NUCC March 2013 Steeplelights

March 2013

Naples United Church of Christ God is stillspeaking,

2Steeplelights www.naplesucc.org

From the Senior Minister

Dr. Ron Patterson

I would love to hear

from you or to spend

time with you—just

give me a call.

““

While every single day is special at NUCC and every Sunday is a celebration that combines Spirit-filled worship with excellent music and the best preaching I can manage, I want to mention a few events this month that deserve our participation and support.

The month begins with a splendid retreat with the Rev. Martie McMane (March 1-2). This will be a laid-back opportunity to build friendship with ourselves and others as we experience God’s love. As you read this, I hope you have already signed up, but if not we’ll do our best to welcome you!

On Sunday, March 3, our amazing choir will be joined by world renowned classical guitarist, Adam Levin—who is our “Artist in Residence”. Mr. Levin will be joined by Glen and Leelo Basham, and Adam Satinski for a Tuesday at Twilight Concert on March 5. Described as a “twenty-first century renaissance man”, Mr. Levin’s playing has been compared to the great Segovia!

On March 17, our choir will help lead us in an experience of Early American worship, with music and prayers from this period in our history. They will perform anthems in the style of early New England, and we will be led into worship with fife and drum. The sermon time will be devoted to the importance of strengthen-ing our congregation’s future through endowment. Mr. Dave Stevenson will share where we are on the endowment journey as I reflect with you on the power the past has to shape the promise of the future.

March 24 marks the beginning of Holy Week with the Festival of the Palms and preparation for the Passion of Christ. The amazing tenor soloist, Javier Abreu will join with our choir and many other splendid musicians throughout the week. The Labyrinth will be set up in McSpadden Hall for walking prayer and meditation!

On Maundy Thursday, March 28, our choir and readers will lead our remembrance of Christ’s Passion in the ancient service of Tenebrae. We will celebrate Christ’s resurrection on March 31, Easter Sunday, beginning with an early service on the beach (Clam Pass) at 7:00 a.m. and services in the sanctuary at 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m—featuring soloists, choral favorites and brass! In the sermons I am planning, I am hoping to move from stones to butterflies—from the hard realities of life to the promise we share as the people of God!

Elsewhere in this edition of the Steeplelights you’ll read details on these events and a chronicle of the adventures of the most excellent congregation of God’s people I have ever encountered! Take time to participate, to volunteer as you can, and to let the light of Jesus shine through you!

With love, Ron

Not March Madness—March Miracles!

3 March 2013

The stores are already in full swing with their Madison Avenue push on Easter baskets, Easter bunnies and Easter eggs. Many of us recall past times of coloring eggs, preparing “hunts” for young ones, and the growing excitement of grandchildren awaiting their chocolate and multi-flavored jelly beans after a Lenten season of candy “abstinence.”

Sometimes we, like Christian communities across our nation, wrestle with the issue of how to bring the mystery of Jesus’ resurrection into prominence when our society focuses on celebrating Easter. This has been a challenge for me within our family and as a pastor to others. Hopefully, this brief message may be of some help and enlightenment to you.

All biblical scholars agree that “Easter” was never used in the original Scriptures, nor is it associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus. “Easter” is derived from “Eastre” (or “Eostre”), the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring in whose honor ritual celebrations were held in the month of April.

For ancient peoples, especially those in northern European countries, winters were long, dark and cold. Their myths speak of the sun dying in winter and being re-born in the spring when days would lengthen and the sun’s power would return. Springtime also meant the return of fertility and farmers returning to ready their fields for new crops. Interestingly, spring also brought lots of baby animals (as in rabbits!) whose conception likely occurred in winter months. Not surprising, eggs, rabbits and hares, equally viewed as symbols of fertility, were used to honor Eastre who brought life from death, fertility from barrenness (note that “estrogen” derives its name from Eastre).

Imagine early Christian missionaries to Scandinavian countries trying to convert these “pagan” peoples to Christianity! I marvel at their genius in respecting century-old rituals and incorporating them into their “good news” about Jesus. Historical records from the 7th century onward suggest that their message of Jesus’ resurrection was the quintessen-tial act of life from death. In short, what God did in Jesus far surpassed the acts of Eastre in rejuvenating winter into spring. God trumped Eastre by breathing life into a human being and released Jesus’ spirit to be present in the world for all time. The acts of Eastre became secondary to the power of God! Yet, rather than rejecting the popular Eastre celebrations, they incorporated them into a new feast – the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus’ spirit would forever be “fertile” in his followers who proclaimed resilience over death-like traumas through the power of the Spirit promised by Jesus to all.

Now you know the link between Easter and the Resurrection. Making the connection for your children and grandchildren is another opportunity to help them focus far more on this cornerstone of our faith and less on the chocolate bunny in their baskets.

~ Rev. Dr. Kathy Kircher, Interim Coordinator of Stephen Ministry and Adult Educator

Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kircher

Easter: Jesus or Bunnies?


In This Issue...

March 2013

2 ...........From the Senior Minister

3 ...........Easter: Jesus or Bunnies?

5 ...........The Board of Deacons

5 ...........An Easter Opportunity

6 ...........Board of Mission and Outreach

7 ...........2013 Easter Schedule

7 ...........What is Maundy Thursday?

8 ........... 2012-2013 Sanctuary Concert Series

9 ........... 2012-2013 Tuesdays at Twilight

10 .........Wednesday Nite Live Dinner

10 .........Women’s Fellowship

11 ......... 21st Annual ProgressiveDinner

11 ......... Stephen Ministry

12 .........Palette Pals

13 .........Volunteer Corner!

13 .........Baby Basics

14-15 ...March Calendar

16-17 ...Youth Christian Education

18-19 ... Adult Enrichment Opportunities

20 .........Champions for Learning

21 .........Bargain Box News

22 ......... New Members

23 ......... Learn More About Your Church!

