Rev. Ronnie's Remarks

 Then looking further the origin of the word opportune came from both middle English and middle French. Also, from the Latin opportune, (from ob - toward + portus or port or harbor). The word was used in the 15th century to describe the action of a merchant sailing vessel as it prepared to dock for the purpose of either unloading or loading cargo. The ship may have to remain stationary several furloughs from the dock awaiting the rising tide to allow the ship to safely dock without fear of striking ground. Therefore, a seasoned sailor or captain must wait for the right opportunity or the opportune time for docking his ship.

 As followers of Christ we must learn when to wait on the Lord and when to move when God says, "Go!" The psalmist writes: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Ps. 27:14). Another text says: "Wait for the Lord, and keep to his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land." (Ps. 37:34). Yet another occasion we are instructed, "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lam. 3:26). There is instruction to wait on the leading and guidance of the Lord. Sometimes we as humans act out of impulse and get ahead of God. Thus because we move on our own timing instead of God's timing, we falter and fall flat on our proverbial faces. Can you relate to this? I am sure you can.

 Then, we sometimes find ourselves being left behind when God has opened a door or window of opportunity and we failed to enter or walk through it. Have you ever discovered this after the fact? I am certain you have done this also.   One of the difficulties of being a follower of Jesus is knowing when to wait and knowing when to move ahead with God.

 I have learned from my many years of scripture study and prayer conversation with God that the Father honors obedience. (Of course, I am still learning obedience as I strive towards perfection through his grace!) Please don't miss my point; I do not have the corner on this at all. Obedience comes through faith and trusting in God who loves us and desires the very best for us. Would you agree with that statement? My steps of faith have come through my practice and discipline to time of prayer conversation with God. (You know I have failed at times to respond when God has said, "Go!" This is why it is an ongoing and learning practice. Can any of you relate?

   At Allendale Church we want to learn to go with God in God's time which is kairos. God's time and timing is always perfectly right. Our Building the Vision Campaign that we initiated officially October 6, has revealed to us that full trust and confidence in God provides opportunity for spiritual growth. And then spiritual growth produces numerical growth as we take faith steps in discipleship as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

  Jesus instituted the basic pattern for the church. We read from the Acts of the Apostles these words, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (2:42). Then further down: "Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." (2:46-47). Building the Vision in 2013 and following is putting this into practice and involving all of us. Amen? See you in worship.

Rev. Ronnie 

 Finance Committee Report 2013                                                    

Chair, Finance Committee

Dear Allendale Family,

The "Building The Vision" campaign is off to a great start, we want to thank you all for your participation. Our three-year "Building the Vision" campaign commitments totaled $237,882! Thanks in part to the generous commitments of our congregation, we have been able to commit to taking the next steps in building the vision which is Allendale's future.

The amount pledged in our 2014 General Fund campaign was $159,268. Going forward, please be sure to designate all offerings as either a General Fund offering, a Building the Vision Capital Campaign offering, or an offering designated for another purpose (ex. Apportionments or a specific purpose fund.)

 Merry Christmas!

Clark E.

"When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."   -Matthew 6: 3-4

Joe's Report at Charge Conference

Allendale came out of the 2012 Christmas Season motivated to look for ways to revitalize Allendale Church and to start reconnecting to our neighbors, surrounding communities and sister churches. We started by hosting for the first time the Gulf Central District training sessions. We were chosen for our location and ease of access to I-275. We were asked to host again because of the hospitality Allendale extended.   Space throughout Allendale was used for teaching and training of new administrative chairs, church growth and outreach opportunities.

In late March Allendale, after a two year break, reintroduced the Allendale Easter Block Party. Instead of having the event on the corner of 38th Ave. and Haines Road where in the past the event had been staged, the event was constructed on the back side of the building facing 14th street facing the immediate neighborhood across the street from the church. Over 100 families from the Allendale Children's center and the Allendale neighborhood filled the property behind the church. At the event was a bouncy house, cotton candy, snow cones, hotdogs and hamburgers. Also, the Blood Mobile collected from around 15 donors, the Allendale Light House Praise Band performed live, crafts, face painting and of course Easter Egg Hunts. Thanks to the work of Diane Gibson and her team Allendale stepped outside the walls of the church to connect to our neighbors and left the door open with an enthusiastic neighbor to partner in more events.

In May Allendale hosted the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast event as a ministry to young professionals in the Tampa Bay area. We had approximately forty five attendees and look forward to that number growing in May 2014 when Allendale will once again host the event.

Allendale entered into a partnership with Haven Of Hope Ministrieswho minister and feed over 11,000 displaced and homeless in the greater St. Petersburg Area. Every other week Haven of Hope prepares meals at Allendale and caters to another location in the area.

Allendale hosted for several weeks the men's Via De Cristo (Way Of Christ) with thirty five to forty in attendance. This highly structured three day weekend is designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God's grace. It is a combined effort of lay people and clergy toward renewal of the church.

Allendale continues to host an AA group and provides space for an exercise class.

During the summer months of June, July and August, Allendale offered a tithe Challenge to its congregation. Allendale offered this guarantee "if at the end of the challenge you feel God did not bless you in some way the church would return their money." Although the tithe challenge was a low key event, Allendale was able to get through the summer without a great strain on its budget. At the end of the challenge giving was up $10,000.00 over the previous year, and the church was under budget by $10,000.00.

On October 13th Allendale started, as a congregation, the 40 Days Spiritual Journey to A More Generous Life by Brian Kluth. This 40 day devotional/workbook guided the congregation to spiritual truths, that God Is the Owner of All, We are Stewards Not Owners, and We are Blessed to Bless Others. This study was done in conjunction with the first capital campaign at Allendale in over twenty years. The "Building the Vision" campaign was held to raise funds to put a new roof on the entire church, repair and resurface all the parking lots, and to replace windows in the sanctuary. The campaign also included asking for commitments to the general operating budget.

During the Christmas season the Tampa Bay Flute Choir will be performing a Christmas concert. This concert is free and is open to the public.

This year Allendale hired a new youth director who is committed to integrating the youth into the life of the church. Presently Allendale is hosting around 25 young people from middle school to high school age.

While around 20 percent of Allendale's members attend a Sunday school class or small group we have not actively tried to expand this important area of church life. In 2014 Allendale will expand its small group offerings to Worship On Wednesdays (WOW). The evening will start by sharing a meal together and then divide up into various small groups. At the end of the evening we will gather together again for a brief combined worship opportunity. "WOW" will focus on study opportunities for its congregation but also create studies that will appeal to families of the Allendale Children's Center, the un-churched and our surrounding neighborhood.

The Allendale Trustees are busy looking for ways to create a more inviting facility to a new generation of potential church goers. Staff Parish is seeking ways to help create the "Passionate Worship" opportunity through staffing. Allendale recognizes the key to a successful, contagious church is the infusion of new people into the Allendale Church experience no matter where they are in their spiritual walk.

Allendale has not been intentional about "going out and making disciples". This will be Allendale's challenge and focus for 2014, to be purposeful in connection with others outside the walls of the church, to tell the story of our risen Savior and invite people into a relationship with Jesus.

We also plan to create new service opportunities and volunteer opportunities for Allendale Church members as well as those outside the church.

Presented by;

Joseph Deal

Allendale Lay Leader

Chair of Allendale Church Council