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Greetings and pleasant salutations to all in the holy name of our blessed Redeemer, Jesus!
Most of you know I have been in attendance at a Three-Day Workshop at the Life Enrichment Center at Leesburg. The title of the workshop was: Strategies for Building Our Beloved Community: Recognizing, Understanding, Appreciating and Utilizing Differences. (Sounds pretty "heady" and academic; I thought so, too!) I must say it was enlightening and "eye-opening" for me. I will be talking more about my experience of this workshop in future days, but did not want to take up my Bellringer space talking too much about that now.
How are you doing moving through this Lenten Season of reflective prayer and devotional focus? Many folks have mentioned some of the things they have chosen to "give up" for Lent. The key to this is making a complete sacrifice of something you do or some selfish thing you may enjoy to coincide with the commitment our Savior made in accepting the will of God for the cross. Some give up chocolate, some caffeine, sodas or pop or eating fast food, the internet or whatever. Many of the items I hear people giving upare really indulgencesin unhealthy foods or practices anyway.
I wonder how it might be for us Christ-followers if we took up something for the season of Lent rather than give up something that may or may not be good for us. Suppose we took up a spiritual practice of prayer by joining and taking part in a prayer group. If there is not a prayer group suitable to your schedule, form one in your home and invite neighbors to join with you. Perhaps you do not feel comfortable praying with men if you are female or vice-versa. Nothing says you cannot invite ladies (or, men) to a prayer meeting at your home.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been prompting you to participate in a service project helping others in need or just having a down time or low ebb in life currently. Is there something you want to learn? Bible study, discipleship learning, maybe check your spiritual gifts or take a spiritual gifts inventory if it has been some time since you have done that.
Everyone of us is accountable to one another within the Body of Christ as to our vow to journey and grow in our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and service and witness. Each of can ask, "What do I need to do and be actively involved with to increase and improve my church's goals and vision to reveal all persons matter to God and therefore matter to me? How exactly am I making that vividly clear and actualized to others through my attitude to others, the communication I use towards others, my willingness to share my faith in Jesus Christ with others (even those I do not know or have met?) All these question are valid not only for all Christians but particularly the people called Methodist! These are our roots from the Spiritual Revival that took place in England during the 18th century.
I guess I am asking, have we become lazy, listless and lackadaisical about our faith and our promise to build God's kingdom on earth. You know this is a phrase we all pray as our Lord taught: "Thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
So let us try to "take up" something during the remaining weeks that are in Lent. Let us strive to grow in our spiritual walk as a follower of Jesus. Let us "strive toward perfection." Does that phrase sound familiar? Let's work on this in Jesus' name!
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Ronnie
See you in worship!
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That word, Wow, pretty well sums up the District Training sessions held at Allendale on February 5th. Our amazing staff and volunteers really impressed people. Thanks to staff members, Pastor Ronnie, Bob Grainger, and Jenny Baldwin, and our new lay leader, Joe Deal. Allendale was looking great for this event. Mike and Cliff Footlick, Cheryl and Harry Volkman and Woody Platt had the grounds looking at their best. Our Tuesday evening volunteers were absolutely awesome. Charlie Radigan put together some wonderful snacks and beverages and his helpers, Marla Radigan
After a group meeting in the sanctuary, our guests were taken to their respective meeting areas by Jenny Baldwin, Lynda Beltz, Diane Gibson, Nancy Wall, Julie Schroeder, Nancy Chapin, Darwin Reedy, Tim Haley, Clark Evans, and Sandy Steer. The volunteers were all wearing Allendale "Catch the Vision" yellow shirts which made them easy to spot.
