News You Need to Know – (for Sunday, October 25th)
Happy Friday Fort King Family,
Here’s this week’s – my last week’s –
“News You Need to Know!”
This Sunday will be a time to look back, and look ahead. It is my last Sunday at Fort King, and I’m sure there will be mixed emotions – I know there will be for me. But, I hope we take this opportunity to reflect on, and rejoice in, the last two-plus years together. I understand there will be a Reception after the service, so I hope you are able to come so we can say our good goodbyes to one another.
But, the other reason – and I would argue the most important reason – for attending is because it is the conclusion of this year’s Stewardship Campaign, “Step Up to the Plate!” Our service will conclude with the members and friends of Fort King, filling out and returning their Estimate of Giving Card for next year. On one level, these “pledges of support” help the Finance Committee build a faithful budget; but on a deeper level, these Commitment Cards express our hopes and dreams and prayers for the future of Fort King. Estimate of Giving Cards will be available on Sunday if you need one.
One more thing: At the conclusion of the worship service there will be a very brief Congregational Meeting, called for the purpose of electing next year’s class of new Elders to the Session. The slate of nominees to be presented are: Nancy Copeland, Cindy Miller, Margaret Spontak, and Brian Stoothoof. This church is blessed to have strong servant leaders, already in place and coming aboard! We do ask that all members of the church please be present for the Congregational meeting, and all visitors are encouraged to stay. The Reception will immediately follow the congregational meeting, and is another reason to celebrate!
Next Sunday, November 1st, our own Debbie Pangrass will lead our annual All Saints’ Communion Service. On the first Sunday of November each year we name those members of our church, and remember those family members and friends, who have died in the last year, and rejoice that they are now part of the company of saints in heaven. This is a special day, and I hope you will be present as we reflect on the fact that we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).
Fort King’s new “Bridge Pastor” is the Rev. Holly Dillon, and her first Sunday will be November 8th, so please be sure to come that day and give her a warm Fort King welcome! Holly was my “Presbytery Exec” when I was in Tampa Bay Presbytery, and when she retired from Presbytery work, she moved to Ocala. I couldn’t be more excited for you that she will help lead you in the next part of your journey! Be sure to read Holly’s bio and pastoral column in the November issue of the LINK.
Joe Long’s Memorial Service has been set for Saturday, November 14th, 3:00 p.m. here at Fort King, with a reception to follow. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend.
Don’t forget that the Fellowship Team has a “Covered Dish Dinner and Trivia Night” planned for tomorrow (Friday, October 24th) beginning at 5:00 p.m. Bring a dish or dessert to share, and the food and fellowship, and matching wits with one another!
Finally, the Presbyterian Women’s “Hoedown” is Saturday, November 7th. A homemade Barbecue Dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m., and then our own Sue Minicozzi will teach us how to Square Dance! Tickets are $12.50 and all proceeds will support P.W. Mission projects.
See you Sunday!
-Pastor Bob
Rev. Bob Scott, Transitional Minister
Fort King Presbyterian Church
13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala FL 34470
Church: (352) 694-4121
Mobile: (727) 599-6767
Email: Pastor