Wintergarden Church

Rev. Ruth’s Last Day

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:01:30 +0000

Mission Matters!

Pastor Ruth — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:08:48 +0000

There are many ways we can respond to God’s grace with the resources of our time and talent and share the Good News. One of those opportunities happens on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, when we help cook and serve the dinner at the Homeless Coalition. But we do much more than that as we interact with those who come for dinner. A friendly greeting means a lot, and the conversation adds to the fun of serving. Time passes quickly, and those who help find that they receive as much as they give from the sense of making a difference in the life of someone else, however brief the encounter.

This Tuesday, April 17 we’ll be at the Homeless Coalition, 1476 Kennesaw Street, Port Charlotte, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come and help!

2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

Pastor Ruth — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 01:08:13 +0000

The joyous greeting of “Christ is risen!” echoes throughout the Christian church on Easter Sunday morning. For the faithful, Easter worship is a grand occasion. The music is more glorious, the flowers more gorgeous, the greetings more sincere on Easter morning. It is a mountaintop experience.

The Sunday after Easter is traditionally known as “Low Sunday.” We make an extra effort to worship on Easter, but the Sunday after Easter is a different matter altogether. Perhaps one reason is because it is hard coming off that mountaintop so abruptly. It’s “Low Sunday” because there seems such a difference between the exuberance of the Easter celebration and the rest of the time.

It should not be that way. Every Sunday, after all, is an opportunity to celebrate the resurrection and give thanks for the new life it offers in Jesus’ name. Every Sunday is an opportunity to grow deeper in discipleship. Every Sunday is an opportunity go further in our understanding of how to put our faith into practice.

This Sunday on our worship calendar is marked as the 2nd Sunday of Easter. The Easter celebration is not over; in these Sundays of the Easter season, our celebration continues. Be sure you don’t miss it!

See you in church.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP

Pastor Ruth — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:29:13 +0000

This week we mark the events of the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. Thursday, April 5 we’ll come together at 6:00 p.m. for a simple soup supper provided by our Deacons. At 7:00 p.m. we’ll gather in worship, just as Jesus did with his disciples on that first Maundy Thursday. As we remember their last supper together, we’ll observe the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Scripture readings and special music will help us reflect on the time Jesus spent with his disciples in the Upper Room, his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion on Good Friday.

We greet Easter morning on Sunday, April 8 with the Sonrise service in the Garden at 7:00 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. begins with the traditional Easter greeting: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It is a morning filled with the joyous celebration of the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord. And, of course, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt for the children.

Don’t miss these opportunities for your own personal spiritual pilgrimage in this Holy Week and Easter.

SUNCOAST DULCIMER CONCERT

Pastor Ruth — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:47:07 +0000

Mark your calendar for the annual SUNCOAST DULCIMER CONCERT, FRIDAY, MARCH 30 at 7 p.m. If you’ve heard them before you know you’ll hear some great music. If you’ve never heard a dulcimer, you’re in for a wonderful evening! You’ll enjoy this special night – and so will your friends and neighbors of all ages and stages in life. Bring the whole gang! You’ll leave with smiles on your faces. And you don’t need a ticket (although you’ll be invited to contribute to a free-will offering.) Don’t forget – this Friday, March 30, 7 p.m. See you there!

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE, March 23 & 24

Pastor Ruth — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Lot’s of trinkets and treasures are ready for the gigantic Garage Sale, Friday and Saturday, March 23 & 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You’ll find all sorts of home goods, children’s things, and items for everyone else in your family. Browse through the books & DVD’s, discover an unexpected piece you’ve always wanted, pick up a gift for a friend. There’s plenty to choose from! And when your energy fades or you’d just like a bit of a treat we’ll have the grill all fired up and ready to serve you. Don’t miss it – Friday and Saturday, March 23 & 24, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

CHARLOTTE CHORALE CONCERT

Pastor Ruth — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:16:01 +0000

Everyone is welcome at the festive concert by the Charlotte Chorale on Friday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. You will enjoy the variety of music, which will be expertly performed. You won’t need to dress up, but you will be treated to a great night out. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart! And you won’t need a ticket, although your generosity in a free-will offering will be greatly appreciated.

Those who’ve heard the Chorale before know what a wonderful experience is in store for them this Friday night. But whether you are already a fan or haven’t yet heard them, all are welcome. Don’t miss the Charlotte Chorale this Friday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.

2nd SUNDAY IN LENT

Pastor Ruth — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:38:37 +0000

This Sunday, March 4, we’ll observe the 2nd Sunday of Lent with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We’ll continue to look at some of the teachings of Jesus that seem at first to be contrary messages, but offer eternal truth. Our scripture lessons will be taken from some of his familiar teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. We’ll also join in prayer and praise together. And we’ll be singing one of the most familiar and best loved of the Christian hymns, “Amazing Grace.”

Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Make it one of your spiritual disciplines in this special Lenten season of reflection, repentance and renewal.

See you in church!

LENTEN SEASON BEGINS

Pastor Ruth — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:55:18 +0000

This Sunday, February 26, marks the first Sunday of the Lenten season. These five weeks of personal reflection and spiritual practices are among the most important of the Christian year.

Sunday worship will enhance your own observance of this season. We’ll worship together with prayer and praise. Our theme will be taken from the teachings of Jesus that seem at first to be contrary messages, but offer eternal truth.

Come this Sunday and begin your Lenten journey to the cross and resurrection.

See you in church!

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

Pastor Ruth — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:54:51 +0000

Begin your observance of the Lenten season with worship on Ash Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., February 22. Scripture, song, prayers, a brief meditation and an invitation to the Lenten discipline will be featured as well as an opportunity the imposition of ashes. Don’t miss this special way to deepen the meaning of the Lent. Begin your Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday worship, 7:00 p.m., February 22!