faith united methodist church newsletter faith...
TRANSCRIPT
Faith United Methodist Church Newsletter
Faith Connection
August/September 2014
From the Pastor's Desk
I found the following article very encouraging. To encourage your courage, I share it with you.
Courage People often ask me what I think would make the biggest difference in improving the way our organizations
and teams function. Unfortunately, it is not more funding, technology, or a training program that would make
the biggest difference. Those are easy solutions to identify and implement. Such solutions are attempted all
the time. One of the most significant factors necessary to improving the health of our organizations, our
teams and our lives is courage. It is the presence or absence of courage that most often determines the
success of all other courses of actions. Sadly, courage cannot be bought and it is difficult to teach.
Fear Too many of the breakdowns I see in leadership, team-work, staff performance and even in the health of our
community members, is due to a lack of courage. Behind most of the breakdowns or situations that are
stagnant and frustrating is fear.
Fear is a natural part of life. Fear and change are closely connected, and change is constant. We fear changes
we do not expect and we fear the risks in opportunities to redesign and implement change. Anytime you do
something new or break a habit, it evokes fear. It is not easy to do things differently. It is not easy to
apologize or to be optimistic while in difficult relationships. It feels risky to follow your heart, or to even
admit to your co-workers that you have one. There are many things we fear as we make decisions every day.
We all fear job loss, losing face, damaging our reputation or not being seen as the competent person we
aspire to be. A measure of fear is normal and a part of everything we do. When there is no fear, it often
means there is no challenge—that we are somehow allowed to continue to do things as we like. Change,
growth, innovation, and healing all invoke some degree of fear. The problem is when we stop moving and
changing because of fear, or when we allow the things we fear, and our comfort zone, to keep us from really
challenging the way we think, feel and act.
Courage is the Cure So many of the challenging situations I see in the decision making of leaders, in the dynamics of teams and
the culture of the places where we work, could easily be resolved if people could be more courageous.
Courage makes the difference: courage to change, courage to think differently, courage to put values ahead
of cost, courage to swallow our pride and make amends with other people, even the courage to acknowledge
when we don’t have all the answers. In a world where change is constant, and there are endless pressures to
meet increasing demands with finite resources, it is easy to take the risk-free path, a path that is guided by
fear. But, in such a changing and tumultuous environment, courage is exactly what is needed: to establish
new partnerships, to trust, to innovate and to grow confidently in the direction of worthy dreams—despite
the dark cynicism that surrounds. Take courage. (Jonathan Ellerby, PhD, Executive Director of the Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality, Denth, Colorado) For us as individuals, as families, and as a church, we must exercise courage which is grounded in our faith
in God. Change is constantly confronting us. Will we, by faith in Jesus Christ, courageously respond to it?
With you in God’s great grace, which leads us into courageous behavior, I am…
Sincerely,
Pastor Gary
7215 1st Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34209; Telephone: 941-794-8067; Website: www.faithchurchum.org
Financial Report for August & September 2014
Our giving so far this year is still falling behind. Our actual expenses have outpaced our income by $8,922. This is
mostly due to the Shortfall – please prayerfully consider contributing to this.
The Operating Budget status:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap
generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
The Quarter Drill status:
2014 Quarter Drill Status
Month
Allocation
Amount
December
Pastor's Discretionary
November
Russo Prison Ministry
October
Manatee Religious Services
September
Pastor's Discretionary
August
Russo Prison Ministry
July
Manatee Religious Services
June
Pastor's Discretionary, Annual Conference, & Cleanwater
$473
May
Russo Prison Ministry
$163
April
Manatee Religious Services
$234
March
Pastor's Discretionary & FELT
$228
February
Russo Prison Ministry
$167
January
Manatee Religious Services
$195
TOTAL
$1,460
The Board Restricted (Marge Cox Bequest) fund status:
2014 Board Restricted Fund Status
Board Restricted Fund
Starting Balance
Receipts
Payments
Ending Balance
Tithe Fund (10%) $0
$ -
$ -
$0
Finance Fund (15%) $47,160
$ -
$ -
$47,160
Trustees Fund (20%) $73,962
$ -
$ 17,890.17
$56,072
Discipleship Fund (10%) $37,821
$ -
$ 979.60
$36,841
Ministries Fund (10%) $38,146
$ -
$ 200.89
$37,945
Missions Fund (10%) $38,146
$ -
$ 93.29
$38,053
Staff Parrish Fund (25%) $92,282
$ -
$ 6,300.64
$85,981
Pastor's Fund $4,598
$ -
$ 651.18
