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Rev. Ronnie's Remarks
Have you ever watched a college football game on television as the camera scans the crowd of spectators? Inevitably, and no matter what team the crowd supports, they always are seen extending the index finger and mouthing the words: "We're number 1." I find it hilarious that even though their school team may not be ranked in the nation's top 25, still they exclaim on camera: "We're No. 1".
I would like to speak to you in terms of priorities. Think for just a moment on this: "What is my number 1 priority?" Everyone would like for his/her team to actually be #1. That shows a competitiveness and loyalty to our school, our team, our nation, or our church.
Have you come up with an answer as yet? What is your number 1 priority? Is it a goal you want or plan to attain? Is it being the best wife or husband you can to your spouse? Perhaps it is striving to be the best at what you do if that is your livelihood. Could it be the priority of being the best parent you can be?
Your answer will reveal just what you actually prioritize. May I suggest you make your commitment and service to Jesus Christ your #1 priority? Is Jesus truly number one in your life? He made you his priority and he committed to actualizing that priority, too. "But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8, NRSV). God's Son Jesus died for us all.
I hear a great many people say: "My husband or my wife is my priority. I want to do all I possibly can to please him/her." Or, you may hear someone referring to a child or children: "They are my heart; I love them to death!" Well, how much do you love Jesus, the One who died so you might live eternally? Jesus asks only that we reciprocate the love he has already shown towards each of us. Can you do that? Are you willing to make loving Jesus and living for Jesus your #1?
One of my favorite all-time scripture texts has always been from the Apostle Paul's hand written to the Christians of Galatia: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:19b-20, NRSV).
Jesus does not ask anything of you that He has not done for you. Will you live for him by loving and serving others? Even if they do not yet know him as Savior or Lord? Will you offer yourself fully to build his kingdom on earth here at Allendale Church?
I love the beach scene at the conclusion of John's Gospel. That is the interchange between Jesus and Peter. "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love
you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'" (21:15). And, the Lord of all life asks you and I if we love him enough to feed his lambs.
I want you to consider prayerfully how the Spirit of God is inviting and challenging you to serve him and the kingdom. So, when you are asked to give of yourself, you will respond, "Yes Lord; you know that I love you."
See you in worship,
Pastor Ronnie
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 Allendale UMW It was so good to have all the special helpers at the Agape Circle Stringing party. Our goal this year is to fill 250 ditty bags for the homeless adults and farm workers children. Now that the bags have been strung, we will have another party to fill them. Come join us on Monday, October 15 in the Family Life Center at 6:30 pm to accomplish this task. All are welcome! Many thanks to all who have provided the contents for the bags. On September 5th at Oakhurst UMC Marilyn Beecher, Methodist Missionary spoke on "Radical Hospitality." Marilyn shared the Biblical foundations of how Christians respond to the needs of immigrants. Winnie, Diane and Ruth attended this informative meeting. POVERTY was the subject of the program presented by Amy Katsouris to Naomi Circle at their September meeting, generating much thought and discussion. In her presentation Amy included causes, statistics, current trends and future possibilities. Amy, editor of "Gulf Views" , the District UMW Gulf Central's newsletter, was recently honored by Allendale's UMW with the presentation of a special recognition pin and certificate for her work in mission. The Naomi Circle's next meeting is Tuesday, October 16 at 10 am in the Wesley room. Visitors are welcome. See picture of Amy above.
