A Word from Pastor Chris Dear Members and Friends of Parrish United Methodist, I saw a theatrical trailer the other day for a movie titled Hacksaw Ridge that is being released in November. The synopsis of the movie reads The extraordinary true story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss who saved 75 men without firing a gun. Believing that the War was just but killing was nevertheless wrong, he was the only American soldier in WWII to fight on the front lines without a weapon. As a army medic, Doss single-handedly evacuated the wounded near enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers and was wounded by a grenade and hit by snipers. He was the first conscientious objector to ever win the Congressional Medal of Honor. The synopsis is compelling, and the trailer definitely got me interested in seeing this movie, but it was a single line from that trailer, attributed to Desmond Doss, that really caught my attention. With the world so set on tearing itself apart, don t seem like such a bad thing to me to want to put a little bit of it back together. It don t seem like such a bad thing to want to put a little bit of it back together. What a powerful mission statement! A heartfelt desire to see the world put back together is very much a part of our calling in Christ. It is how we live out of our prayer, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. At a time when we are inundated daily with examples of the ways in which we seem to be tearing ourselves apart, we are called to be part of God s work to put it back together! I am thankful for those here at Parrish UMC that work faithfully each week to be a part of that mission to put a little of it back together by caring for others in their places of need. There are more stories of faithful servants reaching out to the hurt, hungry, and helpless than I can recount here. But to each of you who do this work week in and week out I say thank you for the witness of your lives. I do, however, want to share a couple of new opportunities. Many of you know Jimmy and Lori Racky, but if you do not they are two members of our church family who faithfully live out their call to serve others each week. Jimmy and Lori lead our Food Pantry Ministry, teach Sunday School, are group leaders for VBS and step up to meet needs in countless other way. Jimmy is also a Detective Lieutenant with the Bradenton Police Department. Jimmy and Lori have committed to being a part of a team of law enforcement officers from both the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Bradenton Police Department to participate in the 2017 Law Enforcement United, Inc. Road to Hope Tour (Honor the Fallen, Remember the Survivors). This is a 250-mile charity bike ride next May that goes from Virginia to Washington, D.C. and raises money to honor officers who have died in the line of duty, and ensure that their surviving family is supported and not forgotten. Jimmy will be riding and Lori will be part of the support team. If you would like to know more about what they are doing and why, you can find information on the church website (www.parrishumc.com). On the main page is a tab at the top right titled LEU Road to Hope. Click on that tab and you can learn more, including how to support them if you so desire. Secondly, in light of the recent floods in Louisiana in which over 60,000 homes have been damaged, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is collecting flood cleaning bucket kits to be shipped to Baldwin, LA. Continued on page 6... The Newsletter Of Parrish United Methodist Church September 2016 Times
In this issue: Page 3 Pastor Appreciation Page 4 Youth Ministry News Page 5 Children s Ministry News Page 6 Ladies Tea Meal Train A Word from Pastor Chris cont. Page 7 Stephen Ministry News Page 8 Operation Christmas Child Page 9 GriefShare New Sunday Bible Study New Membership Class Page 10 PUMC Building Team Ladies Tea Page 11 PUMC Birthday Calendar Page 12 PUMC Activity Calendar Coming events: 9/03 Food Distribution Day 11:00 AM.Community Luncheon 11:00 AM 09/07 Kidz Night Resumes 6:30 PM 9/08 Thrift Cottage Board Meeting 9:00 AM 9/08 Administrative Team Meeting 7:00 PM 9/13 GriefShare Begins 4:00 PM 9/13 Stephen Minister s Meeting 7:00 PM 9/14 Building Team Meeting 7:00 PM 9/16 Family Night 6:30 PM 9/17 Food Distribution Day 11:00 AM. Community Luncheon 11:00 AM 9/21 MOPS Begins 9:30 AM 9/21 Building Team 6:30 PM 9/24 Ladies Tea 1:00 PM 9/25 Stephen Minister Sunday 9/27 Stephen Minister s Meeting 7:00 PM Publication: Son Times Issue: September 2016 Published Monthly By: United Methodist Church of Parrish