$3,947
TOTALS $332,114
$0
$26,116
$305,999
The Temporarily Restricted (designated) funds status:
2014 Temporarily Restricted Fund Status
Fund Starting Balance
Contribution Payment
Ending Balance
Apportionments $ -
$ 434 $ 434
$ -
Board of Trustees Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Camp Scholarship Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Caregiving Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Children's Home Fund $ -
$ 293 $ 139
$ 154
Children's Ministry Fund $ -
$ 714 $ 464
$ 250
Flower Fund $ (12)
$ 302 $ 198
$ 91
Hospitality Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Lay Speaker Fund $ 504
$ - $ -
$ 504
Local Outreach Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Manatee Religious Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
QD - MRS Fund $ -
$ 429 $ 472
$ (43)
Men's Ministry Fund $ 1,513
$ 1,166 $ 1,116
$ 1,563
Miles of Pennies Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Missions Fund $ -
$ 2,310 $ 2,282
$ 29
Mixed Blessings Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Mortgage Payments Fund $ -
$ 50 $ 50
$ -
Music Fund $ 115
$ - $ 50
$ 65
Non-cash Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Office / Sunday School $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Pastor's Fund $ -
$ 87 $ 87
$ -
QD - Pastor's Fund $ -
$ 388 $ 363
$ 25
Prime Timers Fund $ (56)
$ 56 $ -
$ 0
Russo Prison Ministry Fd $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
QD - Russo Fund $ -
$ 330 $ 436
$ (106)
SHARE Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
Tucker-Camp Fee Fund $ 2,471
$ (1,181) $ 1,290
$ -
UMCOR Fund $ -
$ 660 $ 660
$ -
Women's Ministry Fund $ -
$ 250 $ -
$ 250
Youth Fund $ -
$ - $ -
$ -
TOTALS $ 4,535
$ 6,288 $ 8,041
$ 2,782
Faith United Methodist Church desires to honor preferences for gift distribution; however, any contributions received in excess of the amount needed for the designated project will be used to respond to areas of greatest
need.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or even positive comments about how we are serving you. With you in Christ’s great Love and Service, Rich Sidley, Chair, Faith UMC Finance Committee (941) 504-5419 cell [email protected]
Intentional Discipleship Team
Adult Sunday School/Bible Study News
Please consider joining one of the following FUMC Sunday School or midweek Bible Study groups:
MIXED BLESSINGS: 9am Sunday - studying “Tradition, Jesus Fulfillment of Scripture” - led by Fred and Marge Mack in Banner Hall GROWING CHRISTIANS: 9am Sunday – DVD study “The Shelter of God’s Promises" by Sheila Walsh – led by Jim and Val Carlson in room 13 THE SEEKERS: 9am Sunday – studying the life of Moses and the Exodus – led by Kate Schoenfelder in Pastor's study 1ST/3RD BIBLE STUDY: studying Colossians thru Jude - led by Fred Mack - meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at FUMC in room 13. TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday night at 6:30pm at FUMC Sanctuary. MEN'S BIBLE STUDY: meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at 6:30am in the FUMC library
ALPHA News
Your Intentional Discipleship team has agreed to hold the Alpha course starting Friday, September 5 at 6:30 PM. This is an introductory session -- the real course starts the following week and will occur every Friday evening through November 21. Additionally, Saturday, October 18 will be a very special session to be held at DaySpring Episcopal Center -- this is where we hold the Walk to Emmaus retreats and is a wonderful facility in Ellenton with a little, old chapel that is positively filled with the Holy Spirit. He likes it as much as we do!
Your help is urgently needed!
First, to invite the un-churched, those struggling with the big questions of life, or even those Christians who would like a great refresher on what Christianity is all about. Your Evangelism & Outreach Coordinator, Shelly Powers, and I have distributed some flyers and small stacks of invite cards around town; however, the best invite is the personal invite. There are invite cards on the coffee bar -- please take some and use them!
Second, we need people to help with the sessions. Brenda Bellows and Cindy Sidley will orchestrate the meals, but they will need helpers to setup, acquire the food, serve, and cleanup. We also need a few more small group leaders -- preferably people who have experience with Alpha already. We also need small group helpers -- there should be a leader and a helper for each small group. I am praying for enough guests to have at least five small groups of at least five guests each.
This is a big commitment, I know. Please prayerfully consider and then let me know. Soon please as we will have training starting in mid-August.
Thanks and Best Regards, Rich Sidley
Outreach News Submitted by: Shelly Ann Powers
Our Daily Bread
FUMC has had two wonderful days of volunteering at Our Daily Bread
giving back to our community, and if you have not had an opportunity to
attend one of our ‘volunteer days’ at Our Daily Bread, we encourage you
to do so, If interested, please let Shelly Powers or Penny at Our Daily
Bread know so we can make sure we get everybody scheduled.
