April 2016 - United Methodist Church of Sun City Center
Transcription
April 2016 - United Methodist Church of Sun City Center
Moving FORWARD IN FAITH Together April 2016 The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Newsletter Message from Pastor Charlie Christ is Risen! The tomb is empty and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has conquered death and given us life now and life everlasting! This has truly been a powerful and blessed Easter Season. My sincere appreciation to everyone who made Holy Week and Easter so very special once again. Thanks to Jeff and Valerie and everyone involved in the music program. The Cantata was truly powerful. To everyone from the parking team, Ask Me team, ushers, greeters, communion stewards, musicians, technicians, staff, the people involved in the dramatic productions, and the entire Body of Christ at UMCSCC... thank you and blessings on you. Throughout this month we will visit CSI Jerusalem in a 4 part sermon series. In our own CSI investigation on April 3rd we will look at "The Motive” (John 3:16 and Acts 2:22-24) so we "don't get fooled again." Then on April 10th, we "He is not here, for he is Risen! Come see the place will then look at "Finding Out Who" (Matthew 26:1-5) "Who are you, who, where the Lord lay and go who, who, who?" On April 17th, "Evidence for the Heart" (Luke 24:1-35) and quickly and tell his disciples on April 24th, "The Testimony of an Eyewitness" (1 Corinthians 15:1-14). that he is risen from the The Spring season, April and the weeks following Easter, is one of my favorite times of the year. As we move into this Spring Season may we do so dead!" Matthew 28: 6, 7a with a renewed hope and spirit that has been touched and blessed by the one who came forth from the grave on Easter! He Is Alive, Pastor Charlie Follow Us! umcscc.org Facebook.com/umcscc YouTube - UMCSCC 2016 M.O.M Each year in the fall, the Missions Team accepts applications for the next year's Mission of the Month. The Team reviews the applications and decides which organizations/causes will be included. Following is a list of the Missions of the Month for 2016. Each mission partner has a SCCUMC member “ambassador” who Vacation Bible School United Methodist of SCC Kidz Klub The Mission of the Month for April is Vacation Bible School here at is actively involved with the partner and is able to answer any questions you may have regarding it. JAN CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Gail Littlefield UMCSCC! FEB HAVEN OF HOPE Barbara Kanoza We had a great time at Mt. Everest last summer, but this summer we MAR DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM are headed in a different direction! From the highest mountain peak, Earl Gall we are going down into the caves with CaveQuest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World! APR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Jeff Collins MAY SOUTHEAST ASIAN RELIEF Judy Maynard Creason Hall will be transformed into a cave with colorful lighting and fun new Bible characters to teach the children that Jesus gives us hope, courage, direction, love, and his awesome power! JUN UNDER THE CROSS YOUTH Jeff Collins JUL CUBA SISTER CHURCH Pat Rorer AUG WATOTO MISSION COTTAGE VBS will run from June 20-24, Judy Maynard with set construction beginning the week of June 13-17. SEP ALZHEIMERS Connie Lesko If you are interested in assisting with set decorations, being a Crew Leader, or helping in any way during VBS week, please let Susie know by calling OCT GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION Mary Jane Kulina NOV PASTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Pastor Sam Rorer 813-767-1298. DEC SALVATION ARMY Come and go Karen Ransbury spelunking with us . . . it will be an incredible time! Thank you so much for the wonderful support you as a congregation have given our mission partners. You have been such a blessing and have changed so many lives by your generosity. Mission Team SCC United Methodist goes ‘FEET First’ with the 1st….. FEBRUARY 2016 Shoe & Sock Drive for the NEEDY by Mike and Heidi Evans During the month of February, as an extension of Small Groups, Earl Gall asked my husband, Mike and myself to conduct our church’s 1st Shoe and Sock Drive for the Homeless and Children of Wimauma and Reddick schools. Thanks to our congregation’s heartfelt generosity, we were so blessed to provide over 400 pairs of new and lightly used athletic shoes and more than 700 pair of new socks. Distribution to Calvary Lutheran Food Pantry Shoes and most of the socks collected were donated to Calvary Lutheran for distribution Tuesday mornings