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Loving all people, growing in faith,
working toward God's vision of
justice, healing and joy​
An Open and Affirming/Creation Justice Congregation
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Next Sunday, April 27 – Rev. Dr. Sally Haynes Returns
With Mark away next Sunday, we welcome back our friend and frequent guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Sally Haynes. This will be the first of several times Dr. Haynes will be with us from now until Labor Day, as she will be stepping in for Mark both after his surgery on May 20 and during his four Summer Sundays off.
Also NEXT SUNDAY, April 27 – J.S.Bach in Song and Dance
Please plan to return to the SCUCC Sanctuary on Sunday, April 27 at 2pm for our special music event: J.S.Bach in Song and Dance, described in the flyer below.
*The Church Office WILL BE CLOSED on Monday, April 21.
**Mark will be way from Wednesday, April 21-Wednesday, April 30.​​
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The Church Office is regularly open from 9am-3 pm on Monday through Friday. ​
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Mark is normally on campus Tuesday-Thursday pending pastoral visits or off-site meetings. Please feel free to just “drop by” or make an appointment directly with him by email: mark@sanibelucc.org or text/phone at 908-477-5426.
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Mackenzie Albert, our Director of Music, is normally on campus each Wednesday and some Fridays. Please feel free to come by or make an appointment by phone or text at 203-517-5427.​
Bible Study
Bible Study will meet NOT this Thursday, April 24 or May 1. It resumes on Thursday, May 8 at 10:30 am on Zoom.
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​Each week, we explore the passages which will be part of that coming Sunday’s Worship. Then sessions are discussion based, with Mark guiding a structured conversation based on participants’ questions, concerns and considerations of the text.
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The passage(s) to be looked at each week, as well as the necessary information for joining in, will be sent by email each the day before.
​​​​​ Spiritual Exploration
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Our most recent unit has concluded.
The topic and schedule for our next unit are still being determined.
From the Mission & Benevolence Committee
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Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s joint SCUCC/Bat Yam Food Drive. April 17th was the last collection for the season.
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Please keep in mind that donations of any non-perishable food items and bath and kitchen paper products can still be dropped off at the church or left in the Narthex. Collected donations will benefit local neighbors in need through F.I.S.H. and the Gladiolus Food Pantry.
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Just a reminder, if you would like to make monetary donations to the Food Pantry, please address your check to SCUCC and include Food Pantry on the memo line.
​Ushers Needed
We need ushers, if you would like to be added to the contact list, please reach out to Inky Meng at inkymeng@hotmail.com.
Fellowship Time
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Please consider volunteering your time to serve during our Fellowship Time after Worship. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to our community, connect with others, and give back to our spiritual home. If interested, please contact Mary Cavendish at 304-673-4495.
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Here’s how you can help:
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1. Sign Up to Serve – Select a Sunday and mark it on your calendar! You’ll find a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of Fellowship Hall. Serving is easy, and help will be available if needed.
​2. Bring a Treat – If you love to bake or have a favorite snack to share, consider bringing it along to make our Fellowship Time even more special. Beverages are also welcome.
3. Contribute to Fellowship Time – If serving isn’t for you, a donation is a meaningful way to support this cherished time together.
Men’s Group May Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Men's Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Tuesday, May 13th at noon at the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please make reservations with Bruce Findley at bruce.findley@gmail.com.
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BOOKED FOR LUNCH 2025
Our next Booked for Lunch is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 11:30 in the Church Library. This session will be led by Eleanor Miller & Betsy Foreman. The book being reviewed & discussed will be “Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout, and you are encouraged to bring your own lunch.
It would be appreciated if we could get a head count in advance. Please send an email to Eleanor Miller at eleheamiller@gmail.com if you plan on attending.
.​​​​Women’s Group April Luncheon
The Sanibel Congregational UCC Shell Point Women’s Group will have its next monthly luncheon meeting Friday, May 9th at 11:30am. The group will meet at the two round tables located outside of the Palm Grill in the Woodlands Common. Please make reservations with Emily Kletzien at emily.kletzien@gmail.com.
Dinners for 6, 7 or 8
One of our most loved offerings is the social gatherings known as “Dinner for 6, 7 or 8”. If you would like to participate, please send your names, email addresses and phone numbers Shirley Akins at akinsteach@gmail.com.
The Santiva Islanders, Cardio & Strength Classes
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Please join Mahnaz Bassir at SCUCC for cardio & strength. Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Fellowship Hall. Due to the popularity of the class and the instructor, there are now two sessions available: 9:30-10:30 and 11:00-12:00.
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Mahnaz has long been a favorite exercise instructor on Sanibel. Come find out why. You’ll meet friends and have fun, all while getting and staying fit.
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The class starts off with light to moderate aerobics, followed by strength and balance exercises, and concluding with stretching. Please bring plenty of water and a towel. Participants may also want to bring light weights to use during the strength portion. Exercises are done standing so there is no need for a mat.
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Come try a class out for free. After that, the cost for Santiva Islander Members is $5 per class/$60 per calendar month. The cost for non-members is $10 per class/$120 per calendar month. An annual Santiva Islander Membership is $25. You can join online or at the door.
Art Display
We are delighted to continue welcoming the beautiful and scenic art creations from our talented members and the Sanibel community, on display in Fellowship Hall. The artist of the month is Marcy Calkins. In regard to her collection she says, “Given the space, the audiences and the holy season, I strove to provide visual joy, with colors, nature and humanity. If I were to title this exhibit, I would name it ‘From Sanibel to Giverny and Beyond,’ because it displays my artistic journey.”
Interested in Joining SCUCC???
If you are considering becoming a member of SCUCC, or would simply like to find out more about us, please let Rev. Mark know. After you and he discuss the expectations and, as the old commercial says, “the benefits of membership”, you and he can schedule a Sunday that works best for you to become an official part of the SCUCC community.
​​​​​​​​​Like A Ride To Worship?
​If you would like a ride to Sunday Worship from Shell Point or Cypress Cove, please contact the Church Office at office@sanibelucc.org by noon on Thursdays.
Our mission is to love all people…grow in faith…and work toward God’s vision of justice, healing and joy. Our character is to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ: acceptance, forgiveness, kindness, respect(for each person, our islands and our earth), joy and love toward one another. You'll find us a positive,non-judgmental place for you to worship, praise, rejoice and find the purpose our Maker has for each of us, provided each week in a positive and uplifting message. Our church is one where you will be loved, accepted, supported, and affirmed regardless of your age, class, ability, race, ethnicity, gender identification, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, or where you are in your life journey, you are welcome here!
