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

Pastor Ed’s Letter – October 25, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

October 31 marks the 506th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, generally recognized to have begun when Martin Luther posted 95 theses on a church door in Wittenberg.

Many churches may pay particular attention ahead of October 31 to the “five solas of the Reformation,” including sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone) and sola Deo gloria (glory to God alone).

Faith in Christ Jesus is the foundation of the church. 2023-2024 is filled with celebrations and gatherings marking 50 years of ministry by Lely Presbyterian Church as well as other traditional and seasonal events!

Faith is foundational to a fulfilling and fulfilled life. Sunday begins a sermon series entitled, “Being Satisfied in a World of Consumption.” The series will be based on Ecclesiastes! We strive to fill so many voids of life with stuff…..and it doesn’t work! We’ll see what the “Preacher” says about all of this in Ecclesiastes!

This is also a time to grow in our faith. You are encouraged to be part of a small group or study to read the scriptures, pray, fellowship, and serve!

Lely is planning an Advent Study with the hope of forming five to seven groups. The recommended book is “Heaven and Earth” by Will Willimon. It’s a four week study and the groups can meet anywhere and anytime! Prayerfully consider leading or joining such a group! If interested in leading a group, , Click Here to Send an Email Saying “I’ll Lead!”

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

Finally, the world is facing incredible challenges. A good friend of mine, Rabbi Larry Bazer, offered his perspective on what is happening between Israel and Hamas. Click Here to Watch the Interview

See you Sunday!

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

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed – October 18, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Congregants, Friends, and Guests:

There is one more sermon in the series, “How to be the Best Grandparents Ever!” Last Sunday, the second letter from St. Paul to Timothy underscored the importance of being spiritual leaders. As we grow older and wiser, our spiritual anchor should and foundation should be firmer and sturdier!

The series will conclude with a focus on the Grandparents of Jesus! If you can, please read Matthew 1.12-16 and Luke 3.23-25 in preparation for Sunday. You will see Joseph having two fathers listed…..Interesting!!

On October 29, the new sermon series will focus on “How to be Satisfied” in world that offers so many choices! The sermons will be based on passages from Ecclesiastes. Here is the line up!

Sunday, October 29
When You Are Not Satisfied with Faith
Ecclesiastes 1 & 2 (selected verses)

Sunday, November 5
How to Be Satisfied in the Midst of Loss
Ecclesiastes 3.1-15

Sunday, November 12
Being Satisfied When Bummed Out!
Ecclesiastes 7.1-14

Sunday, November 19
Being Satisfied with our Age!
Ecclesiastes 11.7-10

Sunday, November 26
Being Satisfied in the Moment
Ecclesiastes 11 & 12 (Selected Passages

AND….what a difference live music made in worship! Welcome back Bob & Glenn! Remember, choir practice is Thursday at 4:00 pm! See you then!

Next week I will be out of the office taking Jane on her long awaited Birthday trip. She loves Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and we will leave Monday and return on Saturday, October 28. This has been a life long dream of hers and I am thrilled we can do this.

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

Finally, I could see and feel the frustration of our IT folks in the Epi Center last week. The sound was not good in the live stream. Consequently, we will not be able to provide clips for the Minute for Mission, Children’s Message, or the Sermon. Instead, you will find a link to the FacebookLive that recorded the entire service.

See you Sunday!

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

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Word from Pastor Ed October 11, 2023

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Pastor Ed

Dear Members, Friends, and Guests:

Lely celebrated the baptism of Prisca Andre’ at the 9:00 am service last Sunday! A huge thanks to Alida Helmlinger for putting together the banner for Prisca and her family! There is always a well spring of joy when making a promise to raise a child with Christian values and support the parents in this sacred endeavor! Congratulations!!

The baptism of Prisca fit perfectly with the theme of heroes of faith and how to be the best grandparents ever! Prisca joined the lineage of the faithful handed down thru the ages!

The sermon series continues with scripture from II Timothy 1. Paul knows his protege Timothy and names his mother and grandmother in the letter! As we mature in the faith, we need to be spiritual leaders!

AND, the best news for Sunday……Bob and Glenn return to lead the music ministry! Remember, choir rehearsal begins Thursday, October 19 at 4:00 pm in the Choir Room!! Click Here to Let Bob and Glenn Know you Plan to Attend

Moorings Presbyterian Church will host a Ukrainian Concert on Sunday, October 15 at 4:00 pm and feature the KYIV Orchestra Concert and Choir. See more details below!

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!

mber 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

Finally, the world is facing incredible challenges. A good friend of mine, Rabbi Larry Bazer, offered his perspective on what is happening between Israel and Hamas. Click Here to Watch the Interview

See you Sunday!

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

I remain a Servant of Christ….

Sincerely,

Pastor Ed

A Letter from Bob and Glenn

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Dear Friends of the Choir Loft and Congregation of Lely Church:

Glenn and I are so very EXCITED to return home to Lely Church and start up another inspirational year together. We will arrive around October 13th and be ready to play and lead worship on October 15th and will be so happy to see everyone again.

We are looking forward to our BIG kick off rehearsal on Thursday October 19th 4:00 PMin the choir room.

Get ready! We have so many plans for this season and have been working this summer planning and finding wonderful music that we know the choir will love as well as the congregation.

We are looking forward to working with Ed to create new and meaningful ways to worship together at Lely Church. If you are new, and were not with us last year and would like to give the choir a try, PLEASE COME to our first rehearsal!!!!

I will have music for you and know you will enjoy our time together. To our returning choir members please pass the word so we have a great first rehearsal together.

Sending you our love! Click Here to Email Bob and Glenn! if you have any questions! See you very soon.

Here is a picture from a concert we did in New Jersey so you remember what we look like.

Much LOVE
Bob and Glenn