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                                      January 2013
          Allendale Bellringer
Issue: 1

 

Greetings and Happy New Year!

   I am truly excited about the new year here at Allendale UMC. Although I have not seen the final tally, my sense is that our giving to missions and outreach for others was much improved over that of the same time the previous year. We have much to be thankful to Almighty God our Provider, while at the same time we must challenge one another to higher goals to attain for the new year. It will call and depend a great deal upon our faith and enthusiasm indeed.

 

   The pastor, the groom and the best man were out in the hall waiting for the ceremony to begin. The groom was unusually nervous and agitated. He kept pacing and wringing his hands. Finally, the minister became so concerned about him that he asked, "What's the matter, have you lost the ring?" The groom replied, "No, sir! I've lost my enthusiasm."

 

   I think you will agree that enthusiasm within the fellowship of the church body is a needed and necessary commodity. Enthusiasm can be very high when we are able to recognize the hand of God at work in our midst. Enthusiasm is contagious and can spread not only through-out the church body but also to and throughout the community or mission field where the church is located and serving. I think we can agree on that.

 

   The month of January ushers in new leaders and changes in leadership of the Council. And, very soon we will collectively focus upon God's vision for Allendale as we understand it and how we as a body will reach out to meet the needs of this community whether the greatest need is physical, emotional, economical or spiritual. We are here to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen?

 

   I was reading a magazine the other day and ran across an article entitled, "7 Requirements to Be a Leader Today". Let me just list the 7 requirements to be a great leader today:

1. You have to be adaptable.

2. You have to be moldable.

3. You have to embrace a team approach.

4. You have to consider social responsibility.

5. You have to think bigger than today.

6. You have to be willing to serve others.You have to allow others to receive credit and assume authority.

 

   We will be talking more in depth about these 7 requirements in the days and weeks to come as we grow together in Christ in 2013.

 

   I am enthusiastic about what the Holy Spirit of God will do through this body of faith this year, and I trust and hope that you will be also.

 

   So, bring you enthusiasm to each Council Meeting each month and to a special gathering of our leaders and those willing to work to build the kingdom of God here in north Saint Petersburg on January 26, 2013. That's a Saturday and we are going to put plans to our vision for this year. We want participants and not spectators. So, come prepared to share your ideas as we collectively establish objectives, goals and cast a vision. I think we can agree on that. See you then!

   And, I'll see you in worship.

 

Pastor Ronnie

 

 

Sandy Ross Photo  

 

The Choir had a splendid time caroling at the Masonic Home on December 22. Afterward, we went to visit Ed Hempel at Bayfront Hospital, and were so glad he was feeling well enough to join us in singing carols - it was certainly a highlight of the Christmas season. Thanks to Laurie Hempel for arranging the room and piano.

 

NEW MEMBERS NEEDED FOR CHOIR: The choir is in sore need of additional singers. Ability to read music is not required, you only need to be able to sing a melody part. If you enjoy singing hymns on Sunday, and/or have ever considered joining the choir, now is the time when we really need you as several members are out now for health reasons. Please talk to Sandy after service on Sunday or call or email her anytime - she can answer any questions you may have. I guarantee you will find enjoyment and fellowship singing with the choir. Fear not, and step out in faith to join your voice with others in praising our Lord! You will be welcomed with open arms.

 

THANKS SO MUCH to Jennifer Hopkins for her beautiful flute playing at the 11pm Christmas Eve Service in the Chapel. It was a lovely service from start to finish.

 

FLUTE CHOIR CONCERT. We were so blessed to host the Tampa Bay Flute Choir in concert on Sunday, December 9. Their beautiful sound was a wonderful start to the Christmas season, and we hope to have them back again next year, if not sooner. Thanks especially to Winnie Pfister and Marsha Reese for their assistance with refreshments. Thanks also to Joe Deal and Larry Ross for tech assistance. A lovely time was had by all!

 

TECH TEAM. We are so glad that Kenny Smoak is well enough to be back in the tech team rotation. We are really in need of more people to train to run the projector at 9am and 11am services. Please contact Sandy.

    

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.

 

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. 

