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MARCH 12, 2017 Second Sunday in Lent Rick Tabor was Lay Leader Organ Prelude by Teda Smith was "My Faith Looks Up to Thee." Choral Introit was "Reflection of Your Love" Choir Anthem was "In Christ Alone." Hymns were "To God Be the Glory"; "Because He Lives"; & "Blessed Assurance." Don Wilson portrayed Jesus and Rick Tabor portrayed Nicodemus in doing the Scripture Reading for John 3:1-21. Psalm 121 was read by Rick. Pastor Ken offered comments on "The Shack" book and its movie at the Via Port Mall in Leesburg now. Both explain the Holy Trinity for those who don't understand it. How many times can you be born again? Some say only once, and they describe the moment, the hour, the day, the setting, etc. Others feel that it can be a daily re-generating, renewal, rejuvenation, re-energizing daily. Just as we care for the physical aspect of life by exercising, eating right, being fit. The church can't save you. John 3:16 says God SO loved the world... Learn to love yourself. Love is the beauty of the soul. Love is the gift of the Holy Spirit. God is love. ARE YOU THERE YET? You'll know when you are. Flowers were sponsored by Marilyn Cimmerer with March Blessings and Sandy Cornish celebrating March birthdays. Nita Zinke was honored after church for her birthday with flowers and cake.

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We thank all the people who make the Pinewood Derby such a success. I remember when my boys raced their cars with their daddy. We are proud to be the church to sponsor these events for the Scouts.

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FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT Communion Sunday & Reception of New Members March 5, 2017 Ken Taylor was Lay Leader. Choral Introit "A New Commandment"; Choir Anthem was "Table of Grace." Hymns were "O Worship the King"; "Come to the Table"; "It is Well." Scriptures were Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11. RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS: Bob and Rheva Lund, Jane Roberts, Richard and Dee Edwards, Dotty Woller, Bill and Dee Armstrong, and the Rev. Glenn Rice. Scripture: Ephesians 5:1 Pastor's message began with a question: "What's tempting you to sin?" Lent is a time to reflect on how we can be better people. Do you think the speed limit is a suggestion? Do you fudge on your taxes? Temptation is now a sin. Yielding to temptation is. Our five senses lead us into temptation. [editorial note: The sign for temptation is touching the hand (probably with a fork in it) to the elbow.] Fl;ip Wilson's Geraldine gave the "Devil Made me do it" excuse. Nancy Reagan's anti-drug abuse slogan was "Just say no." Jesus should be priority one. If you button the first button right, the rest will fall into place. Keep Jesus first. Then, church, community, world. Fasting should be from hurting words, anger, pessimism, worry, complaint, pressures, bitterness, selfishness, grudges, words, and choose their opposites. Flowers were sponsored by Marilyn Cimmerer to celebrate birthdays and Judy Eaton in memory of Jack.

Union Congregational Church Tavares FL

Praise God that I'm done playing the organ. ;) We had a wonderful service despite the organist. Thanks, Choir and Phillip. You did SUPER!

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY, 26, 2017. TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY Ann Treadway was Lay Leader. Choral Introit was "Holy Ground." Choir Anthem was "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Phillip Ragland sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as the Offertory solo. Hymns were "When Morning Guilds the Skies"; "O Worship the King"; and "Sing, Jesus, Shine." Scripture was Exodus 24:12-16; II Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-8 Pastor's message began with a question: "What do we believe?" Do we need to SEE things to believe? Jesus showed himself to Peter, James and John. He showed them the true nature of God. He was holy Divine and human. This is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent (Service at church 1:00 Wednesday). Jesus did three things by appearing to His Disciples. 1) He was transfigured. He was in a golden glow, a brilliant light. 2) Images of Moses, Elijah were talking -- SEEN, HEARD 3) God spoke directly to the Disciples. Now they believed! What does it take you to believe? The more faith we have, nothing is impossible, and we shouldn't have to see to believe. Who is Jesus to you? Will you allow Him to lead you? Jesus is a source of love, hope, and grace. Share that to others and look for that in others. Flowers were sponsored by John Klomp (in the hospital) in celebration of his sister Elaine's birthday and by Phyllis Carey for all our volunteers. SPECIAL THANKS to Linda Butler, Elaine Staudt for helped Sandy Cornish and Darlene Sherry, who hosted Fellowship Hour. We couldn't have done it without your help! Sandy was choir director and organist in Teda's absence. She will be back this week. UPCOMING EVENTS: Tuesday: Crafters at 10:00 Wednesday: Ash Wednesday Service 1:00 3:30-4:40 COME AND SING FOR 70 MINUTES - all are invited. Thursday: Quilters Group 9:30 Friday: Men's Bible Study 11:00 4:00 Derby Setup Saturday: 9:00 AM Pinewood Derby Cub Pack Sunday: 10:00 Communion and Reception of New Members

