1. education
2. homeschooling

Stuart Congregational Church, 3110 SE Aster Lane, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 287-5951
Website: stuartcongregationalchurch.org E-mail: [email protected]
Good News Letter
Page 2– Your Staff
Our “BELIEVE” Journey, Pastor
Tim Roberts
Page 3– President’s Corner
Page 4 - Stewardship Report
Feel the Warmth, Stephen Min.
INSIDE: OCTOBER 2014
Page 5 - Board of Deacons
Page 6- October Calendar of Events
Page 7- November Calendar of Events
Page 8- Children’s Ministry
Page 9- Youth Ministry
Page 10- Outreach Board &
Page 11- Positive Impact, Stephen Min.
LAHIA
Page 12- Birthdays & Anniversaries
Page 13- Women’s & Men’s Fellowship
Page 14- Church Yard Sale,
Being a Congregationalist
Page 15- “The Kingdom of God”,
Pastor Tim Roberts
Page 16- From Your Seminary Intern
Page 17 - Little Blessings Co-Op
Page 18 - “Good Grief: A Seminar on the
Do’s and Don’ts of Caregiving”
Page 19 - Buildings & Property Board
Page 20 - From our Missionary in Haiti
Page 21 - Music Ministry & Christian Education
Page 22 - “BELIEVE”: Think, Act & Be Like
Jesus sermon series
Stuart Congregational Church is a
mission community created and
empowered by the Holy Spirit as a
tool to draw all people to Christ.
Good News Letter
Page 2
Your Staff
Our “BELIEVE” Journey
Rev. Dr. Timothy Roberts
Dear Friends,
Pastor
On September 7th we began our journey through
“Believe: Think, Act & Be like Jesus.” More than 100 of
you have purchased your “Believe” book and study
guide (for $6.00). There are more available for purchase in the chapel
and sanctuary foyers. Here are some answers to questions you may
have about “Believe.”
Esther Easley,
Music Director
Jessica Nelson
Accompanist
What is the value of participating in our 30 week “Believe” journey?
You get to explore each faith topic with a personal devotional guide.
You get to expand each faith topic with fellow believers in a small
group.
You get to experience each faith topic in worship on Sundays.
You get to express your opinion to Zondervan Publishers for their final
edit of the material.
Explore… expand… experience… and express!
Laurel Jones
Office Manager
Tammy Johnson
Children’s Ministry
Mark Nygard
Youth &
Worship Ministries
Can I jump into “Believe” mid-stream?
Yes, you can. But remember that you can do the personal devotions
and see the sermons from the beginning. Just acquire a study guide
Alan Hall
Custodian
for the devotional and view the sermon archives on stuartcongregationalchurch.org.
Office Hours
8:30 am—12:30 pm
Monday-Friday
Worship Times:
Sundays
8:00 am Chapel
9:00 am Sunday School
10:00 am Sanctuary w/
Nursery Care
11:14 am Chapel
What “Believe” groups can I join?
Currently we have four “Believe” groups:
“Believe Family Night” at 6:30pm each Wednesday at SCC. This
is an intergenerational gathering, meeting in the chapel.
Women’s Bible Study at 10:00am each Wednesday morning.
These ladies meet together in the Fellowship Hall.
Women of Faith study group at 10:00am each Thursday morning
beginning Oct. 2. These ladies meet together in the Family Room
adjacent to the main sanctuary.
Willoughby Bible Study at Willoughby Golf & Country Club
(Mondays at 7:00pm, beginning November 7th).
(continued on page 3)
The Good News Letter is published monthly during the winter and Bi-monthly during the summer by the Stuart
Congregational Church . There is no charge for a subscription.
The church is located at the corner of Aster Lane and Ruhnke Streets, one half mile north of Indian Street.
Mailing address: 3110 SE Aster Lane, Stuart, FL 34994. Telephone: (772) 287-5951. Website: www.stuartcongregational.org
Rev. Dr. Timothy Roberts: Pastor
Laurel Jones: Good News Letter Layout Artist, Editor and Publisher
Deadline for articles is the 10th of the month preceding publication
Page
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Good News
News Letter
Letter
Good
Do I have to be solid in my faith and believe everything to be part of “Believe?”
No. This is a journey. We learn and evolve in our faith. None of us has “arrived” at complete
faithfulness of belief. That’s why we need each other to explore, expand, experience and express.
What is the main goal of “Believe?”
The main goal of “Believe” is to help you embrace how God is shaping your identity… who you
are becoming. It’s not about affirming all orthodox belief, or mastering all spiritual practices.