during Angel’s Attic Food Distribution of bags with food to the needy. Mike and I bagged the shoes with 2 pairs of socks and delivered shoes and socks every week throughout the month of February. Working with Joanie Frantz of Calvary Lutheran, we were astonished by the number of homeless and needy people there are just 3 miles away. Joanie also told us periodically she fills her car with jackets, hats and shoes and drives the streets in Ruskin to locate and distribute to the homeless. God Bless this lady!!!! We expanded our collection to include blankets, sweatshirts, jackets, books and bibles and joined Joanie one cold Sunday afternoon. We located 9 homeless people that day, handing out shoes and socks and blankets. One gentleman grabbed my hand and with tears in his eyes he said, “this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me…God bless you”. One lady was wearing socks with holes and flip-flops….she hugged my husband when he handed her a pair of athletic shoes and heavy socks. Another couple, after a ton of Thank yous, walked off wrapped up in the blankets we just gave them to show us where they were living. Mike and I can only say , this was the most humbling experience of our lives; and how we wished we could do more. When we got home…all we could think about is how all of us are SO blessed …. We have a warm bed and food….PLEASE pray for the homeless population just 3 miles away. Mike and I are continuing our efforts to help the homeless; Mike now volunteers at Angel’s Attic every Tuesday and we have a few ideas for some future Help for the Homeless!! Local Charity goes shopping for Kid’s Shoes!! We voiced a call for shoes for the kids in the Wimauma and Reddick schools. Someone acted on the call and sent out the request to her condo association. Shortly after, there was a knock on the door and the next door neighbor was offering $1000 from an organization of which he was a member!! A day was set and the two neighbors went shopping. The shopping spree netted over 90 pairs of shoes and almost as many pairs of socks. Proof again that you only have to ask and God provides. Many thanks to the Frank E. Lowe Children’s Charity, Inc. for their generous hearts and donation. And thanks to Jim Greenmun for initiating the donation AND doing the shopping! Interfaith Council Of SCC Awards UMCSCC $12,000 Grant! From the left. Dee Kelly, Senior Pastor Charlie Rentz, Kayliana, Jeff Collins (Youth Minister), & Linda Maslyk The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center was awarded a $12,000 grant from the Interfaith Council of Sun City Center to assist the Kidz Klub and Under The Cross Youth Group with Food for Body and Soul. UMCSCC serves the South Hillsborough County area, where 75+% of students are deemed “economically disadvantaged.” Hunger and poor nutrition are ever-present and a serious problem for many of our children, youth, and families. The Interfaith Council of SCC has provided funding for 150 children to receive nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks. By receiving this grant, The United Methodist Church of Sun City will continue to teach children and youth that nutritious food, exercise and positive choices are key to a healthy life. Wednesday, April 13, Acupuncture: at 10:00 AM Pain Relief ACUPUNCTURE: PAIN RELIEF The Health Ministry Team of The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is hosting a presentation of “Acupuncture: Pain Relief” by Reyna Bragg of Sun City Center Health and Wellness, LLC. Plan to attend on April 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the LEC at 1210 Del Webb Blvd., 33573. Reyna Bragg is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine National Board Diplomate with 25 years of experience in helping people overcome pain inexpensively. She will demonstrate how this safe, painless, and effective procedure can treat a wide variety of medical problems. This presentation is made available at no charge to educate those interested in a holistic way to help people stay healthy. Light refreshments will be served. Please make reservations by calling the UMCSCC office at 813.634.2539. New Member Class Sessions begin in April! April 19th, April 26th May 3rd, May 12th Welcome New Members! We had 50 new congregational members join on Palm Sunday! These classes are not required but highly recommended for new members. We are truly blessed at UMCSCC with a strong servant ministry. Our congregation is always there when we need them. As the summer approaches and our snow birds start to migrate back north our need for volunteers grows. If you are one of our year round participants and would like