Pastor Ronnie received the following from our Gulf Central District Business Administrator, Maggie Corrigan: "I just wanted to thank you and the Allendale folks for an awesome job. I understand that you had people in the parking lot (at the end) with flashlights helping people to their cars. What an awesome example of Radical Hospitality. Please share with your members that I've had many very favorable emails about the event. Thanks again. Blessings, Maggie." A special thanks to Jim and Winnie Pfister for being the helpful people who used flashlights to take people to their cars at the end of and Lorena Walton (who also baked cookies) kept the tables filled. Mike Footlick welcomed those who parked in the lot across the street while Tom Gregory, Darlene Lewis, and Jim Pfister greeted every one as they came into the church area. Reed Gregory, Ruth Spangler, Winnie Pfister and Don Steer provided name tags and directions to everyone.
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Rethink Church
By Sandy Steer
On Feb 5, 2013 Allendale hosted the leadership training for the Gulf Central District. There were many opportunities for the leadership of the District to attend training in various areas. One of the classes was on "Rethink Church".
The "Rethink Church" class was lead by Rev Anthony Caruana, Assistant Pastor at First United Methodist of Springhill. Rethink Church is a welcoming campaign "to invite the church and un-churched who seek spiritual fulfillment, to become more outwardly focused and engaged in the world. It seeks to offer the church, not just as a place to come to and stay within, but as a base of operation for expressing faith by going out into the communities to become part of God's plan for world transformation." (from the Rethink Church website)
How do we do this? You need to know the community in which your congregation is situated. Who is around your church? How can we help them? What are their interests? Rethink Church is a tool to help congregations learn how to reach people with the gospel of Jesus but in ways that are relevant in today's society.
Just going to church on Sundays is not enough for today's seekers. They are looking for a place that accepts them for who they are, that is active in helping people in their community, has people who care deeply for one another, believes God's love is available to ALL, helps to strengthen families, and has a passion for peace and justice. They want relationship - relationship with one another, relationship with those in need and relationship with God.
If we are to reach these seekers we need to Rethink Church through the social media but still draw them into lives of faith. If you would like to know more about Rethink Church please visit their website at: www.umcom.org.
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Gulf Coast UMC District Training
By Sandy Steer
What a thrill it was to host this year's United Methodist Church District Training! I went to the session taught by Dr. Jeff Stiggins entitled Reaching the Next Generations. I found it extremely helpful and valuable for Allendale.
Dr. Stiggins began by discussing the things we should stop doing, like hanging on to the past. Every generation has things that they loved about their church, but that doesn't necessarily mean those things are relevant today. Secondly, he talked about drifting. Is the mission of our church beginning to drift? What do people want to know? They want to know how to get closer to God so we need to help them connect. Frequently children and youth ministries barely connect to the church. As kids grow older, they drift off. Kids who stay are those who are involved with people of all ages. Are we connecting with our youth? People want to know about the Bible which can be complicated to read. We need to help them be able to read and understand the Bible. They want to know and be able to connect with the leaders of the church.
Are we training younger members for leadership roles? If you go to a church and don't see anyone like you in the choir, or teaching a Sunday School class, or in other leadership roles, you might wonder if there is a place in that church for you!
How do we reach the next GENERATIONS?
1. We need to cultivate younger leaders and offer opportunities of leadership to them. We need to learn to accept them as they are. As Dr. Stiggins says, "When we circle the wagons defensively against a changing world and community in order to protect 'us' from 'them' we eventually find ourselves with fewer and fewer 'us'."
2. We need to find ways to engage with younger persons so we can get to know them and learn from them. "While we know what it was like to be younger in our day, we do not know what it is like to be younger today."
3. We need to make room for younger persons in our church leadership and staff. To do this, we can have those who have served as leaders mentor younger leaders and then be willing to step aside and give them a chance to lead.
4. We should provide opportunities for multi-generational activities. We have done this with our mission trips to Nicaragua, but we need to find and support other opportunities.
5. We need to find ways to be of service to younger generations in our community - like offering parenting classes, financial/budgeting classes, offering after school care, space for organizations
6. We need to find ways to include younger persons in the worship services, such as ushers, audio visual support, greeters, etc.
