Allendale UMC Banner
  

                                                                                                                                         Like us on Facebook

Click here to go to website

                                                                         E-giving button

                                          Click here to donate to Allendale United Methodist Church

 

                                                                                            

                                                       June 2013
 
                  Allendale Bellringer
Issue: 6

  

 

Greetings to all who love and follow Jesus Christ! Can you believe we are rapidly approaching the month of June? Where has the year gone? And yet, we at Allendale Church truly have been blessed. We are blessed, I believe, because we as a church family have stepped out in faith through outreach and service to others.

 

   In early February we hosted the Gulf Coast District Leadership Training Event. Was it easy? No. Did it just happen? No. There was plenty of planning hours and we brought folks together who volunteered to help get prepared for this event. Was it rewarding? Yes, of course. Should we do it again? Of course, because it was good for us to extend ourselves as people of hospitality and work together on a task that was bigger than all of us.

 

   In March we worked cooperatively with our local neighborhood to plan the Easter Block Party. Was it easy? No. Did it just happen? Certainly not!! As we evaluate our efforts, are there some things we could have done better? Yes, of course. Will we do it again? I trust we will and I hope we will. It was good for all the Allendale Church to put forth some sweat-equity and to build relationships with our neighborhood as well as strengthen our bonding of fellowship within the church. Will we plan future church-wide, neighborhood events? Absolutely!

 

   The call and invitation to follow Jesus involves the challenge of getting out of our comfort zone. The first part of chapter 21 of John's gospel relates the story of one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances as he interacts with his called disciples prior to his ascension into heaven. Seven of his disciples were fishing out on the Sea of Tiberias. They had fished all through the night and had really caught nothing.

 

   Early in the morning we have been told that Jesus is standing on the shore and he calls out, "Children, have you any fish?" They, of course respond, "No." So, then Jesus instructs them to throw their net on the right side of the boat and if they obey or follow his instruction, they will find some fish. And, do you know what? They dropped their net on the right side of the boat as Jesus said. "When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

 

   What does this incident in scripture reveal to us? Just this: if we obey Jesus and follow his lead, wonders and miracles will happen. Yes, even for us who are weak in faith and have determined we can do nothing or very little to bring the kingdom of God to others or our neighbors. Even if we think or do not believe something can be done or ever get done, I believe that if we step out of our comfort zone, the Lord will bless us and add to the number of those being saved.

 

   It's like those inspirational sayings found on motivational posters. Sayings like: "No pain, no gain." And "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." etc. Recently I saw a list of slightly more honest sayings for office walls:

"Hang in there, retirement is only 30 years away!" "When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break." "Aim low, reach your goals, avoid disappointment.

  

 

   Many people live their lives according to that last motto: "Aim low, reach your goals, avoid disappointment." But when Jesus calls us it is to head out into deep waters, to get out of our comfort zone, to let down our nets on the other side of the boat, to trust that he's leading us into something greater than the life we used to know.

 

   We will have great challenges before us before the year 2013 has ended. Yes these challenges will be even greater than those I previously mentioned. It will call for all of us working together in unity and standing on the promises of Jesus Christ. You and I will be asked to give more of ourselves. We will be challenged more than any of us have previously, I believe. So, we have to get prayed up and prepared. You will hear and know more soon and very soon.

 

See you in worship,

Rev. Ronnie

 

 

  

  
  

Jeff StigginsWhat does Jesus Say to Congregations   

With Few Resources?

(Part 5 of 5) Join Jesus in Ministry Today

Posted on 4/26/2012 by Jeff Stiggins

Moses was wandering in the desert looking for grass for his flock of sheep and keeping an eye out for predators. He stumbled upon a bush that was ablaze but not burning up. As he approached he heard a voice: Take off your sandals, Moses, this is holy ground. Then God told Moses that he wanted Moses to go to Egypt and confront the Pharaoh about letting God's people, the Hebrew tribes, go free. Moses immediately started back peddling. 'But I can't speak publically.' God said he would send silver tongued Aaron. 'But they won't believe me.' God asks what was in Moses' hand and when Moses responded that it was his staff, God showed him how to use it effectively to do what God was asking. This continues for awhile as God patiently addresses Moses' concerns. But there came a point when God simply said, 'Moses, just do!                                              

Just Do It!!

