Pastor Ed’s letter for January 10, 2024

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

A huge thanks to Bonnie Hartley and Kerry Stallard for leading the worship service on Sunday.

The decision to move to one service at 10:00 am was a tremendous help to the leadership team conducting the service. The service will continue at 10:00 am.

Thanks for the prayers and understanding the need to travel to New York early to avoid any possible weather delays.

Jane and I are not sure of how long we may be in the Big Apple. Meetings and tests are scheduled for this week and next. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Bob and Glenn’s last Sunday with Lely will be on Sunday, January 14. Their leadership, expertise, commitment, and love of the Lord has been evident from day one! From the weekly rehearsals to the special cantatas and arrangements for instrumentalists added a fine touch to Lely’s music program. Thank you Bob and Glenn!!

A huge thanks also to Jeff Witte presenting the Minute for Mission regarding the Stewardship Campaign as well as thanks to Dayle and Mike DeAngelo for “Why They Love Lely!” Click Here to Download the PPT Presentation from Sunday’s Town Hall

You will find a video below of the Year In Review for Lely Presbyterian Church!! Enjoy!!!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

Pastor Ed’s Letter for January 1, 2024

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Pastor Ed

Happy New Year and Hello 2024!!

Bonnie Kluttz did a great job reminding all of us of the upcoming 50th Anniversary Dinner, planned for Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at New Hope Ministries! Tickets are $25 pp and you can either send a check to the church office or go to Click Here to Register and Pay Online.

Seeing previous clergy who served Lely Pres such as Ted Land or Harold Brown and hopefully Jim Kirk will be joyous and bring back many wonderful memories!

A huge thanks to Bonnie Hartley for baking the Sticky Buns for Sticky Bun Sunday!!! They were delicious and well appreciated!! Many hands do a lot of work every weekend to ensure coffee hour and refreshments! Thanks to all who arrive early, stay late, and make sure coffee is plentiful!!

Saturday, January 6 kicks off the Winter Concert Series at 2:00 pm with Carl Granieri with Voyces in Concert. Carl was blessed blessed to be Musical Director for several of Atlantic City’s biggest Casino Hotels over a 40 year career. Playing piano and conducting his 40-piece CGO Superstar Orchestra at the Sands, The Showboat, Caesars, Bally and Harrah’s Casinos he backed a “who’s who” of classic stars including Tony Bennett, Bob Hope, Julio Iglesias, Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis, Mannheim Steamroller and many others. VOYCES is a CGO “Pay it Forward” ensemble showcasing young singers in 5-part close harmony. YOU WILL WANT TO SEE THIS!!

Thanks to Cherie Millsom for working so hard to put the series together!!

And before the concert, please gather on Friday morning, January 5 at 11:00 am to take down the Christmas decorations! Lunch will be provided!!

Sunday’s sermon focused on hope and hope is needed as we cross the threshold into 2024!! We are a people of hope because of what God has done through Jesus Christ!!!

Friendlies Luncheon is January 4, at 12 Noon at KC’s Parrot 41 located at 3340 Tamiami Trail East. Contact Bonnie Kluttz at 239-777-8978 for additional information

Your prayers are appreciated as Jane and I return to New York January 8-20, 2024 for follow up tests and consults. The guest speaker for January 21 will be Rev. Tim Halverson. You got me in the pulpit on January 7!!!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

 

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

Pastor Ed’s Letter for December 28, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

Christmas Eve welcomed the Christ Child into our midst with joy and celebration. God continues to believe in the world created Millenia ago by becoming human. God has not stopped nor will ever retreat from saving each and every one of us. We come to worship giving our best and putting on a pleasant disposition. Sometimes we succeed and other times we fail. Yet the beautiful aspect of the gospel is that God loves us through Jesus Christ and will never abandon us!

From the choir to proclamation to candlelight, Christmas Eve reminded us again that we too are the characters of Christmas. We gather around a manger as shepherds and Magi did at that first manger moment.

Each service was so different. Familiar faces filled the sanctuary at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. The number of guests at the 8:00 pm service was inspirational, especially since so many were younger people from the neighborhood! And perhaps, while the least attended, I personally savored the 11:00 pm service….with about fifteen people all gathered at the front of the sanctuary, shared communion, and sang Silent Night with lighted candles raised. Thank you for a memorable Christmas Eve!

As the year ends, I have two asks.

First, please consider a year end gift to Lely Presbyterian Church. The new year is right around the corner and your yearend generosity will set the church up for a strong start in 2024!

