This week's note from Rev. Ben Richards

Abound in Hope

When it comes to writing for the newsletter, there will be weeks when it will take me a lot of time to figure out what to write. It could be too many ideas, or too few, but rarely do I simply know what to go with.

Not so this week, the first of the newsletters since I moved to Bonita Springs, since I began to serve First Bonita. Most prevalent on my mind is gratitude and hope, and I’m glad for the means to share them with you.

I am grateful for the many ways you have welcomed me. The gifts of information, food, and patience. The work done prior to my arrival in preparation and the encouragement I have received. It is a privilege not only to be settling in as your new pastor, but to feel welcomed as it.

And there is joy, not just in experiencing such welcome, but for what lies ahead. I’m reminded of Romans 15; Paul is beginning to wrap up his intense, immense letter, and from 15.7-12 he offers one more reminder that the gospel of Jesus is for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. And he punctuates, celebrates that glorious good news with verse 13:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

While the welcome Romans is speaking about is less the “new neighbor” or “new pastor” kind of welcome, I’m convinced the kind of welcome you have extended me is based on more than just gifts of hospitality let loose. It is, in part, an expression of faith, of believing.

That is what brings me here. I mean, yes… also what brought me here were movers. Was our Bishop Tom Berlin telling me to get down here, our District Superintendent Debbie Allen beckoning from the South West. But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have faith that this is where I’m called to be, the community I have been called to be a part of, to serve. And I believe – even in the midst of any misgivings or anxieties you may still hold – that your faithfulness moves First Bonita to welcome a new pastor. To celebrate where we have been, and to look ahead to what’s next.

I look forward to discovering that with you, and to being a part of what we are called to as this unique, blessed body of Christ. And so, my prayer for each of us is Romans 15.13: May the God of hope fill [us] with all joy and peace in believing, so that [we] may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Ben

Service for July 14, 2024



"Father"



John 3:16-21

Service for July 21, 2024

“Son”

Joel 2:21-27

Hurricane Ian Repairs in 2024 and the grant that paid for them are excluded

above. Summer Reserve Funds are included above. Summer reserve is about

$10,000 better than Plan, and the increase from Last Year. General Offerings are about $20,000

better. Expenses are almost on Plan, increase from Last Year is due to open

staff positions in first quarter Last Year.

Welcome, Rev. Ben Richards to Bonita Springs

Worship on July 7 was the start of something new and exciting, as our church family welcomed Rev. Ben Richards as our pastor.  We know, though, that he prefers to be “just Ben”…and his wonderful message shared the reasons for that and much more.  He arrived over the weekend and is getting settled and acclimated to the area…(still searching for the best New York Style pizza).  

Although our summer congregation can be small, we were delighted to have many of our seasonal congregation also watching the service online along with those in the sanctuary.  As part of our welcome to Ben, several members of the Staff Parish Relations Committee presented the traditional “Celebration of Appointment Service” before his message.

This was also communion Sunday, so we had a great service.  And the celebration continued as we gathered in Fellowship Hall for a reception organized by United Women in Faith.  What would a welcome party be without cake?  We had that along with many other delicious treats – brownies, cookies, fruit, and more.



First UMC knows that a celebration is not complete without some poppers.  And we had those too!  We are all excited about getting to know Ben as our pastor and serving our community and neighbors together here in Bonita Springs. Welcome!

Child Care Volunteers Needed

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is seeking at least two more volunteers to be available if childcare is needed during worship services.  You might be asking:  “Why? There aren’t children regularly attending our worship hour.”  But that’s kind of the point.  Until the time we do have children in worship and can hire a childcare worker, we need to have volunteers ready to take over quickly.  We have two volunteers already: Russ and RuthAnne Baird.  But, according to the Methodist Child Protection training and requirements, the team cannot be a married couple.  Please contact SPRC chairperson Kathy Schmitt or Rev. Ben Richards if you have questions or want to volunteer. 

Women’s Summer Lunches



The United Women in Faith have three interesting restaurants scheduled for our summer lunches, which are open to ALL women of the church.  The group will gather at 11:30 a.m. at the three restaurants all located on Old 41.  After newspaper stories about the many interesting restaurants on this road, the group decided to visit some of them this summer.  We did have to make an adjustment to our original list as The Causeway is now closed.  So, the restaurants we will visit this summer are  

Shangri-La Springs, July 16;

North Bonita Country Club, August 20.

  We will need to know the reservation numbers the Sunday before. Please let one of the UWF officers know if you will be joining us.   

August Book Club Selection

After discussing the quirky beach book Save What’s Left on July 10, the First UMC Book Club will read and discuss the novel The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb for Wednesday, August 7.  This is back to our regular first Wednesday of the month meeting time. The group gathers at the Royal Scoop at 1 p.m. for lunch and/or ice cream and  lively discussion.

Main character Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise, despite the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world.  A shocking theft sends Ray on a quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world, the Tchaikovsky Competition, often called the “Olympics of classical music”.

Growing up in rural North Carolina, Ray’s life is mapped out. But he has a gift and a dream to become a world-class professional violinist. He is determined despite the fact he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents. When he discovers that his beat-up family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius…his life changes…that is until the violin is stolen and a ransom note for $5 million is left in its place. Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin but also prove himself to the world. 

This is another Book Club Kit from the Bonita Springs Library.  Books will be available before and after worship. All are welcome to join us. See Susan Atkinson or text her at 239-405-9078 if you would like a copy or have questions. 

Dust Off Your Cookbook!

When the First UMC Bonita Church family and friends gathered for the Celebration of Life service for Carolyn Nielsen on July 9, we were reminded of the many ways Carolyn shared her love with us.  One way was through cooking.  She helped many in times of need.  It was only appropriate that a recipe in the 2021 cookbook that celebrated our church’s 100-year anniversary was prepared for the fellowship time after the service. 



 Remembering Carolyn loved lemon desserts, Julie Kampmann made the “Lemon Pudding Dessert” on page 131 in her honor.  People were raving about how good this dessert was (thanks to Risa Young for putting the recipe in the cookbook). Carolyn gave these cookbooks out to friends; she would love that even now she was a part in bringing recognition to it.  So, if you have one of these cookbooks…dust it off and look for something fun to try.  And wouldn’t it be great if this coming season we had a potluck meal and everyone made something from a recipe in that cookbook (not your own submitted recipe, though)?  And, if you are new to First UMC Bonita and don’t have one of these cookbooks, "just ask…there are more" available.

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