7. Provide mentors for each young person taking confirmation classes. Ask each young person what older person in the congregation they would like to have as their mentor. If you are a mentor, you need to listen to them and not judge them. Remember that church is one of the last places where people of all ages can interact!
8. Connect our church and our day care. Church members need to get involved. This is an excellent place to reach out to the next generations.
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ALLENDALE CHILDREN'S CENTER
"Where Children Are the Center"
March is a busy month for the Children's Center...
We are offering a new extra-curricular program called, Storytime Soccer, where children can learn basic soccer skills that promote motor development, space awareness, listening skills and builds self-esteem. This program is taught by a background screened, professional coach during school hours. More information can be found at www.storytimesoccer.com.
On Friday, March 15th, the children will be participating in the annual St. Jude's Trik-A-Thon to raise awareness and funds that benefit the children of St. Jude's Hospital. If you would like to sponsor a child, please call Ms. Angie in the Preschool Office 527-0778.
Also, that evening we will hold our first preschool dance in celebration of St. Patrick's Day in the FLC from 5:30-7:30pm. Families can join in the fun as we dance to all different types of music and light refreshments will be served.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 23rd Allendale Easter Block Party. Families from the center will be attending and our own, very talented Ms. Patty, will be doing her amazing face painting!
We have completed our first ever, one year old classroom (room 107) and are awaiting the change in our license at renewal time to reflect this age group. We are installing a four foot PVC fence on our back playground to form a separate play space which will be used only for the one year olds. Our target opening date is April 3rd, 2013. In the meantime, the room is open as the nursery for Sunday services. Remember that a lot of money was spent to renovate this room so we ask that everyone pitch in to keep it clean and in good condition, especially the brand new carpet. Soon the nursery will be staffed on Sunday's by qualified teachers from the Children's Center who are all background checked and hold current Infant/Toddler CPR and First Aid Certificates.
The Early Learning Coalition has now opened fall VPK registration online. Get your certificates of eligibility in to Ms. Jeni as soon as possible as VPK spots are limited. For online registration, go to www.elcpinellas.net.
In God's Love,
Jeni Lyn Smagacz
Preschool Director
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 Finance Committee Report
for March 2013
Dear Allendale Family,
February has been quite a month at Allendale. Many thanks to everyone who volunteered their time in hosting an excellent Gulf Central District Annual Leadership Training at Allendale on Tuesday, Feb. 5! Financial statements for January are now complete. January offerings/other revenue totaled $36,831.89 and February offerings through 2/24 totaled $20,676.00. Between the first two winter months of 2013, giving results have been above budget by $3,465.01. The church also operated at a surplus of revenues over expenditures of a similar amount, $4,113.96, during the month of January.
Progress has been made toward the selection of a consultant to aid Allendale in ensuring the longevity of our beautiful and worship-inspiring sanctuary and facilities for years to come. A Joint Finance/Trustees meeting was held on Wednesday, February 20 in which Dr. Bill Crosby (Resource Ministry Partners, Birmingham, AL area) presented a proposal in which this organization would provide hands-on assistance in bringing our plans to fruition. To recap, Finance/Trustees previously met with Derric Bakker of Dickerson, Bakker & Associates (Enka, NC) who visited Allendale during the month of January with a similar proposal.
By Clark Evans, Chair Finance Committee
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CHANCEL CHOIR. Thanks to the choir for singing at Nadene Hardt's Memorial Service on Sat. Feb. 16. Thanks also to Bert Grindlay and Alexis Roberts for their beautiful rendition of "The Lord's Prayer", a song which Nadene loved. We are so happy that Elsie Caldwell is back with us after her hospital stay, and that Maryann Ormiston is back with us after her bout with back trouble. We are thrilled that Ed Hempel has taken his first steps - he remains at Menorah Manor - please continue prayers for his complete recovery. We are delighted that seasonal resident Geraldine Lahna has joined the choir - we so enjoyed her lovely rendition of "The Lighthouse" at the 11am service on Feb. 10. We look forward to her next solo in April.
