May 2017 Newsletter - First United Methodist Church of ...hawthorneumc.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/3/9/13392184/may_2017_ne… · Hawthorne First United Methodist Church Stacey Spence,

!MAY 2017 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5

LAMPLIGHTER

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First United Methodist Church of Hawthorne21930 SE 67th PlaceHawthorne, FL 32640

(352) 481-3155Email: [email protected]

Website: hawthorneumc.weebly.comHawthorne First United Methodist Church

Stacey Spence, Pastor

The


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From the desk of… Pastor Stacey Spence

Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation The Cross, Suffering Love

Friday, April 28, 2017

Many people rightly question how there can be a good or just God in the presence of so much evil and suffering in the world—about which “God” appears to do nothing. Exactly how is God loving and sustaining what God created? That is our constant dilemma, and without some answer you can quite reasonably become an atheist or at least an agnostic.

I believe—if I am to believe Jesus—that God is precisely suffering love. If Jesus is the living “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), and if there is this much suffering in the world, then God is in some very real way suffering. God is not watching it, but in it! Did your church ever tell you that? How else can we understand the revelation of the cross and that our central Christian image is a naked, bleeding, suffering man? Christians strangely worship a suffering God, largely without realizing it; and Christian mystics even say that there is only one cosmic suffering, and we all share in it, as Paul also seems to intuit (Colossians 1:24).

Many of the happiest and most peaceful people I know love this “crucified God” who walks with crucified people, and thus reveals and “redeems” their plight as God’s own. For them, Jesus is not observing human suffering from a distance; he is somehow in human suffering with us and for us. He includes our suffering in the co-redemption of the world, as “all creation groans in one great act of giving birth” (Romans 8:22). We “make up in our own bodies all that still has to be undergone for the sake of the Whole Body” (Colossians 1:24).

The genius of Jesus’ ministry is his revelation that God uses tragedy, suffer-ing, pain, betrayal, and death itself, not to wound you but in fact to bring you to God. There are no dead ends. Everything can be transmuted and every-thing can be used.

Continued next page


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Pastor Stacey Spence (continued)

On the cross, in dramatic theater, God took the worst thing, the killing of God, and made it into the best thing—the redemption of the world! If you gaze upon the mystery of the cross long enough, your dualistic mind breaks down, and you become slow to call things totally good or totally bad. You realize that God uses the bad for good and that many people who call themselves good may in fact not be so good at all. (Remember it was the governing and establishment groups of Rome and Jerusalem that killed Jesus.) At the cross you learn humility, patience, and compassion. You also learn to distinguish between “what is happening” and “what is really happening.” This is called discernment and wisdom. Sooner or later, life is going to lead you (as it did Jesus) into the belly of the whale, into a place where you can’t fix, control, explain, or understand (usually very con-crete and personal; it cannot be merely theoretical). That’s where transformation most easily and deeply happens. That’s when you’re uniquely in the hands of God because you cannot “handle” it yourself.

Suffering is the only thing strong enough to destabilize the imperial ego. It has to be led to the edge of its own resources, so it learns to call upon its Deepest Source. Some might call this the God Self, the True Self, the Christ Self, the Buddha Self, or just the soul. Life at this point is indestructible! In short, you must discover or “save” your own soul, and nothing else can compare with this discovery. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). (See also Mark 8:36, Matthew 16:26, John 12:25.)

References:

Adapted from Richard Rohr, Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps (Franciscan Media: 2011), 120-122;

Job and the Mystery of Suffering: Spiritual Reflections (The Crossroad Publishing Com-pany: 1998), 181;

The Authority of Those Who Have Suffered (CAC: 2005), MP3 download; and

A New Way of Seeing, A New Way of Being: Jesus and Paul, disc 2 (CAC: 2007), CD, MP3 download.


NOTE: KClub will meet on May 3 and May 10th, but will be off for the months of June and July and will resume once the new school year has begun.

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KCLUB ACTIVITIES

KClub meets every Wednesday night in the Fellowship Hall from 6:00pm until 7:15pm for a Bible lesson, food and fun events.

Following these activities we all attend our Revelation Service in the Sanctuary.


