The Good News. Lake Gibson United Methodist Church. Sharing God s Love Through Action One Person at a Time

Transcription

1 The Good News Lake Gibson United Methodist Church Sharing God s Love Through Action One Person at a Time April 2015 Steve Polk, Pastor 424 West Daughtery Road, Lakeland Florida Phone (863) From the Pastor s Desk Luke 24: 5-6 (CEB) Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He isn t here, but has been raised. Have you ever really thought about the resurrection? I know that many people wonder if it occurred at all, but I m asking, have you ever thought about the way it occurred? There is very little in the Bible about the actual moment Jesus was resurrected. Why didn t God shake the earth with an earthquake, sound a sonic boom in the heavens, assemble Pilate and all of Jerusalem at the tomb, roll the stone away and say, Watch this guys. I ve told you this was my Son and you have ignored Him. I told you to obey Him and you haven t. You thought He was a problem, so you nailed Him to a cross, and now you think you have killed Him. Guess what, you did not kill Him. He lay down His life willingly to save mankind to save you. Then with a big drum roll and brass horns blaring, say ARISE MY SON!!! That would have made a statement, wouldn t it? That would have had everyone gasping and falling on their faces in fear and trembling. There would have been no doubt, no question about who has the power and authority in the world. There would have been no doubt about what religion was the true one and which God was the real God. Yet, God chose to raise Jesus back to life in the stillness of a tomb, in the quietness of a graveyard, with the only witnesses being angels. Isn t that just like God? Instead of taking center stage, which He deserves, He works behind the scenes. The same as He does with most individuals. Godly life starts on the inside as a person considers the possibility of God and the call of God. The work on the inside in the stillness of a life transforms us just as God s power transformed Jesus in the grave. We are given new life as the Spirit leads and guides us in following our Lord and Savior, just as Jesus was given new life. Jesus passes His new life on to His Disciples and followers. We, too, are to pass our newness of life on to others. As we reflect and contemplate on the empty tomb of Easter and the power of the Resurrection this year, let us also consider the transformation that has occurred in us and pass it on to others. Let us obey the words of Jesus: 8 Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 Common English Bible (CEB) Happy Easter! Pastor Steve and Mrs. Penny Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pastor Steve Polk s Message Table of Contents Marina s Corner Church Calendar for April Youth Calendar for April Special April Events Summary of March News Help Wanted Finance and Related Topics Our Departments Lay Leader s Corner Rooted Student Ministry A Little Bit of Heaven CEC Music Department Adult Sunday School Classes Focus on Ministries Mission Moments United Methodist Men (UMM) United Methodist Women (UMW) Celebrations Contact Information Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 2

3 Church Calendar of Events for April Date Event 3 Journey to the Cross, FLC, noon 3:00 pm and 6:00 8:00 pm Church office is closed. 4 Spring Fling, 2:00 pm (children s activities, bike helmet fitting). 5 Easter Son-rise Service, 7:30 am Brunch in the FLC, 8:30 am Easter Service and Cantata, 10:00 am 6 Heart to Heart UMW Circle, 10:30 am in FLC 1&2 Trustees Meeting, church office 8 Ruth Circle of Love UMW, 11:00 am, FLC 1&2 9 A Little Bit of Heaven (ALBOH) School Board Meeting, 6:30 pm, FLC 11 United Methodist Men (UMM), 8:00 am, FLC 12 Harvest Sunday Bring food and supplies for Food Pantry to service. Blood Drive, 9:00 am 12:45 pm 13 Staff, Pastor, Parish Relations Committee (SPPRC) meeting, 7:00 pm, FLC 15 Empty UMW Shed (UMM, Youth and volunteers needed all day) 16 UMW Rummage Sale Setup (Volunteers, please!), 9:00 am, FLC 17 UMW Rummage Sale, 8:00 am 3:00 pm 18 UMW Rummage Sale, 8:00 am noon. Volunteers needed to load Salvation Army truck and restore items in shed. 19 Special Sunday Offering: Native American Ministries Sunday 20 Kitchen Committee Meeting, 1:00 pm, FLC all who are interested Finance Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm, FLC 1&2 24 Christian Karaoke, 6:00 pm, FLC 28 UMW Board Meeting, 9:00 am, FLC 1&2 Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 3