CALLING ALL MESSIAH FANS: Yes, we will again be performing the immortal "Hallelujah Chorus" by G.F. Handel on Easter, March 31, 2013 at the 11am service. This is a piece that requires many voices, and we invite any member of the congregation to join the choir in performing this masterpiece. You do not need to sing the entire service from the choir loft - you can come to the choir loft at the end of the service right before we perform the piece. If you would like to participate, please let Sandy know and come to choir rehearsal on Thursdays at 7pm on the 3 Thursdays before Easter (Mar. 13, 21 and 28). Thanks!!!
NEW MEMBERS NEEDED FOR CHOIR: The choir has really been hit hard this year with members unable to participate for health reasons. We are 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!!! 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.
PRAISE BAND: Praise band will perform at the Easter Block Party on Sat., Mar. 23, 11-2pm. Vern and Ron will be out - Dennis will fill in for Ron on drums, thanks, Dennis!
TECH TEAM. Kenny Smoak had more surgery and is now in rehab. Thanks to Dakota Haas and Larry Ross for filling in until Kenny can return. 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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Hurricane Season
By Gary Chapin
Hurricane season begins June 1st.
TO DO LIST:
a. Make a family plan-who does what and where will your family ride out the storm.
b. Locate your water meter and electrical shutoff.
c. Check with your child's day care school to find out about their disaster plans.
d. Trim trees and store loose articles.
e. Install or test your smoke detector.
f. Use a video camera to tape the components of your home and store video tape with friend or family member who lives out of town.
g. Photocopy important papers and store safely.
h. Make a reservation to board your pet if you plan to go to a shelter.
i. Obtain cash or travelers checks.
j. Prepare a "go-pack" in case you need to evacuate. k. Have a roll of quarters & dimes for emergency phone calls.
l. Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency.
GROCERY STORE: 1 gallon of water per person; 1 box of heavy duty garbage bags; 1 jar of peanut butter; 1 can of meat; 1 can of fruit; instant coffee, tea, powdered drinks; 1 can of vegetables; 1 jar of jelly or jam; personal products; 2 rolls of toilet paper; 1 bottle of shampoo; hand-operated can opener; video tape; pet food, and/or baby food if needed; matches - wooden ones are best; 1 box of sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer.
HARDWARE: flashlights and extra batteries; smoke detector and battery; hammers; assorted nails; wood screws; heavy work gloves.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES: aspirin and/or acetaminophen; rolls of gauze or bandages; tape; adhesive bandages in assorted sizes; scissors; tweezers; antiseptic; thermometer; spare eyeglasses or contact lens supplies; items for dental care if needed.
BE PREPARED!!!
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Join us for our"Earth Care" Event
Saturday, April 20th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Admission is free
Learn with workshops on sustainability
Explore exhibits on living and growing "green"
See eco-friendly vehicles and gardens on display
Enjoy music and fun activities for kids
Our guests will include PSTA, St. Petersburg Sanitation Department, Community Garden Association, Pinellas County Extension Service, Florida Native Plant Society, Tampa Bay Watch, Boyd Hill Nature Center, Sunshine State Interfaith Power and Light, Pinellas Trail, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Pinellas County Solid Waste Department, local organic farms and Chick-fil-a.
10:00-11:00 am Dr. Craig Huegel speaking on benefits of Native Plants in the Florida Landscape.
11:00-12:00 am Native American flute concert.
11:30-12:30 am "No Such Place as Away' presentation on where all our trash actually ends up.
1:00-2:00 pm Florida United Methodist Conference "Creation Care Task Force" coordination, Martha Pierce, speaking on environmental policy.
1:00-2:00 pm Greg Plantamura presenting interactive program on energy efficiency.