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6/16 Daryl & JoAnn Britton 6/20 Dick & Barbara Curtis 6/26 Scott & Lyra Surrency

6/04 Heather Bristow 6/15 Libby Hartwell 6/16 Connie Lynn Di Leo, Missionary 6/19 Cayden Surrency 6/24 Larry Tilbury 6/28 Alisha Ferguson

5/01 William McLeod 5/02 Tia Morgan 5/05 Kylie Hutchins 5/07 Martha Winegar 5/08 Ruby Hutchins Crawford 5/08 Virginia Dannenhoffer 5/09 Jane Box 5/13 Alvin Waller 5/18 Nicole Ferguson 5/18 Robert Marrocco, Sr. 5/20 Amy Haworth 5/23 Ron Surrency 5/24 Scott Surrency 5/28 Shirley Marrocco

Congratulations to Pastor Stacey! You Did It! On June 10, 2017, Pastor Stacey will be commissioned as a Provisional Elder. This event will be held at the Hilton Vista Palace Hotel, 1900 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 at 11:30am if you would like to attend. Please congratu-late her on this great accomplishment.

For more information about what is means to be a Provisional Elder click here.

http://www.gbhem.org/ministry/provisional-membership

http://www.gbhem.org/ministry/provisional-membership


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The ladies Sewing Group will not be meet-ing from May 16th through July 18th. They will resume making their mission projects on Tuesday, July 25th, from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Everyone is welcome to come and join

Answers to Trivia Questions: 1. Hagar (Genesis 16:1-4) 2. Elisabeth ( Luke 1:57-60) 3. John the Baptist (Luke 1:41,42,57-60) 4. Hannah (1 Samuel 2:18-21) 5. Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1) 6. James and John (Matthew 20:20-23) 7. His mother had lain on him (1 Kings 3:16-27) 8. Moses ( Exodus 2:8-9) 9. Jesus (Matthew 23:37) 10. Zilpah (Genesis 35:26)


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On April 2, 2017, Pastor Stacey recognized Jennifer Davis as the 2017 Church Liaison for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.

John Titus, “The Sunday Morning Worship Service “Bell Ringer” in action.

This n’ That By Mariella Gosnell

Many flowers are beginning to bled and rebirth is happening all around us. Such beauty! A saint that is particularly meaningful to me and may be to see of you also. “ “Beauty is not generic. Quite often the thing that makes you memo-rable is the thing that makes you different.” So many of us have the “I” disease, occasionally including myself, though I try to avoid it and always think that God created me and to give Him the credit remembering He made me and gave me “free will” expecting me to use it wisely. I always try to remember that I really don’t have control, God does! For instance, surgeons and doctors owe there knowledge to God, who gave them the talent to save lives; inventors the talent to think of those things that we use in our lives and writers who gives us something to challenge our minds and entertain us and many other things that help us. God made mankind and He made each of us different. Many times we find ourselves saying “Thank God”. Think if we were all alike how boring that would be, because then we would probably all think alike, too. Where would we be without the thoughts of others? For instance, the inventions we take for granted such as electricity, telephone, cars and the books that expresses a thought or theme. The diversity that God has created should be considered by each of us, always.

Thank you God! Viva la difference!


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I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?I know He is the Creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness?I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak?I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone’s season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I afraid to ask?I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuseto praise Him?I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because…I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time? .....Author Unknown

-I KNOW-

Long Term Prayer Requests

Rod Dayton Deborah Tyson Heston Dunman Bernice Baker Carol Collar Terry Ayer Sherri Howland Shelli Franz Dennis Goodwin Freddie Whitehead Billy Blair Mary Anne Gross Bob Foster Gail Peppers Mary Jordan & Family Judy Maggiore


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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

Sewing Group 9am-11am - Educ Bldg

3 KClub 6:00pm-FH NO Choir Practice Revelation Service 7:15pm- 8:00pm- Sanctuary

4 UMW Thrift Shop Work Day 9am-Noon

5 Women’s Prayer Group 2PM-Chapel 7:00pm Church Women United May Friendship Day-our UMW Unit hosting this event -Chapel

6 UMW Thrift Shop Open 8:30am-2:00pm Community Garden Workday 9am-10am

7 Communion 9:30am Sunday School-all ages 10:50am Praise & Worship Services begin. Bible Study 6PM-FH

8 K-2 Group–2pm @ Gosnell’s K-4 Group-7pm FH

9 Sewing Group 9am-11am – Educ Bldg

10 K-9 Group 1pm Place TBD KClub 6:00pm-FH Choir Practice 6:00pm-Sanctuary Revelation Service 7:15pm- 8:00pm- Sanctuary

11 UMW Thrift Shop Work Day 9am-Noon

12 Women’s Prayer Group 2PM-Chapel


14 9:30am Sunday School-all ages 10:50am Praise & Worship Services begin. NO Fellowship Dinner Bible Study 6PM-FH

