Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church
8260 Cypress Lake Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-481-3233
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Our Vision: We strive to live Jesus' charge to love one another and lead others to a growing relationship with God.
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Friends,
God is always saving people, leading them to new places and possibilities. Our passage in Joshua details memory: how the forty years of wilderness wandering for the Israelites are now at an end. Joshua and his people are at an inflection point, a point of change. Moses has led the people thus far, but in this new land they have a new leader named Joshua. Recall they wandered for forty years, having escaped the oppression of the Egyptians. They are now realizing a change, a time of promise, a time of hope as they are entering the land of God’s promise.
Their entering the promised land shows that God’s promise to them is real and effective. Even though the Israelites have not always been good, God has always been good to them. In the wilderness, they were fed manna and quail, a direct provision of God. They wandered for years in utter dependence up God. Now the land of promise lies before them, a land full of opportunities. So, Joshua stops and has the people gather stones to remember. The stones were reminders of the struggles, of the good and not so good times.
Joshua is keenly aware of the dangers of new opportunities. He understands the danger that God’s people may commit themselves to the fertility gods of Canaan. While the shame and disgrace of the slavery in Egypt are behind them, the Israelites face idolatries before them. God wants them to remember this moment.
We often find ourselves at this same crossroads. Despite past disgraces, God forgives and presents us with new opportunities for service and faithfulness. The future lies before us, yet we are still far from where we should be. This nation is one filled with hopes and dreams, struggles and deep loss. As we reflect this Memorial Day, may we reflect on our relationship to God.
This was what was happening in the moment of Israel’s crossing. Joshua was providing a moment of reflection. The younger Israelites, the exodus is important, but it is history. Some of us are like the younger Israelites, as we do not remember Viet Nam, the Korean conflict, or WWII. Some of us are like the older Israelites, as we remember those wars and conflicts in our past. We may even suffer the loss of a family member during this time. In our text, we see a people excited to cross over. The land looks good, but remember it is not empty. It contains great riches, temptations, and resistance. As the people pause, Joshua has them reconnect with the covenant in the leaving behind the stones. Out of their pain and struggles, they are to remember God’s guiding work with them.
This land called the United States is still a land flowing with milk and honey, yet we know we cannot live on milk and honey – or bread alone – but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Like our Joshua moment, Memorial Day causes us to pause – not for a shop till you drop moment, a day at the beach, or grilling out with our friends. Memorial Day has us pause and remember those who sacrificed for our protection and our freedom. We also sense a deep responsibility to practice our liberty responsibly. For we live in a land rich with blessing and temptation. It is wonderful to live in a land flowing with milk and honey, but Joshua wanted Israel to rely more on the Giver of the land. May we remember to lay down our stones as we remember our genuine divine blessings.
See you Sunday,
Eddie Bellis, pastor
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Verses for the Week are John 3:1-17
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Sunday, May 30th
10:00 a.m. Blended Worship Service in Sanctuary (Live Stream available via clpc.us)
(or broadcast in your car in the church parking lot on 89.1FM)
11:30 a.m. Spanish Worship Service (Chapel)
Monday, May 31st- Happy Memorial Day
Office Closed
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Food Pantry (FH/Side Rm)
4:30 - 7 p.m. Food Pantry (FH/Side Rm)
Tuesday, June 1st - Church Office Open 9 a.m.- Noon
Happy Birthday Bud Haidet
6:00 p.m. Voices in Bronze Bells Rehearsal
6:30-9:30 p.m. ESL Classes (Rm 2&3)
7 p.m. Ministry Team Meetings
Wednesday, June 2nd
Happy Birthday Wanda Bishop
Happy Birthday Heriberto Santiago
8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Caloosa Carvers (in Fellowship Hall)
6:30-9:30 p.m. ESL Classes (Rm 2&3)
7:00 p.m. Gloria Choir Rehearsal
7 - 8 p.m. Scout Troops (Chapel)
Thursday, June 3rd
Happy Birthday Sally Fontaine
Happy Birthday Terri Bergmann
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Knit 1 – Pray 2 (Rm.#2)
Friday, June 4th
Office closed
Saturday, June 5th
Happy Birthday Monica Tovar
Happy Birthday Elaine Auman
No Events
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ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 30th- June 5th |
Thank You: Church and Community would like to thank everyone who attended the Wednesday night dinners during the month of May. It was great to get back together for fellowship. We averaged around 40 people each night which was a little lower than 2019 but that was expected. We will start up again in the fall and hope everyone will consider joining us.
