in faith,
working toward God's vision of
justice, healing and joy
An Open and Affirming/Creation Justice Congregation
On this Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2026, we continue our theme of He Said What???!!! in which we are looking at some of the more confusing, difficult and troubling things that Jesus says in the Gospels.
This Sunday, Senior Minister, Rev. Dr. Mark Boyea’s Message will explore a section of what’s known as The Sermon on the Mount Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus offers several, He Said What???!!! moments.
It is also Academy Awards Sunday at SCUCC! On a number of occasions over the years, Rev. Boyea has used an Academy Award nominated film as one of the foundations of his Message on the morning leading to that evening’s ceremony. This is one of those occasions!
Finally, we will also be blessed with music from Mackenzie Albert and the SCUCC Choir.
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.
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
An Unlikely Lent
Our current unit WILL NOT meet this week. Our next and final session is on THURSDAY evening, March 26!
An Unlikely Lent
Date: Thursday, 26***
***Please note that the March sessions have been switched to Thursday so as to not conflict with the Sanibel Music Festival performances.
Times: 7:00-8:15 pm on Zoom
During this six-week unit we are exploring, as author and Methodist pastor Rachel Billups describes them, “unlikely” characters who appear near and at the end of Jesus’ earthly story in the Gospels. We are discussing the role these characters - who we usually do not spend significant time with - play in that story, with an eye toward illuminating and deepening our own Lenten journey and spiritual life in general.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study WILL NOT meet this Thursday, March 19. It next meets on Thursday, March 26.
During each session, we explore the passages which will be part of that coming Sunday’s Worship. These meetings are discussion based, with Mark guiding a structured conversation based on participants’ questions, concerns and considerations of the text. The passage(s) to be looked at each week, as well as the necessary information for joining in, will be sent by email the day before.
INVITATION FROM THE HEALTH COMMITTEE
The Health Committee invites church and community members to attend the following presentation immediately following Fellowship on Sunday, March 22nd.
The Longevity Blueprint: Stronger, Longer Living
Longevity is no longer just about lifespan, it’s about health span. This presentation explores the strategic role of targeted nutrition, metabolic health, inflammation control, and lifestyle medicine in supporting resilient aging. Attendees will gain a clear framework for making informed, proactive decisions about their long-term health.
Teresa Spano, ND, CNS, LDN holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and is a licensed nutritionist in Florida, serving clients in Southwest Florida in person and across the state virtually. Teresa’s evidence-based approach combines functional nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and holistic wellness principles to give people the tools and confidence to stay energized, independent, and thriving as they age.
MUSIC
The Church is very proud of the music programs we are able to present which are always free and open to all. However, many of these programs do involve expense to pay guest soloists and musicians. If you would be interested in sponsoring any or part of these programs and providing underwriting for them, please contact Music Director, Mackenzie Albert at 203-517-5427 about programs and costs.
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
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 April Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Men’s Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, April 14 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 April Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will next meet on Friday, April 10 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
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SUNDAY, MARCH 29
One of the United Church of Christ’s primary mission and service offerings is One Great Hour of Sharing.
This fund supports the disaster, refugee and development ministries of our denomination. Once again firing Lent, we ask you to contribute to this effort. This year’s theme is Our Love Offering to the World. When you give to One Great Hour of Sharing, you are sharing your love offering to the world through disaster relief, economic development, or essentials like food, water, and shelter. Your love is shared in practical, life sustaining, and transformative ways. No matter how difficult the circumstances, your giving ensures God’s love is present and lives are changed.
This year, we will receive contributions to this fund on Sunday, March 29. Checks can be made to: United Church of Christ. They can be placed in the special envelopes in your pews that day and added to the collection plates, or mailed to: United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 71957, Cleveland, Ohio 44194.
You can also contribute online via a secure donation form. Please go to their website: https://www.ucc.org/giving/ways-to-give/our-churchs-wider-mission/one-great-hour-of-sharing/oghs_endowment/
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.
Santiva Islanders
Cardio & Strength Classes
Please join Mahnaz Bassir, for cardio & strength training.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Two classes are available in Fellowship Hall:
9:30 am – 10:30 am
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
For information on the Santiva Islanders, and the opportunities they offer, please visit their website at: https://santivaislanders.org/
Coming in April:
“Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!"
A seminar about BALANCE and FALL PREVENTION
Tips on how to safeguard your environment
Presenter: Rachel Tritaik, Owner Island Therapy
APRIL 12 @ 11:15 am in Fellowship Hall
LIGHT FARE/Refreshments
Sponsored by the Health Ministry
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!
