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In GOD we trust!Grace Notes Office: 904-829-8272 Fax 904-829-8201 8 Carrera Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: gracestaugustine.org Our Mission Statement: “Help people find life in Jesus Christ.” AUGUST 2016 STAFF: Revs. David & Carolyn Williamson, Co-Lead Pastors Peggy Namie, Office Administrator Nataliya Birmingham, Church Treasurer Mike Sanflippo, Music Director Robert Meade, Organist Jason Forrest, Contemporary Music Director Zach Grant, Youth Minister Martha Yamnitz, Childrens Ministry Amanda Richter, Nursery Aendant Supervisor Theresa Braxton, Nursery Aendant Bob Rusin, Property Maintenance Manager Peggy Namie, AM Facility Cleaner Barbara McColskey, Deaf Interpreter Jusn Abdulghani—Sound Tech Mildred Thomas, Audiovisual Tech—Volunteer Gary Hare, Head Usher—Volunteer Peter Jimenez, Bullen Cover Graphic Design—Volunteer Grace United Methodist Church 8 Carrera Street St. Augusne, FL 32084 OUR AUGUST MISSION OFFERING — GRACE UMC CAMPUS TO CITY WESLEY MINISTRY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THIS NEWSLETTER *Please use your mission envelope when giving. Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are sent out via email unless you request otherwise. Printed copies of Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are available at the church or via mail (upon request). You may also view the newsleer at gracestaugusne.org . Dear Grace Church Family, We ancipate August being a beauful month for grace-filled ministry! Our 100 day season of discernment will be finishing at the end of August. Well be asking the 74 people parcipang in the prayer and dialogue triplets (plus anyone in the church who has been praying along the way) to write down the top five to seven insights or discernments about Gods fu- ture for our congregaon they agree upon and turn them in to the church office by August 31. This informaon will be col- lated to form the basis for three potenal future stories for Grace church. We will have our next Church Wide Gathering on Sunday, September 11 at 5:00 p.m. to share this informaon and celebrate what God has been saying to us during these 100 days of discernment. The guide for prayer and discernment that weve been using during these 100 days is available on the Media page of the church website and printed copies are available at the entrances of the sanctuary. Its never too late to join in and pray! Maybe you didnt know this, but there are no closed meengs at Grace Church with the excepon of our Staff Parish Rela- ons Commiee meengs. There are people who are elected at our annual Charge Conference in the fall to serve on differ- ent commiees and teams, but our meengs are open to anyone who would like to aend, share ideas and learn what is happening. When our ministry teams and commiees are working right, we are equipping and empowering all Gods peo- ple to embrace and use their giſts for ministry. Beginning in August, the Churchs Nominaon and Leader Development Team will be meeng to look at the needs for church leadership and commiee members for 2017. There is a list of serving opportunies with brief descripon on the Ministry page of the Church website, as well as a printed version at the entrance of the sanctuary. Now is the me to pray about the possibility that God may want you to lead or serve on one of the Churchs ministry teams. Dont wait to be asked, contact Pastor Dave about this. We will be elecng new church leadership at our Charge Conference this fall (date TBA). August is also the month for Back to School.The parents cheer, and the kids cry! Be sure the check out the End of Sum- mer Celebraonhosted by our childrens ministry on August 3. Well also be having a special me of prayer for our kids and teachers in worship on August 8. Students at Flagler College will be returning on August 25 and we are hosng the Wave of Faithon the West Lawn at Flagler College that day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then on Sunday August 28 we will be extending a special invitaon to Flagler students to join us for worship and Welcome Brunch at 10:15 a.m. This is the perfect opportunity for us to say: We are a church interested in the lives of college students. Weve got an open door for you. We will love you and help you pursue your passion.And those are just the highlights! August will definitely be a beauful month of grace-filled ministry! We are so grateful to be a part of it all with you. Pastors Dave and Carolyn

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Page 1: OUR AUGUST MISSION OFFERING — GRA E UM …storage.cloversites.com › graceunitedmethodistchurch6...3rd Linda Evans, Thelma Satayavinit, Ann ampbell st 5th Kaiya Norman, Judy Storey

“In GOD we trust!”

Grace Notes

Office: 904-829-8272 Fax 904-829-8201

8 Carrera Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: gracestaugustine.org

Our Mission Statement:

“Help people find life in Jesus Christ.”