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Saturday Service Team
By Sandy Steer
We had a great turnout for our Pinellas Trail Clean-up on Saturday, February 16.
Leaders Gary and Nancy Chapin led the group of May and Jack Polley, Barbara and Duvall Sollers, Sandy and Don Steer, Tori and Brooke Freeman, Suzy Hutto, and Diane Gibson along our 1 mile stretch of the Trail, filling over 4 garbage bags with trash. We are officially adopting a particular mile andwill have a marker with Allendale identified on it. A recent brochure has a photo of our team with many trash bags. The Saturday Service Team alternates cleaning the Trail and volunteering at the Salvation Army, doing whatever they need us to do. If you are interested in this type of community service, please contact Gary Chapin, Suzy Hutto or Nancy Wall. We can always adopt another mile!
Service Saturday
Saturday, March 16
Join the Service Saturday Team on March 16 from 9:00am to 12:00pm when we will be volunteering with the Salvation Army, either assisting with the children at the Sallie House or helping to spread mulch at the Children's Village.
We will plan to meet in the north church parking lot at 8:40am and carpool to the location. Contact Nancy Wall with any questions, 727-410-6658 or
njw@fcpinvestors.com.
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Thoughts From Deitrich
Bonhoffer German Philosopher/Theologian
Do Will of God - Obedience
One Faith - One Bible - One God
Action will (should) follow Belief
Hear God's Word and Obey
Make God's Word Relevant
Take Time to Meditate
Christ "Confess Me to Men"
Love God First
Be Ye Righteous
Be A Disciple!!!
Make God's Will Yours
Must be Transformed Through Faith
"Do What Is Right"
Know the Commandments
We were Created as "Good" Not Evil
God is God of the Whole World
Evil Disguises Self
We Must Sacrifice
Grace is Costly, Not "Cheap Grace"
Paramount - Service to Others
Love is Based on "Respect for Others"
Submitted by Darwin Reedy
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Reading Scripture
as a Daily Spiritual
Practice
Posted by Bishop Ken Carter on January 4, 2013
God is always giving us a new beginning. As we enter into 2013, I want to offer a method for spiritual growth. You may already have a plan, and if so that is wonderful. If not, I invite you to consider this spiritual practice.
I find that a plan and a structure helps me. I will read one chapter a day from the New Testament, beginning with Matthew 1 on January 1. When I reach the last chapter of Revelation, I will start again with Matthew 1, and read through the gospels, to the last chapter of John. This will take me to the end of 2013.
Several of the new bishops (including McAlilly, Harvey, Steiner Ball, McKee, Cho, Mueller and Wallace Padgett) are participating, as is my friend Bob Tuttle, but it is not about us. It is, in the words of Eugene Peterson, "a long obedience in the same direction", grounded in our confidence that God always changes us and renews the church from the "inside out"---through listening to the Word.
I write this on January 4, and so today is Matthew 4. This year I am reading from The Message, but any translation is fine. My general practice is to read the chapter through once, then to read it a second time, underlining words or writing notes in the margins, and then to use a yellow highlighter to note the most significant phrase for me on this day. I try to carry this phrase through the day, and connect it with what is going on around me. This is a very simple form of lectio divina, an ancient practice of meditating on scripture.
We are, all of us, becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. To be a disciple is to undertake a discipline, and to be a disciple of Jesus is to be more disciplined in knowing more about him. Then we will fulfill the desire of the prayer: "to see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly, to follow thee more nearly, day by day."
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If Your Heart is Empty Your Head Does Not Matter
When your heart is sick all else fails.
When you are disappointed with yourself then your energy is drained.
When your heart fails all else fails.
The heart controls the oxygen to the mind and the body.
If you don't exercise your heart physically, emotionally and spiritually then everything else in your life will slow down. Your heart controls the life blood that fuels your energy and ideas.
Most books and resources in the leadership space are focused on the head. Few focus on the heart.
If you haven't focused on it in a while, start now.
