Pastor's Weekly Update
In support of my ministry to the United Church of Christ at The Villages, Florida
JULY 6, 2020
Dear UCC at The Villages Family,
Greetings in Christ!
THE VOTING FOR THE SLATE OF CANDIDATES IS WAITING FOR YOUR VOTE and it closes next Monday, July 13th, at 12 Noon. We want to make sure we have a solid response from the greatest number of members possible. So far we have 67 votes submitted. I'm believing we're going to get 100 votes submitted. Have you submitted yours yet?
The following are the names of the slate of seven recommended members of the congregation: Joanne Lefevre (Diaconate), Chris Janis (Administration), Lorraine Klippel (Finance & Stewardship), Nora Lawson (Missions), Jeff Osterman (At-Large), Marlo Campbell (At-Large), and Glenn Kramer (At-Large). Per the Bylaws, the Moderator, Vice-Moderator, and Secretary may attend PST meetings as observers with voice but no vote.
As has already been noted, the Pastoral Search Team (PST) slate of candidates includes one person from each of the church standing committees (Diaconate, Mission, Administration, and Finance & Stewardship) and three members of the congregation at large.
For the record, the Intentional Interim Pastor (Pastor) is never a member of the PST in any capacity. In very exceptional instances, if requested by the PST, the Pastor may respond to an inquiry on matters of process or ministry, but he/she is never engaged beyond those very specific parameters.
The Pastor shall provide the initial basic training to the PST. Once that training is completed, the Regional Conference Minister of the Florida Conference of the UCC assumes the role of consultant to the team throughout the selection process. The Pastor’s responsibility is to continue his/her pastoral duties and with the developmental tasks inherent in an effective interim process.
Remember, the voting is online and a secret ballot (no names or any other personal identifiable information of any kind is gathered). Once the voting is closed, the results will be shared quickly in next week's E-News and will be available here on my ministry website. TO SUBMIT YOUR VOTE PLEASE CLICK HERE NOW!
Your gracious and expeditious participation will be greatly appreciated! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GO THERE NOW! IT TAKES LESS THAN 15 SECONDS TO COMPLETE.
Grace to you!
Pastor Luis
Rev. Luis A. Perez, M.Div.
Intentional Interim Pastor
United Church of Christ at The Villages
Church: 352-748-9199
Cell: 407-868-3166
Email: luis@myinterimpastor.com
My Ministry Website: www.myinterimpastor.com
Church Website: www.villagesucc.org
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
*MY NEXT "PASTOR'S BIBLE STUDY IS THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH, AT 7:00 to 7:45 PM. And since my sweetheart was your preacher this past Sunday, she'll also be joining us as well. I encourage you to read the lesson Zaida shared last Sunday found in Isaiah 52:7-10. The following are some of the questions we'll address in the bible study: What's the historical context? What's the message the prophet is proclaiming, and to whom? What is the message for us today? And, what did YOU hear in Zaida's message?
To join me online via GOTOMEETING using your computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, click the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/912518045. You can also join by phone by calling 872-240-3212 (if asked, the Access Code is 912-518-045). See you then!
*THE SUNDAY ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICE NEEDS YOUR HELP!
This Sunday I shared the online worship service with 10 family members! It’s a great way to share your UCC at The Villages church family with those you love and appreciate – especially under COVID-19. When you do that you’re lovingly saying, "God loves you and so do I."
Try it. You never know, just one piece of the service can spark joy in someone's heart, heal a hurting soul, or bring someone back to faith in Jesus Christ. The link to this Sunday's online worship service is noted above ("Sunday's Worship Service") or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSelQuaJ-TA .
*THE SURVEY INFORMATIONAL VIDEO IS NOW AVAILABLE!...
I’m pleased to share that the SURVEY INFORMATIONAL VIDEO on the survey results and my pastoral insights is now available at this link -- https://ln.sync.com/dl/dbe3060b0/bz2cdkwx-hwha26in-vithpzie-zwagnupm -- for your blessing. I highly encourage everyone to grab a cup of coffee or tea (my choice), find a quiet corner somewhere, and view the video at your leisure. Doing so may help you gain a greater appreciation of your wonderful church family and its hope and dreams for the future. You’ll also gain a greater understanding of, based on the survey insights, what you’re looking for in your future settled pastor.
*WEEKLY ONLINE GATHERINGS…
Feel free to connect with our present online small group gatherings that take place during the week in addition to my “Pastor’s Bible Study and Prayer Circle.”
They include the… The WISE Support Group (POC: Becky Dunning), Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study (POC: Denny Lawson), and Tuesday’s Online Home Bible Study (POC: Ken Rhoades). In addition, the Women’s Spirituality Group meets via monthly email communications (POC: Rev. Kathy Peters).
Connecting to any of these great resources will sustain your faith, allow for fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and inspire spiritual growth. To learn how, reach out to Becky, Kathy, Denny, or Ken by calling Penny, our Office Administrator, at 352-748-9199 and she'll be glad to provide their contact information.
*RETURN TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP…
As we’re all aware, return to in-person worship will continue on hold through the rest of June and July. Come mid-July, the GB and I will reassess the way forward.
*MY CELL PHONE NUMBER…
Thank you for adding MY CELL PHONE NUMBER (407-868-3166) to your smartphone. That way, when I call you, you’ll know it’s me rather than your not-so-local friendly marketeer. Thanks!
*KEEP THE PHOTOS COMING!...
Please keep the photos coming!!! Congregation members love them! They’re used to overlay the musical Prelude slides and serve to remind us we’re a family of faith. Thank you to all those who have and continue to send them.
*THE PRAYER CIRCLE WELCOMES YOU!...
All -- but especially our Shepherds as they're able -- are invited you to join me on THURSDAYS for our online “WEEKLY PRAYER CIRCLE” at 1 PM. To join me online via GOTOMEETING using your computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, click the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/912518045. You can also join by phone by calling 872-240-3212 (if asked, the Access Code is 912-518-045). See you then!
*EVERYONE IS A SHEPHERD...
Want to make a difference in someone’s life? It’s easy. It involves reaching out as a "Helper" to only two members of the congregation to see how they’re coming along and assessing how we might be supportive as members of the family of faith.
If you welcome joining the Shepherds and me, just drop me an email (LUIS@MYINTERIMPASTOR.COM) and tell me you’d like to help in support of the congregation’s pastoral care ministry. Thank you for the new four new Helpers who joined recently!
Should you have any question, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I send (virtual) hugs to everyone!