JUNE/JULY 2008

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!

This year we are trying some things differently.  This year the Stewardship Committee is inviting us to “Imagine the Possibilities.”  In past stewardship campaigns, although fairly good, the pledge response seldom met the proposed budget, and cuts were made.  This year the Stewardship Committee has set an ambitious goal.  Instead of just trying to meet our budget, or just think about a small budget increase, the Committee is inviting us to “Imagine” what more we could be doing to transform lives in the world around us IF we are able to maintain our current levels of giving (to meet our current budget needs) AND increase that giving with 20 new pledges and each of our current 51 pledging families slightly increasing their giving.

The typical level of giving in mainline Protestant churches like Christ Congregational Church is about a 2.5% tithe on income.  Very likely one reason for this low amount is that most church members think about giving last rather than first.  The typical wage-earner needs to consider living expenses, food, transportation, discretionary expenses, children’s education, vacations, and many other costs.  Then we take what is left over and give it to charity and the church. 

The Bible teaches us to start in reverse and begin with the tithe.  The ancient Hebrews were told to bring the “first fruits” of the harvest to the temple for their offering.  Paul counseled his churches to set aside their gifts for the offering at the beginning of the week.  IMAGINE what it would be like if you set aside your gift to God through this Church off the top of your weekly paycheck!  IMAGINE if you wrote the check to the Church FIRST!  IMAGINE if you began creating your budget by deciding what you were going to give to the church, and then determined your living expenses from the amount remaining.  (Realize, even if you are talking about a tithe of 10%, you will have 90% of your income remaining for your budget.)

IMAGINE what that might feel like for your personal life, your personal faith, your personal level of connection with God.  How much more would you trust God to provide for your needs?  How much more would you look to God for guidance about what you were to do, what you were to buy, how you were to live on that remaining income after you had given first to the church?  IMAGINE also what it might mean for the Church!  What might the level of giving become for Christ Church?  What might we be able to do in the community?

That is exactly what the Stewardship Committee is inviting us to IMAGINE this year.  So often we construct the church’s budget on the basis of expense, from compensation to housing to operating expenses to formal assessment of denominational expenses.  But what if we began in reverse?  What if we started with how much we were going to support our Florida Conference and National UCC mission by determining our OCWM giving?   What if we started with what we could be doing in the local community and the wider world to share the good news of God’s love in a way that had a real impact on lives?  What if we determined first what we could give as a Church to help others and then determined our local church operations from the remaining income?

IMAGINE if we were able to maintain our current level of giving, plus increase it this coming year how we could make a difference in the world around us.

1.      By supporting Counseling for local veterans returning from war.

2.      By supporting the Community Center for the Immokalee Farm Workers.

3.      By joining with other local churches to be a Faith House Sponsor for Habitat for Humanity, helping build a new home for a low-income family.

4.      By providing a Scholarship for a low-income family to send their pre-school child to 3 C’s Preschool.

5.      By providing a part-time Family & Youth Ministry Staff Person to help us build our program to reach new families and the Youth of our church and the community around us.

6.      By providing a stronger music program, with guest musicians for worship and to provide community concerts.

Far too often the greatest liability in churches is low or ambiguous expectations of membership.  This casts a shadow over every other aspect of congregational life.  As a result, people often don’t think their giving to the church will make any difference because from their perspective nothing much ever changes. 

This year we are being invited to IMAGINE a new tomorrow instead of dwelling on preserving our past.  EACH & EVERY MEMBER, new or old, is needed to play a role in creating and sustaining a church that is a worthy and deserving recipient of our giving.  EACH & EVERY MEMBER is needed to IMAGINE doing things differently: focusing first on God’s work and sharing God’s love with the world and with each other, and trusting God to provide for the rest.

“Imagining” with you,

Pastor Steve

 CLOSER TO GOD

As we seek to IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES and think about our giving and our stewardship this month, here is a prayer taken from a UCC Stewardship Devotional written by the Rev. William C. Green, the Executive for Faith and Giving, Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ.  May it help guide our thoughts toward God and God’s possibilities.

Giver of life,

      source of freedom and assurance,

      we are reminded by the psalmist that

      yours is “the earth and its fullness;

      the world and those who dwell in it.”

From your hand we have received all we have,

      and are,

      and can be.

Help us to use your gifts wisely

      and teach us to share them generously.

May your love in Christ show in us for others.

Remind us that in all we face

      nothing can separate us

      from your grace and blessing

      but our own betrayal.

Amen.           

SABBATICAL UPDATE

Beginning July 1, Pastor Hudder will be away from his duties as Pastor for 4 months, until November 1, 2008.  Available in June will be a “Sabbatical Information” brochure with answers to many questions you may have during this period.  While Pastor Hudder will not have any direct contact with Christ Church during his Sabbatical, you will be able to vicariously join him on his journey by logging on to his “blog” (a blog is a web log, a sort of diary, or journal, posted on the world wide web on the internet.)  On your computer just type in the blog address and you will be able to read his regular postings during his sabbatical.  The blog address is: http://sabbathtango.blogspot.com.

Sabbatical Interim Pastor

To handle pastoral duties while Pastor Hudder is away, the Church Council, upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Relations Sabbatical Interim Search Committee, has hired the Rev. Dr. Sheila Guillaume.  Dr. Guillaume will be leading worship, including preaching, each week.  She will also make herself available for up to 10 hours a week for pastoral care duties, hospital visits, pastoral counseling or conslutations, officiating at weddings, funerals, baptisms, and she will meet with the Church Council at their monthly meeting.

