September 2025 Newsletter

As I sit here pondering what to write, my heart is broken with sadness once again, as we heard the news of the 23 year-old shooter, who was shooting through the windows at young school children in a Catholic Church in Minneapolis, as they were in morning Mass. 2 Children are dead and 14 children were wounded as were 3 adults. The shooter also killed herself/himself. Once again, we are reminded of the brokenness in this world in which we live. Once again, we cry out to God and ask “why?” and “how long?” and “Help!” A grandfather of one of the students asked the question of where was God when this was happening, while the students were at prayer? His conclusion was that God wasn’t anywhere around, or it wouldn’t have happened. But we know that wasn’t the truth. God was very much present. The mayor of Minneapolis suggested we should forget our prayers in this tragedy, as again they do no good to stop tragedies like this from happening. Again, we know that sometimes prayer is all we know what to do in the moment, as our hearts go out to all the children and the families impacted by this event. We’ve turned our back on God and faith and scripture in our country and wonder why we are in the chaos and mess we are in. People don’t know who they are or whose they are. People don’t care who they hurt as they act out in anger, rage and frustration. People don’t know how to handle their emotions when they get out of control. The Holy Spirit is the one who heals our emotions with His presence and fruit. All I know is that Jesus continues to call us to come to Him and He will give us the rest, the strength, the peace and comfort of His abiding presence. I ask you to please pray for the peace of our country and His Church. May God have mercy on us.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Leyton Smithson (1^st); Russ Dailey (5^th); Lisa Smithson (14^th); Ananda Nunez (21^st); Laura Tragler (23^rd); Scott Smithson (30^th)

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: Russ & Nancy Dailey on September 11.

JULY/AUGUST ATTENDANCE: July 6 (32); July 13 (45); July 20 (31); July 27 (39); Aug. 3 (36); Aug. 10 (30); Aug. 17 (33); Aug. 24 (35)

NEW MEMBERS: We welcomed Russ & Nancy Dailey into membership on August 31.

SOD/CURBING UPDATE: Over the summer we collected $7100 for our Sod and Curbing Project. The curbing is finished, as is the new sod in place. Also check out the updated garden. Thank you to all who helped contribute to this project. We also thank God for the rains that have been coming and watering it.

SAD NEWS: We received news in July that Barbara “Babs” Paige passed away on July 9. Some of you may remember Babs and Topper who were active members of our congregation until returning to Connecticut. Topper passed a couple years ago. Blessed be Babs Memory.

SEPTEMBER BOARD NEWS: The Board will meet on Tuesday, September 9^th at 10:00 am. If

PRAYER LINE: If you have a prayer need that you would like to send over the prayer line, call Melody Wetmiller at 802-922-3161. Melody is our prayer line coordinator.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS will meet on Saturday, September 6 at 8:30 am. Phil Bardua will feed us breakfast and Pastor Michael will lead us in devotions. All men/youth are welcome.

PRAYER GROUP will start up again on Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30 am.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY will begin on Tuesday, September 16, at 10:30 am. Pastor Michael will be leading the men in a study of Galatians.

WOMEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY will begin on Tuesday, September 16, at 10:30 am. Pat Cox will be leading a study on “Jesus and Women”, with material by Kristi McLelland.

WOMEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY is now meeting on Tuesday Evenings at 6:30 pm, with Lisa Smithson leading a study on the prophet Amos.

FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK DINNER will begin again on Sunday, September 28

WORSHIP SERMON SERIES, entitled “Apprenticeship 101”, will begin on Sunday, September 7. We will begin by looking at Jesus as Rabbi.

JOYFUL NOISE REHEARSALS, under the direction of Lisa Smithson, our Music Director, continue to meet on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm. We will be sharing music in the September 7 worship service. We are always looking for more singers. Come to a rehearsal and check us out.

JULY/AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER

“Follow Me,” Jesus said to those first 4 disciples, “and I will make you become fishers of men.”

To be a disciple is not a verb, but a noun. Whether we are a Christian or not, to be a disciple means we are drawn to someone or something that we wish to follow. For Father’s Day, my oldest daughter, Kari, sent me a book entitled “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. Her church had just finished studying this book and thought I might enjoy it. What I have read so far, I am enjoying it. Here is who the author says he is following. “I am one of many people who have found Jesus of Nazareth to be the most radiant light to ever grace the human scene. I’m an avid reader; and through literature, I have peered inside the minds of some of history’s greatest thinkers. All of them have laudable traits (and some not so laudable ones too). But the longer I live and learn, the more convinced that Jesus has no real competition, ancient or modern. In my estimation, no other thinker, philosopher, leader, philosophy or ideology has the coherence, sophistication, and deep inner resonance of Jesus and his Way….Following or, as I will describe it in the pages to come, apprenticing Jesus, is the solution to the problems of the so-called human condition. Name your malaise: political polarization, climate change, looming global war, the mental health epidemic, addiction, Christian nationalism, widespread hypocrisy among Christian leaders, our simple inability to be kind…There is no problem in life that apprenticeship to Jesus cannot solve.” And so, the question for us becomes: Who are you and I following? Who is the one who has the greatest influence on our lives? My prayer? Like Mark, may it be Jesus of Nazareth.

JULY BIRTHDAYS: Catherine Zagari (3); Patti Slozat (4); Lou Ann Daniels (7); Luigi Zagari (9); Dale Hedges (11); Debbie Robinson (12); Ed Cox (13); Neal Rietz (15); Pat Cox (16); Pastor Michael (21); Andrew Daniels (25); Ed Holland (27)

JULY ANNIVERSARIES: Phil & Edie Bardua (19) and Joe & Barbara Ney on (29)

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS: Kathy Burris (2); Susan Schmoll (13); Janet Stevens (18); Bev Parvin (22); Jacob Batsel (25)

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES: Bob & Laura Tragler (2); Al & Janet Kitamura (9); Emery & Muriel Leger (25); Johnny & Kathy Howell (25)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: June 1 (36); June 8 (43); June 15 (36); June 22 (36)

WOMEN’S GROUP/SEWING GROUP No meeting until next fall.