 

What does "Just do it!" mean for congregations with fewer resources? It means that remembering who we are and what God calls all disciples and all congregations to do, use what resources you have to join Jesus in being a kingdom blessing today. Not tomorrow, not in a month or two when it is more convenient, not in a year or two when we have more money or more people. Just do it, now! Start where you are. Respond to the needs of those God brings your way. Use what you have - the passions, the energy, the commitment, the connections, the skills, the experiences, the buildings, and the finances - and respond prayerfully to Jesus' call TODAY to join him in ministry. Go with the flow and then see what God blesses.

Maybe that seems just too spontaneous and simple. If so, here are a few hints that might make it less so. 

�         Assume that you are being invited to join Jesus in ministry: Every follower of Jesus is invited to slip with him into the yoke of serving others (Matthew 11). Being in ministry isn't an add-on to discipleship. It is an essential component. As followers of King Jesus we are each asked personally to bring his Kingdom's influence into every situation: home, work, school, the grocery store, driving and the ball field. 

�         Watch for where you see God at work: Where do you see human needs and feel in your heart a sense of compassion? Where do you see the buds of forgiveness, healing, empowerment, meaning, release, reconciliation, 'coming to one's senses,' or new beginnings that need to be carefully nurtured into full bloom? "The Son can't independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does."(John 5:19) Like Jesus, we are to ride the wave of God activity. 

�         Keep it personal: Don't imagine a big program or a grand weekly event. Is there a person in need that God has brought to the attention of people in your congregation? Start with "one of the least of these" responding to Jesus' invitation to join him. There may be many people in need in your community; start with just one person.  Learn their name. Hear their story. Respond as if Jesus were in your place.

�         Keep it simply: I have often found myself imagining all that needs to be done and feeling so overwhelmed that I have done nothing. We are not called to fix everything. We are called to do what we can. We may not be able to cure childhood hunger, but we can do something about the child who lives next door to the church and is hungry today. 

�         Start now: Don't be like the scribe and Pharisee who saw the man beaten up beside the road on the way to Jerusalem. They knew God's command to care and to help someone in need. Probably it wasn't convenient. Probably they weren't sure exactly what to do.  They most likely felt guilty as they glanced back at the man in their rear view mirror as they drove on by. Picking up our crosses in sacrificial service (Luke 9:23) often isn't convenient and often calls us out of our comfort zone.  We don't need to form a study committee and vote on it. We need to act now.  

�         Go with the flow: We often don't know what is going to happen when we respond obediently to Jesus' call to join him in service to others.  It doesn't have to be all figured out ahead of time. Can't be. So, go with the flow. See how God blesses. Watch for how things unfold. Respond accordingly, staying engaged as long as it seems God is leading you forward. 

But after all this is said, the bottom line is still: No more excuses. Just do it!

 

Click Here to View May 2013 Church Council Minutes                
  
  
        Finance Committee Report

                                               By Clark Evans

 

 

 

Dear Allendale Family,

 

Summer is here, and we have much to be thankful for as we approach the rainy season! Our May church council included a discussion by Finance/Trustees of plans for replacement of the sanctuary roof. Allendale's Permanent Endowment Trust Fund (PETF) was blessed with a generous gift earlier in the year. The PETF committee has, in turn, agreed to provide financing to the church for capital improvements through an investment of a portion of its existing endowment with the church. Thanks to this arrangement, plans are in process for immediate replacement of the roof of Allendale's sanctuary!

 

Our upcoming fall capital campaign will focus on generating the resources Allendale needs to allow the Trustees to complete numerous other capital improvement projects. A short list includes roof replacement for other church buildings as well as replacement of the sanctuary's windows, and also the repaving of the parking lot in back of the church.

 

Giving Update:

Church operating income, which includes pledged and non-pledged contributions as well as loose plate offerings, is highlighted below through mid-May.

Some additional notes: Did you ever attend summer camp as a child? Fun memories, right? Camp is just around the corner for our youth. I recall my own experiences at camp in Leesburg during the late 1980's. This was before all the cabins were air-conditioned. I understand private baths have also been added. However, I also understand that the cost ($85/week at that time) has more than tripled. You can help, though. Simply make a special donation to Allendale as you are able, and write "Warren Willis Camp Scholarship" on the envelope and/or memo section of the check.

 

Interested in supporting Tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma? You can do so via UMCOR, and 100% of gifts will be directed to this specific purpose:

Ther is a "E-Giving" link on the main church web site at http://www.allendaleumc.org.

 

Wishing you and yours a Spirit-filled summer,

 

Clark

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

 

 

 

 

  
  
 

         Join Us for Service Saturday

                      on June 22nd

 

Our next opportunity to participate in a "Service Saturday" event will be June 22nd. Gary Chapin will lead us in collecting trash and litter as we hike our "Adopt a Mile" section of the Pinellas Trail. We will meet in the church parking lot at 8 am and carpool to the site. Sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and a hat are recommended. Gary and Nancy Chapin provide water and tools for the job. Many volunteers needed. Contact church office (527-6694) for more information.