We focus on what we believe (“Think”), and we emphasize our spiritual practices (“Act”) to facilitate our main goal, which is to grow into the likeness of Christ (“Be… like Jesus”). At the end of
the day God doesn’t care how many Bible verses you’ve memorized or how much you pray. At
the end of it all God wants you to be like Jesus in your mind, in your will, and in your body. God
wants to shape your character to be like Jesus. That’s the goal of “Believe,” and that, in fact, is
the goal of your entire spiritual life.
I look forward to growing with you as we explore, expand, experience and express what we believe. I look forward to thinking, acting, and being more like Jesus with you!
In the Grip of Grace
Pastor Tim
P.S.: Check out the “Believe” video introduction on our SCC website.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
I write a family letter every weekend and send it out on the internet to all of our family, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and to our god son. My grandfather Noah
Beachy started the tradition over one hundred years ago. Noah had eleven children
and he included all of his children in the family letter. You would receive, in the U.S.
Mail a thick business envelope with contributions from each family member inside.
We would read the news about the entire family until you reached your own letter, which you
would remove.
After reading and rereading the letters my mother and father would write one or two pages, front
and back, and add it to the collection. My father was the youngest of the children and his older
brother had already left home by the time he was born. We didn’t have a telephone installed until I was in the third grade. We had no television until I started college.
The local papers, various magazines, and hand written letters were our only means of communication. My parents encouraged my brother and me to read the family letter. I remember how excited I would be when the post man delivered the letter. An entire new world would open up before my very eyes as I read through the letters.
Now we have cell phones, ipads and instant connection with the internet. What a privilege to receive the T mail each week from our Dr. Tim announcing all the activities SCC is involved in. We
have come a long way in our communications and it will only get better.
Larry Beachy
Page 4
Good News Letter
OCTOBER STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Now that we are through summer and going into autumn, our Church’s finances are sorely in need
of restocking. We have many programs planned for this fall, and we don’t want to delay or even
eliminate them for a lack of funds.
In the Book of Malachi, the writer is concerned with neglect of the temple and asks the people to
return to tithing. In chapter 3 vs 8-12, Malachi says God compares tithing to a floodgate. “Bring the
whole tithe into the storehouse (temple), that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says
the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much
blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
You see, tithing is an outward expression of an internal belief. Holding onto your income may
demonstrate a belief in yourself; you earned it, you deserved it. Giving a portion of it back to God
simply is a gift of gratitude, thanking the One who gave you the abilities in order to produce the
money in the first place.
Rich Sterns writes in his book, The Hole in our Gospel, “I have often thought of the tithe….as a kind
of ‘inoculation’ against the power that money can sometimes hold over us. As we literally release
money, its power is lessened, freeing us from its chains.” Once your money is released, God throws
open the floodgates, and with it, pours out blessing after blessing.
So this fall, as you prepare your offerings, I ask everyone to do as God asks, “Test Me in this”.
Charlie Stracuzzi
Stewardship Committee
FEEL THE WARMTH
Sometimes it takes more than a parka or a blanket to keep another
person warm. Sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian
friend.
Stephen Ministers share the warmth of God’s love with those who need I most the
lonely, the depressed, the grieving. Is God calling you to reach out to those who are
hurting? Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
For more information, please contact Erica Garwood ( 772-225-3366).
Page 5
Good News Letter
Pa
BOARD OF DEACONS
Last March I published an article in this Good News newsletter about the deacons’
role in our church. I’m going to republish it now, and at the end, bring you up to
date on where we are today in achieving the goals set out last spring.
What do deacons do? You may have seen the pictures of your deacons on
the bulletin board partition in the Fellowship Hall. Do you know any of
these people? Have you ever wondered what their role is within our church?
Now is your opportunity to find out!
Pastor Tim is realigning the Board of Deacons to more closely follow the Bible’s mandate
to deacons. The board of deacons is being realigned to respond to the care needs of our
congregation. The deacons care about others and would like to make sure our church
provides for the needs of our congregation. The deacons facilitate congregational care.
Do you like to visit with people who are housebound, or in the hospital, or nursing and
rehabilitation homes, and brighten their lonely days? Do you like to bake goodies to take
to shut ins? Do you like to send cards? Do you want to provide hands-on help with small
house responsibilities? Then you should consider becoming a deacon or joining one of
the new teams being formed by the deacons to reach out to all the members of our
church family.
Our deacons need not be the actual “out in the field” ones making actual visits. That will
be the work of members. But a deacon will recruit and organize a team of people to do
the visits. Deacons will be trained and can serve communion, either on Sundays in the
church, or one-on-one during a visit to someone who cannot attend a service. The honor
of serving is one of the joys of being a deacon.
