WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

63 people from several churches in the area attended the World Day of Prayer. This year the women of the World Day of  Prayer committee of Zimbabwe call us to worship with the words: "Rise! Take your mat and walk" from John 5

She  "interrupted" the program to read us a letter from our sisters in Zimbabwe. The letter taught us about Zimbabwe and its rich culture. Zimbabwe means house of stone. It is a country in southern Africa. In years past it was known as Rhodesia. British rule for many years, until 1980, when it got it Independence. For 39 years the same person was head of Zimbabwe until he died at the age of 93. Since then there has been much political tension. Education is free but not available in rural areas. Poverty, HIV,  and absences of men because of looking for work causes many problems.

Ruby Allen sang "Precious Lord Take My Hand"

John 5 : 2-9 was acted out. Carolyn was the man sitting at the pool for many years.

Karen read the scripture.

One came with a broken arm and was healed while Carolyn asked for help.

The blind man was healed, Carolyn begged for help.

A crippled man was healed, and Carolyn still sat by the pool.

Then Jesus came and asked if she wanted to be healed. 

He told her to Rise and take your mat and walk. 

We then discussed with our neighbor. What is the context in which you or your community lives that needs to hear Jesus' life changing question"Do you want to be made well?" What are the obstacles or excuses that are not allowing for transformation? What does "Rise! Take your mat and walk" mean in your context? Our sisters in Zimbabwe are taking Jesus' encounter to be a call to act in love for peace and reconciliation. God is offering us the steps for personal and social transformation. This is a time for change.

We thank these ladies for the parts they took in presenting the program today.

 Celeste in her African garb. It is nice so many women from FUMC attended and took part in the program.

SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS 2020

Monday night, March 2,  the church had a very nice Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.  Close to 250 people attended.

A game to get to know each other was played before dinner. Pastor Doug welcomed everyone.

 Pastor Chris said some words of thanks for all the volunteer that helps make our church amazing.

 We then had to match an item or picture to a volunteer position that would use that item: A tongue depresser? a Christmas tree?  an easel flip chart ?  There are 33 volunteer positions.   It shows there are lots of ways to serve, and it takes a lot of people.

Pastor Dawn introduced Celeste, President of our UMW.  Celeste announced the five recipients of Special Mission Recognition Pins for 2020.

 These pin represent a monetary gift to United Methodist Women National Division to support the global missions of the United Methodist Women Organization. The recipients were nominated by members of our unit and circles within the last few months. After prayerful consideration, these five people were selected to receive these pins using the following criteria. The recipients attends FUMC and contributes special services to the church. The person should exhibit special service in the community and exemplify the United Methodist Women's Purpose within our Unit and Faith Community.

Celeste pinned on each recipient's pin.