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2017 A peace lily was presented to the Frey family in memorial of his mother who joined the heavenly kingdom last week. It was a gift from the congregation and the Council. Judy Eaton was Lay Leader. Choral Introit was "Freely, Freely." Choir Anthem was "The Gift of Love." Hymns were "I am Thine, O Lord"; "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian"; and "In Christ There is No East and West." Special Music was "Don't Forget to Pray" duet by Deb West and Sandy Cornish, organist for the day in Teda's absence. Herb Reed gave the message on Social Justice and our responsibility as Christians in the world entitled "What I Really Believe," Flowers were sponsored by Larry and Judy Pierce celebrating their 44th Anniversary and Lee & Elaine Staudt in memory of Russell Kneale. UPCOMING EVENTS: Monday, Feb 20: Meal Site, Office and Computer Lab CLOSED to honor President's Day. Wednesday, Feb. 22: Senior Meals, Computer Lab open 2:15 Disaster Meeting Lake County Emergency Disaster Specialist, Spencer Kostus, will share information about how we can prepare for and manage our church building and members surrounding emergencies. Everyone is welcome. 6:30 Choir Practice Thursday, Feb. 23: Prayer Circle 10:00 Friday, Feb. 24: Men's Bible Study 11:00 Wednesday, March 1st: SHARE 70 3:30-4:40 Come share 70 minutes in preparing to sing praises to God in worship. Join us in the choir room. We need your talent and voices. You will benefit greatly with new songs in your heart, and more friendships to brighten your journey. Teda

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FEBRUARY 12, 2017 BOY SCOUT SUNDAY & Re-Creation Concert at 3:00 Elaine Staudt was Lay Leader. Pastor Ken Frey is in PA where his mother, Arlene Frey, died. Prayers for the family and friends as they attend her Memorial Service on Monday. Choral Introit was "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Choral anthem was "My Great God Cares for Me." Hymns were "Here I Am, Lord"; "All Creatures of Our God and King"; and "Lead On, O King Eternal." Henry Smith played "This is My Father's World" excellently. It was such a joy to see all the Boy Scouts participating in ushering, greeting, taking up the offerings, reading Scripture, and all their parents and grandparents present to support them. THE SCOUT LAW A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. They were all these things and more today. THANK YOU! WE ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR YOU. THE SCOUT OATH: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. This leads into the morning's message by Don Campbell, Troop # 43 Scoutmaster. The Scriptures mentioned the same three things as the Scout oath. Deuteronomy 30:14-20 (love and obey); Romans 12:1-8 (remember others); John 8:12-16 (take care of self). Boy Scouts were founded Feb. 8, 1910, and two years later, Troop 1, Tavares, was founded April 19, 1912. The number was changed to 43, but it is the same troop where Jon Boulware was a Scout. First Scoutmaster was Gil Waitland, UCC member and later a FL Scout Executive. He remained active and was instrumental in getting our Fellowship Hall built. The three-fingers oath stand for Duty to God, Duty to others and Duty to Self. Just like the Scriptures Don did an excellent job taking us through the history of UCC and Troop 43. Don was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the church for his years and dedication to Boy Scouts as Scoutmaster. A birthday cake was served by the youngest of the scouts, the Cubs. They were so good at it! Maybe they'll have a catering company in their adult lives. Flowers were sponsored by Stu & Dot Bailey in appreciation of the Boy Scout organization and Judy Pierce celebrating her birthday.

Union Congregational Church Tavares FL's cover photo

UCC at the Corner of St. Clair Abrams and Alfred Streets

Union Congregational Church Tavares FL's cover photo

Sympathy to Pastor Ken Frey whose mother, Arlene Frey, went to join the Lord. Farewells will be in Hamburg, PA, Feb. 13. Love & prayers for her family & friends.

Is anyone interested in forming a Players Group within the church? Anyone want to write skits? They could be for Fellowship Hour, small gatherings or special occasions. If you are interested, let Deb know, and she will compile a list. Thanks.