January 2016 - United Methodist Church of Sun City Center

Moving
FORWARD IN FAITH
The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Newsletter
Together
January 2016
Message from Pastor Charlie
I remember as I wrote the pastor’s page for last year’s “Journey” remarking
how I enjoy bringing in a New Year. I can’t believe that 2015 is already a
memory and 2016 is now here. We have much to give thanks for as we
reflect about the past year. Many, many wonderful things happened in the
life of our congregation. Yes, we grew with some pretty incredible numbers.
However, the important thing is that lives were touched with the message
and the ministry of Jesus Christ and hearts and souls among us were
changed for eternity. Commitments were made to Christ, people were
baptized, babies were born, loved ones passed from this life unto life
everlasting and every one of us grew in our faith this past year. It is
important that we take time to reflect and give thanks.
It is also important that we move ahead with wisdom and courage into the
“For I know the plans I have
in mind for you declares the
New Year that lies ahead of us. I am excited about the opportunities in the
Lord; they are plans for
next few months. We are offering a Bible Study “Making Sense of the
peace, not for disaster, to
Bible” based on the book by Adam Hamilton and led by Rev. Bill Kaster
give you a future filled with
during the month of January. The Sermon Series will be entitled
“Conquering Our Fears” which begins the second Sunday of January. Our
hope.”
Jeremiah
Scripture of the Month that will lead us in to the New Year will be “For I
29:11
know the plans I have in mind for you declares the Lord; they are plans for
peace, not for disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” (CEV) Jeremiah
29:11. God has great plans for our life and for the ministry of UMCSCC in
2016 and our future is filled with hope and God’s blessings!
In Anticipation,
Pastor Charlie
Follow Us!
umcscc.org
Facebook.com/umcscc
YouTube - UMCSCC
Gifting Tree 2015
The Sunday before
Christmas we distributed
gifts to our Hispanic children. We wish you could
have heard the children’s
prayer of thanks and seen
the joy on their faces. The
Sun City Center Community Campaign
Against Human Trafficking (SCC CCAHT)
Our SCC CCAHT mission statement reminds us that we are “Fostering Community and Faith-Integrative Action Against Human Trafficking.”
With our mission in mind, we began to address another area in need of our support
parents of our Anglo children picked theirs up before
the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve
Service so as to be all ready
for Christmas morning.
and help. In 1999, Tyrone & Michelle Walker launched an afterschool program that
More excitement, more joy!
provided supervision for children. From these efforts, “Miracles Outreach Commu-
Fifty-one families had
nity Development Center, Inc.” was established in 2000 and soon evolved into a
Christmas this year thanks to
non-profit organization which based upon varying age groups and recognizing the
different “Teens On Target” (for girls) and “Saving Our Sons” (for boys). They pro-
YOUR generosity. UMCSCC,
vided mentors and support for 16 regular participants.
you’ve come through for the
An overwhelming number of students were being suspended from school without
glory of God yet again!
home supervision so Mrs. Walker submitted a program curriculum for suspended
Many blessings to you all in
students. A grant was approved creating a partnership between Miracles Outreach
CDC and the Hillsborough County School District. Students who participated in
the program attended classes in a structured and supervised environment. This
provided assistance to students who had make up work to complete and to others
who received computer training from computer certified technicians.
2016.
Salvation Army
Stockings
Still promoting the principle of “Giving Back To The Community”, Miracles Outreach CDC, Inc., developed “Fresh Start Residential Home For Girls” in 2009. This
home provides a safe, healthy and nurturing home type environment for girls 12-17
A very special thank you to all that
helped this year with the Salvation Army
years old. There is also a “Fresh Start Residential Home For Boys”. The “Miracles
Stockings. With your support we were
Outreach Transition Home” provides extended support to those who have aged
able to fill more than 460 stockings! God
out (at age 18) and need continued guidance.
It has been determined that in the Fresh Start for Girls, 20% of girls were trafficked
and 90% were abused.
It is with special thanks to all you that we can make such a difference in the lives of
these children. To know you is to know people who are kind, considerate, generous and thoughtful. Our story of Miracles Outreach will continue in our weekly
bulletins during the month of January.
is great and so is this congregation.