Community Hero Award
We also have our community hero project going on; if you know someone who is a community hero, please nominate them for the upcoming award. All you need to need to do is submit a short summary on the person you are nominating, and describe the positive ways this person gives back to our community. Submit your summary to Shelly Powers or the church office by August 10. The winter will be selected by the Church Council, and receive a $50.00 gift certificate to a local restaurant. The winner will be announced August 17th.
Cookies For Teachers
‘Cookies For Teachers’ needs volunteers to help make, package, and deliver cookies to local schools as a treat for teachers getting ready for the upcoming school year. Teachers in the Manatee School District are preparing for the upcoming school year, getting their classrooms ready, making lesson plans, and readying their supplies, and we thought a small treat would go a long way. We will be delivering our cookies on Tuesday, August 12th, if you would like to help contact Shelly Powers.
Solve House
Solve House, which provides assistance and housing to expecting mothers, and post-term care to new moms, has asked FUMC to be their Ambassadors. Being an Ambassador entails committing to various volunteer projects, and assisting in selling Poinsettias at Christmas, which is one of the Solve House’s largest fundraisers of the year. If you would like more information on the Solve House and their mission, or would like to donate items that are in need, please see Shelly Powers.
In ‘The Hopper…’ FUMC has several projects that are in the works, some of which include: Trunk-N-Treat at Halloween – providing a safe place for the children in our community to come and show off their costumes, and receive great treats from our members. Rummage Sale in November to benefit the Pastor Discretionary Fund, donations for rummage sale will start being accepted in October. A Self-Defense Class will be offered to the woman of FUMC and our surrounding community, taught by Mulan Tanja (pronounced Tonya) from Ancient Ways Martial Arts. This will be a free class, but donations are encouraged and will be collected for Hope Family Services, which is a local Woman’s Shelter offering care and support to abused women, and victims of domestic violence. Details regarding the class will be announced once we have a better understanding of the interest from our women members. Please see Shelly Powers if interested.
(Tanja visited FUMC and gave our Youth Group a free lesson, and it was a huge hit!)
We have had an exciting summer so far, and are truly blessed to have such an amazing youth group!
We started our Pantry Challenge at the end of June and we’re about to wrap-up, and I’m happy to
announce that our Youth Group has done an outstanding job collecting food items to restock the
FUMC pantry.
We have our Lock-In planned for Friday, August 1st, and have an exciting night of fun and fellowship
planned.
The Youth Group will be helping our neighbors at the Westminster Community during the holiday
season by setting up a gift-wrapping station, helping the residents get ready for the gift-giving season.
We have several fundraisers scheduled over the next year to raise funds for a summer retreat in 2015.
We have a couple of Car Washes planned, and our new Faith United Methodist Church T-Shirts should
be in soon and will be available for sale to our members. During the holidays the youth will be selling a
variety of holiday deserts, and will even be taking special orders upon request.
To help parents enjoy a night out, our youth will offer babysitting services for ‘Date Night’ on August 23.
The group is always open to new and exciting ideas, so please feel free to share your thoughts on
potential community projects or fundraising with Shelly Powers.
Cars lined up for a free car wash after church services. Shelly and the girls (Kara Jones & Amaranta Perez-Dalto) moved the cars through quickly and did a great job!
Thank you to all who brought their car to the first Youth Group Car Wash this past Sunday. Your generosity was very much appreciated; we had so much fun…stay tuned for more information
concerning our fundraisers to support our Youth 2015 retreat. ~Shelly Powers
Attention Parents!...Date Night is Saturday, August 23 from 5pm until
8:30pm. There will be a brief marriage enrichment chat with Pastor Gary in the Faith Church
Sanctuary Alcove for about 20 minutes, then you are on your way to a date night out. Babysitting
will be provided in Nursery and Faith Place by our Youth Group, supervised by Shelly Powers and
Tiffiani Dalto. Reservations are required, so please email or call Shelly Powers at
[email protected] or 941-807-9340
Children’s Ministry We are excited to welcome to our team Debbie Doherty and Tamera Ling as our 3rd through 5th
grade Faith Place teachers. This Sunday the 3rd after we present the rising 3rd graders with
their own age appropriate Bibles they will begin their new class. These Bibles were made
possible by a generous donation of a member of our Church. We would also like to ‘thank’ that
member as well as everyone who helps the ministry with donations of cards, envelopes, card
stock, glue sticks, etc. This allows us to keep our expenses to a minimum. Bless you all!
~Cindy Sidley & Linda Luke
Back-to-School Supplies Our needy local school children would appreciate any donation you can give. Please leave the
following items into the marked donation box in our church narthex by Monday 8/11.
