This Week at The Congregational Church
January 17, 2021
This Week's Message: Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
(Jim and Dawn Keough have tested positive and are down with COVID-19 and will not be available before at least January 24th.)
This week we recognize and honor the birth of the civil rights leader who led the effort for equal rights in the Southern United States. His inspiring words and actions remind Americans everywhere to work for racial, economic, and international justice.
We will highlight music that honors the favorite church music and secular songs of Martin Luther King. Music was an important part of the ministry of Dr. King and his family. Kevin O'Connell, Billie Thatcher, and "The Skipper" will share the message in music in a way that will remind us of the importance of continuing the effort to bring about equality and justice for all. Kevin will also deliver a short sermon about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and thought.
SCRIPTURE LESSON:  Isaiah 40:1-5 
Scripture Reading by Libby Regan, Deacon
GREETERS: Libby & Gil Regan
USHERS: Nancy Doggett & Dorothy Robertson
Deacon Of The Month For January is Nancy Doggett
THE ALTAR FLOWERS AND look BULLETINS:

The Altar Flowers and Bulletins are provided by John and Carolyn Crimmins in celebration of their 59th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary!
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SPECIAL THANK YOU to everyone who signed up to support our altar flowers and our worship bulletins. Those who signed up have been contacted concerning their wishes. We will be taking the flowers to Hospice or sending them home with the donors.
Music Ministry This Week


Our special music this week will be provided by Mark "The Skipper" Finkle and Billie Thatcher.  The Skipper will sing "I Sing For You", "Abraham, Martin and John" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". 
Nancy Doggett will play the Memorial Chimes
Billie will sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing", "Jesus Loves the Little Children", and "There Is a Balm in Gilead".".
Kevin O'Connell will direct the music. Kevin will also deliver a short sermon about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and thought.
Read More About "The Skipper"
Holy Communion
HOLY COMMUNION. The next communion service will take place on Sunday, February 7th.

Face Mask Policy:

A few people are still coming to Sunday Services wearing only a plastic face shield. Please note that masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe. The shield by itself doesn't protect YOU or the people around you. It must be worn with a face mask to protect yourself and others.  If you have difficulty breathing with a face mask, please consider watching Online from home.
Worship Services
WE WANT YOU SAFE AT OUR WORSHIP SERVICES.  Join us each Sunday at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary. Temperatures will be checked, social distancing will be observed, masks are required and every possible step will be taken to keep everyone safe. Your cooperation is essential to keeping our church family safe. If you have health issues that make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 please watch from home. God is wherever you are and we are always joined in spirit. The service will be similar to the one we have been using online. 
Reservations will need to be made by calling the church office (M-W-F from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Making a reservation means you will have a seat. They are not reserved seats. First come - first choice.
January Birthdays
Larry Hutchinson and Beverly Scott (5), Mary Ellen Kresel (10), Becky Landry (11), Linda Owen and Sam Moyer (13), Carol Wigner (14), Carl Nystrom (16), John Fornander and Robert Gorney (26), and Barbara Pentecost (31).   

(If we missed your birthday, please, let us know. We will add you to m list.)
January Mission Projects
During the 2021 calendar year our mission dollars each month will be divided between the Infant and Toddler Pantry and the designated Mission of the Month. Cornerstone Hospice will receive our support as the January mission. Many of our church family have used the caring ministry of Hospice. Your gifts will help provide compassionate care during some of life's most difficult moments.
Mark Your Calendar
INAUGURATION DAY. On January 20th a new administration is scheduled to take control in Washington, D.C. Joe Biden will be sworn in as President of the United States. All of us, Republicans and Democrats, have the responsibility to pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." Pray for our leaders - pray for our nation.