Timely
Treasures Sale
is coming soon!
Our Timely Treasures Team will be
happily accepting
donations on Tuesday and Thursday
mornings from 9:00
AM till 12:00 PM
during the month of
February! A donation station will be
set up on the patio
area of Creason Children’s Center near
our Pages of Life
Bookstore. Just look
for the “Donation
Station” signs. If you
have any questions
please call Dick Babbits at 813-633-0584.
What wonderful and joyful Advent and Christmas seasons we’ve had! From our
"angel" cantata to the varied and exciting Sights and Sounds of Christmas to our
beautifully candlelit Christmas services and our Thank God Its Variety [TGIV] concerts , it's been a very rewarding and special time for me and, I pray, all that participated and attended. Special thanks to the busting-at-the-seams Chancel Choir and
our fine accompanist Valerie Southwell, all of our fine handbell/handchime ensembles (especially Nancy Harris who keeps them all on track!), the Praise Team
(especially my right hand man, Chris Altman!), the concert usher team AKA the
"Stars" (especially Desi Buckley and Gwen Hirchak!) and Concert Coordinator Kevin Goodenow, all those who helped decorate our beautiful campus for this beautiful
season, our fine AVL techs (especially Sara Straub who made more than a few
'saves'!)... And the list goes on. We ARE at a very special place with an amazing
faith family, and I thank God for this every day. As we start this new calendar year,
it is my prayer that we acknowledge the great blessings that God has given this
faith community, and that as one body we continue to build upon those blessings.
Out precipitous growth and the changes that accompany it will continue to be challenging, but with patience and prayer we'll continue to spread the Word. Please do
be in prayer for your Church and for God's vision and guidance.
January brings us an even more hectic month than December, if that's possible.
Please see the next page for a list of January’s TGIV concerts! Interested in one of
our musical ensembles? Here is a list of weekly rehearsals:
Handbell Class - Mondays at 11AM
Contemporary Praise Team - Tuesdays at 6PM in the LEC
Joy Belles 12-Bell Handbells - Wednesdays at 12:15PM in the Sanctuary
Bellissima Handbells - Wednesdays at 1PM in the Sanctuary
Jubilation Handbells -Wednesdays at 2PM in the Sanctuary
Glory Ringers - Wednesdays at 3:15PM in the Sanctuary
Ahh-Men Men's Ensemble - Thursdays at 6PM in the LEC
Grace Notes Women's Ensemble - Thursdays at 6PM in the Choir Room
Chancel Choir - Thursdays at 7PM in the Choir Room
Comments, ideas, suggestions or questions? Please contact Jeff Jordan at ext. 207 anytime!
Soli Deo Gloria! Jeff Jordan
Friday Night Movie
Friday, January 8th, at 6:00 PM in the Life Enrichment Center. Join us in
watching “Do You Believe?”. When a pastor is shaken by the visible faith of a streetcorner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response
ignites a journey that impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could or-
Our Fellowship Team
prepares an amazing dinner
on the Second Tuesday of
each month at
chestrate. Doors open at 6:00 PM with the movie starting at 6:30 PM.
5:30 PM in our Life
Jacobs Brothers, Southern Gospel Quartet
Enrichment Center.
Friday, January 15, 2016 - 7PM ($5 at the door)
From Dillsburg, PA, the Jacobs Brothers have been sharing the gospel of Jesus
Christ through song and testimony since 1962. God still enables this fine southern
gospel trio to sing nearly 200 times a year as they continue to dedicate their lives to
Him and this ministry. Don't miss their music and testimony!
Rodrigo Rodriguez, Classical Guitarist
Sunday, January 17th - 3PM ($10 at the door)
This guitar virtuoso was formally trained in Nicaragua. After moving to the States,
he accepted the Lord and has been in full-time ministry for over 20 years. We'll get
a 'taste' of his ministry at the worship services that morning. To learn more about
this fine artist, please visit www.rodrigorodriguez.net.
Dueling Divas, Amanda Jordan & Kathy Straub
Friday, January 22 - 7PM ($10 at the door)
Two of our own geniune (pronounced "genuwine") divas will perform a concert of
Here is a sneak peek of our
upcoming menus!