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS The next Breakfast/Devotions will be Saturday, September 6 at 8:30 am. Phil Bardua will serve Breakfast and Pastor Michael will have devotions.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY will begin again on Tuesday, August 5 at 6:30 pm. Lisa Smithson is the leader and the new study will be on the OT Prophet Amos.

JOYFUL SOUND CHOIR PRACTICE meets on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm, starting again on July 23. If you would like to be a part of our choir, come to the practices.

BOARD MEETING: The Board will not be meeting in July and August. Our next Board meeting will be September 9 at 10:00 am. Let Phil know if you cannot attend that meeting.

Potluck Fellowship Dinner will not be held during the summer months. Our next one will be on Sunday, Sept. 28.

QUILT RAFFLE TICKET SALES are going well and available from our Sewing Group members: Sharon Costedio, Janet Stevens, Janet Kitamura, Sandy Metcalf, Lou Ann Daniels, Carolyn Duesler and Jane York. You may purchase tickets at a suggested donation of $5.00 per ticket. The raffle will be held on Sunday, November 16, directly following the worship service. We thank the Sewing Group for putting on this raffle to benefit RWCC’s ministry.

The Smithsons celebrated their daughter’s wedding on June 21 and now are on vacation, returning mid-July. We wish them safe travels

MEMBERSHIP: Would you like to become a member of RWCC? See Pastor Michael for details.

NEW ADDRESS: Erica Pendlebury, Ananda Nunez, Anthony Nunez 58 Rotonda Circle Rotonda West FL 33947

PASTOR MICHAEL will be on vacation from August 2 – 12. On August 3, Ed Cox will give the message and on August 10 Scott Smithson will be speaking. In case of an emergency, check in with Ed or Pat Cox or Dale Hedges.

Kathy Batsel, one of our church members, passed away on May 26, from cancer. We remember her family in our prayers. Blessed be her memory.

Brayden “JR” Cox, 14, made his profession of faith before the congregation on Sunday, June 22. JR is the grandson of Ed & Pat Cox. He is spending the summer with his grandparents.

MAY BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: Looking at resodding the lawn around the church. Irrigation system in place is adequate. The garden area is being reframed by curbing rather than lumber. We recognized Leyton Smithson on his graduation. Sharon Costedio’s benefit concert in May was well attended by church and community members. We raised $1018 at the concert for our ministry. We received our final reimbursement insurance check to cover the last of Hurricane Ian expenses. It was $14,304.55. Our annual insurance premium bill is coming due, estimated in the $12,000 amount. With the loss of our attendees who have left to return north and those who have passed away this spring, our giving has dropped, and we will have to watch our spending during the summer months. CPR/Defibrillator training class was discussed. Doris Pinhack knows who can teach this. Discussion put on hold for now. Will look at a possible class in the fall.

JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER

2 Timothy 2: 15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

Those of you who have been in worship recently, know that I have preaching on some of the parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. These first three have had to do with wealth and how we use it. The lessons have also spoken about our need to seek first God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness and to our need to be faithful in our study of God’s Word and our compassion and concern with the needs of the poor. Yesterday, after the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, someone said to me, “When are you going to preach on something more uplifting, and not so depressing?” The comment surprised me, as I didn’t think I was being depressing. After all, these parables were not only spoken to the common folk and the disciples , but more to the Pharisees who were standing on the periphery. They thought that they were in good standing with God, and that the parable wasn’t for them. But Jesus says that it was a façade, and in his woes to them, he called them whitewashed tombs, looking good on the outside, but full of dead bones on the inside. Sometimes as Christians we need to do a self-evaluation, which the parables help us do, to see if we are living authentic Christians lives. In the next few weeks ahead, some of the other parables we will be looking at is the parable of the Banquet, the parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin, the parable of the Lost Son/Loving Father (Father’s Day) and the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. May we all remain open to what Jesus’ parables may be saying to each of us, and I will try to not be so depressing in my delivery.

Happy Father’s Day on June 15!

JUNE BIRTHDAYS: Steve Adkins (10); Martalee Gunnels (10); Carolyn Duesler (11); Egon Schmoll (15), Sharon Costedio (21), Rob Rauscher (28)

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES: George & Rosemary Patavano (25); Harold & Rachel Fletcher (26); Steve & Sharon Costedio (28)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: May 4 (37); May 11 (34); May 18 (40); May 25 (40)

WOMEN’S GROUP/SEWING GROUP No meeting until next fall.

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, On Saturday, June 7^th, 8:30 am, Dale Hedges will be providing breakfast and Pastor Michael will lead in devotions.

PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, Prayer group and the Men’s Bible study is on a hiatus for the summer. The Women’s Bible Study will continue to meet, on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am and Tuesday Evenings at 6:30 pm., with Lisa Smithson in the leadership role, and she will be doing lessons in the Gospel of John.

JOYFUL SOUND CHOIR PRACTICE meets on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm, except for a break from June 18 – July 9, as Lisa will be gone.

JUNE BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, June 10, 1:00 pm. If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

Potluck Fellowship Dinner will not be held during the summer months.

65 of us attended Sharon Costedio’s fundraiser concert for RWCC on May 10. A good time was had by all. We thank the Women’s Group for the refreshments. Thank you, Sharon, for helping us raise $1048.

QUILT RAFFLE TICKET SALES are going fast and available from our Sewing Group members: Sharon Costedio, Janet Stevens, Janet Kitamura, Sandy Metcalf, Lou Ann Daniels, Carolyn Duesler and Jane York. You may purchase tickets at a suggested donation of $5.00 per ticket. The raffle will be held on Sunday, November 16, directly following the worship service. We thank the Sewing Group for putting on this raffle to benefit RWCC’s ministries.