Linus Project: Inviting ALL Ladies of CLPC to join us on Monday, June 7th in Classroom #2 for a meeting of Project Linus. If you knit - crochet- tie a knot- or sew a quilt we ask that you join us. We serve children here in Lee County that are in crisis such as the hospital with a blanket they can love and hold and help during this time. Please join us from 9:30-11am in Room #2. Matilda Wilson, Lee County Coordinator, 239-489-3582.
Congregational Meeting: Sunday June 13th following 10:00 a.m. Service
Men's Group & Bible Study: Men of CLPC have started to meet on Monday evenings in the Chapel with a new format. At 6:30, we'll be discussing our church and talking ideas about how we can be intentional disciples. At 7:00, we shift to Bible Study, discussing last week's and next week's passages. We're a discipleship group with fellowship, research, and study. We're hoping to grow this community of men, and we'd like you to be a part of it. Reach out to Bruno Mauer or Steve Norris for more information. We'd love to see you on Monday night 6:30-8pm.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: It's Back!! Come on, come all to our Knit 1 – Pray 2 Prayer Shawl where we have an opportunity for you to get involved with the Presbyterian Women of our church. We meet every Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 P.M. in Room #2 in building #1 (facing Cypress Lake Drive). We knit or crochet a Prayer Shawl to take to members that are sick, home bound, OR just need a little encouragement. We can teach you how to make these and the pattern is not hard to learn. Come out and enjoy our fellowship and a chance to help someone in need. More information, call Matilda Wilson, 239-489-3582 .
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Stephen Ministry: Stephen Ministers meet the 1st Thursdays of the month In Person at 6:30 p.m. and the 3th Thursday of the month via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.
What is Stephen Ministry? Can a Stephen Minister help me during the pandemic? Stephen Ministry is a way our church provides care to hurting people in our congregation and community. Contact Pastor Eddie at [email protected] or Ginny Canning [email protected] or 239-247-1042 for information.
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Clothes Closet: The Clothes Closet is accepting donations so we are collecting CLOTHING again. (Please NO household items outside of clothing & items listed below.)
Drop off in the Narthex or during the week in the Office, Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm.
*Currently C.C. is in Need of NEW Underwear, Socks, Bras and Infant Supplies (diapers, blankets, sheets, etc.)
*Please separate clothes from non-clothes items into different bags.
*Monetary donations may be made out & mailed to: Faith United Methodist Church Attn Clothes Closet 15690 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Elders Devotionals for June 2021: Opening Prayer: Tim Baldwin,
Closing Prayer: Bob Hoschner, Opening of Church on Sunday: Gordon Coffman
Office Hours: The normal office hours are now Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm. If you have a question or concern, please contact Katie Gayle at [email protected]
Office Contact Information:
Give Online: For your convenience you can Give Online. Just click the link below.
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VBS is Back CLPC
June 21st to June 25th
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Space is Limited
Register by Clicking Link Below
Ages: Kindergarten and Up
Free Event with Dinners Included
*Volunteers Needed- Sign Up in Narthex on Sundays
& Office M-R 9am-3pm*
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Faith Community Nurse
Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fort Myers, FL
Part-time, exempt position (10 hours per week) responsible to function in a collaborative pastoral team approach to health care for CLPC congregation.
Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing, BSN preferred.
Experience: Recent 3-5 years of clinical/community nursing experience.
Training: Foundation of Faith Community Nursing Course or equivalent providing at least 34 CEUs.