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Thanks to the choir for all their hard work over the Advent/Christmas season. The Christmas Eve service was lovely! Thanks to Nadene Hardt for her thoughtful Christmas gifts to choir members. Prayers are requested for choir members Ed Hempel and Nadene Hardt, both in the hospital at this writing. Welcome back to Amy Sams, we are so glad you are well enough to sing with us again.

                                                Childrens Center Article for Jan 2013
  

Allendale Hosting

 Gulf District Training Event!

 

On February 5, 2013 starting at 6:30pm Allendale United Methodist Church will be hosting The Gulf Coast District Training event. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Allendale Family to show some radical hospitality to our sister churches of our district.

 

Allendale was suggested do to our central location and ease of interstate highway travel. I pray that every member of Allendale would plan on attending one of the scheduled classes. If you are not interested in a class come and help play host to what is sure to be a large crowd of visitors.   These training sessions are taught by first class talent and I'm sure all of us could learn something from each class. You should plan for about 2 hours for this event. If you would like to attend a class please let Jenny in the Church office know and she will get you registered.

 

The Topics and Speakers are:

Human Resources & Benefits Update - Wendy McCoy
Missions - Pam Qualls, United Methodist Cooperative Ministries

Staff Pastor Parish Relations - John Powers, Gulf Central District Superintendent

Reaching the Next Generations - Jeff Stiggins

Church Finances: 101 - Mickey Wilson, Conference Treasurer

Trustees/Ministry Protection - Mark Thomas

ReThink Church - Anthony Caruana

"Why Retreats will Change Your Church." - Jess Schload/Melissa Cooper

Caring for God's Earth: United Methodist Why and How - Rev. Andy Bell

Your Church Disaster Plan: Where to Begin? - Ron Luke

Church Lay Leader: Suzy Baad - District Lay Leader

Children's Home: Stephen Harstfield

Allendale Event Only

Discipling Believers Through Wesley Fellowship Groups A Training for Group Leaders - Bishop Dick Wills

 

Registration will be available soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Happy New Year! The Finance Committee is happy to present some detailed results of our 2012 stewardship. Of all members/families who made a commitment in the form of a given dollar amount, 3 in 5 (60%) contributed at a 90 percent level or greater; and 4 in 5 (80%) contributed at a 70 percent level or greater, of total pledges. A detailed summary follows 

    

Fourth Quarter Pledge Statements for 2012 will be mailed shortly with individual pledge details. Total actual operating giving fell short of budgeted/pledged amounts. Nevertheless, our church benefited from strong loose plate and other generous unpledged offerings which put us approximately on par with budgeted revenues overall. We were also able to make all required payments for 2012 Church Insurance as well as payments for the vast majority of all church apportionments for 2012.

 

We have received additional stewardship (operating fund) pledges for the New Year. As of the December 11, 2012 Church Council meeting, total pledges equaled $216,702.00. A church budget for 2013 was approved at this meeting with contingencies related to receipt of additional pledges, and/or possible approval of a reduction in current year assessed apportionments.

  

Just a reminder: If Allendale is your church home and you have not turned in a commitment card for your stewardship during 2013, we strongly encourage you to complete one of these cards at your earliest convenience.

 

Best wishes for a happy and blessed 2013!

Clark

 

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,

but they shared everything they had."-Acts 4: 32

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Don't Be Bored!!

If you find yourself bored on Saturdays, Cheryl and Harry Volkman have the answer to your problem. Cheryl, with help from some church members, plans a day trip on our church bus which is driven by Harry. The bus has comfortable seats and is air-conditioned. A nominal fee is charged to help pay for the gas. If the trip involves an admission fee and lunch, that is an extra charge. Previous trips have taken us to a pumpkin festival, the Red Barn Flea Market and lunch at an Amish restaurant in Bradenton, a visit to our sewage treatment plant, and an opportunity to see and buy handmade gifts from the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. Our most recent trip was to the Tampa Electric Company power plant in Apollo Beach where we saw many manatees who come to enjoy the warmer water.

Trips for the upcoming months will be announced in the Bellringer, church bulletin, and in church. Plan to sign up for the next one. You will find it is a great way to spend your Saturday.