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS: In May we finally got settled up with the insurance company over our Hurricane Ian damages. We celebrated Leyton Smithson’s graduation from Lemon Bay High School during the worship service. He was given a Bible and cards that people had given for him. Missionary Sue Saunders spoke during worship on May 11^th on her plans of going to Panama in the near future. Discussion has begun on resodding the church lawn around the building. Further discussion with prices in the June meeting. CPR/Defibrillator training is being discussed. Doris knows someone who can do it. Tabled until our next meeting. Pastor Michael was going to check with Tina, about using some of Will’s memorial money to update the garden area and funds to help with Will’s Wish.

The Smithsons will be celebrating their daughter’s wedding the weekend of June 21- 22 and then going on vacation. Should be returning mid-July. We wish them safe travels!

Tom Renaud will be leading us in worship on June 29. Tom has been here before and we have enjoyed his music ministry. Stay tuned for more info in the bulletins leading up to the 29^th.

Needed: More USHERS for the morning worship offering collection and an occasional communion server. This position is for either couples or singles. See Pastor Michael for more info or to volunteer to usher.

Needed: A few more offering COUNTERS. You need to be a member of the congregation and the board will need to vote your approval. See Pat Cox, Neal Rietz or Pastor Michael for more info or to submit your name.

MEMBERSHIP: Would you like to become a member of RWCC? See Pastor Michael for details.

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MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER

As we go into May, we have said goodbye to 13 of our faithful attenders, as 11 have left for their homes up north, and two who have gone home to be with the Lord. There will be a couple more leaving in mid-May and in June. We are so thankful for each one of you who faithfully worship and fellowship with us. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to not neglect our gathering together, as it is an important part of Christian growth and maturity. (10: 24, 25) In worship we will be looking at some of the parables of Jesus in the weeks ahead. For all of you mother’s, have a Blessed Mother’s Day. As you can see, May is a busy month. Mark your calendars and join in these events.

MAY BIRTHDAYS: Florence Nichols (9); Edie Bardua (19); David Block (21), Jan Waddell (27) Joe Ney (30); Melody Wetmiller (30)

MAY ANNIVERSARIES: Roger & Kathy Burris (13); Ed & Pat Cox (20)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: April 6 (47); April 13 (55); April 20 (60); April 27 (37)

WOMEN’S GROUP will meet Friday, May 2, 10:30 am with program by Sharon Costedio. Lunch will be at Farlow’s at Noon.

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, May 3, 8:30 am. Joe Ney will provide breakfast and Pastor Michael will lead in devotions. On Saturday, June 7^th, Dale Hedges will be providing breakfast.

PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, Prayer Group meets at 9:30 am and Bible Study at 10:30 am

The prayer group and the Men’s Bible study will take a hiatus for the summer, with our last class being May 20^th. The Women’s Bible Study will meet again starting on May 6, with Lisa Smithson in the leadership role, and she will be doing lessons in the Gospel of John. They will go into the summer months.

JOYFUL SOUND CHOIR PRACTICE meets on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm. The choir is singing on Mother’s Day.

MAY BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, May 13, 1:00 pm. If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

Sunday, May 25, Potluck Fellowship Dinner follows the service with the theme of a Memorial Day picnic. Hamburgers and Hotdogs will be furnished. Bring a dish to share to compliment our picnic theme. This will be the last potluck until the fall.

Our Sympathy to the family of Bruce Rightmyer who passed away on April 8. A family service will be held in October. Also, to the family of Buryl Burgess who passed away on April 27. Kip’s address is: Kip Mc Coy 102 Tournament Road, Rotonda West, FL 33947. Kip is Buryl’s stepson. A funeral for Buryl will be held in Owosso Michigan on May 17. Let us remember these families in our prayers.

Thank You, from Phil & Edie Bardua, to the RWCC Congregation for your thoughts, prayers and cards that were received following the passing of Phil’s mother. They were much appreciated.

Congratulations to Leyton Smithson who will be graduating from Lemon Bay High School on May 16^th. We will be presenting Leyton with a Bible on May 18^th in honor of this milestone in his life. We invite you to participate in a card shower for him, so that we may present your cards to him as well that day. Bring your card to the church, where they will be collected for this event. Or they may be mailed to the church, 501 Rotonda Blvd. West, Rotonda West, FL. 33947. Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! Sharon Costedio will be putting on a concert fundraiser for RWCC on Saturday, May 10^th at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. She is going to sing what is referred to as the “Great American Songbook,” which are great songs from the 30’s and 40’s. Freewill donations will be accepted to go to the ministry of RWCC. Invite your neighbors and friends. We thank Sharon for her concert fundraiser on our behalf.

QUILT RAFFLE: Over the course of several weeks, the RWCC Sewing Group constructed a queen-sized Log Cabin quilt as a fundraiser for the church. Sharon Costedio, Janet Stevens, Janet Kitamura, Sandy Metcalf, Lou Ann Daniels, Carolyn Duesler and Jane York cut, stitched and pressed the blocks to cre ate the quilt. Sharon added the border and did the quilting on her longarm machine. Janet Stevens attached the binding. All fabric, batting and backing fabric were donated by members of the sewing group. Al & Janet Kitamura funded the printing of the raffle tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at a suggested donation of $5.00 per ticket which can be purchased from a sewing group member. The raffle will be held on Sunday, November 16, directly following the worship service. We thank the Sewing Group for putting on this raffle to benefit RWCC’s ministries. Right now the quilt is hanging in the narthex for your viewing.

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS: Lisa made several requests to us which we granted: Her Tuesday evening Bible Study to be held here instead of Fellowship Church; the purchase of a CCLI license; and the tuning of the Baby Grand following hurricane season. We held our first Brookdale Communion Service on Tuesday, April 15. We received a generous $10,000 gift from Jerry & Karen Wenger to help with our ministry. (A couple years ago they gave us a gift to upgrade our sound system and sound board.) Carolyn Duesler is heading up the Rotonda Christmas Parade float for our congregation. All the Smoke Alarm batteries were changed out with 10 year batteries. The need for resodding the lawn around the church building was discussed. This will be an ongoing discussion, as we monitor our upcoming insurance bill and finances going into the summer months. We thank Muriel Leger for her help with Quick Books.

