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260 SW Prima Vista Blvd.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
(772) 878-1155
Church Webpage www.pslfumc.com
Worship with us online by
Facebook Live
9:30 am, 11:00 am & 11:30 am
Sunday mornings
Senior Pastor Rev. Brian Carr
Associate Pastor Dr. Rad Orlandi
Assistant Pastor Nena Bonilla
Church Administrator
Gladys Dolan
Administrative Assistant Stephanie Welch
Director of Student
Ministries Pam Szymczyk
Children’s Directors Erin Keelor
Holley Lane
Music Ministry Debbie Mock
Josué Martínez
Our Vision & Mission
“Shining the Light of God’s Love”
Through: Inspiring Worship Personal Growth
Intentional Outreach
The Beacon A light of information & inspiration
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Volume 61 No. 5
May 2020
My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Welcome to May! Have you ever experienced such a loooong April? I was beginning to think it may never end. I confess I’m not sure what day of Quarantine we are in right now. All the days seem to run together with little differentiating one from the other.
There are signs that the stay-at-home orders are being relaxed in certain parts of our state and country but still no firm direction as to when we get back to normal. Who knows? This year may be the year that normal is redefined for all of us. Our Annual Conference has requested that no churches reopen through May 15th and we will abide by that until further direction from our Bishop and Cabinet.
I know if you are anything like me you have probably had enough of this but for the best of everyone around us let us stay at home, practice social distancing, wear our masks and be grateful. I became more conscious of wearing my own mask when I go out and about when a good friend told me what it was like as an essential employee when so many people came in without their masks as if they didn’t care. The pain in my friend’s eyes and voice stay with me whenever I enter a public place and I put on that mask. The mask also forces me to focus on the eyes of others which builds community and intimacy even in social distancing.
Holy Week and Easter happened in the first half of April and seem so long ago. I don’t have the words to properly express my sincere gratitude to all who helped make that week so special and inspiring. There are so many folks who work behind the scenes to bring all the daily Facebook Live updates and Sunday worship services under trying times. THANK YOU!!! You all are amazing!!!
The great reminder from April is the Easter message that continues to resonate down through the ages: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. HE IS RISEN!” Hallelujah! In the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic we have been reminded and revived by those historic, transformative words – HE IS RISEN!
Speaking for our entire church staff we have been deeply inspired, encouraged and blessed by you and your faithfulness. Our weekly offerings have remained on target with regular years. You have generously mailed in your offerings, brought them by or signed up on EasyTithe. Thank you! You have sacrificed for the benefit of others. Hallelujah! We have heard stories of your outreach to your neighbors in a variety of ways. I am in awe of all of you who are making masks by the hundreds to give away to those who need them!
By your generosity and love we have continued to supply our neighbors with food and gift cards. By your generosity we have taken more than $200 worth of pop-top canned food to the Salvation Army to be distributed to the homeless. Sarah’s Kitchen continues to serve meals here on Mondays. You have responded to our call and helped serve others at Mustard Seed Ministries. You are the Church! I salute you. I miss you. I hold you in my heart knowing that you are well that all is well because “Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!” Hallelujah! Amen!
In the Amazing Love of Jesus Christ,
Brian
Church Staff
Those with birthdays in April and May, will receive a quarantine birthday bag!
April birthdays were Emily Franco on the 8th, Cassandra Isaac on the 11th, and Lee McCain on the 15th. May birthdays are Benjeana
Dantilus on the 1st and Marck Bonk on the 20th.
Being quarantined to your house is one thing but to celebrate your birthday that way is hard for teens. So I texted moms and asked what are their favorites and then showed up
to their door singing with bag in hand.
Each one was very surprised!
Learning Virtual ways to communicate has taken us to a whole new level. We have discovered Zoom and meet on a weekly basis to keep in touch. Ed and I delivered Sunday fun bags after virtual church on Sunday with snacks to give them an announcement of a Christian concert online.
I asked some of the students where they have seen Jesus during their keep safe time and here are a couple of answers:
Natalya: One of my close friends was going through a rough time with his parents and he wasn’t taking it so good, so I talked to him for like 2 hours straight, trying to be there for him. I said that God is always with us and that even through tough times he will be by our side. So he has been feeling a lot better and I invited him to come to youth group. He said he would come. For me, I have been listening to Christian music like Matthew West and Ryan Stevenson and it has helped me get through quarantine.