January 12, 2016
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Jello Salad
Dessert
Don Larsen, Guitarist
February 9, 2016
Lasagna
Garlic Bread
Salad
contemporary Christian music from Amy Grant to Francesca Battistelli.
Dessert
Alla Boborikina & Jeff Jordan in a Two-Piano Concert
HOSTED BY UTC YOUTH
GROUP!
Sunday, January 24 - 3PM ($10 at the door)
From the Ukraine, concert pianist Alla Boborikina will join Jeff for a concert that will
include two-piano works by Bach, Clementi and the contemporary Argentinian
composer Astor Piazolla as well as others.
The Handbell Ensembles of UMCSCC Concert
Sunday, January 31 - 3PM ($5 at the door)
All of our ensembles will participate in this annual concert featuring arrangements
of gospel and spiritual favorites like Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Keep Your
Lamps Trimmed and Burning, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, The Prayer, Cohen's
Hallelujah, and many others. Don't miss this special concert!
March 8, 2016
Corn Beef & Cabbage
Red Potatoes & Carrots
Green Jello Salad
Soda Bread
Dessert
Troy Coman, Singer/Entertainer
“Making Sense of the Bible”
January 5 - February 9 10:00 a.m. OR 6:30 p.m.
“Making Sense of the Bible” is a DVD course by Pastor Adam Hamilton, whose books have
been used by several of our study groups. Dr. Hamilton challenges us to engage science and
critical thinking in reading and interpreting the scriptures. “Making Sense of the Bible” will
be offered on six Tuesdays beginning January 5 and running through February 9. Choose
either Tuesday morning at 10:00-11:30 a.m. or Tuesday evening 6:30-8:00 p.m. Books are
available in the bookstore. Participants will be encouraged to bring their IPads to access related information. Our facilitator will be Rev. William Kaster, retired UM pastor from Indiana. You may register at the church office. You may contact Pastor Bill Kaster for more information at 260-908-1125.
THE DANIEL PLAN …. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Last year many people benefitted from The Daniel Plan, both spiritually and health-wise. The
Daniel Plan is being offered again this year, in an EVENING class.
Beginning Thursday, January 14, you can join others who want to learn more about how to
take care of their bodies, and the right foods to eat to lose weight while relying on God’s power
and Pastor Rick Warren’s biblical teachings.
Pastor Rick Warren was the impetus behind “The Daniel Plan” after he openly admitted to his
congregation that he had not been a good steward of his body and health. Pastor Rick sought
the help of three nationally known doctors: Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr.
Mehmet Oz – to coach him in getting healthy and help design The Daniel Plan program for his
church to follow.
Over the first year of The Daniel Plan, over 15,000 people collectively lost over 250,000 pounds. Beyond Pastor Rick’s church congregation, people from over 190 countries participated online.
Many diets and fitness plans use guilt as a motivation, but that never works in the long run. You can guilt yourself into doing
anything short-term, but the change will last only as long as the guilt (or fear) does. In contrast, The Daniel Plan is built with
love as the motivation: experiencing God’s unconditional love for you, learning to love him back, learning to love whom God
made you to be, and learning to give and receive love from others in a small group setting.
Why is it called “The Daniel Plan”? It's based on the Old Testament story of Daniel, who rejected the king's rich food in order to
honor God's best for him and his friends. Daniel was a young Israelite carried into captivity when the Babylonians invaded Israel. The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, decided to train the best and the brightest of these captives so they could be placed in
positions of authority within the government.
Daniel’s request was not about a diet plan; rather, he understood God wanted him to live a healthy lifestyle so he could serve
God no matter where he was located. Healthy living requires faith as the foundation, trusting that God’s way is the best way,
while following his prescription for your health.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“The Daniel Plan” is a 6-week study, facilitated by Hala Saab, Thursdays, 6:30p, 1/14-2/18.
Contact the church office to register.
