Religion

A Marco congregation facing controversy and financial difficulties looks to “turn a negative into a positive” with a proposed merger of two island churches. Marco Community Church of God took some heat following what several former church employees called an unfair firing Dec. 9. Full story »

Our Island will be aglow with candles, charity, and the spirit of Christ this Christmas season. Area churches have been working diligently to create inspirational Christmas and Christmas Eve services for members and visitors. Full story »

A Marco congregation has been facing questions about its financial practices for more than six months and it seems the issue finally came to a head about two weeks before Christmas. Marco Community Church of God fired its staff members and dismantled the board of elders suddenly Dec. 9. Full story »

He is a pizza order taker, a Latin aficionado, and a grandson of Cuban immigrants. At 16 years old, Marco resident and Lely High School junior, Geoff Castillo is a nominee to the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC). Full story »

On Thursday, during the second annual community celebration at the Marco Lutheran Church, the Rev. Kyle Bennett of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church recited the original Thanksgiving declaration to the congregation, which was gathered along with other members of the Marco Island Clergy Association. A prayer for our country and our leaders, both nationally and locally, was offered with a plea to prosper our country and to guide our leaders in wisdom. Full story »

The Island community is mourning the loss of father and fisherman, Joseph Nugent, 39, of 360 Capri Boulevard, Isles of Capri. Nugent died Thursday when he lost control of his motorcycle near 1400 19th St. S.W., Golden Gate Estates, according to Collier County Sheriff’s Office reports. Full story »

Staci Marie Kelley, 41, light and love of the life of Jerry Gibson died peacefully Wednesday, October, 29, 2008. Full story »

Dogs, cats and other pets are up for a treat. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals celebration Sunday evening at the church, 1101 North Collier Blvd., on Marco Island. Full story »

The bodies, hearts, and minds of the members of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island (JCMI) were fed on Sept. 20, as they ushered in the Days of Awe with food, a concert and the first of the High Holy Day Services, Selichot. Full story »

Marco Presbyterian Church is partnering with El Shaddai Presbyterian Church in Miami and El Shaddai Ministries International, Inc. to collect clothing, funds, household items, medication and toiletries for victims of Hurricanes Hanna and Ike in Gonaives, Haiti. Full story »

Warmth and joy permeated the air as the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island welcomed new senior rabbi, professor, grandfather, and former Fulbright Scholar, Rabbi Edward M. Maline, D.D. He officiated his first service on Marco, followed by a reception, on Aug. 15. Full story »

Marco Island doesn’t skimp on the faith factor, a fact that must have been on the minds of the Deltona Corporation when it supplied ample acreage to every religious denomination on the island — as prescribed by the founding Mackle brothers. One such denomination delighting in its current renaissance while reflecting on its roots is First Baptist Church of Marco Island (FBC). Not to worry, the 1450 Winterberry Drive address is still the same, but within the past year the church campus has undergone a stunning transformation thanks to the success of a multi-million dollar capital campaign and the visionary leadership of its senior pastor, Timothy Neptune. Full story »

Marco Presbyterian Church has a long-term commitment to short-term missions. This is the fifth year that the church has sent a team of short-term workers to the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Full story »

Caring, compassionate and gentle are the words that come to mind when describing the new Wesleyan United Methodist Church’s minister, the Rev. William A. Beebe — or just Bill as he prefers to be called. Full story »

Immokalee’s Amigos en Cristo recently received a $100,000 grant from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, Appleton, Wis., designed to generate thousands more in financial gifts to the ministry. Full story »