Cassie: It was my birthday and I was feeling down being in quarantine, but my good friend Kaitlyn taped 2 big happy birthday signs to her mom’s car and drove to my house to surprise me and got me cupcakes, balloons and
gifts. We talked in the drive way, my mom got me Chick-fil-A because I love
it. Ms. Pam brought me a bag full of stuff also. It’s not about the stuff it’s
just nice to see how much others care about me, it really is heartwarming and all the mushy stuff. I also got a bunch of birthday wishes from all of my friends and the youth group. I love them all.
♥Counters for your weekly assistance. ♥The Men’s Prayer Group and the Women’s Prayer Group who pray for
everyone for whom prayers were requested and prepare and mail out the prayer cards. ♥The Visitation Team and Lay Servants for making phone calls to all of the church to keep in touch, pray and take prayer requests.
Budget
Financial Update - In the month of April we received $68,599.76 toward our monthly need of $76,485. Your financial dedication is appreciated.
WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE!!
Join us on Facebook Live for Live broadcasts of our SundayWorship Services: 9:30 am (Contemporary)
11:00 am (Traditional) 11:30 am (Spanish)
Also watch Facebook for daily messages from our FUMC team!
Find us at First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie
& Aposeto Alto Ministry-FUMC
Find us at PSLFUMC
Find us at First United Methodist of Port St Lucie
Children’s Ministry
Find us at First United Methodist Church of
PSL United Methodist Women
GIVING Many thanks to all of those who have dropped off or mailed their offering to the church. We are overwhelmed by
your generosity. Those who prefer can make a dona-tion through easyTithe. During this difficult time, we know that it may be a hardship for some people to contribute as you may have been laid off. Please know that we understand. We covet your prayers as we go through this uncertain time together.
If you are unable to connect using these pages, you can listen to the Sunday Sermon of Pastor Brian
from our website at pslfumc.com. (Click on sermons and then click on the sermon
title you want to hear.)
If you miss our Live Broadcast of Sunday’s Worship Services, you can still watch at
Facebook or YouTube! Even if you do not have Facebook (just click “not now” whenever you are asked to log in) you can watch. If you need
help, call the church office at 878-1155.
Follow us! fumcofpsl
www.pslfumc.com
$270,000.00
$275,000.00
$280,000.00
$285,000.00
$290,000.00
$295,000.00
$300,000.00
$305,000.00
$310,000.00
Year to Date Needed Year to Date
Received
$281,023.
$305,938
Nuestros servicios en FB Live A look at our services on FB. Live
Devocionales diarios para motivarnos en nuestro andar
con Dios
Daily devotionals to moti-vate us with our daily walk
with our God.
Nuestro primer servicio de Resurrección internetico
We had our first Virtual Resurection Day service
Shining the Light of God to the Latino Community
Prayer meetings are being held via phone and Zoom/ Las reuniones de oración se llevan a cabo por teléfono y Zoom
Our Sunday School on Facebook.
Nuestra clase de escuela dominical en Facebook Live
18 Deaf Students After distributing Scriptures in 40 classrooms at the Lolomboy National High School in the Philippines, Gideons entered one more classroom. It was filled with 18 hearing-impaired students. Jon Wold, a Gideon from South Dakota, stood in front of the students and presented the plan of salvation, while the teacher interpreted the message in sign language. The Holy Spirit was at work, as well. After the message, Jon asked the students to pray along with him if they wished to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. At the conclusion of the prayer, he asked how many prayed along. All 18 students raised their hands, many of them smiling and communicating with their lips or hands, “Thank you, sir.”
18 estudiantes sordos Después de distribuir las Escrituras en 40 aulas en la Escuela Secundaria Nacional Lolomboy en Filipinas, los Gedeones entró en una clase más. Habian 18 estudiantes con discapacidad auditiva. Jon Wold, un Gedeón de Dakota del Sur, se paró frente a los estudiantes y presentó el plan de salvación, mientras el maestro interpretaba el mensaje en lenguaje de señas. El Espíritu Santo también estaba obrando. Después del mensaje, Jon pidió a los alumnos que oraran con él si deseaban recibir a Jesús como Señor y Salvador. Al concluir la oración, preguntó cuántos oraron. Los 18 estudiantes levantaron la mano, muchos de ellos sonriendo y comunicándole con sus labios o manos, "Gracias, señor". Aqui puede obtener gratis la aplicación de la Biblia Gideon para compartir con sus amigos en el idioma de ellos. http://gideons.bible.is/ Here you can download the Gideon Bible app to share with friends in their own Language. More testimonies at: http://blog.gideons.org/ © 2012 The Gideons International. All Rights Reserved. www.Gideons.org www.Thelifebook.com Free life books for the youth to share with their friends. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegideonsintl/
The Committee for the
Charity Golf Scramble is open to anyone who would
like to participate. We are searching for someone who would like to help with our publicity. Please contact
Dave Gallup at: 215-870-5665 or
St. Lucie County Library System
offers free music lessons
With social distancing in mind, you now have a chance of becoming a rock star or famous musician. The St. Lucie County Library System is offering music lessons. You can learn how to play the acoustic guitar, banjo, piano, or violin, just to name a few. The online lessons are free through ArtistWorks for all library cardholders. To start, click on “Register” and create a personal account..