April 2025 Newsletter

“What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.” An American Folk Hymn

April 13 – 20 is what we call Holy Week on the church calendar. This is the last week of Jesus earthly life, starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, starting with Hosanna (Save Us!) and ending with Alleluia! He is Risen Indeed! But in between we have a cleansing of the temple, a Passover meal with His disciples, His prayer, his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, His trial before the Sanhedrin and High Priest and then before Pilate, King Herod and back to Pilate, His condemnation and crucifixion, His words from the cross, His death and burial. I have always loved Holy Week. It starts on a high, dips to a low and ends on an even greater high. In my Ministry in Minnesota, we always had a communion service on Maundy Thursday, a Good Friday Community service that ended with Jesus in the tomb and the sanctuary darkened and you were asked to leave silently, somberly and reverently. And then we were ready for the Easter Celebration Sunrise Service, a youth sponsored breakfast and the main Easter worship service. A lot of work and energy went into it, but you lived the week, and felt the drama, the pain, the sorrow and then the joy of it. All of this is what our Savior was willing to experience so we could have our sins forgiven and have the gift of eternal life. Because we do not do this here, I invite you during Holy Week to read the following passages of scripture, in preparation for Easter. Luke chapters 22 and 23. What wondrous love is this!

APRIL BIRTHDAYS: George Patavano (8); Pat Brady (18); Bob Tragler (26); Dave Metcalf (27); Dave Anderson (27)

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES: Luigi & Catherine Zagari (2)

MARCH ATTENDANCE: Mar. 2 (56); 9 (41); 16 (50); 23 (45); 30 (54)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, April 5, 8:30 am. Breakfast: Ed Cox Devotions: Pastor Michael

WOMEN’S GROUP MEETING, Friday, April 4, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at the home of Arlyce Fromm, 1121 Rotonda Circle, Rotonda West. We will be able to spend time with Arlyce, while discussing upcoming Women’s and Sewing Group activities. Bring a brown-bag lunch. RSVP to Barbara Ney by Thursday, April 3 . 781-718-9573.

SEWING GROUP, meets the other Fridays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch.

BOARD MEETING, Tuesday, April 8, 1:00 pm. Board members let Phil Bardua know if you cannot make the meeting. The congregation is always welcome to attend our Board Meetings. They are held in the Serving/Sewing Room.

APRIL FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK, Sunday, April 27, following worship. Kitchen Crew will furnish a Ham. Bring a dish to share. Birthday cake will be provided to honor our April Birthdays.

OUR SYMPATHY TO: Jan Waddell and family in the death of her husband David on Wednesday, March 12. Jan thanks the RWCC family for their prayers, cards and love during Dave’s illness and passing. We also received word that Zelma Otto, who was 98, passed away on Monday, March 24. Her daughter thanked the RWCC Family for their cards, words of encouragement and prayers. They meant a lot to Zelma and the family. No service is scheduled at this time.

EASTER LILIES: Sharon Costedio is heading up the Lily fund again this year. The cost is $14 per lily. We have had to preorder them already and ordered 30. We will start with one lily per family, and if we have extra not spoken for, some can have two. There are sign-up slips on the back table. Checks can be made out to RWCC, designated Easter Lily.

PALM SUNDAY IS APRIL 13.

EASTER SUNDAY IS APRIL 20.

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MARCH MEETING.

Pig damage to the lawn was discussed. We were approached by an individual, asking permission to bow hunt the pigs and retrieve if they happen to get onto our property. Written permission was given by Pastor Michael and Phil Bardua, Board Chair.

The lawn around the church building looks the way it does due to Hurricane Milton. The sod needs to be replaced. Prices quoted: $8,500 for St. Augustine grass and $6500 for Bahia grass. We recommended that we go with Bahia grass, but it is tabled until we get our Insurance statement and build up our reserves. A fund raiser for it was suggested. On hold for now.

Discussed changing out our south hallway door, which isn’t very handicap friendly. Phil will get a quote on replacement. Do we do both hallway doors so they match? More info to follow.

We are looking at doing a monthly communion service at Brookdale Assisted Living across the street.

MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

As I write this, March is right around the corner. March has been known as March Madness, because of all the basketball game tournaments that go on with High School and College teams. In Minnesota, it was also the month that we could expect a couple of wet sloppy snowstorms, one of them usually coming during tournament time. Last year, Palm Sunday and Easter were in March, but this year they are April 13 and 20^th. This year, in the Church Calendar, March 5 marks Ash Wednesday, which kicks off the period known as Lent. Ash Wednesday was the time when we would receive an Ash cross on our forehead, signifying our belonging to Jesus, who died on the cross. During Lent we see Jesus turning His face towards Jerusalem, and the sacrifice he would make there, for the sins of humanity. It is also the period where Jesus begins to share with his disciples what will happen to Him at the hands of the religious leaders, to prepare them for his death and resurrection. But they don’t get it, even though he tells them 3 times. Lent was also a time for Fasting and Prayer and giving something up as a sacrifice during this period. This Lenten Season, starting on March 9, we will be singing a new response song at the end of the service. It is the chorus to “The Wonderful Cross”. On March 23, I will be preaching a sermon on the “Foolishness of the Cross” and on March 30 the Joyful Sound Choir will be singing “Jesus Built a Bridge”, the Cross being the bridge between us and God. Let us give thanks this Lenten season, that in Jesus Christ, God has truly come to help His people.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS: Mike Bolen (11); John Nichols (12); Jeannie Springs (21)

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES: Dave & Sandy Metcalf (29)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Feb 2 (45); Feb 9 (51); Feb 16 (47); Feb 23 (56)

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, March 1, 8:30 am Harold Fletcher will provide breakfast and Pastor Michael will bring the devotion.

PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, Prayer Group meets at 9:30 am and Bible Study at 10:30 am

JOYFUL SOUND CHOIR PRACTICE meets on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm.