How? Take a look inside:
- Is there anything in your life that is a cancer? Something that is draining you spiritually or emotionally?
- Have you fallen into a rut? Change your routine. Read more, watch TV less.
- Are you connected to your spouse or family? Take the time to BE with them.
- Introspection is a great thing. One of my heroes, David, said it like this:"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
A responsive leader focuses on their heart so that they can use their head with clarity, vigor and peace.
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What Our Senior Citizens Wish
They Had Done
For nearly 25 years, Richard Leider has interviewed senior citizens, asking them to look back over their lives and talk about what they've learned. Here is a summary of his findings:
"I've conducted more than 1,000 interviews with people who were successful in their jobs, who retired from leading companies after distinguished careers. Almost without exception, when these older people look back, they say the same things-things that are instructive and useful for the rest of us as we make decisions going forward in our lives.
1. They say that if they could live their lives over again, they would be more reflective. They got so caught up in the doing, they say, that they often lost sight of the meaning. Usually it took a crisis for them to look at their lives in perspective and try to reestablish the context. Looking back, they wish they had stopped at regular intervals to look at the big picture.
They also sounded a warning: Life picks up speed. The first half of your life is about getting prepared and getting established. Then time shifts gears. You hit the second half of your life, and everything moves faster. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and all of a sudden, you're 65 years old. Looking back, they say, you realize that time is the most precious currency in life. And as they got older, having time for reflection became even more important.
2. If they could live their lives over again, they would take more risks. In relationships, they would have been more courageous. And in expressing their creative side, they would have taken more chances. I think it was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said, "Most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us." Many of these people felt that, despite their successes, their music was still inside them. Almost all of them said that they felt most alive when they took risks. Just being busy from business made them numb. Aliveness came with learning, growing, stretching, exploring.
3. If they could live their lives over again, they would understand what really gave them fulfillment. I call that the power of purpose: doing something that contributes to life, adding value to life beyond yourself. Purpose is always outside yourself, beyond your ego or your financial self-interest.
We all want both success and fulfillment. Success is often measured in external ways, but there's an internal measure of success, and it's called fulfillment. Fulfillment comes from realizing your talents-adding value and living by your values. Fulfillment comes from integrity, from being who you are and expressing who you are as fully as possible. It doesn't have to do with your job description or the specifics of your work. It has to do with how you bring your self to your work, regardless of what that work is."
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UMW
Allendale's UMW was pleased to recognize Diane Gibson for her efforts in mission by forwarding a gift for ministries w/women, children & youth in her honor. A special certificate and a special mission recognition pin were presented to Diane as tangible symbols of that gift and of that honor.
Diane's mission efforts include: head of Children's Education @ Allendale, including heading the Committee for Allendale's Children's Center; she has taught Sunday School, has been the leader of Vacation Bible School and heads the upcoming Easter Block Party. Diane is the Spiritual Life Chairperson for Allendale's UMW unit; she has been active in Agape Circle efforts (including the CASA party, ditty bag production for needy kids and adults) and worked in the UMW-sponsored Flea Market. Last spring she volunteered @ the UMC General Conference 2012 in Tampa and has served as administrative assistant in our church office when Jenny Baldwin is away.
We have been indeed blessed to have such a remarkable, committed person in our midst working for mission in so many ways.
The Flea Market MOVE OVER DAY is Monday, March 4th--6:30 PM FLC. Processing of donations, etc. for Flea Market is Tues-Wed-Thurs (March 5,6,7) 9:30AM-noon; 1 PM-4PM in FLC
Please contact Darlene Lewis to volunteer if you haven't already done so. Proceeds support missions--local, (Allendale youth, apportionments, Children's Center); local, state, national & international mission efforts. Clean-up, pack-up efforts on Saturday needed; unsold donations go to Salvation Army, Operation Attack, CASA and Woman's Residence.