Dr. Sheila Guillaume is a graduate of Florida State University, with a B.S. in criminology.  She received her Masters of Divinity from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and her Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary in Connecticut.  She was ordained in Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where she worked for a few years as a Youth Minister.  She later transferred her ministerial standing to the United Church of Christ and worked as Associate for Christian Education and Youth at the First Church of Suffield, Congregational, United Church of Christ, in Connecticut.  Prior to entering seminary she worked for several years in Washington D.C. in several positions, including on the staffs of U.S Representatives Steny Hoyer, MD and Corrie Brown, FL, as well as the staff of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, MD.  Dr. Guillaume currently works full-time as a chaplain with VITAS Hospice in Broward. 

Godspeed & Bon Voyage

Pastor Hudder’s final Sunday in worship will be June 29, 2008.  Our Regional Conference Minister, the Rev. Bill Koch, will be present to mark the occasion with us.  He will preach and assist with the “Godspeed & Bon Voyage” liturgy as we embark on this new adventure as Pastor and Congregation.  We will send Pastor Hudder forth with our blessings and prayers and he will transfer care for us as shepherd and Pastor into the hands of Dr. Guillaume.  Following worship the Pastoral Relations Committee is planning a Bon Voyage Luncheon to celebrate.

LIVES TOUCHED AND CHANGED BY ANNUAL MEETING

The theme was “Changing Lives in Changing Times” and it was certainly given witness to by the fine turnout, the extravagant welcome of hospitality provided by the Miami-Dade/Broward UCC congregations and their over 50 volunteers.  Jon Beisenherz & Barbara Parker commented afterward how impressed they were with the Conference and how they enjoyed meeting people from other UCC churches around the state.  In addition to the volunteers from CCC mentioned and thanked last month, we had a large group attend the Banquet.  Those present from Christ Church in addition to our regular representatives included: Emily & Julio Balcells, Joan Chandler, Gloria & Laphalle Fuller, Andrea & Bob Pastorello, and Andrea & Richard Terrelonge.

The Conference passed several Resolutions including a “Resolution Against Writing Discrimination into the Florida State Constitution.”  This resolution calls on the churches and members of the Florida Conference to take an active role in opposing the “Marriage Protection Amendment” which will be on the ballot in November.  This amendment states:

Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

This amendment is so broadly worded as to ensure that ALL forms of legal recognition for unmarried couples, whether gay or straight, could be subjected to constitutional challenges as they have been in other states that have passed similar amendments.  This can result in the loss of existing domestic-partner recognition and benefits for same-sex and opposite-sex unmarried coupled by governments and municipalities in the state.

They also passed a resolution presented by the Dade-Monroe Region of UCC Women calling upon the congregations and members of the Florida Conference to become better caretakers of God’s earth and that each of us should make at least one additional life change for the purpose of preserving the environment.

There were several resolutions presented by the Youth of the Florida Conference (including our own Evelyn Godley-Juarez). 

1.      Resolution to Declare a Disaster Relief Recognition Sunday, calling on the Churches of the Florida Conference to declare the fourth Sunday of August as Disaster Relief Recognition Sunday, to raise awareness of disaster related issues and take up a special offering for the work of the Florida Conference Disaster Response & Recovery Ministry.

2.      Resolution for Support of the Alliance for Fair Food, to reiterate our commitment to the national movement for farmworker justice, especially in partnership with the Coalition for Immokalee Workers.

3.      A resolution just shared with the Conference indicating a stance the Conference Youth had taken to declare themselves to be multi-racial, multi-cultural, open and affirming, and accessible to all, thus creating a safe space for all people at all Florida Conference UCC youth events.

Finally, Pastor Steve Hudder was elected to a two year term as Vice Moderator of the Florida Conference.  This will extend his term on the Conference Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

 This month we are praying for the following people:

-for all serving in the military, especially, Danny Forditch, Barbara Kitchens, Robert de la Roca & Apollo, in Iraq.

-for  Andrea & Richard Terrelonge & family, on the recent death of Andrea’s sister, Virginia Skeete.

-for  Eyla Karb, Bill Dobson, Tim Simmons, Lydia Morales, Pam Lindenfelder, Dr. Doug Morton, Donna Dietrich, Carol Peleski, Joe Williams, Will Glass, Clinton Lewis, Bobbie MacNamara, Fred Bartell, Jr., Amy Dunfield, Peg Fullerton, Robin Becker, Fred Jackson, Linda Carey, Larry Green, Alan Cespenes, Lynn Price, Terry Mitchell, Joe Drescher, Kandy Tirb, Carol Atheas, Richard Gibbs, Joe Moder, Michael Elgard, Catherine Schnellman, Rosemary Pennsley, Marti, Rick Caravetta, Pat Perez, Manuel Coronado, Bob Hudder, Jerry Hudder, David Barker, Steven McConohay, Karla Borges, Pamela Walters, Rachel,  Elaine, Donna Henry, Sandy Horn,  Leandro Perez, Jr., Mary Margaret Stone, Cheryl Tyson, Stephon Scavella, Glenda Catron, Edwin Shinholser, Sophie Vienne, Gaylia Silhan fighting cancer.