Please pray for our Service Personnel:
Douglas T. Gifford Lawrence Bach Steve Dorris Anthony LoPrinzi Torey Griffith Kaitlyn Neeley Anthony Hope Christian Portinga Ezra Gordon Sean H. Simpson Johnna Moody Judi Moody Carole Moody Michael Dugan Kevin Dugan Charles Ensminger Thomas Kitson “Wit” Darvill
Please call the church office if someone you
know should be added to the Service Personnel list or is no longer on active
Our Love & Prayers Go Out To Our Friends Residing at Care Centers
Martin Nursing and Restoration Care, 6011 SE Tower Dr, Stuart, 34997 Ebba Forgue Room 102B
Palm Garden, 1751 SE Hillmoor, PSL, 34952 Allena Hughes Room 146
The Manor at Hobe Sound, 9555 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, 33455 Eloise Kinahan Room 501
WaterCrest, SLW, 279 NW California Blvd, PSL, 34986 Ruth Cooke Room 201
Paradise Cove, 2277 SE Lennard Rd., PSL 34952 Sandi Johannessen Room 36
The Palms of St. Lucie West, 501 NW Cashmere Blvd, PSL, 34986 Thomas H Meredith Room 122
Brookdale, 1700 NE Indian River Dr. Jensen Beach, 34957 Bonnie Ryder Room 119
Our Friends Residing at Home Desmond Brice-401 SE Starflower Ave, Port St Lucie, FL 34983
Erma Jean Caulkett-2386 SE Master Ave, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Tom Cox-8504 Belfrey Place, Port St Lucie, FL 34986
Althia Griffith-2034 SE Ellington Terrace, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Fred Knechtel-186 NW Avens St, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
Evelyn Reis-The Pointe, 2750 SE Ocean Blvd, Apt S306, Stuart, FL 34996
Lillian Schubel-Opis Isl Lake Ctr, 155 Landover Pl, Rm 207, Longwood, FL 32750
If you are aware of an illness,
hospitalization, or death in the
family of one of our members
please notify the church office. This will help us
better serve you. We would rather receive several phone
calls than none at all. Please do not assume that we
already know.
If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter “The Beacon” in your email box or receive our daily e-prayers and daily devotions, just send an email to [email protected] and we’ll add
you to the list!
Please join the Visitation Team in
wishing a
Happy Birthday by sending a card to:
Allena Hughes May 7 Palm Garden, 1751 SE Hillmoor,
Room 146, Port St Lucie, FL 34952
Be careful because people are going crazy from being in lock down! Actually I've just been talking about this with the microwave and toaster while drinking coffee and we all agreed that things are getting bad. I didn't mention anything to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything. Certainly not to the fridge as he is acting cold and distant. In the end the iron straightened me out as she said everything will be fine, no situation is too pressing. The vacuum was very unsympathetic... told me to just suck it up, but the fan was more optimistic and hoped it would all soon blow over! The toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and didn’t say anything but the door knob told me to get a grip. The front door said I was unhinged and so the curtains told me to ........yes, you guessed it .....pull myself together. Submitted by Deborah Galtere
Being a mother was something that every Jewish girl dreamed of. The very first promise in the Bible of a future Redeemer said that He would be born through a woman. The thought of being the mother of the Messiah was something that inspired women in the Bible. The Promised One was known to be a baby boy. If a lady had a son she could hope that he would be the Messiah. If she had a girl, she dreamed that her grandson might be the coming Redeemer. Mother-hood was a wonderful thing to look forward to during Bible times. Here are eight famous Bible mothers. There are cer-tainly many other women in the Bible that could be mentioned. These are some we know a good deal about, though we may not know very much about their skills as a mother.
Eve Found in the Bible: Genesis 1-4 Called the mother of all living, Eve is an important Bible mother. We don’t know much about her roll as a mother, but we do know the names of some of her children. Her three most well-known children are Cain, Abel and Seth. Adam and Eve would have been responsible for teaching their children about God and His plans for the world. After they left the garden there is no indication that God communed with them on a personal level. Eve had a great responsibility as a mother, and as someone who personally knew God, to pass along her knowledge of God to her children.
