The Good News Our Mission in making disciples for Jesus Christ 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. Lake Gibson United Methodist Church Steve Polk, Pastor 424 West Daughtery Road, Lakeland Florida 33809 Phone (863) 858-5431 From the Pastor s Desk July 2014 Luke 5:32 Contemporary English Version(CEV) 32 I didn t come to invite good people to turn to God. I came to invite sinners. While working my way through the 90 day New Testament Challenge I have noticed that according to the Gospel writers Jesus often seemed to be at odds with the religious leaders and society of his day. The verse quoted above is Jesus answer to why He associated with those outside the church and the thought arises, If Jesus ministered mostly outside the religious institution of his day should that be the norm for us today? Will Willimon and Stanly Hauerwas co-authored the book Resident Aliens a few years ago. They made the point in their writings that the church in America had enjoyed a very favored status in our society for a number of years but that favored status ceased in the early 1960 s in their estimation. We now live in a hostile environment for the teachings of Christianity and many of us lament that fact, but if we think about it, that is the exact environment Jesus and the early church faced and they not only survived but also thrived. In military terms Willimon and Hauerwas implore the church to look at itself as a beachhead for God s Army. Beachheads are established in the face of enemy fire in order to secure a place to get supplies and reinforcements into the hands of the fighting service members. Beachheads are not meant to be permanent places in which to settle down and stay; they are to give rest to weary fighters, rearm and reequip those forces so they may go out and take more territory and establish their cause in more of the land. Many people today come to a church thinking what is here for me? That is the mentality of our consumerism society yet if we are true followers of Jesus maybe we should come to church to get refreshed and go forth to make disciples for Christ. Notice the subtle shift of attitude. One puts the emphasis and attention on the individual and the other puts it on the cause. One continually looks inward while the other attitude looks outward. One uses resources for their own pleasure and the other uses those resources to minister to those outside the walls of the church. Which type of follower are you? Which do you think Jesus desires you to be? Should the church rethink its position and begin thinking of itself more as a beachhead in a battle for God? Makes sense to me; how about you? What changes would such an attitude shift require? Pastor Steve VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 1
Water, Water, Everywhere? We generally take it for granted. Water seems to be everywhere in Florida. While we might object to the cost on a public system, they will supply it based on our demand. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in other countries. Many developing countries don t have access to clean and plentiful water. But, there are solutions. While governments may work on massive projects in populated areas, many rural areas are forgotten. Fortunately, there are many Christian groups addressing the need for clean water. A generous action on your part can help to insure that families overseas are able to rely upon fresh, clean water for years to come. Information about organizations supporting water projects may be found at: www.wellsforghana.org www.wateraid.org/us Http://thewaterproject.org http://water.org If you would like to contribute through the church, just provide a check to LGUMC with an annotation of Water Mission and we ll see that it is forwarded to an appropriate organization. Submitted by: Dwight Kitchens Repair and Replacement Funds: Ever have an emergency which required an infusion of cash? Has your air conditioner died, wind blown off shingles, irrigation system leaked, dishwasher flooded the kitchen? Well, most of us keep an emergency reserve to handle unplanned repairs. The church is similar to a large household. We also have emergencies. Unfortunately, we don t have a reserve set aside for such emergencies. As prudent stewards of God s house, we should consider setting aside a percentage of our tithes, pledges, and offerings against our physical property (valued at over $3 million). Food for thought as we look forward to 2015. VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 2