MARCH BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, March 11, 1:00 pm. If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION, SPONSORED BY THE WOMEN’S GROUP: David Marcus will present: “The Fossil Artist: Digging into the Hidden Joys of Geology, Science and Art.” This presentation will meet Friday, March 7 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. There will be light snacks at noon. This presentation is open to both the men and women.

Sunday, March 30, Potluck Fellowship Dinner follows the service with the theme being “A Family Favorite”. Bring a dish to share that was always a favorite of your family. Thank you for the way you have responded to our past dinners. It has been a nice change.

UPDATES ON ZELMA OTTO AND ARLYCE FROMM

Zelma was in and out of the hospital a couple times in January. She was in rehab to regain some strength. Because of her condition, she has had to leave her assisted living place. Debby has been trying to find a place for her. But you can send a card to Zelma at her daughter’s address: 971 Moonluster Drive Casselberry FL 32707 Debby’s land line can be used to leave a message for Zelma. 407-695-4583 Debby sends her thanks for the prayers.

Arlyce Fromm had her hip surgery on February 14. She did very well at 96 and is in rehab. Her address at rehab is: Village on the Isle – Luke Haven 910 Tamiami Trail South RM 227 Venice FL 34285 941-486-5310. Kelly says that she would like visitors, but if you plan on visiting, let Kelly know to make sure Arlyce is there. Kelly’s cell is 217-741-8629. Kelly and Arlyce want to thank you for your prayers for her recovery.

Greetings are also sent to us by Bev Parvin, Martalee Gunnels, David Block & Debbie Robinson

Buryl Burgess and Rachel Fletcher and Mike Bolen send their thanks for the cards and prayers.

FEBRUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desire with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 2 – 5

The Bible tells us that Jesus went about doing good, healing, casting out demons, raising the dead. In some places it says that he healed all. And in other places it says that he only healed one or a few. Even in one place, he could heal no one, for their unbelief was so great. As someone who has been a pastor for 27 ½ years, you would think that I would get a little hard shelled to the suffering that people go through, for I have seen my share of it in all of my congregations through the years. (But, praise God, I do not.) I have done my share of praying for people, and some were healed and some were not. But I have to remind myself that God is the one in control of the healing, with a little help of the medical profession. I have to be faithful to pray and seek God’s face, but not my will, but yours be done, Lord. And letting go of the outcome is hard. If I had “my” way, everyone I would pray for would be healed and healthy and no longer suffering. I read verses like that above, and want to argue with God, “Lord, if one of Your benefits is healing our diseases, why are we not seeing more of it in people’s lives as we pray earnestly?” I don’t have any answers, but I keep praying because we are called to be intercessors and prayer warriors. Do you have a prayer need? Remember we have a prayer line that you can reach out to. Melody Wetmiller is our coordinator and her number is 802-922-3161. We have a prayer group that meets on Tuesday morning to pray over requests. Let me know, so I can bring it up there. We have Elders Ed Cox and Harold Fletcher and Deacons Pat Cox and Dale Hedges ready to pray for you, either in your home or at church. Reach out to them. And of course, you can always reach out to me. May our prayers continue to rise to the throne of God and may God have mercy on us and bless us with His healing touch. Amen!

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: Barbara Ney (9); Roger Burris (13); Coral Rose (21); Ginger Messina (22) Phil Bardua (25)

JANUARY ATTENDANCE: Jan. 5 (38); Jan. 12 (45); Jan. 19 (45); Jan. 26 (51)

NEW MEMBERS: Dave Anderson, Vanaey Greenup, Kathy Batsel joined in January. Welcome!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, February 1, 8:30 am.

WOMEN’S GROUP MEETING, Friday, February 7, 10:30 am. In the Fellowship Room. They will begin work on a members picture directory. Lunch location t.b.d.

SEWING GROUP, meets the other Fridays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch.

BOARD MEETING, Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 pm. The congregation is always welcome to attend our Board Meetings. They are held in the Fellowship Room.

FEBRUARY FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK, Sunday, February 23, following worship. The food theme for this potluck will be Chinese/Asian. March theme will be a “family favorite.”

TUESDAY MORNING SCHEDULE IS CHANGING STARTING FEBRUARY 11^TH.

PRAYER GROUP WILL MEET AT 9:30 AM.

BIBLE STUDY IS SPLITTING INTO TWO GROUPS AT 10:30 AM.

WOMEN: “Pondering Women” will meet in the Fellowship Room with Lisa Smithson facilitating a study on the Sermon on the Mount, using materials by author Jen Wilkin. To register or for more information, call or text Lisa: 219-363-9317. If you would like to purchase a study guide, they are $25, and you need to get your request into Lisa asap.

MEN: Will meet in the Serving/Sewing Room with Pastor Michael leading. We will start out studying the Old Testament book of Malachi, so bring your Bibles.

WE WILL JOIN BACK TOGETHER FOR LUNCH AT NOON. These studies are open to anyone. If you have thought of joining in Bible Study, now is a good time to start. They will run through April 8.

NEEDED: Would you be willing to serve as an usher in our worship services?

See Pastor Michael.

Would you be willing to be a Worship Leader in our worship services? See Pastor Michael.

Would you be willing to be an offering counter following a worship service?

See Neal Rietz. This position needs board approval.

JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

It is December 31 as I write this.  This morning, we had a great crew come in and take down the Christmas Decorations.  And an hour later, you wouldn’t have known that we had Advent and Christmas.  What a nice season it was, singing the old familiar carols, having a Christmas Program done by Joyful Sound (our Choir), entitled, “The Baby who changed the World.” and our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.  But now we look forward to a New Year and the possibilities that God will bring our way. We never know from one year to the next what might come, but at least we serve a God who is trustworthy and compassionate, as we navigate this journey we call life.  In 2025, may God bless you and keep you, may God make his face to shine upon you and be tenderly gracious to each of you.  May the Lord our God lift up the light of his countenance upon you.  And may He give you His shalom, His deep abiding peace.  Amen.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS:  Al Kitamura (17); Linda Adkins (20); Steve Costedio (29); Rachel Fletcher (29); Kelly Beck (30)    

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES: Scott & Lisa Smithson (3);  Dale & Dianna Hedges (20)   

WORSHIP  ATTENDANCE:  Dec. 1 (46);  Dec. 8 (52); Dec. 15 (45); Dec. 22 (92); Dec. 29 (55)

Christmas Eve (42)

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, January 4, 8:30 am

PRAYER GROUP & BIBLE STUDY, will begin on Tuesday, January 7^th, 10:00 am.