AUGUST 2016 STAFF: Revs. David & Carolyn Williamson, Co-Lead Pastors

Peggy Namie, Office Administrator Nataliya Birmingham, Church Treasurer Mike Sanflippo, Music Director Robert Meade, Organist

Jason Forrest, Contemporary Music Director Zach Grant, Youth Minister Martha Yamnitz, Children’s Ministry

Amanda Richter, Nursery Attendant Supervisor Theresa Braxton, Nursery Attendant

Bob Rusin, Property Maintenance Manager Peggy Namie, AM Facility Cleaner Barbara McColskey, Deaf Interpreter Justin Abdulghani—Sound Tech

Mildred Thomas, Audiovisual Tech—Volunteer Gary Hare, Head Usher—Volunteer Peter Jimenez, Bulletin Cover Graphic Design—Volunteer

Grace United Methodist Church 8 Carrera Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

OUR AUGUST MISSION OFFERING — GRACE UMC CAMPUS TO CITY WESLEY MINISTRY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN THIS NEWSLETTER *Please use your mission envelope when giving.

Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are sent out via email unless you request otherwise. Printed copies of Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are available at the church

or via mail (upon request). You may also view the newsletter at gracestaugustine.org .

Dear Grace Church Family, We anticipate August being a beautiful month for grace-filled ministry! Our 100 day season of discernment will be finishing at the end of August. We’ll be asking the 74 people participating in the prayer and dialogue triplets (plus anyone in the church who has been praying along the way) to write down the top five to seven insights or discernments about God’s fu-ture for our congregation they agree upon and turn them in to the church office by August 31. This information will be col-lated to form the basis for three potential future stories for Grace church. We will have our next Church Wide Gathering on Sunday, September 11 at 5:00 p.m. to share this information and celebrate what God has been saying to us during these 100 days of discernment. The guide for prayer and discernment that we’ve been using during these 100 days is available on the Media page of the church website and printed copies are available at the entrances of the sanctuary. It’s never too late to join in and pray! Maybe you didn’t know this, but there are no closed meetings at Grace Church with the exception of our Staff Parish Rela-tions Committee meetings. There are people who are elected at our annual Charge Conference in the fall to serve on differ-ent committees and teams, but our meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend, share ideas and learn what is happening. When our ministry teams and committees are working right, we are equipping and empowering all God’s peo-ple to embrace and use their gifts for ministry. Beginning in August, the Church’s Nomination and Leader Development Team will be meeting to look at the needs for church leadership and committee members for 2017. There is a list of serving opportunities with brief description on the Ministry page of the Church website, as well as a printed version at the entrance of the sanctuary. Now is the time to pray about the possibility that God may want you to lead or serve on one of the Church’s ministry teams. Don’t wait to be asked, contact Pastor Dave about this. We will be electing new church leadership at our Charge Conference this fall (date TBA). August is also the month for “Back to School.” The parents cheer, and the kids cry! Be sure the check out the “End of Sum-mer Celebration” hosted by our children’s ministry on August 3. We’ll also be having a special time of prayer for our kids and teachers in worship on August 8. Students at Flagler College will be returning on August 25 and we are hosting the “Wave of Faith” on the West Lawn at Flagler College that day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then on Sunday August 28 we will be extending a special invitation to Flagler students to join us for worship and Welcome Brunch at 10:15 a.m. This is the perfect opportunity for us to say: “We are a church interested in the lives of college students. We’ve got an open door for you. We will love you and help you pursue your passion.” And those are just the highlights! August will definitely be a beautiful month of grace-filled ministry! We are so grateful to be a part of it all with you. Pastors Dave and Carolyn

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AUGUST MEETINGS: NOMINATIONS & LEADER DEVELOPMENT MEETING—Monday, August 8th at 11am in Room #4

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING—Tuesday, August 9th at 11am in Room #4 SPRC MEETING—Thursday, August 11th at 1pm in Room #4 WORSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING—Thursday, August 18th at 6:30pm in

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER For more information, contact: Jack Amole: [email protected]; 904-553-5355 Sue Amole: [email protected]; 904-553-8536 Roger Carlson: [email protected]; 240-483-7183

ST. FRANCIS HOUSE DINNER PREP You are invited to come help prepare a meal in the GUMC Kitchen. This meal is then delivered and served off-site the second Thursday and the last Tuesday of each month from 4-6pm in the GUMC Kitchen. If you are interested in helping or want more information, contact Ben Gambino, 917-536-7247, [email protected] . The dates for August are the: 11th and 30th.

