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Greetings! What are you doing? During my basic training at Fort Gordon, I was able to avoid the wrath of my platoon sergeant by responding quickly and managing my mouth. However I remember one occasion vividly that I did draw his attention. Somewhere during the 4th or 5th week of basic I was assigned duty in the armor room. My responsibility was to distribute weapons to every troop from our company and then join my platoon on the parade field for the morning precision drills with weapons.
While handing out weapons, I soon realized I could stretch this duty out for some lacka-daisical activity. By the time I then arrived at the parade field and located my platoon among several, it was already time for the morning training break. Not a word was mentioned to me about my tardiness as I mingled and assimilated into the rest of my platoon members.
Shortly after the break, our Drill Instructor (D. I.) was giving some instruction on the manual of arms and he asked me to stand. I assumed he wanted me to demonstrate my well-oiled skills, never imagining what was really about to unfold before all my platoon peers. The sergeant said, "Pvt. Jones, I want you to tell all of us what you have done for your country this morning!" Well, of course, I remained speech-less with absolutely nothing to respond. I could only stand there to absorb the stares from his icy piercing eyes.
What are you doing to enhance and attain the vision here at Allendale UMC? What are you doing? This is a question of the present tense. I am not asking for what you did 10, 15, 20 or 30 years ago! What are you doing now to fulfill God's vision of the Kingdom to spread the gospel? How are you personally making Jesus real to others?
Do you think, as do many, there is a committee especially set aside for that? We are quick to share with others when something excites us such as a good place we have found to eat, or a newly released movie that we enjoyed. We share with others when we have found a new quick short cut that avoids heavy traffic, or a nice park or some scenic location where we have been drawn close to God and God's creation for example. Should we not have the same enthusiasm apply to the greatest news anyone can freely receive?
In the second letter to Timothy, Paul is charging his young servant-leader with: "do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." The word he uses for evangelist comes from the word ordinarily translated "gospel" (euanggelion), that is, eu - well, angelos - a messenger. Except that here it designates one who announces that gospel to others. God is an evangelist, for God "preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham"; Jesus Christ was an evangelist, for he also "Preached the gospel," (Lk. 20:1; Paul was probably the greatest evangelist of all; Phillip, the deacon, was an evangelist (Acts 21:8); and, indeed all the early disciples, who, on being driven out of Jerusalem, "went everywhere preaching the word." (Acts 8:4).
Should you be doing more for your church as part of the effort to reach persons for Jesus Christ? What do you think?
"And as He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'" (Mk. 1:16-17). This text reveals that Jesus was being invitational to these two men who fished for their livelihood. And, he was saying: "I will show you how to share the good news." That is hands-on teaching. Jesus was calling, teaching and then empowering his followers, those who chose to respond to his invitation.
Everyone who receives the Good News message of the salvation God offers all in Jesus Christ then becomes a follower of Jesus. As a follower we learn as students (disciples, really) to live and minister just as our Master teaches and leads us.
What are you doing to bring persons to the Lord Jesus? Only you can answer for yourself. I pray that the Holy Spirit directs our actions and our church to be faithful to our call to minister.
See you in worship,
Pastor Ronnie
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Why Frequent Trips Outside Your Comfort Zone Are So Important
By Michael Hyatt
Earlier this year, Gail and I attended Tony Robbins' Life & Wealth Mastery event in Fiji. On the very first morning, with less than an hour of instruction, we were asked to climb a thirty-foot pole and then stand on top of it.
This was no surprise, of course. I had known for several months this was going to happen. But it was still frightening to consider.
I've heard the only two fears you are born with are the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. Every other fear is acquired. I don't know if that's true, but I can attest to the fact that climbing the pole was terrifying.
Even though I was strapped into a harness and couldn't really get hurt, the sensation of being so high off the ground on a swaying pole felt ridiculously dangerous.
Nevertheless, I made it to the top and was able to step onto the top of the pole. I stood there for a few moments, just taking it all in. I felt incredibly alive-and triumphant.
Then I remembered I was supposed to leap to a trapeze ten feet away. No sweat, I thought. I took a deep breath, focused on the target, and jumped.
Unfortunately, I missed. The spotters lowered me to the ground as Gail and my new friends cheered wildly from the ground. It was exhilarating.
Of course, the whole point of the exercise was to cement in my subconscious the value of getting outside my comfort zone. It has had exactly this impact.
You've probably experienced something similar. Maybe it was learning a new skill, meeting a new person, or taking on a challenge you'd never done.
We don't often enjoy these things when they are happening, but, looking back, we have to admit:
- This is where the growth happens.
- This is where the solutions are.
- This is where fulfillment resides.
- In short, the really important stuff happens outside your comfort zone.