Pastor Appreciation Page 3 October is fast approaching, which means so is Pastor Appreciation Month. Below are two important passages and five gifts we should give our pastors. (Courtesy of Eric Geiger, Lifeway Christian Resources) Remember your leaders who have spoken God s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything. (Hebrews 13:7,17-18) The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, the worker is worthy of his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18) 1. Pray for them. The writer of Hebrews asked for prayer. The greatest gift you can give your pastors is prayer. Pray that the Lord will keep them to Himself, pure and blameless (1 Timothy 3:2). Pray they will persevere in life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16). And pray for their families as their families shoulder the burden of ministry alongside them. As you pray for your pastors, you will find yourself loving them more and more. You can t pray for someone and despise them at the same time. 2. Imitate their faith. The writer of Hebrews challenges us to imitate our leaders. Of course, this is a challenge for leaders to be imitable, to live holy lives in response to the grace of God. And obviously this does not mean our pastors are perfect, as the writer of Hebrews has clearly articulated Jesus as the only perfect One. But this does mean we should learn from our pastors; we should put into practice the faith we see displayed in them. 3. Follow their lead. The writer of Hebrews says we are to obey our leaders and submit to their authority. The abuses of power and the ministers who fall morally do not negate the truth of this verse, and likewise should not negate our observance of it. Surely there are times when a pastor, because of sin, disqualifies himself from ministry and no longer has the privilege of asking God s people to follow. In the same way, a pastor who distorts the truth of the gospel should not be listened to or followed (Galatians 1:9). But if we are in churches led by godly leaders who herald the truth of God s Word, we should follow. In His providence, God places pastors in their places of ministry. The Lord gives them unique gifts and specific passion for the churches they serve and the communities they serve in. Their passion, sense of mission, and specific gifting will and should impact the direction of the church. 4. Help them love their families well. Pastors must be able to love and shepherd their own families well if they are to lead the people of God (1 Timothy 3:5). Help your pastors love their families well by not putting expectations on them that would equate to neglecting their families if they actually lived up to the expectations. Rejoice that your pastors disappoint others by not accepting all invitations so that they may invest more in their own families. A pastor never clocks out. A pastor is a pastor all of the time. The responsibility is enormous as, to quote Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the pastor is given charge of souls. Let s encourage, love, and support our pastors as they seek to faithfully fulfill all the duties of their ministries. 5. Pay them well. This is biblical. The church s goal should not be to starve the pastor to keep him humble. That is the Lord s work, not the work of the finance committee. Too many pastors and their families are under unnecessary financial stress because some churches are not generous in this manner. We are so blessed to have a kind and loving pastor and we d like to present a special gift for Pastor Chris in early October. If you would like to contribute, please indicate Pastor Appreciation on your checks or envelopes and drop in the collection plate no later than September 25 th. Help us celebrate and express gratitude for Pastor Chris. Thank you, PUMC Leadership Team
Page 4 Route 66 Youth bringing Jesus Christ into the lives of teenagers through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Youth Leaders Joe & Julie McNaughton As we are welcoming new faces into youth group this fall, our new series, Focus, will help our youth sort through all the ac vi es and busy-ness in their lives to find (and hold onto) their iden ty in Christ. Throughout this series we will meet as a whole group in the Youth Hall for announcements before breaking out into a high school group and a middle school group for discussion me. We con nue to welcome new 6th-12th graders as we meet every Wednesday from 6:30-8:00 in the Youth Hall. High School Connec on Beginning Sunday, September 4, our high school students will have the opportunity to build connec ons through church-wide ministry by either a ending service with their family or serving as a volunteer. Connec ng older teens to the bigger picture of the church community provides them the opportuni- es to transi on into young adult church members. Through playing in the band, volunteering in a classroom, helping during service, or a ending Worship with others, these students experience a fuller example of our connected church, and this helps to nurture their faith as they prepare to enter adulthood. We encourage all high school students to make a connec on on Sundays at 9:45 and 11:11. See Mr. Joe, Mrs. Julie or Mr. Eric in Room 109 and they can help you find a Connec on in September. Family Night is back! Come join us for an evening of familyfriendly games, food and fellowship! Friday, September 16th 6:30-8:30 pm You are invited to join our Classic Family Game Night in the Sanctuary. Bring your potluck dinner item, a game to share, and your family and friends to this fun family night! Check out the board outside room 113 for more details! 6th 12th graders are always welcome to join us in the Youth Hall from 6:30-8:00 pm on Wednesdays. We mix in fellowship and games in with our Bible lesson and would love to see you there! Please feel free to contact us with any ques ons you may have at mcnaughton@parrishumc.com.