 

 

 
Tree of Life  

Tree of Life

 

We are happy to announce that two new leafs have been added to the Tree of Life. Marjorie Footlick gave one in memory of her sister Fairlee Bierbower and the other to her Beloved Husband, Harold A. Footlick.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Seven members of the Allendale Chancel Choir, along with Choir Director/Pianist Sandy Ross,spent several hours the Saturday before Christmas singing carols at the Masonic Home, where Buck Raulerson lives. They also sang to Eddie Hempel who is in the rehab program at Bayfront Hospital following his knee replacement. Eddie sang along on every carol with us as did Laurie. In addition to Sandy Ross, choir members included Pastor Ronnie, Bert and Margaret Grindlay, Sandy and Harry Klaus, and Don and Sandy Steer. It was a great start to the Christmas services at church for all of us!

 

Expanding Our Horizons

 

Last December Suzy Hutto, chairperson of the outreach committee, discussed "expanding our horizons." Nancy Wall contacted the Salvation Army and I researched The Pinellas Trail. The contact at the Salvation Army is a former member of Allendale and our reputation for community service was well known so every other month starting last March members of the Saturday Service Team have reported and performed a need at The Salvation Army. Over 90,000 persons visit The Pinellas Trail monthly 44 miles of a former railway. My wife and I are Auxiliary Rangers and as we ride along on our patrols the amount of trash we see is overwhelming. I knew that picking up trash would require some physical fitness and outside walking in the elements however there was no hesitation from the team members.

 

In February we split into two groups and walked between mile 3 and 5 picking up trash, everyone that helped in February received and wore a t-shirt. In April we walked near the Tyrone Mall, and after that event we all went to lunch. I felt more water was needed so in October team members that came received a koozie to carry water as they walked. With the warmer weather in June and August team members assisted at church with cleanup. We have requested to be a part of "adopt-a-mile" a project that my supervisor at the county has been working on. Using the positive reputation we've developed I requested between mile 3 and 4 to be Allendale UMC adopt-a-mile.   A brochure has been developed of advertise, and I'm sure we will be able to accomplish that project.

 

Thank you. Gary Chapin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      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 December 15th, Gary Chapin led us in collecting trash and litter as we hiked a section of the Pinellas Trail and left it looking more beautiful. We received many expressions of thanks from passing cyclists. On January 19th, we will be serving at a Salvation Army shelter facility. 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, February 5th. We welcome new volunteers. Call Suzy Hutto (906-9454) for more information.

 

Green Team

Our church will be hosting a community event on Saturday, April 20th, from 10- 2 pm to provide information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle and pursue other sustainable practices which honor and protect God's creation. Save the date and we invite you to join us in planning for this event.

 

 
 
  

  
 

Save the Date: 

April 20th

 

Our church is sponsoring a "Caring for Creation" event on Saturday, April 20th from 10-2 pm.  We are inviting the community to join us in learning more about ways to protect and nurture our environment.  We will offer speakers, vendors, exhibits and children's activities throughout the day.  Many helpers are needed as we plan, promote and celebrate this event. 

 

 
  
Nearer My God to Thee (for 9 cellos) - ThePianoGuys
Nearer My God to Thee (for 9 cellos) - ThePianoGuys
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   

New study: Book of Proverbs       

 

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.

 

  

 

 

Young Women of UMCOR (UMTV)
Young Women of UMCOR (UMTV)
                          
        

 

 
                        

Dear Allendale UMC

Attn: Diane Gibson

 

On behalf of the children of Sallie House, thank you for your generous gift. As you may know, Sallie House is The Salvation Army's 24 hour, 7 day-a-week emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. In fact, it is the only program in our community to receive and care for these abruptly displaced children. Since our doors opened in 1990, Sallie house has shelter more than 1,700 children. Unfortunately, many more will come.

 

With the support of the dedicated donors, board members and community leaders, The Salvation Army recently completed construction on a brand new Sallie House designed to care for 234 children in need of safety. This state of the art building with high level security allows us to invite our donors to come and see what your support has built. Please call me to arrange a tour!

 

Again, on behalf of the children-past, present and future-please accept my gratitude for your generosity.

