Friday Fives

1.Preaching Series - This Sunday, January 26th, we will begin a new preaching series based upon the hope we have as Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ. This series is based upon the writings of N.T. Wright and his book, Surprised by Hope. Over the next several weeks we will look to the hope we have for this world, the Resurrection, Heaven, Jesus' second coming, salvation, and the Church. I hope you will come, open your mind to the power of the Holy Spirit, and hear what is laid upon your heart. Bring a friend and join us for time of worship, celebration, and hope. I hope to see you all there!





2. Advent Conspiracy Update - WE DID IT! Thanks to the generosity of this congregation, we did it. We met our goal and will be able to partner with Belleview UMC to buy an Ark of Hope from Heifer International and we will be able to pack meals for children in Africa through Stop Hunger Now. I will begin to make the arrangements for our food packing date with Stop Hunger Now and will let you know when it will take place. Once again, thank you so much for partnering together to truly make an impact in the life of another person.





3. New Study - Beginning this Thursday, January 30th, we will begin a new study by Rev. Mike Slaughter, Dare to Dream. Have you ever wondered what your purpose is in this life? Have you ever struggled to discern what it is that God wants you to accomplish for the Kingdom?

Come and join us as we seek to answer these questions and more. Rev. Mike Slaughter has developed Dare to Dream to help people realize God’s dream for their lives, develop a mission statement based upon that dream, and then fully commit to the God-directed life mission they create. This class will be offered at 10am and 7pm, in the Fellowship Hall, each Thursday from January 30th - February 20th. For more information and to sign up, please pick up a registration form in the narthex or click here.





4. 2013 Apportionments - If you have been affiliated with the United Methodist Church for any amount of time, you may have heard this word. Basically apportionments are the share each annual conference and local church pay to support international, national, and regional missions. Our giving when combined with other churches, allow the United Methodist Church to accomplish something bigger than ourselves. We have 14 funds that we support with our apportionments and we have paid 100% of our obligations since 2003. I am happy to announce that we will continue that streak as we have met our obligation for 2013 as well! Thank you so much for your financial faithfulness to this church and the missions of our denomination.

If you would like to know more about apportionments, like the missions that are supported, please click here. It will take you to a document entitled, "A Guide to Apportionments". Here you can read more about this vital outreach ministry of our denomination.





5. Children's Home - On Saturday, March 15th, our District has been invited to the Annual Day Apart at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. This is our opportunity to tour the campus, speak to the volunteers, and see how our financial and prayerful support is being utilized. The day will begin at 9am and will conclude with lunch on the campus at noon. I highly encourage anyone who is interested to attend. If you would like to carpool, please contact the church office and let us know so we can coordinate it. For more information, please click here.





Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!