Racial Justice Mission Group Presents a Program on Rosa Parks on Sunday, July 16th at 3 pm. Ms. H. H. Leonards, a personal friend of Rosa Parks, is an author who lives in Washington, DC. Ms. Leonards‘ latest book is entitled, “Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons and Leadership.” Ms. Leonards will talk about her new book and share personal stories about her friendship with Ms. Parks. She believes this book, which describes Ms. Parks’ way of interacting with the world, offers important lessons and inspiration for current and future community justice struggles. Ms. Leonards will have copies of her book for sale. “I believe there is only one race, the human race.“ Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mother of the Civil Right’s Movement
At the 34th General Synod in Indianapolis on Monday, July 3, 2023, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson was elected as the 10th General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. This makes her the first woman – and the first woman of African decent to lead the denomination. We offer our support and prayers to Rev. Dr. Thompson.
Important Information regarding
Sanctuary Enhancement Project ~ Summer 2023
From Church Council ~ Please watch the above presentation from Carol Fields and Bud Rives regarding the Sanctuary Enhancement Project.
This week we have begun to prepare for renovations including: removing items from the sanctuary and receiving storage units to hold the pews. In the coming weeks, we will share photos of the enhancements in the midweek message.
Please remember, this important work includes:
1. Beautiful new tile
2. New T-Loop System to help with hearing in the sanctuary
3. New Pew Cushions that were given with a generous gift by Roy Burns.
~~ Thank you to Maggie Revere who also has offered a generous gift for this project. We are blessed by a wonderful congregation.
During July, August, and September, our 11 am worship will be in Syster Hall.
The 8:45 am worship will remain in the chapel for the time being ~ remember there is a beautiful organ in the chapel if you start to miss organ music this summer.
We hope to be back in the sanctuary by late September ~ stay tuned for the date of the re-dedication of our sacred space.
We offer a heartfelt thank you to Bud Rives who has volunteered countless hours meeting with contractors. Thank you to Carol Fields, Marsha Knight, Greg Chestnut and Becky Rives who have been an important part of the design team.
90+ Wise Birthdays in July
7/7 ~ Maryanna Daniel
7/18 ~ Lovette Harper
7/23 ~ Millie Small
7/29 ~ Margaret D’Albert
Please pray for the family of Lavilla Watson who passed away on Sunday.
Please pray for Joy Kuhn on the passing of her husband, Harold. The service will be on July 22nd at 11 am in the chapel with reception to follow.
All who are grieving.
Millie Small on hospice care.
Prayers for Helaine Eckstein, Ken Briggs, Dr. Robert Bryant, Blaine Pool, Gail Johnson, Roger Weiss, Connie Toops, Connie Schaefer, Carole Patterson, and Mary Lou Starcher who all continue to recover.
During my senior year in high school, I tried out for a role in the play, Our Town. I was cast in the role of Stage Manager. I can still remember the rehearsals, trying to memorize my lines and being fitted for a costume. I was so nervous on opening night that I forgot some of my lines.
This summer marks 30 years since that moment and I thought it would be fun to gather a reader’s theater and discussion of Thornton Wilder’s play. Please join me on Tuesday, July 18th and 25th @ 1 p.m. in the Chapel (note location!) and on Zoom. We will read aloud the play and discuss how Wilder’s words connect to our life.
Please order a copy of the play for yourself wherever you purchase books and come ready to read portions and discuss the themes of this play. Please call or email Pastor Wes if you plan to attend this fun and faith-filled experience.
Ready Readers ~ July 13th at noon in the Oasis Center
The Fight of Our Lives by Iuliia Mendel. When Ukranian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call that she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come. In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel has a front row seat to many of the events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. Throughout this story she reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times. contact Sandy Smith,
Family Promise
Francis House Volunteer Opportunities
We are so thankful for the folks who have signed up to be on the church’s year-round Family Promise list of volunteers, but we can always use more people. Perhaps you missed that signup opportunity and would like to have your name added to the list. Or perhaps you would like to volunteer for a specific need. If so, please contact Ellen Marsey or Dotty Reed and they will be glad to and you to the year-round list and/or send you a current list of specific volunteer opportunities.
Our Peace & Justice Team continues to support Sarasota County School Board member Tom Edwards, an advocate for LGBTQ+ students. Edwards feels as if he is standing alone on this issue, and welcomes your presence and comments during School Board meetings. Meetings are held twice monthly at the Board’s auditorium at 1960 Landings Blvd (next to The Landings shopping center). The public is always welcome, so join our group of dedicated attendees – arrive very early to sign up to speak. By the way, newly appointed School Superintendent Terrence Connor will attend his first School Board meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 18th, so come to meet the schools’ new leader while supporting Tom Edwards!
From: Peace & Justice Team
COLLLAGE will Zoom July25th at 11 am. You are always welcome. Contact Pauline Geary for the Zoom link.
COLLAGE is sponsoring a field trip to Allendale Reconciling Methodist Church in Saint Petersburg on Sunday, July 30th for their 10:30am service. Lakeland Drag Artist Momma Ashley Rose will participate in worship. Please sign up with Pauline if you are interested in attending.
Wednesday, July 12
Wednesday morning Bible Study, 11 am, Oasis Center and Zoom
Thursday, July 13 Ready Readers, noon, Oasis Center
Mission Team meeting, 1 pm, Oasis Center
Technology meeting, 2 pm, Oasis Center
Finance meeting, 3 pm, Zoom
Sunday, July 16 ~ TWO Worship Early Morning Worship, 8:45 am, Chapel
Sunday Worship, 11 am, in Syster Hall and online
Fellowship Time, noon, Syster Hall Ms. H.H. Leonards’ presentation on Rosa Parks, 3 pm, Syster Hall/Zoom
Monday, July 17
Core Values Team meeting, 1 pm, Oasis Center
Tuesday, July 18 Our Town Discussion, 1 pm, Chapel
Tuesday Night Bible Study, 6:30 pm, Zoom
The service to celebrate the life of Harold Kuhn will be on Saturday, July 22 at 11 am in the chapel and on zoom.
From Church Council ~ Please watch the above presentation from Carol Fields and Bud Rives regarding the Sanctuary Enhancement Project. 
90+ Wise Birthdays in July
Our Lives by Iuliia Mendel. When Ukranian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call that she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come. In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel has a front row seat to many of the events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. Throughout this story she reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times. contact Sandy Smith,
We are so thankful for the folks who have signed up to be on the church’s year-round Family Promise list of volunteers, but we can always use more people. Perhaps you missed that signup opportunity and would like to have your name added to the list. Or perhaps you would like to volunteer for a specific need. If so, please contact Ellen Marsey or Dotty Reed and they will be glad to and you to the year-round list and/or send you a current list of specific volunteer opportunities.
COLLLAGE will Zoom July 25th at 11 am. You are always welcome. Contact Pauline Geary for the Zoom link.
