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Volume 15, Issue 2 |
April 2009 |
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 "There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth."
Eccl. 3:1-14
The author of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a right time to plant and another to reap, a time to embrace and another to part, a right time to hold on and another to let go. As many of you already know, effective July 6th I have decided to retire from eighteen years of ministry with UMCM. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding ministries of my career. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve our neighbors in need and I thank each and every one of you, our readers, staff, volunteers and supporters.
I vividly remember when God brought me to UMCM in 1991. It happened to be on April Fools Day! I am so glad that our God has a sense of humor! My appointment was to direct two part-time outreach ministries (UMCM and Childs Park Church in the Community). There were two paid employees, the Director and a part-time secretary, a budget of $39,000, 30 volunteers and mounting debt along with a mandate to help fill the gap and meet the needs of a very poor community.
One of the many joys of being a part of UMCM for such a long period is being able to look back at the growth of the agency and how it has creatively filled the human need gap with life-changing programs; from food pantries to transportation programs to home repair to transitional housing to after-school tutorial programs, summer camps, literacy programs including basic reading and writing to English for Speakers of Other Languages and preschool education for refugee and immigrant children as well as free legal clinics and hunger initiatives. It is wonderful to be in a check-out line in a store or in a parking lot and have someone stop you and say, "You probably do not remember me but (I or my child) was part of one of your programs at UMCM and I wanted to let you know that today they have graduated college, got married, are raising a family or volunteering in their community -- all because of what you and the United Methodist Church did to inspire and encourage them at a point in their lives when hope was hard to find."
UMCM is about changing lives. It is about building bridges of understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs and building understanding between diverse communities and the church. It is a transforming ministry where God is a verb not a noun! Above all else, UMCM is a servant ministry offering a place for ALL who have a servant heart and a desire to live that out in relationship to their "neighbor" wherever the need. We are an expression to the church and the community of God's unfailing love, grace and hope! UMCM seeks to bring the church into the world and the world into the church.
Over the years, I have been blessed and inspired by the many volunteers and staff who have given tirelessly to help make the ministry what it is today. You have blessed my life in so many ways. Thank You! I eagerly look forward to the next chapter and the opportunities God has for me.
Grace and Peace,
Donna Ratzlaff
Deaconess |
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United Methodist Cooperative Ministries Community gathers to honor
Executive Director, Donna Ratzlaff
on the occasion of her retirement
Sunday, June 7, 2009, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL
In lieu of gifts and in honor of the occasion, contributions may be made to the
Donna C. Ratzlaff Endowment Fund. Contributions made out to UMCM may be mailed to Doris Campbell at 1219 Norwood Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 or brought to the reception. For additional information contact joyfulheart75@gmail.com
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 Pack-A-Sack Sets High Goals!
Coordinator Lewis Hill hopes to feed over 1,200 hungry children in 47 Florida Title One Schools by 2011. The UMCM Board Member describes the support thusfar as "positive and promising." He explains, "The concept is very simple. Churches donate packaged food and volunteers pack the sacks then bring them to a participating schools for distribution." Sacks go to Title One Schools in Pinellas County on Friday afternoon to children who are identified by school officials. As they board the bus for the weekend, they are given a pack which contains 2 days of nutritious snacks. Contents include health bars, cereal, packaged milk, juice, fruit cups, cheese and crackers, raisins, and a variety of protein-rich, low-sugar items. Hill emphasized that cash donations are crucial. 
In fall of 2008, Lewis teamed with Donna Ratzlaff, UMCM's Executive Director, to launch the project. Lewis says, "We are grateful for 1st United Methodist Church of Clearwater, Belleair Elementary School and the other advocates in Pinellas Schools who have joined the program." Symptoms of malnutrition include; lethargy, poor concentration, discipline issues, and even low grades. The number of hungry kids has increased as the economic slump continues. With the tight economy, families are struggling and often can not purchase extra food on weekends. Will you help? Contact Lewis at (727) 446-5955 or call UMCM at (727) 442-6881 to donate! |
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| Summer Learning Camp Fundraiser |
 Summer Learning Camp begins June 15. Donations are requested by May 15 to insure that your sponsored child has a place. Contact UMCM at (727) 442-6881 or umcoopm@verizon.net. |
 Summer Learning Camp Day Camp - UMCM is planning a Summer Day Camp for elementary children at Union Street UMC June 15th through July 15th. Gina McPherson, Director of PASS+ reports, "This year the theme is "LIVING THINGS... All God's Creatures!" UMCM is looking for individuals and groups to help with scholarships so as many children as possible will be able to attend. Can you help either with a cash donation or In-Kind gift? Donations may be sent to UMCM, 1625 Union Street, Clearwater, Fl 33755 or visit our web site at umcm.info and you can contribute with a credit card through our secure Network for Good site. Needs List is available on website. Many thanks! |
 A Memorable Event for PACT Program - Skycrest UMC and Union Street UMC Families joined for a wonderful day of learning and fun at the Clearwater Library. A special thanks goes to Skycrest  Pastor Fred Ball, who drove the bus, and Jennifer Obermeier and the Youth Department at Clearwater Library for such a creative program. Kudos to Francys, Doricell, and Tracey! Great job, team! |
PACT at Children of The World Preschool - South Pinellas Coordinator, Emily Bowen, and Volunteer Jessica Shrader read The Jungle Book to Families Learning Together to parents and their children. Thanks to the generosity of UMCM tutor and computer coach, Suzanne Conti, each child took home a stuffed animal from the jungle! |
The grade cards are in and every one of the 30 kids (100%) achieved C's or above.
