Current Tidings
Transcription
Current Tidings
Flagler Beach United Methodist Church February 1 is the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING SUNDAY when we collect canned soups and crackers (mostly soup, please) for our Food Pantry. We want to go over the numbers collected in 2014 so our goal is 400 food items and $425.00 cash. Every can, sleeve of crackers, dollar bill counts. Larry and Sarah Kerr will be making their delicious BLACK BEANS AND RICE (and other stuff) LUNCH on Sunday, February 22 after the 11 o’clock service. We will take up a free will offering to help our sister church in Cuba, but please consider donating what you would pay for lunch in a restaurant including tax and tip. Our sister church, Buena Vista Methodista of Las Tunas, wants to build a privacy fence around the property and your donations will go directly to them. They have almost outgrown the church house and frequently hold services and meals in the yard. See the picture of the lighted cross on top of their church house on page 5. What a splendid sight! February 15 will be UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SUNDAY when the women conduct both services and tell the congregation about the work of the organization to help women, youth and children throughout the world. East Central District Superintendent Rev. Annette Stiles Pendergrass will be the speaker. Local President Gayle Goodman will present Special Recognition Pins and Certificates of Award to honor those who serve the Lord here at FBUMC. Volume 45 Issue 2 February 2015 Local Church Leadership Training Clergy and Laity Day of Learning Saturday, February 7, 2015 The East Central District has scheduled a local church training event for Saturday, February 7, which is designed to inspire and equip laity, lay staff, and clergy, under the heading, Called to Serve. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Rini Hernandez, district superintendent in the South West District. There are over 25 different session topics to chose from in the schedule for the day. Gathering is at 8 a.m. at First UMC in Oviedo, with the opening at 8:45. Dismissal will be at 1 p.m. Snacks will be available during the morning break period. Pastor Jeanine is urging all church leaders to attend. We will carpool as needed. A complete course outline, brief class details, and session leaders is available on the EC website. Go to www.ecdistrictumc.org for details and to register. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year. Christians have observed this season of the church year since the fourth century. It’s traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. During Lent, some Christians give up something that hinders their relationship with God. Others do something extra for their spiritual growth or make a special sacrifice. The key is to make Lent a memorable season of sincere spiritual growth — a time that can set the tone for the rest of the year. As part of your Lenten Bible study, join the Pastor’s Bible Study held every Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. in Rooms 4/5. The group is studying Revelations. Pastor Jeanine says the study looks at how Revelations is relevant in today’s society. Page 2 TIDINGS H OW is it with your soul? This is the main question John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, would ask at the Class Meetings. Class Meetings were small groups that met regularly to hold Christians accountable with their walk with God. To answer this question, how is it with your soul, required deep soul searching, looking down into the very being of your heart. Another question that was asked to help assess the state of your soul was, “Have you constantly attended on all the ordinances of God?” The ordinances being, our personal prayer life, our personal and social worship of God and acts of serving others. John Wesley would know these as acts of piety and acts of mercy. As we prepare for this season of Lent, the forty days leading to Easter, it is time for us to do introspection. Let us focus on this question, How is it with your soul? Where are you in your walk with God? What place does God have in your life, first, or somewhere after all that other stuff we are involved in? Where are your priorities in serving and worshipping God? I am asking that you take these questions and ask them of yourself each morning when you rise and each night when you go to bed. Search