An outstanding event will be held at RUTH ECKERD HALL on Thursday, November 8th, sponsored by the UNITED COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES. This year's theme is "Share the Dream 2012." It will be a multi-cultural celebration of Thanksgiving. Doors open at 6:00 pm for fellowship and Silent Auction. Dinner and program to follow from 6:30-8:30 pm. Special guest emcee will be Dr. Anne Burkholder. Last year several from Allendale attended this affair and thought it was an outstanding evening. Cost is $50. Tickets may be ordered online at www. UMCM.IAFO or by check to UM Cooperative Ministries Banquet, 403 First Ave, S. Suite 102, Largo FL 33770. UP-Coming Meetings and Events October 1 UMW Board Mtg. 6:30 pm Wesley Room October 15 Ditty Bag Filling 6:30 pm Family Life Center October 16 Naomi Circle 10:00 am Wesley Room October 27 District Annual Meeting 9:15 am St. Pauls' of Largo November 8 Cooperative Ministries Banquet, 6:00 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall November 10 Annual UMW Meeting, Clermont UMC December 6 CASA Christmas Party Family Life Center December 7 Ingathering for Farm Workers
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Looking Ahead
Sunday, October 7-World Communion Sunday
Youth Spaghetti Lunch-Family Life Center
Sunday, October 14, birthday party for Dick Hess at 12:00 pm (FLC)
Laity Sunday & Stewardship Kick-off
Sunday, October 21
Charge Conference (Important yearly meeting)
Monday, October 29 at Allendale
7:00 pm meeting in the sanctuary, Lynn Batista, presiding, open to all
All Saints Day
Sunday, November 4
Day Light Savings ends-turn back your clocks
Consecration Sunday
Sunday, November 11, one worship service at 10:30 am
12:00 pm meet in the Family Life Center for potluck luncheon
Veterans Day-November 11
Office will be closed Monday, November 12
Church wide Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 18, at 5:30 pm
Potluck dinner/turkey & gravy provided (Family Life Center)
Office closed November 22, 23 for the holidays
1st Sunday of Advent
December 2
ACC Book Fair
Monday, December 3-7
Stop and shop for Christmas gifts in the Family Life Center
Agape CASA Christmas Party
Thursday, December 6, 6:30 till
9:00 pm in the FLC
Tampa Bay Flute Concert
3:00 pm in the church sanctuary
Free admission, free love offering will be taken
Christmas Eve Services, Monday, December 24
4:00 pm Family Service in the sanctuary featuring the children's choir and praise band
7:00 pm Traditional Service in the sanctuary featuring the chancel choir & soloists
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month! "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17) Conveying appreciation is the sign of a healthy church and healthy churches want to pay tribute to their pastor through loving acts of gratitude. Biblically - honoring spiritual leaders is a concept throughout the pages of scripture. Practically - showing appreciation serves two purposes: First, expression of gratitude is a positive Christian witness. A second practical result of honoring pastors is that it creates an atmosphere that encourages a response to the call of God to pastoral ministry. A positive, healthy church produces those called of God to serve in Christian ministry. Ultimately, clergy appreciation by a congregation is an expression of gratitude to God. Honoring the pastor reveals more about a congregation than it does about the pastor! "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15) |
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A DISCIPLE'S PATH: Rev. Ronnie will be offering a new short-term study entitled A Disciple's Path by James Harnish with Justin LaRosa. This dynamic and engaging study combines Wesleyan understanding of God's love and grace with the time-tested United Methodist practice of spiritual discipline as expressed in the membership vows to uphold the church with presence, prayers, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will be equipped to love God and others by discovering their unique gifts and becoming engaged in ministry that also brings transformation in their hearts and lives through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. This is a study in preparation for membership as well as sharpening and challenging to the longtime church members.
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 Finance Committee Update
October 2012
Goodbye summer, hello fall! (Officially, anyway!) Now for a brief financial update: Giving so far this third quarter (July 1 - Sept. 30) has dropped off after a strong first two quarters. At present, regular giving is significantly below projections for the year to date. Fortunately, we have been able to keep expenses under budget which has been able to compensate for the shortfall.
We are counting on an uptick in order to provide for some large upcoming cash outflows mentioned in previous updates, such as remaining balances for Apportionments and Church Insurance. In looking at annual offering history, an aspect of the stewardship of our church family that has been strong is total number of members who contribute. To everyone making contributions: Your gifts and service to the Lord are valued, no matter the amount and frequency. Keep it up! We also invite you, as you are able, to step up to the next level. Annual contributions have tended to break down into three groups in the following increments: $1 to $500; $501 - $2,000.; and $2,001.00 and above. We encourage you to "reach for the sky" and shoot for the upper range. Setting aside any amount of money before Sunday rolls around is the best way to ensure you keep your promises to God and to yourself.
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 7:15
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Sandy Ross, Director of Music
CHANCEL CHOIR: Chancel Choir is back in session. Welcome back to Sandy Steer who has returned from up north, and welcome to new member Harry Klaus - thank you for joining your voice with ours. New members needed - please come to rehearsal on Thursdays at 7pm. You need not commit to every single Sunday and Thursday rehearsal to be a member - we understand that everyone has other obligations which occasionally interfere. Our prayers are with Maryann Ormiston, whose grandmother passed away in New York at age 90. We are also praying for Elsie Caldwell, who fell at her home recently, but thank God was not badly injured.