4 Rooted Student Ministry Calendar for April Day Event Time 1-Wed MALIBU 2:30-11:30pm, fee $25 includes food 2-Thur Holy Thursday Volleyball? 3-Fri Journey to the Cross 12:00-3:00 & 6:00-8:00 pm 4-Sat Sonrise service practice 1:00-3:00 pm, if needed 5-Sun Easter Sonrise Service 7:30 am 8-Wed Hangout time 3:00-6:00 pm Youth program 6:00-8:30 pm 9-Thur Volleyball 7:00-9:00 pm 10-Fri Acquire the Fire 4:00-11:00 pm 11-Sat $44.00 To 11:30 pm 15-Wed Hangout time 3:00-6:00 pm Youth program 6:00-8:30 pm 16-Thur Volleyball 7:00-9:00 pm 19-Sun Leadership meeting 9:00-11:30 am 22-Wed Hangout time 3:00-6:00 pm Youth Program 6:00-8:30 pm 23-Thur Volleyball 7:00-9:00 pm 29-Wed Hangout time 3:00-6:00 pm Youth Program 6:00-8:30 pm 30-Thur Volleyball 7:00-9:00 pm Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 4

5 Marina s Corner A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple that comes back to you. Anonymous Food Pantry The new, small freezer has been installed in a corner of the administrative office conference room. As of 19 March LGUMC has assisted 38 families with both groceries and baked goods. An additional four bags of baked goods have been donated to other families in our area. Baked goods have been distributed to Hope House, Sterling House and Talbot House, and to additional families outside of our area. A great big Thank You to all the volunteers who assist in distributing the baked goods. And a great big THANK YOU to our congregation for all the donations given to assist these families in need. An especially big THANK YOU to Yvonne and Todd Bower who purchase additional items to replenish the pantry, and go out and pick up the ground beef for our pantry. Each and every one of you volunteers is a huge blessing for these families who depend on the LGUMC food pantry. FOODSTUFFS Spaghetti Sauce 2nd Sunday is Harvest Sunday Food Pantry Needs PERSONAL HYGIENE Toilet Paper Pastas Spaghetti, Noodles, etc. Diapers (Sizes 1 to 4) Hamburger Helper or Tuna Helper Dry Soups Ramen Noodles Canned Soups Canned Ravioli or Spaghetti Boxed Macaroni and Cheese Canned Vegetables Canned Fruits Peanut Butter Baby Wipes Toothbrushes Travel-sized: Toothpaste, Soaps, Shampoos, Deodorants Canned Tuna, Salmon or Chicken Canned Meats (Ham, Spam, Potted Meat, Vienna Sausages) Frozen Ground Beef Jelly or Preserves Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 5

6 Special April Events Spring Fling, Saturday, April 4th Building on the success of October s Trunk or Treat, that saw 97 participants from our neighborhood and nearby communities, we will hold a Spring Fling Celebration on April 4th at 2:00 pm. Led by Claudia Moore, we will be entertaining children with games, Easter egg hunting and other activities. In addition, children will be fitted with free bicycle helmets until the supply is exhausted. Please donate prewrapped candy, jellybeans and undecorated, hard-boiled eggs by Saturday, April 4th at 1:00 pm. Volunteer workers are also needed. Contact Claudia Moore at or ClaudiaMoore1@aol.com. Spring Rummage Sale It is that time again! The United Methodist Women s Rummage Sale is April 17 th and 18 th. As most of you know, the majority of money generated from the rummage sales goes to Christian based charities or missions (Parker Street Ministries, Salvation Army, UMCOR, Florida United Methodist Children s Home, etc.). The support and help of our church family has always made this a successful event. So, please remember us as you are doing your spring cleaning! We prefer that you bring your items to the Family Life Center (FLC) and place them along the back wall on April 12th - April 16th. However, if you need to get rid of items sooner, there is still a little room in our storage unit. Call Sue Shelton ( ) or Debbie Moore ( ) to arrange a time to open the storage unit for you. If you have items but cannot get them to the church, please call Pat and Bob Gilmore ( ) or Lois and Gene Teske ( ) to make arrangements for the items to be picked up. We would love to have you join us if you have a couple of hours or more on April 16 th (8:00 am to 3:00 pm) to help us set up, or on April 17 (8:00 am to 3:00 pm) and/or 18 th (8:00 to 12:00 noon) to assist with customers. At noon on April 18 th we could really use help from the men to help us load the Salvation Army truck with unsold items. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 6

