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A Hope and A Future
United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc. |
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| Greetings! |
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand is one of the few miracles recorded in all four gospels. In John's Gospel, though, the tale is a little different. John alone tells us of the little boy who gives his meal willingly to Jesus.
From this small offering, Jesus performs his miracle. He could have rained manna from heaven, or said a word and filled everyone's stomachs. Instead, He took what was offered and turned it into something greater.
We've often seen this played out in our own lives. There are many ways God can help us during our times of need, but the most common pattern is for God to take what we offer and turn it into something greater than we can do or make on our own.
This month, one of our board members has been challenged by her pastor to make a small contribution to God for His work. Check out Bonnie's story, and help her offering become something greater if you feel led to do so. We know that God will take that offering, whatever the size, and perform miracles with it.
Grace and Peace
Pamela Qualls
"Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."
John 6:11-12 |
| Our Email Address is Changing |
We are upgrading our internet and email service to enhance our computer lab and serve you better, too! Please note our new general address, contact@umcm.info. For staff email addresses, go to our website at www.umcm.info/staff.Thank you! |
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Coming Events
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September 10-11, see article
ESOL Tutor Training
Anona UMC
13233 Indian Rocks Rd
Largo, FL 33774
(727) 442-6881 X5 for info
September 24-25, see article
ESOL Tutor Training
Anona UMC
13233 Indian Rocks Rd
Largo, FL 33774
(727) 442-6881 X5 for info
October 16, 10 am - 9 pm
Macy's Shop for a Cause
Tickets will be available
from UMCM/Suncoast staff
and volunteers starting
September 20
November 6
Golf Tournament to
support P.A.S.S.,
First United Methodist
Church of Clearwater,
more info to come
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| Info |
United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc.
1625 Union Street
Clearwater, FL 33755-1363
(727) 442-6881
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| A Board Member's Challenge-Matching Bonnie's Talents |
From Board of Directors Member, Bonnie Swan:
 "Do you remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)?
On a recent Sunday at East Lake United Methodist Church, worshippers began to experience the parable firsthand as our pastor, Rev. Bob Martin, made the announcement that statistics showed poverty levels up 102% in Pinellas County over the past year. He then distributed envelopes with small amounts of cash in them to members of the congregation, and challenged the recipients to use those dollars to alleviate poverty and hunger.
I was in the congregation that day, and received an envelope containing $20.
Because I'm so passionate about the feeding ministries, homeless assistance and homelessness prevention services provided by UMCM/Suncoast, my first thought was to donate the funds right away. But then it struck me that to meet the challenge and live out the parable, I need to mulitply my talents.
So, I am asking all of you who support United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast for your help. If you feel led, please match my talents and donate $20 to the poverty alleviating ministries we carry out each and every day. Please act quickly - the deadline for matching donations to be counted is Friday, September 17.
This small offering from each of us will go a long way when pooled together and dedicated to God. We'll see our talents multiplied!"
If you'd like to contribute, please send a check for $20 (or whatever amount you'd like) made out to United Methodist Cooperative Ministries to: Bonnie's Talent Match United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc. 1625 Union Street Click here to find out how to match Bonnie's talents by credit card or Pay Pal...
Bonnie Swan has been a member of the Board of Directors for United Methodist Cooperative Ministries for 10 years, is a past Board President, and is currently serving as Board Secretary. Her skills and service have been instrumental in the development of the agency. We thank Bonnie for her dedication and for supporting UMCM/Suncoast with all of her "talents". |
Volunteer Spotlight
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Denise Tran with a picture of herself as a CWP student | Denise Tran, 14, a freshman at Pinellas Park High School is in our volunteer spotlight. Denise was a volunteer at Children of the World Preschool (CWP) in St. Petersburg for their five-week summer camp program. In 1999-2000, Denise was a preschool student at the Southeast Asian Pre-School that became CWP in 2001. Click here for more... |
Teach English (No Experience Necessary!)
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TTutors and students at our Pasadena site celebrate their accomplishments together.
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The tutors in our Families Learning Together Literacy Program have a few things in common - they love learning about other countries and cultures, they love sharing what they know, and they care deeply about others. If that describes you, consider becoming an English tutor!You'll work one-to-one or in small groups to help newcomers to our area learn to speak English, understand American culture, and establish a new life for themselves and their families. About 500 adults learn English each year at our 10 program sites in Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco Counties.Our next training is coming up this Friday and Saturday, so register now! Or, if you already have other plans, another training will be held in two weeks. If that doesn't work for you, just let us know and we'll keep you posted on future trainings.
Click here for more... |
| Threshers Fundraiser a Big Hit |
John Powers and son Stephen were among the fans at the Threshers game. | Over 100 fans of both baseball and UMCM/Suncoast came to Bright House Field on Saturday night, July 10, to watch the Clearwater Threshers beat the Daytona Cubs. They came from New Port Richey, South St. Petersburg and all points in between for a great evening of fantastic baseball, fireworks, free food, and fundraising. The ticket purchases provided $550 for United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast.
Click here for more info... |
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A Giant Back-to-School Thank You
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The following churches and groups donated the school supplies that helped us stuff almost 400 backpacks this year for needy children. The backpacks were distributed to United Methodist Churches for their outreach events and community partnerships.
Allendale United Methodist Church
Palm Harbor United Methodist Church
Pasadena Community Church (United Methodist)
First United Methodist Church, Dunedin
Servicing Solutions Group of Clearwater
Thank you to each and every one of you who donated items, stuffed backpacks, and provided transportation. I know the children who received the backpacks thank you, too!
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