UMW March Events
Gulf Central District Leadership Training: March 16 @ Pasadena Community
Naomi Circle Meeting March 19, 10 am in Wesley Room.
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What does Jesus Say to Congregations With Few Resources? (Part 2 of 5) God Often Uses the Least?
Posted by Jeff Stiggins on 3/19/2012
Our society is in love with BIG. Big universities are popular. People flock to big shopping malls. And when we do one-stop shopping, it is at a Super Wal-Mart. The same seems to be true of attendance in United Methodist Congregations. In 1998 the largest attendance by size was in congregations averaging 200 - 349. In 2003 it moved up to 350-499 and in 2008 it moved up again to 500-749. Does that mean that God is no longer using smaller congregations to reach persons and impact communities? The point of this post is a modest one: it is simply to say, "Absolutely not."
In the last post I said that God often advances God's mission through those that seem less likely to be chosen to do so. Even a cursory look at Scripture reminds us that this is true. Abraham and Sarah received God's promise: I will make you parents of a nation as plentiful as the stars in the sky that will be a blessing to all peoples. At that time, they had been receiving their monthly AARP magazine in the mail with their social security check for years. Sarah laughed in Genesis 18 because the promise seemed so impossibly ludicrous. And later she laughed for joy as she had her baby in the geriatric ward: she couldn't believe how God had blessed them to be a blessing to others.
God told Gideon in Judges 7, "You have too many men." They whittled the number down from 22,000 to 10,000. Still God said, 'You have too many men. If you win against the Midianites, you will think that it was because of your own strength.' So they whittled it down to 300. And then God gave Israel victory over the Midianites.
David was chosen by God from the smallest tribe in Israel and even as the youngest of eight sons in his family. In I Samuel 18 David went up against Goliath: a shepherd boy against a giant seasoned soldier. The King tried to dress him up in his own armor, but David knew better than to pretend to beanything than who he was. And so with a sling and some smooth rocks David faced the Philistine's WMD . . . and won.
Jesus handpicked his disciples oddly. They were not the best of the best Hebrew students that other rabbis sought. Jesus' disciples were the young men that had gone on to vocational education and careers in their family business, rather than the best students who continued their religious education. They were hardly impressive in the eyes of the world, but God used them to catalyze a movement in history that, with the power of the Holy Spirit, continues today to grow worldwide, blessing people and impacting culture.
Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of 'the brightest and the best' among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks . . ., chose these 'nobodies' to expose the hollow pretensions of the 'somebodies'?" (I Cor. 1:26f.)
If you are the leader of a congregation that is smaller and if it seems that you have fewer resources than you used to have or less resources than some of the big dog congregations, it's good to remember that God regularly uses those less likely on the surface to advance God's mission in the world. Can small congregations with few resources have life changing, community impacting ministries? Absolutely! And in the next three posts I'd like to share with you the three key things that enable any congregation to be used significantly to advance God's mission today.
Meanwhile, whatever sized congregation you may be part of, know that God can use your congregation to bless others and impact your community . . . if we are willing to be used God's way and for God's purposes.
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We will be ordering our Easter Lilies from Lou's Florist at the price of $9.00 per plant. This price includes a 6" pot and foil wrapping.
The deadline for ordering ALL plants is Sunday, March 24. The plants will be available to take home after services on Easter Sunday, March 31.Please make checks payable to Allendale UMC, fill in the order form below, put in offering plate.
Your Name:__________________________________________
In honor of:__________________________________________
In memory of:________________________________________
I would like ___________Lilies at $9.00 each = $__________
Paid by check _______________ Paid by cash____________
Please attach check or cash to form
Please indicate your choice:
___ I will be taking my plant home.
___ I will be delivering my plants
___ I would like someone else to deliver my plant to a
homebound member.
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UMW
Annual Flea Market Sale
Friday, March 8
Saturday, March 9
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Come and shop!
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 Maundy
Join us March 28 at 7 pm in the church sanctuary for singing, reflection and remembering Jesus with the disciples at the last supper.