DINING WITH DIGNITY The August Dining with Dignity will be held on Friday, August 19th at 6pm. You are invited to come help do any or all of the following: help set-up, prepare, serve, and clean up after the meal. If you are interested, contact Mike Osgood, 904-377-2686, [email protected] .

MUSIC AT GRACE ... Saturday, August 6: 5pm Music @ Grace in the sanctuary

Mertz in meinem Herzen

The Guitar Music of Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856)

Loren C. Fortna, Classical Guitar

Free-will Offering

GET INVOLVED WITH MISSIONS AT GRACE THIS SUMMER

Busy Fingers— This group meets every Thursday afternoon to knit or crochet scarves, hats, and blankets to bless those in need of healing and prayer. Contact Vee: [email protected] Congregational Care—This group extends care, friendship, and visitation with members who can no longer get to worship regularly. Contact Becky: [email protected] Dining with Dignity—Help prepare, serve, and clean up after a meal for the homeless in our community on the 3rd Friday of each month. Contact Mike: [email protected] Homeless Coalition Donations—All kinds of household items and clothing can be donated year round. Look for the box in the Breezeway. Also, volunteers are needed to transfer donated goods to the Coalition each week. Contact Eileen: [email protected] St. Francis House Dinner—Help prepare, deliver, and serve a meal for the St. Francis House Homeless Mission on the 2nd Thursday and the last Tuesday of each month. Contact Ben: [email protected] School Supplies and Backpack Drive—In mid to late summer purchase school supplies and/or a backpack and leave them in the box in the breezeway. Collected items will be distributed to those who struggle to get the basic supplies needed for school. Contract Mildred: [email protected]

YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST: August 3rd—End of Summer Extravaganza!

August 10th—Regular Youth starts again for the school year August 17th, 24th, 31st— 6:30—8pm Youth Contact Zach Grant 904-540-1410 for more details.

DIALOGUE & PRAYER TRIPLETS August 31 is the deadline for turning in the top five to seven insights or discernments about God’s future for our congregation. These are to be turned in to the church Office. SEPTEMBER 8th Church Council Meeting 6:30pm SEPTEMBER 10th Church Council Meeting with George Bullard 9-10:30am SEPTEMBER 11th Church-wide Gathering Celebrating What God’s Been Saying to Us 5-6:30pm

BUSY FINGERS Busy Fingers will resume meeting on Thursdays for the month of August at 1pm in the Wesley Room...Do you enjoy handwork or would like to learn to knit or crochet? Please join them. Elaine, Shirley, Pam, Peggy S., Martha H., and Vee will be glad to see and help you. Our shawls, baby blankets, and afghans are available for anyone in the church or friend of a church member. Contact Vee for more information, [email protected] .

CHOIR IS STARTING UP AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER—MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Choir Rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 7th.

“The person who sings prays twice.” Have you wondered about singing in the choir? Now is the time! Come and sing with us beginning Wednesday, September 7th at 7pm in the Sanctuary. We prepare weekly anthems and special service music to augment the worship experience. No worries if you’re new to this; we’ll help! Come and sing God’s praises with us!

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FIRST WEDNESDAY COMMUNITY DINNERS Our First Wednesday Community Dinners have been a big hit. Many people have commented on how much they enjoy getting to know different people. We have welcomed people from out of town that were riding the trolley and came in, homeless friends, neighbors, and college students. We are taking a break in August. We look forward to seeing you when we start again on September 7th at 6:30pm (new time).

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 3rd Linda Evans, Thelma Satayavinit, Ann Campbell 5th Kaiya Norman, Judy Storey 6th Lewis Qualman, Janet Preble, Dexter Taylor 7th John Beall, Jan Tillotson 8th Doyne Holland 9th Virginia Matthews 14th Aleko Darios 15th Kendra Stone, Madeline Leibin 17th Earline Woods 18th Daniel Hawver,Paula Namie 19th Tom D’Amico, Peggy Storey 21st Judy Riggle, Toby Leibin 22nd Debbie Hagenbuch- Reese 23rd Mike Osgood, Janet Rusin, Leslie VanEkeris 24th Jack Amole 26th Cindy Abate, Virginia Rector, Kristina Santoro 27th Becky Weiss, Julia Williamson 28th Harry H. Daugherty, Carol Magnan 29th Nancy Witt 31st Bill Bryant, Jim Jarrard,

