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FEBRUARY 9, 2020 - 2:00 - 5:30 PM

PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LEADERSHIP

PARENTING EXPERT & BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

CHILDREN NEED THE SIGNIFICANT ADULTS IN THEIR LIVES—PARENTS,

TEACHERS, CAREGIVERS—TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE TWO "L-WORDS" OF LOVE AND LEADERSHIP. IN THE CASE OF LOVE,

IT MUST BE UNCONDITIONAL. IN THE CASE OF LEADERSHIP, IT MUST BE

UNEQUIVOCAL. IN THIS OFTEN HUMOROUS AND

THOUGHT-PROVOKING SEMINAR, FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST JOHN ROSEMOND DESCRIBES THE CONTEMPORARY

PARENTING CONUNDRUM IN CLEAR, COMPELLING TERMS AND THEN

DESCRIBES A PRACTICAL, TESTED SOLUTION. HE TEACHES HOW TO

MOTIVATE MAXIMUM CHILD COMPLIANCE. NO MATTER THE SETTING, BY USING

"LEADERSHIP SPEECH."

TICKETS $25/COUPLE; $15/PERSON

TICKET INFO: CHRISTVENICE.WUFOO.COM/FORMS/

Z1509CPRo3JC6L6/

All or Nothing The culture says that unless you accept someone’s sexual expression you do not love them. It goes so far as to accuse you of hating them. It is an all or nothing premise that leaves many people in a difficult situation with family and friends who claim to be LGBT. We have several families in the church that struggle with this very thing. How do you remain true to what the Scripture says about marriage and sexuality without giving up on the ones you love? Pastor Val is living in this tension. Here is what she writes:

About 7 years ago, before a family picnic was to take place, our oldest

granddaughter contacted Glenn and I to say she had some news she wanted to share when she arrived. Social media gave us clues as to

what the news would be. She arrived at the picnic with a female friend and while I was preparing some food, she came into the kitchen to tell

me that they were partners. I wasn’t surprised, but deeply saddened. She is our oldest grandchild and we love her dearly! She holds a very

special place in our hearts. She asked what I thought of her news knowing that I believed in God.

My words to her were basically that I did not believe this was God’s

plan for her life and that biblically it was wrong. But I also told her that she would always be our granddaughter and we would always love

her no matter what. And that’s what I believe God calls us to do, to love everyone he puts in our path no matter what sin they may be guilty

of. He calls us to shine the light of His way, and to be living examples in all that we say and do. I too, am a sinner saved by grace and

because grace was extended to me by loving Christians, I’m a Jesus follower today! To this day, we continue to have a loving and respectful

relationship with our granddaughter and her family and God has

provided opportunities for us to share our faith with them. The rest is in God’s capable hands.

The good news is you do not have to choose one or the other. The “All or Nothing” premise from the culture is a lie. Jesus was famous for being the friend of “sinners and tax collectors”. He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). As His followers, we are to be full of grace and truth as well. We can love everyone and hold out the truth of God’s Word at the same time. The Good News is that He offers forgiveness and transformation to everyone who asks. If you are in a similar situation, then simply ask Jesus to fill you with His grace and truth. He will give you all you need to handle any situation.

In Christ, Pastor Mike

You may know that here at Christ Venice our Mission is “to help inspire and equip people to say Yes to Jesus!” What you may not know is that we invite people to say Yes to Jesus all over the world. Thanks to your generous support we currently partner with 35 global and local ministries. This February the 19th-23rd you will have an opportunity to see and celebrate how God’s love is extending “Beyond Borders.” This year, 5 Global missionaries will be joining us to share about their unique ministry settings, including: Liberia, Haiti, Panama, India, and China. Wednesday, February 19, 5pm Missionary Panel Discussion with Q&A, followed by dinner in

Memorial Hall. Thursday, February 20 Missionaries will be speaking at various small groups, and Bible

studies. Please contact Pastor Matt, if you or your small group would like to participate.

Friday, February 21, 7pm Worship and Commissioning Service with missionaries.

Fellowship Dessert afterwards in Memorial Hall. Saturday, February 22, 6pm Annual Charity Banquet with Keynote Speakers. All proceeds go

to support local and global outreach. Tickets will be sold starting Feb. 1st.

Sunday, February 23 Jerry Smith, Global Missionary and Founder of LifeQuest

Ministries, will be speaking at all 3 services at Christ Venice. We look forward to seeing you at the Festival and thank you for your continued generosity, as we spread God’s Love Beyond Borders!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey

everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20).