Nearly half (48%) achieved all B's or above and one student earned a 4-point! This was made possible by our faithful donors and by the staff and passionate volunteers who give their best to the struggling students who attend PASS+.
We appreciate our teachers and volunteers! |
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Applause for PASS+ Volunteers! |
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  Betty Kenas Bette Simon
Sara Boynton Patricia Goldschmidt  
Michelle Zhang Michael Phane  
Tracey Stamp Randy Malaivanh
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 Cristie Wolfe Nominated
"Volunteer of the Year"
Cris Wolfe, left, nominee for Tampa Bay United Way Volunteer of the Year in the category of Education at the 2009 luncheon and awards ceremony April 22, 2009 poses with Jan Setzekorn, Director of Literacy Services. Cris serves as the site coordinator for the ESOL tutoring program at Pasadena Community Church. She coordinates 28 volunteer tutors to provide English classes for approximately 70 students. Jan says of Cris, "Her creativity and innovation make her site truly unique. Her latest project is to start a Walk and Talk Club, where tutors will model the healthy habit of walking for exercise while giving the students the opportunity to practice conversational English in a natural setting." Families participate in Literacy classes using up-to-date laptops and excellent resources. Cris has organized many volunteers, many of whom have graduated from the program. |
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 February and March ESOL Tutor Training Completed - Jan Setzekorn, Director of Literacy Services, center, congratulates Don and Mary Rennell, Pasadena tutors, who completed the ESOL Tutor Training Workshops on February 21 and 28 at Pinellas Park Library. UMCM Instructors Tracey Tyber and Emily Bowen assisted Jan in teaching the new tutors various methods which will enhance their English classes. Next workshop is fall of 2009. To learn more, call Pam Qualls at (727) 442-6881 and visit umcm.info. The tutor instruction is free, and no previous teaching experience is required. Make a difference in someone else's life... become an ESOL volunteer tutor.
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 Easter Giving Tree
Ellen Johnsen created an Easter Giving Tree for the congregation at Union Street United Methodist Church for the benefit of UMCM ministres!
Thank You Ellen! |
 UMCM Sites Honor Volunteers
National Volunteer Week 2009 was April 19-25th. Organizations all over the country recognized the enormous contributions of their volunteers, and UMCM took part. At each of our program sites, we "Celebrated People in Action" in a unique way. Our volunteers were reminded of how much impact they've had on the lives of those they serve as they received "thank you's" created just for them. It's the least we could do to show our appreciation and say, "Thank You For All That You Do!" | |
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Word for the Day
"God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him." James 1:17 |
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Medical Equipment
Available
Free Equipment for the Disabled!
Need a wheelchair, lift, crutches, walkers, or braces and can't afford them? Contact the UMM Thrift Shop at Seminole UMC at (727) 391-978. Ask for Shop Coordinator
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Summer Learning Camp June 15 - July 15
Preschool Summer Camp June 8 - July 3
April Volunteer Appreciation Month
June 7 - Donna's Retirement Reception |
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UMCM Needs
General Program Needs New Color Laser Printer (About $650.) Folding Machine, Copy Paper, Gift Certificates to Wal-Mart, Sweet Bay, Winn-Dixie and Publix, Fresh Apples and Bananas, Health Bars, Gallons of Hi-C or Fruit Drink, Individual Boxes of Fruit Juice, Fruit and Pudding Cups, Clorox Wipes, Paper Towels. Small Styrofoam Bowls, 5-oz Paper Cups (no Styrofoam) and homemade cookies
Summer Learning Camp 2009
Money or gift cards to purchase items for cooking class, Tadpole Food, Ant Farm, Butterfly Garden, Garden Tools/Gloves, and Sewing Machine
Computer Needs
Laptops, Notebooks with VISTA or XP, CD-DVD Drives, Memory Sticks or Cards (2 GB or more), USB (with or without mics) and Headphones
Collaborative Food Pantries
(Clearview UMC, Sylvan Abbey UMC, and Wesley UMC)
Non-perishable food items and cash to purchase perishable items |
 Extra Girl Scout Cookies?