THE ANNUAL MEETING of The Congregational Church will take place on Sunday, January 24th following the morning worship service. Reports will be presented, the budget for 2021 will be approved, and election of officers will be held. All members should plan to attend. You can pick up your copy of the 2020 Annual Report beginning Sunday, January 17th after church service or from the church office the week of January 18th.
Pastoral Care
Contact Pastor Jim Keough on his cell 352-250-6160 or email: RevJim46@aol.com. If you are ill or going to the hospital please let us know. We want to pray for you and be of service.
Important Notice: Hospitals and Rehab Centers are still limiting the visitation that can take place at their facilities. Clergy, including your pastor, are limited in their calling during the coronavirus crisis. Therefore, visitation will be limited to critical situations. Please be sure to check the "Prayer Request" section of our church website and pray for your church friends and their concerns. If you have someone you would like added to the list contact the pastor or the church office.
Church Memorial Garden
We are pleased that many in our church family are planning to use the beautiful new Memorial Garden as part of their end of life planning. We are currently reserving locations in Section A of the garden. Fourteen of the first section of 34 sites are already reserved. A $500 donation covers your internment site, granite marker, engraving, memorial service, and "perpetual care". If you want the best choice of locations in the garden now is the time to reserve. This is not a fund raiser for the church. It is to provide members and friends with a beautiful, yet economical, final resting place here at the church we all love. Contact the office for an informational appointment.
If you cannot attend services at the church you can follow us online. Invite your friends, family members and neighbors to worship with us online

Accessing our live stream worship service on Sundays
Please note: You do not need a Facebook account
to access our live stream broadcasts. No sign up necessary!

From your computer, smartphone or tablet, go to our website, www.thecongregationalchurch.org (using your browser of choice: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) (Give yourself a few minutes before the service to get set up.)

Click on the Facebook LIVE logo to go directly to our LIVE Service.
The broadcast will begin automatically.

If you would like to get a reminder of an upcoming Live event on Facebook,
click follow (optional).

Don't forget to SHARE the video stream with your friends when it begins.
Accessing our live stream worship service ANYTIME!
If you missed the LIVE broadcast,simply scroll down the home page (thecongregationalchurch.org) to the little block that says "Sunday Worship Service" and click. It will take you directly to the latest recorded service.
If you need the Bulletin to follow along with the service, CLICK HERE. 
BUILDING FUND AND GENERAL FUND GIVING! 
Two factors have begun to have an effect on our church giving. First of all the "seasonal residents" have now made their pilgrimage to the north country. This creates a drop off in giving each year. This year we have had this problem compounded by the COVID-19 closing of church facilities and programs. It was not as pronounced at first, however, the longer this situation continues the more people forget we must support the church for it to continue to provide ministry and service at the levels people expect. Your continued support of the Building Fund and the General Fund is "Essential". There will not be government funds available to bail us out. Your stepped up support during this time will be a blessing. 
Mail your gifts to: 
The Congregational Church,
P. O. Box 804,
Summerfield, Florida 34492. 

Or Give Online… Click the Donate button on our website, Then select the fund you wish to donate to.

Thank you!!!
THE 2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available after church in the narthex. Using the envelope system helps the church treasurer provide you with an accurate record of your giving annually. In the box is an initial offering envelope that covers the cost to the church of providing the envelope system and the yearly donation we make to the national church which is based on the number of people served by our church

OUR CHURCH JOURNEY. Get your copy of our beautiful book highlighting the journey of our church from the beginning in the Hampton Inn to our beautiful church facility and family of today. A gift of $25 to the Building Fund for each book. This is a limited edition volume, with a few copies available, so don't miss out. Available from the church office.

OUR DAILY BREAD daily devotional guides are available on the literature table in the narthex of the church. The books are printed in regular and large print editions. Feel free to take extra copies to give to friends and family.
                                
THE WALK OF FAITH - We continue to place Brick Pavers in both the Veterans Area at the flag poles and around the beautiful fountain area. Make a gift to the Building Fund of $100 and have a brick placed in honor/memory of a loved one or a veteran. You can place a brick in the fountain area walk-way to celebrate an event, memorialize a family member, or simply place your name on a brick to show your support for our church. Mail your check with "Brick Paver" in the memo section to the church along with the information you would like on your brick. There are three lines with 15 characters per line available on each brick. Contact the church office for more information.
                 
Thought for the Week
Thought for the Week by Martin Luther King, Jr.: 

“Intelligence plus character: that is the goal of a true education.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive
out hate. Only love can do that.”
Prayer Requests

Prayers are needed for Jim and Dawn Keough. who have tested positive and are down with COVID-19 and will not be available before at least January 24th. 

Pray for Dick Simonet. Dick's wife Pat passed away recently after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Pray for Dick and family as they mourn her passing. If you wish to send a card: 12000 S. CR 475, Ocala, Fl 34420. Pray for Dick and family.