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES 1st Mike & Ann Campbell 22nd Mike and Robin Osgood 24th Gary & Shirley Hare 26th Dan & Mary Rieder 29th Duangnet & Thelma Satayavinit

INTERESTED IN HAVING THE CHURCH DIRECTORY ON YOUR SMART PHONE? You can view the GUMC Directory from an iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire by downloading the free Instant Church Directory Members App. Search for “Instant Church Directory” in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, or email them this link: http://www.instantchurchdirectory.com/app

CIRCLE OF CONCERN Please lift up in prayer: all unspoken prayer requests, Grace United Methodist Church, Phyllis Reed Adzima, Elwyn Kinney, Betty Fleming, Carlos Avilles, Francessca Bellavista, Mark Hunt, Norm Allmen, Claudia Johns, Jason Morehead, Haleigh McKee, Jason Harvey Breeze, James Jarrard, Jr., Judi Smith, Louise Brown, Norman Pickett, Cindy Amy, Elaine Edwards, Judy Kieffer, Rev. Lucy Norton Ponder, Family of John Carl Preble, Family of Patricia Brumfield, Dan Kingston, Marc Anthony Johnston, Vinny Louden, Jean Backlund, Family of Agnes Jurgens Allegro: Fred Grubb Bayview: Elaine Frenzke Bayview—The Pavilion: Don Allen, Isabel Garner Brookdale: Lovie Fox, Maria Schineller Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home: Jim Donnelly Moultrie Creek Nursing & Rehab Center: Elwyn Kinney St. Augustine Health & Rehab: Lila Reyes, Erich Geyer Westminster Woods: Midge Berger In the Military: Phil Smith, Lt. Col.,USAF, Joel Prevatt, US Air Force, Maj. Will Bermeo, Lt Jg. Christopher Bordino-US Navy, Jacob Bradley, M Sgt. Kat Brumfield-US Air Force, Brandon Burnette-US Army, Nicholas Callahan, Brandon W. Clark, Capt. Jimmy Harris—US Army, ISC Ray LeMieux, SSgt Miles Massey/USAF-OSI, Brian Riggenbach, MAC Albert J. Spiess, Master Sgt. Justin Smarr, CTR Mark Spurling, Jr., Jason Strohmetz, Thessalomica Vila-Navy, Tom Wetmore, John Young, Jr., Haley Parks, USAF

MISSION OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST: CAMPUS TO CITY WESLEY FOUNDATION

Campus to City Wesley Foundation is the United Methodist multi-campus ministry in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and the surrounding area. Our vision to establish a presence on every campus in the Northeast Florida region. We want to raise up a new generation of young adults who will live out the restorative vision of the reign of God in every area of life and throughout the world. We desire to fulfill the ancient words of Isaiah 61, specifically verse 4: They shall rebuild the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Campus to City Wesley Foundation is led by a local board of directors who give direct leadership and over-sight to our ministry. For more information, contact [email protected] .

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION This 2-hour event on August 14 from 12:15—2:15pm will introduce you to the mission and ministry of Grace UMC and prepare you for going deeper in your relationship with Christ and this congregation. The orientation is designed to help you think about where you are and what your next steps can be in walking the path of a disciple of Jesus. As part of the orientation you will be invited to continue on for a six session group discussion of the book “A Disciple’s Path” with other new members. The Disci-ple’s Path provides you with a daily guide for reflecting on how you can go deeper in your love of God and other people. Lunch is included as are all the Disciple’s Path materials. Child care will be offered as needed. Register on the church website, by indi-cating on the worship attendance pad or by email Pastor Dave [email protected]. DISCIPLE’S PATH COURSE Starts August 21 and continues until September 25 from 12:15-1:30pm. This six week group will deepen your relationship with Christ and the church. It is ideal for new comers as well as long time members who are searching for their next step in opening yourself to God and following Jesus. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts and are encouraged to become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others and the world. Led by Pastor Dave and Jocelyn Flynt. Register on the church website, by indicating on the worship attendance pad or by emailing Pastor Dave [email protected].

If your name is not located in the birthdays or anniversaries and it should be, please contact Peggy Namie in the church office via phone 904-829-8272 or email [email protected] . Thank you!

TECHNICAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you work on a computer or have ever run a power point or slide show, we could use your help! We are creating a tech team that can help with running the slideshows during the services. We are also looking for people who would like to learn to create the slideshows and work with the tech team. There are a few of us who are making this work right now, but we need more people. Please let the pastors or Mildred Thomas know if you are interested.