15 Pastor Stscey Vacation Surrency Circle 7pm-FH

16 NO Sewing Group

17 NO KClub 6:00pm Choir Practice-Sanctuary Revelation Service 7:15pm- 8:00pm - Sanctuary

18 UMW Thrift Shop Work Day 9am-Noon Trustees 6pm-FH


20 MW Thrift Shop Open 8:30am-2:00pm Community Garden Workday 9am-10am

21 Pastor vacation 9:30am Sunday School-all ages 10:50M Praise & Worship Services begin. Education Committee Mtg . after AM Service NO Bible Study

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23 NO Sewing Group

24 10:00am Dorcas Circle-Educ Bldg NO KClub 6:00pm Choir Practice-Sanctuary Revelation Service 7:15pm- 8:00pm- Sanctuary

25 UMW Thrift Shop Work Day 9am-Noon UMM 7PM-FH



28 Pastor vacation 9:30am Sunday School-all ages 10:50M Praise & Worship Services begin. NO Bible Study

29 MEMORIAL DAY OFFICE CLOSED NO Finance Committee Meeting No Church Council Meeting

30 NO Sewing Group

31 NO KClub 6:00pm Choir Practice- Sanctuary Revelation Service 7:15pm- 8:00pm- Sanctuary

May 14, 2017


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Vacation Bible School for summer 2017 is entitled, “Hero Central, Dis-cover Your Strength in God!” The Hero verse is, “Do Good! Seek peace and go after it!” (Psalm 34:14b) Our VBS will be he'd in the Education Building June 26th through June 30th. Thanks to all of you who have let Elizabeth Townsend, VBS Direc-tor know that you will be able to help us with the classes and activities. Classes are

planned for pre-school through 5th grade. All children in the Hawthorne area in this age group are welcome to attend . Please pre-register your chil-dren so we may know many to plan for. We consider VBS an outreach activity of our church and do not charge a fee for attending as some churches now do. The offering we take during the morning gathering is for our mission project. Ina Kay Morgan

During June (in fact, June 26-30) we will be hosting our Vacation Bible School and introducing our children and youth to a deeper

relationship with God. The sessions are based on the Bible and the gospel of the living Christ. Some of the Biblical he-roes we will encounter are David, Abigail, Jesus, and the dis-ciples at Pentecost. We will be helping our young “heroes” learn Bible verses, act out Bible stories, sing contemporary Christian music, create crafts, play games, take part in hands

– on mission projects, discover science activities, and have healthy snacks. Wow! What an awesome, busy, exciting opportunity for us to reach beyond the walls of our church into the heart of the community!

I am encouraging all of you to get involved in this outreach program. We need you to teach, move children to and from centers, help with crafts – music – snacks – games, and most of all to pray for our efforts and the success of VBS. Please let me know how I can include you in our Vacation Bible School family and help you feel the energy that surrounds all of us that serve during this week.

So, all that being said, mark your calendar for June 26-30. Our sessions will be held each morning 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon. Get in touch with me to secure your place on our VBS team and become a hero discovering your own strength in God!

Expecting to hear from you- Elizabeth Townsend

VBS Director

Hero Central – Discover Your Strength in God!


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A garden where vegetables & friendships grow!

First UMC of Hawthorne Community Garden

Hope Written by Amanda (Amy) Amdor

When life is overwhelming you with things you cannot control When you feel as if you are sinking farther and deeper down the hole Don’t despair and don’t let go For there is always hope, as you should know God’s love is there for you indeed! Faith in Him is what you need His strength will always lead you through the day His light will always show the way Just remember that He is always there And there is never a time when He doesn’t care He is always and forever all around So that for us, His love and protection can surround!


1.) Who was the mother of Ishmael and handmaiden of Sarah, Abram’s wife?

Hagar Merriam Moishmael Hannah

2.) Who was the mother of John the Baptist? Sarah Elisabeth Mary Magdalene Rebeccah 3.) Whose mother said to Mary, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb"? Peter John the Baptist Andrew Philip 4.) What mother brought her son a coat every year? Hannah Ruth Mary Sarah 5.) Which king was taught sayings by his mother as related in Proverbs? Agar Hezekiah Lemuel David 6.) Whose mother asked Jesus to grant her sons places at his right and left? Peter and Andrew Philip and Bartholomew Nathanael and Nicodemus James and John 7.) Solomon judged a dispute between two mothers about whose baby boy had died. What did one mother say had caused the death of the child? He had suffocated. His mother had lain on him. He fell from a window. His brother had slain him. 8.) Whose mother was paid to be his nurse? Jesus Moses John the Baptist Samuel 9.) Who spoke of his desire to gather Jerusalem's children as a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings? God Jesus Moses Elijah 10.) The mother of Gad and Asher was: Rachel Leah

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MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE TRIVIA


Dinah Zilpah

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Our children and youth waving and bringing palm branches in our service.

