FEB follower 2016_web - Faith United Church of Christ

FAITHFUL follower
1
FAITH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
O P E N
Fe b r u a ry
&
A F F IR M I N G
20 16
The Faithful Follower is published monthly by Faith United Church of Christ. Editor: Faith Quici
From Your Moderator
IN THIS ISSUE
o
From Your Moderator
pg 1
o
Pastor’s Desk
pg 2
o
Financial Snapshot
pg3
o
Choir Season
pg4
o
Preschool Carnival
pg 5
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Council Mtg. Minutes
pg 6
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Church Contacts
pg 8
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February Calendar
pg 9
Thank You
From Rev. Brian and
Judy Bagley Bonner
Dear People of Faith;
Our heartfelt thanks
go out to you for our
generous Christmas
bonus. It was a
lovely gift, and very
timely. You are truly
a warm and
generous
community, and we
appreciate you very
much.
It looks like 2016 is off to a good start. We
had 19 at the Dinner and Dessert last Friday.
This was one of our larger groups. We were
pleased to have some of our members who
have returned from the north there to join us.
Please watch your Bulletins for activities
that will be coming up. Sign up on one of the
sheets on the Narthex Bulletin Board. There
usually is a sheet for attending and one for
those who would like to host.
Ash Wednesday will be on February 10.
We will have the service at 5:30 or 7:00 P.M.
The Adult study classes will resume on
Sunday, February 14 at 9:00 A.M. and
Tuesday February 16 at 6:30 P.M. Please sign
up on the Bulletin Board List. There is also
information about the new books.
The February Church Women United
meeting will be on the 5th at Community of
Christ Church, 5753 33rd St. East, Bradenton,
FL. 34203.
The Annual Crop Walk for Manatee
County will be on February 28 at 2:00 P.M.
We would love to have you join us. If you
don't feel that you can make the complete
walk, there is a shorter one that you can do.
If you would like to sponsor someone who is
walking, please see me, and I will tell you
who is walking.
I would like to thank everyone who
volunteers to help with the activities and
those who serve on the various boards and
the Church Council.
Last but by no means least, I would like
to thank our Pastors Brian and Judy BagleyBonner for everything you do for all of us.
It is such a pleasure having you work
together. The Sunday morning services are
very special. You both present sermons that
teach us things we didn't always realize and
complement each other. We are very
blessed to have you.
Here is to another good year for Faith
Church. Please remember that, if you have
any questions or suggestions, you can
contact the church office, the Pastors, the
Church Council Members, or any other board
members.
Peace be with you!
Marge Hooie, Moderator
Faith
Women
On Saturday, February 20,
Faith Women will travel to the
Church of the Nativity in
Sarasota for a flower festival.
This year’s theme is “The Whole
World in His Hands.” After
viewing all the beautiful floral arrangements, we’ll listen to the Grand Musicale:
Martha Lopez, soprano; Joseph Shields, classical guitarist and the Festival singers will
present a glorious program. We will leave Faith at 10 a.m., and proceed to the
festival. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. For more information, contact Sheryl
Overheidt-Smith at 941-776-5589
T H E P A S T O R ’ S D E S K WORSHIP
WITH US
Rev .
B rian
and
Rev .
"It takes courage to grow
up and turn out to be who
you really are."
- e.e. cummings
A good friend of ours gave me
an artistically rendered copy of
this phrase when I graduated
from Seminary. It is a great
reminder that God has made
us to be wonderful and
amazing people, but
sometimes life and the world try
to make us forget that. We are
often tempted to avoid who
we really are, to hide our light
under a bushel, or to just go the
safe or routine route.
As we enter into Lent in
February, we have the
opportunity to use this season
of self-reflection to think about
the ways we need to grow up
(no matter what our age!) into
our truest and best selves. It is
Judy
Bagley -
22
Bonn er
in this effort to grow that we can
reflect the likeness of Christ to
those around us. We may have
to face some past hurt or
acknowledge a past failing. It
may involve taking some risks
and trying something new.
Whatever Lent might offer you
as you reflect, God will uphold,
guide and support you.
Since scripture talks about faith
as a race, I wanted to share with
you this bit of encouragement
from NASCAR Driver Danica
Patrick:
Take those chances and you
can achieve greatness, whereas
if you go conservative, you'll
never know. I truly believe what
doesn't kill you makes you
stronger. Even if you fail, learning
and moving on is sometimes the
best thing.
Blessings,
CHURCH
HAPPENINGS
Pancakes at IHOP!
(Fat Tuesday!)
On Tuesday, February 9, we will gather for our traditional Shrove Tuesday
pancake supper at the IHOP East of the church on S.R. 64. They have a
special room for such gatherings and last year we had a great time.