Personnel is in the throes of a search for a new Director of Music/Organist/Pianist; Electrical work is planned for the facility to include the towering light in the parking lot for nigh time safety; plans are being discussed to possibly expand office hours; Lely is only six months away from Vacation Bible School; and additional campus improvements continue to be scheduled!

We have made such incredible strides in maintaining the campus, providing gifts to children in New Horizons and Mision Peniel, and support to various missions within Collier County!

Please go to Click Here to make your year end gift or text “Lely” to 73256. Your year end gift will be appreciated and get Lely off to a great start in 2024!

The second ask is to send to the office expressions of appreciation for the work and ministry of Bob and Glenn! They brought world class talent from their 30 years experience at a 2200 member church to Lely Presbyterian Church and within six months had nearly 30 members in the choir! Being able to send them off with such expression would be wonderful! Please contact Brenda Prince via voice/text (616) 485-6728 any questions!

2024 will be year filled with challenges and opportunities!

Your prayers are appreciated as Jane and I will return to New York January 8-20, 2024 for follow up tests and consults. The guest speaker for January 21 will be Rev. Tim Halverson. You got me in the pulpit on January 7!!!

Finally, Bob Morris offered an incredible solo at the 8 & 11 pm Christmas Eve services and you can listen to it below!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

Pastor Ed’s Letter for December 20, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

Sunday’s worship with the choral cantata, “A New & Glorious Morn,” filled the sanctuary with joy and awe! The choir was amazing and a huge thanks to Bob and Glenn for their gifted leadership as Directors of Music! On Christmas Eve they will lead the choir in some incredibly moving musical selections!

Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am worship will include a simple retelling of the Christmas story, acted out by some of Lely’s youth! Also, the congregation will celebrate the Baptism of Theodore Jacob Lewis, a child of a seasonal family in the neighborhood from New York!

Christmas Eve Services are scheduled for 5:00, 8:00, and 11:00 pm. The later service will be a quiet candlelight and communion service to welcome in Christmas Day!

Please note that morning worship on Sundays, December 24, and 31 is at 10:00 am only. Regular services of 9:00 and 10:30 am will resume January 7, 2024!

Thanks also to Bonnie Kluttz for her expert photography skills!!! She is the Ansel Adams for Lely Pres! Thank you Bonnie!

The season drips with hope and expectation. In many ways, December is a month of nostalgia from movies to childlike moments ushering in a smile and a tear. For some, the month is full of joy and for others, a time when good-bye’s were said to loved ones.

And in the midst of the nostalgia, we find an incomprehensible joy meant for all people…..God becoming human and dwelling among us…a God on an eternal search for the souls of men and women to make their lives whole!

Wholeness is what each of us want….wholeness when a hole in our hearts takes too much time to close. Wholeness in our lives when hopes fail to meet reality.

In our lives, and by that I mean Jane and me, we are seeking wholeness as well in the health department. Our stay in New York was extended because of tests that came back positive. Malignancy is not the word you want to hear at Christmas or at any time in one’s life. We are fast and furiously making appointments and engaging in medical tests to map out the most effective treatment plan. Jane’s health is my primary focus. Please keep Jane in your prayers.

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

Click Here to See Pics from Last Week

Elders for Lely Presbyterian Church

Click Here to Contact an Elder

 

Class of 2024 Class of 2025 Class of 2026
Cherie Millsom Bonnie Hartley Cyndi Hauck
Jeff Witte Open Nancy Copeland
Eleanor Fiermonti Alida Helmlinger Bette Decoteau

 

Board of Deacons Lely Presbyterian Church

Click Here to Contact a Deacon

 

Class of 2024 Class of 2025 Class 2026
Paula DeLuca Open Dinah Bampoe
Jaye DeLaPaz Brenda Orozco Maxine Kilberg
Jennifer Kissel Sharon Berke Val Hofman

 

The links above will send a note to the church office and your message will be forwarded to the Elder or Deacon listed!

 

In addition, Lely Pres is blessed to have Mary Lloyd as Treasurer and Kerry Stallard as Controller.

Pastor Eds Message December 13, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

The characters of Christmas focused on last Sunday included Mary and Joseph. The Angel Gabriel visited Lely Pres a second time to bring unbelievable news to a young couple.

God does that. God breaks into our lives with messengers who dazzle and disturb us when least expected! This is a season of expectation as well as a season to prepare for the Day of the Lord!

The Day of the Lord is coming! Now is the time to get ready for God coming into our lives…..making a phone call to bridge a disagreement, to seek forgiveness, to make the wrongs right! The Day of the Lord is near…..prepare!!

The Chancel Choir continues to prepare for the Choral Presentation, “A New & Glorious Morn,” arranged by Lloyd Larson and directed by Bob Morris and Glenn Kinckner. Please join in worship on Sunday, December 17 with one service only at 10:00 am.