Sarah Found in the Bible: Genesis 12-23 God’s promise of a redeemer was specifically said to come through Sarah. Though she doubted when God said she would be a mother in her old age, she did indeed bare a son. When she was 90 years old she had Isaac. It should be re-membered that all the wonderful promises and expectations that were put on Abraham also extended to Sarah. She was beside him the whole time. She had her doubts at times, but she allowed God to work in her life and use her.
Rebekah Found in the Bible: Genesis 26-27 Rebekah had twin boys named Esau and Jacob. Her husband was Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. Rebekah’s two boys could not have been more different. Esau was a hunter and great outdoorsman. Jacob preferred to stay at home and be close to his mother. Their personalities endeared the boys to their parents in different ways. Rebekah showed great favor to Jacob while Isaac preferred Esau. Rebekah taught Jacob to cook in a way that pleased everyone in the family. Unfortunately she tried using her love for Jacob to manipulate God and His purposes for the family.
Rachel Found In The Bible: Genesis 29-35 Jacob’s two wives were sisters, Leah and Rachel. Rachel was the younger of the two and seemed to have to compete with Leah in many ways. Though her sister Leah had 3 times as many children as she did, Rachel gave to Jacob his two favorite children, Joseph and Benjamin. We don’t know much about Rachel as a mother, but she took great pride in being able to bear children for her husband.
Jochebed Found in the Bible: Exodus 1-2 One of the bravest mothers in the Bible was the mother of Moses. Her name was Jochebed. Though ordered by the Pharaoh to murder her baby boy at birth, she hid him away as long as she could. When he was a little older she made a small boat for him and placed him in the river. God directed the small ark and baby Moses to the Pharaoh’s daughter. The ruler’s daughter took up baby Moses as her own child, but hired Jochebed to nurse the baby. Jochebed apparently taught Moses many things in the time she was with him. Moses knew clearly who he was in relation to the Egyptians and Hebrews. Jochebed apparently taught Moses about God.
Naomi Found in the Bible: Ruth 1-4 Naomi is best known as the mother-in-law to Ruth. She had two sons. The family moved away from Bethlehem to Mo-ab. Naomi’s two boys married Moabite women. Her hus-band and sons died leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Her daughter-in-law Ruth followed her. Naomi had taught Ruth enough about God and His people that Ruth wanted to make Na-omi’s God her personal God.
Hannah Found in the Bible: 1 Samuel 1-2 Hannah is the mother of Samuel the prophet. He became a godly man. While much of his piety can be traced back to his growing up in the Temple with Eli the priest, we can also see that Samuel’s mother Hannah had a great influence on him. Hannah prayed for his birth. Before Samuel was born Hannah had promised God that she would dedicate him to God. She loved God and her son. She visited him yearly at the Temple and undoubtedly prayed for him regularly.
Mary Found in the Bible: Matthew 1, Luke 1-2 along with many other chapters Mary was given the great privilege of being the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine raising the son of God as your child! God chose her for a reason. She displayed a god-ly character and trust in God. She was told clearly who her son was. She understood the great responsibility God placed on her. She was faithful to God’s plan.
Motherhood Today It is still a wonderful privilege to be a mother today. The Bible says that children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are a blessing or a gift from God. Whether mother or father, we should all strive to be like these ladies and teach our children about God and His Word. https://whatchritianswanttoknow.com/8-famous-bible-mothers/
FAMOUS MOTHERS IN THE BIBLE
Have you moved? Have you changed your email
address or telephone number? Do you use only your cell phone now?
Does your church know? Please call the church office at
878-1155 to update your records or email - [email protected]
Finding Peace in an Anxious World
Designed as a Spiritual Growth Mission Study but may help individuals cope now.
This 2020 Spiritual Growth Study by staff of the Urban Village Church, uses the book of Proverbs and “The Serenity Prayer” as a guide to help Christians find their way through anxiety, worry, and fear and move towards God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Using “The Serenity Prayer” as a scaffold, Finding Peace in an Anxious World explores ways to discover peace through scriptural and spiritual disciplines so that we can be rooted in God and energized to live fully as disciples of Christ.
“The Serenity Prayer” shaped a 2015 four-part sermon series at the Urban Village Church in Chicago. It was through that series that the church was able to address the tumultuous events of that summer and present a framework for how to approach a God who desires peace for the hearts of God’s people in times of anxiety. These sermons are the basis for this book.
The four chapters, each written by a different Urban Village Church leader, focus on different aspects of the prayer—serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom—and each concludes with a spiritual practice to help further develop the featured characteristic in your life.