CONGRATULATIONS to Alexis and Jason Roberts, on the birth of Noelle Roberts on September 5, 2012. Alexis will be back with us in October.
A BIG THANK YOU to Beverly Ambler, for filling in for Alexis during her maternity leave for the 11am services and Thursday choir rehearsals. We so appreciate you sharing your amazing talent with us!
PRAISE BAND: Our prayers go out to Ron and Tamara Henderson on the passing of Ron's grandmother. Travel mercies requested for Vern Veaughn, who is traveling to Illinois to visit family, and to Clark Evans who is traveling to Oklahoma to visit family. Thanks to Dennis McCarthy for filling in on bass and drums during others' absences. We are glad you are back with us!
CHILDREN'S CHOIR: Children's Choir has resumed rehearsals and will have it's first performance on Sunday, September 30. Thank you to Diane Gibson, Karen Brinkman, Lynda Beltz, Ginger Haas, and Marcia McAdoo for assisting this year. 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.
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.
SOLOS/SMALL ENSEMBLES: Soloists, vocal or instrumental, and small musical ensembles are welcome and encouraged to perform - please contact Sandy for further information.
TECH TEAM: Volunteers are always needed to run the projector, sound, and prepare slides for Sunday services. Contact Sandy if interested.
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.
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.
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.
Flute Choir Concert
December 9th
In our Sanctuary
On Sunday, December 9 at 3pm, the Tampa Bay Flute Choir will perform a Christmas Concert in the Sanctuary. Free admission - love offering will be taken. The Flute Choir is led by Judy Davis, who we had the opportunity to hear along with Marsha Reese when they played at the 11am service in August. This will be a beautiful concert - all are invited to attend.
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ALLENDALE CHILDREN'S CENTER
"Where Children Are the Center"
Our second annual, "Back to School" potluck picnic was another success! Although smaller in attendance than last year, the ACC staff was amazing at keeping the kids busy with music and movement, Ms. Patty's outstanding face painting and fun door prizes so that parents could mingle and enjoy getting to know each other. A big thank you goes out to Charlie and Marla Radigan for cooking up the best burgers and dogs we have ever had. Without your help, ACC would never be able to pull this off. Thank you to all our amazing families who brought a side dish to share and please know that we are so blessed to have you in our Allendale family.
October is always an exciting time at the Center for the children. The weather starts to cool off (well, maybe a little bit,) and kids look forward to dressing up as their favorite characters to go trick-or-treating. We begin the month with a visit from our photography company, Colorgraphics, who will be taking individual and class fall pictures. They will be here on Tuesday, October 9th to photograph our two and three year old students; then again on Wednesday, October 10th to photograph our VPK students.
On Tuesday, October 16th, ACC will be visited by "Sunny" the mini, talking ambulance, courtesy of Sunstar. Our older students will get an opportunity to tour a real ambulance as well and ask the paramedics questions. Next, on Tuesday, October 23rd, the St. Petersburg Library will offer a special story time presentation to our children. This is an interactive presentation filled with puppets, songs, movement and lots of fun for all our students and teachers! The St. Petersburg Fire Department will teach the children about fire safety on Wednesday, October 24th.
Finally, we close the month on Wednesday, October 31st with all kinds of spooky fun in the classrooms with all day parties. No costumes will be allowed at school, but the teachers will have all sorts of fun projects and goodies for the children. Happy Halloween!!!
In God's Love,
Jeni Lyn Smagacz
Preschool Director
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Tree of Life
We are happy to announce that one new leaf has been added to the Tree of Life. Nancy and Gary Chapin bought a leaf in remembrance of Rev. & Mrs. Harold W. Parker.
The Tree of Life Memorial at the far end of the sanctuary lobby was established to honor those who "rest from their labors" as well as celebrate the joyous occasions of life- an anniversary, new birth, birthday or graduation for example.
Leaves may be purchased for inscription and installation for a contribution of $250 or more to the Tree of Life Memorial Fund. This fund is mainly used for large capital expenditures. It may not be used for normal operating expenditures. If you would like more information or to purchase a leaf, please contact the church office at 527-6694.
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Billy Graham at TED
Click here to view
Speaking at TED in 1998, Rev. Billy Graham marvels at technology's power to improve lives and change the world -- but says the end of evil, suffering and death will come only after the world accepts Christ. A legendary talk from TED's archives.