A Message from Jeff Collins
As I look back at our incredibly busy December, I know that our ministry
leaders were a huge part of making our performances come together! They are awesome individuals who
weekly demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way for the young people we serve. Thank you so
much for all that you do. Susie and I would be hard pressed to accomplish all that the Lord has laid
before us without your commitment to these children and youth. You all are walking out Matthew 25:40
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Our children and youth are looking forward to the following in January:
Carlyn Laurent will be sharing her gift of art,
Barbara Lamneck will present her insights on
manners,
Olivia Collins will share her gift of dance by
teaching our young girls her "Hearts 4 Him"
beginning ballet
At the end of January, we will be hosting a
sensitive presentation on the topic of human
trafficking.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS
Thank you to the many folks who helped make Sights and Sounds
the wonderful, inspiring event that it was. The concert was awesome in its beauty, variety and talent! The Live Nativity was the icing on the cake, especially our own real live babies, Axel and Luke.
What a gift to our community and our church. The memories will
linger with many people for a
very long time.
UMCSCC 5th Annual
Blanket Drive
Share the Warmth
We know the cold weather is on its
way, even in Florida!
Please bring new or gently used
blankets for families in need
before we experience the first
cold snap of the season.
Beginning Monday, January 4,
2016 we will be collecting
blankets. Just bring your
donations by the Ministry
Resource Room by Pat Hill’s
office. We distribute to four
area elementary schools. It
takes a village!!
Do you have a desire to strengthen your spiritual life? Do you have unanswered questions about your faith? Do you
understand that being a Christian involves responsibility? Are you willing to dedicate your everyday life to God in
an ongoing manner?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you will want to take that “Walk to Emmaus”. The Walk to Emmaus is
an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day course in Christianity. It’s an
opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed through other believers.
The Walk to Emmaus is three days of singing, learning, laughing, worshiping, reflecting praying, and participating in
small groups. Discussions center around talks given by laity and clergy
representing the theme of God’s grace, how that grace comes alive in the
Christian community, and how it expresses itself in the world. You’ll also
discover how grace is real in your life, how you live a life of grace, and how
you bring grace to others.
There are separate walks scheduled in 2016 for men and women nearby in
Brandon. If you want to strengthen your spiritual life, answer your questions about your faith and are willing to dedicate your everyday life to God
in an ongoing manner, contact Barbara Kanoza, 813-298-7209.
“Communication & Behavior
Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease”
January 28th, at 10:00 AM
in the Life Enrichment Center
Hosted by our Health Ministry
Please call the church office to register.
1210 Del Webb Blvd. W.
Sun City Center Fl. 33573
813-634-2539
Supporting Health Throughout Our Community
www.umcscc.org
Lay Leadership Training Opportunity
Wednesday, January 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30p.m.
We will host a training event for ALL team/committee members as we begin another exciting year of ministry at The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. This training
event will include an overview of church’s leadership organization, functional operation,
and vision focus. This will be great opportunity for all of us to better understand how
our church operates and how each of our teams work together for the advancement of
the Kingdom of God.
Lunch will be served immediately following the training event. Please call the church
office (634-2539 )to RSVP.
The Women’s Retreats at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center are designed to provide women a time
to intentionally come away from the responsibilities of their home, children, families, and jobs; to set their feet on
holy ground and to meet Jesus Christ face to face.
Arriving Friday afternoon and departing Sunday morning gives you two full days to relax and connect with other women – and yourself. Every weekend offers a time for Bible study, enrichment and craft sessions, music, fun,
fellowship and food!
Come and join us the weekend of February 26-28 at the Life Enrichment Center on the shores of beautiful Lake
Griffin in Fruitland Park, Florida. Spend the weekend in a way that is meaningful to you – bring a friend, bring a
group of friends or come and make new friends.
The Keynote Speaker for this weekend is Rev. Geraldine McClellan. Rev. McClellan was the first Black woman
ordained in the Florida Conference and is now an ordained Elder
and a past District Superintendent.
There are many other women leading us this weekend in everything
from bible studies to music, devotions, a hymn sing, spiritual formation, healing, and even Zumba and a craft hour! All bases are
covered for a wonderful, meaningful weekend.
The cost is $180/person, double occupancy, which includes lots and
lots of delicious food! If you are interested in this weekend, contact
the church office to register. A meeting for all interested women will
be held in January.