 From left to right is Celeste and Diane, who was head of the nominating committee. The five recipients are:
  Sue Friend had been a long time member of Lunch Bunch Circle and currently a member of the newly formed  Circle of Grace. She has a heart for missions, doing mission outreach through our Church and Unit of United Methodist Women. She has been a member of the Church's Mission Committee for many years. She is the liaison with Find, Feed and Restore Ministry. Sue and her husband have shopped for and delivered food for new clients moving into a trailer.The funds for the food are provided by the local mission outreach of our UMW unit.  Sue is one of the original members of the weekend backpack program for at risk children in South Lake County, the program now called Feed the Children of South Lake, She is one of the drivers to deliver hot meals for Meals on Wheels Program. This year she helped organize the Gingerbread House gift program for referred families in this church and community. Sue's heart and eyes are always open to needs in the community and finding a way to help.
Cindy Saunders  is an active member of the Lunch Bunch Circle where she has presented devotions and programs. She has the gift of teaching and making others feel welcomed and loved.  She is the teacher in the Searchers Adult Sunday School Class. With her commitment and caring Searchers Class has been growing and is a place where members and guests feel love in action and a family like connection. She is a member of Kings Daughters Bible Study and has filled in as leader when needed. She has lead numerous other Bible Study Classes. Cindy is an encourager and nudges people to get involved in the Church and community.
Judy Stambaugh is a long time member of United Methodist Women and devoted member of Morning Joy Circle. She reminds everyone about meetings and often does devotions. She donates supplies for local mission projects with South Lake Head Start. Judy is a member of the Searchers Sunday School class, Grace and Grief Committee, and Kings Daughters Bible Study. She loves to sew and makes red fleece Christmas stockings for the babies born in December at South Lake Hospital, makes items for the Holiday Bazaar, and does lots of sewing for Days for Girls. If you need a ride Judy is always willing to drive. Her love of thrift store shopping helps many with warm blankets she has found, washed and given away. She truly does what Jesus commanded "To love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Dottie Mathias is a member of Circle of  Grace. She is an active member and is willing to present a monthly program. devotion or book review.  Two years ago she assumed the new office of Communications Coordinator with our Unit of United Methodist Women and has developed a blog. The blog shows pictures and news of members participating in local meetings, East Central District and FL Conference UMW events. Dottie helps with Grace and Grief Committee,Vacation Bible School, Celebrate Recovery Ministry, Days for Girls, and the Friends and Fellowship Sunday School Class. Dottie and her husband work as NOMADS Mission Volunteers, a  Global Ministry of the Methodist Church. They are Project Coordinators for all the  NOMADS volunteers working at churches, camps, and Children"s Homes in Florida.
Laura Stokes Henry has attended FUMC since 1996. Laura has a rich history connection to South Lake County. Her grandparent's Harry and Laura Stokes moved to this area in 1888.  Her Grandfather was a 5-term elected official, bank president and is honored at South Lake Hospital as being a driving force bringing the hospital to the area. Her grandmother was the first postmistress of the Town of Mohawk which is now a part of Minneola.  Laura taught Sunday School and served on the FUMC  Missions Committee for many years. At FUMC she met Vic and Phyllis Hutcheson, They were looking for a way to support South Lake County citizens as they cope with the emotional and financial aspects of dealing with cancer. The Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF) became a reality 16 years ago when it became a nonprofit, federal tax exempt 501 (c) (3) with Laura serving as a Board Director and Officer.  In 2016 Laura stepped up and assumed the responsibilities of Foundation President.  GCCF continues to be a 100% volunteer organization. Laura has experienced the invasion of cancer in her own family with cancer taking the lives of her father, grandfather, and grandmother. At the the age of eleven. her oldest daughter was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Prayers were answered when after extensive treatment, Alden was declared cancer free. Laura's compassion, dedication and commitment to serving and making a difference in the lives of the cancer patients and their families is beyond compare.

ANOINTED COMMUNITY NEEDS

 Anointed Community was in need of a van to help with serving the youth and families in the area. They were given a van but some costly repairs were needed. Our unit gave them money to get the van up and running. As you can see by Linda's smile this van will be a great help and makes her very happy

 With other funds our unit provided allowed for them to buy a small freezer. Food that is on sale and more foods that need freezing can now be purchased.

The rest of the money was used for a cabinet to store donated items so they can be kept secure. The cabinet is being put together.  Money that we raise from the Spring Luncheon and the Holiday Bazaar allows our unit to help Anointed Community  and other agencies when they need it. What a blessing.

LEADERSHIP

 16 members from our unit attended  the East Central District (ECD) Leadership meeting on January 25,2020.

 Two of our unit members are on the ECD Leadership Team.
  A Vice President and nominating committee members are needed. Can you help the District work with a "full deck"?

 Anne Winn is President of our District.

 She explained how much of Florida the East Central District covers.

We had break out groups for each of the leadership positions. 2020 officer training booklets were given to us.  There is a job description for each position and in the back forms and other resources that a unit may need. It is a great handbook and if you want to become more active in  our unit or district ask to see one to understand about each position.

 Janet talked about the Prayer Calendar and all it has in it. There is a lot more then a Bible Verse for you to read each day.

 Gillian talked about the Response magazine. Lots of good articles, You should be reading it. If you don't have your own subscription there are copies in our UMW library.