 

  
  
 

ATTITUDE

 

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home.

 

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our Attitudes.

Charles Swindol

 

Submitted by Gary Chapin

 

 

 

  
  
 

UM WOMEN

 

It's that time again to save small bottles of shampoo and lotion from hotels you may be staying in this summer.  Also in need are the following:  pens, pencils, small and large notebooks, Upper Rooms, scissors, crayons, and men & women socks.Our goal is to fill 275 ditty bags.  Thank you in advance for your donations!!

 

 

Planning Ahead

July 11-15-Mission U @ Florida Southern College, Lakeland

August 17-Summer Fellowship at St. Paul's UMC, Largo

Sept. 7-9- Conference Spiritual Life Retreat @ Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park

Oct. 26- District Annual Meeting @ First UMC Tarpon Springs

 

UMW's Vision: Turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.

.

 

  
  Sandy Ross Photo

CHANCEL CHOIR: Chancel Choir is now on summer hiatus. Thank you, faithful choir members, for your hard work during the past season. Please continue prayers for Ed Hempel and for the safe return of our out-of-state members in the fall. Rehearsals will resume on Thursday, September 5 at 7 pm and we will sing on Sunday, September 8. Welcome to Phil Lovell, who began singing with the choir on Sunday, May 19.  

 

PRAISE BAND: We will miss Brian and Diane Manown, who will be on vacation Sunday, June 2, and Sunday, June 9. We hope you have a wonderful vacation and return rested and refreshed.

 

DONATIONS ACCEPTED: Do you have an unused musical instrument taking up space? We gladly accept donations of musical instruments for use at Allendale and/or Anona UMC Academy. We are particularly in need of keyboards should you have one you are no longer using.

 

TECH TEAM. Thanks so much to Jennifer Clark, who has been running the projector at the 11 am service, and to Dakota Haas who has been doing the 9 am projector. These are the only two people we have for projectors at this time, and they cannot always be there. Consider volunteering!

    

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 - contact Sandy for further information.

 

PRE-SERVICE SLIDES: Jenny, our church secretary, is now preparing 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 Jenny your slide(s) prepared on Powerpoint, or if you don't have Powerpoint, send the text you would like and Jenny will prepare the slide.   You can also email photos.

 

  

 

 

  
  
 

HAVING FUN!

 

I would like you to share your vacation, or one day trip with us. E-mail a picture or two to ([email protected]) a short bio of where you went and what you saw. It's a big world out there, so lets share some of what we see.

 

 

 

Rattle Snake Saloon: This unique bar/restaurant was built up under a bluff, with seating in a large cave and on top of the bluff. It's a one-of -a-kind experience, out in the country far from any big cities. There's water pouring constantly off the bluff like a fountain. The food is great and affordable. Inside the saloon, there are snake skins, a mounted head of a wild boar, and unique pictures. Open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 1293 Mount Mills Rd., Tuscumbia, Alabama.  

 

Jenny Baldwin's Example: My brother and wife who live in AL went here for a grand lunch. Their hamburgers and fries were huge! They didn't eat dinner until 7 pm.   Right now I don't have any interesting places I have seen.

 

  

 
  
 
Oklahoma relief  fund
  
                          
Struggling with your tithe?
Struggling with your tithe?
 
  New Service Opportunity

                

 

The Suncoast Haven of Rest Mission has invited our church to serve with them in preparing and serving dinner each Saturday to the residents at the Pinellas Hope Homeless Shelter in Pinellas Park. Haven of Rest provides the food for this outreach (donated by local food distributors) and they prepare a meal each Saturday for about 300 persons. They are seeking volunteers to help with food prep and or serving dinner at Pinellas Hope. They have also invited us to join them in ministering to residents of the Arlington Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Pinellas park on Thursday evenings. You can contact their Operations Manager. Say Kim (545-8282), to ask about these volunteer opportunities.

  

Submitted by Bob Grainger  

 

 

YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL:

 During the month of June the elementary Sunday School will be discussing "good choices." Found on the glass wall in the narthex our "FARM OF GOOD CHOICES" will be on display. Watch as our "farm" grows!"

 

VBS is fast approaching. It is the week of June 17th. Allendale is joining forces with St. James for this event. If you want to attend, please register at the following website: https.//www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/stjamesstpete. Any questions, see Janet Hopkins or Diane Gibson.