to be more involved with the church please see below for a list of ministries who are actively looking for fresh new faces to spread the Gospel and share the love of Christ. Bus Drivers Needed!!! We are looking for drivers who currently hold an active CDL License or those who are willing to obtain one. We need drivers to assist with Wednesday night children/youth transportation and other Church related excursions such as: Trips to The Holy Land in Orlando, Retreats, Bus Tours, etc. The Church will cover the cost upon completion of the Driver CDL course. If you are interested in learning more information, please contact Mandy Bridges in the Church of- fice. Ushers Needed for ALL Services What a great job! You can even schedule your time for the service you attend. Your schedule is up to you….one week, two weeks, four weeks! Another wonderful plus is you get to meet the great people who attend our church. For more information, call Shirley Walker (813) 217-1602 or the church office 634-2539. Volunteers Needed for Kidz Klub/ UTC Youth If you love Kids! You are needed to join the kitchen team who prepare the meals for our kids and youth on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. For more information, please call “Mr. Richard” at (813) 922-4120 or Pat in the church office. Paraments We are looking for a team of volunteers to change paraments on the Altar & Pulpit according to the color in the Conference Church Calendar. If interested, please call Shirley Walker at 813-217-1602 or Pat Hill in the Church office. Mission Ministry If you have a heart for Ministry and would like to be a part of our Missions Team, please call Judy Maynard at 813-774-1936 South Shore Brass Spring Concert Friday, April 1st at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary Our excellent local brass quintet under the direction of Ken Easton performs a Spring concert that features a variety of music, from great classics to pop. $5 donation at the door. Friday Night Movie Friday, April 8th at 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM in the Life Enrichment Center. Our Fellowship Team Join us to see the Friday Night Movie for April, “Smitty”! This family favorite teaches a life prepares an amazing dinner lesson on friendship, family and responsibility. Rated PG. Doors open 30 minutes prior to on the Second Tuesday show times! Light refreshments and popcorn served. We welcome your generous offering to help us provide movie nights for many months to come. of each month at 5:30 PM in our Life Eastern Hillsborough Community Band Concert Enrichment Center. Thursday, April 14th at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary Here is a sneak peek of our Under the direction of Kenneth Watts, this fine community ensemble will be performing a upcoming menus! program entitled "The Band Remembers - Selections from Our Past" featuring music by the Tijuana Brass, the Star Wars & Pirates of the Caribbean films, and others. $5 donation at the door. Lyra- Great A Cappella Choral Music from Russia Friday, April 15th at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary Direct from Moscow, this extraordinary a cappella ensemble will perform traditional Eastern Orthodox sacred music as well as Russian folk and popular music. Not to be missed April 12, 2016 Short Ribs and Noodles Peas Salad Rolls Dessert if you love great choral music! $10 donation at the door The Puffers- Gospel Music & More Friday, April 22nd at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary With songs on the national gospel charts, Bob & Darlene Puffer offer a variety of music including traditional Gospel, Southern Gospel, Country, Folk and many humorous songs. Great music AND testimony! $5 donation at the door. Calvary Heirs Southern Gospel Quartet Friday, April 29th at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary The Calvary Heirs is an unusual quartet in that it's composed of three guys and one gal. Their most recent release is called Soldiers for Christ. They were a big hit last year. $5 donation at the door. Dinner tickets are available for purchase. After Dinner please join us at 6:15 PM in our Sanctuary for our entertainment. This month we will be wowed by the talents of the East Bay High School Show Choir. We ask a $5 donation or love offering for any who are coming to the show that did not partake in the meal. See you there! HE IS RISEN INDEED! I hope that each of you had a meaningful Lenten journey and Easter celebration. Many thanks to all of the folks that made Holy Week and Easter services as powerful as they were. From the Choir Cantata, to the Living Last Supper, to the Service