your soul and be real with your answers. Whenever we meet whether it be Sunday School, Bible Study, UMW, Men’s Gathering, Ad Council, Finance, SPPR, Trustees, or Worship, I am holding you accountable as I am myself to this soul searching question, How Is It With Your Soul? May we use this season and these questions to grow in Christ as we work toward being more like Christ. And as we remember why Jesus Christ went to the Cross for each one of us. Peace and Blessings, Pastor Jeanine Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org TIDINGS Page 3 READING FOR MISSION IS FUNDAMENTAL From the Desk of Hannah Metz Secretary of Program Resources United Methodist Women The Tidings is published monthly by the First United Methodist Church, 1520 S. Daytona Ave., P. O. Box 929, Flagler Beach, FL 32136-0929. Telephone number 386-439-2160 This article was written by Yvette Kim Richards, President of the UMW, in the December issue of Response magazine, and since it contains pertinent issues relative to our Reading Program, I am taking the opportunity of placing it in a condensed form here so that all UMW members will have the chance of reading it. She has placed a lot of emphasis on the 2015 Reading Program because there seems to be great progress in the selection of the quality of books that are on the published list. The Reading Program Specialist and the evaluators have spent hours reading to bring us this list. I am hoping that each of us will be encouraged and be more enthusiastic in participating in the program which is very vital as we work in mission for the women, youth and children, not only in our community but around the world. Yvette said, "The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to action." Following are some of the many areas in which we all can be encouraged as we work together: (1) Expand understanding of and participation in God's mission. (2) Increase sensitivity to all human beings….their needs, interests and concerns. (3) Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today. (4) Grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life. (5) Enhance self knowledge and act from that knowledge. (6) Strengthen involvement in global Christian mission. The criteria for participation in the Program is in the library (if you did not get a print out at our last meeting) and in our 2015 UMW Directory on pages 18 and 19. The Program also offers a variety of titles that you can give books from the list as gifts for special days as birthdays or Christmas, or to someone who is facing personal life challenges. If you need help in purchasing a book for your personal use, please do not hesitate to call on me for help. SO LET'S ALL START THINKING, READING AND DOING...AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE FOR 2015 !!!!! Feb. 3, Tues., 9 a.m. Mission Team Feb. 3 , Tues., 7 p.m. Wisdom Circle Feb. 2-5, 9 a.m. Help set up for Rummage Sale Feb. 6-7, 9 to 1 Work at Rummage Sale, bring items for Bake Sale, and enjoy Lunch. Feb. 12, Thurs., 11:30 a.m. Four-Unit luncheon, with short business meeting at 11:30; leader, Gayle Goodman; devotions, Martha Luke; greeter, Joyce McDonald; hostesses, Mission Team. Program: fun with Rusty Bowman. Bring a salad to feed 8, mark if it is tuna fish; and NO shellfish dishes. Bring canned goods for the Resource Center in Bunnell; toothbrushes and toothpaste for HUM. Feb. 15, Sun., 8:30 and 11 a.m. United Methodist Women Sunday (See page 1) Wisdom Circle Meets February 3 WISDOM Circle will meet February 3 at 7 p.m., at 53 Pebble Beach Circle, with Sarah Kerr and Nancy Curl as hostesses. We will be helping with the Rummage Sale, Lunch, Bake Sale week of February 2-7. Check in with Bette Rountree as to where you can help. All women are invited to our meetings. —Sue Baldwin The Men enjoyed a delicious breakfast on January 5 prepared by Bill Rosado. During that session they decided to change their meeting time to the first Wednesday of each month as well as reelected officers for 2015. Future activities could include a behind the scene tour of the Florida Agricultural Museum. We will take part in the upcoming Rummage Sale. In view of the time for the latter event, our next gathering will be at 8:30 a.m. on February 11. Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org Dr. Bob Page 4 TIDINGS To the 32 individuals/couples who celebrated the Advent season by honoring or memorializing a loved one with donations to The Sheltering Tree or UMCOR or purchasing a poinsettia. 