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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
7 pm, Wesley Room
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
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 and Susan Grainger
Story time and crafts
K-3rd grade class
Room 204
Teachers: Lynda Beltz and Diane Gibson
Bible lessons and sharing
4th-5th grade class
Room 204
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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Click to view
How to Fit In at Almost Any Small Group
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY
October 2012
Leigha Woodward
01
Cheryl Volkman
03
Philip Shoemaker
04
Joshua Veaughn
05
Virginia Klukkert
08
Jean Hopkins
09
Roger Regenstein
09
Nancy Buckles
10
Betty Lux
11
Laura Tsiguloff
12
Laurie Hempel
13
Richard Hess Sr.
14
Judy Fain
15
Marcia McAdo
15
Delaine Fike
16
Bobbie Jones
16
Debbie Deal
27
Courtney Henderson
27
Susan Hayes
28
Emma Sams
28
Catherine Footlick
30
October Anniversaries
October 12
Roy & Kim Smoak
12 years
October 27
Mike & Ann Footlick
33 years
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Most Popular Bus Trip Planned!
Hunsader Farm, Bradenton
On Saturday, October 13 the bus pulls out of the church driveway at 8:30 am.
Bring $5 for gas, and $8 to get in the gates of Hunsader
Farms Annual Pumpkin Festival. Lots to do and see there, bring a plastic shopping bag for the items you might buy. A great selection of vegetables! Also 150 crafts booths....think about some Christmas shopping.
Call the church office and sign up over the phone at 527-6694.
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Memorial Gifts
Donations to the Memorial Fund have been made in memory of the following persons:
Roy Magaruder
Given by:
Dale Stillwagon
Virginia Wissinger
Ed & Laurie Hempel
Wilma McDaniel
Given by:
Ed & Laurie Hempel
Bill Peters Sr.
Given by:
Jack & Suzy Hutto
Ruth Spangler
Ed & Laurie Hempel
Florence Wilson
Martha McMIllan
Wanda Tussing
Frances Hutchinson
Jane Mann
Virginia Lochner
Given by:
Jack and Suzy Hutto
Ed & Lauarie Hempel
Wanda Tussing
The Memorial Fund receives donations in honor of deceased family members and other loved ones. Persons making donations to this fund have not designated them for any specific project. Our church trustees manage this fund, using its proceeds for a variety of projects that will have a lasting impact, such as the stained glass window, paraments, room renovations, and the large illuminated sign. |
Service
Saturday
October 20
On October 20, the Service Saturday Team will again be walking the Pinellas Trail and cleaning up a portion of it. We will meet at the church parking lot at 8:00 AM for instruction, we must sign in and register with the county before we can start our cleanup, and car pool to a location that we hope will become our "Adopt-A-Mile." Please wear sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, and some gloves. Gary Chapin will provide pickers; snacks; water; and trash bags. Hope to see many volunteers for this Service Saturday.
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!
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Ronald McDonald House
We are always seeking new volunteers to help in providing dinner each month to the families living at the Ronald McDonald House at All Children's Hospital. Call Tim and Susan Haley (525-4818) for more information.
Women's Residence Team
This group prepares and serves dinner on the first Tuesday evening of each month to 20 women living in a transitional housing program in St. Petersburg. Our next service date is Tuesday, October 2nd. 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.
Green Team
These folks work toget her to encourage our church and community to reduce, reuse and recycle to promote a healthy environment and pursue sustainable practices which honor and protect God's creation. We're always looking for more volunteers! Call Cheryl Volkman (481-9788) for more information.
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Youth News
Be on the look out for.....
Wall calendars for 2013 with beautiful
pictures and scriptures written on each month will be for sale at $6.00 each.
Needed previous years Halloween costumes or parts for the youth mission project for the month of October to donate for children at a shelter. Drop off in the church office or
give them to Ruthie Kitchen.
Chili Cook-off
Sunday, November 4 at 5 pm FLC
Youth will provide side dishes. Donate $1 to vote for your favorite chili. Winner gets what is in their cup, other cups go towards the youth funds. See you there with your Chili or just to eat. Good will-offering collected.
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A Smile
A smile cost nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and is so poor
but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote
for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is
given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile.Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who hasno more give.
Submitted by Darwin Reedy
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