7 Summary of March News Laugh All Night The title says it all! Justin Fennell kept a large, age-diverse audience in stitches with his comedy concert Sunday, March 8th. The tables and chairs of the FLC were arranged in one-quarter of the large room to provide a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Thanks to the Music Department for bringing us this entertaining and informative event. You can track Justin Fennell s engagements and learn more about his work on his web site, justinfennell.com. This comedy concert raised funds to support New Missions, a charity established in 1983 serving Haiti and the Dominican Republic. New Missions is a non-profit organization that establishes churches and Christian schools to serve the spiritual and physical needs of children and families. Through a network of 32 churches and 35 schools, New Missions develops local religious leaders. They commit at least 80% of all contributions for direct ministry programs, with 10% for administration and 10% for fundraising. To learn more about this ministry, go to their web site, Dawn s Rising The second Music Department concert was given on Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:00 pm. Sixtyseven (67) attendees enjoyed the premier of Dawn s Rising and early dinner of salad and sandwiches. Everyone enjoyed the variety of music presented. FUMCH Day on Campus Thanks to Jeff and Karen Acor, our representatives to the Florida United Methodist Children s Home, for another opportunity to visit the campus in Enterprise, FL. On Saturday, 21 March 2015, they took the church van to permit others to see the campus and better understand the programs offered for children and youth. With a dozen cottages housing those under eighteen, they have a capacity for one hundred twenty in residence (first through twelfth grades). While some are temporary residents, many matriculate through FUMCH into adulthood. Additionally, FUMCH provides services to over two hundred more younger children in foster care through the Department of Children and Families. This past year a new campus was started in Madison, FL, to better serve needs of Florida s panhandle. The Ranch now has two residence halls and will eventually grow as funding permits. During 2015, the Administrative Council has stated that one of their primary financing goals is to pay a requested $4,000 contribution to FUMCH. We met this goal during 2013 with the help of contributed bicycles. In 2014 we fell short of meeting our requested allocation of $12 per member. Of course, with only half of our members attending services, this would more than likely mean about $50 per family per year. If you were not able to contribute on 29 March during the Fifth Sunday appeal, please consider how you might be able to help LGUMC meet our goal for Just annotate a check FUMCH on the memo line and know that you are helping to raise a child in a loving, Christian environment. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 7

8 Computer Classes During February and March, a series of three computer classes were held at LGUMC. Fifteen brave souls came to learn more about their computer operating system and how it works. Attendees were given handouts, plus two compact discs (CDs) filled with written articles, manuals and additional free programs. Of course, with fifteen people of varying knowledge levels, the class was probably both enlightening to some and frustrating to others. I applaud those who attended. Hopefully, each will feel more comfortable using their computers. At least they should be able to find on the web, listen to sermons, and locate our monthly newsletter with ease. Our last session was basically a question and answer period. Some may still have questions as to how to accomplish specific tasks. If you have trouble after performing a web search on the topic, please feel free to contact Dwight@DwightKitchens.com ( ) and I ll be pleased to attempt to help. LGUMC Electronic Cookbook Class A group got together on 14 March 2015 to whip up some knowledge about using our new electronic cookbook software, Cook n Recipe Organizer. The United Methodist Women worked hard to gather recipes from our members, friends and relatives, and put them together in one source, published using the Cook n software. The cookbook is still available in both a printed version and an electronic version, with a price of either $15 for the hard copy, or $20 for both. The participants learned that the electronic version permits us to type in new recipes, grab recipes off the Internet, subscribe to cookbooks from the software publisher and scan recipes from other sources. With a multitude of formats (8.5 x 11, 3 x 5, and 4 by 6 ), the program provides numerous options. Our version has both LGUMC recipes and many provided by Rhodes Bread. Now it s time to try them out. I ll volunteer to taste the results should anyone desire to cook every recipe in the software. They may not be classical French recipes worthy of Julia Child, but they will certainly be tasty. Alternatively, maybe we should work down the recipe list during our pot luck dinners? Again, I ll volunteer as a taster. Don t forget to start adding your new favorites to your electronic cookbook. Maybe we ll have many more recipes to add in our next version of the LGUMC cookbook. Dwight Kitchens Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 8