23 ......... von Liebig Invite

24 .........Stewardship Reminder

24 .........Financial Outlook

24 .........In Service to Our Country

25 .........Endowment Committee

25 .........Scholarships

26 .........Book Recommendations

26 .........March Lectionary

27 ......... MarchBirthdays and Anniversaries

27 .........Condolences

NUCC StaffMinistersRev. Dr. Ronald M. Patterson, Senior Minister

Rev. Beverly Duncan, Interim Associate Minister

Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kircher, Stephen Ministry

Rev. Luvvy Kovacik, Assistant Minister

Music MinistryDr. Becky Weese, Director of Music

Christian EducationDr. Greg Smith, Adult CE

Nancy Van Fleet, Director of CE

Ronald Thompson, Ministry Intern

AdministrationKary Sirken, Church Administrator

Sharon Magiera, Finance Administrator

Susan Pratt, Pastoral Assistant and Membership

Kaleigh Caldwell, Administrative Assistant

Donna Blais, Publications

Gregg Lepore, Production Manager,

Susan Melick, Events Coordinator

Pat McGee, Volunteer Coordinator

Georgia Lundy, Sunday Fellowship/Kitchen Coordinator

Daniel Brower, Facilities

Hector Indart, Facilities

Precious Cargo AcademyMary Jo Welch, Director

Leanne Badham, Assistant Director

Bargain Box Thrift StoreSandy Goldstein, Manager (239) 262-3802

5 March 2013

Four different Easter services are offered on this Holy Day of celebration. Services are offered at 7, 8, 9:15 and 11 am. You are invited to join us at the service of your choice.

To experience Easter morning in a beautiful and natural setting, join us at our 7am Sunrise Service on the beach at Clam Pass. Parking is available in the Clam Pass parking area. No permit is required and no fee is charged. Some folks park at the church and enjoy the walk over. The first tram shuttle from the Waldorf Astoria is scheduled for 6:15 am. It is a short ride or walk to the beach. Bring a towel or chair and dress comfortably.

The 8 am service is perfect for our earliest risers who prefer the Easter service in our Sanctuary. This service may be our best kept secret. It is never overcrowded!

Most celebrate Easter at the 9:15 or 11 am service. (Please note the time of 9:15, fifteen minutes later than our ordinary early service). The ushers will be ready to greet and welcome you. PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY. We anticipate a full sanctuary and will have all of the extra chairs that are allowed by the fire dept. A tram will be provided to trans-port those needing assistance to and from the portico to the outskirts of our parking areas.

If you arrive a bit later than planned, know that Beverly Hall will be ready and waiting to welcome you. Beverly Hall is a beautiful experience and has been well received by those who have attended services there last Easter and Christmas Eve. Overheard comments include: “Huge screen”, “Comfortable seats”, “A better view of Pastor Ron than from the sanctuary”, “Beautiful music”, “Not overcrowded”, “Magnificent sound system”, and “A beautiful altar cross”. Beverly Hall will be attended by one of the ministers as well.

Our pastors will be present at each service to lead us through inspirational worship. The beauty of the music will fill our hearts. Add to this the joyful church community, and a powerful spiritual opportunity exists at any of the services you choose. We are honored by your presence.

Blessings,Jennifer Rainey, Chairwoman on behalf of the Board of Deacons

The Board of DeaconsEaster Services

An Easter OpportunityThis year, we will decorate our Chancel with a few Easter Lilies. Our Deacons invite us to donate money in memory or in honor of a loved one. All donors will be listed in the Easter bulletins as in previous years. A small portion of the money will be used to decorate our chancel, with most of the funds being donated to our local food banks in order to help those in need. Please complete the form below.

Amount of check to help feed the hungry. Include check with this form and make it payable to NUCC:

$ _________________

Thank you.

Your name(s) as you wish it to appear in the bulletin. Please Print Clearly:

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

Gifts may be given in Memory, Honor, or Celebration of. Please circle one and then write the name of person (or persons) you are recognizing. Please Print Clearly:

M H C ___________________________________

M H C ___________________________________

M H C ___________________________________


Board of Mission and Outreach

In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul seemed to highlight financial gifts first as he encouraged that church to give to the offering for the believers in Jerusalem (2 Cor 9:6-15). Just as it was for Paul, the Corinthians, and the recipients of their gifts in Jerusalem, money is often the logical and practical step to providing the tangible gifts others need. In our century, the funds we gather together and share become very real gifts of love, joy, and restoration:

• Families displaced by natural disaster or political unrest rejoice to receive food, shelter, and the comfort of a safe place to begin rebuilding their lives;

• The worried faces of mothers, whose children are threatened by food insecurity due to drought and famine, are transformed to deep peace when sustenance arrives;

• A woman who has had to walk miles for potable water for her family smiles as she draws water from a clean well near her home;

• Children arrive excitedly for the first day of class at the village’s new school.

When we cannot physically go to meet needs in person, our gifts go to assist others. Knowing we willingly share with them, others are reminded of who they are: beloved children of the Creator, family of us all, each one a person of sacred worth, also imbued with possibilities for sharing joy. Therefore, thanksgiving to God will abound, and even more people will come to see how the Holy One works in and through us all. Surely such a “chain reaction of passing it on” must make God, our divine parent, joyous for a world made better by love.

In 2011, the United Church of Christ received over $2,756,804 for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Of those funds, 64% was used for Health, Education and Agriculture; 12% for National Disaster; 11% for International Disaster; 5% for Promotion and Marketing; 4% for Refugee Services; 3% for Administration; 1% for Program Monitoring and Evaluation.

As we at Naples United Church of Christ make our offering to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on March 17, let us remember the myriad ways our gifts bring joy – to each of us as God’s precious child, to those who receive our gifts, and especially to the Holy One. May we share cheerfully and abundantly, knowing that we are not only sharing our resources, we are helping to change lives.

~ The Board of Mission and Outreach

SHARING BRINGS JOY ….. through …..

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING!

7 March 2013

77 MaMarcrch h 20201313

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is a multi-faceted worship service. It is beautiful and quietly aglow with candles on our altar in preparation for the service of Tenebrae and The Lord’s Supper. It celebrates Holy Communion. It is filled with lessons, accompanied by the extinguishing of lights. It is a quiet, moving experience in preparation for God’s promise on the third day. We hope you will join us on Thursday, March 28th, at 7:00 pm to discover the full, inspirational meaning of this Maundy Thursday service.

Lectionary for March 28thMaundy ThursdayEx 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14Ps 116:1-2, 12-19 * Cor 11:23-26John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Palm Sunday ServiceMarch 24th, 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Javier Abreu & Jim Patterson, soloistsSanctuary Choir

Maundy ThursdayMarch 28th, 7:00pm

Javier Abreu & Jim Patterson, soloistsSanctuary Choir; Women’s quartetGeoff Day, violinMary Bowden, trumpet; John Evans, timpani

Easter Sunrise Service at Clam Pass BeachMarch 31st, 7:00 am(Tram shuttle service beginning at 6:15am)

Rev. Beverly Duncan, preaching;Pamela Jimenez, soloist;Brass Quintet

Sanctuary Easter ServicesMarch 31st, 8:00 am

Dr. Patterson, preaching;Javier Abreu, soloist;Sanctuary Choir;Geoff Day, violin

9:15 am and 11:00 amDr. Patterson, preaching;Javier Abreu, soloist;Sanctuary Choir;Brass quintet, percussion, and timpani

2013 NUCC Easter ScheduleLabyrinth Walks for EasterWalking the labyrinth can be a personal practice that quiets and clears the mind, opens the heart, and grounds the body. It can also be a guide for centering, healing and spiritual growth.