There is much that we, as a church family, can do to reach out to the rest of our church
family. As the deacons develop a plan of how to move forward in our ministry, we need
your input. We are looking for people with new ideas and passion to provide a caring
ministry to our congregation. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Let me add that the deacons are responsible for coffee hour, and also provide ushers and communion servers for the worship services. For more information please contact either Pastor Tim,
or me, for ways that you can help.
We are making progress in putting together teams to assist with congregational care, hospitality
of the fellowship hour, and servers for communion, and ushers. BUT WE STILL NEED MORE
HANDS TO HELP OUT!! Please fill out the RSVP card in the Sunday bulletin if you can help in any
of these areas.
Becoming involved with our church family as a participant in the work that brings us together will
help you to become a closer member of our family. And best of all, it is lots of fun!
Trish Smith
President, Board of Deacons
Page 6
Good News Letter
SCC - October 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
9:30 am Co-Op
10am Women of
Faith
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
6:30 EPIC Band
1:30pm Stephen Leaders
2:30pm Stephen Ministers 7 pm Choir
9:30 am
Co-Op
8:30 am
Men’s
Breakfast
6:30pm “Believe”
5
6
Canned goods for 9 am Building
Salvation Army
& Properties Board
9:30 am Co-Op
7
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
9 am Board of
Deacons
10am Mom’s
Connect
7pm Co-op
Meeting
12
13
9:30 am
Co-Op
14
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
1:30 pm Board of
Outreach
8
9:30 am Co-Op
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
11:15am Welcome Com.
6:30pm “Believe”
9
10am Women of
Faith
11:30 am Women’s
Fellowship
10
11
9:30 am
Co-Op
6:30pm EPIC
Band
7 pm Choir
15
9:30 am Co-Op
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
16
10am Women of
Faith
17
9:30 am
Co-Op
18
8am - 12pm
Annual Yard Sale
Homework Angels
2:30pm Stephen Ministers Registration
6:30pm “Believe”
6:30p EPIC
Band
7 pm Choir
19
20
9:30 am
Co-Op
21
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
10am Mom’s
Connect
26
27
28
8:30 am
7 am Men’s
Newsletter Mailing Disciple Café
9:30 am
Co-Op
22
9:30 am Co-Op
9 am Board of
Trustees
4:30pm Homework Angels
7:30 pm Board of
Directors
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
6:30 pm “Believe”
29
9:30 am Co-Op
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
6:30 pm “Believe”
23
10am Women of
Faith
Homework Angels
Begins
6:30pm EPIC
Band
7pm Choir
30
10am Women of
Faith
4:30 pm Homework Angels
6:30pm EPIC
Band
7 pm Choir
24
9:30 am
Co-Op
31
9:30 am
Co-Op
6-9pm Trunk
or Treat
25
9am
Stephen
Ministers with
Speaker
Donna
Authers
Page 7
Good News Letter
SCC - November 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
8:30 am
Men’s
Breakfast
2
3
9 am Building &
Properties Board
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
9:30 am Co-Op
9 am Board of
Deacons
Canned goods for
Salvation Army
9
4
10
9:30 am Co-Op
10 am Women’s Bible
Study
4:30 pm Homework Angels
6 pm Legacy Estate
Planning Seminar
6:30 pm “Believe”
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
7 pm Co-Op
Meeting
9:30 am Co-Op
9:30 am Co-Op
4:30 pm Homework Angels
11
18
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
10am Mom’s
Connect
4:30 pm Homework Angels
7
9:30 am Co-Op
1:30pm Stephen Leaders 6:30pm EPIC
Band
2:30pmStephen
7 pm Choir
Ministers
work Angels
17
6
10am Women
of Faith
10am Mom’s
Connect
1:30 pm Board of
Outreach
4:30 pm Home-
16
5
12
9:30am Co-Op
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
13
10am Women of
Faith
11:30 am
Women’s
Fellowship
14
8
15
9:30 am Co-Op
10am Foundation
meeting
11:15am Welcome Comm. 4:30 pm Homework Angels
6:30 pm “Believe”
6:30pm EPIC
Band
7 pm Choir
19
9:30 am Co-Op
10:30 am Women’s Bible
Study
2:30pm
Stephen Ministers
6:30 pm “Believe”
20
10am Women of
Faith
21
22
9:30 am Co-Op
4:30 pm Homework Angels
6:30pm EPIC
Band
7 pm Choir
23
30
Start of Advent
5:30pm Spiritual
Christmas Tree
24
8:30 am
Newsletter Mailing
9:30 am Co-Op
25
7 am Men’s
Disciple Café
9 am Board of
Trustees
4:30 pm Homework Angels
7:30 pm Board of
Directors
26
9:30am Co-Op
10 am Women’s
Bible Study
6:30 pm “Believe”
27
28
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
29
Page 8
Good News Letter
Dear Friends,
I am so excited to write and fill you in on some of the ways
God is moving in the lives of our kids and families of SCC!