9 Many Thanks to Recent Volunteers You may have recently noticed some repair and maintenance work being done around the church. Dorothy and Paul Spadafora and Gene Teske have been working to upgrade the Prayer Garden with clearing, mulching and repairs to the bridge and benches. Gary Mudge and Tom Burns also helped improve the appearance of the grounds. Ann Fox has been out pulling weeds, trimming shrubs and installing new plants in our flower garden around the flag poles. Brad Fox recently repaired our water line leak. Bob Gilmore and Walter Allen repaired the eaves of the sanctuary where weather had damaged the wood underneath the roof overhang. Please notice that not all of these volunteers are members of the Trustees Committee. They just found an opportunity to serve and help improve LGUMC for all. So, should you find a void in our programs or facilities, don t wait to be invited to serve. Why not step up and contribute your skills? Your efforts will be most appreciated. Marina Garcia and Dwight Kitchens Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 9

10 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. Luke 24:15 NIV The month of March offered a tremendous blessing to 4 members of our congregation. Ken and Bonnie Fuqua along with Tom and Betty Fischer took their Walk to Emmaus, along with 43 other Christians who had a desire to renew their Christian spirit to better prepare them to serve as they are led by the Holy Spirit. Along with Ken, Bonnie, Tom and Betty, there are others in our congregation who have taken the Walk to Emmaus. These include John and Anne Bernat, Pastor Joe & Lonnie Brady, Linda Hudson, Mike and Rosita Stafford, Carol Troup and Judy VanZile. If there are others who have attended, please call Mike Stafford at (863) so you can be included the list and be informed of Emmaus Gatherings and Reunion groups. The Walk to Emmaus is a ministry of The Upper Room and is intended to be an experience of spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way, as God s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. Said another way, Emmaus is an opportunity to prepare yourself to answer the call that He has for your life. The next Walk to Emmaus is scheduled in October. If you are interested in attending, or if you would just like to know more, reach out to one of the LGUMC members named above, or give me a call. God Bless! Mike Stafford (863) Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 10

11 Help Wanted Nursery Workers during Services: Paid and volunteer positions are available for members or non-members of LGUMC. Must be able to meet the Florida Conference Child/Youth Protection Policy requirements. This is a vital ministry of our church. Paid position can be for covering every Sunday morning, or even every other Sunday morning. Volunteer position can be for covering only one service on a regular monthly schedule, or as desired. Please contact the office if you are interested in either a paid or a volunteer position ( ). Pen-pal Ministry Starting: Have you ever had a pen-pal or wanted one? Would you consider writing to a prisoner? Debbie Moore is looking for Christians who want to share God s grace with the incarcerated. Call her at to discuss the plan, or her at debntivoli@yahoo.com. Remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner... Heb 13:3, AMP The Kitchen Committee: Like helping out in the FLC kitchen: cooking, organizing, cleaning, setting up and tearing down after functions? Meet with Debbie Moore, the Kitchen Mistress, in the kitchen for coordination and work assignments, which can last a few minutes to a couple of hours, whatever you are able to contribute. Next meeting is 1:00 pm on Monday, April 20th. Narthex Bulletin Board: If you have ideas for future bulletin board themes, or would like to help post on the board, contact Pat Moon at , or her at patricia.moon@verizon.net. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 11