NEWBIES (NEW MEMBERS) Bill and Judy Sadwik from are already helping the Praise Team and Choir to make a Bill and Judy have 6 children and 9 grandchildren. When eating out they head for. Judy enjoys singing the song Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and one of Bill s favorites songs is The Joseph Song by Michael Card. While Bill is getting fresh air on the golf course Judy is home using the computer. The thing the Sadwick s like most about our church is Pastor Steve s sermons. We are happy to have Bill and Judy as new members of our church family. Covenant Group This is the place to learn Bible truths and deepen friendships. The Covenant Group at Don and Sue Heishman s on Thursdays at 7 pm is a great place to be. Light refreshments with Biblical discussions leave attendees with new perspective. ATTENTION we will have our favorite hymn sing each Sunday in July but are asking you to share why it is your favorite or the history of the hymn if you so desire. Do your song-work. Thanks to all those who have participated in our Sanctuary s Audio-Visual Upgrade campaign. Our goal for the two projects is $21,750. Our intent is to raise all the monies quickly, so as to have the equipment in place for Fall services. To date, 22 June 2014, the total raised is $9,096.03. We are $1,930.34 short of initiating the audio upgrades, and $9,950 short on the visual upgrades. Do you want to contribute more hands-on in your worship service? We re looking for a dozen worshipers willing to step-up and learn to run the new audio-visual equipment which will be placed in the sanctuary. Free training will be provided. We would hope to establish a rotational schedule whereby teams could be responsible for supporting worship services. Contact Don Heishman, 858-9631 (dheishman@verizon.net). VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 3
Endowment Fund Update: Lake Gibson United Methodist Church has been blessed with a number of endowments. Our endowment policy was established and approved by the Charge Conference on September 30, 1999. Current funding is divided among the following categories within one account: Un-designated, Ministerial Scholarships, Mission, Children, Youth, Seniors, Continuing Education, and Mortgage. This is an interestbearing account, from which we are never to withdraw principal. We may withdraw up to 90% of accumulated interest as earned by each category. On September 18, 2006 we improperly withdrew $15,000 from the Endowment Fund which was used to help with miscellaneous repairs and upgrades to LGUMC. This was a period in which we weathered a hurricane, converted the parsonage into an office, and worked on what is now the Child Enrichment Center. Documents generated in 2006 were annotated that the church would repay the endowment when they were able. No effort to repay the $15,000 has been previously started. After meetings of both the Endowment Committee and the Trustees, it was determined that we could not meet any criteria for waiving repayment. The Trustees most generously offered their Property and Liability Insurance reimbursement of $1,412.95 to be the first applied to this debt. This reimbursement was received for paying both our Apportionments and Property and Liability Insurance by their due dates. This leaves a balance of $ 13, 587.05 to be reimbursed to the LGUMC Endowment Fund. The Finance Committee voted in June to schedule a repayment, without interest, over a ten-year period starting in January 2015. This equates to $113.23 per month over 120 months. While endowments are wonderful vehicles to insure a flow of funds in perpetuity, their limitations on the use of principal makes them inappropriate for emergency infusions of cash. Reserves generally cover scheduled replacement and an estimated amount of money for emergency requirements. Another reason we should consider establishing and funding a reserve account within our budget. Dwight Kitchens, Finance Chairperson VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 4
It is the beginning of July and before we know it the start of the new school year will be here. Stores are starting to put out the school uniforms and shortly after the 4th of July school supplies will be out in full force. We are again collecting school supplies for the Children's Home during July. It takes a lot to make sure every child has all the necessary supplies for the school year. Some of the supplies needed are flash drives/travel drives, copy paper, pocket folders, notebook paper, highlighters, index cards, sharpies, glue sticks, color pencils, construction paper, post it and much more. A full list will be provided in the church bulletin. Thank you for your support. Karen and Jeff Acor THE NEW INTERNATIONAL LESSON ANNUAL FOURTH QUARTER JUNE 1, 2014 TO AUGUST 24, 2014 THE PEOPLE OF GOD SET PRIORITIES UNIT 2 - JUNE 29, 2014 TO JULY 27, 20`14 LIVING AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS 5. June 29, 2014 A Call to Unity - A. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 6. July 7, 2014 Glorify God with Your Body - A. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 7. July 13, 2014 Love Builds Up - A. 1 Corinthians 8 8. July 20, 2014 Overcoming Temptation - A. 1 Corinthians 10:12-22 9. July 27, 2014 Seek the Good of Others - A. 1 Corinthians 14:13-26 SEEKERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FLC ROOM 1 & 2 9:00 AM TO 9:45 AM ADULTS COME JOIN US VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 5