 

 

 

 

 

Our own

Buck Raulerson

Going to Washington DC for the ninth Honor Flight hosted by St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

 

World War II veteran Buck Raulerson is going to fly to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 4 to see the WW II Memorial and other memorials dedicated to their sacrifice and service. These flights are designed to provide a complete day of tribute to those heroes who earned our eternal gratitude more than 68 years ago. The 80 veterans, their 80 guardians and 5 trip leaders will be returning to St. Pete-Clearwater airport to a rousing welcome when they return. They will return approximately 9:20 p.m. The Welcome Home celebration is open to the public and open to greet the veterans as they come home.

 

 
  

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.

  

Women's Prayer Group

 

Our Women's Prayer group has been meeting weekly in the chapel on Tuesday evenings for a number of years. We are seeking a new day and time to meet which would encourage others in our church family to join us. If you have considered being a part of this group but were not able to participate because of a scheduling conflict, please talk with Suzy Hutto, Laurie Hempel, Susan Haley or Maria Rodriguez. We want to make sure that we are gathering at a time when all those interested in being a part of this prayer ministry are able to join with us. During the summer, we will be waiting upon the Lord for guidance and we look forward to whatever changes are in store for our Women's Prayer Group in the fall.

 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14

 

 

 

Word For The Day

 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

 

Leo Buscaglia

 

 

 

Submitted by Darwin Reedy

 

 

Did You Know....

 

Vinegar to heal bruises...Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

 

 

Be A Leader: Darwin Reedy's Notes

from

Leadercast 2013

 

  •  Train-Focus-refocus-SIMPLITY              
  •  Use "Teaching Moments"
  •  Personal moves are critical
  •  Support the culture-no excuses
  •  "Take time for self" Take time to think
  •  Add value to people
  •  Be a cheerleader
  •  Empower-self worth-self esteem
  •  Courage
  •  Share your ideas
  •  Always tell the "Truth"
  •  Trust is critical
  •  Standards (whose?)
  •  Leadership is everyday
  •  Review boundaries
  •  Create an action plan
  •  World is not perfect and you, too!

1.What are you doing?

2.Why doing?

3.Where do I fit in?

  •  Respect each other

 

  

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, June 4th.  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.   

 

Composting 101

Join Us for this Community Event

Friday, June 21st, in our Family Life Center

7pm - 8:30pm

 

Our Green Team has invited Mr. Gyula Bela from the Pinellas County Extension Service to present a program for our community about the benefits of composting with some tips on how to compost yard waste, coffee grounds, egg shells, and other materials that enrich our soil. Why compost? It's a good alternative to chemical fertilizers; reduces waste in landfills; helps our Florida soil retain more rainwater; it's easy and the process turns yard waste and food scraps into fruits and veggies and flowers. And "composting" is a natural process which is as old as ........well, "dirt".  

 

  
 
Join a Small Group and grow in relationship with God and each other
 
Midweek Groups
Wednesday Night Adult Bible Discussion
Leader: Pastor Ronnie Jones
 7 pm, Wesley Room   
New study:
 Minor Prophets       
 
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
 

Ruthie and husband Tim are moving back to Pennsylvania this summer. Ruthie's last day with us is June 26. She will be missed and we wish them a blessed new beginning.

 

                          
  
  
  
                   

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

The class is now studying Daniel, Luke, Acts, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, 1st Peter and 2nd Peter.

  

Winsome Workers

10:00-10:30 am-Room 113

Leader: Rev. Tom Gregory.

Book of study: The Winsome Workers SS Class is now using the book "The Circle Maker"by Mark Batterson.   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.

                            

 

 

  

June Birthdays

  

Tamara Henderson

01

Denise Antonewitz 

02

Joelle Wells

11

Elliott Hayes

14

Raedyn Manown

15

Mary Chedid

17

Jeni Smagacz

18

John Brosky

22

Evelyn Wilty

23

Marjorie Hoagland

 25

David Frank

26

Ed Hempe

l27

Lisa Paquet

28

Sandy Steer

28

 

  

 

 

 

June Anniversaries 

 

Lorena & Chris Walton

June 9, 23 years

 

Sandy & Don Steer

June 10, 51years

 

Winifred & Jim Pfister

June 16, 57 years

 

Marla & Charles Radigan

June16,  3 years

 

Amy & Gus Katsouris

June 18, 2 years

 

Catherine & Darwin Reedy

June 20, 54 years

 

   Helen & Thomas C. William

June 22, 66