Please note the Session Called a Special Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing a Nominating Committee on Sunday, December 17 following the 10:00 am service. If possible, please stay for this very brief meeting!

Jane and I will be away this week on personal business. Please send a note via email with any questions during that time. We expect to return the evening of December 16.

Originally I had planned to lead a study of the Advent Book, “Heaven and Earth” via zoom. Unfortunately, I will not be able to lead the study this week.

 

Please note that morning worship on Sundays, December 17, 24, and 31 is at 10:00 am only. Regular services of 9:00 and 10:30 am will resume January 7, 2024!

 

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

 

I remain a Servant of Christ….

 

Sincerely,

 

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed – December 6, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

Zechariah led off the sermon series entitled, “The Characters of Christmas!” As a priest, holy moments and rites were so familiar to him, he believe he owned those moments! As scripture tells us, the holy grasps us….not the other way around in our spiritual journey! The Angel Gabriel also visited Lely Presbyterian Church, complete with a Brooklyn accent and attitude! (I’ll never think of angels in the same way again!). Thanks Epi for bringing a bit of holy humor to the moment!

Praying for God to come into our lives and world is a bold prayer. Jesus came as a child and shook up the world; made the ground tremble under our feet and brings a new day when really people are praying for old ways to be restored!

The second Sunday of Advent will take a look at two teen-agers visited by an Angel with incredible news! They will become parents….and I’m not sure they understood to what they said yes! So many times we say “yes” to requests, not knowing nor comprehending what the end might be.

Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 am Lely Presbyterian Church will give thanks to God for the life of Bob Krauss. Bob joined the Church Triumphant on Saturday, December 2. You may attend in-person or via online By Clicking Here

A Blue Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 pm. The service is intended to provide comfort for people who are now without a loved one during the Christmas and Holiday season.

The Chancel Choir continues to prepare for the Choral Presentation, “A New & Glorious Morn,” arr. by Lloyd Larson and directed by Bob Morris and Glenn Kinckner. Please join in worship on Sunday, December 17 with one service only at 10:00 am.

Please note the Session Called a Special Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing a Nominating Committee on Sunday, December 17 following the 10:00 am service.

Please note that morning worship on December 17, 24, and 31 is at 10:00 am only. Regular services of 9:00 and 10:30 am will resume January 7, 2024!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed November 22, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

An incredible group of people gathered the afternoon of Sunday, November 26 to decorate the sanctuary for Advent in preparation for Christmas! Decorating had some challenges and was made easy by well labeled bags and teamwork!! Thank you!!!

The season is one of anticipation. I started reading the Heaven and Earth study guide and Will Willimon does an excellent job laying the groundwork considering what it means to welcome Jesus into the world.

Cherie Millsom, Kathy Sell, and I will each lead a group. Kathy Sell’s group will meet Monday evenings at 6:00 pm in Kemp Hall. I will offer the study on Thursdays at 10:00 am in Kemp Hall. Cherie Millsom is open to when people may meet!

The Book is entitled, “Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation” by Will Willimon. Click Here for a Link to Amazon to Purchase the Book.

The season is here and gone like the rustling of the wind. We need to soak in the moment.

The Advent sermon series is entitled: The Characters of Christmas! December 3, Zechariah; December 10, Mary & Jospeh; December 17, Choral Presentation of “A New & Glorious Morn,”; December 24 @ 10:00 am, Shepherds; and December 24 at 5, 8, & 11:00 pm Us.

Please note that morning worship on December 17, 24, and 31 is at 10:00 am only. Regular services of 9:00 and 10:30 am will resume January 7, 2024!

Please take note of the December Advent & Christmas Gatherings and Events you will find Friday in Life with Lely!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed, November22, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

A huge thanks to Cindy Kelley, Nancy Copeland, Jaye DeLaPaz, and Glenn Kinckner for putting the Cornucopia on the Communion Table together! The bounty of fruit and vegetables reminds us of God’s blessings and that all good things come from God Almighty.

To quote the hymn, “We plow the fields and scatter, the good seed on the land; but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.” (We Plow the Fields and Scatter, by Mathias Claudius).

Please plan to attend the Community Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 22 at 6:00 pm. The service will be held in the sanctuary and the message will focus on “Being Satisfied in the Midst of Turmoil.”

Thanksgiving is a national holiday and thanksgiving is embedded in the Christian faith. From Psalms of Thanksgiving to weekly prayers in private and public, we are grateful to God for gifts seen and unseen. A generous heart and a gracious spirit can do wonders for a wounded land. A hallmark of a Christian is to have a heart overflowing with generosity!