 

May God bless you,

Timothy P. Gilliam, Major Area Commander

 

 

UM Women

 

Flea Market

March 8 & 9th will come before we know it! Let's get those items to the Flea Market Room for sorting and organizing. We especially need tools, baby/children's clothing and jewelry. Thank you for your contributions! 

 

Up-coming Meetings

 

Naomi Circle

 January 22 

10:00 am (Wesley Room)

Addressing, signing, sending of valentines to homebound an others.

 

Agape Circle

January 21

6:30 pm in the Wesley Room

Program:  "Priorities"

              

 

Allendale's Women's Board

President -  Winifred Pfister    

Secretary - Jeane Mash    

Treasure  - Janet Hopkins      

Communication -  Ruth Spangler   

Social  Action - Lorena Walton  

Spiritual Growth -   Diane Gibson 

Membership, Nuture & Outreach - Lynda Beltz   

Nominations - Evelyn Wilty 

Communications Coordinator of Gulf Central UMW Mission Team- Amy Katsouris 

 

 

 

 
Pots
Pots

Allendale UMC Banner  

January Birthdays

 

Brenda Leong

 01

Gus Katsouris

  02

Ron Henderson 

   05

Ann Bowman

    09

Clark Evans

   10

Marla Radigan 

  13

Dakota Grainger 

  15

Ginger Haas 

    17

Jen Hopkins

    18

Tim Haley

    19

Nancy Wall

   20

Alec Hayes

   15

Clifford Footlick 

   22

Sandra Hickey 

    25

Wanda Tussing

   29

Brian Rasco

   26

 

 

January Anniversaries                                             

 

John & Nancy Rodda

January 14 , 13 years

 

Gary & Nancy Chapin

January 19, 39 years

 

Jason & Alexis Roberts

January 28, 6 years

 

 

       

PLAN AHEAD

 

  

Pancake Supper

 

February 12

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

in the Family Life Center

 

 

I want to thank Darwin for all his hospital visits, also my special church friend who came down to see me prior to my surgery. I want to Thank all those who have come to my home as well. The lovely cards are so appreciated. I do so miss church hope I can return soon. My  social life is visiting doctors.

 

Much Love,

Evelyn

 

  
 

Caring for God's Earth"

Tuesday, February 5th

 

When Allendale hosts the District Leadership Training on Tuesday, February 5th, we have a great opportunity to hear Rev. Andy Bell speak about "Caring for God's Earth". Rev. Bell is a leader, teacher and speaker with the Florida Conference and the Director of Sunshine State Interfaith Power and Light. This is a great opportunity for our church family to hear his message about steps we can take toward more sustainable living and honoring the work of creation. Everyone is invited to hear him speak. The program begins at 7 pm right here at Allendale.

 

  
Church Rethinks School Lunches (UMTV)
Church Rethinks School Lunches (UMTV)

Reminder For Events at Allendale

 

Just a reminder that every person or group planning an event needs to fill out two short forms when planning your event. There was confusion and overbooking in December which makes it difficult for the office staff to fix. When planning your event, please call the office and check to see if the date you want is open on the master calendar. We will pencil you in tentatively and will confirm the date after you fill out the forms for approval.

 

All church events should be planned at least 90 days in advance and must have Council approval before they are calendared. This gives us time to properly plan and advertise the event within our congregation and out in the community. It also gives us time to invite multiple groups and persons to help with the event.

 

Forms can be found in the kitchen for your connivance. Or call the church office for the forms and we will mail them to you or you can pick them up. Thank you so much for helping one another out by carefully booking your event (s).

 

Come, and Fear Not

                               By Darwin Reedy

 

God and Christ are calling! Christ knows what we are against, and the Holy Spirit is available to assist. We are in Spiritual warfare. Repentance is needed by all of us; and it maybe uncomfortable and often painful. We all are creatures of habit, and it is hard to change. Our habits our routines may include sins of commission and sins of omission. You be the judge-it is your life here and your heritage is eternity. God's laws are plain and simple-follow the commandments. Determine to do more, to do better. Choose the truth, pray over your choices and seek the light of Christ.

 

Remember the NEW Law-John 15:12 "This is my commandment, Love each other as I have loved you."

 

Love God, love your neighbor, Love yourself and love your enemy.