| First Bonita |
| Serving Bonita Springs for Over 100 Years |
| 03.28.25 |
| ILLIMITABLE This week feels disrupted, shaken up by a day in Lakeland, a surgery on Thursday, and a friend visiting from Michigan. I figured it’s a good week to let a pro do the heavy lifting. But also: this is one of my favorite things. A favorite poem, sure, but even beyond the category, it moves me. Please take a moment with e e cummings’ “i thank You God for most this amazing”. i thank You God for most this amazingday:for the leaping greenly spirits of treesand a blue true dream of sky;and for everythingwhich is natural which is infinite which is yes (i who have died am alive again today,and this is the sun’s birthday;this is the birthday of life and of love and wings:and of the gaygreat happening illimitably earth) how should tasting touching hearing seeingbreathing any—lifted from the noof all nothing—human merely beingdoubt unimaginable You? (now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened) This almost always manages to open my eyes and ears and heart. The joy of the day, of new life and vision, possible even for those so lost they feel dead. That the beauty of creation can share truth, can speak it, show it, invite us into it. As I’ve read the poem over the years, different parts have hit harder for me. This week it has been “lifted from the no / of all nothing”. That likely speaks of the theological concept of ex nihilo, or “out of nothing” as we consider creation (see Genesis 1), but I think it’s also a profession that the work of God happens even in the depths of wherever we are. Following the stanza of birth after death, of new life and love, the poet finds “tasting touching hearing seeing/ breathing” as expressions of that new day, and wonders how anyone could doubt God’s hand in creation, of the lifting up out of death into that glorious experience. But that isn’t by happenstance, and it isn’t by “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”. It is a part of God’s creative work, a part of God’s love and grace, that we are “lifted” out of nothing into something glorious. God is at work, ever at work, to move us to abundance. I share this poem because it speaks to my journey. Of a call to ministry in the life of someone who thought that wasn’t possible. Of ears awakened and eyes opened to the world in new ways, and a growing appreciation for everything “which is infinite which is yes”. I pray this poem invites you into a celebration of this day, or if you aren’t in a place where joy feels available, perhaps you receive hope for a new day of life and love. And if I or First Bonita can come alongside you on the way, that would be our privilege. See you Sunday, Rev. Ben Richards |
| Sunday Service |
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Join us this Sunday in-person or watch the 10 AM livestream here. |
| Fill the Van |
United Women in Faith are organizing their annual “Fill the Van” ministry to support the Bonita Springs Assistance Office. Items can be donated before and after worship on Sunday, March 30 and April 6. We ask that you drop them off at the van, which will be in the back parking lot beginning at 9:30 AM and following worship/during coffee hour. Requested items are as follows: diapers (size 5 or 6), baby wipes, toilet paper, napkins, dog food, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, dish soap, lotion, laundry detergent, small bleach bottles, and dish gloves. If you have any questions, please reply to this email or call the church office at 239-992-1312. |
| Community Breakfast and Clothes Closet |
This Saturday, March 29, is our monthly Community Breakfast and Clothes Closet, when we welcome our neighbors to First Bonita. If you would like to be a part, we would love for you to join us. Volunteers are needed for cooking, serving, welcoming, cleaning, and getting to know those who join us. We serve from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and volunteers are asked to arrive at 9:00 AM. |
| Summer Reserve Fund |
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| We celebrate that we’ve raised $26,137 of our $40,000 2025 goal for Summer Reserve. This is our seasonal fundraiser to account for the lighter attended months when the needs of our community and our response continue. Thank you so much for your generous contributions that allow and encourage the ministries of First Bonita. |
| Updates |
Bible Study:Meets Wednesdays at 3 PM in the church office. Facilitated by Rev. Ben Richards. April Book Club:We are reading Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. On the first Wednesday of each month, we gather at the Royal Scoop at 1 PM. Books will be available at church on Sundays before and after worship. Text Susan Atkinson at 239-405-9078 for a copy. Spanish Tuesdays:Join us in the office at 9:30 AM to learn! Altar Flowers:If you would like to honor family, friends, or loved ones for an anniversary, birthday, or memorial, contact the church office for details. Meals of Hope:Join us on Wednesdays from 1 PM – 4 PM to participate with Meals of Hope. Prayer and Care:Join us Fridays at 9:30 AM on Zoom or in the sanctuary. Cards to submit requests are in the back of the Sanctuary. Need to keep someone on the list? Send their name to prayer@fumcbonita.org. All information and last names will be kept confidential. |
| Prayer Requests |
| ZachChetGerry CJessica HAnaMargaritaPeter’s FamilyDorothy’s FamilyHill FamilyCynthia | BarbraKyleHollyJayAngelaJimmyRossDickDavidRuthann | DavidCyndieLeroyScottJamesSnodeJoyceJustinKennKevin |
| Resources |
The Upper Room Daily DevotionalYESUKAN WebsiteNew Horizons VolunteerMeals of HopeBonita Springs Assistance |
First United Methodist Church Bonita SpringsOffice Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 12 PM 27690 Shriver Avenue, Bonita Springs, FL 34135Office: 239-992-1312www.fumcbonita.orgoffice@fumcbonita.org Rev. Ben Richards, Pastorpastor@fumcbonita.org |
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