of Shadows, to the Sonrise, traditional and contemporary Services of the Resurrection, Holy Week and Easter were something very special at UMCSCC. It is what our faith is all about... I believe in the resurrection - on the third day he rose again from the dead... Special thanks to all of the volunteers (and this church has many more than any I've ever served) who continue to make this the fastest growing UMC in Florida. Special thanks also to our Pastors and Staff who 'worked their tails off' these past several weeks. I'd like to personally thank, and this is just a short list, Carol, David, Earl, Doug, Tony, Judalyn, Nancy, Izzy, Jody, Kevin, Desi, Mike W., Mike B., Mike F., Holly, Shirley, Paul, Val, Kathy, SCC, Wendell, Becky, the Praise Team, the Handbells, the Chancel Choir, Grace Notes, Ahh-Men, and the list goes on and on! We are a life-changing and transformative church thanks to your heart for Him. We also welcomed three new staff members this past month- Mandy (communications), Priscilla (reception) and especially important for the continued success of our music ministry, Amarin (AVL tech supervisor). Amarin brings us a wealth of experience with film, loads of talent, and an amazing willingness to learn. Sadly, this is also the time of year that we say au revoir to our part time residents and wish them a safe trip back North. As I always say, y'all will be back permanently someday! This is also a great time of year to check out our various musical ensembles. Handbell Class - Mondays at 11AM Contemporary Praise Team - Tuesdays at 6PM in the LEC Joy Belles 12-Bell Handbells - Wednesdays at 12:15PM in the Sanctuary Bellissima Handbells - Wednesdays at 1PM in the Sanctuary Jubilation Handbells -Wednesdays at 2PM in the Sanctuary Glory Ringers - Wednesdays at 3:15PM in the Sanctuary Ahh-Men Men's Ensemble - Thursdays at 6PM in the LEC Grace Notes Women's Ensemble - Thursdays at 6PM in the Choir Room Chancel Choir - Thursdays at 7PM in the Choir Room As always, please feel free to contact me with comments, ideas, suggestions or questions. I look forward to continuing to serve our congregation and our Lord... Praise be to God who makes all things good! , Soli Deo Gloria! Jeff Jordan The Mission of the Month for April is Vacation Bible School here at UMCSCC! We had a great time at Mt. Everest last summer, but this summer we are headed in a different direction! From the highest mountain peak, we are going down into the caves with CaveQuest: Following Jesus The Light of the World! Creason Hall will be transformed into a cave with colorful lighting and fun new Bible characters to teach the children that Jesus gives us hope, courage, direction, love, and his awesome power! VBS will run from June 20-24, with set construction beginning the week of June 13-17. If you are interested in assisting with set decorations, being a Crew Leader, or helping in any way during VBS week, please let Susie know by calling 813-767-1298. Come and go spelunking with us. . .it will be an incredible time! For the month of March, both the Kidz Klub and UTC Youth participated in the church-wide Bible Study, 24-Hours That Changed the World. This proved to be greatly educational for our young people and we all got into God’s Word to read Mark’s account of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ! Summer Camp Fundraiser An Evening in Venice was a tremendous success and we thank everyone who came out to support our fundraising efforts. We are having a special TAKE OUT, or dine in Spaghetti Meal on Sunday, April 10th in Creason Hall immediately following each service. For a donation of any amount, we will provide you with a take On Easter Sunday, the youth had an opportunity to perform a shadow drama entitled “Alive”. Set to music, this production allowed our young people to portray events in the final hours of the home meal of incredible spaghetti and sauce, bread, and salad. All of the proceeds will go toward our camp fund. We look forward to serving you! life of Jesus, leading up to his resurrection. Our prayer is that all who watched were touched in a special way and that the Lord We are in need of bus drivers! If you are ministered to personal needs during each ser- interested in helping vice. please see our “Searching Special thanks to Pastor Charlie and Pastor Sam for giving us the opportunity to present this production to our church family! for Volunteers” section in this newsletter for more information! The Believer Bus gets a well-deserved wash down! On a Sunday afternoon, members of the UTC youth Group and super volunteers stayed over to clean up the Believer Bus, both inside and out. We