CHOIR PRACTICE:  will start up again on Wednesday, January 15, at 4:00 pm.

JANUARY BOARD MEETING:  Tuesday, January 14,  1:00 pm.  If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

WOMEN’S GROUP NEWS:  Meeting on Friday, January 3, 10:30 am.  Lunch will follow at Ken & Barbs.

PLEASE NOTE:  ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, FOLLOWING THE WORSHIP SERVICE.  The Mexican Potluck Fellowship Dinner will follow our Annual Meeting.

1000 ITEM CHALLENGE FOR HELPING HAND.  Praise God and a Big Thank You to the congregation for helping us meet this challenge.  We collected 585 food items and $1155 in cash donations for a total of 1740 items.

NEW MEMBERS JOINING IN JANUARY:  David Anderson and Vanaey Greenup!  Welcome!

NEW ADDRESSES: 

Martalee Gunnels, Truewood by Merrill Apt. 203, 18400 Cochran Blvd.  Port Charlotte FL  33948  – 575-956-976

Dodi Kentzel,  The Pavilion Asst. Living, 200 Nassau St. North, Venice FL 34285

BOARD NEWS:   A new computer for the sound system was purchased by Frank & Dale.  Our tithes are significantly lower than 2023.  Lisa was approved to hold music lessons in her office in the future.   Annual Meeting for Church members

December 2024 NEWSLETTER

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9: 6 – 7a.

I pray that you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. Now on December 1 we turn our attention to the Advent season, working our way to Christmas Eve. What a blessing that God loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten son that first Christmas. And during this Advent season, we are awaiting Jesus’ return as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. My overall theme this Season is “Gather Around the Manger.” As we gather, we will hear of the angel Gabriel visiting Zechariah, with news that he and Elizabeth would have a child, and give birth to the forerunner, John, to prepare the people for the Messiah. We will hear of the angel Gabriel coming to a young maiden named Mary and her special calling to be the mother of God’s son, Jesus. Then we will meet Mary’s betrothed, Joseph, and how an angel spoke to him concerning Mary’s child. On December 22, we will meet the animals in the stable, as they gather around the manger, and see this “The Baby Who Changed the World.” And then of course, on Christmas Eve, at 4:00 pm we will once again gather around the manger and sing of the birth of this Christ Child. On the last Sunday of December, we will hear about the visit of the Magi, as they seek out this Christ Child, born King of the Jews, and bring him their homage and their gifts. From the very beginning of time, God had this planned out, and at the right time – in God’s time – this all came to pass. May the awe and wonder of God’s gift to us, be yours this Advent and Christmas Season.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Muriel Leger (6); Gretchen Lightle (7); Dianna Hedges (12); Tom Aspin (13); Arlyce Fromm (20); Gladys Beach (22); Frank Pinhack (23); Johnny Howell (25); Tina Malasics (26); Tammy Miara (26); Sandy Metcalf (27)

ATTENDANCE: Nov 3(44); Nov 10(51); Nov 17(46); Nov 24(56)

DECEMBER BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, DEC. 10 AT 1:00 PM.

OUR NEXT FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK will be Sunday, December 22 following the worship service. Be aware that this is a Ham Dinner. The kitchen crew will furnish the ham, and you are invited to bring a dish to compliment this. We will also have birthday cake and punch to celebrate the December birthdays.

PRAYER GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY NEWS: No class on December 24 and 31.

OUR NEW DEACON IS DALE HEDGES, AND OUR DEACONESS IS PAT COX.

WOMEN’S GROUP will meet on Friday, December 6 at 10:30. There will also be wrapping of our Angel Tree Gifts for Brookdale Assisted Living across the street. Bring a boxed lunch. On Tuesday, December 17, 1:00 pm the Women’s Group will have a Yankee Swap Party. Bring a wrapped $15-20 gift to swap.

NO MEN’S BREAKFAST FOR DECEMBER. We will meet again on January 4.

RWCC CHRISTMAS PARTY AND CHRISTMAS CONCERT/SING-ALONG, Dec. 13. We will start with potluck finger foods/hors d’oeuvre to share at 6:00 pm and then at 6:45 pm we will move into the sanctuary for the Christmas concert/sing-along with Cary Price. Invite your neighbors and friends to this special presentation.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, Lisa Smithson and the Joyful Sound Choir invites you and your friends to a Christmas Program entitled: The Baby Who Changed the World. It is a combination of speaking parts and music, and is the birth of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the stable animals. This will be presented during our morning worship service.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE IS AT 4:00 PM THIS YEAR. Come and join us as we celebrate the new-born King with carols, scripture readings and meditative reflection readings.

THANK YOU FROM RACHEL FLETCHER: I want to thank everyone who is praying for and thinking of me. I appreciate it more than I can say. It gives me the strength I surely need.

OUR DECEMBER 1000 ITEM CHALLENGE FOR HELPING HAND. Each year we do this to help raise funds and food for Helping Hand Food Bank. Last year we set a record collection. This challenge will run from December 1 – 29. Bring your items and put in the collection box in the narthex. If you would like to make a monetary donation, make the check out to RWCC and put “Helping Hand” in the memo portion, and place in offering plate or mail to the church: 501 Rotonda Blvd. West, Rotonda West FL. 33947. Thank you for helping us meet this challenge.