12 Finance and Related Topics Does Fido Get More Than God? Thank goodness, tax season is just about over. While I would love to count our four rescue dogs as dependents, our resident IRS agent would probably look unfavorably upon the concept. As each is a special needs dog, they came with their own set of problems: special foods, pee pads, grooming, and vet appointments. We spend a tidy sum on our canine children each year. I recently saw an article which stated that the median amount an American Christian gave to their church for making disciples of Jesus Christ was around $200 a year. Therefore, 50% gave more, and 50% gave less. Put another way, this annual donation would be only 1.7 % of the 2014 poverty level ($11,670) for a single person. It makes you wonder whether caring for Fido is a higher priority than caring for God s other children. Paul admonished the Corinthians by saying, But just as you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us see that you excel in this grace of giving. (II Corinthians 8:7) Dwight Kitchens Copies of The Good News Why don t we have more printed copies of The Good News? Why is it in black and white? The office has been printing 25 copies, with the intent of having 10 for each service, and 5 to put in our guests bags. Consider that the March newsletter had 23 pages, or 12 sheets of paper. The paper costs approximately ½ cent per page, or 6 cents per newsletter. The printing costs 8/10 th cent per page in black and white, and 6.8 cents per page in color. If all pages had some color, the total cost would be approximately $1.564 per newsletter to print in color. Using black and white, the cost drops to $0.184 per newsletter, less than 1/5 th the cost of a color copy. So, we tend to be good stewards and go for a less costly, although less attractive, copy. But, remember, with your address, you can have an electronic version delivered by before they show up in the sanctuary. And, the electronic version is in color. You can also go to and read the latest version online, download to send to others, or print your own personal copy. So, if you have not already received a copy of this newsletter by , please, insure that we have your correct address on file. We don t want your to bounce back due to an incorrect address. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 12

13 Are We Able to Financially Support Our Vision and Mission? The Administrative Council determines the vision, or focus, of the congregation. They develop the big picture to guide us, manage and administer the on-going life of the congregation, and evaluate the results. Execution of this vision takes funding, generally acquired through tithes, pledges, and offerings. From this, we develop a mission statement. Previously, we used the United Methodist Church s stated mission as our own: To instruct Heads to know God s Word, To nurture Hearts to grow in God s Love, To offer Hands to show God s Grace, In our community and church family. The Administrative Council has chosen new, inspiring and easier to remember vision and mission statements: Vision: Sharing God s Love through Action, One Person at a Time. Mission: Sharing God s Love through Action. It is now time for us to revisit our financial picture for We have gone through three months, and can publish a picture of the first two month s financial situation for this newsletter. Thanks to early pledge payments, we have paid our Property and Liability Insurance. This leaves nine months in which to pay our Connectional Church Apportionments and other expenses. In addition, the Administrative Council made a change in the way we execute our budget starting February 15th. The Administrative Council chose to remove the first 10% of our weekly general offerings (up to $27,000 this year), and dedicate them to Missions and Outreach. The chart (Chart 1) on the next page reflects our General Budget s monthly income over the past three years. Our total recorded contributions for 2014 were $302,502, while our total General Budget contributions were $243,203. Therefore, the difference of $59,299 went into designated accounts not included within our General Budget. We are encouraging you to move your contributions into the General Budget rather than designated accounts as this gives us more versatility to pay our accounts receivable while still planning on funding all items defined within our budget. The next chart (Chart 2) reflects the percentage of our 2015 General Budget required each month (based on each month s three-year average expenses). Note that with a higher anticipated General Budget, we have started off January 2015 with contributions lagging our anticipated needs by 16.57%. Thankfully, February was higher as certain congregants pre-paid their pledges so that we could pay our Property and Liability Insurance and take advantage of a 2% discount. If our contributions continued at January s $22,306 for twelve straight months (which is above our average), we would still end 2015 year with a shortage of $58,239. We require an average contribution of $27,159 per month to reach our goal. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 13

14 Chart 1 Chart 2: Please continue to chart 2 on the following page. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 14

15 Chart 2: How does this affect LGUMC? The concept of using our first ten percent to fund Missions and Outreach, as well as adding new programs, will require that we each step up in our giving to support the balance of our operational needs. Please reconsider how you might increase your current gifts to permit us to reach these new objectives. Dwight Kitchens Native American Ministries Sunday is April 19, 2015 One tribe in North America has told this story for centuries: when people pale as birch crossed the great water in large canoes, they brought with them The Black Book. However, the bringers of the physical Book could not have known what it would mean and look like to be Native and a follower of Jesus. Today Native Americans with many unique languages, many unique cultures honor their heritage, and live as Jesus-followers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors. Supporting the Ministry of Christ among Native People The people of the United Methodist Church, Native and non-native, are creating a new history. Through Native American Ministries Sunday, we re able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus among their own people. As a member of the United Methodist Church, your gift on this day equips Native congregations like New York s Onandaga Nation UMC and Nebraska s Native American Sacred Winds congregation to worship and serve as only they can. This work, and hundreds of other ministries, are possible because you give. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 15