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BIRTHDAYS Mary Sue David 02/01 Linda Kulas 02/01 Thomas Shrader 02/01 Jeb Shrader 02/01 Arloine Ellis 02/02 Tyler Gardner 02/02 Marie Paolantonio 02/02 Scott Barrett 02/03 Emilee Barrett 02/03 John Brandenberger 02/03 David Porter 02/03 Paige Carfield 02/04 Don Knerr 02/04 Roy Mason 02/04 Shirley Thompson 02/04 Charles Jackson 02/05 Patsy Graham 02/06 Shirley Wansaw 02/06 Jeanne Messner 02/07 James Murdock Jr. 02/07 Ryan Schmidt 02/07 Curtis Ball 02/08 Brittany Coleman 02/08 Barbara Lawhun 02/09

Danette McNelis 02/09 Alexa Pittala 02/09 Nick Heimann 02/10 Hal Loud 02/10 Bill Honn 02/11 Marian Pieters 02/13 Karen Theise 02/13 Donna Ward 02/13 Joy Adams 02/14 Joanne Fillman 02/14 Judith Kurinsky 02/14 Edward Kurpaska Jr. 02/14 Rachael Matthew 02/14 Tonya Sauppe 02/14 Dawn Spokowski 02/14 June Withers 02/14 Tom Gould 02/15 Phyllis Gaylor 02/17 Kay Kell 02/17 Josh Morley 02/17 Norma Hahn 02/18 Lora Halpin 02/18 Anita Patterson 02/18 Joan Walz 02/19 Melanie Billingsley 02/20

Marilyn Jones 02/20 Sharon Moitis 02/20 Virginia Parrish 02/20 Jeff Vandegrift 02/20 Matt Eichert 02/21 Donna Fernandes 02/21 Wayne Schuetz 02/21 David Diehl 02/22 Jane Pack 02/22 Ginny Schultz 02/22 Shaun Coleman 02/23 Jack Knapp 02/23 Elliott Kresse 02/23 John Chadwick Jr. 02/24 August Cheesman 02/24 Joyce McKenna 02/24 Ray Rodgers 02/24 Richard Sabrosky 02/25 Bob Branham 02/27 Abby Blevins 02/28 Joe Geremia 02/28 Mary Greiner 02/28 Donna Pavlovich 02/29 William Reiter 02/29

ANNIVERSARIES Jeffrey & Linda Garrahan 02/03 Sam & Betty Tennant 02/03 Paul & Gerri Weldon 02/03 Jeff & Tiffany Twigg 02/04 Sean & Amanda Ruehr 02/10 Lyle & Connie Austin 02/11 Jack & Jeanne Sargent 02/12

Leighton & Karen Quinn 02/14 Chad & Deanna Drobisch 02/16 Robert & Romaine Parkinson 02/18 Mick & Dianne Varvel 02/18 Steve & Dianna Hale 02/21 Brent & Stacy Pinkerton 02/21 Mike & Sue Craig 02/27

Christ UMC Scholarship Fund Please consider celebrating your birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion by “Giving a Gift” of $5.00 or more to the Christ UMC Scholarship Fund. Last year, your generosity allowed us to award several scholarships to our well-deserving students. Thank you!

OK, WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN? You're why we have Stephen Ministry. It's tough to face problems alone but a lot easier to handle when you can share what's bothering you with a Caring Christian friend. Our people are trained to listen, remain non-judgmental, encourage and support those in time of need. We're the ones who can walk beside you as long as it takes for you to get back on your feet. Tell a Stephen Minister with a blue name badge that you need help. Or call a Stephen Leader to privately discuss your problem. A Stephen Minister can be paired with you to spend an hour a week as long as you need, and everything said will be held in complete confidence. There's a four step process for dealing with feelings: recognize, accept, express and trust. Once you can recognize you have the problem, accept you do, are able to talk about it and finally trust your Stephen Minister to be there for you, the healing can take place. Remember, We care, God cures. For more information call a Stephen Leader: Sherry Del Giorno 410-274-4301, Dave Hinckley 412-551-1127, Don Paull 303-6392 or Deb Sauter 218-393-9623 S

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We extend our deepest Christian sympathy to the following friends and join together in an expression of love at this time.