Enrich your holy week experience by taking the opportunity to walk the ancient spiritual path of meditation. Our 36 foot replica of the Labyrinth found in Chartres Cathedral will be available to you in McSpadden Hall during the following hours of Holy Week:

March 24, Palm Sunday: 8:00am – 1:30pm

March 25 - 27 (Mon., Tues. and Wed): 10:00am – 3:00pm

March 28, Maundy Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm

March 29, Good Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm


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Sunday, April 7th ~ 3:00 pmTwo Friends, Two Pianos, Four HandsRichard Bosworth and Alden Gatt

$20.00 ~ Admission

Wednesday, March 13th ~ 7:00 pmPurdue University Men’s Glee ClubPlease join us BEFORE the concert at 5:30 p.m.!Wednesday Night Live Dinner!Hosted by our youth group in collaboration with Carrabbas Italian Grill.Our youth will be selling tickets at $10.00 each.All proceeds from the dinner tickets will help fund our California Mission/Synod Trip.

Richard Bosworth: Critically acclaimed for his highly sensitive interpretations of solo, concerto, and chamber music, Richard brings to the concert stage a broad spectrum of musical tastes. He holds a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, as well as a Masters and Doctor of Music in piano performance and literature from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Alden Gatt is currently based in NYC. Alden also graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a B.A. in piano. He performs as a soloist and collaborator and teaches students privately in Manhattan and at Poly Prep Country Day School. Alden is also the Music Director for NY Opera Exchange, the Youth Choir Director at the Unitarian Church of All Souls, and principal accompanist for the Empire City Men’s Chorus.

With integrity, passion, unparalleled showmanship and attention to every detail, the men of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club have proudly served as ambassadors of the university with honor and dignity for more than 115 years. Founded in 1893, this select ensemble has entertained on behalf of Purdue University for campus, community, state, national and international events, averaging between 50-60 appearances each year.

This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes, and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show.

9 March 2013

9 March 2013

Beverly Hall ~ Concert Series 2012 ~ 2013

Adam Levin~ Photo by Jesse Weiner

Who is Adam Levin and how did Naples United Church of Christ find him?

Well, Dr. Becky is a friend of composer Jim Stephenson, who now resides in Lake Forrest, IL. About a year ago, Jim introduced Adam via email to Becky. And so the relationship started.

Adam is a native of Chicago’s north shore. This virtuoso guitarist is an exciting and powerful player who takes chances! He is an avid chamber musician and will be performing with Naples’ finest: Glenn Basham, concert master of the NPO; Leelo Basham, NPO; and Adam Satinsky, principal cellist of the NPO.

His debut record, “In the Beginning” lauded as “absolutely thrilling…will dazzle and entertain at every possible opportunity. Adamlevinguitar.com

It is with great honor that we welcome the Bergonzi String Quartet to Tuesdays at Twilight. Glenn Basham, violin; Scott Flavin, violin; Pamela McConnell, viola; Ross Harbaugh, cello

All members of the Bergonzi Quartet are faculty members at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. The quartet tours the US yearly, regularly performs in Miami, Boston, New York City, Michigan, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Colorado, and has been invited to perform in Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. In addition to the busy Bergonzi schedule of performing, recording and giving master classes, each member of the quartet is deeply committed to his/her individual musical career. http://www.bergonzistringquartet.com/


Wednesday Night Live Dinner - March 13

On April 15th we will be showcasing some very talented women in the NUCC church!!

We have a doll collector, a jewelry maker, a scrapbook designer, and Pat McGee who is extremely crafty doing many things. These ladies will be sharing their passion for making jewelry, scrapbooks, dolls and how they became interested in their hobbies.

Plan to attend the luncheon. Bring a salad, sandwiches or dessert at 11:30 am on April 15th. Invite a friend to come and enjoy our lunch and program. Sign-up in the Gathering Place after church March 24, April 7 and 14th.

Women’s Fellowship

Sponsored by the NUCC Youth Group in collaboration with CarrabbasThis dinner will be held before the Purdue University Men’s Glee Club Performance and will begin at 5:30 p.m. The menu will consist of a salad, ziti with meat sauce (a vegetarian sauce will also be available), ziti with alfredo sauce, garlic bread and dessert. Proceeds from this dinner will help fund the youth group’s California Mission/Synod trip this summer.

Our youth will begin their California journey in San Diego on June 23, 2013. There they will attend Week of Hope, where our students will be challenged to live as Jesus did as they serve the needs of people through local ministries and non-profit organizations. In addition to serving the community, our students will take turns preparing meals and cleaning the facility where they will live with other youth groups during the week. They have the opportunity to serve by leading worship music and other parts of the worship program. In one week, they begin to understand what Jesus meant when he said – “I came not to be served but to serve…” Matthew 20:28. Week of Hope will end the morning of June 28. At that time, some of our youth will return home with a chaperone and some will continue to Synod.

Our denominational “family reunion” (Synod) will be held June 28 - July 2, 2013 in the Long Beach Convention Center overlooking the Pacific Ocean in downtown Long Beach, California. There we will gather for worship services, be inspired by prominent speakers, and engage in service projects, while our youth will see how church business is conducted. We will also have time to explore Long Beach and other southern California attractions. Synod will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon, June 28th and we will end Synod on July 2.

11 March 2013

On Sunday, March 24, a new class of nine Stephen Ministers will be ordained at the 11:00 service. These new Stephen Ministers have faithfully attended 50 hours of training. They have done reading and role-playing and listened to hours of lectures on topics such as the art of listening and confidentiality.

We’re very proud of this class of five women and four men. The good news for the church is that now nine more people will be available to serve as a caring Christian friend to someone who is facing a difficult period in his or her life.

We hope you will congratulate these new Stephen Ministers. And if you are aware of someone in the congregation who would benefit from their care, please let Ron or Kathy or Bev know about it.

~ Stephen Ministry

Saturday, March 9thThis special occasion is planned for church members and friends to become better acquainted with one another in small groups.

Everyone attending will be asked to contribute either by serving as a host, bringing an appetizer, salad or dessert.

l Social hour begins at 5:30 pm.

l Dinner begins at 7:00 pm.

l Dessert Buffet at 9:00 pm.

Call the office for more information.

21st Annual Progressive Dinner

Stephen Ministry

Flashback 10 years ago to the Class of 2003!