Pray for Nancy Carroll who is battling pancreatic cancer. Nancy is a friend of Penny Stinton.

Pray for Cassondra, a nurse in New York, who has been working with COVID patients. She now has tested positive for the virus.

Please pray for Pam Sabo. Pam had successful knee replacement surgery. Pray for a good healing/recovery.

Please pray for Jean Gorney and family. Her sister, Louise Tucker, passed away on January 3rd after a difficult time of illness. Pray for peace and strength.

Pray for Karl Schramm. Karl's wife, Ruth, recently passed away. They were married for 66 years. Karl and Ruth have attended concerts and services at our church. Pray for Karl during this difficult time.

Pray for Bob and Jean Gorney. They are both dealing with severe pain. Bob in the shoulder and Jean in her back. Pray for pain relief.

Please pray for Bob Gorney's brother, Anthony. Anthony is dealing with cancer and the treatments. Pray for strength and comfort.

Bob Brooks is asking for prayer for his wife, Carol. Carol has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and a treatment plan is being developed. Pray for healing and strength.

Please pray for Karin Roosa and her friend Michael Cunningham. They have both recently battled the COVID virus and have now tested negative. Pray for their renewed strength.

Please pray for Bob and Billie Thatcher. They have both recovered from the COVID virus. However, their sense of smell and taste are yet to return. Pray for them.

Please pray for Robert Schmehl of Reading, Pa. Bob has just been diagnosed with COVID.

Harriet & Bob Dawson request prayer for Jim and Joy Meyers of Port Charlotte, FL. Jim & Joy both have COVID-19.

Please pray for infant, Mika Scott, he was born with several birth issues. He will have surgery soon in Orlando. He was born on 12/6/20 and weighed 6 lbs 9 oz. His family is assisted by our Infant and Toddler Pantry.

Please pray for Virginia Hampton's sister, Frances, she has tested positive for COVID-19. Pray for Frances and her family.

Please pray for Angelo and Lauren Rosado, neighbors of Paul and Darlene Fortin, the Rosados have tested positive for COVID.

Pray for Tom Blaze who had shoulder replacement surgery on 12/18. Pray for his wife Tami as she helps him through the recovery.

Please pray for John Robertson. John had a bad fall and broke his right arm in several places. Also, pray for his wife Dorothy as she helps him deal with the situation.

Billie Thatcher requests prayers for her friend's son, Bruce Landis. Bruce is in Vanderbilt University Hospital with liver issues and may need a transplant. Thank you for your prayers for Bruce.

Mary Ellen Kresel is asking for prayers for her brother Louis, sister-in-law Pat and niece Carolyn who are all positive for COVID-19. Louis has heart disease, COPD, asthma, and Alzheimer's. Pat is severely deaf and Carolyn works in a childcare center and is now out of work. This family really needs our prayers.

A friend of Don and Virginia Hampton from Lady Lake who battled bladder cancer and recently had a brain tumor removed is recovering at home. She is in need of our daily prayers. Thank you for lifting up this dear lady in prayer each day.

Please pray for Rick Nelli. Rick recently traveled to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for an evaluation. Rick will go back to Moffitt in six months.

Please continue to pray for Linda Sandusky. Linda received some good news on her last doctor visit. She will not have to wear the brace for three months. The healing is going so well she does not have to wear it anymore. Thank you for your prayers.

Please pray for Dawn Payzant. Dawn has attended our services many times and is a good friend of Nancy Doggett. Dawn lives in Nova Scotia. She is currently suffering from an advancing case of Parkinson's Disease. This dear lady needs our encouragement and prayers. If you want to send a card or note (2 US stamps needed for Canada) her address is: Dawn Payzant, 1058 Albany New Road, Caledonia, Nova Scotia, BOT 1BO, Canada. They do not have any family close by and the prayers of our church family will be a blessing.

Pray for Steve Feustel. Steve is home from a short stay in rehab at UF in Gainesville. Pray for Steve and Beth.

Pray for Carole Masters, Jim Keough's Administrative Assistant for many years in Michigan, who had a bad fall and broke her arm just below the shoulder. Pray for healing and relief from pain. She recently underwent surgery on 12/7/20.