are blessed to have the transportation for this ministry and we are teaching the young people to be good stewards of what God has given. We hope the entire church and all who use the bus will be blessed with a nice, clean bus! Congregational Care Ministry The Congregational Care Team’s monthly meeting had a very special guest. Nancy Starewicz and her dog, Lucky were very kind to come and visit us for our March meeting. Some of you may have met Nancy and Lucky during the children’s sermon in March. They both help to share with us on how dogs are used to minister to the elderly. On Friday, April 8th, at 12:00 p.m. our luncheon speaker will be Lynn Penley, District Manager of Long-term Care with the Department of Elder Affairs, and advocates for Long-Term Residents. She will explain “How the Ombudsman program can help you and how you can help others.” This is a program that is free to the elderly and is available to anyone needing help in regards to the care they receive while living in a facility. This program is open to anyone interested in this subject. You do not need to be a member of the Congregational Care Ministry to attend. The speaker will begin at 12:30. If you would like to attend the luncheon prior to the speaker, please call Elaine Moore at 813-634-4550 to make a reservation. We have included more information about Lucky below for anyone who missed out meeting and wanted more information. Women of Faith Meet and Greet Tea Party! Presented to you from our Community Connections Team Hosted at the Conesa Center at Prince of Peace Catholic Church 702 Valley Forge Boulevard, SCC, FL Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Refreshments, fellowship, church tour, Brief talk by Pastor, Fr. Kovanis. Wear your hat and bring your favorite teacup! *Free event, but please register at 813-634-2328 TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE COMING IN THE FALL!!! Put it on your schedule now – we will have a trip to the Holy Land Experience on Thursday, October 6th. It’s been a little over a year since our last trip and those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day. We visited the Scriptorium, saw the model city of Jerusalem, enjoyed many shows and some even took communion with “Jesus”. It was a wonderful, inspiring day. “Jesus” even came out to say goodbye and take pictures with us as we were leaving! Transportation will be planned based on the number of attendees – carpooling, Believer Bus, or a larger bus. More details will come later but if you want to be part of the group, mark your calendars now. New Ladies Bible Study! The Friends of Jesus By Karen Kingsbury In September we studied The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury. It was such a beautiful study that we agreed to move on to the author’s follow-up study, The Friends of Jesus. In our everyday lives, friends are the people with whom we spend the most time, go through struggles with at times, and who know us best. Each of Jesus' friends - Peter, John, Matthew, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarus traveled with Jesus and were part of His daily ministry, and each has a compelling story to tell. There were some who question or doubt Him ... and one would even would betray Him. We know how Karen Kingsbury is able to combine valuable, instructive Bible study with compelling, insightful character sketches. She does this again with Jesus' companions, providing us with a deeper understanding of the scriptural teachings featuring these fascinating people. Emotionally powerful, thought-provoking, and soulful, The Friends of Jesus will help you to appreciate the Bible and understand how it applies to your relationships with the most important people in your life. The Friends of Jesus is a six week study and will be held on Mondays at 6:30p, April 11 – May 16. Please call the church office to register. Study Books will be available at the first class. (Participation in The Family of Jesus is NOT a requirement for The Friends of Jesus study.) 