Please sign up or call the office to make your reservation.
Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday, February 10, we will gather for a service of reflection
and the imposition of ashes. This day marks the beginning of the season
of Lent. We will decide at the Annual Meeting if we will gather at 5:30
pm or 7:00 pm. Please consider coming to this quiet service of SelfReflection
FEBRUARY 7, 2016
Flowers:
Greeters:
Scripture:
Ushers:
Communion:
Nursery:
Sheryl Overheidt-Smith
Council
Marge Hooie
Council
Council
Marge Hooie
FEBRUARY 14, 2016
Flowers:
Greeters:
Scripture:
Ushers:
Nursery:
Available
Available
Jean Cox
Available
Babs Brownell
FEBRUARY 21, 2016
Flowers:
Greeters:
Scripture:
Ushers:
Nursery:
Available
Available
Joan Sheehan
Available
Linda Anderson
FEBRUARY 28, 2016
Flowers:
Greeters:
Scripture:
Ushers:
Nursery:
Available
Available
Steve Richmond
Available
Marge Hooie
SUNDAY
VOLUNTEERS
If you are serving for the first time
and have questions regarding your
duties, please look on the bulletin
board. Detailed duties for each
assignment are printed for you.
Please take a copy if you wish.
Thank you for volunteering.
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
28
INCOME
$13,994.66
29
INCOME
$12,570.37
EXPENSE
$12,867.89
EXPENSE
-
DIFFERENCE
$1,126.77
DIFFERENCE
-
Besides offering, the totals above include insurance receipts and expenses related to the building flood.
PER CAPITA 2016
The decision for individuals to pay their own Per Capita was made years ago. Per Capita is an obligation we
owe yearly to the conference to pay for staff, help with pastor searches, programs, etc. The cost is $14.50 per
person. Thanks for your prompt attention to this conference obligation. Your statement will show if you have
paid for this year.
Financial Secretary
Judy
O NE CO FLO RI S T ///
941.756.1556
If you want to purchase flowers, Oneco Florist is offering Church members $5 off their first
arrangement. Just mention this article. If you order flowers through the church for a Sunday
morning please, sign up on the bulletin board. The flowers are $25 this year. You are
encouraged to take your flowers home with you after service, but if you leave them they will be
taken to a shut in.
SOCIAL ACTION & MISSIONS
FEBRUARY
food collection is:
Peanut Butter
THE CROP WALK
Sunday, February 28 at 2pm. We are meeting at
the Palmetto First United Methodist Church. If you
are interested in walking with us, please sign up
with Marge Hooie so you can get started on your
sponsorship.
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Mark Your
Calendars
MEN’S
BREAKFAST
SAT. February 6
We are meeting at Norma
Rae’s in Palmetto at 9am.
FAITH
WOMEN
Will be taking a field trip
this month. Please see the
article on the front page.
POTLUCK
We need volunteers to sign
up to host the potluck. The
Potluck is the 2nd Sunday of
the month after service.
This month it will be
Sunday, February 14,
Valentine’s Day.
DINNER &
DESSERT
We are looking for
someone to host
February’s Dinner and
Dessert. It would be Friday,
February, 19. Please see
the sing up on the bulletin
board in the Narthex.
Children’s
Ministry
Team
God has a purpose for you,
and if you have a heart for
children, then it could be
to join the Children’s
Ministry Team. It’s so easy
to sign up for only a few
Sundays out of the year.
Contact Babs Brownell if
you would like more
information about this
purposeful and rewarding
ministry.
Call: 941.747.9643
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Choir Season
Join us!
We meet for
practice every
Thursday at 7pm.
Please see Bob
Cox if you are
interested.
WINTER BOOK STUDY
A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser
AGING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
New Book Study: Aging as a Spiritual Practice
It’s time to sign up and tell your friends about our winter
book study! Again, there will be two groups, one on
Sunday mornings at 9:00 and one on Tuesday evenings
at 6:30. These will begin on February 14 and 16. Again,
we will advertise these groups in the wider community,
and encourage all Faith UCC members to spread the
word, especially with your unchurched friends.
The next book is entitled Aging as a Spiritual Practice by
Lewis Richmond. The first thing that needs to be said
about this book is that it is NOT just for senior citizens! In
fact, we are all aging from the moment we are born,
and the earlier we begin to process it consciously and
spiritually, the better. So you are invited to attend this
study no matter how young or old you may be. The
second thing to be said about the book is that the
author is a Buddhist meditation teacher. If that makes
you nervous, relax. He is a user-friendly, American
Buddhist and his ideas blend seamlessly into our own
Christian tradition of contemplative spirituality. He has
intentionally written the book for people of all faiths.
