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Worshipping On-Line For the past few years we have been streaming our worship services live on Facebook. Many people have really enjoyed being able to be part of our worship service no matter if they were up north, away on vacation, or even sick at home or in the hospital. I have had so many people tell me they are grateful for the ability to see and participate on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. The only problem was that some people were not on Facebook and therefore could not watch the services. That problem is now a thing of the past. In mid-February, we began to stream our services live from our website, www.christvenice.com. You no longer need to be on Facebook to see our services live. Each service will begin streaming 15 minutes before the service begins. We also have our own channel on YouTube. You can subscribe to it by typing in “Christ Venice” in the search bar of YouTube and then click the subscribe button. By doing this, you will get a notification every time we begin to stream a service live. Our desire is to make disciples who are worshipping weekly. I hope you will take advantage of these new options to worship no matter if you are up north, away on vacation, or even home sick. I am grateful for Pastor Bob’s hard work and perseverance in making these new options a reality for us. So if you can’t be here on Sunday morning, tune in and let’s worship the Lord together! In Christ,

Pastor Mike

Since the start of the year, our youth group has taken off! Between Sunday night youth group and events throughout the week, we have been quite busy! This past month our youth took a trip to Orlando to attend an event called Rock the Universe. Not only did they enjoy a theme park, but they also got to hear a ton of music performed by

famous singers and bands. There were students who made decisions to only listen to Christian music from now on, students who made decisions to be a better friend, and most importantly, students who made the decision to accept Christ as their Savior. It’s events like these that break walls down and allow students to see what a relationship with Jesus looks

like outside of their typical church service and youth group attendance. We had fun, we bonded, we laughed, we cried, we prayed and we are looking forward to our next event coming up at the end of this month! We saw the Lord work in the lives of our students at this event and would love for those wanting to be a part of it to join us next time! C

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Be sure to pick up a copy of the new

2020 SOAP Journal

(The Year of Wisdom) available at the Connection Desk

in the Sanctuary or in the office.

BIRTHDAYS Jan Lipp 03/01 Susan TenBroeck 03/01 Anne Adams 03/02 Roger Arnold 03/02 Jennette Brower 03/02 Karen Crawford 03/02 Scott Noser 03/02 Budd Pippin 03/02 Alexander Reale 03/02 Meredith Wilkinson 03/02 John Fisher 03/03 Marilyn Kruecke 03/03 Jolie Simone Leech 03/03 Beverly Liptai-Arnold 03/03 Pearl Shinkle 03/03 Terri Usher 03/03 Carl Vives 03/03 Mary Lou Dunn-Rankin 3/04 Allen Messner 03/04 Amy Stenz 03/04 Lynette Bolanos 03/05 Karen Post 03/05 Jack Robson 03/05 Dwight Smith 03/05 Lynn Barrett 03/06 Pat Handy 03/06 Paula Maynard 03/06 Everly Ruehr 03/06 Jane Carrico 03/07 Suzanne Fosdal 03/07

Gene Keebler 03/07 Hellen Ryon 03/07 Cheryl Smith 03/07 Carol Barrick 03/08 Kay Foy 03/08 Bonnie Hurlburt 03/08 Vincent Perhats 03/08 Jean Taylor 03/08 Elizabeth Haley 03/09 Deana Hall 03/09 Sam Teitsma 03/09 Emma Trealout 03/09 George Donatello 03/10 Sandi Griffith 03/10 Fern Knerr 03/10 Anna Mary Cronenwett 3/12 Mike Hudson 03/12 Susan Miscally 03/12 Joan Ryalls 03/12 Joel Smith 03/12 Shari Springer 03/12 Dorothy Buckingham 03/13 Joyce Paxton 03/13 Charles Gates 03/14 Janie Palmer 03/15 Jeff Bryen 03/16 Evan Claessens 03/16 Doris Euler 03/16 Olivia Leisenring 03/17 Francine Manningham 03/17 Unki Reynolds 03/17 Tiffany Twigg 03/17

Glen Everhart 03/18 Luther Spence 03/18 Wade Adams 03/19 Andie Mercer 03/19 Ethan Parks 03/20 Renauta Sullivan 03/20 Virginia Nickel 03/21 Jacob Wildasin 03/21 Larry Hilbert 03/22 Joan Moudy 03/23 Heidi Reslow 03/23 Pat Sabrosky 03/23 Faith Allen 03/24 Karyn Bolanos 03/24 Alice Gaites 03/24 Pat Ruehr 03/24 Jack Sargent 03/24 Agnes Teitsma 03/24 Allen Meringer 03/25 Chip Chesmore 03/27 Alyson Hudson 03/27 Mary Johnson 03/27 Richard Marshall 03/27 James Bauer 03/28 Nancy Holtman 03/29 Kerry Montalvo 03/29 William Diefenbach 03/30 Linda Foster 03/30 Roger Haman 03/30 Marilyn Kurland 03/31 Juli St Clair 03/31 Wesley Wright 03/31