Thank you Rev. Kathy for the photo!


Palette Pals

The Palette Pals is a group of thirty artists, all members of NUCC, who meet monthly to discuss, view and participate in all art forms. They also exhibit monthly in the library. The church receives twenty percent of any work sold from the show. In March, Marion MacAdoo will show her watercolors, and in April there will be a group show of all media. Please stop by and enjoy the art.

March 4th MeetingPlease meet in the NUCC art room at 11 am. Following our meeting and sack lunch, we will have a critique session led by Nancy Seibert in preparation for our all- member art display in the church library, scheduled to hang during April and May.

Inspiration Art WorkshopRona Steingart and Louise Friedlander, instructors$125, includes all art materials, please bring a bag lunch

Friday, March 8 to Saturday, March 9, 10 am till 3:00 pm

Palette Pals brings the popular art teaching team, Steingart and Friedlander, formerly from the Naples Museum of Art, to NUCC for an INSPIRATION of fun and creativity. We will begin at the gallery/studio of well- known painter/sculptor John Long. Formerly a daily cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune, John is an incredibly unique and creative artist. He will lead us on a gallery tour and tell our group how he finds his inspiration in everyday objects that he reconfigured into original, brand-new art forms. We begin the workshop at 10 am at the Up Art & Design Gallery at 340 8th St. S. (Directly across the street from our old Bargain Box facility).

We will then go to the beautiful art studio at NUCC to do our own work. We promise that you will complete at least two art pieces to proudly display in your home. Class discussions of work in progress, as well as completed projects in either a two or three-dimensional format will be viewed and critiqued by the group.

Experienced artists as well as people with no previous art experience are welcome. Just bring your fun-loving creativity. We promise you a wonderful, educational art workshop. Questions? Call the office and reserve your spot. Please sign up early because class size will be limited.

April MeetingWe will have a reception for well-known local artist, Joan Dunkle. Watch the bulletin for the date and details.

~ Palette Pals

13 March 2013

Our church could not operate without volunteers! As we share our treasure, we also need to share our time and talent – each to his/her ability. There are many needs and opportunities – but it is sometimes quite difficult to match people with those opportunities. You can help by completing an “Opportunities for Involvement” survey – indicating the depth of involvement you wish to have. These can be found in the pew racks and in the narthex.

Your interests help to determine the range of activities and programs available to members and friends. Some examples:

• You could be paired with a shut-in who needs a ride to church – or the grocery store – or the doctor - if you indicate you could do that!

• You could be asked to be a greeter on Sunday – if you indicate you would like to do that!

• You could help with our children for an hour on Wednesday afternoon – if you indicate you would like to do that!

• You could be asked to bake cookies for a special activity – if you like to do that!

• You would like to help set up Communion? You could be asked to serve on the Altar Guild!

This list could go on and on!

The goal is to have a completed survey for EVERY member – regardless of present or past involvement in church activities – and to have those surveys updated as interests and needs change. Your privacy will be respected – as you indicate. Please return completed surveys to the church. Thank you.

~ Pat McGee, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Corner!WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? HOW DO YOU WANT TO HELP YOUR CHURCH?

Naples United Church of Christ is pleased to support and serve as a distribution site for Baby Basics.

Baby Basics is a 100% volunteer-driven organization that was established in 2004 because founder, Jean Ann Lynch, believed that every baby and its family deserve two things - a clean diaper and kindness. Now in its 9th year, Baby Basics provides free diapers and kindness to over 300 infants and toddlers from low-income, working families in Collier County and Bonita Springs.

Families interested in the program are referred from local social service agencies and are screened for qualification. To participate in the program, families must meet certain criteria - which include at least one working parent or guardian, demonstrated financial need, and the family may not be receiving federal or state cash assistance. Twice a month, those families who meet the criteria come to the closest distribution site to pick up a free, two-week supply of diapers. Volunteers greet the families, help them select the proper size, and provide information about the next distribution and other opportunities for supportive services. For more information about Baby Basics, please visit www.BabyBasicsCollier.org/.

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9:00am Worship Service (S) 10:00am Guest Information Brunch (N 104) 10:00am Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 11:00am Worship Service (S) 12:00pm Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 12:00pm Guest Information Brunch (N 104)

NEW MEMBER SUNDAYNEW MEMBER SUNDAYONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARINGONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

9:00am Worship Service (S) 10:00am Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 11:00am Worship Service (S) 12:00pm Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P)12:00pm Single Senior’s Lunch

(Naples Sailing and Yacht Club)

PALM SUNDAYPALM SUNDAY 8:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH) 9:00am Worship Service (S) 10:00am Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 10:00am Animate Series w/Rev. Luvvy (N101) 11:00am Worship Service (S) 12:00pm Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 5:00pm Confirmation Class (N101) 6:00pm Youth Group Meeting (N201)

9:30am Monday Morning Workshop (N104) 9:30am Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH) 11:30am Journey to Discipleship Class -

Joan Byerhof (N101) 1:00pm Bell Choir (BH) 2:00pm Book Club Meeting (N104) 7:00pm VON Practice (S)

9:30am Monday Morning Workshop (N104) 9:30am Yoga with Shannon (BH) 9:30am Falling Upward w/Rev. Kircher (N207) 11:00am Palette Pals Meeting (N203) 11:30am Journey to Discipleship Class (N101) 1:00pm Bell Choir Practice (BR) 2:00pm UCC Class (N101) 5:00pm Baby Basics Diaper Pick-up (WH) 6:00pm Steeple Fellowship Dinner 6:45pm VON Practice (S) 7:00pm UCC Class (N101)

9:30am Monday Morning Workshop (N104) 9:30am Falling Upward w/Rev. Kircher (N207) 9:30am Yoga with Shannon (BH) 11:30am Journey to Discipleship Class -

Joan Byerhof (N101) 1:00pm Bell Choir (BH)

9:30am Monday Morning Workshop (N104) 9:30am Yoga with Shannon (BH) 11:30am Journey to Discipleship Class -

Joan Byerhof (N101) 1:00pm Bell Choir (BH) 3:00pm Community Choir (BH) 6:00pm Trustees Meeting (N104) 7:00pm VON Practice (S)

8:00am Long Range Planning (ACR) 9:30am Learning In Retirement (N207) 9:30am Chair Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Acts Bible Study, Part 2 with

Charnley Marsden (N101) 1:00pm Stephen Ministry Training (N207) 2:00pm Philippians: How to Have Joy with

Ron Thompson (N104) 3:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (P) 6:00pm Yoga with Shannon (Narthex) 6:30pm Diaconate Meeting (ACR) 7:00pm Tuesdays at Twilight (BH)

