Christian Piatt's new book postChristian: What’s Left? Can We Fix It? Do We Care? topped my list of September reading recommendations. In January, he will be making a stop in Southwest Florida at two UCC congregations: Tuesday, January 13 @ 7pm - Naples United Church of Christ, and Wednesday, January 14 @ 10am - United Church of Marco Island. Note: Registration is not required for these free events. All are welcome. About the Book Check out Christian's new book tour Read More …
Naples United Church of Christ
Marketing Adult Ministries (#1481)
Last week the fourth annual Naples United Church of Christ Adult Enrichment brochure was published. While this booklet is shared with around 1,000 households by old fashioned postal mail in a single mailing, the electronic version is shared with an even larger audience over a much longer time period. History Like most newer initiatives in an established congregation, this marketing piece has developed over the years. A basic timeline: 2012 - a simple booklet offering information about Read More …
The Wisdom of the Labyrinth (#1372)
Naples United Church of Christ, one of the congregations I serve, recently added a public labyrinth to its campus. This new labyrinth will be formally dedicated at a public ceremony this Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 p.m. Prior to that event, Lauren Artress will lead a 6-hour workshop: The Wisdom of the Labyrinth. Registration ($60 today or $75 thereafter) can be completed online. To learn more about the workshop and labyrinth, check out Kelly Farrell's recent Naples Daily Read More …
A Unique Valentine’s Weekend (#1321)
Back in the summer of 2012, I invited Diana Butler Bass to spend some time at Naples United Church of Christ in February 2014. After eighteen months of planning by a great team, we are now ready for an unforgettable Valentine's Day and weekend. In the News Yesterday, the Collier Citizen ran an article by Mollie Page. Page interviewed Butler Bass about our event. Page writes: She’s a voice for theological sanity in an uncertain world. Religious historian Diana Butler Bass is Read More …
Prayer of Dedication for Sunday, August 12 (#0819)
God of unexpected provision and unending love we place before You our offerings and our lives. Multiply what we bring and change who we are for the sake of advancing Your realm. Open before us the possibilities of ministry and guide our community of faith in the way of Jesus. Amen. Read More …
Call to Worship for Sunday, August 12 (#0818)
Leaving behind our busy lives we enter this sacred space for a holy hour seeking an experience that begins but never ends. In losing ourselves we find ourselves; In pursuing God's reign, we participate in it. Pressing on toward what is ahead, let us worship God. Note: The call to worship is followed by congregational singing of Come Away from Rush and Hurry. The first 2:40 of video below features Josh Bales singing those words. Read More …
Prayer of Consecration/Blessing for Sunday, August 5 (#0812)
God of new beginnings, we approach your table desiring an enduring connection with you. In the blessing of this bread and this cup, bring the way of Jesus into focus. Enlarge our view of the abundant life. Remind us of the call to follow, and strengthen us to travel that path. May our hunger be fully satisfied with the extravagant provision of the Bread of Life in whose name we pray. Amen. Read More …
Call to Worship for Sunday, August 5 (#0811)
Our journey into this moment is intentional; we find ourselves fully here as we set aside activity for stillness certitude for curiosity self-interest for communal possibility We open ourselves to the Divine, seeking nurture and nourishment connection and communion healing and wholeness We welcome the possibility of transformation as together we worship the God of Many Names Read More …
Adult Enrichment in 2012 (#0579)
One of my many roles during this season in life is as Director of Adult Education at Naples United Church of Christ. The document below is my first attempt at what I intend to become an annual brochure. The 2012 edition features events in January, February and March. I welcome your feedback (if you happen to be in Southwest Florida, I hope you will join us for one or more of these events). Open publication - Free publishing - More adult Read More …
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration (#0557)
Last night I went to Temple Shalom in Naples, FL where I participated in an Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration. This service of worship included people from Celebration Metropolitan Community Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Islamic Center of Naples, Naples United Church of Christ, Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’í's in Naples, Temple Shalom, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples. Together we gave thanks in a service that included music, Read More …