-for  Hermes Morell, Rosemary Danniels, Al Silverglade, Micki Benson, Lesli Taylor, Jean Guthrie, Peg Hoerle, Angela Criswell, Nelda Herod, Janet Deitz, Margaret Guthrie, Celia & Osiris Cuesta, Rosario Acosta, Judy Krenek, Jean Menendez, Aline Muxo, Jorge Hernandez, Patricia Cassidy, Angel Campos, Agostino Mendez, Emma Nakato, Clarence Crosby, Wendy Merk, Felix Gutierrez, Austin Rapport, Chancellor Gonzalez, Emilio Juarez, Shirley Rogers, Marilyn Garcia, Shannon Barker, Shannon Williams, Cameron Hunt, Maggie Maher, Arlene Lewis, Florida Carey, Tony Dudley, Tati Reyes, Elaine Stanton, Carole & Gary Grissett, Carrie Craig, Alex Rodriquez, Owen Nevels, Jan Kelley, Amy & Matt Bowles, Michelle Tinney, Michael Burke, Allen Rapport, Jerry Silhan, Cecil Browning,  Don Upchurch, Maria Escobar, Carol Logan, Mydoan Berman, Sally Caldwell, Claire McElfresh, Nelys Michelena, Hilda & Eradio Acosta, Leslie Mejia, Jenny Ng, Cynthia Cooper, Lila Erdley, Marilyn Golden, Rosie Legunes, Spice, with health concerns.

-for  Angie Brown, Ruth Schmutz, Dale & Jimmy McCray, Kelvin Ryan, Karen Godley, Fila & Heather Turner, Jessica Cardinale, Loren & Beth Rapport, the Juarez family, Jerome McDermott, Larry & Nancy McCord, Doris, Cloyce Kirk, Bob Larbus, Chuck & Cindy Shoemaker, Vivian, Lola, Jane Choke, Helen Bertalan, Davis Reid, Patty on death of father, Perline & Deryck Minto, with personal concerns.

 (If someone has been on the list for eight weeks, they will be removed, but can be returned with an update.  Be sensitive to other’s privacy and check with them first)

THE GROUNDS ARE NOW “HURRICANE READY”!

Thanks to the diligent efforts of our Saturday work crew on May 17, the palm trees have been pruned, the sprinkler system repaired, the sand box filled for summer camp, and in general the Church grounds are ready for the summer storm season.  Thos who helped trim trees and haul trash to the dump included: Jon Beisenherz, Justin & Jacob Begelman, Scott Blackburn, Wally Carlson, Ben Prewitt, Al Silverglade, David Williams, and Pastor Hudder. Thank you one and all!

WE REJOICE AT THOSE BAPTIZED!

Last month five young people were baptized into the family of God.  On Mother’s Day Sunday Nikhcolas Brown, Steven Melendez, and Alicia McElwee were all baptized, providing a special day of celebration for their grandparents, Isidore & Alicia Melendez.

Then on Confirmation Sunday, Jean-Kevin & Jennifer Sas, were both baptized and then confirmed into the faith as followers of Jesus the Christ, while their proud parents, Henri & Ester Sas looked on.

In April we celebrated the place of Ben Prewitt, son of Ben & Joy Prewitt, in the family of God as we baptized him.

PRAISE GOD FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS

Two special groups of our volunteers at Christ Congregational Church were publicly thanked in worship on Sunday, May 25, 2008.  All of our teachers for our Children’s Faith Development classes on Sunday mornings and for our Adult Enrichment classes throughout the year were recognized and thanked for their service this past year.  They included: Emily Balcells, Veronica Basora, Rachel Blackburn, Antonia Godley-Juarez, Teresa Martinez, Joy Prewitt, Saralee Silverglade, & Deborah Valdivia-Zwolinski, who taught our children; and the Rev. Dianne Hudder & Don Olson, who led our Adult Prime Time Class.  The Board of Christian Education also invited all the teachers to a special appreciation luncheon at the home of Jim & Cindy Ketzle following worship.

Also recognized were our Church Musicians.  That included our Choir Members: Julio Balcells, Graham Bryan, Dale McCray, David Williams, Irma Leisner, Marian McCray, Deborah Szwed, Mary Tirb, Dominique Torrigiani, Deborah Valdivia-Zwolinski, Sonya Williams, Betty Kleopfer, Pat Edwards; our Praise Band: Julio Balcells, Graham & Jeremy Bryan, Andy Godley, Dale McCray, Bob Pastorello; our Handbell Choir: Jake Basora, Sarah Blackburn, Amber Bryan, Charlene Canali, Evelyn Godley-Juarez, Kaelin Krumich, Alicia Melendez, Laura Suescun, Deborah Valdivia-Zwolinski & Shirlee Zwolinski; our Youth Choir: Jake Basora, Sarah Blackburn, Amber Bryan, Evelyn Godley-Juarez, Leo Leon, Kaelin Krumich, Jean-Kevin Sas, Jennifer Sas & Laura Suescun; and our Director of Music: Jay Harragin. 

Both our teachers and our Choir are taking a break from their service during the summer months.  We thank them for their dedication throughout the year and for all they add to our worship and our faith journey.

WE SHARE IN THEIR SORROW

Virginia Skeete, sister to Andrea Terrelonge, died on May 17^th, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.  Andrea and Richard were in Barbados to be with her and other family the last week of her life.  Services were held in Barbados on May 24, 2008.  Our prayers surround Andrea and her family in this time of grief.