16 Our Departments Lay Leader s Corner By John Bernat We are rapidly approaching the beginning of the feasts of the LORD as revealed to us in Leviticus 23:4-10. We know the first one as Jewish Passover, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread and then Feast of Firstfruits. All of these happen within a nine-day period in the month of Nissan on the Jewish calendar, and it varies on our calendar usually within March or April. Passover for the Jew is a remembrance and celebration of their release from bondage and slavery under the Egyptians. For the Christian, Easter which follows Passover is our redemption through our Messiah Jesus, and the forgiveness of sin and the release from the bondage of sin because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus as our Firstfruit. The Unleavened Bread celebration is a reminder to us that our Lord was sinless and the only perfect sacrifice acceptable to God for our sin. We Christians understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of the first three feasts of the LORD. Alleluya! Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 16

17 Rooted Student Ministry Odd Jobs by Odd People Feeling overwhelmed by housework? Yard work? Need to move some furniture or haul something away? Lake Gibson s Rooted Student Ministry has the solution for you: Odd Jobs by Odd People! Here are a few of the odd jobs the youth and their adult leaders have performed lately: Washed windows, weeded planting beds (their specialty!), cleaned houses, dug up bushes, trimmed hedges, spread mulch, helped pack for moving, and even painted a whole house two summers ago. They even clean a chicken coop regularly. Scheduling jobs is subject to the availability of the adult leaders and the youth, who are in school right now. Depending on the job, they can handle up to two a week, and try to start them as soon as requested. Two of their recent jobs have been moving and assembling furniture in a rental house, and doing extensive spring housecleaning (scrubbing floors, cleaning windows, dusting and polishing furniture). The homeowners reported being totally satisfied even thrilled with the quality of the work and the cheerful workers: Bobby, Josh, Shelby, Teddy, and Courtney, supervised by Tony or Lee on the two jobs. The best part of the Odd Jobs program isn t the money earned, although that is appreciated since it supports their missions. Lee Mueller, Youth Director, says that The best part is the kids get to see some folks who wouldn t get things done without their help, which gives them a sense of satisfaction in helping others. Since the youth have many repeat customers, there is a bond in getting to know them. The kids learn about doing a good job, and we try to do quality, timely work. It s a pretty cool opportunity for our kids! We value each of our jobs, putting the importance on what we are doing and giving, not on what we are being paid! As for their rates, the youth charge whatever you think the job is worth, or whatever you can afford to pay. There is no minimum rate for a job. If you have a job that s too big, or too demanding, for you to do, call the church office ( ) or Lee Mueller ( ) to set up an appointment. A Little Bit of Heaven Child Enrichment Center Currently, we have an enrollment of forty-five (45) students with a staff of seventeen (17). Three (3) staff members are seeking their Florida Childcare Professional Credential for the very first time! Two (2) staff members are renewing their credential. Our Pre-K students took their very first field trip on March 26 th. We went to Family Fundamentals, a Success by 6 resource center located at 1021 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Lisa Bacon, Director Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 17

18 Music Department The Easter Cantata, CROWN HIM, will feature our choir and liturgical dancers. The service starts at 10:00 am in the sanctuary, Sunday, April 5th. (Easter sunrise service starts at 7:30 am, followed by breakfast at 8:30 am in the FLC and Adult Sunday School classes.) We are introducing Christian Karaoke on Friday, April 24th, 6:00 pm in the FLC. You can sing, or if that s not your forte, read a poem. The latest Music Department program guide, Worship with Music, Season , is available in the narthex. Upcoming Events: Mother s Day, May 9, 2015, noon Brent Vernon, Ventriloquist and Christian singersongwriter. Lunch to follow in the FLC. Father s Day, June 21, 2015, 8:00 am Breakfast. Lunch (Sloppy Joes) in the FLC after the service. Ladies will be invited to sing a song for their favorite man. If you can t (or won t) sing, you can ask another lady to dedicate a song to your guy. Let Glenda or Debbie know the songs you are interested in. Independence Day, July 4, 2015, 8:00 am Breakfast. Lunch in the FLC after the service. Letra Davis will sing at the 10:00 service. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 18