License: Currently licensed or eligible for RN licensure in the State of Florida.
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Director of Christian Education
Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church – Fort Myers, FL
Exempt position (30 hours per week) responsible for developing and implementing ministries that nurture Christian faith and discipleship in children, youth and adults.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in appropriate educational field of study.
Experience in a church ministry.
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Please share both positions with others that may be interested.
Submit letter of interest and resume by 06-10-21 to:
Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church
Attn: Sandy Wharton, Personnel Comm. Chair
8260 Cypress Lake Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33919
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Help Needed at CLPC: Anyone that wishes to be trained for the sound booth and the video console. We need to have at least 2 more people trained. Please email Keith Schneider [email protected] or Brian Granstra [email protected]
Ushers/Greeters Needed: Meet and Greet you church family, Be an Usher/Greeter! Interested? Please call Steve Norris 614-284-0445 or Tony Brockelman 860-614-4639. It is an easy 1 hour.
E-Courier Email List Clean Up: In an effort to have a better idea of how we are doing getting the E Courier out to everyone, we are cleaning up the contact list of any duplicate emails or email addresses that have not opened a E Courier in several months/years. If you know anyone that would like to get the E Courier please have them visit clpc.us and sign up or email me at [email protected] and I can add them to the email list. Thank you in advance for the help. Blessings, Katie Gayle (CLPC Office Manager)
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Prayer List
Homebound
Frank Alberti
Elly Bartoe
Hal Gerhardt
Shirley Gerstenberger
Audrey Hayward
Al Hornung
Bob McFedries
Nan Read
Jean Hurst
Deployed Military
Javan Henderson
Randy Pepper
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Al & Shirley Haager’s Friend, Holly Scothern
Alex Kiss
Amanda Johnson’s Friend’s Father, Jeff Ward
Ann & Tony Brockelman
Barb Pappalardo’s son Brett & friends; Don & Trisha Winship
Bev & George Westacott
Brenda Harcourt & her Son and family
Carolyn Brose
Carolyn Hornung’s; Friends: Dawn Paulson, Sarah, Alamar, Lauren Paulson
Cindy Carver
Connie Hope’s Son, John Hope, & Friends: Brighton Curcio,
Denise Curcio, Souleigha Curcio, Kendaen Curcio
Donna Brown’s Dad, Don Sporn
Elly Bartoe’s daughter-in-Law, Kimberly and Barb DeVore
Gregory Bradley
Iglesia El Redentor in Matanzas, Cuba
Jean Shell & Nephew, Tony
Jim & Matilda Wilson Friends: Millie Vazquez, Cheryl Dami
Joyce Botchford’s brother, Jim Tharp
Judy Schulte’s Family: Julie, Dan & Pat Gaskins & Friends: Maybell, Moe & Jamie Fiocca
Karen Clifford’s Mom, Mary
Kathy Huffman
Ken Vanswearingen & cousin
Kirk Charles’s Mother, Lois, nieces, Stacy Charles & Jessica Colondona & friend Rob
Larry & Christine Johnson’s Nieces, Megan Heinaman & Erin Johnson
Pam Smith’s Friends, Susan Christopher, Jennifer Dunn & Family
Pastor Joel and wife, Miriam
Rich & Marietta Meacham’s Grandson, Ben
Friends: Paul Timmons, Trasi, Gary & Suzanne
Scott Heffington’s Mother, Ona Riggin
Sharon Werner’s sister-in-law Connie & Friends; Steve & Kathy Krug
Spanish Ministry Members with Immigration Process
Stacia Kiss-Shoemaker & granddaughter Izzy & Friend Claire Keaser
Steve Norris, and friends, Jim and Jan Benadum
Sue & Marty Chanofsky
Tim Baldwin’s Son, Darren
Walt & Pat France and Son, Scott France
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Our Mission: Led by the Holy Spirit, we joyfully reach out to the community and the world in faithful love and service as we mature in Discipleship and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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