Memorial Gifts Received for:
Joe Teague by
Chris Bogley Dan & Grace Michel
Laundry Day...the new normal
Available for $10 plus shipping at www.umwmissionresources.org
MISSIONS IS GOD WORKING THROUGH US. LAS MISIONES - DIOS OBRANDO A TRAVÉS DE NOSOTROS.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS: Revelation 7:9 (NKJV) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues,
standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ENFOQUE DE LAS ESCRITURAS: Apocalipsis 7:9
Después de esto miré, y he aquí una gran multitud, la cual nadie podía contar, de todas naciones y tribus y pueblos y lenguas, que estaban delante del trono y en la presencia del Cordero, vestidos de ropas blancas, y con palmas en las manos;
********************************************
MISSIONARIES--FROM EVERYWHERE TO EVERYWHERE! MISIONEROS - DE TODAS PARTES A TODAS PARTES!
Susan Angeline Collins worked for a pastor, who encouraged her to attend Upper Iowa University for Normal Training. At the age of 24, she enrolled and later while living and working as a laundress in the Dakota Territory, she noticed—an ad for foreign missions training in Chicago. In 1886, she sold her business and attended the Chicago Training School. In 1887, at age 36, she was recruited as a missionary by Bishop William. She set sail to the Congo. After two years, she went to Ango-la, beginning her service in Dondo. From 1889 to 1900, she served in Malange, Angola, then relocated to Quéssua, Angola, where she established a school for girls, which housed more than 50 boarding students. After nearly 13 years, she returned to America and was told that, because of her age, she would not serve as a missionary to Africa any longer. She spent most of 1901 raising money for a re-turn trip and, with the help of the Pacific Branch of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, returned in 1902, at the age of 50, to Quéssua and stayed another 18 years. In 1895, she wrote: “Praise God for continued health, and strength, and contentment in the work that He has given to me to do…You may imagine my surprise and delight when I found that the new missionaries who came were all from the training school.”
******************************************** Susan Angeline Collins trabajó para un pastor, quien la animó a asistir a la Universidad de Upper Iowa para el entrenamiento nor-mal. A la edad de 24 años, se inscribió y más tarde mientras vivía y trabajaba como lavandera en el Territorio de Dakota, se dio cuenta: un anuncio de capacitación en misiones extranjeras en Chicago. En 1886, vendió su negocio y asistió al Colegio Chicago Training School. En 1887, a los 36 años, fue reclutada como misionera por el obispo William. Ella zarpó hacia el Congo. Después de dos años, fue a Angola, comenzando su servicio en Dondo. De 1889 a 1900, sirvió en Malange, Angola, luego se mudó a Quéssua Angola, donde estableció una escuela para niñas, que albergaba a más de 50 estudiantes. Después de casi 13 años, regresó a Améri-ca y le dijeron que, debido a su edad, ya no serviría como misionera en África. Paso la mayor parte de 1901 recaudando dinero para un viaje de regreso y con la ayuda de la Sociedad Misionera Extranjera de Mujeres de la Rama del Pacífico, regresó en 1902, a la edad de 50 años, a Quéssua y permaneció otros 18 años. En 1895, ella escribió: "Alabado sea Dios por su salud, fortaleza y conten-tamiento continuos en el trabajo que me ha encomendado hacer ... Pueden imaginar mi sorpresa y deleite cuando descubrí que los nuevos misioneros que vinieron eran todos de la escuela de entrenamiento ".
******************************************** WHAT IS OUR MISSION AS METHODIST? The unfinished task abroad and locally:
We have received the good news (The Gospel). Here you can find a church on nearly every block. Surely anybody living here could easily have access to the Gospel? Not so! Living between Methodist and other churches are Unreached People Groups (UPG). This is an Ethnic group that is less than 2% evangelical Christian. Imagine if you grew up speak-ing Arabic. Your family is 100% Muslim. They took you to the Mosque to learn the Qur’an. You are governed by social practices that everyone you know follows. You’ve never gone to church. How likely are you to go to that Methodist church? Would you consider going to an Arabic-speaking church filled with people of a different ethnic background than you? Would you consider betraying your family and your culture by reading the Bible and learning about Jesus? That’s what it’s like to be a part of an unreached people group. There are significant populations of unreached people groups in USA. They shop at your grocery store and their kids are in school with ours. They will likely never hear the Gospel, unless someone like you is willing to cross cultural barriers and share with them in a relevant way. What are we waiting for? Brother Andrew said once: "If we don't go to them in Love with God's Word then don't complain when they come to us with the Wrath of Allah!