SARALEE SILVERGLADE HONORED AT COMMUNITY LUNCH

All of us at Christ Congregational Church know how important Saralee Silverglade has become to our Church.  In the three years since Saralee and Al joined the Church she has become known as the “get-it-done” lady, the one who never says no to a request for help, a key volunteer.  She has a big heart for helping the less fortunate in our community and for the children and youth in particular.  She has set a personal goal of making sure we once again have a Youth Program for the teens of our church and the community and is working diligently toward that end.  She has become a true inspiration for all of us, demonstrating how we can get involved as members of Christ Church and make a difference in the world.

Now a part of our wider South Florida community know this about Saralee, too, as she was the Christ Congregational Church nominated Volunteer of the Year honored at the Chamber South Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon May 14, 2008.  Saralee was one of 21 volunteers from around Miami-Dade honored that day, from organizations including Miami Children’s Hospital, South Florida Sports League, AARP, Junior Orange Bowl Committee, National Kidney Foundation, the Miami Zoological Society, Baptist Health South Florida, and many others.

There are many, many volunteers at Christ Congregational Church that help the Church realize its mission on behalf of God.  Saralee is one of those and we were glad to lift her up and share her dedication with the Chamber South community.

YOU ARE INVITED TO BECOME A MEMBER!

With our recent Confirmation Class and others who joined earlier in the year, we have added 11 new members to our fellowship this year.  There are several other people who have participated in the New Member Class and are ready to join the Church and will do so on Sunday, June 22 in worship.  If you would like to be a part of this group of people affirming and strengthening their connections to this Church Family, just call Pastor Hudder at 305-804-7077.  As an Open and Affirming Church our membership invitation is extended to all people seeking a deeper knowledge of the presence of God in our world and in our lives. 

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO REMEMBER

Blessed are the church members who pay their pledges before their vacation cometh.

They then go forth with a light heart.

They wear casual clothing as they wander in pleasant places;

They anoint their bodies with sun tan lotion and insect spray;

They sit beside the still waters, hoping that the fish will bite and the insects will not;

They build a fire of charcoal and place savory meat thereon and the wind wafteth to their nostrils a pleasant scent;

They eat thereof and are satisfied.

Night cometh.

They close their eyes in glad tiredness with thanksgiving to God.

And their sleep is undisturbed.

For they know that the good work of their Church will not be diminished while they are away.                                                             -copied

The Board of Trustees and your Pastor take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to everyone who has so faithfully been contributing to the work of God through Christ Congregational Church in 2007-2008.  Your faithfulness has allowed us, even in tough economic times, to be financially healthy and generous in our ongoing support for benevolences in our community and the world.  We wish you well in your summer travels and vacations and hope this gentle reminder will help you remember that even as you are away from the area, the work and the needs of the church goes on.  Please remember that our Financial Year ends August 31 and be sure your “Estimate of Giving” is up to date and complete by that date.  If you have any questions about the records for any of your giving, contact Al Silverglade, Financial Secretary, at 786-564-3056.  Thank you.

 CONFIRMATION SUNDAY: A DAY TO BE REMEMBERED!

May 18^th lived up to all the expectations as a glorious day in the life of Christ Congregational Church.  The Rev. Kent Siladi, Florida Conference United Church of Christ Conference Minister offered an inspiring sermon calling us to examine our attitudes on race relations in light of our faith in Jesus who broke all social barriers and welcomed all people into God’s family.

He then joined Pastor Hudder, the Rev. Dianne Hudder, and the parents, in laying hands upon eight youth who stood up and professed their faith in God and promised to live their lives as followers of Jesus the Christ.  In so doing they confirmed their baptisms and the promises their parents had made to raise them in the Christian faith and became members of Christ Congregational Church.

As the Rite of Confirmation began, Pastor Hudder introduced the Confirmation Students to the Congregation and each one read a portion of their statement about their faith and what it meant to them to be confirmed.  Those confirmed and a portion of the statements they read were:

Jake Basora: “To be a church disciple is to be a follower of God.  It’s like someone that worships and spreads the word about God.  To be a member of the church is to be a good person where I come to church to worship.  You have something to believe in.  That’s good to have something to believe in because there are others that will help you in your understanding.”

Amber Bryan: “Being a Christian disciple for me means being a follower of Jesus.  I would like to become a member of this church because I have always wanted to become a member of this church and feel more connected with God.

Evelyn Godley-Juarez: “I also want to confirm my baptism because when I was seven I had asked my parents if I could be baptized and they thought it would be good since I was the one expressing interest.  My parents had waited for me to decide to be baptized on my own, but I was still only seven.  Now I understand the concept of faith in God much better, and I realize what baptism really means.”

Jean-Kevin Sas: “Being a Christian disciple to me means that you have to be a follower of Jesus and not just follow but believe what the Bible tells you.  Also a good disciple should be a member of a church.  A member of a church is someone who shows up to church and dedicates their time to God to celebrate what he has done for us.”

Jennifer Sas: “What it means to me to be a disciple means hard work and enjoyment.  …  Because it may be hard to choose the way you want to be seen in life.  …  Why enjoyment, because you have to enjoy what you are doing in your life.  …  To be a member of the church is nice.  We are all a big enormous Christian family.”

Laura Suescun: “What it means to be a member of the church is that you will be there through thick and thin in the church and you will always come to church to be connected to God a bit more each Sunday.  … Now when I read I relate to what Jesus is preaching to others and why he is preaching it to them.”