November 2024 NEWSLETTER

THE DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

We have sustained two major hurricanes in the last month: Helene and Milton. I assumed you were like me and prayed through both of them. I was in touch with many of you as we went through Milton. When tragedies happen, our natural response is to say that our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. There has been a backlash recently to that type of language, because it doesn’t mean anything, so they say. It has been called, “Tots and Pears”, meaningless gibberish, by the world. Maybe if you aren’t really a person of faith, and you say that, it is meaningless. But to those of us who believe in the power of prayer and the God to whom we pray, I don’t find it meaningless or gibberish. We are commanded to be people of prayer. Paul says to offer up our prayers with thanksgiving. James says we are to offer up our prayers in faith, and watch what God can do, as he brings healing and restoration. Do not let the world silence the power of our prayers. Our God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine, if we will pray. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Karin Barbito (1); Emery Leger (9); Ginny Anderson (11); Kathy Howell (12); Carole Camper (12); Shirley Ann Martin (24)

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: John & Florence Nichols (27)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Oct. 6 – 35; 13 – 38; 20 – 40; 27 – 35

MEN’S BREAKFAST/DEVOTIONS, Saturday, November 9, 8:30 am.

CHOIR PRACTICE: Wednesdays, 4:30 pm.

NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, November 12^th, 1:00 pm. If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

ALL-CHURCH YARD SALE will be held this Friday, November 1, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring your gently used items to donate to the RWCC yard sale to raise funds for RWCC. Items accepted for donations are the following but not limited to household items, golf clubs and/or accessories, puzzles, games, furniture, toys, dishware, wall art, hobby supplies. (NO CLOTHING OR ELECTRONICS please!) We are also having baked goods at the yard sale. We need workers at 8:00 am on the Friday morning to help set up for the sale. See Barbara Ney or Harold Fletcher with any questions.

ANNUAL VETERAN’S SERVICE WILL BE NOVEMBER 10th. Choir will sing and Pastor Michael’s message will be “Lest We Forget.” Let us thank God for our Veterans!

WOMEN’S GROUP NEWS: Friday, Dec. 6 10:30 am meeting and Angel Tree Gift Wrap Party. Bring a boxed lunch. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1:00 pm. Women’s Group Yankee Swap Party. Bring a wrapped $15 – 20 gift to swap.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING PARTY on Tuesday, November 26 at 10:00 am. Come out and help us get into the Christmas spirit.

RWCC WILL NOT HAVE A FLOAT IN THIS YEARS ROTONDA CHRISTMAS PARADE.

NEW WEB ADDRESS: rotondawestcommunitychurch.com. Also the new church email is contact.myrwcc@gmail.com. We are now on Facebook, thanks to Lisa. Check us out.

BOARD NEWS: On Tuesday, October 1 we had a special board meeting to accept Mike Stewart’s resignation as Finance Director. Then at our October 15 Board Meeting Neal Rietz was elected as Interim Finance Director. Pat Cox and Dale Hedges have become our new Deaconess and Deacon. Our Church building was affected by Milton, and we lost some soffits and facia. This will be repaired soon.

FUTURE POTLUCKS: The Italian October potluck went over very well. Here are the themes for the next 3 potlucks:

Sunday, November 24, Thanksgiving Dinner

Sunday, December 22, Christmas Ham Dinner

Sunday, January 26, Mexican Potluck

Sign up lists will be available. Any questions, see the Kitchen staff.

THANK YOU for your cards and appreciation that I received this past Sunday for Pastor Appreciation. I am humbled by your loving-kindness. Pastor Michael

October 2024 NEWSLETTER

THE DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

It is my privilege to share with you that our God is an awesome God, and He has delivered a music director for us. Lisa Smithson started on September 22nd. Besides the piano, she also plays the violin, which we were blessed to hear then, playing “The Wonderful Cross.” She not only has much experience in the music arena, but she was the Community Service Coordinator for Charlotte County for two years and has also served as the Executive Director for an Arts in the Park series for 13 years. She was also a Music Director at a Lutheran School for 12 years and was the Founder and Owner of Music and the Arts, where she taught piano, violin, voice and guitar. She has a heart for Christian Ministry, Women’s Retreats, Small Group Leader and Worship. She comes to us with her husband Scott and son, Leyton, who is a senior at Lemon Bay High School. We welcome Lisa, Scott and Leyton to our congregation.

Speaking of “The Wonderful Cross”, if you get a chance, see the newly refurbished cross on the front of the building. We thank Phil Bardua for seeing that this was able to get done and for some of Will Malasics memorial money to help finance it. We also hope that you have seen the new benches in the memorial garden in memory of Will.

We truly are blessed and do offer up our doxology of praise to our great God!

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS: Vanaey Greenup (3); John Simmons (8); Dave Waddell (18); Syd Allen (21); Dodi Kentel (23); Doris Pinhack (24); Janet Kitamura (25); Rosemary Patavano (26); Harold Fletcher (28)

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES: Frank & Doris Pinhack (5)

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Aug. 25(32); Sept. 1(39); Sept. 8 (41); Sept. 15 (35); Sept. 22 (44)

ZELMA OTTO’S NEW ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER: Savannah Court Apt. 229 1301 W. Maitland Blvd. Maitland FL 32751 (see church directory for new telephone number)

NEW ADDRESS FOR PAT BRADY: 112 Ashland Drive, McCormick SC 29835.

NEW ADDRESS FOR TOM ASPIN: Brookdale-Rotonda Room 122 550 Rotonda Blvd. West Rotonda West FL. 33947

FALL PROGRAMING BEGINS OCTOBER 1. Prayer Group – 10:00 am.

Bible Study – 11:00 am. Studying 1 & 2 Timothy

Lunch – noon

MEN’S BREAKFAST & DEVOTION kicks off on Saturday, October 5, at 8:30 am. Come and share in food and fellowship around the table as we nourish our bodies and our souls.

CHOIR…Please stay tuned in the bulletin for the beginning of Choir later in the month…TBD.

OCTOBER BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, October 8, 1:30 pm. If you cannot attend, let Phil know.