******************************************** ¿CUÁL ES NUESTRA MISIÓN COMO METODISTA? La tarea Restante en el extranjero y localmente:
Hemos recibido las Buenas Nuevas (El Evangelio). Aquí, puede encontrar una iglesia en casi cada cuadra. ¿Seguramente cualquiera que viva aquí podría tener acceso fácilmente al Evangelio? No necesariamente es así. Entre Metodistas y otras Iglesias viven grupos de personas no alcanzadas (GNA). Es un grupo étnico donde menos del 2% de ellos son Cristianos Evangélicos. Imagínese si creciera hablando árabe. Su familia es 100% musulmana. Le llevaron a la mezquita para aprender el Corán. Usted se rige por prácticas sociales que todos sus conocidos siguen. Nunca has ido a una iglesia. ¿Qué posibilidades hay de que usted vaya a esa iglesia Metodista? ¿Consideraría ir a una iglesia de habla Árabe llena de personas de un origen étnico diferente al suyo? ¿Consideraría traicionar a su familia y su cultura leyendo la Biblia y aprendiendo acerca de Jesús? Eso es lo que es ser parte de un grupo de personas no alcanzadas. Hay poblaciones significativas de grupos de personas no alcanzadas en los Estados Unidos. Ellos compran en nuestros supermercado y sus hijos están en la escuela con los nuestros. Es probable que nunca escuchen el Evangelio, a menos que alguien como usted esté dispuesto a cruzar las barreras culturales y compartir con ellos de manera relevante. ¿Qué esta-mos esperando? El hermano Andrés dijo una vez: "Si no vamos a ellos en Amor con la Palabra de Dios ¡entonces no se queje cuan-do vengan a nosotros con la Ira de Ala!
Since we can’t access the church or public libraries, there are a few sites & apps I thought might interest you. ROBIN READS & BOOK BUB each send out emails of reduced price titles in your subject interests. All titles are under $5 & some are free. They can be downloaded to various apps on your phone, tablet or eReader. Just google to find & get started. Some reading apps are Nook, Kindle, eBooks & OneBible to name a few. You don’t have to have a Nook or Kindle to get the free app. There are other free apps for the Bible too, including one from the Gideons. The public library loans audible & ebooks to those who have a library card that hasn’t expired. Just go to their site & follow the prompts. Chirp & Audible are 2 apps that have titles you can listen to. Chirp’s titles are at a discount. Audible titles are expensive but if you subscribe you get a certain amount of credits to use & a selection of free titles each month. Now is the time to catch up on your reading. I hope these suggestions help.
Carole Williams, Church Librarian
♥ I want to say THANK YOU to our Pastors Brian, Rad and Nena, Yvonne Keller and the Praise Team, Debbie Mock and the choir, our office staff Gladys and Stephanie, the media, sound, visual, camera crew, Facebook team, custodians and more. All of those who have been working extremely hard to help the church community stay connected on a daily basis. We are truly blessed by such dedicated servants of our Lord.
♥ Thank you to all those who have reached out to members of our congregation either by phone or cards. They have been truly appreciative that our church is concerned about them during this time of uncertainty. It has been another way for everyone to feel the connection of a loving church community.
♥ Thank you to all of you who are bringing our members together through live broadcasts. “We are the church” We are so blessed to have such wonder-ful leaders and servants of our Lord. Thank You! Alan & Rita Etherington
♥ Thank you for keeping our spiritual selves alive and well during this time of stress and isolation. Love you all, Bev & John Roselli
In spite of
the barriers
Choosing Thankfulness in the Time of Trial
“I won’t shield God from my anguish by claiming He’s not involved in the ache of this world and Satan prowls
but he’s a lion on a leash and the God who governs all can be shouted at when I bruise,
and I can cry and I can howl and He embraces the David-heart who pound hard on His
heart with their grief.” - Ann Voskamp
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
Laurie works in the medical field at one of the emergency departments in
Orlando. She has a son who is immune-suppressed and home from
college. With everything that is happening, Laurie is self-isolating not
wanting to infect anyone she loves. Her self-isolating began getting to her ...
started making her feel lonely.
So, for her birthday, her husband, Don, invited a group of us to do a “drive-by” happy
birthday... reminding Laurie that she is not alone. Hanging out car windows, beeping horns,
tossing birthday cards and yelling “We love you Laurie!” brought me a lot of joy and reminded
me of my community of friends who go the extra mile to bring another friend a smile. It was the
highlight of my week. And afterwards, Laurie texted me this: “Thank you so much. What a great
surprise. Love you guys.” Gratitude, thankfulness, Eucharist ... choosing to find something for
which to be thankful in the midst of trouble.