Dylan Tellam: “I believe that me going to the church helps me speak out to the world.  I think that following the path of Jesus has made me a better person and has made me feel better inside… Following Jesus means the world to be because I believe that Jesus is the whole reason why I have everything I have today.”

Hank Tellam: “Being a Christian disciple means to me that I follow the path that Jesus once made and be kind to others and to live what he preaches.  Being a member of the church means to me that I am showing my gratitude and respect to Jesus by attending and to be a part of a group that believes in the same things I believe in.”

CHRISTIAN OUTREACH – MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES!

CCC PART OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SPRING FAITH DAY

On Saturday, May 31, seven volunteers from Christ Congregational Church traveled to Habitat for Humanity’s Jordan Commons project in Princeton/Naranja to help build homes with 150 other volunteers from various churches from around South Florida.  Thank you to our crew who represented us: Julio Balcells, Justin & Jacob Begelman, Scott Blackburn, Judy & Wally Carlson, and Jay Harragin.  Habitat for Humanity works to provide affordable housing for low-income families, working in partnership with the recipients of the homes.  Christ Church is proud or our ongoing relationship with Habitat.  They truly help us to demonstrate the love of Jesus by helping our neighbors build a simple, decent, affordable house.

BURGER KING & CIW REACH AN AGREEMENT!

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has reached an agreement with Miami-headquartered Burger King. Thousands of people in South Florida and across the country joined with the CIW to help make this happen.  The terms of the agreement between Burger King and CIW include a penny more per pound of tomatoes picked, to be passed on directly to the workers, and a half a cent more to be paid to the growers to encourage participation and to cover any administrative costs. The details of the code of conduct are still being worked on.  

But it doesn't stop here. The Florida Tomato Grower's Exchange has announced its intention to lift the $100,000 fine for each incident of cooperation with a CIW contract, but is still encouraging its members to not cooperate. Hopefully, the continued intention of Taco Bell parent corporation, Yum Brands, and rival burger corporation, McDonald's, to participate in the agreements will encourage reluctant growers.

Other restaurant chains and tomato purchasers still need to get on board.  Fair food means no sweatshop conditions and no slavery in the fields anywhere!  So maybe when you next visit Subway, you could ask the manager when Subway plans to work out an agreement with the CIW.  Let folks know that you are a Fair Food Alliance supporter!

 THANK YOU’S RECEIVED FOR OUR GIFTS

The Rev. Dr. Patrick H. O’Neill, President of Florida Center for Theological Studies wrote:

“We appreciate the gift of $500.00 from members of the Mission Outreach Committee to Florida Center for Theological Studies.  You all have helped us to provide quality theological education to students of all ethnicities and traditions and who have been called to ministry.  We are truly blessed to have your loyal and steadfast encouragement and support.  On behalf of our students, I thank you.”

Cally Rogers-Witte, Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ, on behalf of the Collegium of Officers, wrote to Frank Tirb, President and Moderator of Christ Congregational Church the following note:

“I am writing to offer my thanks for Christ Congregational Church’s generous sharing of Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support last year and for your part in making that happen.  The gifts you have given from your church enable significant mission – mission that belongs to God and that all of us do together.  I believe and know that only together – as congregations, Conferences, and National setting – can we be the United Church of Christ that the future will demand.

Our Church’s Wider Mission keeps us connected.  We’re in this together.  Your congregation’s sharing of OCWM Basic Support strengthens bonds among UCC folk across the country and around the world.  Together, we can ‘share abundantly in every good work.’”

THANK YOU – YOUR GIFTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Last month we collected $545 for Blankets for Church World Service.  At $5 a blanket, that means we provided 109 blankets for Church World Service to distribute in disaster situations, like the cyclone in Myanmar or the earthquake in China.

As a congregation we also contributed this past spring $307 to David & Carol Christensen to support their mission work in Ghana this summer.  They will be using those funds to provide school supplies and simple medical supplies in the villages where they work.  They promised to give us an update of their work when they return to winter among us in December.

______________________________________________________________

MAY 2008

WHERE IS THERE TIME FOR A SABBATICAL???!!!

As the Pastoral Sabbatical draws closer (only two months until it begins) I am scratching my head wondering how on earth I ever contemplated there would be time to fit in a Sabbatical in the schedule.  When we received the announcement we had received the grant last September, July 1, 2009 was fully nine months away.  An eternity it seemed.  Plenty of time to get everything organized and prepare the Church and myself and my family, etc.  Then January came and we were into Lent and Easter quicker than ever before in my memory.  I thought for sure after Easter, things would slow down, they usually always did, and there would be plenty of time for all the last minute details to be ironed out. 

Then Easter was suddenly over and we were into April.  With Confirmation class still in full-swing; special services around the Field of Flags to be planned and held; then the Field had to be taken down and transported; plans and details for the Florida Conference UCC Annual Meeting suddenly became pressing; my daughter’s college graduation arrived; and the Annual Stewardship Fundraising campaign needing to be planned and carried out.  Suddenly April has been packed, May is fully scheduled, and June appears it will be very busy right up until my final Sunday, June 29^th.

All of which illustrates that Christ Congregational Church is a healthy, dynamic, vital and growing Church.  We have as much or more activity going on than we ever have had.  We are touching many, many lives on a regular basis, with the Pastor and many members very involved in the life of our surrounding community, making an impact to improve lives and build a better world!  We continue to attract people to our Church community, when they do visit us or hear about us, there are people that respond and say, “I like what you are doing.  I would like to be a part of that.” 

