Advent and Christmas Greetings, Florida UCC members:
Here is the link to the December/January issue of Celebrate Florida.
The recent Annual Gathering of the Florida Conference is summarized on page 1 of the newsletter along with snippets as to how some congregations addressed the November elections.
We are also continuing to look at how our Florida congregations have been responding to the COVID-19 crisis — not only on Sunday mornings but on every other day of the week in the face of the pandemic’s challenging circumstances. We hope you will take the time to read about the creative and interesting ways in which our churches have gone “virtual,” some of which you may wish to consider for your own ministries. You may want to note the increasing number of our congregations that have reopened to in-person worship or are planning to do so soon.
You will also find articles about the new Anti-Racism Ministry in the Conference and activities around Halloween, Thanksgiving, All Saints Day and Advent. We’ve included information about books written by current and recent Florida UCC clergy — some good Christmas gift ideas. Then there are articles about the rabbi and the minister, the pastor who got into some “good trouble,” the minister who reflects on how we in the UCC “describe ourselves” and the federal lawsuit involving one of our congregations.
Thanks to all those churches that provide information about their ministries. If we’ve not been hearing from you, please make sure we’re on the mailing list for your newsletter and e-blasts (celebrateflorida@uccfla.org) — simple and much appreciated.
We especially appreciate your providing the Celebrate Florida link information to church members via your newsletters, e-communications and on your website. During the coronavirus crisis, it is especially covenantal to share all the good news about the United Church of Christ in Florida among your church members.
Blessings of the season,
Rick Carson
Editor
Lakewood United Church of Christ 