HOW DOES ONE PAY A DEBT OF GRADITUDE? Levi expected to pay at least fifty dollars when he took his family out to eat but the bill came to thirty-two dollars and as he thought of the eighteen dollars left over a new idea came to his mind. The Lord gave me this extra how do I show him my appreciation? He gave the eighteen dollars to his church general fund. Elaine found herself rejoicing over the fact that her twenty year old car was running smoothly and had been for quite some time. No car payment or repair bills. Elaine decided to give a generous donation to missions to show God her appreciation. Tim did not expect to receive a gift of two hundred dollars from his uncle. After tithing he purchased flowers for the altar to show his gratitude. Faye finished her grocery shopping and was delighted to hear that she could get four items free since she had missed the buy one get one free ads. Faye then gave the items to the church food pantry. Harold got his hundred dollar rebate from the media service he ordered and he donated twenty of it to the audio/visual fund at his church. The dash on our tomb stones has a lot of hidden information. The dashes in our financial lives also have a lot of information. Do we really believe that if we do it to the least of these we have done it unto Jesus? Who is the least of these? Man or woman on the corner? Newest convert to our Christian circle? As I read the parable of Jesus it says to me anyone in need. When we ask for eyes to see how to fix the car, how to make ends meet, how to help a friend, etc and God answers we can donate to bible study supplies, the electric bill, or anything else that shows God we are appreciative for the insight. When we pray for sunshine due to some celebration and God answers we can give to youth mission trips, flowers for the altar, the choir to sing a joyful song or anything God has given to us that makes our heart rejoice. When the sad or needy times come we can give to God through the food pantry, the children s home or other ministries that make other sad people more contented. When we pray for healing and God answers our thank you can be said in visiting someone who is sick, sending a card or flowers, or by giving to someone who continually ministers through praying for others or someone who often visits those who are sick. When you travel and have smooth sailing a donation to a missionary or mission trip. When we look at the special people in our lives, you know the ones who have not only done us the most good but also hurt us the deepest and we still can hold each other s hearts what deeds of gratitude can show our appreciation for them? I can think of only one praise God the giver of all good and perfect gifts. And then there is God. All we can do is what He told us be still and know I am God. Jesus was pleased when people returned to thank him. When our thank tank is full our generosity fuel overflows and God is praised. Submitted by: Debbie Moore VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 6
Lake Gibson U.M.C. In Action 2nd Quarter Report 2014 Finance Committee LGUMC 2 nd Mile Giving-Beyond the Pledge Tithe $1,194.00 Assistance to help pay apportionments $220.00 Funding for Love in Action $240.00 Support our sister church in Cuba $249.10 Small appliance purchases for kitchen to help with breakfast program $114.98 Computer solid state drive purchase $16.18 Battery purchase for Sound booth $249.99 Samson Earset System for Sound booth $2,605.54 Bicycles and Bicycle Parts for Children s Home ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Memorial and Honor Gifts Designated Memorials Memory of Al Cruise: Given by Brad and Ann Fox for Audio/Video Memory of Jim Sarles: Given by Brad and Ann Fox for Audio/Video ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Donations: $10,381.03 Breakfast Donations: 1,095.00 Memorial Contributions: 100.00 Audio/Video Contributions thru 06/30/2014 Matched Breakfast Donations: 392.00 Total Contributions: $11,968.03 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Friendship Sunday School Class For the 1 st quarter of 2014 collected $1,125.00 and distributed in the following ways: $100.00 VISTA $ 50.00 Laptop for Missionary $ 119.00 Children s Home $445.00 Gave assistance to 4 individuals who had serious needs $411.00 Sister Church in Cuba VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 7