* A kid told me a couple of weeks ago that our church is “hands down”
better than his old church, and that we blow his old church right out of
the water! (That means he likes us! J ).
* In Kid’s Church on Sundays we are studying the Bible with candy
lessons. We learned that like gum, everything else in life eventually loses
its flavor. Only Jesus can truly satisfy the desire of our hearts! It’s a
metaphor. Or a simile. Or something. Our Bible verse comes from
Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than
honey to my mouth!” And, of course, the kids are eating candy…
* Our preschool co-op is up and running! It’s an awesome opportunity
to minister to kids, moms, and their families. A quote from one of our
moms can say it much better than I can. “Today was my first day "not
there"... well there, but gone as far as he knew ( lol) and the reports I
got back, and any time I was peeking in checking on him, I felt so much
more at ease knowing what good hands he's in, knowing undoubtedly
how great all you moms treat him whether I'm there or not. I can't tell
you how much I appreciate it and how much I love all the kids! It makes
me so happy we have such a truly awesome group of little ones who play
so well together. This is definitely seeming to be everything I hoped it
would be”. This mom is now seeking SCC membership for her family…
Looking forward to the fall, we have opportunities for you to
join in with our kids and preschoolers! Friday, October 31st,
will be our 1st Annual Trunk or Treat at SCC. Details to
come! We would love to have you volunteer on a Wednesday
night, or Sunday morning, or read a book to the preschoolers
during the week. We are reaching the next generation for
Christ, one family, and one kid, at a time. Come be a part of
this exciting ministry J
Thankful for you!
Tammy Johnson
Page 9
Good News Letter
Hello Church,
Wow, what an exciting and busy last couple months it has been for the youth at
the church. From summer camps, to Bible studies and fun trips, the youth have
been busy. What a blessing it is to see so many new young faces attending Stuart Congregational Church, and joining the life of the church.
Over the past month we have began our new Epic Worship, as well as the new believe series. I’m so
excited to see how God is using this new service along with this new series to reach such a diverse
set of people from our local area. We have had great attendance for the start of Epic Worship, and
even better we have new people wanting to join the church and even get baptized. Praise the Lord!
If you have not attended the “believe family night” on Wednesday nights I encourage you to do so.
It is so encouraging to see so many people (young, and not so young) coming together to study
God’s word, and grow in their faith. Believe family night is for everyone so please come check it out
on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:45pm
God Bless,
Mark Nygard
COMING IN OCTOBER:
There are a few youth activities coming up that I would like to highlight. Please pass the information along if you know any students that may benefit. Thank you
Sunday October 5th the youth and I will be eating lunch together at Tijuana Flats following the Epic
worship service. Parents are welcome to come also.
Friday night October 10th, join us at Southfork High School at 6:30pm as Southfork plays Jensen
Beach High School. We also have a couple youth members in the band. We will meet at the concession stand at 6:30.
Saturday October 18th the church is having a church-wide yard sale to raise money for the youth
from 8-12am. If you are interested in buying a table please contact Mark Nygard at 772-521-0483.
You can also donate items for the youth to sell. Please bring your items in to donate starting Oct.
12-18.
Friday night October 31st the church will be providing a Trunk or Treat and Movie night from 69pm. Please consider helping us by donating candy and or sign up to
decorate a car trunk for this event. We need lots of decorated cars for
this to be a success. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you are interested in helping, or if you have questions please call Mark at 772-5210483 or the church office.
Wednesday night youth group from 6:30-7:45pm Join us Wednesday
evenings as we continue to meet and study God’s word as we go through
the believe series. We also have fun by playing a few games and hanging
out together. Please don’t miss it.
Good News Letter
Page 10
THE OUTREACH BOARD
WISH
(From the words of Dr. Jack Heck)
As I sit down this Sunday evening, Sept 14, to write this article I pick up charitable
correspondences from various organizations supported by this congregation through our
Outreach Board. Dr. Jack Heck's picture appears before my eyes. Yes, it was only yesterday
that my husband and myself attended his memorial service in Port Huron, MI.
Dr. Heck's comments are from West Indies Self Help, Inc., better know as WISH, who have built a church, a
dental clinic, a hospital, a library, shelters and feed and clothes the people of LaGonave Island Haiti.