If that's true-and I believe that it is-how can you maximize these trips outside your comfort zone? Let me suggest seven ways:
Acknowledge the value. Reality is that we move toward what we esteem. The first step is simply to confess that getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing. Say it out loud if you need to: "Getting out of my comfort zone is good for me!" Remember, unless you do so, you won't experience the growth you want, the solution you need, or the fulfillment you desire.
Lean into the experience. So many people shrink back whenever they experience pain. The problem is that this can become a habit-or worse-a way of life. Instead, embrace the discomfort. Move toward it. This is an important step in accomplishing anything significant. You have to go through the realm of discomfort to get what you want in life.
Notice your fear. If you feel anxiety or fear, that's normal. But-and this is critical-you don't have to be controlled by it. Yes, it can be an indication of danger. It can also be an indication that you are on the right path and about to experience a break-through. Just notice the anxiety or fear but keep moving forward. Often, the ability to push through fear is the only thing that separates those who succeed from those who fail.
Don't over-think it. This is my biggest temptation. I want to know the entire path. I want a map to the destination. Alas, I rarely get one. But that's okay. All you really need is clarity for the next step. When you get it, take the next step in faith, believing you will be given the light you need to take the next one.
Play full out. It's easy to get timid when you move outside your comfort zone. You think maybe you can just ease into it, kind of like sliding into a cold swimming pool. Not so much. Better to jump in with both feet. It's not usually as bad as you think. You have a better chance of success if you give it your all.
Celebrate the victory. Historically, I have not been very good at this. As soon as I accomplish something, I check it off and move on. But I am learning the importance of marking the moment, recognizing the achievement, and expressing my appreciation to those who helped make it happen. It's important for you and for them.
Pause to reflect. It's also important to take a little time to process your experience. What did you do well? What would you do differently next time? What life principles can you distill from the experience that will help you in your next challenge? It's worth jotting a few notes in your journal or, if this was a team effort, scheduling a time to debrief. If you are out to accomplish significant things in your life, you are going to be spending a lot of time outside your comfort zone. You might as well get the most out of it.
Submitted by Joe Deal
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From Colin Powell's' Book- "It Worked For Me"
Came from article in Parade Magazine 9-13-1989
13 Points
Submitted by Darwin Reedy
It ain't as Bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
- Get mad, then get over it
- Avoid having your ego so close to your Position that when your Position fails, your ego goes with it
- It can be done
- Be careful what you choose; you may get it
- Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a Good Decision
- You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours
- Check small things
- Share credit
- Remain calm, be kind
- Have a vision, be demanding
- Don't take counsel of your fears or Naysayers
- Perpetual Optimism is a force multiplier
Critical: Know yourself, be yourself, Always do you best, someone is watching.
Get along and are in harmony within range---Experience-Tolerance--Expectations --as long as they DO JOB.
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 Finance Committee Update
September 2012
Greetings! On behalf of the Finance Committee I'd like to take the opportunity to give the congregation an update on some discussion at the past two Church Council meetings regarding some early stage renovation planning. We'd like to be able to upgrade the roofing on most of our church buildings. Also, we're in need of some comprehensive treatment for some areas where there is a termite problem and we need to upgrade the windows you see on the sides of the sanctuary, which, as you probably can tell, are a bit dated.
If we undergo all of the above at once, estimates are the costs will be upward of $200,000. This will necessitate obtaining a low-interest loan from the Florida United Methodist Foundation (FUMF.) Allendale's prospects for obtaining an approval appear to be good based on a meeting we had with representatives who attended the July Church Council meeting.
More on the above will follow soon. For the time being I'd like to encourage everyone to exercise extravagant generosity. Summer is usually a challenging time; we see increases in utility and other expenses related to cooling and property maintenance. We also experience a decrease in offerings due to the absence of our seasonal members as well as individuals and families on vacation. Nevertheless, solid stewardship is needed now more than ever. We've set a goal of paying 100% of church apportionments for 2012. Based on the knowledge we gained at the July council meeting, I believe achieving this goal as well as reporting strong stewardship efforts overall during 2012 will be of significant importance to the FUMF in consideration of any application submitted by AUMC for loan funds.
For now, take a deep breath. Summer is winding down. The intense heat and thunderstorms will go away soon enough and we're back to school, back to football, and back to "God's business as usual!"
God bless,
Clark E.
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How to Keep Your Social Security Safe
As the March 1, 2013 electronic payment deadline draws near, the United States Treasury Department urges paper check recipients to switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express card for their monthly benefit payment before the mandatory deadline. Four years since its debut, 95 percent of individuals who use the Direct Express Debit MasterCard to receive monthly Social Security payments report they are satisfied with the card, according to the new cardholder study, and 93 percept of cardholders also say they are likely to recommend the card to others. For four years, millions of senior citizens, people with disabilities and other Americans who have access to traditional banking services have used their Direct Express cards to pay bills, withdraw cash and make purchase without worrying about their paper checks being lost or stolen or paying check-cashing fees. Current check recipients can sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express card by calling toll-free 1-800-333-1795, visiting www.GoDirect.org, or talking to their local federal paying agency office.