At the same time, Christ Congregational Church is still the BEST KEPT SECRET IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY!  There are undoubtedly many, many more people who yearn for such a church, which accepts all people in a non-judgmental manner, is concerned with making a difference in the world around us, and where people enjoy being together and spending time in mission, ministry, worship and fellowship.

God is doing great things amongst us and we are doing great things for God.  But how can we share all this with more people?  That is one area we need to strengthen about our mission and work for God.  Whether we are shy; whether we feel it is someone else’s job; whether we don’t know what to say or how to do it; whatever the reason, we need to become more capable at sharing our story with other people.

Toward that end the Church Council has made a commitment to bring Paul Nickerson to spend a day with us, Saturday, January 31, 2009.  Paul has helped many, many UCC churches learn how to better share their story with other people so that more people can become part of the great things God is doing in the UCC.  He has a powerful record of helping church become even more vital and dynamic and that is what the leaders of CCC desire for us.  Yes, January 31, 2009 feels like a long way off.  But, just as Sabbaticals creep up and nine-month pregnancies suddenly deliver screaming infants, this day will soon be upon us.  There is much we can keep doing to continue our vital, dynamic life as a Church.  And when we get to this date, we will have even more Good News and more stories to share with our neighbors.

As for the Sabbatical, all of this activity and vitality speaks to a powerful reason why your Pastor is going to step aside for four months.  After 14 years of helping to build this church, and 28 years of working for God in the Church, I need to step aside, breathe deeply of life and God’s Spirit, remember again what it means to be a disciple, follower, learner, instead of the leader, and give my heart, soul, mind, and strength to loving God, God’s glorious creation, and being nourished and renewed in that love.  I will miss being part of your vitality, but I will be reconnecting with God’s vitality in my own life.  When I return we will be able to reconnect our lives and passion with even greater results on behalf of God’s love for the world around us.

The plans are getting made.  Airplane flights are booked, hotels reserved, Spanish language classes arranged, vaccinations completed, and many, many other details being ironed out.  The only true way to schedule a Sabbatical is to put it on the calendar, prepare the best way you can in the midst of all the other work necessary to keep doing, and then, when the date arrive, lay that work aside and go.  That day will soon be here.  Together it will be a glorious adventure for us all.

In prayerful anticipation,

  CLOSER TO GOD

As we work with the idea of finding ways to share our CCC story with others, here is a simple prayer that might help us.  It was composed by Marjorie Dobson of England.

Meet God in Others

As we go out to take God to others,

know that we will meet him in others,

for our God blesses us with his presence

wherever we are.

Thanks be to God.

Amen.           

 JOIN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN BUILDING HOMES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Christ Congregational Church has been invited to participate in SPRING HABITAT FAITH DAY, Saturday, May 31, 2008.  This will be a great opportunity to demonstrate the Love of Jesus by helping your neighbors build a simple, decent, affordable house.  Emily Balcells, on behalf of the Mission Outreach Committee, is organizing a group to participate from Christ Church.  Sign-up in the Kelsey Building after worship by Sunday, May 11.  The group is limited to 10 Volunteers to work that Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Call Emily, 305-244-6739, if you would like to participate or if you have any questions.

This month we are praying for the following people:

-for all serving in the military, especially, Danny Forditch, Barbara Kitchens, Robert de la Roca & Apollo, in Iraq.

-for  Eyla Karb, Bill Dobson, Tim Simmons, Lydia Morales, Pam Lindenfelder, Dr. Doug Morton, Donna Dietrich, Carol Peleski, Joe Williams, Larry Lobel, Will Glass, Clinton Lewis, Bobbie MacNamara, Fred Bartell, Jr., Amy Dunfield, Peg Fullerton, Robin Becker, Fred Jackson, Linda Carey, Greg Schweitzer, Larry Green, Alan Cespenes, Lynn Price, Terry Mitchell, Joe Drescher, Kandy Tirb, Carol Atheas, Mayra S., Alicia Melendez, Richard Gibbs, Michael, Virginia Skeet, Dick, Joe Moder, Maida, Tere, Michael Elgard, Catherine Scnhellman, Rosemary Pennsley, Marti, Rick Caravetta, Pat Perez, Manuel Coronado, Bob Hudder, Jerry Hudder, David Barker, Elyse Rush, Steven McConohay, Karla Borges, Pamela Walters, Rachel,  Elaine, Donna Henry, Sandy Horn,  Leandro Perez, Jr., Mary Margaret Stone, Cheryl Tyson, Stephon Scavella, Glenda Catron, Edwin Shinholser fighting cancer.

-for  Margie Diaz, Micki Benson, Lesli Taylor, Jean Guthrie, Peg Hoerle, Angela Criswell, Nelda Herod, Janet Deitz, Margaret Guthrie, Celia & Osiris Cuesta, Rosario Acosta, Judy Krenek, Jean Menendez, Aline Muxo, Jorge Hernandez, Patricia Cassidy, Angel Campos, Agostino Mendez, Emma Nakato, Clarence Crosby, Wendy Merk, Felix Gutierrez, Austin Rapport, Chancellor Gonzalez, Emilio Juarez, Shirley Rogers, Marilyn Garcia, Shannon Barker, Shannon Williams, Cameron Hunt, Maggie Maher, Arlene Lewis, Florida Carey, Tony Dudley, Tati Reyes, Elaine Stanton, Carole & Gary Grissett, Carrie Craig, Luca Martinez, Camilla, Alex Rodriquez, Owen Nevels, Jan Kelley, Amy & Matt Bowles, Michelle Tinney, Michael Burke, Allen Rapport, Amy, Jerry Silhan, Jay, Cecil Browning,  Don Upchurch, Rabbi Lisa Benzinger, Maria Escobar, Carol Logan, Mydoan Berman, Sally Caldwell, Claire McElfresh, Nelys Michelena, Hilda & Eradio Acosta, Leslie Mejia with health concerns.

