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Rev.Ronnie's
Remarks
Greetings and salutations!
I greet you in the saving name of our only Savior, Jesus Christ! Already, it is that time of the year. The 4th Thursday of November, has great significance for Americans! What will it be for you? It is a time for stuffing ourselves with turkey and all the fixings until near gluttony? And, then falling asleep on the couch watching the annual football games of Thanksgiving Day? Does your family honor a tradition like gathering around the table to share this meal and time together?
Whatever your family tradition entails let us this year focus upon why the day is honored and set apart! Why not spend some time in reflection, either with family and loved ones, to communicate and share in a specific way how and what you are thankful about the blessing of God Almighty! By the time Thanksgiving arrives, the general election will have passed and regardless of your political persuasion, we may give thanks we no longer hear those mud slinging terrible commercials blasting the character of the other. Amen?
Why not begin with the family and loved ones we have? Then again if you are able to share a few hours on this day with family that is something for which we may give thanks! Let's appreciate one another and give thanks to our Creator for one another. The psalmist wrote: "O Lord, what are human beings that you regard them, or mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a passing shadow." (Ps. 144:3-4, NRSV). In other words, life is not only given to us by our loving God but life is precious and we must give thanks for the time we have each other. The scripture mentions: "So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart." (Ps. 90:12).
If you serve in the military and have returned to American soil, boy that is something for our thanksgiving! Our Wednesday evening Bible Study is currently going through the Psalms and I am learning not only a great deal about the text and background information but about my fellow students of the Word of God. We meet only for 1 hour, but it is so enriching and filled with encouragement. I don't know about you, but I need my "cup filled" by Wednesday! Amen?
I also want to lift up the short-term small group study we experience on Sunday evenings here at Allendale. We are going through A Disciple's Path by Jim Harnish, my brother in Christ serving at Hyde Park in Tampa. This is well written and clarifies for each student a great deal of the Wesleyan tradition in very basic and clear terminology. It is a wonderful resource for learning and understanding what living Christian according to our Wesleyan tradition entails. Each new member and long time member should enjoy and encounter the teaching of this work. I truly believe this study will rekindle the fire that will once again burn within the hearts of each Methodist and cause the United Methodist Church to get on fire for the kingdom of God once again! Isn't revival long overdue?
I want to encourage everyone to consider this study for personal spiritual growth as well as the steps to growing our fellowship of faith together. (Just a note: if I could make participation in this study mandatory, this would be the one!) I will be offering, or someone, the next A Disciple's Path again after the start of the new year.
Finally, I want to mention how thankful I am for each of you who has been praying for Bobbie during this last year. Although she still struggles with health issues, at least the kidney stones have been removed. Thanks be to God! So, take care of one another and truly give thanks for close friends and family members on this Thanksgiving Day. Will you do that? And, remember: "You matter to God and you matter to us at Allendale UMC."
Blessings and peace,
In Christ,
Rev. Ronnie
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UMCOR Assistance After Hurricane Irene |
NEW YORK -- As Hurricane Sandy bears down on millions of people, The United Methodist Church is helping prepare, respond and cope with the storm's effects.
Through local United Methodist churches and trained disaster response workers, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) provides immediate relief, assistance with cleanup and rebuilding, pastoral counseling and support for children and youth who have been through trauma. "As large as the monster Sandy is, the church is larger and more powerful in its preparations, its spirit and its capacity to be here for years to come," said the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, UMCOR Assistant General Secretary for U.S. Disaster Response. UMCOR field staff are already at work assessing damages in the Caribbean, where Hurricane Sandy is known to have killed at least 65 people, left widespread power outages and damaged or destroyed agricultural fields and communications systems. In the U.S., United Methodist early response teams from many states have been put on alert, and will deploy once emergency officials say it is safe do so. "There are many ways you can help, but the most important right now is by giving to UMCOR Hurricane 2012 Advance #3021787, which will cover needs in the affected U.S. and Caribbean regions, Hazelwood said.