More about the book from the back cover: “The first
truth about aging is also the first truth of Buddhist
teaching: everything changes. In Aging as a Spiritual
Practice, Buddhist meditation teacher Lewis Richmond
helps us understand how the transformation can bring
new possibilities, fresh beginnings, a wealth of
appreciation, and a depth of gratitude that profoundly
affects how our lives proceed. Regardless of whether
you are enjoying growing old, hating it, or in denial,
each chapter is filled with relatable anecdotes.
Incorporating illuminating facts from scientific
researchers, doctors, and psychologists on aging’s
various challenges and rewards, Richmond explores
the tandem of maintaining a healthy body and
healthy relationships, infused with an active spiritual
life.”
Please do sign up in advance for this six week study.
There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board at
church. If you want to get in on the church book
order, you must sign up by Jan. 31. Cost is $15.00. Pay
when book is received.
I believe you will benefit greatly from this
contemplative guide to growing older and wiser.
Judy Bagley-Bonner
A Preschool Note
Wendi Steinbach, Director
Faith Preschool has started planning its 17th Annual Kid’s
Carnival! Join us on Saturday, March 12 from 10:00 AM 1:00 PM for a fun-filled day. We will have games for the
children, hayrides, a bounce house, a yard sale, food and
a Silent Auction. Proceeds will benefit Faith Preschool.
Registration for the 2016/2017 will begin in February. If you
know of anyone looking for a quality, part-time preschool,
please have them call me at 746-7895 or email me at
faithpreschool1@verizon.net to schedule a tour. Thank you!
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6
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Faith United Church of Christ ///
Present: Judy and Denny Wetter,
Barbara Brownell, Pastors Jude
and Brian, Marge Hooie, M.R.
Lembright, Richard Dilts, Faith
Quici, and Debra D’Angelo.
The meeting was called to order
at 7:09 by Marge Hooie and
opened with a prayer from
Pastor Brian.
A motion to accept the minutes
from the December meeting
was made by Judy Wetter and
2nd by M.R. Lembright. The
motion was carried with a
unanimous vote.
Financial Secretary’s Report:
Judy Wetter submitted her report
with a total deposit to the
operating fund of $12,570.37,
Building for the future fund
deposit of $345.00 and the pass
through account deposit of
$1646.00 for a total deposit of
$14561.37. She also submitted a
chart looking at monthly totals
for the year with a total deposit
of $148,702.00.
Treasurer’s Report: Pastor Brian
submitted the treasurer’s report
in Marge C.’s absence with a
look at 2015 actual, budgeted
and 2016 budget. Current
pledges are at $78,104.00 for
2016 whereas 2015 pledges were
at $91,648.25.
Secretary’s Report: Faith
reported that the Nar-anon
group would like to have a
second meeting every week on
Thursday starting February 4th.
Since this would not take up any
extra space or impact our
church or the apostolic church,
the council agreed to let this
happen.
January 11, 2015
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Brian
said that in 2014 we had 58
visitors to the church and in
2015 we had 75 visitors. Pastor
Jude is gearing up for the next
book study. They are focusing
on advertising at this time.
Pastors Brian and Jude are
talking about bringing the
book studies to neighborhood
and new developments and
to Carlton Arms Apartments.
Old Business: Council
nominations; we are still in
need of a treasurer, Christian
ed., church events and
fellowship, and faith care
team. Crop walk; Marge
Hooie has approached the
manager at Thorntons to be
our sponsor. Budget; the
proposed 2016 budget was
reviewed and a motion to
accept was made by Barbara
Brownell and 2nd by Deb
D’Angelo. The motion was
carried unanimously.
New Business: Dinner and
dessert will be at Beef’s
O’Bradys with dessert hosted
by Peg O’Sullivan. Flowers; the
cost of flowers has gone up to
$25.00. Judy motioned to allow
people to bring their own
flowers but they have to let
Faith know. Deb D’Angelo 2nd
the motion which was carried
unanimously.
Departments and Committees:
Building and Grounds; Denny
Wetter reported of the
accomplishments of the
committee which includes all
repairs to the flood damaged
areas have been completed
except for some paint touch
up and base board
adjustment.
Pastoral Relations Committee;
the next meeting will be
determined after the annual
meeting.
Community Outreach; Deb
D’Angelo has been working
hard at advertising of the book
studies.
Faith Care Team; M.R.
Lembright reported that the
committee has served 38
people this past year.
Worship Committee; February
will be by intinction with the
help of Judy Wetter and
Richard Dilts.