-for  Angie Brown, Ruth Schmutz, Dale & Jimmy McCray, Kelvin Ryan, Karen Godley, Fila & Heather Turner, Jessica Cardinale, Loren & Beth Rapport, the Juarez family, Doris, Jerome McDermott, Larry & Nancy McCord, Flavia Grigio, Doris, Cloyce Kirk, Bob Larbus, Chuck & Cindy Shoemaker, Vivian, Lola, Jane Choke, Helen Bertalan, Alonso, Jr., Davis Reid, Patty on death of father, Perline & Deryck Minto, the Murali family, family of Bill Sias mourning his death with personal concerns.

 (If someone has been on the list for eight weeks, they will be removed, but can be returned with an update.  Be sensitive to other’s privacy and check with them first)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED AT THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE UCC ANNUAL MEETING!

Christ Congregational Church was well represented at the Miami Hyatt Regency when the over 300 delegates and visitors from around the state began arriving on Friday, May 2, for the Annual Meeting of the Florida Conference UCC.  They were greeted by one of the many volunteers present to help their visit be as smooth and agreeable as possible.  Those helping out from CCC were: Andy Godley, Joan Chandler, Frank Tirb, Jim & Cindy Ketzle, Etta Schaller, Jon Beisenherz, Barbara Parker, Margarita Morell, and Emily Balcells.

In addition to these volunteers, Rosario Silveira, wife of our custodian, Marcos, put together the flowers provided by CCC into beautiful arrangements for the banquet tables as her gift to the Conference.  Also, Mark Krumich and a colleague on guitar, provided musical background for the reception following the Immigration Forum Pre-Event on Thursday evening, May 1.

CALLING ALL GRADUATES!

May and June are the months of graduations, college and high school.  Next month we would like to recognize and honor all of our graduates in this space.  If you, or someone you love is graduating this month or next, please drop us a line in the church office so we can share these accomplishments as a church family.

What we would like to know:

            From what school did you graduate? Degree?

                        Other awards?  Special activities?

            What are your future plans?

Just call the church office, 305-235-9381; send us a fax, 305-238-4801;

or an e-mail: christch@bellsouth.net.  Thank you!

“FIELD OF FLAGS” HAS MOVED ON

After spending 5 weeks on our campus, the Field of Flags was dismantled by a dedicated and reverent group of members on April 15, packed up and prepared for transport back to Connecticut.  Pastor Hudder also prepared the final list of those soldiers who had died while the Field was in our care.  We received 4,454 flags and sadly had to send on 4,525 flags.  Thank you to the crew who helped dismantle and pack up the Field: Jon Biesenherz, Wally Carlson, Fred Stanton, Alice Smith, Richard & Andrea Terrelonge, Frank & Mary Tirb, David Williams, Pastor Hudder, and Emily & Charlotte Balcells. 

BELONGING IS A GOOD FEELING!

If you have been attending Christ Congregational Church for some time and are feeling a sense of belong, why not consider affirming that feeling through Church Membership?  Several people have already approached Pastor Hudder about becoming Church Members and will be received into membership later in the month of May.  If you would like to be a part of this group of people affirming and strengthening their connections to this Church Family, just call Pastor Hudder at 305-804-7077.  As an Open and Affirming Church our membership invitation is extended to all people seeking a deeper knowledge of the presence of God in our world and in our lives.  

TWO FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN THIS MONTH

The long-running Men’s Breakfast Fellowship gathers as usual on Wednesday, May 14^th, at 7:30 a.m. at the Muffin Tin Restaurant on U.S. 1 & 128^th Street.  Come for a hearty warm breakfast, a muffin and coffee, or just good conversation with “the guys.”  The group usually breaks up by 8:30 for those who need to get to work.  Contact Dwayne Beatty for more information.

This month also will see the “kick-off” of an Evening Gathering for Men who want a relaxed opportunity to meet with other men to talk about matters of faith and of the spirit.  The men will gather on Monday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kelsey Building.  Contact Bob Pastorello for more information.

MAY 18 TO BE A GRAND CELEBRATION!

We have not seen a day like this in our life as a Church for some time!  On that Sunday we will be confirming our largest class of Confirmation Students in the past 15 years into full membership in the Christian Faith and into Full Membership in Christ Congregational Church.  The final decisions are being made, but there could be as many as 8 young people confirmed that day.

The Rite of Confirmation will take place during the 10:30 a.m. worship which will be followed with a special reception for the Confirmands, hosted by the Board of Christian Education.  They are planning a light lunch buffet and a chance to greet each of the young people and welcome them personally into full membership.