9:30am Learning In Retirement (N207) 9:30am Chair Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Dr. Beckwith - Caregiving Class (BH) 10:00am Acts Bible Study, Part 2 with

Charnley Marsden (N101) 1:00pm Music Committee Meeting (ACR) 1:00pm Stephen Ministry Training (N207) 2:00pm Philippians: How to Have Joy

with Ron Thompson (N104) 3:00pm Precious Cargo Meeting (ACR) 3:00pm Membership & Growth (N104) 6:00pm Board of CE Meeting (N101) 6:00pm Yoga with Shannon (Narthex) 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (BH/S)

9:30am Learning In Retirement (N207) 9:30am Chair Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Acts Bible Study, Part 2 with

Charnley Marsden (N101) 1:00pm Stephen Ministry Training (N207) 2:00pm Park Shore Landing Condo Meeting (MH) 2:00pm Philippians: How to Have Joy

with Ron Thompson (N104) 4:00pm Bargain Box Committee Meeting (BB) 6:00pm Yoga with Shannon (Narthex) 6:30pm Executive Committee Meeting (ACR) 7:00pm Behind the Headlines w/Dr. Susan Smith

(N207)

9:30am Learning In Retirement (N207) 9:30am Chair Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Acts Bible Study, Part 2 with

Charnley Marsden (N101) 10:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH) 2:00pm Philippians: How to Have Joy with

Ron Thompson (N104) 6:00pm Yoga with Shannon (Narthex) 7:00pm Tuesdays at Twilight (BH)

ST. PATRICK’S DAYST. PATRICK’S DAY 9:00am Worship Service (S) 10:00am Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 10:00am Animate Series w/Rev. Luvvy (N101) 11:00am Worship Service (S) 12:00pm Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 5:00pm Confirmation Class (N101) 6:00pm Youth Group Meeting (N201)

EASTER SUNDAYEASTER SUNDAY 7:00am Sunrise Easter Worship Service

(Clam Pass Beach) 8:00am Easter Worship Service (S) 9:15am Easter Worship Service (S) 10:00am Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P) 11:00am Easter Worship Service (S) 12:00pm Stephen Ministry Pastoral Care (P)

What’s Happening This Month at Naples United Church of Christ

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9:00am Rona Steingart Art Class (N202)9:30am Perky Patchers (N103)12:00pm Pelican Bay Duplicate Bridge Group (MH)12:00pm Al Anon Meeting (N207)

9:30amPerky Patchers (N103)12:00pmAl Anon Meeting(N207)

9:30amPerky Patchers (N103)12:00pmAl Anon Meeting(N207)

8:30am Bargain Box Appreciation Breakfast (MH)10:00am Easter Egg Hunt (GP)

10:00am The Bible Alive w/Rev. Bev (N101) 10:00am WNL Meeting (N101) 1:00pm Stephen Ministry (N207) 3:30pm Junior Disciples (N207) 4:00pm Children’s Choir: K-2nd Grade (BH) 4:30pm Children’s Choir: Grades 3-5 (BH) 5:00pm Youth Choir Grades 6-12 (BH) 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (BH/S) 7:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N 104)

10:00am The Bible Alive w/Rev. Bev (N101) 3:30pm Junior Disciples (N207) 4:00pm Children’s Choir: K-2nd Grade (BH) 4:30pm Children’s Choir: Grades 3-5 (BH) 5:00pm Youth Choir Grades 6-12 (BH) 5:30pm WNL Dinner (N101) 7:00pm Purdue University Men’s Glee Club

(S) 7:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -


10:00am The Bible Alive w/Rev. Bev (N101) 3:30pm Junior Disciples (N207) 4:00pm Children’s Choir: K-2nd Grade (BH) 4:30pm Children’s Choir: Grades 3-5 (BH) 5:00pm Youth Choir Grades 6-12 (BH) 7:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N 104) 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (BH/S)

9:30am Precious Cargo Chapel (S) 9:30am Gentle Yoga with Shannon (BH) 2:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N104) 6:00pm Yoga Lite and Meditation (N)

9:30am Precious Cargo Chapel (S) 9:30am Gentle Yoga with Shannon (BH) 2:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N104) 6:00pm Yoga Lite and Meditation (N)

9:30am Precious Cargo Chapel (S) 9:30am Gentle Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Executive Club Condominium

Association Meeting (N207) 10:00am Men’s Coffee and Convo (N104) 10:00am Women’s Coffee and Convo (N101) 1:00pm Board of Missions Meeting (N101) 2:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N104) 6:00pm Yoga Lite and Meditation (N) 5:30pm Precious Cargo Staff Meeting (N207) 7:00pm PFLAG Meeting (N104)

WORLD DAY OF WORLD DAY OF PRAYERPRAYER

9:30am Perky Patchers (N103)12:00pm Al Anon (N207)5:15pm Living Grace Retreat (NH/GP)

9:00amRona SteingartArt Class (N202)9:00amStephen Ministry Training (N207/104)12:00pm Crouse/Gillis Wedding (S)5:30pm Progressive Dinner

5:00pmWedding - Kelsey Neff/Dave Harvey (S)

10:00am The Bible Alive w/Rev. Bev (N101) 10:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH) 3:30pm Junior Disciples (N207) 4:00pm Children’s Choir: K-2nd Grade (BH) 4:30pm Children’s Choir: Grades 3-5 (BH) 5:00pm Youth Choir Grades 6-12 (BH) 7:00pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (BH/S) 7:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -


8:15am Living Grace Retreat with Rev. Dr. Martie McMane (NH/GP)

GOOD FRIDAYGOOD FRIDAYOFFICE CLOSEDOFFICE CLOSED

9:30amPerky Patchers (N103) 10:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH)

Youth Movie Night

12:00pm Decorating Easter Cross (N101)3:00pm Easter Rehearsal (S)

MAUNDY THURSDAYMAUNDY THURSDAY 9:30am Precious Cargo Chapel (S) 9:30am Gentle Yoga with Shannon (BH) 10:00am Labyrinth Set Up (MH) 2:00pm Dr. Patterson’s Book Study -

Diana Butler Bass’s Book (N104) 6:00pm Yoga Lite and Meditation (N) 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service (S)


Youth Christian Education

The Easter egg hunt is March 23rd at 10 am. Donations of eggs filled with wrapped candy or toys will be accepted. Please have them in the church office by March 21st.

Take a look at our facebook page, search for Naples United Church of Christ.