The After-School Tutorial Program could use them for snack time! Contact Pam Qualls at (727) 442-6881 x 5 or
pam.umcm@verizon.net |
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Honor Roll of Giving - Jan - March 09
Kindly forgive if we have accidentally missed or misspelled your name
James & Deborah Andrus
Harry Blake
Pam Boling
Boy Scout Troop 311
Harry & Charlotte Briscoe
Glen & Sara Brown
Doris Campbell
Bryan Chaffee
Childs Park Fellowship
John & Martha Clardy
Byron & MIldred Clark
Cecelia Dais
Rosa DIaz
Debbie and Bill Drake
Walter Dry
S. Eaton
Sandra Edge-Boyd Karen Edwards
Ruth Feldman
Clair Ferguson
Isolyn & Patrick Foster
Kathleen Gile
Giving Place Preschool
Sandy Gutshalt
George & Gwen Hall
Ruth Hazleton
Charles Horne
Dr. Jack & Suzanne Hutto
Arline Isaacson
Ellen Johnsen
Jon & Elizabeth Kenas
Michelle Kiewit
Larry & Kathleen Kirkland
Donald & Nancy Kragh
Latdy Laun
Dr. Lois Leffler
Dr. Dorothy Marble
Lien Nguyen
Valne Long
Marion Lucciola
Mary Martha Circle - East Lake UMC
Chery McMinn
Jeffrey & Marsha McQuinn
Virginia Melidosian
Edward Mooney
Seri Nhon
Frank & Frances Norwood
Rise Oeschger
Ruth Pinch
Pinellas Community Foundation
Pinellas County Emergency Management
Evelyn Pounds
Frances Power
Blanche Raines
Senka Ramic
Donna Ratzlaff
Paul & Valerie Reed
Stephen & Cynthia Ripley
Wyline Sayler
Pinellas County School Board
Mary Shipman
Snioky & Kathleen Smook
Pinellas County Social Action Funding
Ralph & Milldred Sparks
Ernestine Stotts
Helen Sweatt
Kathryn Sweatt
Michael & Christine Swingle
Nancy Thomas
John Thompson
Thrifty Spirit Shop of Curlew UMC
Elise Tirrell
Barbara Tomao
Sylvan Abbey UMC
Trang Nguyen
Rosemary Uebel
Allendale UMC
Christ UMC of Bradenton
Koinonia Class of Clearview
Holiday UMC
Curlew UMC
Faith UMC - Largo
Gulfport First UMC
Hudson First UMC -
First UMC - Spring Hill
Pinellas Park UMC- Firendship UMC
Heritage UMC
Lakewood UMC
Oakhurst UMC
Pasadena UMC
Riviera UMC
Seminole UMC
St. Paul's UMC
Trinity UMC
Jake Voreis
Christopher Walton Charles Williamson | |
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 A Dream Come True - When Thuy Le came to the ESOL tutoring program of UMCM in February of 2008, she had almost no English skills. After hard work with her ESOL tutors, including Suzanne Conti (pictured left) Thuy Le advanced several skill levels and passed the citizenship exam. This March 12, her dream came true as she was sworn in as a U.S. CItizen at the Tampa Convention Center. She was tutored at UMCM with Betty Ashley and Suzanne Conti. Thuy Le also attends ESOL at Mirror Lake. She  has been in the U.S. for six years. She is one of nine children and many of them live here in St. Petersburg. Suzanne said that attending Thuy Le's citizenship ceremony "was a very emotional experience for me. I was taking pictures and enjoying the event, but when I saw the 53 candidates actually taking the oath, tears welled up in my eyes and I realized how important this moment was for them. I'm thrilled to be an ESOL tutor and to have been able to share that moment with Thuy Le." Congratulations to Thuy Le! Thank you Suzanne and Betty!
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 New ESOL Tutors Ready to Start - During the first quarter of 2009, 23 new tutors completed the UMCM ESOL training workshop. Another 6 are finishing the online training course which will prepare them to work with immigrants and refugees with limited English skills. Each new tutor will assist in an ESOL site in Pinellas County for a two-hour session per week. Using the Jumping into English Curriculum, they will help students with speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as provide practical instruction for life in Pinellas County. The next ESOL training workshop is scheduled for fall 2009. Please contact Pam Qualls at (727) 442-6881 ext. 5 or umcm.info for more information. |
 Teacher of the Year Joins UMCM Staff
Julie Jones, Pinellas County Teacher Trainer, recently joined the PASS+ After-School Tutorial Program to assist in the computer lab with first-through fifth-grade students. Julie was selected as Teacher of the Year in Hillsborough County in 1995, Her current service as a Reading Trainer includes Sandy Lane Elementary and Kings Highway Elementary, which some of the PASS+ student attend. Julie is a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. She has four children and two grandchildren. Welcome Julie! |
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| Children of The World Preschool |
 Preschoolers Learn  Egg Art
Senka, a Preschool Mom and Child Enrichment Specialist from Bosnia, demonstrated the art of "Flower Eggs," a Bosnian family tradition that is practiced in preparation for Easter. Senka explained, "Most Eastern European countries believe that the egg is a symbol of renewal of life and rebirth at Easter time." The boiled eggs are tinted with onion skins, while small ferns and flowers are added to create floral designs. Senka helped the preschoolers decorate their own eggs. The children, staff and some parents were all amazed at the beauty of the finished product. In addition, Senka helps in the computer lab! Thank You Senka! |
 Preschoolers Visit Boyd Park
On March 25, Preschoolers, families, and staff visited Boyd Park for a family day of learning and fun.
Children of the World Preschool sponsored a Parent Night on Feb. 28. Most attendees were the Dads of our Preschool students.
Way to go, Dads!
Lao, Cambodian and Thai New Year!
Ar right, VPK teachers, Beth Ferguson and Boutsy Ngonvongsa, are dressed in traditional Lao outfits! The New Year Celebration was culminated by a Group Blessing for the coming year. |
 Preschool Sponsors "Trike-a-Thon"
Starting April 27 through May 1, the Preschool will sponsor a "Trike-a-thon" fundraiser for the benefit of .St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the Preschool. All are encouraged to participate in this dynamic fundraiser -- families, extended families, children and friends of UMCM. Please call the Preschool at (727) 526-0017 and ask how you may participate! The Preschool is located at Hope Lutheran Church (click for map), 1801 62nd Street in St. Petersburg. |
PALM HARBOR UMC Reaches Out to the Unemployed - Palm Harbor United Methodist Church held a seminar April 2 to help their unemployed and underemployed neighbors find jobs. Led by area professional career counselors, the seminar offered tips and techniques to help people cope during the transition to a new job and a checklist of elements comprising an effective job search plan. The seminar and the church's newly formed Employment Support Network (ESN) were developed, in part, to support members of the congregation who have been affected by unemployment. Both were also designed to assist church members' friends and family and anyone in the community who has lost a job or anticipates a job loss. See Career Resources. Meetings are held on Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Palm Harbor UMC, 1551 Belcher Rd. For more information, call Cathy Hart, left, (727) 785-7487. |
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| Pasadena's Walk and Talk Club |
 The Walk and Talk Club that grew out of Pasadena Community Church ESOL Program was inspired by Cris Wolfe, site coordinator. She developed this idea to help the women who attend her classes. Once or twice a month, the ladies gather with a sack lunch and water bottle at a local park, mall, or beach. The gals walk together and practice English conversation skills. Their time spent together provides them with an opportunity to build friendship and camaraderie and build a network to help those who are isolated or new to this area. Cris reports, "We walk through whatever venue we are visiting, talking about what we are seeing; then have our lunch. I would love to see this evolve into the students' building close friendhsips with one another, and helping one another if they have any problems or become sick. Many of my students are widowed, divorced, or are worried about being alone in a country that does not speak their native language." |
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Thank You Jake!
A sincere thanks to Jake Voreis for editing Reaching Out and E-News each month.
Let's Hear From You!
Share your newsworthy events with Reaching Out or E-News by contacting Nancy Currens, Director of Public Relations and Communications at (727) 442-6881, ext 4 or nancyc.umcm@verizon.net. |
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During these difficult times, your donations (what ever the amount) are deeply needed and appreciated. If you would like to donate to the ministry by check, please send it to UMCM, 1625 Union St. Clearwater, FL 33755 or you may donate via credit card. Click on Network for Good, a secure site. Thank You! |
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Donna Ratzlaff, Executive Director of United Methodist Cooperative Ministries |
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