Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver -2 Corinthians 9:7
New! Submit your pledge online. Scan this QR code to open the 2025 Pledge Form.
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!
Read All of Pastor Aaron's Out Clique Articles.
This months article: The Easiest Prayer is “Thank You”
WOMEN'S CIRCLE
A Safe Place For Women To Gather.
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.
Wednesdays at 7:00 P.M.
Men's Circle
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
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 at johnq7070@gmail.com.
A UCCFTL MONTHLY SERIES
by Kathy Brodeur
UCCFTL Congregational Care Outreach
October 3, 2024
It Isn't Just A Building
United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale Celebrates 70 Years of Building Community
by Nile Fortner
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:
UCC SEGMENT on Facebook, CLICK HERE: PRIDEFUL
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. -Psalms 57:7
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24
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!
Please join us this Sunday. Come worship and sing joyful music together. The Season of Advent begins this Sunday.
December 8, 2024
10:30 A.M.
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
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7
Presented by Rev. Brad Lutz
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Elliott Hall
In the midst of busy holiday preparations and parties, you’re invited to take a few hours to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. An Advent Retreat helps us reflect on how we will give birth to Christ this Christmas season and what that means for our lives and communities. The program includes: personal reflection and group sharing, bible reflection, contemplation of art, creative expression, prayer and singing. Our retreat leader is Rev. Brad Lutz, a UCC minister (retired) and a certified Spiritual Director. While there is no charge for the event, sign up is requested by Wednesday, December 4; sign- up sheet is in the church narthex or email Louis at admin@uccftl.org.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11
HOLIDAY LUNCH BUNCH
Wednesday, December 11th at 12:30
BAHAMA BREEZE Island Grille
3339 North Federal Highway, Oakland Park
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.
Please RSVP by Dec 10th with Louis at admin@uccftl.org
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:
November 11: Heal the Planet
November 18: Our Fund
November 28: Hugh Taylor State Park
SUNDAY & MONDAY, DEC. 1st & 2nd
From Rev Jeff Wheeler...
Fall Monday ZOOM Discussions
Advent 2024
Stronger Than Fear
Advent Book Study
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Mondays at 7:00 p.m. starting December 1 and 2
Conference Room and on Zoom
Join us as we study the book
“Calling All Angels” by Erin Wathen and follow our Advent theme of the angel stories in the Gospels. Each week we will reflect on a different appearance of an angel announcing the birth of Jesus and the promise that hope, peace, love, and joy are stronger than our fear. Sunday morning classes will be in person in the Conference Room and Monday evening classes will be on Zoom. Please contact Jeff Wheeler for Zoom login information (wheelerjeff@bellsouth.net). Books are for sale for $15 in the church office or you can order yours online.
To participate in the zoom sessions use the button:
so we can send you a link to the Zoom session.
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!
DECEMBER 1
Each December our UCC collects toys, games, gift cards, etc. to give to children of families served by Food For Life, a non-profit organization providing food, food vouchers and meals to people and families living with AIDS/HIV in Dade and Broward counties. These families have little or nothing for Christmas gifts for their children.
The Angel Tree program brightens the lives of these children who otherwise would have no gifts to open on Christmas. The donated gifts are given to parents a week before Christmas. The child believes the gifts are from Santa, which helps to preserve the magic of Christmas.
Starting Sunday December 1, please select a tag (or more) from the Angel Tree (in the church lobby) listing the age and gender of a child. Bring unwrapped gifts to church by Sunday, December 15 when we will take them to Food For Life. Thank you for your generosity.
IN DECEMBER
Our UCC Ruth Ministry is here to assist our un-homed community each and every week. With a staff of devoted volunteers, we strive to help those in need.
Our pantry always needs restocking so that we can continue our feeding program every Thursday.
Please drop off items during the week between 9am-2pm or bring to Sunday Worship Service.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we can always use more volunteers too!
Please bring any donations to the church Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. or Sunday before or after worship.
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT UCC ADOPT-A-STREET CLEANUP. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
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
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.
Congregational Care
Clergy and church leaders genuinely want to care for people in the congregation and community. UCC Congregational Care Ministry provides care, concern, compassion, prayer and support for families and individuals at various stages, places and circumstances of life and engages the congregation in service and community for one another. In need of care call us at 954-563-4271 or email at admin@uccftl.org.