The family and friends of Marjorie Bingman

The family and friends of Ed Griffiths

Buddy & Susan Royston in the death of his step-mother

Shaun & Holly Coleman in the death of his sister

Paula Grubb in the death of her husband, Wayne Grubb

Howard & Irene Spalding in the death of his son

Donna Pavlovich in the death of her father

The family and friends of Russ Jaderholm

Thank you to all our Bellringers—great job and so many wonderful blessing stories. Hope you will share these stories and encourage others to ring next year and enjoy their own blessings. A special thank you to Christ Laurel folks and to the Journeymen group. Everyone showed true hearts on fire for our Lord, what a great way to show the love of Jesus through service and a kind word. With heart filled gratitude and love, your sister in Christ,

Bobbie Allen

Free Seminar, Tuesday, Feb 11 A seminar on how to maximize your tax efficient charitable giving will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 1:00pm in Rooms 22-23 of Memorial Hall. The seminar will address such topics as developing plans with qualified charitable deductions, tax-free portfolio diversification, and converting non-productive property into income generating assets. The free seminar will be provided by Reid Hartsfield, a certified financial planner with two decades of experience serving the North Florida area. This informative talk is open to the public and offered free of charge, but reservations are requested. To register, email Janie Reeves at: janie@mclureoil.com, or by calling: 404-432-5001.

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The Bible Verse Bee is back again!

Start planning NOW! Gather a team of 4-8 and join Christ Kids in a friendly competition of Bible verse memory. It can be a group of friends or a Sunday School Class or small group.

Sunday, March 8, 5:30-7:00pm Not up to compete? Come watch and cheer the teams on! Tickets are $5 and will go toward raising money for summer camp scholarships for the kids. Contact Becky Diefenbach for more information or to sign up a team. Information packets with the competition Bible verses are also available in the church office.

Information Meeting, Sunday, Feb 2 and Feb 5 We are “Saying Yes to Jesus” by continuing to build relationships with the people of Volcan, Panama. This beautiful town is in the mountains of western Panama about an hour outside of David. While in Panama, we will do medical clinics, light construction, and work with children. Join us for an informational meeting on Sunday, February 2 at 10am in Room 13 or Tuesday, February 5 at 6:45 pm in Room 25. If you are interested in going to Panama, but can’t make either meeting, you can also email or call Kristin Mikarts at mikartsk@gmail.com or 941-468-1817.

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DISCOVER FLORIDA AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER! Thursday, March 26

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the only place on earth where you can tour launch areas, meet/lunch with a veteran astronaut, and see giant rockets. Your tour in addition to the Center includes IMAX space films, all exhibits and shows. $125 per person includes admission, lunch with an Astronaut, and lots of walking. Informational flyers are available for pick-up at the Connection Desks. Call All-Around Charters and Tours now to make your reservation! 941-488-9393

ACTIVE SINGLES & SOLOS KAYAKING

Would you like to connect with other CUMC KAYAKERS and explore the natural beauty of this area? Bjohn Velander, of Venice, naturalist, and guide will share information about the nature we are paddling and floating by. We are planning our trips for the third Thursday of each month, Feb 20, Mar 19, and Apr 16. We will kayak from 10am -12noon. They provide kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. You bring water, water shoes, hat and a snack for yourself. Please make a reservation by sending a check of $25 made out to Bjorn Velander and send it to Elaine Sinclair-Fowler, 153 Tiziano Way, North Venice, FL 34275. For questions, please text or call Elaine at 802 318 1976.

ALL STATES DINNER

What state will have the largest representation at the 2020 All States Dinner? Come and support your home state, March 13, 6pm in Memorial Hall. Enjoy a dinner menu of chicken breast cordon bleu, potato roulade, green beans with pearl onions, and apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream! You will also enjoy the music you love and the way you remember it with Stephen Ditchfield from the renowned Ditchfield Family Singers, presenting “The Music of Your Life.” Tickets on sale Feb 16 – Mar 1. $12 They sell out fast!

THE TRAVEL CLUB

An exciting trip in mid-October is coming together for The Travel Club! Watch for all of the details coming soon. Hint…..water, light houses, and islands. Where is it? Contact Nancy Kinney, Prime Time Discover Florida & Travel Club Coordinator. 941-408-9798, nancy.kinney@comcast.net

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Greetings Christ UMC Family, I hope your year is going great so far! At the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, they are going great guns and already preparing for their annual “Day on Campus.” Last year we had a small group that attended, and it was a very enjoyable day. I am hoping that we can more than double the number that went last year. Following are some of the details: Saturday, March 28th. Gates open at 9:00am for tram tours of the campus and go until 11:00. At 9:30 three educational breakout sessions occur. They are: Foster Care,

Planned Giving and Trauma-Informed Ministry. We must RSVP for these classes.

