This week's note from Rev. Ben Richards

Read Faithfully

Reading scripture is important. One of the most fundamental arguments of the 16th century Protest Reformation was that scripture should be available beyond the clergy. All should have access to it. And if you ever come to a Bible study I’m leading, you’ll hear me say this: you can read scripture. Your encounter of it is unique, valid, and valuable.

But the thing about reading scripture is that there are lots of ways to do it, and not all of them are faithful. So how we read scripture matters.

It’s not about the different processes or procedures. Whether you’re reading it as a daily devotional, through the practice of lectio divina, or reading it from the slides on Sunday and sitting with it in worship… all of those and so many other options are valid. Reading scripture is important, and I’m glad you’re doing it (and if you’re not, I encourage you to start). And however you do that, it works. Not least because what matters more than how is why.

In John Wesley’s sermon “The Means of Grace”, he considers our use of scripture. Does it seek to serve us, or do we engage it so that we might come to know and serve God? He evokes the passage from 2 Timothy we’ll consider Sunday, but also notably Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

To this he reflects: “Here we are in the plainest manner directed to ask in order to, or as a means of, receiving; to seek in order to find the grace of God… to knock, to continue asking and seeking, if we would enter into his kingdom.”

The condition of Matthew 7 – asking, seeking, knocking – is one of diligence and intention, to be sure, but it is also, and fundamentally, one of curiosity and humility. One that dares to ask rather than quietly stagnating with what we already know or believe. One that seeks rather than comfortably keeping a status quo. One that knocks, knowing that we stand at a precipice for which we are being invited in, and not for our doing.

This is a more difficult way to read scripture, certainly one that requires a great deal more vulnerability. And it’s also a more faithful way, as we seek to let it form us. Each of us, and First United Methodist Bonita Springs. I pray that we would allow the word of God to move and shape us, instead of the other way around. See you Sunday.

-Ben

Service for January 26, 2025

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 3 pm

You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 3 pm in the church office for Bible study. All are welcome to be a part of this small group, facilitated by Rev. Ben Richards, as we explore our faith together.

          Super “Souper Bowl” day planned

When United Women in Faith gathered January 20, the group discussed plan for the third annual “Soup-er Bowl” celebration at First UMC Bonita.  After watching the weekend games with that cold, snowy, icy northern weather…a hot bowl of soup  was certainly on the menu. Even our Florida weather has increased our desire for a steamy bowl of soup!

While we don’t yet know the teams who will be playing in the big game on February 9, we do know that this event will be fun for NFL and even non-football fans.  Who can resist soup?  Women at the meeting signed up for different soups…but more are needed.  The crockpots of soup will be plugged in along the counters in Fellowship Hall. Last year there were probably 15 different crockpots of homemade soups. There will be sign-up sheets in both the back of the sanctuary and in fellowship hall for additional soup chefs to sign up. And  don’t worry if someone has already signed up for the variety you want to make…after all, every chili recipe is different, for example. You might enjoy trying different versions of your favorite kind of soup.

UWF members will set up the event Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. They will supply crackers, corn bread, and drinks along with cookies or brownies for dessert. 

Everyone is encouraged to wear a shirt from your favorite NFL team on Super Bowl Sunday – even if your team didn’t make the big game. We might even be able to convince “someone” to lead us in the wave at worship before we head to Fellowship Hall after worship.

And here’s the best part: all donations from  this event will all go to the Summer Reserve Fund! So come and enjoy fellowship with your church family and fellow football enthusiasts…eat up and be generous!

Community Breakfast Tomorrow Volunteers 9am

First Bonita is Hiring

We are hiring a custodian and would be grateful for your support. Your prayers are appreciated, and if you or someone you know would be a good fit, please contact us. The position provides maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning of the facilities and requires 10-15 hours weekly. Interested parties should contact Rev. Ben Richards for more information or to apply.

Come and learn Spanish Tuesdays 9:30 am in the office.

Next regular meeting will be February 17, 2025. The group meets the third Monday of the month at 1pm in Fellowship Hall. All women are invited.

Book Club

The group will resume its normal first Wednesday of the month for the February 5 gathering. The group gathers at 1 p.m. to enjoy lunch and/or ice cream before diving into discussion of the book. The February selection of Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett was distributed to those in attendance January 8. This is another book kit selection from the Bonita Springs Public Library. If you were unable to be at the January meeting, the books will be available at church.

The book is described as “a beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up”. The New York Times reviewer added: “Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America’s finest writers.” This is the book club’s second Ann Patchett selection. The group read and enjoyed the author’s book These Precious Days-Essays in January 2023. Her novel will be the 44th book the group has read.

This novel is set in the spring of 2020 at the family’s orchard in Northern Michigan. Lara’s three daughters beg their mother to share the story of a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake. Reviewers describe the book as “a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born.” Patchett combines her narrative artistry with insights into family dynamics.

The First UMC Book Club is open to all who love reading and discussing what you have read. If you have any questions, see Susan Atkinson at church or text her at 239-405-9078. 

"TOM AND PRINCESS' CORNER"

The places we go and the things we see!

Hello, Feline-Faithful Friends,

Despite the rainy weather, Tom and Princess, our fur-bulous church cats, have been snug as a bug, observing the campus with their wise whiskers. Even under dripping skies, our heartwarming church spirit shines like a sunny meow.

We spotted our dedicated "Wagon Man" pulling his trusty wagon through the drizzle, helping keep the grounds meow-nificent. Meanwhile, signs went up for the breakfast and clothes closet morning. We hope our community comes together, finding warmth and joy in a hearty meal and cozy clothing. Even when the weather's a bit paw-sitively chilly, our team is ready to spread Christ’s love.



Together, through rain or shine, we're reminded of our purr-sistence in making this church a real home. Join us as we paws to en-purrrage love and kindness, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Tom, Princess, and Your Church Team 🐱❤️

The Upper Room

The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

PRAYER & CARE

All information and last names will be kept confidential. Our list is updated weekly. If you need us to keep someone on the list, please send their name to prayer@fumcbonita.org.

Come Pray

Fridays at 9:30 am

Zoom and in the sanctuary

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

Prayer Request cards are on the rack at the back of the Sanctuary.

Please help us to keep the list current, fill out a request for adding or taking off!

Altar Flowers



If you would like to honor family, friends, or loved ones for an anniversary, birthday, or memorial, contact the church office for details.

 Wednesdays from 1:00-4:00 our church participates with the Meals of Hope to feed over 150 families each week. Right now we have a desperate need for people to come and help out with the initial packing of fresh fruits and vegetables into bags, and then taking them to the cars as the clients come through.