South Lee Church Briefs: June 10, 2006

Guidelines for church news

The Banner welcomes news and photographs of church-related activities, including special events, programs and activities, in Bonita Springs, Estero, North Naples, San Carlos Park and South Fort Myers. News and photos may be submitted to jkrubin@bonitanews.com, Banner@bonitanews.com, Banner@naplesnews.com or mailed to The Banner at P.O. Box 40, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or dropped off at our office in Sunshine Plaza, 9102 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs.

First Presby hosts hurricane seminar

First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs will host a hurricane seminar beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, in McClure Hall. Guest speakers include Gerald Campbell, chief of planning, and John Ludlam from the Lee County Emergency Management Center, Christopher Bedoes, director of the Lee County Red Cross, and Dave Roberts, meteorologist for Fox News. The group will present weather-related information on hurricanes and lessons learned from the 2005 season.

The seminar is free and open to the community. First Presbyterian is located at 9751 Bonita Beach Road. For more information, call 992-3233.

Unity of Bonita hosts events

Unity Church of Bonita will host a discussion on "The DaVinci Code" movie based on the Dan Brown novel at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17. The public is invited to attend and take part in the discussion. A panel of the Revs. Phil Schlaefer, Sandra Lockey and Robert James will present their views and encourage participation in this no-holds-barred discussion. A good will offering will be collected. Unity Church is located at 28285 Imperial Parkway. For more information, call 949-2580.

Unity of Bonita Sunday services are held at the new church at 28285 Imperial Parkway at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Phil Schlaefer delivers the message, and music is provided by Jerry Starsky and other guests. The message for June 11 is "Suffering: A Call For Inquiry." Other topics for June are "Fathers' Day" on June 18 and "Truth in Disguise" on June 25.

Classes scheduled for June include "the Fourth Way" on Mondays at 7 p.m., led by Robert Spaulding; "A Course In Miracles" on Tuesday at 7 p.m. led by Cynthia Leveque; Silent Unity Prayer Service on Wednesday at noon: The Minister's Class on Wednesday at 7 p.m. with the first class subject of "Revelation: the Unity Perspective," with new subjects each week.

On Thursdays at noon, Alcohol Anonymous meets.

On Saturday a new group called The Minister's Forum will meet at 10:30 a.m. with the first subject, "The DaVinci Code," on June 17. New discussion subjects will be offered each week. All classes are held at the new church at 28285 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs.

Call to Action meets at Our Lady of Light

Call to Action of Southwest Florida will meet at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in the education building. The group consists of Catholics working together to foster peace and justice in the world, the church and themselves. Our Lady of Light is located at 19680 Cypress View Drive. For more information, call 390-0880.

Community Congregational announces its summer schedule

Community Congregational Church has moved to summer hours for worship services. There will be one service every Sunday at 10 a.m. All other church activities remain at normal times. Community Congregational Church is located at 15300 U.S. 41. For more information, call 222-0756.

Bonita First Baptist adopts Biloxi church

First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs recently adopted East Howard Baptist Church in Biloxi, Miss., and committed to continuing the work already in progress. Teams from First Baptist have been rotating with churches from other states to fill positions to rebuild East Howard Baptist Church. Teams help with demolition and clean up, construction, plumbing, electrical work and more.

Two teams will be visiting Biloxi again in June during a two-part trip, with the first group leaving on June 13 and returning June 18. The second group will depart on Saturday, June 17, and return on Friday, June 24. For more information on these trips, or First Baptist of Bonita Springs, visit www.fbcbonita.com or call the church at 992-2952.

Praise Rally set at First Assembly

First Assembly Ministries will be having its annual Single Reaching Singles in Christ Praise Rally at Saturday, June 17. This will be a time to meet other singles from the area and receive information about the fall getaway. Guest speaker Brandon Strickler will provide the Word and there will be music by a local church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will follow for a charge of $6 per person. There will be prizes raffled off throughout the evening. For more information, call Gerry Gallicchio at (941) 925-0987. First Assembly of God is located at 4701 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers.

Eckankar service planned for June 18

A worship service for Eckankar religion of the light and sound of God is scheduled for June 18. The topic for the service will be "How to Listen to the Voice of God," and will take place at 16387 U.S. 41, Island Park Place, Unit H, second level. For more information, including service times, call 482-4034.

First Nazarene offers Bible school

The First Church of the Nazarene will host "Fiesta," an evening vacation Bible school, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 19 to 23. The school is open to children ages 3 to 12, and activities will include storytelling, music, games, snacks and daily challenges to help the children live what they have learned. First Church of Nazarene is located at American Colony Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, call the church at 936-2511 or visit www.fortmyersnazarene.com.

Music camp at Vanderbilt Presby

Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church will host summer music camp from 9 to 11 a.m. June 26 through 30 for students in grades 2 through 5 (in the fall of 2006). Under the direction of Dr. James B. Cochran, campers will learn singing and ringing techniques, and will learn about a different composer each day. The camp is free, and those interested should call the church office to register. Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church is located at 1225 Piper Boulevard in North Naples, near the intersection of Immokalee and Airport Roads. For more information, call 597-5410.

New schedule at St. Monica's

St. Monica's Episcopal Church recently kicked off a new summer schedule. The new schedule is as follows:

Saturdays: The Holy Eucharist begins at 5 p.m.

Sundays: The Holy Eucharist begins at 7:45 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Wednesdays: The Holy Eucharist and healing begins at 6 p.m.

St. Monica's is located at 7070 Immokalee Road in North Naples. For more information, call the church at 591-4550.