Dear Friends,

February has been an event-filled month at Naples United Church of Christ for our children and youth ministry! Our Junior Disciples enjoyed art classes with our very own Palette Pals, and Jessica Van Ord presented another engaging and enlightening communication class. As we pass through our Intersection curriculum, our scripture passage from this series, 1 Peter 1:19-21, continues to speed us through life’s intersections by challenging us to listen and be careful how we speak. Six of our youth attended Friday night’s Marcus Borg lecture followed by burgers and conversation. The youth held their second fundraiser of the year, a Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner, an event which was wonderfully supported and where we learned much (please see apology below). The Ash Wednes-day Family Service was a time set aside for our parents and children of all ages to lead them in preparation for the Lenten Season.

Our Green and Grow Curriculum will begin in March as we partner with Echo Gardens and Stoves for Guatemala. We will participate in the UCC-wide “Mission 4/1 Earth” program beginning April 1 and join as ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50 great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out.

On March 1 – March 3, our youth will attend their first greater-UCC event – the Peace River Canoe and Camping Trip in Arcadia. We are looking forward to this opportunity to introduce them to the Greater UCC and to other UCC youth in Florida.

We are continuing fundraisers for this summer’s California trip and look forward to hosting the March 13 Wednesday Night Live Dinner in collaboration with Carrabbas Italian Grill. Advance tickets sales will be available for this event for $10. Come support the youth before the Purdue Men’s Glee Concert, or just come for the dinner!

Mark your calendars now for our 2013 Vacation Bible School “Everywhere Fun Fair.” It will be held from June 10 – June 14. We need your help to make this a successful event. Volunteer opportunities will be posted as the date approaches.

Blessings to all,Nancy Van FleetCE Director

My Sincere ApologyWe were overwhelmed by the wonderful response and support for our Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner. Unfortunately, we ran out of food and there were some supporters with tickets that we were unable to feed. If this was your experience, please come talk to me after services on Sundays.

17 March 2013

177 March 2013


Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of LifeRev. Dr. Kathleen Kircher, Stephen Ministry Coordinator & Adult EducatorDescription: Father Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and internationally known speaker & author, shares his own aging process in ways that can awaken us, as we grow older, to what he calls the “further journey” into the mystery and beauty of healthy spiritual maturity. Guided by Father Rohr, our discussions will offer ways of thinking about the heartbreaks, disappointments, and first loves of life as stepping stones to the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store for us. Dates: Mondays (Feb. 18 – Mar. 11) - 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Nelson Hall Rm 207Cost: $15 per book / available in the church officeRegistration: not required, all are welcome

What’s Next for the Church? Rev. Dr. Ronald Patterson, Senior MinisterDescription: What’s next for the Church? Times are changing and the future of organized Christianity is uncertain. Join Dr. Patterson for a discussion of Diana Butler Bass’s cutting-edge book: Christianity After Religion—the End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. No registration, all are welcome. Meeting in Nelson Hall Rm 104.

Dates: Wednesdays (Feb. 27 – Mar. 27) - 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ORThursdays (Feb. 28 – Mar. 28) - 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $15 per book / available in the church office

Animate Discussion GroupWe will meet in Nelson Hall Room 101 after the first service. Facilitator will be Rev Luvvy Kovacik. Registration is not needed.

Dates: March 17th: “The Holy Bible: Uses and Abuses” video by Lauren WinnerMarch 24th: “Church/An Imperfect Family” video by Bruce Reyes Chow

Adult Enrichment OpportunitiesYogaShannon Danford, Yoga InstructorYoga is the practice of stilling the body and quieting the mind in preparation for meditation. While it may sound foreign, meditation is the other half of prayer.

Cost: $8 per session or $5.00 per session for chair yoga

Dates: Yoga: Monday - 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.and Tuesday and Thursdays - 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.Chair Yoga: Tuesdays - 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.Gentle Yoga: Thursdays - 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Registration: not required, all are welcome

The Bible Alive!Rev. Bev Duncan, Interim Associate MinisterAre you one of those who has read the Bible from “cover to cover,” but aren’t quite sure what it was you were supposed to take away from that accomplishment aside from having done it? In this 8-week series you will learn some skills to use to unlock what God is trying to tell you when you read a passage but wrinkle up your nose and say “Huh?” God is always speaking to us, but we need to know how to hear what that is. The discussions are always lively and the “Aha!” moments frequent. We meet in Nelson Hall, Rm. 101. Come for all sessions or those you can. Registration not required; all are welcome! Bibles and other materials are provided.

Dates: Wednesdays - March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 10-11:30.

Single SeniorsThe Single Seniors will meet after the second service on March 10 at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 896 Riverpoint Dr. in Naples. Nancy Wyckoff is our host, and a check or $18.55 cash shall be given to her for the buffet lunch. The sign-up sheets are available in the Gathering Place on Sunday or call the church office for reservations.

19 March 2013

NUCC Book ClubCandy Nordland, Book Club CoordinatorExplore a new book each month alongside other book lovers. Each session is led by a different member of the group. We will review our 2012-13 book list, share our favorite summer reads, and gladly welcome any new members. All sessions start at 2:00 pm in Nelson Hall Rm 104. No cost, all are welcome.

Mar. 25: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. Discussion led by Judy Jorgensen.

Men’s Coffee and Conversation With Dr. Ron Patterson

Women’s Coffee and Conversation With the Rev. Bev Duncan

Thursday, March 21, 10-11:30 a.m. and the 4th Thursday of every monthMen meet: in Room 104, Nelson HallWomen meet: in Room 101, Nelson Hall

Men and women are invited to meet for coffee and conversation—the men with Dr. Patterson and the women with Rev. Duncan. Our conversations around topics of current interest are always lively and, of course, encouraged to be modulated around the intersection of fact, opinion, and the insights of the Christian faith. Join these popular groups and feed your mind! All are welcome! The March topic will be announced in the Sunday bulletins.

Philippians: How to Have Joy Ron Thompson, SeminarianDescription: Facing execution, Paul writes one of his most endearing yet challenging letters from a prison cell. He engages the church leaders to have joy in the midst of suffering. We will explore keys to a more joyous Christian life – even in the midst of conflict, strife, and illness – as we study the book of Philippians. No cost, all are welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays (Mar. 5 – 26) - 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Nelson Hall Rm 104

The Consequences of Caregiving: Don’t Go it AloneDr. Bill Beckwith, Memory ExpertDescription: Memory loss affects not only the forgetful but also those who care about them. Dr. Beckwith will describe the changes in progressive memory loss from the caregiver’s view. Learn the stages of decline as well as approaches to managing memory loss and dementia for those who manage memory for two. Dr. Beckwith will also describe issues in self-care for caregivers.

