Loving all people, growing in faith,
working toward God's vision of
justice, healing and joy
An Open and Affirming/Creation Justice Congregation
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 23 – Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Sarah Melcher
As Mark will be away, next Sunday, March 23, we welcome Rev. Dr. Sarah Melcher to serve as our guest preacher. Rev. Dr. Melcher is Professor Emeritus of Hebrew Scriptures at Xavier University, an author, and a retired UCC Minister. We greatly look forward to her blessing us on that day.
The Church Office is regularly open from 9am-3 pm 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 feel free to come by or make an appointment by phone or text at 203-517-5427.
Bible Study
Bible Study will NOT meet this Thursday, March 20. It will resume on Thursday, March 27 at 10:30 am on Zoom.
Each week, we explore the passages which will be part of that coming Sunday’s Worship. Then sessions 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 each the day before.
Spiritual Exploration
Our most recent unit has concluded.
The topic and schedule for our next unit are still being determined.
Fellowship Hall Art Show Continues!
If you haven’t already, please take the time to experience the artwork on display in Fellowship Hall. They have been produced by the students of Carol Good’s weekly class and include some of Carol’s work, as well.
Easter Flowers
As we prepare to celebrate Easter together, we would like to offer you the opportunity to donate toward Easter lilies in remembrance of a loved one for our Easter Worship. These beautiful flowers serve as a symbol of hope, renewal, and remembrance during this special time of year. If interested, please fill out the form available at the Sanctuary entrance table. You may also call the Church Office with your request at 239-472-0497, or send your information via email to office@sanibelucc.org. The lilies will be displayed during our Easter Celebration as a special tribute to those we hold dear in our hearts. Your dedication will be included in the Easter bulletin.
From the Mission & Benevolence Committee
Please keep in mind that SCUCC and Bat Yam Temple have a monthly Food and Paper Products Drive every third Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Church Parking Driveway (next date: 3/19). Please drop off donations of any non-perishable food items and bath and kitchen paper products. Collected donations will benefit local neighbors in need through F.I.S.H. and the Gladiolus Food Pantry.
If you are interested in assisting with this effort, please contact Ed Hannon, Mission and Benevolence Committee Member: (239) 240-7524.
Just a reminder, if you would like to make monetary donations to the Food Pantry, please address your check to SCUCC and include Food Pantry on the memo line.
Go Native!
From the Green Team
Please join SCUCC and Bat Yam for our annual joint Vegetarian Potluck Luncheon on Sunday, April 6th at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall.
During that time there will be a presentation by Barb Wyskowski, a FL Friendly Landscaping Professional and Advanced FL Master Naturalist. Barb will teach us about the importance of choosing Native plants.
Native Plants are known to be resilient, beautiful, economical and in harmony with nature; key reasons to choose plants native to SW Florida. This is especially true in the face of climate change.
Sign-up sheets will be posted in Fellowship Hall soon.
Ushers Needed
We need ushers, if you would like to be added to the contact list, please reach out to Inky Meng at inkymeng@hotmail.com.
Fellowship Time
Please consider volunteering your time to serve during our Fellowship Time after Worship. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to our community, connect with others, and give back to our spiritual home. If interested, please contact Mary Cavendish at 304-673-4495.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Sign Up to Serve – Select a Sunday and mark it on your calendar! You’ll find a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of Fellowship Hall. Serving is easy, and help will be available if needed.
2. Bring a Treat – If you love to bake or have a favorite snack to share, consider bringing it along to make our Fellowship Time even more special. Beverages are also welcome.
3. Contribute to Fellowship Time – If serving isn’t for you, a donation is a meaningful way to support this cherished time together.
Men’s Group April Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Men's Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Tuesday, April 8th at noon at the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please make reservations with Bruce Findley at bruce.findley@gmail.com.
Choir Appreciation Sunday is March 30th
Please join us to honor and thank our dedicated Choir members who work so hard to bring us uplifting and inspirational music.
A special Fellowship Time featuring a continental buffet breakfast for all of our spiritual community will be served after our Worship Celebration.
.Women’s Group April Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Friday, April 11th at 11:30am. The group will meet at the two round tables located outside of the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please make reservations with Emily Kletzien at emily.kletzien@gmail.com.
Dinners for 6, 7 or 8
One of our most loved offerings is the social gatherings known as “Dinner for 6, 7 or 8”. If you would like to participate, please send your names, email addresses and phone numbers Shirley Akins at akinsteach@gmail.com.
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.
Gentle Yoga with Grethe
Join Grethe in Fellowship Hall on
Thursdays at 10:45 am.
Please arrive a few minutes early to check-in.
The Santiva Islanders, Cardio & Strength Classes
Please join Mahnaz Bassir at SCUCC for cardio & strength. Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Fellowship Hall. Due to the popularity of the class and the instructor, there are now two sessions available: 9:30-10:30 and 11:00-12:00. Come try a class for free and find out about what the Santiva Islanders have to offer!
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!