20 families exchanged greetings through the church Sunday bulletin. Bob Branin for working on a schematic of which Gage Hall/Kitchen outlets are on which breakers to avoid outlet overuse. Pastor Jeanine and Derrol Miller for painting the outside office door. The Men’s Club for storing away the Nativity figures for next year. The very efficient team who took down and put away all the Christmas decorations at church: Mary Black, Larry and Sarah Kerr, Steve and Joy McGrew, Dutch Schultz, and Bette Rountree. Not as much fun as putting it up, but a needed service. A thank you to all who have expressed sympathy and condolences to Patti and me concerning the passing of my mother, Marcetis Rachel Milton, January 3, 2015. February 2nd mom would have been 96 and I believe that she had used up all of her allotted time here on earth. To the many who expressed vocal concern; and to those who sent cards and emails, we sincerely express our gratitude for our Flagler UMC Family. — Larry and Patti Powell THANKS A MILLION for all the cards, calls and prayers during my recent orthopedic surgery. I am recovering well and enjoy being back in the office on a limited basis. —JoAnne Gonzalez ? ? ? ? ? The annual United Methodist Women/ Men’s Club scholarship is now open to accept applications from high school seniors or adults who may be enrolled in a college or in vocational training. The final amount will be determined at the end of March. The applicant must have some affiliation with Flagler Beach United Methodist Church. If there is more than one applicant, the scholarship will be awarded on the basis of need. The scholarship check will be sent to the school. Only the Scholarship Committee will have access to the application which can be picked up in the church office or from Carol Elliott. Carol can send the application by email: contact is carole2094@bellsouth.net. The deadline for receipt of the application is March 31, 2015. The Trustees are moving forward with a plan to renovate and freshen the appearance of much of the outer shell of the church. This encompasses cleaning and inspecting the roof over the sanctuary, some repairs to all sides of the building and some painting, including the cross. It will probably be spring or near then when we begin. An independent contractor will be chosen to do the work. —Larry Powell, chair Did you read in the paper that our member, Chuck Nichols, and his partner Merlin Nuti-de Biasi won the 2014 Florida International Senior Games mixed tennis competition for their age group. The games were held in Fort Myers December 6-10. The two dedicated tennis players are now qualified to compete in the 2015 National Senior Games which will be held in July in Minnesota. Way to Go! Bernice Hull, a long-time member of FBUMC but on our shut-in list, went home to the Lord December 29. Her granddaughter, Amber Colson, is well known to the congregation as we watched her grow up, go to college, and now working. Our condolences also to Bea’s daughter, Connie, and her husband Ralph Colson. Bea requested that no service be held. Condolences to Larry and Patti Powell on the death of his mother, Marcetis Rachel Milton, on January 3, 2015. She was living in Fayetteville, TN but was formerly from Evansville, IN. She is also survived by daughters Sunny Baker (Darwin) of Meridianville, AL, Karen Clements (Ronnie) of Fayetteville, TN, and Amber Stuart (Arnold Jobe), plus 12 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren, and 12 great-greatgrandchildren. My apologies to Brian and Leslie Becker for incorrectly giving the name of Brian’s mother in the January Tidings upon her death. Betty Becker went to the Lord on December 11, 2014. —Editor Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org TIDINGS To make a Prayer Request use the Email Address: prayerchain@ cfl.rr.com Page 5 Please pray for: our country, for the homeless and hungry, our sister church in Cuba. Also, Mildred Adams; Joanne Atkinson; Chris Barwick; Hal and Jan Burkley; Marie Burpeau; Joan Carpenter; Helen Coughenour; Joshua Drobinski; Winnie Duensing; Thomas Ellinor; Christina Gill; JoAnne Gonzalez; AvaRae Hall; Eva Heslip; B. Marie Hodgin; Peter Horton; the Bernice Hull Family; Keith Johnson Family; Shane Kitchens; Gary Kopul; Burton and Jean Lamont; Walter Leonard; Elizabeth Merlie; Kent Morton; Mack and Angie Osbourne; Daryl Rauscher; Marda