Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! -Philippians 4:4-7
Greetings UCC Fort Lauderdale Family!
This October, we will celebrate our congregation’s 70th Anniversary. For the past seven decades, our church has been a witness in our community, a home for spiritual growth, and a place of welcome and joy.
Join us at some of the amazing events happening this October!
Saturday, Oct. 12, 10am
Blessing of the Pets
On church grounds
Sunday Oct. 27, 10:30am
Music Ministry Sunday
UCC Santuary
NEWS AND VIEWS
NEWS AND VIEWSNEWS AND VIEWS
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8
Out Clique Magazine is now a community partner with United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale. Pastor Aaron Lauer will contribute a monthly article to the magazine. Visit the Out Clique Magazine website for exciting news and views!
Women’s Circle is a safe place for women to gather weekly to discuss current topics in our community, state, country and the world. We begin each week with meditation, poetry and sometimes music. We do not typically discuss the Bible, but kindness, gratitude and grace are always on the forefront of our discussions.
All women are welcome to join. You are invited to try out more than one circle if you wish to find the one which is the best fit for you. Listed below are the circles and their meeting times. Some circles will meet via Zoom and some will meet in person. Please contact a circle if you are interested in joining, or contact Pastor Emily to learn more.
First meeting is on Wednesday, October 16 at 7pm
Men's Circle
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Starting October 16
Conference Room
Men’s Circle is a safe, affirming place to explore issues and events that affect men in today’s society. All men are welcome to join us, share their experiences and insights, and to offer support. These conversations will be led by John Michael Quinn, who has extensive experience in group facilitation and therapy. You can contact him atjohnq7070@gmail.com.
Our UCC FTL was featured in a recent South Florida PBS Documentary, "Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Communities in South Florida l Your South Florida"
If you didn't see the PBS documentary this past week, there is the UCC segment link on FACEBOOK and as well as the FULL documentary link below:
Wilton Manors, 2468 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, USA
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED (954) 565-7222 Enjoy a delicious meal and whether you dine in or take out, 10% of your sales will go to benefit our UCC Music Ministry.
FELLOWSHIP
FELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIP
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
Get Connected:
Join us in worship and fellowship.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICE
ALL ARE WELCOME!
We invite you to join us in celebrating the 70th anniversary of United Church of Christ, Fort Lauderdale. This special worship service will be an opportunity for us to reflect on our rich history and the impactful journey that has led us to where we are today. Esteemed speaker, Shari Prestemon, Acting Associate General Minister/Co-Executive of Global Ministry will give a different perspective on this commemoration, and we will be accompanied by joyful music that will uplift our spirits. We urge you not to miss this unique opportunity to be a part our anniversary celebration.
October 13, 2024
10:30am
Morning Worship Service with Pastor Aaron Lauer
Our Worship Services are live-streamed and can also be viewed at any time on our website at LIVE WORSHIP
SEP.15 - OCT.15
Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 - October 15, we will be lifting up Hispanic/Latinx leaders and ministries in the United Church of Christ.
OCTOBER 11
As National Coming Out Day approaches, we want to invite you to a special service of thanksgiving and celebration.
On Friday, October 11, at 7pm, Christ Church will host a worship service of thanks for the gifts of sexual orientation and gender identity and celebrate our queer, transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay siblings. The service will be held in the Fort Lauderdale Sanctuary, 4845 NE 25th Ave.
We'd love to have you take part in worship that night as well. Pastor Peytyn Tobin would like to hear from you if you are open to reading liturgy or participating in the service. Please reach out at ptobin@christchurchfl.org.
Please plan to attend and invite others who may find affirmation, support and comfort in this service.
OCTOBER 13
Calling All Bakers!
One component of our 70th Anniversary fellowship reception October 13 is a buffet featuring “70 Years of Sweets,” and we’re looking for a few of our best bakers!
It’s time to dig into those old recipe boxes and church cookbooks for recipes from decades past. Chocolate Haystack Cookies made with Chow Mein Noodles? Cereal Crunch Nougat Bars from the 1950’s? Cathedral Window Cookies from the 60’s? Hello Dollies? Magic Peanut Butter Cookies from the 1980’s?