19 Adult Sunday School Classes Friendship Adult Sunday School Class Do you consider obedience a dirty word? Have you always felt like being obedient to someone is a negative action? That being obedient means losing something? Did you know that is not God s plan? God wants us to be blessed through our obedience. Well, our class has begun studying what the Bible says about Obedience to God and all the many blessings that God wants to shower down upon us when we are obedient to His Word. We have discussed how our obedience should be joyful and must come from a heart that is willing and loving. We have also discussed those great characters in the Bible that had to learn to be obedient, like Noah, Moses, Jonah, Abraham and even Jesus. If you would like to join our discussion and learn more about the many blessings God has in store for us through our joyful obedience, then please join us in the FLC between the two worship services on Sunday mornings. We begin our class at 9:15 am and we would love to have you join us. God Bless! Mike Stafford, Sunday School Leader The Seekers Sunday School Class FLC 1 & 2, 9:00 am 9:45 am THE NEW INTERNATIONAL LESSON ANNUAL THIRD QUARTER MARCH 1, 2015 TO MAY 31, 2015 THE SPIRIT COMES UNIT 2: APRIL 5, 2015 TO MAY 3, 2015 THE COMMUNITY OF BELOVED DISCIPLES 6. April 5, 2015 Resurrection Guaranteed A. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, April 12, 2015 Love One Another A. 1 John 3: April 19, 2015 Believe God s Love A. 1 John 4:13 5:5 9. April 26, 2015 Watch Out for Deceivers A. 2 John 10. May 3, 2015 Co-Workers with the Truth A. 3 John Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 19

20 Focus on Ministries Mission Moments Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2:18 (NIV) Being involved is not just giving donations to support LGUMC s mission projects. There are many of your pew partners who give of their time and service in our community. And there are many opportunities for anyone who is interested in being a part of God s mission to spread the good news. Ann and Dan Johnson go to VISTE once a week to fill boxes with canned goods, dry goods, juice and paper products. These are distributed to the elderly (thus the acronym which stands for Volunteers In Service to the Elderly). They pick the boxes up or have them delivered once a month. Fourteen hundred (1400) boxes are needed every month. Ann sorts bread and goodies donated by local businesses. She and Dan help clients pick up the boxes, frozen meats, veggies and fruits, bread and whatever else is available. Dan helps them to their cars to load the items. Ann sometimes also does filing and computer work. John Bernat also helps at VISTE. He delivers hot meals to the elderly. As you can see, there are many opportunities to help there. VISTE s goal is to help the elderly stay in their own homes longer. You may know about other volunteer opportunities in the Lakeland area. Maybe you or a friend or neighbor are involved in some activity. Let me know so we can highlight other organizations that need help, and create interest in other members of LGUMC. LGLUMC s Missions Committee has been busy identifying organizations that we can support through our new pledge to tithe as a church. So far we have a list of 37 charities and agencies, local, national and international, that have been suggested to us by committee and church members. I head this committee composed of Pastor Steve, Dwight Kitchens, Wayne Wesley, Rosita Stafford, Judy VanZile, and John Bernat. Our first recommendation is to support the LGUMC Food Pantry, the $12.00-per-member to be given to the Florida United Methodist Children s Home, and Imagine No Malaria. We depend on your input and suggestions. Please contact any one of the committee members with your opinions and ideas. Acts 20:35 tells us In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Linda Alvarez, Missions Coordinator Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 20