Roberts; Susan Schultz; Mary Thomas; Bryan and Aurelia Tyson; Marguerite Wasserburger; Margie and Kathi Wells; David Willette; Gail Wolcott. Pray for the health and safety of all our military personnel wherever they serve throughout the world to protect our freedoms, and our veterans who served in the past. Associated with our church family are: Conor Bertha, Navy; Drill Sgt. Brian Constantino; Hunt Kerrigan; Pvt. Scott Lowe, USAF; Pvt. Shawn Lowe, USAF; Jacob Winters. At Buena Vista Methodista Church of Las Tunas in Cuba, the lighted cross atop the church house shines brightly on Christmas Eve when they fed OVER 150 families. Our support has helped the church grow their facility which is becoming too small for all the persons brought to Christ by the mission work of this church. Our Sister C h u r c h Buena Vista-- It is Black Bean soup luncheon time again. from Sarah Kerr, Larry and I will Mission Coordinator serve our annual meal on February 22 after the 11 o’clock service. I BEG you to consider donating what you would pay for lunch in a restaurant including tax and tip to the Cuba sister church fund. We are trying to help them build a privacy fence around the property. They have almost outgrown the church house and frequently hold services and meals in the yard. What a thrill it was to get the picture of the lighted cross atop the church house on Christmas Eve when they fed OVER 150 families according to the last email. You are spreading the gospel by joining us for lunch and contributing to this mission of our church. Imagine No Malaria We are currently at $1,926.00 of our $2,500.00 goal. Remember to mark the memo line of your check INM or Mosquitoes. This is a vital mission of the Florida conference to help eradicate Malaria in Africa. I still see unclaimed mosquitoes around the church. Let’s get them gone!!! Cold Shelter for Homeless FBUMC has a Rise ’N Shine team (along with folk who sleepover and do laundry) that cooks breakfast from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. when called upon. We REALLY need another team member or someone we can call if one of us can’t make it. PLEASE consider helping us. Contact me or Pastor Jeanine (our chief cook). Food Pantry Niki Ellinor, Brenda Winters, Rita Simmons, Norma Huber, Janean Rimes, Fran Anderson and Dutch Schultz helped hand out food in January. Fred and Niki Ellinor and Larry and Martha Noddin are faithful to fill bags weekly. We served 72 families-- 223 adults, 120 children in December. We will have our Annual Souper Bowl Sunday on February 1, 2015 when we collect soup and crackers for the food pantry. We expect our goal of 400 food items and $425 will be met. Pennies for Shoes. On January 18, we collected $218.50. Hurray! The Little Church with the BIG heart is Mission-minded. Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org Page 6 TIDINGS Does It Really Matter? B y now, for many, those New Year’s resolutions have started to slide. For me, my resolution of getting my writing done early is wavering and the deadline of getting in this article for Tidings is looming. As you can see, there is an empty desk here. I’m not sitting here writing one of these stories/articles for Tidings. In fact, one of my resolutions was to clean the desk and now the desk looks overly neat…actually empty. You would be correct in thinking that there doesn’t appear to have been any activity for some time! Michele Y. Burpeau, Ph.D. Sometimes I wonder if this is really what God wants me to do. I often wonder does anyone care? Is anyone reading this anyway? As I look at my clean desk, I wonder if writing is what I need to do. Maybe I really didn’t understand God correctly and was only thinking that I was supposed to be writing. Last summer, when I was taking a summer break, I quickly found other things to do with my time and wondered whether it mattered if I submitted articles or not. I figured I could use my time in other ways. Then someone asked me why I hadn’t written for the summer Tidings. When I heard this, I wondered if that person had actually benefited from my writings or was “laying a guilt trip” on me for not writing. I didn’t know. Then, I got a letter from an out of town reader telling me how much she appreciated reading my writings and how she looked forward to each month’s issue. Next, a lady walked up to me at church and introduced herself and said that she enjoyed the last month’s article. That