Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series - This week we are taking a break from our preaching series as we celebrate Laity Sunday. This week, you the laity, will lead, pray, and direct our worship service. We even have two people who will be delivering our sermon. Please come and support each other as we celebrate the significance and importance of the laity this week in worship. Bring a friend and hope to see you there.

2. Pumpkins! – Our pumpkin wonderland is here! We have had a blast visiting with each other and talking with the people who stop by. If you would like to volunteer to sell or read, or if you would just like to stop by, we would love to have you. This truly is a lot of fun. This is also a great time to fellowship with this community and show them that we are here and we love them!

3. Bible Study – Last week we started our Bible on based on what we as United Methodists believe as we spoke about how we understand God and Jesus Christ. We still have several topics to discuss and four more weeks in the study. And it is never to late to join. We meet on Thursdays at 11am and 7pm in Fellowship Hall. Just come on over and jump in. Hope to see you there!

4. Salty Service - A few months back I asked everyone to consider joining up together in groups to venture out and visit some of the residents in the many assisted living and rehab facilities around our church. There are many people there that get no visitors, and we are so good with fellowship, I see a need and a spiritual gift that can easily be paired up. I wanted to give everyone an update on how this budding ministry is progressing. We have one member that has reached out and has began weekly visits and we have another that is in the process of beginning. We have several contacts at area facilities, all we need is volunteers. Many people make light work. If you are willing to spend just a few hours a month visiting with people and sharing the love of Christ please contact the office and we can help you get connected. Please consider reaching out to the people in our area and let them know we care and in the name of Jesus Christ that they are loved.

5. Area Happenings – There are several things happening in our community that I wanted to bring to your attention.

• Saturday, November 6th, from 9am-2pm, St. Mark's UMC will host a Holly Berry Fair.There will be crafts and food available as well as baked goods, candy, and jewelry. For more info call 622-4475.

• Sunday, November 7th, at 2pm, at First UMC Gainesville, Dr. Mark Coffey will give an organ recital.If you would like more information please contact Robert W. Jackson (BJ) at (352) 372-8523 Ext. 20.

• The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Women have begun registration for their 27th Annual Women's Retreat. This is a wonderful time of fellowship and enrichment for all women. If you are interested there is more information in the office.