Jack tells, "I have been volunteering in WISH dental clinic, two weeks each year for 31 years. After each trip, I
find myself coming home with the same realization about the beautiful people of Anse-a-Galets. These poor
children are rich with joy, and rich with the spirit of youth. I saw, and heard, God in those children, who live
from one plate of rice and beans to the next, perhaps skipping an entire day between meals. Yes, poor in
some respects, but the people both young, and old, are rich in faith for Jesus Christ. I saw and heard God in
that congregation."
Jack reminds us of "Proverbs 19:17, "He who reaches out to help the poor makes a loan to the Lord, and the
Lord always repays what he has been given."
Chris Kemp
A THANK YOU TO OUR OUTREACH COMMITTEE
AND STUART CONREGATIONAL CHURCH
With the help of our generous volunteers and supporters including Stuart Congregational Church, Volunteers
in Medicine Clinic (VIM) is able to care for over 1,000 patients at any given time, with an average of 50 patient visits per day. Increasingly, our patients are coming from the ranks of the former middle class. With
our 30 volunteer physicians and surgeons we are able to provide complete, comprehensive medical care.
While VIM Clinic is free to patients, we are not a walk-in clinic. Patients have to pre-qualify by showing proof
of income, legal residency and ineligibility for other health care services. In essence, VIM Clinic is Martin
County’s health care safety net. We treat the medically indigent with care, compassion and dignity. At VIM
Clinic, we practice the art of medicine, not the business of health care.
For every dollar donated, VIM Clinic provides over $13 worth of medical services. Further 98 cents of every
dollar donated goes directly to patient care. Few, if any, nonprofits reach that level of fiscal efficiency. Helping to make this all possible is the largess of Martin Memorial which provides $5 million a year in diagnostic
and laboratory services including MRIs and CT Scans.
At VIM Clinic, we’re like family. We care about our work, our neighbors and our community. Many of our volunteers have contributed thousands of hours helping patients. In fact, several have been honored by the
United States President for Volunteerism.
VIM Clinic patients are the people who build our homes, fix our roads, and care for our children. They are
your friends and neighbors. A recent grant provided funds to extend care to our homeless population.
Thanks to you, we can help them. Thanks to you, we can keep them out of expensive emergency rooms.
And thanks to you, we provide health care in an environment that preserves our patients’ dignity and hope.
Together, we DO make a difference.
Howard E. Voss, MD
Medical Director, CEO
Page 11
Good News Letter
POSITIVE IMPACT
You may not make a hole like a meteor does when
it strikes the earth. You may not give a speech
that people will be quoting for years to come. You may not perform some
great feat that makes the TV evening news. But you can make an impact by
answering God’s call to serve. Our Stephen Ministers have an impact on people’s lives at times when they really need someone to care. A new training
class will begin soon. To find out how you can make an impact through Stephen Ministry, contact Erica Garwood (772-225-3366) today.
Erica Garwood
and basic physical needs.
LAHIA’s mission is to demonstrate the love of
Jesus Christ in Martin County by providing an
opportunity for a productive life to the homeless
and indigent by helping them meet their spiritual
They have also been serving Martin County as a partner agency of the
Treasure Coast Food Bank since 2007. They do not discriminate against
anyone in need of assistance on the basis of race, creed, religion or gender.
LAHIA has lost their lease they are searching for a new home.
Please be in prayer for this ministry.
Donna Newhouse
LAHIA Chair
Page 12
Good News Letter
October Birthdays
10/1
10/2
10/4
10/7
10/9
10/10
10/12
10/13
10/14
10/15
10/18
10/19
10/20
10/26
10/27
10/28
Ruth Corbett
Maureen Grubb
Susie Luce
Francis Lucier
Betts Freer
Kevin Lonergan
Joan Shevlin
Mary Jo Heck
Bernard Braskamp
Xavier Roberts
Ann Peck
Don Rich
Margie Mostler
Loretta Schiller
Andrea Radak
Chelsea Warren
Hillary Warren
Margie Park
Tony Cuda
Richard Jacobus
Ron Coffman
Logan Garland
Dylan Shaver
Harriette (Twinks) Irvine
Carolyn Cottle
Sue Fordyce
Pat Paton
David Buckey
William Roberts
October Anniversaries
10/9
10/10
10/13
10/17
Bill and Jenett Potter
William and Marsha Larson
Jim and Margie Park
Ted and Ethel Bench
Bill and Elissa DeVries
10/21 Ross and Jean Weaver
10/25 Michael and Ginny Ricker
10/28 Ken and Barbara McMannis
If you’re birthday and/or anniversary date is
not listed here please contact Laurel Jones in
our church office (287-5951) to have the
dates added to our church database.
