Members, Friends & Guests:

What a joy and honor it was to recognize our veterans and surviving spouses during worship on Sunday! If anyone was inadvertently missed, please stop by my office to receive the Challenge Coin we presented in recognition of your service.

Today, November 11, we officially honor the men and women who have served our country faithfully. They answered the call, raised their right hands to defend this nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and traveled to distant places, leaving their families for extended periods of time. We are deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice. A Veterans Day Observance will be held today at 11:00 AM at Veterans Park. If you are able, I encourage you to attend.

On Sunday, we welcomed and introduced Helga Bartus to United Church of Marco Island. This coming Sunday, in addition to Kathleen and Helga, we will have the pleasure of hearing Renan, who played piano at our dedication service in October.

Kathleen, Helga, and Renan are professional musicians who share a commitment to the ministry of music. While applause is a customary expression of appreciation, we want to be intentional about experiencing music in worship as a ministry to our spirits and, ultimately, as praise to God. You will notice a brief statement in Sunday's bulletin inviting you to express your appreciation to our musicians personally following the service. You are also welcome to remain in the sanctuary following the benediction for a time of meditation during the postlude.

When you arrive on Sunday, you will notice a Generosity Table in the narthex. There you will find information about legacy gifts, Time and Talent forms, and other opportunities to participate in the life of United Church. Preparations are underway for Generosity 2027. I encourage you to begin thinking and praying about how you might support the ongoing work and ministry of our church.

Following the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday, November 15, a brief interment service will be held for Lee Turner in the Memory Garden. Lee was a faithful member of our congregation, and this will be an opportunity to remember her life and give thanks to God for her.

Later that afternoon, we will celebrate the life of Carolyn Leman at a 4:00 PM service in the sanctuary. Your presence and prayers will be a comfort to Gene and the family.

There are two additional dates I would ask you to remember:

• Wednesday, November 18, at 10:00 AM: An organizational meeting for a Women's Bible Study. This will be a brief gathering to discuss possible topics, dates, and meeting times.
• Sunday, November 22, following the 10:00 AM service: A Discover Membership Class will be held in the Sawyer Room.

If you are unable to attend the November 22 class but would like to explore membership, please schedule a time to meet with me in the office. You will also find a membership information form attached to this communication.

Finally, it is so good to welcome back our members and friends who are returning from up north! We are grateful to have you in worship and with the community again. And we are so thankful for the hospitality committee who hosted Sunday's brunch! Thank you!

Looking forward to seeing you in worship!

Welcome Home!

Pastor Ed

302-932-9861

ebrandt@ucmarco.org