We’re looking for cookies and bars to be delivered to the church on Saturday or Sunday morning that weekend. We have lots of things going on in the kitchen for the event, so can’t use cakes and pies this time.
If you’re able to help and share your nostalgic favorite, please email Tim Martin to confirm at timothydesigns@hotmail.com
OCTOBER 16
LUNCH BUNCH
Wednesday, October 16th at 12:30
Spencer's Corner Bar
2390 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors
Our monthly Lunch Bunch is an opportunity to gather with our church family for some good food, conversation, and support. No agenda! Just come as you are and be a part of some quality time.
Here at UCC Fort Lauderdale we welcome you to become a member of the church congregation. Becoming a member is easy. We will guide you through the process during a one hour session after worship service.
ON MONDAYS 10 A.M.
COFFEE TALK
Let’s get together for “Coffee Talk” each Monday morning at 10am. This will be an ongoing community engagement fellowship aimed at providing a space for open dialogue on topics that unite us, along with meaningful conversations over coffee with Thinkers, Doers and Creators. Speakers, and activities that will make a positive impact on our community. All are welcome. Speakers in October will be:
October 7th…..Birch State Park
October 14th…Sun Serve
October 21st…Music Therapy
October 28th…Chi Spa
ON MONDAYS 7 P.M.
From Rev Jeff Wheeler...
Fall Monday ZOOM Discussions
Beginning Monday September 16 at 7:00pm
Our ZOOM discussion group will begin our studies on Women in the Bible. Some estimates say that there are over 93 women who speak in the Bible. Out of those 93, approximately 49 of them are given names. That accounts for about 1% of the written words in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. And yet, their value and contributions are immeasurable. Consider emailing me at (wheelerjeff@bellsouth.net) if you are interested in participating. We will be sending out a weekly link to the zoom discussion on Sundays and Mondays.
Here are the planned dates and names. Starting in the Old Testament:
September 16 we will discuss Ruth and Esther led by Jeff Wheeler
September 23 we will discuss Sarah and Tamar led by Bob Wolfe
September 30 we will discuss Judith & Deborah (Warriors & Women of Valor) led by Pastor Emily
Discussions in the New Testament:
October 7 we will discuss Mary Mother of Jesus & Mary Magdalene led by Kathy Brodeur
October 14 we will discuss Women at the Well led by Pastor Emily
October 21 we will discuss Marriage & Family led by Bob Wolffe
October 28th we will end our discussions with Women in the Early Church led by Pastor Aaron.
Feel free to drop in to ZOOM when you are able. It is not necessary to feel you must attend each and every discussion, but we hope you will!
To participate in the zoom sessions use the button:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, Matthew 25:35
Get Involved:
You can make a difference!
IN OCTOBER
Ruth Ministry Needs
We are still in need of canned and boxed goods.
For the month of October, we are collecting shoes and socks for both men and women. All sizes and kinds are welcome!
Please bring any donations to the church Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. or Sunday before or after worship.
NOVEMBER 23
JOIN US ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 FOR OUR NEXT UCC ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.
The United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale sponsors a neighborhood street in support of our community. Our sponsored area is NE 6th Avenue between Oakland Park Blvd. and 26th Street.
The clean up only takes about 1 hour with 6-8 volunteers. All supplies are provided – collections bags, gloves, pickers, safety vests, etc. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact: Kathy Brodeur at 508-729-3062 and provide your name so we may expect you or complete our form.
Meet at Scandals Bar parking lot 3073 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors
Ruth Ministry happens because of community support. Every Thursday, 20 to 30 volunteers donate their time and talents to serving others; yet Ruth Ministry is a 7-days-a-week operation of care and concern. Some of the volunteers are our church members but others come from throughout the community. People of different faiths, people who are searching to help others, people from all cultures and backgrounds make up our diverse community of volunteers. Everyone is welcome to come and volunteer.