Page 13
Good News Letter
YOU ARE INVITED
Our 1st meeting of the season!
October 9 at 11:30 am
Please bring a salad to share.
This will be a meeting to discuss the coming year.
Hostesses: Lean Wion and Renee Owens
Please sign up 2 Sundays prior to the meeting (9/28 & 10/5).
Sign up sheets will be in the Fellowship Hall.
********************************
Join us as we meet on October 4th
in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30 am
for great fellowship
and good food.
Our Speaker this month will be the
Marketing Director at the Kane Center.
The Kane Center is managed by the Council on
Aging of Martin County, a leader in senior care on
the Treasure Coast for over 40 years and the area's
only comprehensive senior service agency. Come learn
more about this local resource.
We meet on the 1st Saturday of the month,
Page 14
Good News Letter
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ONLINE
Don’t forget - we have a Church Membership
Directory (with photos) on our website
(www.stuartcongregationalchurch.org) available any
time you need an address or phone number. The
password is: puffin12. We do ask that you not share
this password with anyone other than a church member. If you would like a
printed copy (without photos) please contact Laurel in the church office (2875951) and she will make sure you receive one.
********************************
CHURCH YARD SALE
Saturday, October 18, 2014
from 8am - 12pm
Purchase a table to sell your items for $10 or you may donate
items to the youth to sell. All proceeds go to the youth
ministry. Any items you wish to donate may be brought in
the week of October 12th and placed in the Fellowship Hall.
********************************
BEING A CONGREGATIONALIST
“Ministers came too. There was a place for them. They were needed. But it
was the conviction of the early Congregationalists, as it seems certainly to
have been of the early Christians, that a minister was set aside only to do full
time the same things that the people of the church were to do part time. Not
a difference in function, but a difference in time.”
Excerpt taken from The Congregational Way of Life, by Arthur A. Rouner, Jr.
Page 15
Good News Letter
The Kingdom of God
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite biblical topics is Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God.
Again and again he emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is present; it is here
through him. Jesus teaches that he brings God’s Kingdom; he inaugurates it
to make it accessible to us. Jesus also emphasizes that he now lives in us,
birthing the Kingdom of God within us through him. In other words, we are
Kingdom people. When we gather together we manifest an experience of
God’s Kingdom. That’s why gathering corporately is so important.
On the first Wednesday night of our “Believe Family Night” series there were
50 adults and ten or so youth. As I stood in front of them I noticed incredible
diversity: folks young and old, SCC newcomers and old-timers, dyed in the
wool Congregationalists and visitors who have never worshiped with us, and a
cross section of folks from all three of our morning worship services (8:00,
10:00 & 11:14am). We even had a former Roman Catholic nun that night! It
struck me as a Kingdom moment… a true representation of God’s Kingdom diversity… a taste of heaven.
Friends, I yearn for that! As a pastor I don’t want to be part of a church of old
folks… or of young folks… or of middle age folks. I want to be part of a Kingdom of God church that embraces people of all ages, and of all ethnic, political, theological, and educational persuasions. I want to be part of a church
where people are accepted regardless of their life situation. I want to be part
of a church that opens wide its doors to elderly widows and first time mothers, single fathers and to WWI veterans, the theologically sophisticated and
agnostic seekers of truth, tattooed folks with addictions and refined accomplished CEOs. There’s a whole lot of room in God’s great big Kingdom…
room for all of us… all of “them.”
Join me in this vision! Join me in welcoming… in befriending folks different
from you. Reach out to newcomers even if they are incredibly different from
you. In fact, reach out to them BECAUSE they are incredibly different from
you! When you do, you may also be struck by the beauty and blessing of that
Kingdom of God moment. You may also get a taste of heaven, here & now.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
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Good News Letter
Church Family,
If you would like to receive regular visits in your home
from someone from the Church Visitation Team, you can
call the church office, or put in a prayer request card and
mark HOME VISITATION REQUEST.
If you would like visitation for yourself or a family member while you are recuperating from an illness or injury, you can do the same.
You are important to us and we do not want to overlook you, so please let us
know how we can help look after you.
In Christ’s Love,
Debby Connett
********************************
COFFEE WITH JESUS
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Did you know ?
Stuart Congregational Church
has a Facebook page. Check it out! And
while you’re visiting, be sure to “Like” it… and tell your friends to “Like” it! We
need more friends and followers. Check back often to see pictures and
upcoming events and information.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Little Blessings Learn & Play Co-op is now open!