Thanksgiving tends to be the starting line for the Advent and Christmas season. Already, ropes of lights circle palm trees proclaiming hope. Perhaps its a sign of how deep and empty souls are right now in world that is yearning for a light to pierce the darkness.

To quote Isaiah, “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light!” (Isaiah 9.2).

The church is a light unto the nations. People are looking for a lighthouse to keep them from wrecking lives on the shores of humanity. People seek a light guide them through the dark times of endless wars, crimes against humanity, and society that seems to fraying further into chaos with every news cycle.

Yet we during this season proclaim a hope that only God can give!

On Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 pm please take time to drape the church campus in lights that make it more than simply beautiful. Lights are biblical and divine…..may our faith in Christ be a light unto the Lely Community and unto the nations! to help decorate the sanctuary and campus for Christmas!!

Several people asked for the three questions found at the end of the sermon. Here they are:

  1. What does abundant life look like to you?
  2. What have you been putting off that needs to be done?
  3. Are you satisfied with yourself at this age?

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed November 15, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

Being Satisfied when Bummed Out, was the theme for last week’s sermon. We have all experienced being bummed out for a variety of reasons. While the Preacher in Ecclesiastes says that all is vanity, i.e., meaningless, Jesus gives us a hope that sustains us and carries us through the bummed out moments of life!

This Sunday, the sermon will be based on Ecclesiastes 11.7-10 and 12.1-8. The theme is Being Satisfied with our Age. At what age were you at your best? We will look at how we can be satisfied at our current age no matter what age we might be!

We welcome to church leadership as Elders, Nancy Copeland, Bette Decoteau, and Cyndi Hauck. We welcome Maxine Kilburg, Val Hofmann, and Dinah Bampoe as Deacons!! Please keep them in your prayers as well as the church as we move forward!

The next coming weeks are filled with a number of events. On Friday, November 17 at 11:00 am , Lely Pres will celebrate the life of Cindy LaCoe. If unable to attend in person, Click Here to Livestream the Service.

November’s Cook-In will embrace a Thanksgiving Theme!! To help with food preparation, please let Bonnie Kluttz know you plan to attend By Clicking Here.

You may also let Bonnie know by text/voice to 239-777-8978.

Please plan to attend the Community Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 22 at 6:00 pm. The service will be held in the sanctuary!

And please plan to gather on Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 pm to help decorate the sanctuary and campus for Christmas!!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

Pastor Ed’s Letter November 1 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

Sunday started a sermon series entitled, “Being Satisfied in a World of Consumption.” The series is anchored in passages from Ecclesiastes. Please take time to read the twelve brief chapters tucked between Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.

The sermon focused on life. While the writer of Ecclesiastes says all of life is meaningless, Jesus Christ gives each of us a reason to live, through good times and bad! I asked the question, “If a person dies, and no one notices, was that life lived in vain?” Our daily challenge is to live a life that makes a difference and makes the world better, not worse!

We do a lot of activities in the life of Lely. Questions to ask are, “Does the work engage the community for Christ? Does the work deepen our spiritual understanding of life? Does the work build of the body of Christ?

A huge thanks to Bonnie Hartley and the Fellowship Team who made candy available to Lely’s Trick-or-Treaters on October 31! Over 50 children dressed in costume stopped by the table!! A GREAT evening!

These are just a couple of questions to ponder!

Friendlies will meet at Sam Snead’s on Thursday, November 2 @ 12 Noon!! Let Bonnie Kluttz know you plan to attend via text/voice 239-777-8978 if planning to attend!

Blessing of the Animals will be held Saturday, November 4, at 10:00 am on the church campus. Such a joy to see the four legged members of the families turn out for a this special service! Click Here and Listen to a Personal Invite

November 5 is All Saints Sunday! During the 10:30 am worship service, Lely will remember members and friends who Joined the Church Triumphant during the previous year!

November 11 at 9:00 am, Lely Presbyterian Church will honor Veterans during a special service! Please plan to attend this 30 minute service! Click Here to Send names of Veterans to be Included

Giving Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28! Click Here to Make a Donation for Giving Tuesday! Your extra gift will support the outreach to Youth in the Lely Community and support the All Day Mini-Vacation Bible School that will be held on Friday, December 22. The plan is for this day to lay the groundwork for a children and youth Christmas Pageant to be held on Sunday, December 24 at the 10:00 am service! You may also send a check to the church or place your gift in the offering plate with a notation for Giving Tuesday.

See you Sunday!

Welcome to Lely…..Welcome Home….You Belong Here!!

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed