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Only Lord, Jesus Christ! Well, they asked me to pray for rain! Yes, and indeed it did rain through the night Saturday and all day Sunday, (6/24). But, rain is both a blessing and necessary for the creation's sustenance. I am reminded, of course, of that old song lyric, "There shall be showers of blessings!" (Amen?)
Is it important what we pray for, as believers? Yes, of course. Jesus gives us instruction and direction on prayer. I love this one, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mk. 11:24). If we do not believe God is able to answer our prayer, why pray it? There is power in the words we use. That is why James teaches so emphatically about the tongues' use (and misuse).
Paul teaches, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Prayer, or praying is serious business. An active prayer life, we can say, is vital to the sustenance of the believer just as rain is necessary for the growth of God's created world.
Listen to what James writes: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? HE should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." (5:13-14). So, prayer is not just a means of grace for each believer, prayer is vital to the wholeness of the community of faith! And, that is a key part to the plan of the Almighty-- healing and wholeness of His people.
What is your prayer for Allendale Church and its community? Are you in prayer that we increase our vision to be in relationship with our mission field right here in Allendale area. (That is our immediate mission field.) Are you in prayer and lifting the ministry needs of our "mission field" before God's throne of grace, so that we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world? We must start right here where we are, right?
I believe that if we get our hearts right with God and strive to meet the needs of others, God will bless with those "showers of blessings." The important question is, do you the reader of this believe this, also? Are you willing to do something about it? Some might say, "What can I do, Pastor?" Well, you can start by praying about it. Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt. 9:38). Will you pray that prayer with me? Will you pray believing? And, will you pray with-out ceasing? See you in worship!
Pastor Ronnie
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 The United Methodist Foundation Comes to Allendale On Tuesday July 10th 7:00pm the Allendale Church Council will convene with special guest from the United Methodist Foundation. I would like to encourage every Allendale member who can possibly arrange their schedule to attend. Our church is facing some financial challenges which include but not limited too: - A new roof for the sanctuary
- New windows for the sanctuary (the ones we have now leak)
- New lighting for sanctuary
- Repairs or replacement of pews in sanctuary
And the list continues This meeting will be your opportunity to ask questions you might have about this organization. The representatives will be at the Council Meeting to give an overview of what the Foundation does and how it can assist Allendale. Later, details can be given to Trustees and Finance committees. Below you will find a very brief synopsis of some of the Foundations work. Information for Churches: The Foundation offers a variety of services for churches. For example, churches may invest in and borrow from the Development Fund at rates that are more attractive than those available commercially. Money invested in the Development Fund becomes part of a conference-wide loan pool which is available to conference agencies and churches. Development Fund loans help underwrite new church development, maintenance, renovation and expansion projects. The Foundation, through an Investment Management Agreement, will invest endowment funds or other permanent funds for churches and conference agencies. Once an appropriate investment strategy is determined, funds are placed under professional management. A small fee is assessed to cover administrative costs. The Foundation acts as trustee in the management of revocable or irrevocable charitable trusts established to benefit the church or its related institutions. Trustee services include the professional management of trust assets, record keeping and reporting, accounting and the regular payment of income to the donor or other beneficiaries Borrowing The Development Fund exists to help Florida United Methodist Churches, agencies and missions have a reliable, readily available, and affordable source of loan funds to support building and maintenance efforts. Any church within the Florida Annual Conference can borrow from The Development Fund, and in fact, two in every five churches has received a low-interest loan from the Fund. Investing The Florida United Methodist Foundation manages funds that have been deposited with the Foundation in accordance with investment management agreements, deposit or custodial arrangements, endowment arrangements, donor advised gift agreements and charitable gift annuities, or under the terms of a will, trust or gift arrangement. Assets managed by the Foundation are organized as common funds. These funds are managed according to investment guidelines set forth by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The Foundation provides an accounting of the transactions with respect to each account invested in its common funds. Contributions and withdrawals from each common fund are allowed monthly at the calculated net asset value. Endowments A major role of the Foundation is to assist local churches and conference agencies in establishing permanent endowment committees and funds for the purpose of ensuring that God's ministries will continue for generations to come. Churches may establish endowment programs to fund specific ministries, missions, scholarships, facility maintenance and improvements and/or general (undesignated) funds, which can be tapped as special needs arise. Types of funds vary according to specific needs of individual churches. For more information on the United Methodist Foundation go to www.fumf.org Please make plans to attend.
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Chick-Fil-A Leadercast
Back for Year Three
On May 8th 2012 Allendale's Church Council made the decision to again host the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast event scheduled for Friday May 3rd 2013. The attendance of this year's event a Allendale doubled in size from the 2011 still leaving us a little in the hole dollar wise.
The Church Council continues to believe the Leadercast event is the right kind of event for Allendale to put its support. The feeling is that this event will appeal to the demographic of the area directly surrounding Allendale as well as the Tampa Bay Area in general. At our last Visioning Workshop one of the concerns of the group was "How does Allendale remain relevant", Leadercast is just one of the ways Allendale is attempting to do this.
This year's attendees included folks from our district office, a couple of pastors from our sister churches along with some media folks. Many of our own congregation came to take advantage of this first class event. We had people travel from as far as Sarasota to support Allendale when there were venues closer for them to attend.
This year the Leadercast folks are supplying us with a marketing expert to help us fill the seats and get the word out to the entire Bay area. Please be in prayer for this event and the people we can reach through an event like this, and make your plans now to attend next year.
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Join us for a Field Trip!
We will be visiting the Pinellas County Landfill and Waste to Energy Facility on July 18th to learn how our community manages all that stuff we throw away. This is a 90 minute tour and we will remain on our church bus for most of that time. We will meet in the church parking lot at 1 pm and travel together on the church bus to the Waste Management Facility.
Every year, more than two million tons of municipal solid waste is generated in Pinellas County and the primary strategy to reduce this mountain of trash is to coordinate and promote opportunities for citizens to reduce, reuse and recycle to minimize the amount of waste generated in our community. We hope this field trip will inspire us to increase our efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle at home and within our church.
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From Sandy Ross, Director of Music (cell 430-1316; caseychev@aol.com)
CHANCEL CHOIR. We have received an invitation from Robert Drick, Director of Sacred Arts at Pasadena Community Church, to participate in a Community Christmas Concert. It will be a performance of original pieces and carol arrangements titled Carols and Songs of the Season. There will be an informational luncheon on Saturday, August 18, which Ed Hempel will attend as Sandy will be on vacation. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to reviewing the music when I return.
Chancel Choir will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 6 at 7pm, and will perform on Sunday, September 9, 2012. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break.
TECH TEAM: Thanks so much to Tamara Henderson, for her fine work preparing slides for both services. Your talents are greatly appreciated. Larry Ross is now back participating in the tech rotation. Tamara could use a break now and then, so if you have an interest in preparing slideshows and have Powerpoint, please contact Sandy. It is fun and creative, and we are happy to train anyone interested in participating in slide preparation.
CALLING ALL SINGERS: New members for the choir are always welcome and needed. No singing experience necessary. Please call or email Sandy any time for further information.
REMINDER TO CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE: Please return "used" music to the file basket in the Choir room or the one next to the organ in the Sanctuary.
PRAISE BAND: Dennis McCarthy is unable to play with Praise Band for now due to work commitments, but we are pleased that Brian Manown is back with us on a regular basis. Members, please let Sandy know your vacation plans as soon as you know the dates you will be out so we can arrange for substitutes if necessary.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE: Thanks to the Instrumental Ensemble for helping to fill the music gap due to Choir being off in the summer. Members, please let Sandy know your vacation plans as soon as you know the dates you will be out so we can arrange for substitutes if necessary.
We want to grow our Instrumental Ensemble. If you play an instrument, no matter what level, please consider joining us. Contact Sandy for further information.
SOLOS/SMALL ENSEMBLES: Soloists, vocal or instrumental, and small musical ensembles are welcome and encouraged to perform - please contact Sandy for further information.
PRE-SERVICE SLIDES: Sandy prepares the Pre-Service Slides (Announcements) which are shown before each service. If you have something you want announced on the Pre-Service Slides, please email Sandy your slide(s) prepared on Powerpoint, or if you don't have Powerpoint, send the text you would like and Sandy will prepare the slide.
ATTENTION EVERYONE: Reminder of VIDEO RULE: If anyone wants to present a video during services, you must get it first to Joe Deal, who will test it before the Sunday it is to be presented.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR: Children's Choir will resume rehearsals beginning on Sunday, September 9, with first performance being on Sunday, September 30. Children's Choir is open to children grades K-8 and meets in the choir room at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to music and worship leading.
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Life Line Screening At Allendale
Tuesday, August 21
Family Life Center
¨ Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening
¨ Heart Rhythm Screening
¨ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
¨ Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
¨ Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
All 5 screenings for only $149, a savings of $126. Pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-324-1851. Priority Code: HSC3618
On line go to www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.
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UM WOMEN
As our circle members take a brief rest this summer we want to remind you to continue looking for those bargain items for the ditty bags. Items needed are washcloths, pens, small Kleenex, tube socks, (women, children), glue sticks, small notebooks and combs.
Remember summer is a good time to clean out those closets and storage areas. The flea market room is open for donations. Stop and get the key from the church office.
Calendar of Events:
July 27-29
Weekend School of Christian Mission,
Bethume-Cookman University.
July 30-August 3
Week long School of Christian Mission,
Bethume-Cookman University.
August 11
Summer Fellowship District Meeting
1:30-3:30 Ice Cream Social, Seminole UMC
September 7-9
Conference Spiritual Retreat, Leesburg
September 17
Stringing of Ditty Bags, 6:30 pm, Family Life Center
October 15
Stuffing of Ditty Bags, 6:30 pm, Family Life Center
Our own Amy Katsouris is now the new editor of the Gulf Central District UMW newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy via e-mail, contact Amy at amymormino@ hotmail.com. The letter comes out quarterly. Hard copies are also available through Amy. This paper is worth reading with information about UMW activities. Amy, the first issue was delightful!
Methodism Around the World: South Korea
United Methodist Women will begin their quarterly look at global Methodism with one of the most active non-Western countries with a strong Methodist presence: South Korea. The first Methodist missionaries arrived in 1884 and the Korean Methodist Church became independent in 1930. It now has over 1.5 million members and some 8,000 pastors. The largest Methodist church in the world, Kumnan, is located in Seoul and counts 120,000 members-the biggest in the U.S. "only" has 19,000. South Korean Methodists are also quite mission-minded and sponsor missionaries in 76 countries. South Korean Methodist women have their own group, the Korean Methodist Women's Society, with 194 branches and 80,000 members. They sponsor ministries like Asian mission and outreach to fishing and farming villages. If you would like to find out more about this fascinating group of Methodists go to www.kmc.or.kr/new/index.html.
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Recent Deaths
4-2
Bertha Thomas
4-2
Marjorie Morris
4-17
Dorothy Williams
6-27
Roy Magruder |
| JULY CELEBRATIONS
July Birthdays
Ronnie Jones
01
Amy Katsouris
05
Glenn Connolly
06
Brittany Kantaskas
07
Gail Vazzano
10
Florence Wilson
11
Linda Lee
12
Eric Clark
13
Jeff Tsiguloff
13
Brian Manown
16
Alexander Antonewitz
17
Lynda Beltz
19
Mary Landis
19
Diane Manown
20
Marjorie Footlick
21
Suellen Frank
21
Julie Schroeder
21
George Hayes III
22
June Kurtz
25
Bob Souers
25
Barbara Morse
26
Tom Gregory
28
Lyn Dickinson
28
Vera Smith
31
Jacob Veaughn
31
July Anniversaries
July 4th - 20 years July 8 - 62 years
Ronda & Vernon Veaughn Barbara & Philip Morse
July 13 - 38 years July 23-52 years
Debbie & Joe Deal Reed & Tom Gregory
Six Youth Going to Warren W. Willis Camp
July 16-20
Our youth that are going to camp are: SaVanna Beale,
Dakota Grainger, Charlee Gregory, Riley Gregory, Jacob Veaughn and Joshua Veaughn. Please keep our youth in your prayers for a safe week and that they are spiritually filled with knowledge of the word.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
"Babylon - Daniel's Courage in Captivity" was the theme for the summer 2012 Vacation Bible School. The kids traveled back into Bible times - without leaving St Petersburg!
Allendale and Clearview United Methodist Churches joined forces to present a hands-on-Bible-times experience. Each day the kids visited with Daniel and learned of his dilemma and that no matter his problem God was with him. There was craft time, music time and opening and closing celebration.