You can also text the word RESPONSE to 80888 to give an immediate $10 donation. For more information, follow UMCOR on Facebook or call 1-800-554-8583 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET. About UMCOR The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization of The United Methodist Church. Compelled by Christ to be a voice of conscience on behalf of the people called Methodist, UMCOR works globally to alleviate human suffering and advance hope and healing. There are many ways to support UMCOR s work. You can donate online or over the phone by calling 1-800-554-8583. You can mail checks (payable to UMCOR) to P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087. You can also use offering envelopes to designate funds for UMCOR and put them in the offering plate at any United Methodist Church. UMCOR is a registered 501(c) (3) charity. All gifts are tax deductible. |
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Looking Ahead
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 praise band
7:00 pm
Traditional candle light service in the sanctuary featuring
the chancel choir & soloists
11:00 pm
Traditional candle light communion service in the chapel
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 Finance Committee Update
November 2012
Dear Allendale Family,
During the early autumn season, Allendale welcomed Sondra McPhail from the Florida Conference. Sondra recently visited Allendale to conduct a local church audit, which was requested by Allendale since one had not been completed in several years. There were several minor recommendations, mostly related to recordkeeping issues and also a suggestion concerning how we approach the payment of annual apportionments/connectional giving.
Stewardship is certainly a word you should be hearing a lot more of in the coming weeks! Our annual stewardship campaign kicked off Sunday, October 21, and will wrap up with a special Consecration Sunday service followed by a dinner on Sunday, November 11. (A capital campaign for church repairs and improvements is also in the works, which will likely take place during early 2013.)
Now is a good time for reflection on your covenant with God, of which the church is a part. I recently attended a webinar which highlighted recent worship trends. Discussed was the fact that on average in the U.S., people, even those considering themselves Christians are less "excited" about finding and joining a church congregation. The one exception: this has not been the case in churches placing a high expectation on membership, which includes, among other things, giving and stewardship.
Personally, I've always felt that gifts of any sort should not be compulsory, but should be from the heart. I still feel that way to some extent, and believe there are probably a few other Christians around who might agree. Two important points though: This type of giving requires self-discipline. We must make sure we practice it intentionally. A good illustration of this could be "setting a goal and sticking by it as closely as possible"; or "setting aside your first fruits."
Secondly, this sort of giving requires self-examination of the heart. We must do as my grandfather always told me to do: "Remember who you are." Look at yourself and think "How might I make a positive difference?" (You might be surprised!)
Have a blessed Thanksgiving season,
Clark
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 Sandy's Choir Notes
CHANCEL CHOIR. 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. You need not have a great voice - just be able to carry a tune in a bucket. Thanks! Our sympathies to Don and Sandy Steer on the recent passing of their good friend Gary in Canada.
For Participating Choir Members: Next Community Christmas Concert Rehearsal is Sat. November 3, 10 am-noon, Pasadena UMC Choir Room.
NO CHOIR REHEARSAL on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 22.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Several of our choir members are participating in the Pasadena Community Church Christmas Concert, which will be held on Sunday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Pasadena Community Church Sanctuary, at 227 -70th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL. The concert will include traditional and new carols with choirs from 6 churches and guest instrumentalists. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this delightful event.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR: We have had to put Children's Choir on hiatus as we only had two committed members. If we can find 3 more singers, we will resume Children's Choir. Please contact Sandy if you know of a child (Grades 1-5) who may be interested.
REMINDER TO CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTALISTS: The basket in the Sanctuary for "used" music has been removed, so please either leave your "used" music on the stand, or return it to the file basket in the Choir room.
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.
Flute Choir Concert
December 9th
3:00 pm
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"
During the month of November we will be focusing on Thanksgiving and teaching the children how to be thankful for everything and everyone they have in their lives. We will also be talking about the first Thanksgiving and about the Pilgrims and Indians.
. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach your kids about being thankful. Here are some ideas to teach your children how to appreciate the blessings in their lives:
Courtesy of the Tadpoles' Class
phoGiving Thanks Placemats: The goal of this craft is to create a collage filled with drawings and pictures of all the things your children are thankful for. Cut out teacher is nice." The fun part of this activity is to make thtos from magazines or print some from your computer. Older children can write captions under the photos or draw their own pictures. Be sure to write your child's name and year on the placemat.