Studies / Notices
Bible Studies
NEW Attendance
Men’s Monday Night Bible Study in Room 30.
Process
New Series starting January 4th.
Women’s Interdenominational Bible Study in the LEC
Every Monday morning 9:30-11:00 AM; An ongoing, indepth Bible study, with singing, prayer requests and
thanksgiving to our precious Lord!
Hispanic Ministries Each Monday and Wednesday
Prayer meetings at private homes on Mondays at 7:00
PM. Women’s Bible Study at 5:30 PM and a Family Bible
Study at 8:00 PM on Wednesdays.
It helps to know you were here!
Attendance records are an important
tool for our church administration.
Turning in an envelope with your name
or participating in Worship (such as
CHOIR, Ushers, etc.) does not count
towards your attendance. Please look
for the cards at the end of the pews or
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast- third Thursday each month
on the tables; just sign your name and
Led by Rev. Samuel T. Rorer, in our Life Enrichment
Center, at 8:00 AM each month. Next meeting is January
21st. Sign up in the LEC lobby or the front office. Cost is $7.
Worship Cards may still be used if you
The Word and Prayer
pass it along.
have a prayer request, a change in your
contact information, or wish be
The Word and Prayer meets Thursdays at 9 a.m. in Room 11.
contacted; cards containing prayer
We take turns reading the verses of a Bible passage
requests are prayed over by Pastor
and then we discuss and share how this applies to our lives.
Charlie and then shared with staff
Next we pray for our Church
Come and join us in this friendly, welcoming atmosphere
Fellowship and food, every other month!
and/or the Prayer Chain as indicated.
Please help us keep our records
accurate and THANK YOU!
VISIT US ON
THE WEB
Our website has had a
MAJOR Renovation and
we would love to hear
from you on what you
like about the new
UMCSCC.ORG page.
Now you can listen to
your favorite sermons
from our YouTube page
and share with your
friends! It’s never been
easier to give online
now. Just click on the
“GIVE” button on our
home page.
We are a fast
growing church and
your staff is striving to
keep you informed so
let us know what you
think! Contact the office
and ask for Tiffani Martinez.
Pages of Life Book Store
- and Gift Shop 813-633-8595 -
NEW HOURS OF OPERATION
Pages of Life hours are changing
starting Monday, January 4, 2016.
The new hours will be
Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Sunday hours remain
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Ring in the New Year
with some retail therapy!
Contact Us
Sunday Services
PLEASE NOTE NEW HOURS
Effective January 10th
8:15 AM
9:15 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
4:00 PM
Contemporary Service
Traditional Service
Contemporary Service
Traditional Service
Hispanic Service
The United Methodist
Church of Sun City Center
1210 Del Webb Blvd West,
Sun City Center, FL 33573
813-634-2539 |
www.umcscc.org
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Pages of Life Book Store
813-633-8595
Sunday School Classes — All are Welcome
8:30—9:30 AM Son Catchers meet in Room 12, facilitated by Luke and Jeanne Lloyd.
9:30—10:30 AM Good News Class meets in Room 11, facilitated by Ken Barringer. “ A Basic Review
of the Core History and Beliefs of our Christian Faith”. First we will study the Book of John, and then the
Book of Acts.
10:45—11:45 AM Agape Class meets in Room 12, studying the book of Galatians.
11:00—12:00 PM Disciples Class meets in Room 30, facilitated by Elaine Moore and Jackie Parker.
11:00—12:00 PM Oasis Class meets in Room 11, facilitated by Tom Montgomery.
Studying the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible).
Sunday Morning Programs for Children
Sunday Morning Kidz (ages 4-11; breakfast at 8:30 AM )
Bible Stories - 9:30-11:15 AM in Creason Children’s Center.
Under the Cross Youth (ages 12-17; Breakfast at 8:30 AM)
Bible Stories - 9:00-10:00 AM in Room 30 followed by attendance at 10:00 AM Contemporary Service.
Under the Cross Youth Fellowship (ages 12-17) - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM in Creason Children’s Center.
Nursery is available for all worship services.