Our Florida Conference United Church of Christ Conference Minister, the Rev. Kent Siladi will be present in worship with us that day to help us celebrate.  He will be preaching and joining Pastor Hudder in officiating at the Confirmation.  The Rev Siladi began his duties as Conference Minister in July of 2007.  Prior to that time he was on the Conference Staff of the Connecticut Conference for 10 years, serving as a Regional Minister.  He also was a local church pastor for sixteen years, serving two church in the Connecticut Conference.  The Rev. Siladi has been involved in all of the settings of the United Church of Christ.  HE has served in the local church as a pastor, in the Association setting as a member of a Committee on Ministry, in the Conference setting as staff and in the national setting as a participant in the UCC History, Theology and Polity Network.  He chaired the General Synod 25 Nominating Committee.  As Conference Minister his primary responsibilities include offering a ministry of leadership and relationship, communicating the mission and ministry of the Florida Conference, providing programmatic and Conference Staff oversight, assuring business and financial oversight and representing the Florida Conference to the wider church.  The Rev. Siladi is a graduate of Nasson College and Yale Divinity School.

CHRISTIAN OUTREACH – MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES!

THANK YOU’S RECEIVED

Bonnie Fitch, Communications Assistant for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami wrote to us:

“Thank you for your recent Faith House contribution to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami.  Your valued partnership is helping us make great strides toward ensuring the availability of decent, affordable housing for low-income families.

This past weekend, a very special dedication ceremony was held.  During the ceremony, the Smith and the Martinez families received the keys to their brand new homes in Jordan Commons.  Volunteers, sponsors, and friends celebrated with these homeowners, who expressed their appreciation for all the people who came together to help make their dream of homeownership a reality.  …

Our sole mission is to glory God by building homes with families in need.  May God bless you as you give to a ministry that seeks to permanently help and empower our working poor.”

We also received a “Thank You” from the Community Blood Centers of South Florida, Inc., for the recent blood drive we held on Sunday, April 13.  We were able to donate 4 units of blood that day and they are looking forward to coming back to hold another blood drive in a few months.

______________________________________________________________

 APRIL 2008

The Church Needs You!

There is a legend about a small town in medieval Europe that was building a church.  The architect and the pastor were very secretive about the construction plans and the people did not get to see the church until it was all complete.  When that day finally came, they entered the sanctuary to marvel at the beauty and wonder of it.  Each family found their assigned pew as the Pastor stood to lead them in dedicating their new worship space.  At the end of the service, after asking God to bless the new church and dedicating it to the sacred work of worshiping God, the Pastor turned to the gathered people.  He pointed out to them how the lovely light in the church was provided by lanterns that were hung on the pillars going down the outside aisles.  There was a post at the end of each pew and a lantern on each post.  The Pastor said to the people: “These lanterns need to be cared for by each family here.  When you leave today, take your lantern home, polish it, refill it with oil, use it to also light your home.  And each time you come to worship, bring your lantern with you.  You will notice what this means: If you are not present in worship, the area around your pew will be dark, for there will be a lantern missing.  Your church needs you.  When you are not here, your church is poorer because of your absence.  When we are all of us gathered together, then the full power of the light of God will shine in our midst.”

Social scientists say we live in a “consumer” culture today.  Everything is geared to meeting my needs.  We judge things by what we get from them.  But the Church is not just here to meet our needs.  It is also a place where we are invited to contribute, to make a difference.  It is a place that needs us. 

When any one of us is absent, the church is poorer.  Somebody, if not everybody, misses you.  You may not realize who it is.  It may be a friend you have made, or it may be someone who quietly observes you from the next pew over, but takes strength from your witness, your testimony, your smile, your greeting, your warmth, your devotion.  It may be a couple struggling with their own marriage who are encouraged by the witness of the love in

your marriage.  It may be a parent who struggles to guide, discipline, nurture their own child, but finds an example from you by watching how you interact with your child.  It may be a new widow who finds courage to keep going from watching the way you have dealt over the years with the loss of your own spouse.  We never know for sure who all is watching, but when we are absent, we are missed.

Your Church needs your attendance, not just at worship but also at Church dinners and luncheons; at Men’s and Women’s fellowship groups; at workdays; at Bible study classes; whenever the Church gathers as a community.  There are other ways your Church needs you.  Your Church needs your prayers.  Richard Terrelonge has organized about 8 prayer teams to be praying for the church and the weekly worship every week.  That is about 32-40 people praying regularly for Christ Congregational Church.  That spiritual attention will make a difference.  But you can pray for your church at anytime and you don’t need to be part of an organized effort.  Hopefully we are all praying for our church regularly.

Your Church also needs your talents, skills, time and energy.  There are many, many volunteers needed to keep the mission and ministry of Christ Congregational Church moving forward.  Vacation Bible School is coming up in June and will need teachers and helpers for the week of June 9 – 13, 2008, during the morning hours.  Summer Church School on Sunday mornings will need volunteers to provided classes for our children.  There is a list elsewhere in the Newsletter that ran last month and is repeated this month of special volunteer opportunities during the Pastoral Sabbatical later this year.  And the Florida Conference Annual Meeting, May 1, 2, & 3, 2008 needs volunteers to provide welcome and hospitality to the 300 delegates and visitors coming from around the state. 

The Church also needs your ideas.  Each of us brings unique perspective, talents, creativity, and ideas!  The Church ministry is enriched as we all offer our ideas of what to do, how to do it, etc.  The Video Petition to be presented to Burger King was the idea of one of our youth who attended the Immokalee Immersion Day Experience.  One of our members recently suggested we ought to have a regular “lay” preachers every 4 – 6 weeks and have an opportunity to hear the faith presented by some of our members who are willing to present a sermon and share how they hear God speaking to them.  These are all ideas which can enrich our life together.

The Church also needs your financial support.  Beginning