Page 5 Children s Ministry Ethel Pawley September 4 th is the official start of the 2016-17 Sunday morning Kids Hour. Starting that Sunday, at 9:45 am and 11:11 am, children will move up to their new grade level as we will begin our second year of Deep Blue curriculum. Last year we met the Deep Blue Crew, Asia, Edgar and Kat. This year we will be introduced to a new Crew Member, Caleb. We look forward to continuing our weekly adventure through the Bible. The new classes are as follows: Three and four year olds Room 115 Kindergarten 2 nd Grades Room 113 3 rd 5 th Grades Room 112 Finally all 6 th graders who have been patiently waiting for their opportunity to officially move up to their new level will meet in Room 109. At 9:45 am, they will continue with the Bible in Life curriculum series. At 11:11 am, they will be using Submerge, a curriculum specifically design to address the issues that the middle school age students deal with at home, school, and the many other activities that compete for their time and attention. Wednesday Kidz Nites In the depths of who I am, I rejoice in God my Savior. Luke 1:47 September 7 th, 6:30 8:00 pm, Wednesday Kidz Nites for children K-5 th grade, will kick off with an exciting new addition to its weekly program, Kids.com Music Group. It is so very exciting to offer a community wide opportunity that will give kids an introduction to the creative arts through music and teach why it is an important part of our worship. We will continue to have Bible lessons which will be based on learning about the meaning of and memorizing the Lord s Prayer. Of course we will continue to play games, make crafts, and eat yummy snacks. (Room 112) Family Game Night Classic Edition Friday, September 16 th, Family Night will return from 6:30-8:30 pm. Remember the good old days, when life seemed a little simpler, not so many distractions and you actually had time to stop and smell the roses? Classic Family Game Night is just for you and your family! You don t want to miss this great opportunity to enjoy good food, fellowship and fun, reminiscent of the good old days. Be sure to bring a game, a few friends and your favorite culinary dish according to last name: A-G Dessert H-S Main Dish T-Z Side Dish MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers Wednesday, September 21st, 9:30-11:30 am will be the first meeting for MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. This will be an opportunity for moms to come and find out more about the organization and how they can benefit by participating. This is open to all mothers of preschoolers in the community, please get the word out and invite friends to join us. MOPS exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother, and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. We are planning to incorporate a Mother s Morning Out on the Wednesday mornings that MOPS will not be meeting. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Ethel, ethel@parrishumc.com. (Child care will be provided.)
CONGRATULATIONS Sending our warmest wishes to Steve & Joy Karaga on their recent marriage. Page 6 LADIES TEA Come and celebrate fall at our Annual Ladies Tea on Saturday, September 24 th from 1pm 3pm in the Sanctuary. Finger sandwiches, petit fours and cookies will be served. Along with tasty treats, you will enjoy a Fashion Show presented by our Thrift Cottage, as well as Christian fellowship. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for young ladies under 10. Tickets will be sold between and after services in the Gathering Place on September 11 th, and IF tickets are still available, on September 18 th. We can comfortably seat a maximum of 150, and in order to do this, we need your help. Can you decorate a table? Perhaps you have dishes that brings back special memories. Would you like to help with food preparation? We are also in need of some men who would like to act as servers. Please call Mary Beth Hancock (345-7130), Kimla Minor (730-5550) or Patty McClain (812-1515) if you can help in any way, or have questions. If you are interested in modeling, please call Kathie Meiklejohn (776-8766). PUMC MEAL TRAIN The PUMC Meal Train is setup for our church family in times of significant life events (death, illness, injury, etc). If you are interested in providing meals to our congregants in need, we will need to add you to the meal train database. Once added, you will be able to sign up to deliver a meal as you feel called. Please call the church office (776-1539) to provide your name and email address, or contact either Kathie Barnhart or Jill Rogers at PUMCmealtrain@yahoo.com. Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. A Word from Pastor Chris Continued; The director of UMCOR in Louisiana reports that as quickly as the kits are being received they are being sent out to those affected by the flooding. Also, because the height of hurricane season is quickly approaching there is a need to replenish kit supplies in the event of another storm. If you would like to pack a flood kit for Louisiana you can get all the information on what is needed and how to pack it at http://www.umcor.org/umcor/relief-supplies/relief-supply-kits/cleaning. All kits can be brought to the church office and we will deliver them on September 13 th to First UMC, Lakeland, which is our collection site. Please have them to the church office no later than Monday, September 12 th. We cannot collect them after that day. These are just two ways among many that you and I are called to be part of the ministry of Christ to bring hope and healing to the world. Or, as Desmond Doss said, to put a little bit of it back together. Friends, let s get to it! Blessings, Chris