Thankful Paper Chain: Another way to remind your children of their blessings is to create a paper chain. Cut strips of paper and write what you are thankful for on each piece before you connect them together to make loops. For example, "Grandma plays games with me," or "My e chain as long as possible- showing all your blessings. You can also try this activity during Christmas time using green and red paper.
Courtesy of the Wizards' Class
We are Thankful! We will set sail, as they did on the Mayflower, on an adventure to learn about the first Thanksgiving. On our journey, we will discover when the first Thanksgiving was celebrated, how long it lasted, when the first national Thanksgiving Day was declared, who declared it, and who celebrated the first thanksgiving. We will also talk about what we are thankful for.
Courtesy of the VPK Explorers' Class
In honor of Thanksgiving, Allendale's VPK students and their families will explore and affirm their many and varied blessings. To celebrate this spiritually significant national holiday, the VPK "Explorers" will consider what the word "Thanksgiving" means to them personally. Students will learn about the pilgrims, Native Americans, and how people lived during the days of the very first Thanksgiving. They will explore their own holiday traditions and the ways in which different cultures observe the holiday. Students and their families will work together on a take-home project about their sources of gratitude, and these completed projects will be shared with the entire VPK class. Ms. Patti, Ms. Andrea, and Ms. Alli are truly thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with the VPK "Explorers" and their families!
In God's Love,
Jeni Lyn Smagacz
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Tree of Life
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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Mission Team Update
The Allendale Missions Team is sponsoring Roy Smoak on another missions trip to Managua, Nicaragua. Roy has enlisted with a multi-site missions team that will be going to Villa Esparanza in Feb. 2013. At this time we would like to help raise funds to ease the burden of self funding this venture, and will update the congregation on any supply needs as that information arises. Please make all contributions to Missions Team 480/ Roy Smoak.
We are all very proud of Roy and thankful for the sacrifices he will be making in the service of our Lord. Prayers and blessings to him and his family.
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Allendale's Biggest
Dinner Event!
Join Us for Fellowship! Good Food! Great Time!
Sunday, November 18th
5:00 pm
in the Family Life Center
RSVP church office 527-6694 or use sign up sheets passed out during worship.
Please bring a place setting for every person in your party and a large side dish (or two) to share.Turkey and ham are being provided.
Some suggestions: salads, vegetables, casseroles, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, rolls/bread, tea, lemonade. |
  United Methodist Women Hooray for the 250 ditty bags that are now filled and ready to be delivered. Many homeless adults and needy children will benefit from the Allendale caregivers. Twenty-two willing hands participated in filling the bags. The spring mission study this year will be on poverty. The place, month and time has not been determined. More information will follow. Upcoming Local and District Events Oct. 27th District Annual Mtg. St. Paul's UMC Nov. 10th Conference Annual Mtg. UMC Clermont Nov. 19th Agape Meeting Wesley Room 6:30 PM Nov. 20th Naomi Meeting Wesley Room 10:00 AM Dec. 6th CASA Party FLC Dec. 7th Farm worker's Ingathering Needed: 2013 calendars for the ladies who attend the CASA Christmas Party on December 6th. And for the Women's Residence. Bring them to the church office. |
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 | | What Is UMCOR? |
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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: Really 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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Outreach Ministries Sharing the love of Christ through acts of service in our community Service Saturdays As you know, our Service Saturday Team serves in our community on the third Saturday of each month. We alternate months between the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter and the Pinellas Trail. On October 20th Gary Chapin led us in collecting trash and litter as we hiked a section of the Pinellas Trail. On November 17th we will be serving at one of the Salvation Army sites. Please join us on the third Saturday of each month in ministry to our community. Many volunteers needed. Contact church office (527-6694) for more information 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, November 6th. We welcome new volunteers. Call Suzy Hutto (906-9454) for more information. Green Team These folks work together 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. As our church family prepares for Christmas look for our "green tips" to celebrate the holidays in ways which promote caring for creation. Also, there is a bus trip planned for Saturday, December 8th, to visit the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. We will learn about these endangered gentle giants. Join us! Call Cheryl Volkman (481-9788) for more information. |
Bus Trip to Red Bird Mission's Appalachian Craft Fair Saturday, November 3rd 1st United Methodist Church, ClearwaterBe at the church by 8:30 am $2 for gas donation Let's do a little Christmas shopping to help out our Appalachian friends |
 | | That's Not Fair by Joe Stowell |
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GREEN TEAM BUS TRIP
Saturday, December 8
Heading out to Apollo Beach to visit the manatees at the power plant. Meet in the Allendale parking lot by 8:30 am. The bus leaves at 9:00 am. Call the church office to sign up at 527-6694. Thank you Cheryl for coming up with road trips for everyone to enjoy.