ANNIVERSARIES Jerry & Cathy Dismer 03/01 Adrian & Amy Wilson-Moghina 03/04 Lake & Lynn Barrett 03/05 Jerry & Marcey Norman 03/09 Joel & Brittany Smith 03/11 Ryan & Jonetta Halpin 03/12 Harry & Patti Smith 03/13

Steve & Lina Watson 03/13 Mark & Karen Hoffman 03/14 Craig & Lori Wildasin 03/19 Edward & Nancy Whittemore 03/23 Lynn & Jan Lipp 03/25 Lou & Tonya Sauppe 03/27 Bill & Bonnie Pfost 03/29 George & Marilyn Kurland 03/31

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!

Breaking the Silence on Cuba Saturday, March 21, 11:30am—2:30pm Join us in the Memorial Hall Dining Room for a Panel Discussion with speakers: Pastor Jose Ramon, Past Cuban Distr ict Super intendent Kenn Visser, Water One, Inc. Jan Christopherson, Cuba from a Woman’s Perspective Ginny Derrough, Moderator and Translator Free BBQ lunch to be served, program sponsored by the Southwest District Mission Program Inc. For more information or to RSVP, contact Dan Christopherson at 941-468-7209 or christforcuba@gmail.com 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 Lillian Hadley

Mona Strahlman in the death of her husband Richard Strahlman

The family and friends of Katherine Lemke

We have a Jet 3 power mobility chair that is no longer needed and are offering it free to someone who needs it. You will need to pick it up, south Sarasota County location. Complete instructions are available, it may need a new battery. Call Tim Garcia at 941-493-5763 or 941-525-3257.

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UNPLANNED, Sunday, March 1, 1:30pm 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. Our local Pro-Life clinic will have a display of the resources they offer.

Monday, March 30 is Our Day to Pray 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. Sign up on Sunday mornings in the breezeway. Team up, carpool together, and stand in the gap for babies’ lives. For questions or more information, call Rhonda Eynon 913-486-6729. Each Monday in March, join us in the Memorial Hall Parlor at 10:00am to pray during these 40 Days for Life.

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: Family Promise Coordinators - Fred & Karen Wolf, 843-340-3551 Dinner Coordinator - Carole Bonanno, 941-375-8883 Evening Host Coordinator - Lynda Graves, 941-493-3764 Set-Up / Tear-Down Coordinator - Dave Levan, 941-223-0617 Laundry Coordinator - Jackie Goodell, 941-327-9886 Food Buyer - Susan Richards, 941-704-8537 Overnighters - Fred & Karen Wolf, 843-340-5463 Saturday Morning Breakfast Coordinator - Jackie Goodell, 941-327-9886 2020 Dates: April 5-11, September 27-October 3, November 8-14 The success of this program depends on overnight hosts, two volunteers preferably a man and a woman, to be onsite from 8:30pm until 7:30am, spending time with the families, sleeping in the staff room, and being here in case of an emergency.

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. This is a Discover Florida tour. Call Around Charters and Tours now to make your reservation! 941-488-9393

SINGLES & SOLOS KAYAKING This is a great chance to connect with other Christ UMC 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 along. We are planning our trips for third Thursdays, Mar 19, and Apr 16. We 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 mail to Elaine Sinclair-Fowler, 153 Tiziano Way, Nor th Venice, FL 34275. For questions, please text or call Elaine at 802 318 1976.

THE TRAVEL CLUB An exciting 8 day 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? Nancy Kinney, Pr ime Time Discover Flor ida & Travel Club Coordinator . 941-408-9798, nancy.kinney@comcast.net

DINNER CLUB CONNECTing with friends and meeting new ones around a table of food you don’t need to prepare is a promise when you attend The Dinner Club. Invite your adult friends, neighbors and newbies to dinner and pay the cashier. Watch the weekly bulletins for details on where and when each month and contact Gaylen or Henry Pugh to make your reservation. 941-888-2191

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Hello Christ UMC Family, I have some great news to share. Each year the churches in Florida are asked to give $12.00 per member to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. In 2019 we were listed as having 921 members and our goal was $11,052.00.

Drum roll please – our generous congregation gave $32,584.80 or 294.83% of our goal! WOW!