Submitted by Lynn Hardt
Taken from Senior Voice American, August 2012
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FromSandy Ross, Director of Music
(cell 430-1316; caseychev@aol.com)
CHANCEL CHOIR. A new and joyous choir season
begins with our first rehearsal on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7pm-
New members or potential members are most welcome to
attend. We sing on Sunday, Sept. 9. We have an exciting
season to look forward to, including the Community
Christmas Concert organized by Robert Drick of Pasadena
UMC, a special Thanksgiving piece, caroling, and some new
music to enjoy sharing with our congregation.
THANK YOU to Marsha Reese and Judy Davis, who performed flute duets at the August 5 service - the music was so beautiful, thank you ladies, it was a little preview of heaven!
GOSPEL NIGHT ANYONE? What does everyone think about the idea of having a Gospel Night sometime this choir year? We could perhaps combine it with a dinner and invite other churches to participate. I would love to hear your thoughts on this as such an event takes months of planning in advance, so we would need to get started soon if we decide to go forward.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR: Children's Choir will resume rehearsals beginning on Sunday, September 9, with first performance being on Sunday, September 30. As Alexis will be out for the month of Sept., I will lead the children's choir for that time. 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.
þ REMINDER TO CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTALISTS: Please return "used" music to the file basket in the Choir room or the one next to the organ in the Sanctuary.
þ INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE: 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.
þ SOLOS/SMALL ENSEMBLES: Soloists, vocal or instrumental, and small musical ensembles are welcome and encouraged to perform - please contact Sandy for further information.
þ TECH TEAM: Volunteers are always needed to run the projector, sound, and prepare slides for Sunday services. Contact Sandy if interested.
þ 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. You can also email photos.
þ 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.
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Allendale UMW
UMW met at Seminole UMC on Saturday, August 17 to celebrate Fellowship Day. Six women from Allendale attended and enjoyed a delightful afternoon with wonderful music, delicious sundaes and good fellowship. Thank you for your many donations to the filling of the ditty bags. We are in great shape and any donations from now will be saved for next year's ditty bags. A special thanks to Darlene Lewis and Winnie Pfister for cutting out and sewing of all the bags.
We ask that you continue to bring in items to sell at our spring flea market. Sales from the Flea Market support a wide range of mission projects including those at Allendale Church. Come and be a part of one of our two circles at Allendale.
Calendar of Events:
September 4 UM Women Board Meeting 6:30 pm, Wesley room
September 7-9 Conference Spiritual Retreat, Leesburg
September 17 Agape Circle: Stringing of Ditty Bags, 6:30 pm, FLC. All are invited!
September 18 Naomi Circle, Wesley Room 10:00 am.
October 15 Agape Circle Stuffing of Ditty Bags, 6:30 pm, FLC
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Grow, Proclaim, Serve!
Grow, Proclaim and Serve! is the curriculum series that the elementary students will be using this year to grow in their faith. It is a series of lessons that cover the Bible over a three-year-period so our students will come to know the wonders of God's love.
The children will grow in their faith and knowledge of God through story time, multiple work stations to reinforce the story and interaction with one another. As they become familiar with the stories of the Bible, telling them to others will become second nature to them. Also, the children will see how the people of God serve one another and God and will learn ways that they can also be servants of God.
We will be working on a few mission projects this year to enhance the lessons we will be teaching. These will be projects that hopefully will take little or no monetary resources to complete.
Please stop by any time to see what we are working on! Our classroom is now in the old Boy Scout room - just above the church office.
By Diane Gibson |
ALLENDALE CHILDREN'S CENTER
"Where Children Are the Center"
Welcome back to our families and friends! We are so excited to start the 2012-2013 school year off by introducing two new staff members to our family:
Ms. Ashley, our new Tadpoles (two year old) lead teacher, comes to us from Manatee County, with a Bachelor's Degree and over five years experience teaching preschool children. She has a passion for working with the two's and it shows because the children took to her immediately. Ms. Ashley and Ms. Nicole will spend the fall teaching our terrific two's about manners, sharing, cleanliness and potty training.
Ms. Andrea, our second lead VPK teacher, also has a Bachelor's Degree and has taught VPK for the last four years. Ms. Patty, Ms. Alli and Ms. Andrea, along with our VPK children are enjoying their new classroom. This year all VPK students will be assessed three times during the year by the Florida Department of Education's VPK Assessment tools and online data reporting system. This new mandatory system will be implemented in September and will help teachers guide their instruction to meet the needs of the students and plan more intentional activities. Please stop by and see the new VPK classroom located on the second floor in rooms 211/212. Thanks again to the BRATS team for all your hard work and dedication to the Center.