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2013 calendars
will be for sale, $6 each.
The calendars have
beautiful pictures and scriptures for each month
of the year |
Pastor's Ronnie's Chapel Time
Each Wednesday morning Pastor Ronnie meets with the children from the Children's Center in our chapel. He reads them stories and talks to them about Jesus. The children love Pastor Ronnie and always yell "Bye Pastor Ronnie" when he leaves. Being with the children gives him great joy.
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TWO NEW STUDIES With Pastor Ronnie Advent Preparation Pastor Ronnie has an Advent Study planned entitled, When God Comes Down, written by James A. Harnish. The study begins November 25 and run through December 23. It is a five (5) week short-term study providing one lesson for each week of Advent and one for Christmas. Each lesson includes a key Scripture, a brief reflection, discussion/reflection questions, a brief prayer, and a focus for the coming week. In this study, Harnish explores the meaning of the incarnation...God with us in human flesh. New Study Class 2013 Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations and Catch is a Church-wide Program for Invitational Evangelism. Catch comprehensive 4-week program for implementing the proven marketing and visitor follow-up technique from Church of the Resurrection-one of the biggest and most influential churches in the U.S. Catch shows how to attach visitors, help them connect to the faith community and find the space to know, love and serve God. |
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November Birthdays
Rachael Hayden
03
Dale Stillwagon
06
Monserrate Ishman
10
Ed Caldwell
11
Eric Dahl
11
Suzanne Landis
13
Erica Dahl
15
Tony Antonewitz
16
Mark Woodward
17
Riley Gregory
19
Jack Hutto
20
Xander Sands
20
Leslie Footlick (Dickey)
22
Midge Mitchell
22
Daniel Helm
24
Donald Pierce
25
Kyle Woodward
` 26
Hailey Simmons
27
Jennifer Clark
29
November Anniversaries
Mark and Linda Lee
November 12,--24 years
Harry and Sandra Klaus
November 18--27 years
Jerry and Alice Campbell
November 30--28 years
Congregational Care
A Thought for Today!
Don't mind criticism,
If it is untrue-disregard it.
If it is unfair, don't let it irritate you
If it is ignorant-smile.
If it is justified, learn from it!
Anonymous
And pray in all things!
Darwin Reedy
Team Leader
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.
Children's Mission Project
For Sallie House
Sallie House is a home for children operated by the Salvation Army in our community. It provides safe shelter for children who have been victims of neglect and abuse.
Our Sunday School class will be collecting donations of new and "gently used" toys for Sallie House. We have been sharing in our class the importance of growing in our faith and proclaiming our faith and also serving others. This mission project provides an opportunity for our group to serve other children.
The final day for bringing your unwrapped toys is Sunday, November 18
All Saints Memorial Roll Call
The memorial roll call names persons within the Allendale Family who have died in the last year. Please keep family and friends in your prayers.
Clarence Tussing (12-31-12)
Bertha Thomas (4-2-12)
Marjorie Morris (4-2-12)
Dorothy Williams (4-17-12)
Roy Magruder (6-27-12)
Wilma McDaniel (7-11-2012)
Virginia Lochner (8-19-2012)
Bill Peters Sr. (8-19-12)
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