Please pray for Mike Howard. Mike is recuperating in rehab after a surgical procedure on his arm.

Please pray for Janice Nystrom. Janice is the wife of our Board of Trustees chairperson, Carl Nystrom. Janice had a recent hospital stay at The Villages Hospital and will recuperate at home.

Please continue to pray for Cory and Bonnie Pearson's friend Gail Meloni as she begins treatments for lung cancer.

Please pray for Cathy Reitmyer's niece, Renee. Renee has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. She is only 37 years old and has 4 young children.

Please pray for Billie Thatcher's sister, Mary Lou Kovacs. Mary Lou is suffering with severe memory issues. Pray for her and husband Ron.

Please pray for Frank Szczepanski. Frank is having lung infection treatments that will last up to 24 months. The side effects from the medications have caused him to lose his hearing which will not likely return. Also pray for his wife, Vi, as they struggle through this difficult time together.

Please pray for Ruth McGuy. Ruth, a long time member of our church, had surgery recently in Massachusetts. She will be having radiation treatments in a few weeks. Ruth's address is 6 Mary Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771.

Sally Gillies, a friend and from Michigan, is having procedures and treatments for stage 3 cancer. Please pray for Sally to have strength, hope and healing.

Please pray for Tami Blaze. Tami has worked in our Infant & Toddler Pantry. She has been bravely battling health issues for several years.

Please pray for Pam Albright. Pam, age 50, is an elementary school teacher in Michigan. Pam is in rehab continuing her battle with COVID-19.

Please pray for Michelle Mindak Makas. Michelle had cancer surgery recently in New Orleans and is now back home in Florida recuperating.

Pray for Bob Mitchell, Annelle Baird's cousin, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatments. He is 87 years old and lives in Lexington, KY.

Continue to pray for Cathy Reitmyer as she is recovering from heart issues.  Please pray for Cathy and her Mom (Rose).

Pray for Carolyn Baker. She is having pain in her hip and is facing surgery on January 25th.

Please pray for Bennie Exum's son, David, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis.

Pray for Jerry Starkweather's long time friend, Les Hartzman, who was diagnosed with lung cancer and is going through chemo and radiation.

Pray for Danny Bethard. Danny is Libby Regan's nephew and he had a mass successfully removed from one of his kidneys and is now having chemo. Thank you for your prayers and keep praying!

Please pray for Leslie Tate, she is the wife of Otto Souder. She is battling cancer and other health issues. Leslie is scheduled for surgery soon and your continued prayers will help. She and Otto are most grateful for your prayers and concern.

Prayers are needed for Louise Tucker, the sister of Jean Gorney, who has been suffering due to a stroke and liver problems..

Please pray for Bev Huey, a friend of Cathy Reitmyer, who has been diagnosed with kidney failure and had a recent heart procedure.

Pray for the necessary reforms to be brought about that will establish unity and justice for all citizens of our country. May economic justice, police reform and an end to racism be established.

Pray for the families of the police officers and individuals who have been killed in the recent violence in our country. Pray for the store and business owners who have lost everything to the senseless violence of the last few weeks.

Pray for peace to return to the cities and towns of our country. Pray to stop the violence, looting and hatred. Give our leaders the wisdom to take the actions necessary to restore order.

Please pray for Cathy Kivitt, the sister-in-law of Charles and Kathy Kivitt, she is battling cancer and other health issues. Pray for healing, comfort and strength.

Please pray for Roger Marvin. He has been placed in Hospice care where he fell and broke his hip. Pray for Roger and his wife Shirley.

Pray for the many people around the world who are suffering from the coronavirus. Pray to stop the spread of this virus, halt the panic, heal the many children and elderly it is afflicting.

The children who visit our Infant and Toddler Pantry and their families.

Pray for the success of our new church programs: The Memorial Garden, and The Infant and Toddler Literacy Program. Thank you.

If you have a prayer request contact Dawn Keough at: Nana6bn5g@aol.com
or call the pastor at 352-250-6160.
15421 S US Hwy 301
Summerfield, FL 34491

Mailing Address: 
The Congregational Church,
P. O. Box 804,
Summerfield, Florida 34492
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for more information:
Church Office: (352) 693-4545
Reverend Jim: (352) 250-6160