Pat came looking for readers for UMW reading program.

 Mission U was highlighted. This year it is July 9 - 12  at Florida Southern College. Finding Peace in an Anxious World is one of the books that will be used at Mission U. Pat had some for sale today, but you can order it from National at https://www.umwmissionresources.org/

BAD GIRLS

People of Faith meeting was at Blessed Sacrament  on Jan 22.  

The program was on Bad Girls in the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. We watch her video talks about three of the Bad Woman. She brought laughter and insight into each women discussed.  Sapphira was the first women she talked about (Acts 5 :2-14). She explained that she died because she lied, but this showed the early church the power of the Holy Spirit and the church grew. Rahab (Joshua 2) shows how God can use anyone. Michal ( 1 Samuel 18-20 and 2 Samuel 6:16 ) She was Saul's daughter who was married to David. Instead of loving God she loved a man, David, and when he disappointed her she didn't want either, God or David.

A delicious covered dish luncheon was had after the meeting.  

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

 On December 21st Cathy D'hero(left) UMW member and Noelene McCall UMW member and her husband Dale (center) along with Diane and Carmine Speranza (right) FUMC members volunteered at Anointed Community Services annual pancake breakfast and gift explosion. Also in the photo are Linda D Cowels President/CEO and volunteer Rakail Walker former high school intern.

Over 200 individuals enjoyed breakfast and gifts!  Pancakes were donated from IHOP and KeKe's.

UNIT MEETING 2019

 Carolyn Blankenship welcomed everyone to our unit meeting and installation service Thursday, December 12th.

The leadership team was introduced and voted on. President Celeste Hicks, Vice President Carolyn Blankenship, Secretary Andrea Adair, Treasury Ann Vogt, Nominations Chair Diane Wells, and Missions Chair Cathy D'heron.

 Women Weaving One World was the theme of the installation service.

 Pastor Dawn talked about weaving, an activity women have done since the loom was invented.

 Each officer added a different color thread to a bracelet representing the office they held.

 The finished hanging shows how each member have been woven into a colorful team with the basic pattern being the Purpose of United Methodist Women.

 Pat Herring read from the Prayer Calendar and shared an article on how projects like the UMCOR hygiene kits help girls around the world.

 Evelyn Rose, as a representative from the District, presented certificates that our unit has earned.

 Linda accepted the Mission Today Unit Status  and the Mission Study Certificate.

 We are a Five Star Unit.

 Pat Harrell gave out the Reading Certificates. There were many who acheived level one and level two reading certificates, a few for the first time.

 Sue Fink once again was a level 4 Reader.

 Ann Vogt  announced the Rainbow Givers for 2018. Karen Beagle explained that she had given a special recognition pin to Sue Friend for all the mission work she does.

Ann shared that our unit has given over $18,000 this year in support of many missions and $8,783 in pledges which goes to District for their use. The budget for this year was then voted on.

 Kathy D'heron is head of the mission selection committee and talked about the great needs in the community and encouraged us to get more women in our circles and church informed and involved.

 Celeste Hicks had a special legacy presentation recognizing some of the women in our unit. She read the names of the women from our unit that have died this year and how each can be an inspiration to us. She then recognized the women in our unit who have been members for many years, Ibbie Moultrie has been a member for 62 years and Jan Shultz for 59 years. Neither were able to attend today.

 Elaine Cowles has been a member of UMW for 54 years. Celeste presented her with a special recognition pin.

 Joyce Smith received a pin for her 51 years of being in UMW.  She shared about the different circles she has been a part of.

 Nancy shared about her missionary service and then becoming a deaconess in 1970 and working at Cornerstone and then in public school.

 Celeste thanked Diane Wells for filling in as Unit President when she was away helping with her grand daughter. Diane has been a UMW member for 50 years.
 These women all leave us a strong legacy and we are appreciative of all their years of service and the work they continue to do.

 Some members lead the group in singing Christmas carols while the food was being put out.

 Thanks to Daughters of Lydia for hosting and for everyone who brought such a delicious, assortment of food.