May 9th, 2025

First Bonita

Serving Bonita Springs for Over 100 Years

05.09.25

Shia Surprise!

Last week I shared a sermon from our Bishop, Tom Berlin, and was happy to hear from many of you how meaningful it was to receive that word. This week I had the opportunity to hear Bishop Berlin speak to a group of clergy and lay leaders. It, too, was a helpful and motivating word. It’s churning in me still this morning; perspectives I want to explore, the early makings of a sermon series, and some conversations added to the off-season to-do list.

Though, admittedly, one other thing stuck with me from his talk. A simple, offhand comment: “I do like a good YouTube video.”

So, there’s something we have in common, I thought, then quickly realized we like very different YouTube videos as he described one: a shark cage, chummed water mishap where, thankfully, no one was harmed. Not my jam, but it got me thinking about some of my favorite YouTube content.

Did you know there are over 14 billion videos on YouTube? You couldn’t watch all of them if you spent the rest of your life trying. But you don’t have to, because I’m going to do you a favor. I’m going to share the best of them, the best video on YouTube. Take a moment (or three and a half) and watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0u4M6vppCI

I love this video so much. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it, but it makes me smile, makes me laugh, makes me happy to see it every time.

On the one hand, it’s just funny. Absurd, but brilliant. The quality of the composition, the increasingly harrowing story while the production gets more elaborate every few seconds. The combination of Rob Cantor’s narration alongside a drum set, strings, children and adult choirs, dancers, giant heads, aerial silk performers, glitter, and a good sport at the end.

I’m not sure if newsletter notes need to have a message, but if this one does, it’s simple: have fun. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles are using their gifts. That dancing bass player, he’s sharing his. Cantor’s creativity is on full display. The dancers up on sashes, in giant heads, moving stealthily before their legs are magnificently caught in bear traps… gifts being realized, celebrated, shared.

We’re all in this together. Diverse gifts, passions, humor. I’m grateful for those you have and share with me and with others. Have fun, and an amazing weekend.

Yours with grace, peace, and laughter,

Rev. Ben Richards

Sunday Service

Join us this Sunday in-person or watch the 10 AM livestream here.

United Women in Faith

A slate of officers for 2025-26 was presented and approved at the April meeting of the UWF. They will assume office with the September 2025 meeting. The ladies gather the third Monday of each month, September through May, for business meetings. During the summer months, all ladies of the church are invited to enjoy lunches and fellowship at area restaurants. The group will select restaurants for June, July, and August during the May 19 meeting at 1:00 PM in Fellowship Hall.

Officers selected for 2025-26 are: Jann Mier, president; Jaci Colombo, vice president; Denise Pope, secretary; and Kathy Schmitt, treasurer.

UWF’s focus is on mission outreach and fellowship. The group recently led a church- wide project to benefit Bonita Assistance clients. They also collected over 200 packets of vegetable seeds which were sent to Redbird Mission in Kentucky and support needs of students and teachers at Bonita Springs elementary through the donation of shoes, uniforms, feminine hygiene products, and other needs.

Looking ahead, the ladies are planning a Ladies Tea Fundraiser to be held next January. A committee has been organized to plan and promote this event, which would be open to not just UWF members but all church women and friends.

Updates

Bible Study:

Meets most Wednesdays at 3 PM in the church office. Resumes on May 14. Facilitated by Rev. Ben Richards.

Meals of Hope:

Meals of Hope is now distributing food every other week on Tuesdays from 1 PM - 4 PM. If you would like to participate, their next distribution is on April 29.

Prayer and Care:

Join us Fridays at 9:30 AM on Zoom or in the sanctuary. Cards to submit requests are in the back of the Sanctuary. Need to keep someone on the list? Send their name to prayer@fumcbonita.org. All information and last names will be kept confidential.

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.

Prayer Requests

Doug

Rae

Bob

Chet

Mikey B

Leroy

Justin

Ron S

Kenn