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REPORTING FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE -

DINING WITH DIGNITY in June—Served 80

General Fund

Needed through June $ 342,582

Received through June $ 345,591

Mission Offerings:

Mission Trip to Cuba $ 2,981

Transportation $ 946

Youth Mission Trip $ 1,826

Stop Hunger Now $ 1,673

Florida Conference $ 700

VBS Mission Project $ 1,250

Gideons $ 620

Children’s Home $ 3,273

Young Life Capernaum $ 220

Love Offering to Pastor Jim $ 270

PDF $ 468

OFFICE HOURS: Summer Office Hours are the same as throughout the year… The office hours for Grace United Methodist Church are: Main Office: Monday & Friday, 9am—3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am—3pm/Peggy Namie—Office Administrator Finance Office: Tuesday & Thursday, 9am—3pm/Nataliya Birmingham—Church Treasurer

DEADLINES FOR CHURCH PUBLICATIONS: →WEEKLY BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 2PM THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE BULLETIN THAT THE INFORMATION IS TO BE INCLUDED IN: August 7th bulletin—submissions due by August 3rd, 2pm August 14th bulletin—submissions due by August 10th, 2pm August 21st bulletin—submissions due by August 17th, 2pm August 28th bulletin—submissions due by August 23rd, 2pm (note change for this week) September 4th bulletin—submissions due by August 31st, 2pm →NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2016 ISSUE OF GRACE NOTES DUE BY 2PM MONDAY, AUGUST 22nd

Wednesday, August 3rd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm It is time to FOLLOW JESUS back to the Caves and learn how to TRUST GOD as we prepare to go back to school. This FAMILY EVENT will run from 5:00pm—7:00pm, come when you can and explore the different caves together—crafts, games, food, and fun for you to enjoy together as a family. The event will end with a special audience participation performance and worship in the sanctuary beginning at 6:30pm. All ages are invited! Bring your whole family! Bring friends or neighbors!

See you at the Cave!

Back to School—Brave Cave Event

Looking For Dory—Finding God

We sure had a great summer exploring the local parks in St. Johns County, but now that school is back in session, it is time for us to start up our Grace Kids Wednesday Camp beginning on August 10th. Our first camp will build off the immensely popular movie Finding Dory. As we go on our own quest to locate Dory, we will discover clues that teach us about God and where we find Him in our lives!

Grace Kids Wednesday Camp is held every Wednesday from 5—6:30pm for kids age 3 years through 5th grade. We begin with some playtime outside and a snack then we begin our camp activities which include bible study, games, crafts, music, and prayer. Grace Kids Camp is an active midweek pro-gram that allows our kids to learn while deepening their friendships with each other and with Jesus.

Bible Tales for Tots

Also beginning on Wednesday, Aug 10th is our Bible Tales for Tots program. This is a family storytime program for preschool chil-

dren and their mommies, daddies, grandparents, or babysitters/nannies which will be held every Wednesday morning from 10:00 –

11:00. It is a time for our youngest to interact with different bible stories through puppets, drama, crafts, and music. Bible Tales

for Tots also provides much needed time for the caregivers to spend time supporting each other and sharing experiences.

Coming In September...

PowerHouse! A family worship & study time with the goal of giving our families what they need to take the POWER of GOD into their HOUSE as they become followers of Jesus. PowerHouse! Will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 5:00—6:30pm. We will begin at 5:00pm with a time of fellowship in the hall to catch up with friends, welcome newcomers, and grab a snack. Then we will move to the sanctuary for a time of worship and study with the whole family present. Ending with a time for parents to discuss how to reinforce this message at home for the week while separately the kids prepare an activity based on the message to take home and share with their families.

THANK YOU! ST. FRANCIS HOUSE Canned goods/non-perishable items - COLLECTION CONTINUES We will continue to collect items for St. Francis House. We have delivered 50 bags thus far. Thank you for your generous support!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!

The GUMC ride on the Christmas Red

Train will take place on Thursday, De-

cember 1st. Plan on an evening of FUN,

FELLOWSHIP, and FOOD! The cost: $10

per adult & $5 per child. In November more

details will be announced and you may

begin signing up for the event then.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS:

Video Tech Fellowship Time Host/Hostess First Wednesday Community Meal Host/ Hostess Ushers Weekly Registration Pad Data Entry Person Please contact the Office if you are interested in volunteering for any of these needs [email protected] or 904-829-8272

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There are 21 registered participants involving many different student faith organizations and St. Augustine faith communi-ties. Members of Grace Church who would like to offer welcome and hospitality to new and returning Flagler students on Au-gust 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. should contact Pastor Dave.

