Members, Friends & Guests:

Thanks to my good friend Rev. Bill Green for leading worship and preaching last Sunday. He gladly accepted the challenging passage from II Samuel 9.1-13 and the story of Mephibosheth. There are a host of little know characters in the Bible and the hope is that all of us are learning about new people who seemed to have eluded the classic stories of the Bible when we attended Sunday School. A thanks also to Judi Sheley and Bruce Donaldson for introducing Bill and his wife Robin before each service.

World Communion is Sunday, October 4, and the message will focus on a character embedded in the birth story of Jesus. Her name is Anna, a prophettess who resided in the Temple. When seeing Jesus, she realizes that her lifelong faithfulness helps her to recognize and testify to God’s salvation. Click Here to Read the Passage

This passage is kind of surprising, knowing all that occurred prior to this moment. Mary gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, angels sing, and shepherds arrive to celebrate the Savior. Now, there is a twist and turn in the story. After Luke records that “Mary kept all these things in her heart,” Mary and Joseph are surprised at their child’s notoriety as he is presented for circumcision. Anna never stopped watching and waiting. Her attitude says much about in life and in this world. We should never stop hoping.

With the change of the calendar ushering us into October, I look forward to seeing familiar faces that have been up north making their way to SWFL. Be sure to welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ as they return to paradise!  

On the mission front, your generosity and time by taking an Operation Christmas Box (I’ve seen up to three), filling it and returning to the front of the sanctuary speaks of the deep commitment to make a difference in the lives of children around the world! Thank you and please return by Sunday, October 25.

In addition, October is Undy Sunday month. Catholic Charities provides a bin in which to place newly purchased packs of underwear for children and youth. This is a basic necessity that is sometimes overlooked in families that are struggling.

The Men’s Bible Study resumes on Monday, October 12 at 8:00 am in the Sawyer room. This will be a great study on the book of Acts, as we trace the growth of the church following Pentecost! Marty will present study guides each week and please be sure to bring your Bible for our primary text!

If you are interested in leading a new Bible Study on a different day of the week and perhaps on a different topic, please send me a note at ebrandt@ucmarco.org. United Church of Marco Isalnd wants to provide a meaningful and sound study of the scriptures that reflect the intent of the writer as well as God’s Spirit and see what the Spirit of God is saying to us today. 

Marty Roland and I continue the Thursday morning study of “It’s Good to Be King” at 10 am in the Sawyer room. This eight-week study will introduce you to the kings of Israel and their unique impact on the Hebrew people.

Two families blessed the music program and the congregation with two separate donations of pianos that are remarkable in their craftsmanship. A huge thanks to Linda and Alan Sandlin and to Barb Rola who donated these quality musical instruments to the church. A formal dedication will be held at the 10:00 am service on Sunday, October 11 with a special musical presentation by Renan Gerstenberger.  Renan is a professional pianist and musician born in São Paulo, Brazil, whose musical journey began in a spontaneous and self-taught way at the age of eight. 

Plan to attend Tuesday afternoon at the Movies on Tuesday, October 13 in the Sawyer Room at 1:00 pm. Entitled, “The Ultimate Gift,” is a story about a grandson who will receive his inheritance after he completes 12 tasks in a year. Click Here for the Trailer 

Knowing how everyone loves their pets, there will be a drive-thru Blessing of the Animals on Wednesday, October 14 from 8:00-10:o0 am at the ellipse on the church campus. Bring your pet, receive a blessing, and a cup of coffee!!!

Click for an Invite from Dr. Waggs

An 8-week Grief Support Group will begin Thursday, October 22 in the Chapel from 1:00 pm. Please plan to attend this time of sharing, prayer and mutual support. The group will be limited to 12 people, so please send a note to me at ebrandt@ucmarco.org if planning to attend. If there are more than 12 people signing up, a second support group will be held. Grief is a powerful emotion and process that invites sensitive care for each person who shares a story. Each participant will receive a workbook that we will follow throughout our time together.

Finally, United Church of Marco Island will celebrate the life of Mary Jane Irvine with a service on Saturday, October 3 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary. We give thanks for her witness and service as a faithful member.

Jane and I look forward to being back and thanks for your patience and understanding as we took the last Vacation Sunday for the year.



Lots going on and always searching for ways to bring people together. If you have ideas and suggestions, send a note to ucmarco@ucmarco.org.

Welcome Home!

Pastor Ed

302-932-9861

ebrandt@ucmarco.org