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April 2012 JOURNEY TO HOPE – How has it been?

For the past 8 weeks we have been focusing on our Journey to Hope – has it worked?

In what (or whom) do we hope? With all of the campaigns going on, each candidate is lifting themselves up as “our only hope”. We hope that our houses will retain their value. We hope that our children will turn out okay. We hope that our doctor’s test will come back in our favor. We hope that no one notices what we’ve done.

Is there a better kind of hope?

Throughout these weeks we have seen videos, heard sermons, and discussed hope in our small groups – and it’s interesting that all of these have focused on how we deal with others. Homeless and hungry people, women in prison, those who are looking for a job – it seems that when we provide help for others, we find hope ourselves.

Jesus said, “Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Luke 17:33) What I learn from this is that, when I focus on myself, hope seems always just beyond my reach; but when I give of my time, my money, and my efforts in the service of God, I find the joy that I need!

How have you experienced this “Journey to Hope”? Is somebody more hopeful, less stressed because of you? Our small groups have helped feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and have visited those sick and in prison. They have found the joy in service, and others have thanked God because of their efforts.

Let’s not stop this just because we are done with Lent – let us be “resurrection people” who spread the hope of Christ all year round!

‐ Rev. Bill

General Conference News - “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ to Transform the World” This month delegates from all over the world will start arriving in Tampa for the 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. They will arrive from Korea, Russia, South Africa, California, and even Florida to set the tone and direction for the United Methodist church for the next four years.

In 1784 the Methodist Episcopal Church of America was formed in Baltimore, Maryland to “Spread scriptural holiness throughout the land”. This has always been our goal; to reform our own lives in imitation of Christ, and to create the desire for Christ in others.

Our General Conference has asked for prayer as we meet together from April 24 through May 4 to discern God’s direction for the church in this generation. There is a “50 Day Prayer Guide” available online if you would like to take part. Go to UMC.org and you can find more information on the “General Conference 2012” tab at the top.

It is important to remember that there will be many news media outlets at the conference this year, and that many of them will not be interested in reporting the good, but only the controversies that they can dig up. Please be sure to get your information correct by checking the General Conference page, and be willing to enter into discussion with your friends and neighbors. As we said in church just a few weeks ago, you are on the front lines – you are the one that God is going to use to make people aware of His grace and glory. Let this time of Conferencing be a time when God uses you to “make disciples of Jesus Christ”!

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FYII: For Your Information & Interest

MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION SERVICE: Thursday, April 5 at 7pm. We will commemorate "The Last Supper" of Jesus Christ with a monologue program, "In Remembrance of Me", by Carol Feickert

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE: Friday, April 6 at 7pm A service to reflect on the crucifixion

SUNRISE SERVICE: April 8, 7:00am. This will be a small intimate service that will be by the pond and the message is by Rev. Bill. Come and bring your own chair as we celebrate the new life that Jesus brings! This will not replace any of the regular services, so please come back for one of our other services.

EASTER SERVICES: April 8, 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am. Its time to celebrate! “Jesus Is Alive! He is not here; for he has been raised. He has risen indeed!!

FLOWERS FOR THE CROSS Remember to bring flowers from your yard to decorate the cross by the flagpole on Easter Sunday morning. Bring your camera for some beautiful family pictures.

ONE DIDN'T Three men were tried for crimes against humanity. Two committed crimes. One didn’t. Three men were given government trials. Two were given fair trials. One wasn’t. Three men were whipped and beaten. Two had it coming. One didn’t. Three men were given crosses to carry. Two earned their crosses. One didn’t. Three men were mocked and spit at along the way. Two cursed and spit back. One didn’t. Three men were nailed to crosses. Two deserved it. One didn’t. Three men agonized over their abandonment. Two had reason to be abandoned. One didn’t. Three men knew death was coming. Two resisted. One didn’t. One, two, three men died on three crosses. Three days later, two remained in their graves. One didn’t.

—Author unknown

Congratulations to Ron Basso, Our Angel of the Month.