The meeting was adjourned at
9:06 with a prayer from Pastor
Jude.
K-Cups
Wanted
Thank you, Marge Critelli, for
donating a Keurig Coffee Maker to
the church. If you have some
K-cups you don’t plan to use
(especially TEA or other non-coffee
drinks), we would love to offer
them on Sunday mornings. You
may drop them off at the church
kitchen.
7
Your Staff Prayer Team
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, call one of the following:
Pastors
Rev. Brian and
Rev. Judy
Bagley-Bonner
Cell:
941-718-3132
Janis Groth
Marge Hooie
941.779.6988 941. 747.2734
(with Janie)
10 am - 1 pm
9am - noon
8:30 am - *noon
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Office Hours
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
746-8890
Fax 746-0670
If you, a member of your family, or someone you know is ill or
hospitalized, please let the office know as soon as possible. A member of
Faith Church would like to make a visit to bring God’s word of comfort.
The church office telephone number is 746-8890 or email at
faithchurchucc@verizon.net
Faith Quici
2016 Church Council
Faith UCC Email:
faithchurchucc@verizon.net
We are looking forward to having a
great council in 2016. If you are
interested in joining the church council,
please see Babs Brownell or Pastor
Brian.
Faith Website:
faithchurchucc.com
Just search for:
W
Joan
Sheehan
941.748.2498
SUBMIT A PRAYER REQUEST
Other times by appointment
*3rd Thursday at UCC meetings
Secretary
Sheryl
Donna Rusch
Overheidt301.825.9611
Smith
941.776.5589
Members of the Prayer Team want to keep the prayer list current.
Please advise us when you would like a name removed from the list.
PASTORS’ OFFICE HOURS
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Helen Nutting
941. 747.2734
“Faith United Church of Christ, Bradenton ,FL”
www.faithchurchucc.com
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February 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1 2
2
3 7:00pm BAC
7 10:30am Service
Communion
Installing 2016
Council
1:30 BAC
NA 7:15pm
8 7pm Church
Council Mtg.
9 Building and 10 Ash Wednesday
Grounds
Service
Work Day
4pm
7:00pm BAC
6pm Pancake
Dinner at
IHop
Preschool
Dad’s Dessert
6:30pm
14 9am Adult Study
Starts
10:30am Service
Potluck
1:30 BAC
NA 7:15pm
8
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4 7pm Choir
7:15pm NA
7:15pm NarAnon
5 7:15pm NA
6 9am Men’s
Breakfast
Church
10am NA & NarWomen United
Anon
11 7pm Choir
7:15pm NA
7:15pm NarAnon
12 7:15pm NA
7:30pm BAC
No Preschool
today for VPK
13 10am NA & NarAnon
15 7pm BR HOA 16 11:30am
17 7:00pm BAC
Prayer Mtg
Follower
Deadline
6:30pm Adult
Study Starts
No Preschool
today
18 7pm Choir
7:15pm NA
7:15pm NarAnon
19 6pm Dinner
and Dessert
7:15pm NA
7:30pm BAC
20 10am Faith Women
Outing to Flower
Festival
21 9am Adult Study
10:30am Service
1:30 BAC
NA 7:15pm
22 7pm INT HOA 23 6:30pm Adult 24 7pm BAC
Study
No Preschool
today
25 7pm Choir
7:15pm NA
7:15pm NarAnon
28 9am Adult Study
10:30am Service
Crop Walk 2pm
1:30 BAC
NA 7:15pm
29 7pm Faith
Care Team
Meeting
10am NA & NarAnon
2/5
2/8
2/8
2/9
26 7:30pm BAC
27 10am NA & NarAnon
7:15pm NA
No Preschool
today for VPK
M.R. Lembright
Richard Nutting
Gayle Covey
Ina Bingham
2/10
2/14
2/17
2/20
Ray Crowell
Judy-Bagley-Bonner
Gerda Marcus
Janis Groth
o
BAC: Bradenton Apostolic Church – We church share with Pastor Ramon and his congregation.
o
Monthly Prayer Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday at Freedom Village at 11:30am.
o
Our Monthly Potluck is every 2nd Sunday after service when someone has agreed to host. Subject to
change on special occasions.
o
Dinner and Dessert is every 3rd Friday at 6pm when someone signs up to host. The host picks a local
restaurant to meet and dessert is followed at their home or another gathering spot.
o
There are Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings here each week, and Nar- Anon, which is a group of family
members affected by those with drug addictions, also meets. If interested in these meetings, please call
the NA hotline at 941.257.5055.
o
We have several local neighborhood Home Owner Associations (HOA’s) who meet here monthly.