Please check out the labels list (on page 19) and help start earning free stuff for
our Co-Op! Just collect the labels or caps from the participating items, and save
them for Tammy. From soup, cereal and snacks to
dairy products, beverages and food storage – your
kitchen’s probably full of eligible Labels for Education
items. Every label counts 
Our initial goal is to earn enough points to order 4
gym scooters – a total of 3200 points. Please
contact [email protected] if
you have any questions. Thank you for your support
of our program.
Gym Scooter with Handles
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“GOOD GRIEF:
A SEMINAR ON THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF CAREGIVING”
On Saturday, October 25, from 8:30 AM to 12 PM, the Stephen Ministers of
Stuart Congregational Church will be hosting a seminar conducted by noted
author and lecturer Donna Authers. Ms. Authers is the author of “A Sacred
Walk: Dispelling the Fear of Death and Caring for the Dying”. The seminar is
designed to address the difficult questions and emotionally trying circumstances most of us encounter when coping with the impending or recent
death of a loved one.
All of us at some point in our lives will experience the loss of a spouse, family
member, close associate, friend, or a child. Many of us will be called upon to
be caregivers to aging parents as they approach their final days. Regretfully,
few of us are prepared to deal with the practical, physical, psychological, and
emotional demands these situations impose on our lives and our wellbeing. For obvious reasons we tend to avoid exploring, understanding, and
ultimately accepting the inevitable journey toward life’s end - for ourselves
and our loved ones.
Donna Authers addresses these issues head on in her seminar and in her
book. Her advice and counsel to family members, hospice workers, clergy,
and anyone involved in caregiving has proven to be invaluable as individuals
work through the grieving process and begin healing.
A panel of local experts will join Ms. Authers for a Q and A session following
her presentation. David R. Reeves, Chaplain of Martin Health Systems; Diana
Strudnick, Manager of Care Management at the Martin County Council on
Aging; and Andy McNeil, CEO of the National Alliance for Grieving Children
will expand on Ms. Auther’s comments and discuss the do’s and don’ts of
caregiving with attendees.
All are encouraged to attend this free seminar and bring a friend. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 AM. Ms. Authers will also have
signed copies of her book available for purchase after the seminar. To insure
we have adequate seating for this inspirational and informative event, please
RSVP to Erica Garwood, (772-225-3366).
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NOTES FROM BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY
Have you noticed when you approach SCC that your level of excitement and
anticipation increases? Do you feel the serenity and safeness of our campus?
Many of us, including staff, committee chairpersons and their members have an
overwhelming sense of pride in the accomplishments we have achieved to worship our Lord and bring glory to His name. With effective leadership, our church
strives to be proactive in all ways, and to reach out to each other and our community for the continued growth of our church.
So, what does this mean and what does it have to do with the Buildings and Property Board?
Well…..we are here as preservationists, conservationists and simply handy people who have a bent
to fix what’s broken, and to anticipate the next problem or crisis. To that end, every square inch
of grounds and all buildings are our blueprints. The Board would like to inform you of some of he
maintenance projects that have been given attention in the last few months.
We have embarked on a two year plan to convert all exterior lighting, both in parking areas and
buildings, to the more energy efficient LED lights. This will save considerable expense on our
electrical costs and bulb replacements. We have started to convert the interior lights of the Sanctuary as well, but on a limited basis. As an example of need, there are presently 14 indirect lights
hidden from your view in the Sanctuary which are 400 watt metal Halide bulbs. As we try to cool
down the temperature on Sundays, we fight a heat source that consumes more energy, wasting
our resources.
A new storage shed was purchased and its replacement has been moved closer to the dumpster
area. The dumpster fencing will be replaced and painted before the holidays. Also, the church
has been plagued by air conditioning challenges, especially in the Fellowship Hall. Nis Air has
been diligently working to solve the problems and alleviate last minute surprises in temperature
during church activities.
Keeping the SCC Columbarium pristine has been an ongoing challenge as we battle leaves, dirt
and debris falling during inclement weather. We have lost dedicated volunteers to injury and illness. The Board has discussed additional resources and an updated plan to preserve and renew
this memorial area, personally significant to so many.
Our landscape contractor, Valley Crest, has done a great job in maintaining our lawns and tree.
Periodically, we need volunteers to prune, remove and replant shrubs. We will be planning a Work
Party in the near future, so please watch for the advertising. You’re all invited!!!
At this time, we have six men on the B & P Board, several of whom are snowbirds, leaving only a
few to handle responsibilities through summer months. We need to be a 12 month Board with
more participation. We would like to add 6 to 8 new members. Our invitation extends to both
men and women who will help to make important decisions regarding all maintenance issues that
fall under this board. Our meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. In addition, we
would welcome any volunteers who would like to do some limited painting or cleaning as your
time and schedule permit.