The Staff/Parish Relations Committee extends congratulations to Ron Basso, our April Angel of the Month. Ron graciously gives of his time and talents to GCUMC. He waters and tends plantings on the church grounds and has even purchased trees and plants as replacements. Ron has repaired benches, in addition to purchasing new benches. On Sunday mornings, he helps collect the pew books and gathers stray papers. Thank you, Ron, for your dedication and continuing service to our church

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS Please join in the first portable (#201) every Sunday morning at 10:45am as we continue our discussion-format Sunday School class. Everyone is welcome as we review the scripture and sermon for the week, and then discuss ways to apply it to our everyday lives. For more information, please contact Kim Fisackerly (697-7698; Kfisackerly@cs.com).

LADIES NIGHT OUT GAME NIGHT

Please join us on Monday, April 2nd, at 7 pm in the Serving Room next to the kitchen. Please bring a finger food to share and a personal beverage. We will need to know how many are coming, so please RSVP by Sunday, 4/1 to Kim Fisackerly (Kfisackerly@cs.com).

Gulf Breezes 3 April 2012

Greetings! My name is Roy Engler, and three weeks ago you asked me to be your new Music Director. As I write this, I am in my second full week here, and I am very excited and glad to be here! I have been asked to write a few things about myself:

I live in North Fort Myers with my beautiful wife Be, a dog and two cats. Boarding a few miles away is Be's horse. I am Artistic Director of the Suncoast Chorale, and joyfully, now Choir Director at Gulf Cove United Methodist Church. I have two grown children living Portland Oregon: Paul, a violinist, and Charlotte, a soprano. Life is good! I was educated in composition and music history at the Eastman School of Music, and in church music and choral conducting at Westminster Choir College. As Artistic Director of the Suncoast Chorale, I have come to know and appreciate as choristers former GCUMC music directors Diana Lewellen and Toni Samsel, and I have had several extremely positive experiences working with CGUMC Organist Shirley Spiers, who has been our substitute accompanist on various occasions, and also sings with the group. I am very happy to be working with her regularly now.

Among the churches I have served in my career is the Estero UMC, which I served when Rev. Bill Fisackerly was Pastor there. We had a fine working relationship there which I like to think extended to mutual admiration, trust and friendship. Coming to Gulf Cove United Methodist Church is a bit like coming home for me. I have never been happier to join a church family, and I look forward to getting to know you much better in the years to come. ---Roy

SPRING BARN SALE The United Methodist Men will be having their Barn Sale April 13 & 14. They are looking for useful items (no clothing or books). If you are spring cleaning and have items you would like to donate, please call Al Crosby @ 697-8373 or Rip Shrout @ 766-1918.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL Please join us on Wednesday nights for a chance to grow closer to God and others in our church family. Dinner is served from 5:30- 6:00 pm. The weekly cost is: $3/per Adult; $2/per Child under 12; $10/Family maximum. This month's menu includes:

4/4~ Hot Dogs & Chips 4/11~Grilled Cheese and Soup 4/18~Chicken Patties 4/25~Meatball Subs

Reservation deadline is the previous Sunday--you can list your reservation on the pew attendance pad on Sunday mornings. Clean-up is at 6 pm, then starting at 6:00 pm there are various activities for ALL ages. Children have "Jesus Rocks" with Holly Woods, Dana Hanson and Carol Teague; Irv Hopkins leads our middle and high school students. Plus we have awesome helpers for both groups. For adults at 6:15 pm, we're offering a study on the book "Crazy Love".

For those who prefer an earlier evening, Rev. Bill leads a Bible study at 4:30 pm where they study the scripture text he will be using for the following Sunday's sermon. You can join a study group without having dinner; likewise eat dinner without joining a study group. Please make Wednesday nights a time you spend with your church family so you can feed your body…and soul!

GULF COVE UNITED METHODIST MEN

We meet twice a month for fellowship in the form of devotions, breakfast and business decisions. Come join us 8:00 am at Stefano’s in Englewood.

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News from the Y and C director… I really want to thank everyone for their support of our Psalms 25 Program. Youth Ministry is costly. What is the cost of not teaching our next generation the word of our Lord? It makes good sense to support our youth and spread the word of God to others. Your support of $2.50 a week to Psalms 25 program is an excellent investment. If it seems like too much, why not partner up with another and share it at $1.25 per week. Why so little? Everyone deserves the privilege to help our youth and with the continuing weekly gift, we will have what we need to sustain our Youth Ministries. The inspiration for our Psalms 25 Program is in verse 4 & 5: “Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. (5) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” This is what we try to do by teaching our youth. Some of us donate our money. Some of us donate our time and energy. Some of us say encouraging thing to our youth. Is any more important than the other? Yes. Telling others and to encourage them by participating in our youth ministry is so very important. Jesus Christ is counting on us. With faith in God, I believe the rest will follow. We are powered by the word of God. We love and serve in His name. Let’s go light up our world for His glory and His honor. It’s that Free Will thing.