At 11:00 everyone will gather in the gym for testimonials, awards, music, dance, etc. The program provides an opportunity to celebrate the amazing things that God continues to do through ministries of the Children’s Home.

At 12:00, lunch will be provided on the grounds. At 12:30 the tours resume with many of the cottages also open for tours. This is a 35-year tradition of the Children’s Home and is a way for them to give back to their supporters and show how they have grown over the years. Our district is one of those being specifically invited to the Day on Campus, so let’s make them proud! If you are interested in attending please contact me at my email address, which is: Cindyee@verizon.net. I must RSVP for our group by March 6th and this includes which breakout session you may want to attend. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Cindy Eaton – Children’s Home Local Representative

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Families with young children now account for up to 40 percent of homeless Americans. Being without a safe, warm place to sleep, eat and care for children and being without the security of familiar people and belongings—this is HOMELESSNESS. If you would like to volunteer with Family Promise or would like more information, individual contacts are listed here: Preparing Meals - Carole Bonanno, 941-375-8883 Hosting - Lynda Graves, 941-493-3764 Laundry - Chris Hudson, 941-484-9377 Set-Up / Tear-Down - Dave & Beth Levan, 941-493-4706 Overnights - Fred & Karen Wolf, 843-340-3551 Family Promise Coordinators - Fred & Karen Wolf, 843-340-3551 2020 Dates: April 5-11, September 27-October 3, November 8-14

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is? You pass it 2 – 8 times a week and what do you know about it? I am talking

about the Child Development Center that we drive past coming to church on Sunday and throughout the week. Our Children’s Ministry through this center has been serving the families of Venice since it opened in 1990. It will celebrate 30 years in August. Anita Burton, has taught at the school for 22 years and became director in 2008. Her love for children is very evident and under her leadership, the center has received high ranking from the Sarasota Early Learning Coalition and Sarasota County Health Dept. The children ages 6 weeks to 5 years are cared for in a loving atmosphere with rates more affordable for working mothers. It currently has an enrollment of 40. On a daily basis children have a schedule of learning and growing together through play including science, blocks, art, literature, learning about the love of Jesus and how special we are in His eyes….gymnastics at the YMCA on Wednesday and Chapel with Ms. Cheryl (Smith) every Thursday. Recently new playground equipment was added with money raised from a fundraiser and donations from the church. There is a need for 3 new computers, one for the office and two more for classrooms. Also, tablets for the 3 year old room, furniture in classrooms need to be updated and they always are in need of art supplies and snacks. Here’s an opportunity for us to help with the funds needed for this project.

On April 4 at Noon in Memorial Hall, there will be a luncheon and fashion show (fashions by Island Way Boutique on Venice Island). Mark your calendar for April 4 – tickets will be $25.00 which includes lunch and the fashion show. Members of the Development Center Board of Directors will be selling tickets beginning in March. Come join the fun and support the Center.

In 2014, a group of mothers gave this framed picture to Anita Burton in appreciation for the Center. These 5 children were labeled “the fabulous five” because they started in the infant room and went all the way through to VPK (Voluntary Pre-K) A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

SAVE THE DATE!!! WHAT: “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD”, EASTER CANTATA, BY LLOYD LARSON with CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA! WHEN: APRIL 5, 2020 AT 9:00AM and 11:00AM services! WHERE: CHRIST VENICE SANCTUARY CALLING ALL SINGERS!!! CHOIR REHEARSALS HELD ON WEDNESDAYS AT 6:45PM! The choir is always looking for new members. If you love to praise the Lord with singing, this opportunity is for you. PRAISE ORCHESTRA REHEARSALS, THURSDAYS AT 11:15AM IN THE SANCTUARY!!! Did you play an instrument in high school or college and would like to play again? Our Christ Venice Praise Orchestra is looking for some new players to join us. This is your chance to play with a group of musicians who love Jesus. JOYFUL SOUND, WE NEED YOU! We are looking for early bird singers for our 7:30AM service. Joyful Sound sings two Sundays each month. We need all voice parts. Please contact Cheryl Smith at cheryl@christvenice.com.

Please contact Cheryl Smith for more information at cheryl@christvenice.com or (941) 493-7504.