But how do we choose thankfulness? We all are weary, and we all have our worries ... and
that’s okay. We do not understand COVID-19 and we do not know the long-term effects of this
crisis. We want to stay healthy and we do not want anyone else to get sick, but we know people
will. All of this is scary.
And maybe today we are angry. And that’s okay, too. Before we can choose to be thankful in
the trials, we need to be honest with our God. I love the quote above because it’s real. I’ve had
my range of emotions as I am sure you have had. My encouragement is that when the emotions
begin to rise and fear begins to take over, find something for which to give thanks. That’s what
Jesus did at the Passover meal so long ago ... facing the unknown of death on a cross ... took a
loaf of bread and a cup of wine and gave thanks.
Thank you for your faithfulness and support. I continue to pray for our pastors, leaders,
congregations and communities of the Atlantic Central District and am amazed by the stories of
what God is doing in our midst. There will be a day in the future when we will celebrate the
Hope of Resurrection together in person. We will be on the other side of this storm! Until then,
stay safe, shelter in place, and remember that Jesus is the Hope of the world.
May God bless you+
Grace and peace ~
Dionne
Rev. Dionne Hammond is the District Superintendent of Atlantic Central District of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist
Church. Article reprinted from the April 2020 Newsletter.
GRATITUDE JOURNALS SPOTLIGHT GOD’S ACTION By Emily Snell
With colored pencils in hand, the Rev. Nancy Turner sits down in the morning light to write her thankfulness in the spiral graph paper notebook that has become her gratitude journal. Turner, a deacon in the West Ohio Conference, has maintained this spiritual practice for several years and said it deeply impacts her life. Whenever Turner sits down to write in her gratitude journal, she asks herself two questions. "It's always asking both sides of this question: For what today am I most grateful? For what today am I least grateful?" Turner explained, adding that these questions are similar to asking about where God is moving in the world. "Where did I see God today? Where did I see the absence of God today? Both questions inform where you are." Though Turner considers herself to be in a good season of life right now, this practice of gratitude journaling began during a time of desperation. "It grew out of a very specific time in life," she said. "I'm a mom of two sons, and my younger son developed Type 1 diabetes when he was six years old. After that happened, for about five or six years, every year we had some big terrible thing that happened in life." Emily Chastain, a leadership development specialist in the North Alabama Conference, began keeping a gratitude journal after returning from the Wesley Pilgrimage where the rhythm helped her recognize a need to slow down and be reflective and contemplative. "I was letting a Google calendar plan me so much that I didn't really have time to pause and think about the day," Chastain said, explaining why she started utilizing a combination planner/journal. In the morning, as she's planning her day, Chastain writes down three things she's grateful for, and then at the end of the day, she returns to her journal and again writes down three gratitudes. "It's a great way to frame the day and feel like the day has a lot more purpose," she said. "I enjoy the ability to reflect in the morning and in the evening. I feel that has lowered my anxiety levels and has really made me look for God throughout the day." Writing her gratitudes twice each day also helps Chastain recognize what brings her joy and what leads to discouragement. This gives her an opportunity to more intentionally make healthy choices in her schedule. Turner also noticed a pattern in her journaling that proved helpful. "I found that generally speaking, the things I was most grateful for were very simple," she said, "and the things I was least grateful for were things that I had absolutely no control over. That's a thing to just turn over to God. "That experience has really informed my going forward," Turner said. "I think that experience of all those years and that continuous practice of paying attention have really helped me move forward in more positive and more optimistic ways." Chastain encouraged others to give gratitude journaling a try and see if it helps create an awareness of God's presence. "If you feel like God is not moving, take a week or two to really chart the things that happened, the things you're grateful for," Chastain said. "You start to realize that in every moment God is giving you great op-portunities and letting you decide what you make of those. We forget that God shows up in the smallest of moments or in the kindest of emails that you weren't expecting."
Originally published by Interpreter Magazine, November–December, 2017 https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/gratitude-journals-spotlight-gods-action
The earth whispered but you did not hear. The earth spoke but you did not listen The earth screamed but you turned her off. And so I was born... I was not born to punish you.. I was born to awaken you.. The earth cried out for help... Massive flooding. But you didn't listen. Burning fires. But you didn't listen. Strong hurricanes. But you didn't listen. Terrifying Tornadoes. But you didn't listen. You still don't listen to the earth when. Ocean animals are dying due to pollutants in the waters. Glaciers melting at an alarming rate. Severe drought. You didn't listen to how much negativity the earth is receiving. Non-stop wars. Non-stop greed. You just kept going on with your life.. No matter how much hate there was.. No matter how many killings daily.. It was more important to get that latest iPhone than worry about what the earth was trying to tell you. But now I am here. And I've made the world stop in its tracks. I've made YOU finally listen. I've made you take refuge. I've made you stop thinking about materialistic things.. Now you are like the earth... You are only worried about YOUR survival. How does that feel?
