Loving all people, growing in faith,
working toward God's vision of
justice, healing and joy
An Open and Affirming/Creation Justice Congregation
IAN
RECONSTRUCTION
December 1 – ADVENT Began!
We began the sacred season of advent December 1. During these weeks in which we prepare to once again welcome the birth of Jesus, the embodiment of God and God’s ways for us and the Christian spiritual community. Our theme for this year is “Second Chances”.
During each of the four Sundays in Advent, the morning’s Message will explore how characters in the Gospel stories or New Testament received “second chances” through Jesus’ coming into the world - opportunities to find or reclaim their voice, be delivered from unfair or unjust burdens, or become spiritually and emotionally stronger.
On each of these Sundays, members of our community are offering reflections on what SCUCC has meant to them both in general and more specifically during these difficult years.
Christmas Eve at SCUCC!
After a two-year absence, we are blessed to be able to celebrate Christmas Eve this year in the SCUCC Sanctuary!
We will join together at 5:30 PM on December 24 for a time of readings from Luke’s Christmas story, inspiring music, the Sharing of Light, and a “Dramatic Reflection” from Mark.
Shell Point Christmas Communion Celebration Wednesday, December 11!
Our annual Shell Point Christmas Communion Celebration will take place on Wednesday, December 11 at 1:30 PM in the Chapel of the Village Church. It will be a time of prayer, hymns, special music, a brief Reflection from Mark, and, of course, the Sacrament of Communion. Joining Mark in leading this time will be Mackenzie Albert and Linda Convertine, SCUCC Parish Nurse.
The Church Office is normally open Monday-Friday, from 9am-3pm.
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.
Spiritual Exploration
Our first Fall Spiritual Exploration Unit has
concluded, and our next unit, for Advent, begins
THIS Tuesday, December 3!
“LETTERS FROM THE EDGE OF THE WORLD”
Tuesdays: December 3, 10 and 17
7:00-8:15pm on Zoom
This three-week Advent unit is based on Ruth Boling’s book, Season’s Greetings.
During our time together, we will explore letters Boling imagines having been written by characters associated with the Christmas stories in the Gospels. Each week, we will review and discuss the content, context and spiritual concerns expressed in a couple of those letters, with an eye toward gaining new insights on the meaning of Christmas for us in the Christian community and for the world.
Bible Study
Bible Study will meet on a different day this week. We will gather on WEDNESDAY, December 4, at 10:30am on Zoom before we return to our usual day of Thursday the following week.
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 Thursday, as well as the necessary information for joining in, will be sent by email each the day before.
Please mark your calendars to brighten and begin your holiday season on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 4 pm with Sanibel’s Island-wide 50th Anniversary Luminary Concert.
The Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music presents
“All is Bright” at SCUCC.
Ushers Needed
We have ushers scheduled through November, but are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in ushering for Sunday Worship, please contact Frank Palaia at flpalaiajr@cs.com.
Floral Invitation
We invite you to contribute to the Floral Fund.
This fund is dedicated to preserving the memory of a loved one through the vibrant and uplifting presence of flowers. If you would like to honor a loved one by dedicating flowers to a Worship Celebration, please visit or contact the Church Office.
Floral dedications will be featured in the weekly bulletin.
"Adopt a Sunday”: Fellowship Hour
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 Shirley Akins at 239-691-4537.
Here’s how you can help:
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.
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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.
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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 December Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Men's Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Tuesday, December 10th at noon at the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common (Shell Point). Please make reservations with Candy Atchison at JimAtch@aol.com or 561-714-4655.
Please note that this will be our first gathering since the passing of our long-time leader, Bob Sheldon. Our hope is that as many of you as possible will be there to honor his memory and dedication to our group.
.Women’s Group December Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Friday, December 13th at 11:30am at 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. Dinners have ended for the season, but will resume with new groups in the fall.
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.
Grethe is back!!
She will be teaching her Gentle Yoga Class in Fellowship Hall on Thursdays, from 10am to 11am.
Classes begin this Thursday, October 31st.
Please arrive a few minutes early to check-in.
The Santiva Islanders are Back on Campus!
Please join Mahnaz Bassir at SCUCC for cardio & strength. SCUCC is a temporary location for this class while St. Michael’s repairs Hurricane Milton damage.
Mahnaz has long been a favorite exercise instructor on Sanibel. Come find out why. You’ll meet friends and have fun, all while getting and staying fit.
The class starts off with light to moderate aerobics, followed by strength and balance exercises, and concluding with stretching. Please bring plenty of water and a towel. Participants may also want to bring light weights to use during the strength portion. Exercises are done standing so there is no need for a mat.
Come try a class out for free on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday at 10 am. After that, the cost for Santiva Islander Members is $5 per class/$60 per calendar month. The cost for non-members is $10 per class/$120 per calendar month.
An annual Santiva Islander Membership is $25. You can join online or at the door.
2025 STEWARDSHIP
As we look forward to a new year filled with purpose, growth, and service, we are excited to launch our 2025 Stewardship Campaign in early November.
This year’s theme, reflecting the journey we have been on together these last three years, is “From Surviving, to Reviving, to Thriving”.
Our commitment to our community and those in need are central to our mission. Every project we undertake - whether enhancing our campus, expanding our programs, or supporting outreach initiatives—aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
This year, your generosity will help us deepen our mission, continuing the essential work we’ve embarked upon together. From assisting local families and supporting individuals facing challenges, to strengthening the infrastructure that makes our shared vision possible, your contribution enables us to reach more people with greater resources and compassion.
With your support, we can maintain and expand our programs, improve our facilities, and cultivate a community that values unity, service, and hope. As you consider your pledge, know that every act of giving strengthens our shared journey and empowers us to bring positive change.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our mission. Together, we can make 2025 a year of incredible growth and impact.
The SCUCC Stewardship Committee
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!