Good Friday
March 29
12 pm in the chapel
Meet in the chapel to be involved in the reading of the Passion story. This is a somber time about the crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter Sunday
Worship Services
Sunday, March 31
9:00 am
Contemporary Service
11:00 am
Traditional Service
Easter Block Party
Saturday, March 23,
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Story Telling!
Music!
Food!
Egg Hunt!
Door Prizes!
and More!
Allendale United Methodist Church
3803 Haines Rd, North
St Petersburg
Bring your Easter basket
and Enjoy the Fun
Sponsored by Allendale United Methodist Church and Allendale Neighborhood
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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
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
10:00-10:30 am-Room 113
Leader: Rev. Tom Gregory.
Book of study: The Circle Maker
The Winsome Workers SS Class is now using the book "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson for Sunday morninglessons. The class is currently discussing Chapter 3 - The Jericho Miracle
and will be discussing subsequent chapters weekly. The study is designed to use Mark Batterson's bestseller
book as an aid to inspiration and motivation for a deeper prayer life. Mark clearly and practically lays out what prayer looks like and the powerful results that come from a bold payer life.
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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"WOW" Card Report
Reed and Tom Gregory sends a Big WOW to Ruth Spangler who is an outstanding volunteer. Her inviting manner is evident when she answers the church office telephone. We appreciate her willingness to serve.
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Baby Announcement
Callie Ann Kantaskas
Born February 20
6 lbs, 18-3.4" long
Parents- Brittany, Derek,
and sister Peyton
Grandma -Diane Gibson
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Peggy Perry
10
Frank Davis
15
Lynn Footlick
19
Joshua Haley
19
Robert Grainger
23
Vernon Veaughn
23
Emily Sands
24
Priscilla Shoemaker
24
David Frank III
26
Suzy Hutto
26
Alice Campbell
29
Oops! We missed Reta Steward's birthday February 24. Happy Birthday Reta!
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March Anniversaries
16 Nancy & Gene Yost
17 years
17 Jeff & Judi Tsiguloff
23 years
21 Emily & Patrick Sands
06 years
31 Susan & George Hayes
23 years
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Want to try your hand at growing your own tomatoes or squash? It is time to start your spring garden. The church is 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. Contact Cheryl Volkman (481-9788) or Suzy Hutto (906-9454) for more information.
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The Florida Conference
The United Methodist Church
January 16, 2013
Dear Ronnie,
I want to personally congratulate you and thank you for paying 100% of your apportionments. Your generosity and faithfulness enables very important ministry in the name of Jesus Christ to take place in the Florida Annual conference and throughout the world.
You are to be commended for your good stewardship and your hard work.
May god continue to bless you and your ministry.
Shalom,
John Powers
District Superintendent
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You're Invited
Just a small reminder that anyone who attends Allendale UMC can attend most meetings held at the church (church council, trustees, finance, ACC, ) unless it is a closed meeting. Although non-members are not allowed to vote ; the committees would welcome anyone who takes an interest.
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LORD'S LARDER
Drop off your food anytime during the week on the cart in the kitchen or in the church office.
Some suggestions are:
Peanut Butter Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit Canned Meat
Macaroni & Cheese Rice
Instant Potatoes Crackers
Pasta Paper Towels
Canned Beans Toilet Paper
Powdered Milk Soap, toothpaste
Many thanks for your donations. God bless. |
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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, March 5th,and we'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
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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Allendale Crime Watch, Inc. will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2013. The meeting will take place at Allendale United Methodist Church, in the small chapel, from 7-9 PM. This meeting is open to all residents that live in the Allendale Crime Watch Incoporated area. Anyone interested in starting an area Crime Watch is also welcome to attend. Our guests will be our Community Police Officers, Mayor Bill Foster and our District City Council Member, Leslie Curran. Please sign in and get a name tag before entering the meeting. |
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