2017Annual Retreat at Sea United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Hosted by: Pastor Charlie and Marcia Rentz Pastor Sam and Pat Rorer With Music Leaders Jeff and Amanda Jordan Aboard the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas 5-Night Cruise March 6th -11th, 2017 Roundtrip Tampa, FL Register online at www.eo.travel/mytrip Tour: CC17 Date: 030617 Code: C ID: 18597 Or call 1-800-247-0017 Prices Starting at $399* *Does not include $87 Taxes RETURN TO ISRAEL With Drs. Charlie & Marcia Rentz September 16-26, 2016 $3348- All Inclusive Price from New York; $3646 from Tampa View this tour online at www. EO.travel/mytrip Tour: HL16 Date: 091616 Code: R ID: 18597 See Church office for Informational Brochure. Cruise to Cuba With Rev. Samuel & Pat Rorer 2016 Cultural Immersion & Missions Program October 30- November 6, 2016 8 Day Cruise Starting at $1799 View this tour online at www. EO.travel/mytrip Tour: CU16 Date: 103016 Code: D ID 17410 Studies / Notices Bible Studies Men’s Monday Night Bible Study in Room 30. Led by Pastor Sam Rorer. New study starts April 4th at 6:30 PM. The book “The 13 Disciples” is available in the Pages of Life Bookstore now. Women’s Interdenominational Bible Study in the LEC Every Monday morning 9:30-11:00 AM; An ongoing, in-depth Bible study, with singing, prayer requests and thanksgiving to our precious Lord! Hispanic Ministries Each Monday and Wednesday Prayer meetings at private homes on Mondays at 7:00 PM. Women’s Bible Study at 5:30 PM and a Family Bible Study at 8:00 PM on Wednesdays. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast- third Thursday each month Led by Rev. Samuel T. Rorer, in our Life Enrichment Center, at 8:00 AM each month. Next meeting is April 21st. Sign up in the LEC lobby or the front office. Cost is $7. LOST & FOUND Please come to Office and check out the Lost & Found box for - glasses, keys, jewelry, sweaters etc.… We will be finding new homes for these items SOON!!! Don’t Forget to Pass the Book Thank you to all who have been filling out our Attendance Books in the Life Enrichment Center and the Sanctuary. We have been able to record our attendance more accurately thanks to you! We have noticed, however, that some of our congregation who is signing in are not in our membership/ attendance roster! This means we don’t have your information on file and you could be missing out on important information from the church! Please take a moment and give us at least a current phone and email so we can compare our records. If we are missing you then we can follow-up and make sure we have everything we need to keep you “In the Know”! The Timely Treasures Ministry Thank you! To all of our Donors, Volunteers and shoppers! Together we earned nearly $25,000 at our 13th annual sale! These monies help to support all ministries of the church and other operational needs as they occur throughout the year. VISIT US ON THE WEB Visit us on the web at UMCSCC.ORG. Now you can listen to your favorite sermons from our YouTube page and share with your friends! It’s never been easier to give online now. Just click on the “GIVE” button on our home page. Coming soon… A FREE MOBILE APP for your phone! We are a fast growing church and your staff is striving to keep you informed so let us know what you think! Contact the office and ask for Tiffani . Again, thank you to all who gave so willingly of their time and resources to make this sale a success With gratitude from our Timely Treasure Team Members Earl and Gwynn Gall Mike & Holly Fox Shirley Walker Dick & Dee Babbitts Pages of Life Book Store - and Gift Shop 813-633-8595 - NEW HOURS OF OPERATION Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Sunday 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Stop in for a good find Sunday Service Times 8:15 AM 9:15 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 4:00 PM Contemporary Traditional Contemporary Traditional Hispanic Contact Us The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center 1210 Del Webb Blvd West, Sun City Center, FL 33573 813-634-2539 www.umcscc.org Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Friday 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Sunday 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pages of Life Book Store 813-633-8595 Sunday School Classes — All are Welcome 8:30—9:30 AM Son Catchers meet in Room 12, facilitated by Luke and Jeanne Lloyd. 9:30—10:30 AM Good News Class meets in Room 11, facilitated by Ken Barringer. “ A Basic Review of the Core History and Beliefs of our Christian Faith”. 10:45—11:45 AM Agape Class meets in Room 12. 11:00—12:00 PM Disciples Class meets in Room 30, facilitated by Elaine Moore and Jackie Parker. 11:00—12:00 PM Oasis Class meets in Room 11, facilitated by Tom Montgomery. Sunday Morning Programs for Children Sunday Morning Kidz (ages 4-11; breakfast at 8:30 AM ) Bible Stories - 9:30-11:15 AM in Creason Children’s Center. Under the Cross Youth (ages 12-17; Breakfast at 8:30 AM) Bible Stories - 9:00-10:00 AM in Room 30 followed by attendance at 9:45 AM Contemporary Service. Under the Cross Youth Fellowship (ages 12-17) - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM in Creason Children’s Center. Nursery is available for all worship services.