First Presbyterian on summer hours

First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs offers one Sunday service beginning at 10 a.m., with nursery and child care for children 6 months to 3 years. Children and families are invited to come forward for the children's message during the service, and then attend Sunday school. After morning worship, McClure Hall offers fellowship, coffee and treats.

The evening contemporary service is currently on summer break, and will be held once a month at 6 p.m. on the second Sunday: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10. Worship and the dress code are informal. FPC youth groups meet in the youth room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 9751 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. For more information, call 993-3233.

Bonita First Baptist starts new schedule

First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs has started a new schedule:

Sunday School takes place at 9 a.m.

Worship service begins at 10:30 a.m., and again at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Childcare is available during all services.

Wednesday evenings, there is AWANA ministry for children from kindergarten through eighth grade, and Vapor student ministries for grades 9 through 12 at 6 p.m. Adult Bible study meets at 6:30 p.m.

The church is led by Senior Pastor Kevin Bradley. The church is located at 3971 Via Del Rey in Bonita Springs. For more information, call 992-2952 or visit www.fbcbonita.com.

First Thrift starts new summer hours

First Thrift Shop has begun new summer hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Merchandise includes everything from furniture and small appliances to home decor, clothing and more. First Thrift is located in the annex building at the southeast corner of the First Presbyterian campus. Donations are accepted during hours of operation. For more information, call 992-0285.

Vanderbilt Presby schedules events

Vacation Church School will be held from 9 a.m. to noon from July 17 to 21 at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church for children aged 3 to rising middle school youth (for fall 2006). This year's theme is "Adventure of the Treasure Seekers." Registration forms are available to print from the church Web site at www.vpcnaples.org. All are welcome.

Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church is located at 1225 Piper Boulevard in north Naples, near the intersection of Immokalee and Airport Road. For more information, call the church at 597-5410.

Interfaith Caregivers open Estero office

Interfaith Caregivers of South Lee County has moved offices. The expanded facilities allow ICSL to provide additional services to meet the needs of those in the community. The new address is 20658 Highland Ave. Highland is located one block east of Broadway East in Estero. The telephone and hours will remain the same.

ICSL is also in need of volunteers to manage simple office duties on Thursdays and/or Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Call 992-0881 for more information.

Gospel Baptist announces events

Gospel Baptist Church and Christian School celebrate their 25th anniversary, and announce their new service and class schedule:

Sunday School Bible Hour begins at 10 a.m. and is for all ages.

Sunday morning services begin at 11 a.m., and Sunday evening services are at 6 p.m. A nursery is available for infants up to age three, and special church services are offered for children up to sixth grade. Free bus transportation is available on Sunday morning, and there are services in Spanish on the premises.

Wednesday evening Bible study is a smaller group setting, and includes a time of prayer beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Bible and what it means.

Enrollment for the Gospel Baptist Children's School for the fall session is now open. Space is available for children ages 3 through high school. To learn more about the school, call the school office at 947-2341.

For more information about any of the church's programs, call the church office at 945-1285.

Anchor Christian has new schedule

Anchor Christian Church announces its summer schedule, with services beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Communion is offered for participating Christians. Music, led by Brenda Judah, is a mixture of traditional hymns and upbeat praises, while Senior Minister Gerald Williams brings spiritual messages pertinent to today's world.

Adult Sunday School is led by Lloyd Cameron at 9:30 a.m.

A dinner is served Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Reservations are required by noon on Tuesdays. Anchor Christian is located at 11651 East Terry Street. For more information, call the church office at 947-4047, Focus joint ministry at Lamb of God

Lamb of God Church will host "Focus," a Sunday night worship gathering each week at 7 p.m. Focus is a new joint ministry of Estero United Methodist Church and Lamb of God Church, and incorporates music, drama, creative arts and more to engage participants. For more information, call Kim Fisackerly at 267-1244 or Eric Cooter at 267-3525 or visit www.hisgathering.com.

Counseling class in Fort Myers

Hope Biblical Counseling and Training Center of Fort Myers will offer a course titled, "Case Studies and Observations" on Tuesdays from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. through June 20. The class will include recorded counseling sessions with experienced counselors for attendees to learn from. The class may be taken for undergraduate credit or counseling certification. For more information and registration, call 481-0777 or e-mail lynda@westminsterfortmyers.org.

Christ Community starts new schedule

Christ Community Ministries of Southwest Florida is currently on a summer schedule with two Sunday morning services beginning at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Each service will have the same format in contemporary music, and the message will be the same in both services. Child care and children's church will be offered for both services.

The church will also offer a free coffee bar from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., and will include donuts and other snacks.

Christ Community Ministries is located at 8681 County Road in Estero. For more information, call 498-4352 or visit www.ccmswfl.org.

Gulf Shore Church holds worship and Friday activities

Gulf Shore Church announces its regular worship schedule with Sunday services beginning at 10 a.m., and Fun Friday celebrations with free refreshments and games beginning at 6:30 p.m. Gulf Shore Church is located at 24850 Old 41 Road. For more information, call 495-0711.

Addiction support meeting held at Gospel Baptist

Reformers Unanimous, a national faith-based addictions program headquartered in Rockford, Ill., is starting a chapter in Bonita Springs hosted by Gospel Baptist Church from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays. The program is open to all adults who struggle with an addiction or a stubborn habit. For more information, call the church at 947-1285.

Overcomers meet at Restoration Church

Restoration Church will host the Overcomers of Naples every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the church on 1459 Pine Ridge Road. Overcomers is a 12-step Christian support group for life-controlling problems. For more information, call Nancy at 273-9403.