Stephen Ministry News Page 7 September is Stephen Ministry month at Parrish United Methodist Church. It is a time to recognize all our current and former ministers. It is also a time to actively encourage anyone who would like to become a minister. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation and community experiencing challenges in life grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss and many other life difficulties. To learn how to become a Stephen Minister or receive care from one, contact the church office (941-776-1539) or a Stephen Leader. Stephen Ministers are only the CAREgivers Christ is the CUREgiver. September 13 th -First Week of GriefShare Stephen Ministry Calendar GriefShare is a 13 week program for those who are going through the grieving process. We will meet at 4:00 pm in Room 123. For more information, please contact Millie Chabot at (592-6552) or the church office (776-1539). September 25 th -Stephen Minister Sunday We will offer information about the Ministry and begin accepting applications for the new class. November 6 th A Night to Remember Annual dinner and Celebration of Life to remember loved ones. Open to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past two years. November 15 th First Week of New Stephen Ministry Training Classes will meet from 6:30-9 PM. This is a 50 hour training course to prepare people for commissioning as Stephen Ministers. Those interested in joining should speak to any Stephen Minister for more information and an application. T he Caregiver s Compass is a common thread throughout the training and service of Stephen Ministers. The symbol in the center of the compass is a Chi Rho, an ancient symbol of Christ. This reminds Stephen Ministers of the Christcentered nature of their caring ministry. The four points of the compass guide Stephen Ministers to compassionate, full of faith, skilled and trustworthy.
Two Opportunities to be The LOVE of GOD Page 8 Craft Day Saturday, September 10 th 9:00am Packing Day Sunday, September 25 12:30pm Financial support is needed to purchase supplies and materials. Please be sure to mark your envelope "OCC" Thank You! QUESTIONS???? Contact: Patsy Kadlec patsykadlec@gmail.com OR Bethany Cook Bethanycook1570@ gmail.com Quotes from OCC Shoebox recipients: This Jesus might be someone I want to get to know. The shoebox helped me realize that God is for children, too, not just adults. I used the box for many years as my treasure chest. Inspired by the generosity of this family, I shared some items from my box. A stranger loves me? How can that be, when neighbors in Rwanda had tried to kill us? I became brave enough to take a chance on people again. Things needed year round for crafts: Wine corks, bottle caps, blank CD's and empty thread spools. Please drop in the OCC bin in The Gathering Place. Many Thanks Next Meeting Tuesday, September 13 th 6:30pm Come Join Us!
Page 9 GriefShare GriefShare is Beginning Tuesday, September 13 th 4:00 PM in Room 123 GriefShare is a special weekly seminar/support group for people grieving the death of someone close. It s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At Grief- Share, you ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. This program is open to anyone living in the area who is dealing with grief. GriefShare lasts for 13 weeks. Call the church office (776-1539) for more information. New Sunday Bible Study Coming soon! Letter s from a Skeptic by Greg & Edward Boyd. A son wrestles with his father s questions about Christianity. Over the course of almost three years Greg Boyd and his father Ed corresponded about Christianity, the Bible and faith. Ed, a skeptic with a lot of questions, engages his son's expertise with love, transparency and candor. Greg, a notorious open theist and, at the time, Professor of Theology at Bethel University, addresses his father's questions and misconceptions about the issue dividing them in an attempt to reconcile his feelings about his father. More information and start date to follow. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the Gathering Place. New Membership Class If you would like to join the church or would just like to learn more about PUMC, this is your opportunity. Our New Member Luncheon will be Sunday, October 23rd from 12:30 2:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Anyone wishing to become a member of PUMC should plan to attend. The following week, Sunday, October 30 th, people completing the class will be received into membership. Everyone is welcome long time visitors, spouses of church members and new guests. Please let us know you plan on attending by writing it on the attendance pad or calling the church office (941-776-1539).