GRACE QUARTET SINGS AT BAYVIEW Recently one of our Grace Quartets sang for residents at Bay View Home Healthcare & Assisted Living located at 161 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL. The singers (standing L to R are Maggie Broyhill, Mike Osgood, Harry Ruhsam, and Donna Ruhsam) shared some hymns and a few anthems. Mike Sanflippo was also present but not pictured. Residents appreciated the singing and company!

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A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR THE WOMEN OF GRACE CHURCH: PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE WOMEN’S RETREAT 2017!

The women of Grace Church have enjoyed the United Methodist Florida Conference Women’s Retreat in Leesburg each year since the mid-1990’s. It is a time of intentionally stepping away from the busyness of our everyday lives and stepping into a fun and meaningful time of fellowship with God and with other women from all over the state of Florida who love Him. It is a time of worship and celebration and praise. It is an awesome, Spirit-filled time where women who love Jesus come togeth-

er to enjoy great keynote speakers and Bible study leaders, amazing music, fun activi-ties or a time of quiet contemplation or rest and relaxation – not to speak of lots of good food and even more fellowship and friendship. The 33rd Annual United Methodist Florida Conference Women’s Retreat which will be held at the United Methodist Retreat Center in Fruitland Park, on a beautiful lake right outside Leesburg, during January-March, 2017. The exact dates of the retreat are not currently known but should be released in the near future. Our group usually tries to go around the last weekend in February or first

weekend in March because the weather at that time generally has proven to be nicer. However, once the exact dates for the four retreat weekends are released, we will have a meeting for all those interested in going to decide as a group which week-end we would like to attend. We are giving this early invitation because certain weekends of this popular retreat fill up as soon as registration opens on October 1st. We register on that first day, and we have found in the past that there are some who decide after that date that they want to go but cannot get reservations. We invite you to make a commitment by September 15th to join us and be prepared to register by October 1st. Encourage a friend or family member to go with you and be your roommate! There also will be church members and others that would love to have you as their roommate! Come and join us!

Don’t hesitate because you haven’t been before, and don’t let the busyness of your everyday life stop you from going! I urge you and encourage you to inten-tionally step away and join us! You won’t regret it! If you have never attended this retreat, you will experience something that you have not experienced be-fore. I believe that, like me, you will eagerly look forward to the next year and the next! Please contact me if you have questions. I can be reached by email at

[email protected], or by telephone at 904-540-3649. You may also contact Elaine Edwards at [email protected], or by telephone at 904-599-2593. Commit today to come join us!

Debra Gibson, Discipleship Ministry Team

BISHOP’S TOWN HALL MEETINGS

You are invited to join Bishop Carter and other clergy and laity from around your region for an evening of conversation. • Call for Unity • A Time for Questions and Answers • Highlights of Key Future Initiatives Tuesday, September 20 > Trinity UMC, Gainesville

Thursday, September 22 > St. Luke’s UMC, Orlando

Sunday, September 25 > Christ UMC, Fort Lauderdale

Monday, September 26 > Grace UMC, Cape Coral

Each evening gathering will be preceded by light appetizers

For more information, or to register, please visit flumc.org/townhall

LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES The United Methodist Church North East District Lay Servant Ministries Caring, Leading, Communicating The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church September 23 & 24, 2016 Friday 6:30pm—9pm and Saturday, 8:30am—5pm Classes will be held at Howe Memorial United Methodist Church 252 South Summit Street, Crescent City, Florida 32112-2744 386-698-2635. The purpose of Lay Servant Ministries is to equip the laity to realize and respond to their call to ministry. For more information, contact: Linda Cumbie 904-463-1074 luverofangels01!yahoo.com Registration forms are located in the office, sanctuary, and on the table in the breezeway. In an effort to bestow radical hospitality, we are asking that anyone interested in attending to complete and either mail or drop off their registration forms at the District Office. Please no walk-in registrations on the day of the event. All participants must attend the entire 10 hours of training in order to receive certification. Basic Course—Lay Speaking Ministries Advanced Course—Pray for Me—The Power In Praying for others Advanced course—All the Places to Go: How Will You Know? For registration deadline and Course fee refer to the registration brochures...