Ms. Christina has taken over the three's and transformed them into Wizards! Children and parents are so excited that our former lead two's teacher will now continue on as the three's lead teacher and expand the children's knowledge in language, social skills and God's WORD. With the wave of her magic wand, our toddlers are now becoming "big kids" who are getting ready for the higher level academics of VPK. You GO Ms. Christina!!!
Our annual, "Back to School Picnic," will be on Saturday, September 15th from 12-2pm in the Family Life Center and Courtyard. Please join us as we welcome many new families to our Center and possible church Congregation. This is an opportunity for some serious fellowship with new and longtime supporters of Allendale. We will serve burgers and hot dogs and everyone is encouraged to bring your "best" side dish to share. The children will enjoy games, face-painting and fun and a lot of running around and silliness!
In God's Love,
Jeni Lyn Smagacz
Preschool Director
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Allendale
Community Garden
Guest speaker Professor Kip Curtis talking
On Organic Gardening
Watch for the growth of our new Community Garden along the west side of our church near the "Flea Market" building. We are offering garden plots (6x30 feet) to our church family and to our neighbors in the community. It is a great opportunity for folks who don't have a space for a garden at home but are interested in growing their own vegetables. Several folks have already signed up to participate, but plots are still available if you know of someone who might be interested. Also, join us at 7 pm on Friday, September 14thin our Family Life Center for a presentation by Professor Kip Curtis, Eckerd faculty member, on "Organic Gardening". We are inviting the community to join us in learning more about the practices and advantages of organic gardening. Contact Cheryl Volkman (481-9788) or Suzy Hutto (906-9454) for more information.
Recycling Plastic
REMEMBER: We have added a container in the church kitchen to collect plastic bottlesfor recycling. If you have an empty plastic milk, soda, juice or water bottle, please throw away the cap and rinse the bottle and deposit it in our "plastic recycling" container. Your Allendale Green Team thanks you!
Service Saturday
Join the Service Saturday Team on Saturday, September 15, from 10am to 1:00 pm as they volunteer at Sallie House, the Salvation Army's group foster home for children who have been removed from their homes by a judge for their own safety. We will meet at 9:40 am in the church parking lot and carpool from there. Volunteers must be at least age 16. Keep an eye out for a sign-up sheet. Contact Nancy Wall with any questions, 727-410-6658
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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, August 7th. 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.
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Newly remodeled VPK for the Allendale Childrens Center. Starting the year right through expansion. A big thank you to the Allendale Trustees and all the hands that worked so hard to make sure the room was ready for the new year!
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Do you Trust Jesus?
Click on the arrow to watch video
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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 Adult Bible Discussion
Leader: Pastor Ronnie Jones
Wednesdays, 7 pm Wesley Room
Class begins Wednesday, September 5th.
Student Impact Youth Group for Teens
and Tweens
6th-12th graders-
Leader: Ruthie Kitchen
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
Family Life Center
Tuesdays-Senior High Bible Study
5:30 pm
Sundays, 5:30 -7:00 pm Bible Study
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
Adult Sunday School Classes
Crosstraining
10:00 am-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.
Friendship Class: 10:00-11:00 am -Chapel
Leader: Darwin Reedy
This class studies New and Old Testament themes from Hebrews, Acts, & Book of Paul. The winter session plan will be Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. Study of blessings old and new; end results to give us hope.
Happy Helpers
10:00 am-10:30 am/Room 115
Leader: Mike Footlick
This 30 minute Bible discussion group is designed for persons who assist in the 11 am worship service.
Winsome Workers
10:00 am-10:30 am/Room 113
Leader: Rev. Tom Gregory
Book of study: Bad Girls of the Bible
by Liz Curtis Higgs
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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 | Faith | a short film
Here's something a little different. It's about 6:20 long.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SEPTEMBER 2012
Larry Fernald 01
Autumn Vanscoyoc
01
Tom Gregory
02
Sierra Haas
04
Colton Grainger
07
Joe Deal
08
John Probst
08
Ruthie Kitchen
12
Patrick Sands
14
Luke Haley
15
Karisswa McCabe
16
Nancy Yost
16
John York
17
Darwin Reedy
18
Virginia Bratcher
20
Chede Ashcraft
20
Marian Fernald
23
Lorena Walton
24
Ann Footlick
25
Kaitlyn Grainger
25
Katy Griffin
25
Nancy Chapin
26
John McCabe
29
Martha McMillan
30
September Anniversaries
Ron and Tamara Henderson
September 7-27 years
Mike and Kathy Griffin
September 24-1 year
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 | Umbrella
Mini Movie
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