21 The United Methodist Men (UMM) The UMM are considering starting a Bible Study for Men. We are looking at possibly doing this on a weekday evening. If you are interested in joining a group of men to study God s Word and how it applies specifically to you as a man, then give me a call at (863) , so I can get input from you as to what time and place may work best for your schedule. We have also been asked to assist the ladies of the UMW with their upcoming Rummage Sale this April. They need our assistance in checking out electric appliances and computer equipment. They would also like some muscle to assist setting up and tearing down before and after their sale. If any of this sounds like areas in which you could assist, then please give me a call at (863) Remember, we meet on the 2 nd Saturday of each month at 8:00 am in the FLC. Please join us and if you already attend, then invite a friend or neighbor. All are welcome. Thanks. Mike Stafford, President UMM, The Reading Program of the UMW For 140 years United Methodist Women (UMW) have been involved in mission that includes prayer, study and action. The purpose of the Reading Program is to encourage members to think critically about current issues through an annual selection of member-reviewed books. Each year over 200 books that have been recommended by UMW members all over the world are reviewed, and about 30 are selected to be included in the reading program for that year. These books are chosen to offer an excellent opportunity to deepen our spirituality and to broaden our understanding of our mission work. Books are divided into five categories: Nurturing for Community, Social Action, Leadership Development, Spiritual Growth and Education for Mission. The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it also should lead to action. The purpose of the program is to encourage UMW members worldwide to: Expand understanding and participation in God s mission, Increase sensitivity to all human beings their needs, interests and concerns, Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today, Grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life, Enhance self-knowledge and act from that knowledge, Strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission. Continued on Next Page Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 21

22 The Reading Program of the UMW, Continued At Lake Gibson UMC Lois Teske is the Resource Chairperson for the Reading Program. From time to time we will be reviewing the books for If you find one you would like to read, Lois will be the one to contact for the book. The UMW web site lists the books in this year s program: members-leaders/readingprogram/2015. Happy reading!! Rosanne Stafford UMW Book Review That Used To Be Us by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum Category: Social Action The authors write We ve seen a country with enormous potential falling into disrepair, political disarray, and palpable discomfort about its present condition and future prospects. This book is their way of telling us what is wrong, why things have gone wrong, and what can and must be done to make them right. Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, adds Most Americans would still love to be the country of great ideals and achievements, but no one seems willing to pay the price. The core argument of the book is that America has four major challenges: How to adapt to globalization, How to adjust to the information technology revolution, How to cope with soaring budget deficits, How to manage in a world of rising energy consumption and climate threats. Using five pillars of prosperity, they explain how America fell from the leading nation of the world to a declining one. One long chapter is devoted to the educational system and what it must do quickly and long term. Will it have a happy ending? Tom and Michael say: A world shaped by a strong America will never be a perfect world, but it will be a better world than any alternative. Do the authors see this as happening? I guess you will just have to read the book to see. Rosanne Stafford Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 22

23 Celebrations (Please let the editor know if information is incorrect or missing from the birthday and anniversary lists so we can correct the data base.) Birthdays in April, Continued: 4/19 David Hess 4/20 Homer Burr 4/25 Judy Sadwick 4/26 Juanita Davis Date Birthdays in April Name 4/1 Gail Bishop 4/1 Cindy Hull 4/28 Crystal Little 4/29 Ray Welch 4/30 Gage Mueller 4/6 Connie Damaschke 4/8 Stanley Retter 4/9 Tyler Jacoby 4/9 Richard Kneeland 4/10 Bonnie Fuqua 4/10 Warren Hamilton 4/11 Nola Osborn 4/11 Dorothy Spadafora 4/14 Susan Chambers 4/14 Mary Mason 4/14 Marita Willey 4/15 Kyle Fox 4/15 Alison Oftedal 4/16 Daniel Newberry 4/16 Sarah Schiemann Anniversaries Date Names 4/2 Philip and Lou Webb 4/4 Larry and Linda Smucker 4/25 George and Nita Davis 4/17 Gwendolen Allen 4/17 Marina Garcia 4/17 Tom Mathews 4/18 Jacob McKnight Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 23

24 Lake Gibson United Methodist Church shares and supports the love of Jesus Christ. Lake Gibson United Methodist Church 424 West Daughtery Road Lakeland, FL Web Page: Office Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday thru Friday Contact Information Steve Polk, Pastor Phone: FAX: Support Staff Marina Garcia Lee Mueller Tony Acosta Sue Heishman Glenda Grant Hess Debbie Moore Administrative Secretary Youth Director Assistant Youth Director Bookkeeper Director of Music/Organist Custodian A Little Bit of Heaven Child Enrichment Center Lisa Bacon Director Office Cell alboh@lakegibsonumc.com The Good News is a monthly church newsletter bringing the Good News to members and friends of Lake Gibson United Methodist Church. We welcome your suggestions, comments and articles. You may reach the editor, Phyllis Kitchens, by calling or by ing her at phyllis_kitchens@hotmail.com. Volume 28 Number 4 April 2015 Page 24