made me think that God was sending me another message. There were only two Nothin’ Happening Here! questions left for me to answer. Do good (Photo supplied by author) works (or what you think are good works) matter? Should we question if the tasks given to us are necessary? In the Bible, Jonah and the whale is a tale of following God’s wishes. God sent Jonah a message of what He wanted done. As we know, God instructs Jonah to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. We also know that Jonah doesn’t want to go to Nineveh since it’s a “wicked” city and the capital of the Assyrian empire, an enemy of Israel. Jonah takes off in the opposite direction by hopping on a ship in Joppa headed to Tarshish. God doesn’t allow Jonah to escape God’s plans for him and acts to set him back on course. Bible Study – The Book of Jonah I’m not suggesting that God is going to have me swallowed by a whale for wondering if writing is what He wants me to do but after hearing several messages about my writings I’ve decided that perhaps writing for Tidings is God’s instruction to me. It seems it does matter. I’ve learned that what may seem like a ripple in a pond to me may be like a huge wave to someone else. Writing an article, cleaning the church grounds, taking a meal to your ill neighbor, or sending a note of encouragement to someone – whatever it is - it’s not for us to say how “valuable” it is. The other thing is that when you believe God has told you to do something, don’t question it, just do it! I guess that means that I need to get this draft completed and submitted to the Editor for the next Tidings! Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org TIDINGS Page 7 Kevin, left, was quite willing to open the wrapped package sitting in front of the communion table, as Pastor Jeanine delivered her homily on Christmas Eve that “God is Faithful.” Inside was the baby Jesus who was born to save us all. During the service, special music was provided by Scott Brown, Kirsten Shippert and the Choir, and Derrol Miller read “The Crippled Lamb.” Betty Seubert played the organ, while Carl Laundrie and Joe Sisti played guitars for singing. Wisdom Circle members packed 100 school kits for Florida farmworker children at the regular January meeting on the 6th. Left photo shows Pat Vath, Mary Black, Patti Powell and Fran Anderson collating colored construction paper; center shows Nancy Curl, Darlene Hunter and Jennie Merritt putting the first of eight separate items into cloth bags sewn by Bette Rountree; and right photo shows Jennie adding another filled bag to the stash. Also working were Bette Rountree, Sue Baldwin, Rita Simmons, and Carol Elliott. All items were donated by Circle members. Each kit is valued at $11. Marion Guyer, left, follows the photographer’s directions on just how to sit for her Directory photo, and center, Larry and Alice Pickett smile as the photographer takes the pose. Right, Larry Pickett, Ron Wright, and Steve Seubert visit while waiting (for one reason and another) on their picture taking day. Appointments started on Thursday, January 8, and continued Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10. Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org Page 8 TIDINGS Nineteen names of deceased members have been added to the west side of the Memorial Monument in Hoover Memorial Garden. This is a beautiful area to pause and think of loved ones and pray. If you would like your loved one (who must have been a member of FBUMC) added, or to prepay for yourself, please contact the Memorial Committee (Gayle Goodman, chair), Pastor Jeanine, or the Church Office. Pastor Jeanine Clontz led the United Methodist Women Mission Study, How Is It with Your Soul? on Monday, January 19. Twenty women and two men attended the four-hour session to learn how to become a more vibrant disciple of Christ through prayer, learning, mentoring and transformation. Among those attending were: above l. to r., Sil DiGregorio, Gayle Goodman, Rita Simmons, Pastor Jeanine. Left l. to r.: Betty and Steve Seubert, Alice Pickett, Tomi Rine, and Brenda Winters. The Flagler Beach Police Department wants everyone to be safe so the following safety tips are respectfully provided to our residents, businesses and visitors. o Don't text and drive! Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences. o Don't answer your cell phone while driving. Let your cell phone take a message and pull off the road to answer your calls. o Wear your seat belt! Seat belts are proven to save lives and prevent dren are secured in an approved child safety seat. injuries. Make sure chil- o Don't Drink and Drive, use a Designated Driver! o Never leave cooking food unattended. Turkey fryers are for outdoor use away from combustible structures. o If the contents in a pot or pan catch fire, do not touch or try to move the pot or pan as you may spread the fire or burn yourself. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid, larger pot or fire extinguisher. Never use water on a grease fire. Extinguish the flames with a metal lid, larger pot or a fire extinguisher. o In the event of a fire or medical emergency, call 911. Should you have any questions about the safety tips listed above, please feel free to contact any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department so we can provide assistance. Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org TIDINGS Page 9 FEBRUARY 2015 Sun SUNDAY Praise Worship Service 8:30 a.m. Café Fellowship in Gage Hall 9:30-9:45 a.m. Christian Education 9:45-10:30 a.m. Classes for children and youth Children Rm. 7 Youth Gage Hall For adults Larry Kerr leader; Rooms 4/5 Organ Prelude 10:50 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. MONDAY The Seekers Bible Study 7-8:30 p.m. Library Mon Tues Thurs Fri 1 Communion 2 Every Mon. 3 UMW Exec 4 Every Wed. 5 DAR 10:30 6 Food Pantry Seekers 7 pm Comm 9 am Bible Study Choir 6 pm Wisdom Cir 7 pm 8 10:30 am 9 Every Mon 10 Every Tues 11 Men’s 12 UMW 13 Yoga 9:30 am Yoga 7 pm Club 8:30 am luncheon 11:30 am Hospice Grief Group 5-8 pm Trustees 6 pm 15 United 16 Methodist Women Sunday 17 Finance 6 pm 22 Black Bean 23 Lunch noon, benefit CUBA 24 19 Every Thurs TOPS 9 am 18 Sat 7 East Central District Day of Learning First UMC Oviedo 14 20 21 27 28 Church Council 7 pm Service 7 pm Yoga 7 pm 25 Hospice Grief Group 5-8 pm 26 MARK YOUR CALENDAR for our Spring Festival set for Saturday, March 28. Fun, food, games, egg hunt, vendors, cake walk, dunk tank, and lots more! WEDNESDAY Prayer and Bible Study with Rev. Clontz 10:30 a.m. Rooms 4/5 2nd and 4th WEDNESDAY Volusia-Flagler Hospice Grief Group 5-8 p.m. Fellowship Hall THURSDAY Chancel Choir 6 p.m. Wed 23 24 26 26 1 Martha Luke 5 Betty Cartrett 6 Rebecca Austin Rose O’Brien Cole 7 Sue Goodemote 10 Lanny Marlowe 12 Henrietta Bourquin 13 Scott Brown 14 Kenneth Luke 15 Mary Nichols 17 Patricia Brown 17 Anita Gustafson 19 Gayle Goodman 20 Lee Page 20 Steve Seubert 3 9 14 14 14 Aurelie Tyson Liza Horton Joyce McDonald Douglas Merritt Larry & Sue Goodemote Charles & Mary Nichols Brian & Leslie Becker Hal & Jan Burkley Sil & Michele Burpeau DiGregorio 15 Daryl & Lana Rauscher 18 Larry & Alice Pickett 28 Will & Joan Carpenter Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. —C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org TIDINGS Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Flagler Beach, FL Permit No. 15 The little church with a BIG heart FLAGLER BEACH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1520 S. Daytona Ave,., P O. Box 929 Flagler Beach, FL 32136-0929 Telephone: 386-439-2160; FAX 386-439-7070 Email: fbumc@cfl.rr.com Website: www.fbumc.org Jeanine Clontz, Pastor Parsonage: 386-439-0651 Cell: 386-503-5643 Email: pastorfbumc@aol.com Lord, we are thankful for… Material for publication due 15th of month in Church Office or email Carol Elliott at carole2094@bellsouth.net Our annual Rummage Sale, Lunch and Bake Sale is set for Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, with set up starting on Monday, the 2nd. Your help (MEN and WOMEN) is needed in numerous ways: Set up is Monday-Thursday starting at 9 a.m. Come to the church whichever days you can and find a job you can do. Sale days are Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ask Bette Rountree/Betty Seubert where you can work. Cleanup Saturday 1 p.m. The more helping the faster the work gets finished. In the meantime collect all useable items you no longer want—be sure they are clean, are in good repair, and work—household items; garage items; men, women, children clothes of all sizes; books, CDs, movies, tapes, magazines; artwork; jewelry; furniture, etc. Bring to church after January 28th. If you have large items (furniture, etc.) call the church office for pick-up information. Bring baked goods to sell. Visit us on the Web: www.fbumc.org