Each day there was a visit from Rachel, the lioness, who was trying to figure out what VBS was and learning about our God at the same time. She was a big hit with the kids.
The kids learned to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings and shared them with each other daily. They also donated money and wrote prayers for a project called Operation Kid to Kid that sends malaria nets to families in Africa. We raised a total of $131.00.
While the kids were having their Babylon experience an adult Bible study on Daniel took place. Everyone who participated had a very enjoyable time and a memorable experience.
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The Noah Project
By Diane Gibson
This news flash just in: The elementary Sunday School classes are working on a special project this summer.....The Noah Project.
The teachers and students decided to study one old Testament story for the summer by reading the story and then making puppets, writing a play about the story and then presenting it to the congregation.
The students are well on their way to completing the first phase of the project by making stick puppets for the animals and hand puppets for Noah and all the people. Next on the agenda will be to either write our own version of the story or narrating the story and letting the puppets perform the actions. They will then practice what they have written and perform it for the congregation.
Most, if not all the students are very familiar with the story of Noah but this project is a great way for them to learn more about Noah and his relationship with God and how when you are faithful and obedient to God he will take care of you. It is also a fun and creative way to bring the story to life for the students. So watch for the coming attraction!
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ALLENDALE CHILDREN'S CENTER
"Where Children Are the Center"
Our first VPK Graduation and Preschool Celebration was a wonderful success and we want to
Say thank you to all the parents who helped make the day special, especially Lori Gaines, Leigh Kunst and Arielle Craft.
Summertime is almost here and camp will be starting the week of June 11th. During summer camp, each classroom will participate in weekly themes which include:
June 11-15: Sea Life Week and "Beach Bash" on June 14th.
June 18-22: Jungle Week and jungle animal dress-up day on June 19th
June 25-29: Hawaiian Week and a Luau on June 27th
July 2-6: Independence Week and our annual "Red, White & Blue Parade," on July 3rd
July 9-13: Pirate Week and pirate dress-up day on July 12th
July 16-20: Silly Week includes wearing silly socks, silly hats, PJ's, and inside out & backwards
July 23-27: Space Week and astronaut/space creature dress-up day on July 25th
July 30- Aug 3: Western Week and cowboy/girl dress-up day on Aug 2nd
Aug 6-10: Favorite Author Week and favorite character dress-up day on Aug 8th
Aug 13-17: Teacher Choice Week
I want to say thank you to Suzy Hutto, Joy Niccum, Marcia McAdoo, Brenda Griffin, and
Susan Haley for their beautiful gift bags and yummy treats for our staff members at out Teacher Appreciation luncheon held on May 16th.
Lastly, I wanted to say a big thank you to Bob Grainger for your help and support over the last year. We are truly blessed to have you on our team and we would be lost without you!
In God's Love,
Jeni Lyn Smagacz
Preschool Director
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Community Garden
In September our church will be offering 8 garden plots (6'x30') to folks who would like to grow vegetables but may not have a place of their own to plant a garden. We will start spreading the word about this opportunity at an event on July 27th at 7 pm in the Family Life Center. Join us to view "Dirt! The Movie" on our big screen. This film uses animation, personal accounts and storytelling to explore our global dependence on the soil. After the movie we will discuss the guidelines for our Community Garden and sign up participants.
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Finance Comm ittee
Report 6/30/2012
By Clark Evans
Hello everyone and happy 4th of July! I am pleased to report that giving in our church family has remained strong during the first part of the "summer" months. After a dropoff in May; giving rebounded in June and nearly $22,000. in regular income was received. Thanks once again for your faithful and generous support!
As of June 30, 26 Sunday offerings have been counted and 27 Sunday offerings remain. (There are 53 Sundays in 2012.) Out of 66 total individual/family pledges, 47 have fulfilled at least 40% of their pledge for 2012, and 19 have fulfilled at least 50%! Pledge statements through the second quarter of the year will be mailed later this month with individual pledge details.
I am pleased to report that all four priority apportionments for 2012 have been paid. A balance for church insurance as well as remaining non-priority apportionments remains.