Help us meet our goal to keep SCC a clean, safe and beautiful environment for our ministries and
worship. If you have any interest or questions about joining our Board, please call me at 772-2153762.
In His service,
Paul Piatti
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Beyond the Mountains, There Are Mountains –
old Haitian proverb
Haiti has a mixture of beach front, desert, plains, and mountains,
but you are usually overwhelmed by the number of mountains. When
you travel by car from one mountainous region to the next you seem to spend hours just
circling on a mountain road, up, up, up, then, down, down, down. Then up, up, up, and
then down, down, down. You get the picture.
I was fortunate enough to be invited recently on a joy ride to the mountains. The compound where we live is at the foot of these very tall mountains, one of them the highest
peak in Haiti. All these mountains joined together make a curious funneling shape which
seems to flow right to the campus of Love A Child (LAC). The mountains are so high they
disappear into the clouds, up to the heavens. I have mentioned to Ken before, it seems to
me God is funneling blessings down to LAC, and as they continue to glorify the LORD in
all they do He channels more blessings on them, and they in turn continue to bless others
in so many ways.
Bobby and Sherry Burnette, co-directors and founders of LAC left Thursday morning for
their annual board meeting in Ft. Myers, Florida. They were happy to report to the board
93% of money collected went toward program services to Haiti in the fiscal year. This is
why they are blessed because for them every day they live is in the presence of the LORD.
Every moment is a teachable moment of “what would Jesus do”, every person a purposed
part of God’s creation.
The old Haitian proverb “Beyond the mountains there are mountains” translated means; “If
it is not one thing, then it is another thing”. This proverb is typical of what life in Haiti is
like. Haiti is hard like the mountains with many challenges as you pass on the roads, you
witness the harshness of life as you pass little children carrying water from the wells, dirty
from the dust on the road and barefoot on the rugged terrain.
The question I dread the most from the US is the questions about changes in Haiti. Our
church started going to Haiti in 2008. The answer I so want to give is, “YES!”, but the fact
remains, physical changes are very slow. There is corruption here, there is ignorance
here, and there is culture differences so obtuse to what we know it causes you to sometimes be discouraged.
But there is a constant, and that is Jesus. We, as missionaries bring the hope of Christ,
not just His power, but his love for us. It is not only recognizing Jesus for themselves, but
a true interpretation of what Jesus wants in our lives. Many believe that until they are perfect there is no hope in seeking the LORD. They live in the Old Testament faith, but we
are here to tell them about the Good News of Jesus. His love for us now, His Spirit ready
to fill us when we accept Him into our lives. It is hard to tell a mother of 6 about the love
of Jesus when her children have not eaten today. We as missionaries bring hope about the
family of Christ reaching out.
There is a prayer the Haitians pray, and we would all do well to pray it ourselves each day.
“LORD, Thank you that You have given us the name Christian. Now, give us strength to
carry it.”
Barbara MacMannis
Missionary, Haiti
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Good News Letter
FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR
Don't you just love Christmas music? I remember as a child getting
out Christmas music in the middle of the summer and listening to
my heart's content. I'm not sure if the rest of my family was quite
as happy as I, but they put up with it anyway!
Well, the middle of summer is past, and it's now time to get out music, roll up our
sleeves and get to work on the Christmas Cantata! If you are interested in joining the
choir for this delightful time of year, we would love to have you! Cantata rehearsals will
begin on Thursday evening, Oct 9 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Come join us!
Esther Easley
Music Director
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Happy fall to all at Stuart Congregational Church. Hopefully by the time this
newsletter arrives, a new playground will have been installed and will be being enjoyed by all! Rain has made it difficult for the company to maintain
their schedule and while the rain is always gratefully received to maintain life,
it does get in the way of serious pursuits such as play! Along with October
comes a drop in temperatures which makes the playground even more enjoyable. If you'd
prefer not to climb or slide, you may enjoy sitting on the patio and watching the delight on
children's faces or see children at work as you walk to the coffee hour. The Board of Christian Education will still gratefully accept any donations towards our playground and helping our church to develop a larger younger generation to praise Jesus and grow in body,
mind and spirit!
Also in fall, we are overjoyed to welcome back our "snowbird" friends and to have the opportunity to suggest trying something new. The Board of Education is anxious to have
new members assisting our Sunday School and youth in numerous ways. One of the greatest gifts you can offer children is through sharing your own experiences in your Christian
walk and working as a committee to see how we might effectively put these ideas to work
at helping our children to grow in light and love. Don't think "what can I do?" Prayerfully
talk with God asking "what Can I do"! Then share your name and phone number with the
church office.
In God's love,
Konnie Nordyke - chairperson
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