Children’s Message by Ms. Elizabeth


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Children's Message with Ms. Elizabeth

Confirmands preparing to

serve Communion

Congratulations and Welcome to our newest

members

Closing service with our Acolytes

Confirmation Class being Confirmed

Our Chancel Choir

2017


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UMW Thrift Shop News Our Thrift Shop has really benefited from the Spring Cleaning many people seem to have done this year. We have received so many wonderful donations that we are having difficulty sorting through and getting the items ready for sale. The volunteers who work on Thursday and other days are quite astonished by the by the generosity of the people who donate. Thank you and come and shop!

We always need more workers to help get items ready for sale and to work on Saturday to sell the items. We work on Thursday morning from 9:00am until Noon getting the donated items ready for sale. The Thrift Shop is open to the public on Saturday, 8:30am imdil 2:00pm. Come by and lend a hand.

The Church Women United May Friendship Day Celebration is May 5th at 7:00pm. Our United Methodist Women Unit is hostess for this event. We will meet in the Chapel unless the crowd is so large we need to move to the sanctuary. The theme for this year is :Kindling New Fires”. Key Verse: “I came to set the earth on fire and how I wish

it were already kindled…” Luke 12:49. The May Friendship Day focuses on “Kindling New Fires of Love” and how we might extend

loving hands and hearts to address the needs of children in our community and world. Offerings will be for “The Fellowship of the Least Coin” and for local mission outreach. The Fellowship of the Least Coin is a worldwide ecumenical movement of prayer for peace and reconciliation. Christian women around the world donate the least coin of their currency. (In our case, pennies, nickels and dimes). These funds are used for world-wide mission.

At our April 24th Church Council Meeting we discussed the following items: Financial Report from our Church Treasurer for the month of May and the First Quarter 2017. The following Chairpersons gave reports on their respective areas: Trustees, Staff Parish Relations Committee, Youth, Eduction/Sunday School, Stewardship, HARC, WMW, WMM, Disaster Preparedness, Missions and Council Chair and Vice Chair. Members of our congregation are encouraged to attend and observe what we discuss at our monthly Church Council Meetings. We meet the last Monday of each month. We will not be meeting in May.


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By the time you receive this newsletter we will have met for our quarterly meeting of all circles. This meeting was held on Thursday, April 27th. Attend the May circle meetings to see what was discussed and decided upon by the members present who represent all United Me-thodist Women. Our next quarterly meeting will be July 27th in the Education Building (Please vote the date change in your calendar. On the previously listed August date several of our members will be on the annual UMW sponsored missionary trip to UMCOR depot in Louisiana). The United Methodist Women Florida Conference - “Mission u” will be held at Bethune-Cookman University July 13-16, 2017. See Ina Kay Morgan for applications and information on scholarships. Studies for 2017 are: Spiritual Growth - Living as a Covenant Community Geographic - Missionary Conferences of the United Methodist Church in the United States Social Action - Climate Justice

Sharon Surrency will present the study on Climate Justice for our local unity on August 12th.

Dates to remember: May 5th - Church Women United May Friendship Day Celebration - First UMC Hawthorne 7:00pm May 15th - Surrency Circle - 7:00pm-Fellowship Hall May 24th - Dorcas Circle - 10:00am-Education Building June 22nd - United Methodist Women Summer General Meeting July 13-16th - “Mission u” - Bethune-Cookman University August 12th - Local unit mission study,, “Climate Study”

All women from all churches are invited to become members of our United Methodist Women unit. Come visit one or both of our circles and our quarterly general meeting. Be a part of our mission outreach.

There is a tree on the HARC property that needs to be removed. The Trustees are asking for donations to help pay for this as well as removal of trash and de-bris around our church buildings.

Please mark your donation “Tree Removal” and place it in the collection plates. Thank You!

Documents

May 2017 Newsletter - First United Methodist Church of ...hawthorneumc.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/3/9/13392184/may_2017_ne… · Hawthorne First United Methodist Church Stacey Spence,