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THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN was organized over 150 years ago and is the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Their vision is turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth in the United States and more than 100 countries around the world. Members raise up to $20 million each year for programs and projects.

UMW UNIT MEETING and MONTHLY LUNCHEON will be held on Tuesday, February 18, in Memorial Hall hosted by the Elizabeth Circle. The program is "Salvation Army After School" and a Love Offering will be taken for it. Lunch is provided $5.00 per person, first time guest is free, please make your reservation with Ruthie Setterlund, 941-408­7744. ALL WOMEN are welcome, invite a friend and please come.

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Small Group/Sunday School Fair On Sunday, January 12th, our small group leaders and Sunday school teachers gathered in Memorial Hall to share information on all the classes and small groups available to help us grow in holiness of heart and life here at Christ Venice. It was fantastic to see the excitement that was generated while folks chatted with leaders, gathered information, and fellowshipped over coffee and donuts. If you missed that opportunity, there are info cards at Connection Point which provide all the information you need to join a Sunday school class or small group. You may also contact me at val@christvenice.com for more information.

Volunteer Showcase: The Praise Orchestra One of many blessings we have at Christ Venice is our Praise Orchestra that performs at the 11AM worship service each Sunday. They are a committed group of 10 to 12 musicians who utilize their God-given gifts each week who help us worship and experience God. They particularly blessed us the night of the Christmas Cantata as they performed a number of beautiful pieces in the church narthex. The Praise Orchestra meets every Thursday morning at 11:15AM to practice for 45 minutes. They accompany the hymn singing on Sunday mornings and occasionally play the prelude to worship. They are active October through April each year. At present, they are working on the Easter cantata to be presented on Palm Sunday at the 9 and 11AM services. Our music director Cheryl Smith is always looking for new musicians, and any students 9th grade through adult are welcome to connect with her about joining the team. Praise Orchestra, thank you for sharing your gifts of music with all of us! Blessings to all, Val

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Keep collecting. Remember Alliance Stamp Ministry is now on the way to the next million to spend on Sunday School material for the Children in Latin America. PLEASE be sure to leave 1/3 to 1/4 of an inch around the stamps. If you cut too close they don't get as much money from them when they sell them to the Stamp Collectors. Contact Joyce Clark, ministry coordinator, for questions or more information.

UNPLANNED, Sunday, March 1, 2:00pm For all those who stand for Life, On Sunday afternoon, March 1 we will show the mov­ie, Unplanned . This is the true story of Abbey Johnson, who ran a Planned Parenthood abortion center until the Holy Spirit, through the prayers of 40 Days for Life outside her clinic, brought her to the realization she could no longer participate in abortion. This would be essential for our high school students and their parents to see. If you, or a friend are not sure about the issue of abortion, this film is a must see. Christ UMC has committed to pray outside the Sarasota abortion facility on Monday, March 30. Participants are asked to give one hour to pray at the site. We will be taking sign-ups soon. After the Fall 40 Days campaign, I was given the book, The Beginning of the End of Abortion. As I read the stories of 40 Days campaigns across the US and around the world, I found myself humbled and spurred on with a greater passion to preserve the life of innocents. I have reserved the chapel each Mon morning at 10am in February and March for prayer. We will hear a story or two from the book and then pray. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.” Our min­istry needs to be covered with prayer. For questions or more information, call Rhonda Eynon 913-486-6729.

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Men’s ministry is an important part of the life at Christ Venice. With that in mind, we have a Journeymen’s group. We meet on the 2nd Saturday at 8:00am and on the 4th Monday at 6:30pm each month. We are doing a study by Chip Ingram entitled True Spirituality, Becoming a Romans 12 Christian. So far it is getting great reviews. We are striving to build strong relationships and have some fun in fellowship and service together. We want to thank the men and their spouses that helped us staff two days of bell ringing for our Salvation Army and the men who helped with a member’s home repair, both in December. This would be a great time to come and check us out or pray about whom you might invite to join us. The vision for Journeymen is to provide the men of Christ Venice and other men in the community:

An Opportunity to grow and live out their faith An Opportunity to Make a Difference in the lives of others An Opportunity to say YES to Jesus

We are striving to build our faith through service, study and fellowship. We look forward to providing a “place” for the men of the church to grow in holiness of heart and life. If you have questions give us a call. Contacts: Blair Post, 941-286-4970 and Nathan Skjerseth, 563-940-7293