March Naples Lock In Several youth under the supervision of Marsha Bunyon, Ben Edwards, and myself participated in the S/W Florida District Lock-In at the First Methodist Church of Naples. We had a great experience meeting other young Christians. They heard fine inspirational music by “Civil Parrish”, a band from Orlando. A band member, Micah, gave an inspiring sermon from Romans 8. He quoted verse 1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” Take a moment and read this powerful scripture of Romans 8.

Read it to a teenager. The Bible is excellent direction for our youth. You see, we played games, had fun, but joined together in God’s name. I want all our youth to experience the grace of God at least one more time. It’s that Free Will thing again.

30-Hour Famine The 30-Hour Famine will be held on April 13 starting at noon at the school being their last meal. Our youth will report to the church at 6:00 pm. The event will help world hunger with sponsorship donations. Frankly, I hope you or anyone you know will never go hungry. At the end of the event, Rev. Bill and Kim Fisackerly will provide a meal for the participants at 6:00pm on April 14.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

A Great Way You Can Help a Hurting Friend. Do you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is going through a difficult time? Here's a great

way you can help them--tell them about our Stephen Ministry! Stephen Ministers are members of Gulf Cove United Methodist Church who have received special training to provide high quality, confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with a cancer diagnosis, going through a divorce or separation, battling a chronic illness (or caring for a spouse or parent who is chronically ill), experiencing a great deal of stress, facing the loss of a job -- or encountering any of countless other life challenges. Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receivers to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. (Males are matched with males, and females are matched with females.) The caring relationship lasts for as long as the person needs care. It's free, and it's a powerful way you can help a hurting friend. To learn how to connect someone you know with a Stephen Minister, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders Shirley Smith, (769-0677), Ula Christopher (697-8821), or Rev Bill. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!

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April Birthdays

4/01 Terry Ten Brink 4/02 Caitlyn Flaherty 4/02 Mac Kenzie Flaherty 4/03 Ken Priest 4/03 Calvin Feagans 4/04 Nancy Gebauer 4/04 Brenda Dalton 4/05 Lee Zimmerman 4/05 Janet Chimento 4/05 Steve Beimer 4/08 Mary-Lou Byers 4/08 April Chattinger 4/10 John Coleman 4/11 Jonnie Webber 4/12 Cathy Edwards 4/14 Bob Knorr 4/14 John Zink 4/15 Joan Raub 4/17 Eleanor Kotula 4/18 Ethan Grossenbacher 4/21 Tripp Ester 4/22 Donna Palmer 4/23 Sandra Sullivan 4/23 Lynda Rogers 4/24 Lynne Gill 4/24 Keith Robert 4/25 Mary Beimer 4/25 Kellie Brown 4/26 Diane Graham 4/26 Jerry Hamilton 4/27 Bobbie Indermaur 4/28 Phil Sokolich 4/28 Don Matson 4/28 Marci Storey 4/28 Kaitlin Lesinski 4/30 Libby Moninger 4/30 John Mills 4/30 Lester Miller

April Anniversaries 4/01 Ray & Sue Pickell 4/02 John & Suzanne Ludwig 4/03 Todd & Hellen Kimsey 4/03 Pat & Betty Hansell 4/04 Don & Marilyn Baker 4/06 Ronnie & Rosie Rivenbark 4/07 John & Elizabeth Orcutt 4/07 John & Betty Coleman 4/08 Ralph & Helen Barnard 4/15 Tiny & Dot Townsend 4/17 Tippy & Maxine Burgess 4/20 Peter & Eva Brodie 4/24 Jim & Elaine Inman 4/30 Jim & Jan Shea

VOLUNTEER PERKS Celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 15-21 this year) by meeting a need in your church or community.

Volunteering not only helps the people we serve. It also has surprising benefits for the volunteer. Serving others builds social and relational skills, increases self-confidence and boosts physical health. Studies show that volunteering can even ease chronic pain and heart disease.