ALL-CHURCH YARD SALE will be held on Friday, November 1, 9am-2pm Bring your gently used items to donate to the RWCC yard sale to raise funds for RWCC. Items accepted for donations are the following but not limited to household items, golf clubs and/or accessories, puzzles, games, furniture, toys, dishware, wall art, hobby supplies. (NO CLOTHING OR ELECTRONICS please!) Hold onto your items until the week of the sale, and then bring to the Serving/Sewing Room to store your donated items. See Barbara Ney or Harold Fletcher with any questions.

In addition, we are considering selling BAKED GOODS at the Yard Sale. Please see Barbara Ney if you would be interested in helping to coordinate this and/or would like to bake an item or two or three.

ROTONDA CHRISTMAS PARADE CHURCH COORDINATOR NEEDED. If we are going to have a float in the Rotonda Parade on December 7^th, we need someone to coordinate it. Last year we won the Spirit of Christmas Award. The theme this year is “Christmas Movies.” There is a notice posted on the bulletin board with more details. If this is something you would like to do, see Barbara Ney or Pastor Michael.

Please check out our new website at rotondawestcommunitychurch.com. We thank Barbara, Harold and David Percey for their work on this.

BOARD NEWS: At our September 10 Board meeting, we welcomed Ed Cox as our new Elder to our meeting. Pat Cox shared the Finance report that stated we were down 19% over the summer months in our tithes and offerings. We voted to accept Lisa Smithson’s nomination to be our new Music Director. Her first Sunday will be September 22nd.

September 2024 Newsletter

It is the last Saturday of August, and this afternoon I will be going over to the Rotonda Lakes Circle club house to help Zelma Otto celebrate her 98^th birthday, which is the 25th. It is going to be a bitter sweet event, as it will also be a time for many of us to say goodbye to Zelma after her many years of attending and serving RWCC. On Sunday, she will be leaving with her daughter, Debby, to go to Casselberry Florida, where she will live. She has had a number of health issues lately, that has made it impossible for her to live alone. We will miss Zelma and her faithfulness to our congregation. She was our first deaconess. She always had a smile and a kind word to say. She loved remembering us with a card on our birthday or anniversary. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with her as she transitions to her new home.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Betsy Johnston (14); Laura Tragler (23); Harold Allen (26)

ATTENDANCE: Jul 28 (37); Aug 4 (0); Aug 11 (29); Aug 18 (27); Aug 25 (32)

SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING, TUESDAY, SEPT. 10th AT 10:00 AM. If you cannot attend, please let Phil Bardua know, so we can be sure we have a quorum.

OUR NEXT FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK will be Sunday, September 29 following the worship service. Be aware that this next year we may have some themed potlucks. More later. It is still in the planning stage with the Kitchen Crew.

PRAYER GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY STARTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1. This fall we will be studying 1 & 2 Timothy. Give them a read through between now and then. Prayer Group will start at 10:00 am, followed by Bible Study at 11:00 am and lunch at 12:00 noon. **Please Note earlier time for Prayer Group**

WOMEN’S GROUP BEGINS AGAIN ON FRIDAY, September 27th at 10:30 AM. Lunch will follow the meeting, location tbd.

WOMEN’S GROUP UPDATE:

1) We are planning on holding a yard sale on Friday, November 1 in conjunction with the Rotonda West neighborhood event. As the time gets closer, we will be asking parishioners and/or friends and neighbors to donate items for our sale. (NO CLOTHING!!!) All proceeds will benefit RWCC as to be determined. More details will follow in the October Newsletter. We will also be seeking volunteers to help with this event.

2) We are working with Brookdale Assisted Living to coordinate a Christmas Angel Tree gift giving event for their residents. Details will follow.

MEN’S BREAKFAST WILL KICKOFF ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 FROM 8:30 – 9:30 AM. There will be breakfast and fellowship around the table, followed by a time of devotions. Sometimes we have a project afterwards. All men in the church are welcome to attend.

ROTONDA CHRISTMAS PARADE CHURCH COORDINATOR NEEDED. Past coordinators have been Ted Anderson, Pat Brady and Barbara Ney. The theme this year is Christmas Movies. There is a notice posted on the bulletin board with more details. If you would be interested or have questions, see Barbara Ney or Pastor Michael.

MUSIC DIRECTOR AND PIANIST STILL NEEDED. We are still looking for a music director and/or Pianist for our Sunday morning worship services and to lead the choir. As a congregation, we are in this boat together, so let our need be known to your friends and neighbors. If you get a lead, let Nancy Stewart, Ed Cox or Pastor Michael know.

August 2024 Newsletter

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46: 10

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As we studied the Book of James this spring in Bible Study, we talked about the importance of the tongue. With it with praise God and curse man, made in God’s image. We need to learn how to use self-control over it. We need to think, before we speak, and maybe not speak at all.
I have mentioned before that we live in a culture that likes noise over silence. And what a noisy society it is. I am reading Henri Nouwen’s book, “The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God through prayer, wisdom and silence.” Even when this book was released (1981), he makes the following observation. “Over the last few decades we have been inundated by a torrent of words. Wherever we go we are surrounded by words: words softly whispered, loudly proclaimed, or angrily screamed; words spoken, recited, or sung; words on records, in books on walls, or in the sky; words in many sounds, many colors, or many forms; words to be heard, read, seen, or glanced at; words which flicker off and on, move slowly, dance, jump, or wiggle. Words, words, words! They form the floor, the walls, and the ceiling of our
existence. (p. 37 opening paragraph of Our Wordy World) And he says that because of that, words have lost their creative power and meaning. And it doesn’t matter if we are teachers or preachers,
politicians, businessmen, popes or ayatollahs or media. People are losing confidence in words and we think that they are just words…just another distraction in the world. And they no longer function as communications, no longer foster communion, no longer create community and no longer give life. He says we need more silence in our lives. Silence is the home of words, and gives strength and fruitfulness to the words. And it is in our silence where we really can get to know God and let Him speak. When we go to God in prayer, do we spend some time in silence, listening for God? Or do we rattle off our list of needs and wants and move on with our day? I would challenge us to sit in silence with a notebook and wait on God. How else will we know that He is God?