Building Team News Page 10 During the month of August, the PUMC Building Team met to review master plans and blueprints from the past history of the church. The team examined master plans from 1995, 2002 and 2003. It was interesting to note the consistency among the older plans and our current projections as to location, size, floor plan and usage. At the end of August, the team received the results of the community survey that appeared in the Parrish Village News in July and August. This survey was instituted by the team s request to the Parrish Civic Association in attempt to further refine the community needs that our building can facilitate. The team will review the responses during September. The team has scheduled a presentation in September from Canco of Florida, Inc., in affiliation with Southeastern Church Builders. Canco is a design/build company that specializes in steel buildings and conventional construction. In addition to commercial construction, they have built 42 churches across the Southeast and operate from their home office in Plant City. For church projects, the company is particularly focused on $1-$5 million buildings which are consistent with the team s financial projection. By the end of September, the team will have interviewed three and possibly four potential design companies for the first phase of our project development of a master plan and preliminary construction drawings. These plans rely heavily on our church being able to communicate a clear vision and missional purpose for the future. Remember: Please keep our Building Team in daily prayer asking that the Holy Spirit guide our work and our decisions during this project. New Ladies Bible Study Priscilla Shirer s, The Armor of God, is starting Wednesday, September 7 th at 6:30 pm. If you enjoyed the War Room movie then you ll like the Armor of God Bible study by Priscilla Shirer! All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. Join us in learning to PRAY fervently in these battles! Cost of the book is approximately $15. Please sign up in the Gathering Place. Contact Toni Schmidt if you have any additional questions. Follow us on Facebook/Parrish UMC
PUMC Birthday Calendar September 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat EACH SUNDAY: Traditional Worship 8:15 AM Contemporary Worship 9:45 Blended Worship 11:11 AM Sunday School for All ages at 9:45 AM 1 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:30 PM CrossLight Practice 2 3 11:00 AM Food Distribution 11:00 AM Community Luncheon 4 5 6 7:00 AM Worship Design 10:00 AM Bible Study 7 5:30 PM Youth Band Practice 6:30 PM Youth Ministry 6:30 PM Kidz Night 8 9:00 AM Thrift Cottage Mtg. 7:00 PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM Admin. Team 8:30 PM CrossLight Practice 9 10 11 12 13 7:00 AM Worship Design 10:00AM Bible Study 4:0 0 PM GriefShare 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry 14 5:30 PM Youth Band Practice 6:30 PM Youth Ministry 6:30 PM Kidz Night 7:00 PM Building Team 15 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:30 PM CrossLight Practice 16 6:30 PM Family Night 17 11:00 AM Food Distribution 11:00 AM Community Luncheon 18 19 20 7:00 AM Worship Design 10:00 AM Bible Study 21 9:30 AM MOPS 5:30 PM Youth Band Practice 6:30 PM Youth Ministry 6:30 PM Kidz Night 6:30 PM Building Team 22 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:30 PM CrossLight Practice 23 24 1:00 PM Ladies Tea 25 STEPHEN MINISTER.SUNDAY 26 27 7:00 AM Worship Design 10:00 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry 28 5:30 PM Youth Band Practice 6:30 PM Youth Ministry 6:30 PM Kidz Night 29 7:00 PM Choir Practice 8:30 PM CrossLight Practice 30
PUMC Birthday Calendar September 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Vince Cobelo Sheila Guthrie 3 Kevin Osborne Sherrie Gosling 4 Pat Anderson Jerry Purvis Norma Jean Hulley 11 Daniel Ankersmit Joyce Hubble 5 6 Mack Britt Austin Garcia 12 Frank Anderson Kathi DeCarlo Brian Karns Ryen Rath Nancy Dowling 7 Anna Barry Danyell Jackson 13 14 Julie McNaughton Don Gorski Mary Lou Vandervort Chris Nelson 8 Mckenna Karns Jay McNaughton Deanna Osbourne Carrie Santos Nancy Butterwick 15 Deb Foxworthy 9 Alma Woolbert Lily King 10 Mike Everson Chuck Tawney 16 17 Randy Call Eric McRoberts Brayden Favia Mike Lough Marilynn Morrison 18 19 Bud Phillips 20 21 Dory Hilton Kimla Miner 22 Geena Gregory Ed Johns 23 Delilah Ranceful 24 Jennifer Collins Courtney Klemish 25 Aubrey Abarr 26 Destiny Dean Donna Drumheller Charles Rauch Norm Fitzgerald 27 Austin Hargrove Barbara Roth 28 Ronald Goodine 29 Ashley McIlwaine Evan Miles 30 Drew Evans Caitlyn Hanlon Bobbyetta Judd Mary Jane Phillips Sally Hoffmaster Pam Fitzgerald