So do yourself — and others — some good by following Jesus’ example of serving. Volunteer at your church or visit local communities in the area. For all our people that are volunteering, Happy Volunteer Week and thank you for everything you do!

FUNDING GOD’S MINISTRY

GULF COVE UMC INCOME & EXPENSES FOR MONTH OF FEB 2012 

TOTAL INCOME  YTD 

$35,943.29 $74,977.11

OPERATING EXPENSE  $8,005.96 

EDUCATION/NURTURE   $1,182.84 

APPORTIONMENTS  $4,659.49 

STAFF SUPPORT  $18,856.89

MORTGAGE  $1,571.18 

TOTAL EXPENSES  $34,276.36  $65,902.97

SURPLUS/DEFICIT  $1,666.93  $9,074.14 

RESERVE FUND  $12,945.62

Mortgage Balance March 1, 2012 $99,588.35

GULF BREEZES NEWSLETTER Reminder to those here and those heading north, now that the newsletter is on line at www.gulfcoveumc.org we do not mail newsletters unless you

request one by calling the church office to specifically ask for it to be mailed or are already on our mailing list.

Scriptures April 2012 April 8 2012

EASTER Journey to Hope – When You’re At the Cemetery

Mark 16:1-8

April 15 2012 Death and Taxes –

or Easter and Hope? Matthew 17:22-27

April 22 2012 Where to Find Forgiveness

Luke 24:36b-48

April 29 2012 Let Love Be Measured

1 John 3:16-24

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Calendar HighlightsApril 2 7:00pm Monday Ladies’ Night Out #103

April 3 8:00am Tuesday GCUM Men's Breakfast

5:30pm My Brother’s Table

Closet of Hope P#204

April 5 7:00pm Thursday Holy Thursday Service

April 6 Friday Office Closed

7:00pm Good Friday Service

April 7 9:00-11:00am Saturday My Brother’s Table

9:30-12pm Closet of Hope P#204

April 8 7:00am Sunday Sunrise Service

8:00am Easter Traditional Service

9:30am Easter Contemporary Service

11:00am Easter Traditional Service

April 9 7:00pm Monday Education Meeting P#201

April 10 6:30pm Tuesday Trustee Meeting #114

7:00pm Stephen Ministry #109/110

April 12 6:00pm Thursday Security for House of Worship

April 13 8:00-4:00pm Friday Men’s Barn Sale

12:00pm 30-Hour Famine Begins

April 14 8:00-4:00pm Saturday Men’s Barn Sale

April 16 12:00pm Monday Newsletter Deadline

7:00pm Finance Meeting #114

April 17 8:00am Tuesday GCUM Men's Breakfast

April 18 2:30pm Wednesday Inglenook Visitation

5:30pm My Brother’s Table

Closet of Hope P#204

April 20 10:00am Friday Comfort Connection

April 21 9:00-11:00am Saturday My Brother’s Table

9:30-12pm Closet of Hope P#204

April 23 7:00pm Monday Ad. Council Meeting

April 24 7:00pm Tuesday Stephen Ministry #109/110

April 24 to May 4 General Conference, Tampa

Sundays:

8:00am Traditional Service 9:00am Younger Ringers P#203 9:30am Contemporary Service

Seekers II Sunday School P#201 Kids Sunday School #108,109,111

10:45am Adult Sunday School P#201 11:00am Traditional Service

Youth Bible Blast #109/110 4:00pm Overeaters’ Anonymous P#201

Mondays: 7:30pm AA Support Group #109/110

Tuesdays: 1:00pm Friend to Friend #109/110 5:30pm Praise Team Sanctuary 7:00pm Al-Anon P#201

Wednesdays: 12:00pm Weekly Bulletin Deadline

4:30pm Pastor’s Bible Study P#2015:30pm Food for the Soul Dinner 6:00pm Youth P#206

Jesus Rocks #109/1106:15pm Crazy Love Study P#2018:00pm AA Support Group #109/110

Thursdays: 8:00am Sawdust Boys 9:00am Crafty Ladies Oak’s Cove6:00pm Girl Scouts (2nd & 3rd ) #1085:00pm Hand bell Practice P#2036:30pm Choir Rehearsal P#203

United Methodist Church

1100 McCall Road Port Charlotte, Florida 33981