The need for capital improvements such as roof and window replacements have been discussed at recent church council meetings. Discussion on how to proceed will continue at the next Church Council meeting on Tues., July 10 at 7PM and representatives from the Florida United Methodist Foundation will be present. Hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful and blessed July,
Clark |
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Our Ministry to the Women's Residence
The St. Petersburg Free Clinic Women's Residence is a short-term transitional housing program that provides a safe place for single women to stay for one to six months as they work on goals for independent living. The 20 bed residence provides a supportive environment which includes meals, clothing, counseling, skill training and help finding permanent housing. Our "Women's Residence" Outreach Team enjoys preparing and serving dinner at the Women's Residence on the first Tuesday of each month from 6 pm until 7:30pm. We join the women for dinner and fellowship and also celebrate birthdays of the residents each month.
Our next service date is Tuesday, July 3rd and again on th. We are always looking for new folks who would like to be a part of this ministry. For more information you can call Suzy Hutto (906-9454) or contact the church office. Tuesday, August 7
The St. Petersburg Free Clinic Women's Residence is a short-term transitional housing program that provides a safe place for single women to stay for one to six months as they work on goals for independent living. The 20 bed residence provides a supportive environment which includes meals, clothing, counseling, skill training and help finding permanent housing. Our "Women's Residence" Outreach Team enjoys preparing and serving dinner at the Women's Residence on the first Tuesday of each month from 6 pm until 7:30pm. We join the women for dinner and fellowship and also celebrate birthdays of the residents each month.
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Are there publications that only members have access to? Provide your new members a list (or link to a list) of publications that they now have access to. What are some upcoming publications and release ? |
Are there publications that only members have access to? Provide your new members a list (or link to a list) of publications that they now have access to. What are some upcoming publications and release |
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Join a Small Group and grow in relationship with God and each other
Tuesday Night
Womens Prayer Group
Every Tuesday
5:30 pm -6:30 pm
We join together each week in the chapel lifting up the needs of our church family,our community and our world. We welcome anyone who would like to request prayer or join
with us in praying for others.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20
Midweek Groups
Wednesday Night
Bible Study
Leader: Pastor Ronnie Jones
7:00 pm in the Wesley Room
Class is over until September
Wednesday Night
Youth Group
Leader: Ruthie Kitchen
UMYF for 6th-12 grade,
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (FLC)
Time is spent on devotions, prayers,
dinner & games
Sunday Classes for Adults
Winsome Workers
10:00-10:30 am-Room 113
Leader: Rev. Tom Gregory.
Book of study Bad Girls of the Bible
Crosstraining
10:00-11:00 am-Wesley Room
Leader: Bob Grainger
This discussion group deals with a wide range of contemporary issues from a Biblical perspective and how they impact Christian living. Great class for debates.
Happy Helpers
10:00-10:30 am -Room 115
Leader: Mike Footlick
This 30 minute Bible discussion group is designed for persons who assist in t 11 am worship service.
Friendship Class
10:00-11:00 am -Chapel
Leader: Darwin Reedy
This class studies New and Old Testament themes from Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Galatians. Study of blessings old and new; end results to give us hope.
Sunday Classes for Youth
2-4 year old class
Room 108
Teachers: Helen Thomas & Susan Grainger
Story time and crafts
K-3rd grade class
Room 212
Teachers: Lynda Beltz and Diane Gibson
Bible lessons and sharing
4th-5th grade class
Room 211
Teachers: Suzy Hutto & Marla Radigan
Bible lessons and sharing
Middle School & Senior High
Teachers: Diane Manown & Ruthie Kitchen
Bible based lessons, change every week.
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Featured Article
 Many organizations have membership levels based on financial contribution. Be sure to include the various benefits of each level and suggest membership upgrades. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.
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Featured Article
Many organizations have membership levels based on financial contribution. Be sure to include the various benefits of each level and suggest membership upgrades. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.
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Featured Article
Many organizations have membership levels based on financial contribution. Be sure to include the various benefits of each level and suggest membership upgrades. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.
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Featured Article
Many organizations have membership levels based on financial contribution. Be sure to include the various benefits of each level and suggest membership upgrades. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.
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Service Saturday-July 21st
On the third Saturday of July we will be returning to the Salvation Army Family shelter to serve their residents. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this ministry. Hope you will follow our "Service Saturday" announcements each month and volunteer to participate in reaching out to our community.
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