One of our Liturgical Dancers, Jarica Arnett, a junior at Lake Gibson High School, wrote a science fiction book at age 16 entitled "What Are We? She wrote the 53,000-word book in 30 days and won the writing contest, getting it published free. She is the daughter of Cyndee Long Arnett and Ed Arnett Jr. both 1980 Hardee High School graduates. Cyndee is a registered nurse at Lakeland Regional Hospital, and Ed is an auto technician at Cannon Automotive in Lakeland. Jarica wants to attend University of Central Florida and major in hospitality and event planning. ** Jarica s book can be purchased at Amazon.com. Lake Gibson High School Student Author Celebrated at Book Signing By Greg Parlier THE LEDGER Published: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:24 p.m. Click on the following link to see the entire article published in the Lakeland Ledger http://www.theledger.com/article/20140512/news/140519741/0/search Rooted Student Ministries, Lake Gibson United Methodist Church 424 W. Daughtery Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809 863.858.5431 Lee Mueller, Director Youth@LakeGibsonUMC.org JULY 2-Wed, No youth, celebrate 3-Thur, VBall??? 4-Fri, celebrate 6-Sun, No bible study 8-Tue, pool day, 1-5pm guys-snack, girls-drinks 9-Wed, Basketball 5-6pm, youth 6-8:30pm 10-Thur, vball, 7-9:30pm 11-Fri, NERF night, 7-midnight guys-drink, girlssnack 13-Sun, youth, 6-8:30pm 16-Wed, youth, 6-8:30pm 17-Thur, vball, 7-9:30pm 20-Sun, bible study, 6-8:30pm 22-Tue,TUBING, 5am-8:30pm $17 & food $ 23-Wed, Basketball 5-6pm youth, 6-8:30pm 27-Sun, youth, 6-8:30pm 28-Aug 2,Mon-Sat CAMP @ Leesburg VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 8
Quote: Notes From Marina Faith is to believe what you don t see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. St. Augustine FOOD PANTRY Our food pantry is helping many families in our community. In an effort to keep it stocked we will designate the 2nd Sunday of each month as a food pantry outreach. Bring your canned goods and supplies then or drop them by the office during business hours. FOOD PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED Jelly Peanut butter Hamburger Helper Canned fruit Soup dry/wet Spaghetti sauce Ravioli Tuna/Chicken Odd meats spam, potted meats, hash, Vienna sausages DRY GOODS Cereal box or individual sizes Oatmeal individual sizes TOILETRIES Travel sized shampoo, body soap, toilet paper, Pampers, baby wipes Thank You, Thank You, Each and every one of your donations is greatly appreciated. A great big thank you to all who have donated to the food pantry. As of June 19, 2014 we have assisted 28 families (this means we have given out 28 bags of food). We have assisted new families as well as the regular individuals. Calendar of Events Summer Worship Schedule ** One Service at 10:00 AM Office hours are back to normal 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 7/4 4 th of July Office will be closed. 7/7 Heart 2 Heart 11:30 @ Butterfly Bistro 7/7 Trustees Mtg. 7/14 Staff Parish Mtg. 7/21 Finance Mtg. 7/27 Blood Mobile 7/28 Worship Mtg. VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 9
We welcome the following new members to LGUMC Harold and Betty Burness Margaret Powers Juanita Loomis Bill and Judy Sadwik 7/1 Doug & Sandra Harwell 7/10 Matthew & Jamie Collins 7/26 William & Judith Sadwick 7/30 Gary & Fran Mudge 7/1 Adam Schertzer 7/2 Maureen Meyer 7/4 Mary Bristol 7/4 Gary Mudge 7/6 Joyce Holleran Birthdays 7/10 Richard Wiley 7/13 Lisa Evans 7/14 Laura Welch 7/15 Dorothy McGehean 7/15 Mollie Oliva 7/16 John Bernat 7/17 Nicholas Bryant 7/17 Shelby Knox 7/18 Deborah Moore 7/19 Jeff Acor 7/20 David Knox 7/22 Allison Wesley 7/23 Larry Smucker 7/24 Matthew Collins 7/26 Eric Hines 7/29 Vanessa VanZile 7/30 Eva Beebe 7/30 Jeanne Shull 7/30 Martha Willome 7/30 Ed Haney The Good News 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 and comments. Please send to: Lake Gibson United Methodist Church 424 West Daughtery Road Lakeland, FL 33809 Lake Gibson United Methodist Church shares and supports the love of Jesus Christ. Steve Polk, Pastor Phone: 863-858-5431 FAX: 863-853-1625 Email: office@lakegibsonumc.com Web Page: www.lakegibsonumc.com Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday) Marina Garcia Administrative Secretary Lee Mueller Youth Director Sue Heishman Bookkeeper Glenda Grant Director of Music/Organist Custodian Jose Cardona A Little Bit of Heaven Child Enrichment Center Mrs. Lisa Bacon--Director 863-858-8400 Cell: 863-255-8619 E-mail: alboh@lakegibsonumc.com VOLUME 27 Number 7 July 2014 PAGE 10