I give you fever.. as the fires burn on earth. I give you respiratory issues.. as pollution filled the earth’s air. I give you weakness as the earth weakens every day. I took away your comforts.. Your outings. The things you would use to forget about the planet and its pain. And I made the world stop... And now... China has better air quality.. Skies are clear blue because factories are not spewing pollution unto the earth's air. The water in Venice is clean and because the gondola boats that pollute the water are not being used, the fish are returning. YOU are having to take time to reflect on what is important in your life. Again I am not here to punish you.. I am here to awaken you... When all this is over and I am gone... Please remember these moments.. Listen to the earth. Listen to your soul. Stop Polluting the earth. Stop Fighting amongst each other. Stop caring about materialistic things. And start loving your neighbors. Start caring about the earth and all its creatures. Because next time I may come back even stronger.... Signed, Coronavirus
AN INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE
First United Methodist Church 260 SW Prima Vista Blvd. Port St Lucie, FL 34983 (772) 878-1155
May 2020 Volume 16, Issue 5
Page 1 of 2
Honor Your Mother (a special children’s church lesson for mother’s day)
Introduction / Hook: Ask the children to close their eyes and try to picture the person you describe. Say, “Think of a woman in your life that has spent more time helping you than any other person.” Allow several volunteers to answer. If needed, ask follow up questions to help them see that their mom is a very important person in their life.
Say, “Today, we are going to learn what kind of attitude God wants us to have toward our parents. This is true for moms and dads, or foster parents, or grandparents who take care of you. But we are going to talk a lot about moms today because it is mother’s day.”
Active Listening: Say, “In just a minute we are going to read a Bible verse that teaches us how God wants us to treat our parents. While we read it, I want you to listen for any action words (verbs) that you hear. Then we’ll review to see how many you could find.”
Bible Passage: Display Ephesians 6:1-3 or have the children look it up in their Bibles. Read the Bible verses to the class; be sure to emphasize the action words dis-cussed below. Then read it a second time to give the children a “second chance” to hear the action words.
Say It: Ask the children to repeat the Bible verse after you several times.
Review Action Words: Ask volunteers to explain which action words they heard in the passage. For each response, ask the children to explain what the word means. They may need help from the class. After each word, clarify what the word means. Here are the words they should have heard, with meaning in italics.
Obey – Doing what a person wants you to do Honor – Heart attitude about a person’s importance Go well – Living a good life Live (NIV says “enjoy long life”) – Staying alive a
long time
Is This Honoring Your Mother?
Say, “Honoring means having a right attitude about someone and showing their importance in how you act.” Read the following statements, and have the children agree or disagree. If the statement is something that honors your mother, the children should stand up. If the statement is not honoring, the children should sit with arms crossed.
Doing what mom says right away {True}
Throwing a fit if you don’t get what you want {False}
Eating your dinner with thankfulness {True}
Complaining about what mom cooked for dinner {False}
Telling your mom that you love her {True}
Praying for your mom {True}
Telling other people your mom is not nice {False}
What I like about you . . .
Have the children write and decorate a letter to their mother (or caretaker) that answers this question. If you have many younger children present, they will need help writing. Encourage them to draw a picture that goes along with what they like. It may be helpful to write common words or phrases on a marker board to help the children write their letters. Some possible examples:
I like the way you read to me I like the way you help me when I’m hurt I like it when you pray for me at bedtime I like it when you hug me I like it when you take me shopping Share It: Ask for several volunteers to share what they wrote to their mother. Optional: You can add a picture of the child to the card using a Polaroid camera or digital camera.
Copyright © 2007-2020 Ministry-to-Children
First United Methodist Church 260 SW Prima Vista Blvd. Port St Lucie, FL 34983 (772) 878-1155
May 2020 Volume 16, Issue 5
Page 2 of 2
God works through prayer, but with so many different needs right now, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the need that we’re unsure of how best to pray. This prayer guide includes seven basic ways to pray amidst the coronavirus pan-demic. You could pray a dif-ferent prayer each day of the week, or pray them all to-gether everyday — whatever works best for you. Let’s speak up for those who are most vulnerable and affected by the coronavirus pandem-ic. Download, print, and/or share with
anyone who is looking for some guidance on how to pray.
7-Day Coronavirus Prayer Guide