This brings me to the Day on Campus that is coming up on March 28th. The gates open at 9:00 with tours of the campus. At 9:30 are breakout sessions that last about an hour. You do not have to attend a session if you prefer not to. There is a program in the gymnasium at 11:00, lunch at noon and then tours resume. Our district is the targeted attendees this year and it would be nice to have a nice group from our church attend. Other districts will be there also, but many will be volunteering and helping with the event. Please let me know by March 6 if you would like to go, 941-716-1605. Take care, Cindy Eaton – Children’s Home Local Representative

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eeds A team is returning to the Dominican Republic, March 19-26, and can use your

continued support in making our trip a success. Items requested can be placed in the "Obregon Box" in Memorial Hall and are needed as follows: Medications - children and adult vitamins ( NO gummies please, due to the humidity) - children and adult cough syrup (in plastic bottles) - Acetaminophen, Tylenol, Ibuprofen - anti-fungal cream, Neosporin, Hydrocortisone cream - tums, antacids, Imodium, Pepcid - Nexium, Omeprazole School Supplies - wooden floor puzzles for pre-schoolers - games for adolescents You may also make a cash/check donation using a pink pew envelop (make checks out to CUMC and memo DR MISSION and we will purchase needed items. Thank you in advance for your generosity and caring. For further information, please contact Trip Leader, Lulu Lopez, at 427-698-3848.

SAVE THE DATE!!! APRIL 5, 2020 WHAT: “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD” EASTER CANTATA by LLOYD LARSON with CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA! WHEN: at 9:00AM and 11:00AM services! WHERE: CHRIST VENICE SANCTUARY

Please contact Cheryl Smith for more information at cheryl@christvenice.com

or (941) 493-7504.

Friday, March 13 What state will have the largest representation at the 2020 All States Dinner? Come and support your home state while enjoying a dinner 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 NOW $12 They sell out fast!

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S LUNCHEON The Monthly Unit Meeting and Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, March 17 in Memorial Hall at noon. The Program

Host is Ruth Circle. Lunch provided for $5.00 per person. A Love offering will be taken for Children First. All women are invited; first time guest receive free lunch—please register with Ruthie Setterlund 941-408-7744.

Church Women United WORLD DAY of PRAYER

Friday, March 6 at Lakeside Lutheran Church (2401 S. Tamiami Tr ,) potluck luncheon at noon. Program: “written by the women of Zimbabwe. Bring canned food for South County Food Pantry and purchase Spring Tea tickets for April 3, 2:30pm, to be held at our church. Questions, contact Brenda Bradley, President 941-473-0150.

Keep Collecting Those Cancelled Stamps 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 for questions or more information. On a personal note, special thanks to all the members of the UMW Elizabeth Circle for the wonderful surprise 90th birthday party — Joyce Clark

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New Study: “A Firm Foundation” Are you wondering what the future holds for the United Methodist Church? This question is being asked all around our denomination and many folks like you are seeking an understanding of the issues and what lies ahead. This study engages the deep questions being asked and also casts a compelling vision for what comes next. Why not join a group of folks who are pursuing the future promise for the people called Methodist? The group will be led by Bill Schaid and will meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm for seven weeks beginning March 5. Please register by February 24 by calling the church office or email: val@christvenice.com

Special Event: Alzheimer’s Awareness Series For the next three months Christ Venice is offering an opportunity for everyone to learn more about Alzheimer’s, what the warning signs are and how to have a healthy brain and body now. This seminar is presented by The Alzheimer’s Association, who provide tips from the latest research on brain health and healthy aging. The first session will be Tuesday, March 10th from 10-12am in Memorial Hall. The topic: “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body.” The second session, on April 14th will cover “Understanding Alzheimer’s.” The third session, on May 12th will cover “The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.” If you’d like to attend this free series, please email: val@christvenice.com. A light continental breakfast will be offered.

Volunteer Showcase: Volunteer Extraordinaire, Paul Kell This month we are celebrating church member, Paul Kell. He has faithfully volunteered at Christ Venice as part of the offering counting team for the past 20 years! Although he officially retired from his position as a counter in January, he will continue to serve as an 11am usher and attend Sunday school, worship and Bible study each week. Originally from Millville, New Jersey, Paul and his wife Kay retired to North Port in 1993 and officially joined Christ Venice on November 15, 1998. Paul, we thank you for your committed service to the Lord, and to Christ Venice!

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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. 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

New Lenten Study: Tuesdays at 3pm We will share the readings of Christianity Today’s Easter publication, The Cross, with authors such as Joni Eareckson Tada, Sam Chan, Jeremy Treat, and Sunday Bobai Agang. There will be a brief reading followed by discussion questions to usher us into the Easter season, helping us think about how the death and resurrection of Jesus changes everything. Please join Val Garron on Tuesdays, beginning February 25th at 3pm in the Parlor for seven weeks. Register by email: val@christvenice.com

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MEMBERS of Christ UMC and their IMMEDIATE families may apply for awards from the Scholarship Program. Applicants must go on-line to www.christvenice.com/youth to find the application. Applicants must have graduated from high school or equivalent with at least GPA of 2.5 /4.0. Applicants must have been accepted by an institution of higher learning and be active in church, youth group or community service. DEADLINE for completion of applications is April 13, 2020. Return completed applications to the office.