Bio: Dr. Beckwith and his wife Pamela founded the Life and Memory Center. He has published numerous papers on memory as well as completed over 3,000 individual memory evaluations. He is a weekly columnist for the Naples Daily News.

Date: Mar. 12 - 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: N/A


Behind the Headlines: Understanding the Research that Makes the NewsDr. Susan Smith, Associate Professor – Hodges UniversityDescription: While we encounter research reports and statistics on a daily basis, it is often unclear what they really mean. This class will explore the research process, review critiques of research studies, and give you a practical framework to be a critical consumer of research.

Bio: Susan is the Assistant Director of Libraries and Associate Professor at Hodges University in Naples, FL, where she teaches research methods to graduate students. She holds a Masters in Library and Information Studies and a Ph.D. in Public Administration.

Date: Tuesday, Mar. 19 - 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Cost: N/A



“I don’t know where I would be now if it weren’t for the Take Stock program,” says Michael Jean-Baptiste, a graduate of the Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring Program. Michael is now a freshman majoring in accounting at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and is currently on the Dean’s List with a 4.0 GPA. With a full class load, that is no small task! Michael attributes his success in large part to his mentor, Bill Hall. “Bill is a lifelong friend I will always cherish,” explains Michael. Bill’s tremendous impact as Michael’s mentor has helped him achieve these successes with many more to come.

Michael’s mother was born in Haiti and came to this country to start a new life. His mother wanted her sons to have educational opportunities that she did not have and was excited to have Michael inducted into the Take Stock program. Michael was 14 when he and Bill first met. Bill could see great promise in Michael and committed to be-ing his mentor. And he is glad he did, for Bill feels he has gotten more out of the relationship than Michael. Michael notes, “It’s amazing to see how a weekly meeting can create a friendship that goes beyond the program.”

The most rewarding aspect of being a mentor, for Bill, was seeing how Michael matured and achieved his potential over the years. Michael became a drum major and the head of the Golden Gate High School (GGHS) marching band and first chair alto sax. He started getting recognized for his grades and his leadership skills. Michael also went on to become a graduate of Youth Leadership Collier and did community service for Grace Place for Children and Families. Bill credits these successes not just to his mentoring but also to “wonderful teachers and Michael’s family who have been so supportive.”

Bill has accompanied Michael and his family to various events with the GGHS band. In the beginning, Michael would sit with his friends and Bill would sit with Michael’s family. Over the years as their friendship grew, Michael now chooses to spend time with Bill at these events. “It’s been so wonderful to see Michael come out of his shadow and do wonderful things,” Bill states with pride.

Bill and Michael still maintain a close relationship. Michael chose to go to FGCU so he could remain close to his family. This proximity allows Bill to see Michael on a regular basis, and now that Michael has graduated from the program, Bill can frequently take him and his roommate out for lunch or dinner. Their camaraderie continues to benefit them both.

Michael was Bill’s first student to mentor. “He won’t be my last,” Bill declares. You can help the Take Stock in Children Scholarship and Mentoring Program benefit more students like Michael. Champions For Learning will be inducting more than 50 students into their scholarship program this year. Each student is expected to maintain his/her GPA, re-main drug and crime free, and meet with a mentor weekly. When students fulfill this commitment and graduate high school, they receive a 2 year scholarship to a Florida state college or community college. Your sponsorship will enable more success stories for deserving students to achieve their potential. Go to http://www.educationforcollier.org/ to learn more about making a gift or becoming a mentor.

~ Written by The Education Foundation—Champions For Learning™, 3606 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 150, Naples, FL 34104

Photo by The Education Foundation—Champions For Learning™

Invest In The Future

Editor’s note: The following article was sent to NUCC in an e-newsletter. It was too good not to share with all of you! We thank the The Education Foundation for keeping us informed.

21 March 2013

Bargain Box NewsOn the 9th of March I hope you can join us in support of the Children’s Advocacy Center. This team provides services to neglected and abused children. The day’s proceeds will go to the Center.

Each month we tell you how rewarding and fun volunteering at the Bargain Box can be. We have decided to let the volunteers share some of their experiences with you. This month, the very-well-put-together Susan Melick (partly because of the beautiful things she purchases at the store) has volunteered to do us this honor. It’s Wednesday morning at the Melick household. Susan,Dick and Charlie (the dog) have had coffee, read the newspaper and have dressed.

Dick: “Where are you going this morning? When do you leave? When can I expect to see you again?”

Susan: “Dick, it’s Wednesday morning and where have I gone every Wednesday morning around 9:00 for the last ten years?”

Dick: “Oh Yeah...The Bargain Box: where you see your friends,laugh a lot, do ironing you don’t do at home, bug Sandy, buy all kinds of things we don’t need and all kinds of great clothes! You mean that Bargain Box!”

Susan: “You got it!! My Wednesday FUN TIME!”

...Sunday morning: Susan and Dick at church...

“Susan, great scarf and dress, love it.”

Susan responds: “If you shop where I shop, you too can purchase great items at inexpensive prices.” (and hope it isn’t an item brought in by the person to whom you are talking.)

“The Bargain Box is the BEST for volunteering and shopping! See you there.”~ Susan Melick

In the peak of season nothing is more important than donations. The Bargain Box drop-off shed will only be open between the hours of 8 AM and 3:30 PM Monday through Saturday and 8 AM and 1:30 PM on Sunday to receive your donations. Donations are always welcome and appreciated at the store during regular business hours. This change was necessitated to insure the security of your valuable gifts. Clean out and call us!! 262-3802.

~ Sandy, The Bargain Box Manager

Dr. Patterson and Grace Place on January 26th

at the Bargain Box Shop for Charity Event.


New Members ~ February 10, 2013

Bonnie and Bill

In Absentia: Leigh and David

Wayne and Gloria

Martha and Robert

Nancy and Tom

Kathe and Stephen

23 March 2013

On the evening of February 11th, 22 of our members attended the inaugural session of NUCC 101, a presentation subtitled “What We Do and How You Can Participate”.

The 90-minute session covered all aspects of our local church life, providing a concise overview of NUCC’s structure, governance and funding, its Christian and adult educational offerings, social activities, mission involvements and volunteer opportunities.

Speakers included Dudley Lyons, Moderator; Greg Smith, Director of Adult Education; Pat McGee, Volunteer Coordinator; Dave Stevenson, Endowment Chairman; and Bill Hall, Stewardship Chairman.

Feedback from attendees was very positive, and we encourage anyone interested in gaining a more complete understanding of “who we are and what we do” to attend this presentation when offered next on Monday, April 8th, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Nelson Hall, Room 207.

Learn More About Your Church!


The 2012 year-end figures were very positive and will enable the trustees to add to our reserves. When the

Stewardship campaign is over, we will have a better idea as to the 2013 budget. There will be more to report

next month.

~Dave Hocking, Treasurer

Stewardship Reminder:

February 3rd was Stewardship Sunday and we heard an inspiring stewardship message.

The challenge for all of us is in supporting the many church programs that are important to us, while also helping our mission partners through some very tough times.

We are fortunate to belong to a wonderful church with a great staff, an outstanding choir, along with a giving and caring membership.

If you haven’t sent in your pledge card, we encourage you to do so. Let us all help this church to be as great as it can be.

~ God Bless, Stewardship Committee

Dear Members and Friends,

Financial Outlook

In Service to Our Country:Please see printed newsletter for this information.

25 March 2013

2225555 MMarchh 20201313

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Endowment Committee

UCC Life-Income Gifts:

Receive income for life and make a future gift to NUCC

We have several recent inquiries about planned gifts – a gift that you make during your lifetime that will benefit Naples UCC after your death. We use the United Church of Christ (UCC) Financial Development ministry to assist our donors to establish life-income gifts which include the following benefits:

• Income for your lifetime with no investment management responsibilities.

• Income for a surviving loved one.

• A charitable deduction, if you itemize.

• Tax savings on long term capital gains.

• Financial support for UCC organizations that you want to support when you no longer need the income – e.g. to an NUCC endowment fund – either unrestricted or directed to an area of special importance to you.

Life-Income Gift Opportunities

A UCC GIFT ANNUITY is a contract whereby you transfer assets such as cash or appreciated securities to the UCC in return for age-based, lifetime annual payments of a fixed amount. The UCC gift annuity rates are competitive with those of other charities and often more attractive than today’s lower rates on familiar income vehicles. You are entitled to a tax deduction in the year you make the gift if you itemize deductions in your tax

return, and part of your annual payment may be tax free. If you transfer appreciated securities to fund your gift, you may have significant capital gains tax savings.

The UCC POOLED INCOME FUND combines your contribution with others into a large fund, the net income of which is distributed to you based on your share of the fund. You are entitled to a charitable tax deduction in the year you make the gift if you itemize deductions. If you transfer appreciated securities to fund your gift, you may have significant capital gains tax savings.

With CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS, you transfer cash securities or other property into an irrevocable trust and receive lifetime income. A Unitrust pays flexible income, based on a percentage (usually 5%) of the trust’s fair market value as determined annually. An Annuity Trust pays fixed income, based on a percentage (usually 5%) of the original gift amount. You are entitled to a charitable tax deduction in the year you make the gift if you itemize deductions and can realize capital gains tax savings if you fund your gift with appreciated securities.

For more information about these gifts, and to receive a personalized gift illustration, please feel free to contact the UCC Financial Development Ministry directly at – 1-800-846-6822 or e-mail them at [email protected] or, if you would like us to help you to make that contact with you, please call the church office (261-5469).

Your endowment committee is always here to help members and friends contemplating an endowment gift.

Preserving Our Future

ScholarshipsYour Gail and Norman Thomson Scholarship Committee is receiving applications for the 2013 scholarships. Thescholarships are for any type of education: college, junior college, vocational school or others. They are available to anyone who belongs to a church or synagogue, has financial needs, has graduated from a high school or equivalent and lives inCollier County. Please contact the church office for applications. Applications must be submitted no later thanMarch 4, 2013.

Planned Giving Opportunities


March LectionaryOur music and worship resources each Sunday are

based on the lectionary readings. The lectionary is a

three-year cycle, which takes the reader through all

the major themes in the Bible. Use these readings to

prepare for Sunday and for your private devotions.

March 3(Third Sunday in Lent)

Isa 55:1-9Ps 63:1-8

1 Cor 10:1-13Luke 13:1-9

March 10(Fourth Sunday in Lent)

Joshua 5:9-12Ps 32

2 Cor 5:16-21Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 17(Fifth Sunday in Lent)

Isa 43:16-21Ps 126

Phil 3:4b-14John 12:1-8

March 24(Palm Sunday)

Ps 118:1-2, 19-29Luke 19:28-40

(Liturgy of the Palms)Isa 50:4-9aPs 31:9-16Phil 2:5-11

Luke 22:14-23:56 orLuke 23:1-49

(Litergy of the Passion)

March 31(Easter Sunday)

Acts 10:34-43 orIsa 65:17-25

Ps 118:1-2, 14-241 Cor 15:19-26 or

Acts 10:34-43John 20:1-18 orLuke 24:1-12

Book Recommendations~ Don Snyder

How Children Succeedby Paul Tough

Through extensive research, the author provides illumination to the difficult questions of why certain children succeed and others fail, why poor children are less likely to succeed than middle class children and are there ways to improve the odds of a child’s success. This is a fascinating book

for anyone interested in understanding how to improve the lives of children.

AwakeDoing a World of Good One Person at a Timeby Noel Yeatts

This is a short book that will tear at your emotions as the author describes individual cases of people who live in a hurting world and have been helped to a better life by the action of a single person. She ends her book

with practical suggestions of how each of us can make a difference in the life of one person.

Web Site Recommendationwww.annerobertson.org Books, sermons and blogs by a United Methodist Churchwoman. Check it out. I think you’ll like it.

i h i l

The Thoughtful Guide to Faithby Tony Windross

The author addresses many of the objections people have with Christianity. Each of the 37 short chapters deals with a particular topic such as Thinking About God, Prayer, The Bible, Miracles, Faith and Doubt etc. The author claims that

Christianity is more about the way we live than the way we think and that faith can work for all of us. The book comes with a warning. It is not intended for those who are easily shocked or of a nervous disposition.

Ch i i i i

27 March 2013

Please see printed newsletter for this information.

Birthdays and AnniversariesMarch Birthdays

Please see printed newsletter for this information.

March Anniversaries

Our CondolencesPlease see printed newsletter for this information.

Naples United Church of Christ5200 Crayton RoadNaples, FL 34103

(239) 261-5469 O Fax: (239) 261-2475

www.naplesucc.org O email: [email protected]

Non-Profi tOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDNaples

FLA 34103Permit #15

Place Label Here

God is stillspeaking,

Please Note:Please call the church office to update your address.

The next issue will be a single issue for April.

April’s Issue Submission Deadline: March 12th

Don’t Forget! Go Green! Go Paperless!

Take Steeplelights with you!You can now have Steeplelights sent to your email. Contact the church office(239) 261-5469 if you would like to receive Steeplelights electronicallyinstead of through the mail.

Documents

NUCC March 2013 Steeplelights