#2 Wooden Pencils, Crayons (8 or 24 count), Blunt tip Scissors, Glue sticks,
Eraser Tips for pencils, Wide ruled paper
Many of these children come to school without any of these supplies. Last year you were all great
with your generosity, and I am sure you will be again this year. Thanks, Val Carlson & Cindy Sidley
Circle of Hope News We welcome you to join us on our new meeting day of Wednesday mornings. Beginning June, we will meet in Faith’s craft room on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to make special craft items for outreach and mission projects. Please call Linda Luke @ 941-962-3592.
Welcome New Members!
We rejoice in the following becoming members of Faith Church: Harold & Sandy Greenway.
Faith is blessed to enjoy so many talented
local performers during the summer when Faith’s choir takes a well-deserved break. The congregation sang praises for The Magic Touch
Quartet as they harmonized on July 6th. Comprised of Jeanette Rothberg (baritone), Dolores Herron (lead), Faith’s Bunny Klein (base) and Lisa Applequist (tenor), the quartet is a part of the Magic of Manatee, a Sweet Adelines International Chorus.
Betty Robin and Ike Newell celebrated their nuptials during a surprise reception, hosted by the PrimeTimers team, at Faith United Methodist Church on July 27th, 2014. Surrounded by the love of the congregation with glasses raised, the couple was wished happiness with a toast to old friends, new love and a blessed future. Congratulations!
(Dear Church Friends: Thank you so much for the lovely SURPRISE wedding reception you honored us with on Sunday.~ Betty & Ike)
Banners
Currently hanging in the sanctuary is a new banner which is the outcome of our banner class held very early this year. The members of that class are pleased with the outcome of their efforts and they hope to continue creating new banners to grace Faith’s worship experience. Another banner which was in the sanctuary for a couple of weeks during Pentecost was constructed by Marlene Green. At any time that a new banner is begun, we invite you to join with the group either to help or to watch. There will be notice of when this project begins.
Choir News
Faith Church choir and hand chimes crew will recess for the summer months and will resume rehearsal August 6th for September worship services. Please contact choir director, Glenn Rasmussen if you would like to share your musical and vocal talents during summer worship and/or join our choir in the fall.
Food Pantry Please help to restock Faith’s food pantry for the summer months. You may drop off non-perishable food items to the special ‘Food’ box in the church narthex.
Volunteers Needed Our Church Office welcomes volunteers to assist our staff with receiving phone calls, preparing bulletins, newsletters, correspondence, and meeting minutes. Please call 941-794-8067.
Vacation Time Pastor Gary and Sherry Eldred will be traveling on vacation September 22nd through September 29th this year.
Annual Charge Conference All members and participants of Faith United Methodist Church are welcome to our Charge Conference meeting on Sunday, October 12th at 2:30pm. All who attend are free to speak about decisions to be made, but only church members may vote. Rev. John Powers, District Superintendent will preside over the meeting.
Lay Servant Training Join us for a wonderful weekend of inspiration and leadership training on Saturday, September 13th at Faith Church. Please pick-up a brochure and application in the Narthex for more detailed information or contact Terry Fitzgerald @ 813-503-4297.
Trustees Corner We request all groups using the church to please leave thermostats set at 78 when leaving the building. If you have concerns about our building, or grounds, please call or email me.
Karl Hasbrouck, Chairperson (761-9546)
Dates to Remember…
August/September Birthdays
Pat Pryor 8/1 Vi Dazzo 8/23
Karen Mills 8/3 Robin Flinker 8/23
Twila Levingood 8/5 Emily Schoenfelder 8/23
Lamont Bellows 8/7 Mike VanKuiken 8/23
Janet Gandy 8/7 Bill Seagers 8/24
Janet Holmes 8/7 Kelly Siegfried 8/24
Jan Dietz 8/9 Walter Hunt 8/24
Robin Baker 8/10 Kim Johnson 8/30
Linda Burris 8/11 Glenn Rasmussen 8/31
Lori Toto 8/12 Jim Bellows 9/1
Presley Powers 8/13 Frank Lavalla 9/1
Diane Tucker 8/13 Kay Sachs 9/2
Tia Klein 8/14 Emily Ellrick 9/5
Fred Mack 8/14 Barbara Meester 9/9
Grace White 8/15 Helen Seagers 9/9
Val Carlson 8/16 Patrick Thompson 9/11
Robert Lenz 8/16 Judy Warren 9/13
Barb Munini 8/16 B.J. Vergason 9/14
Kenna Baker 8/17 Penny Frick 9/21
Maria Leyva 8/21 John Tucker 9/25
Marge Mack 9/26
Cheryl Gaynor 9/27
ANNIVERSARies
Rich & Cindy Sidley 8/11 Jim & Beth Davis 9/4
Grace & Ron White 8/16 Glenn & B.J. Vergason 9/12
Bud & Mary Connett 8/17 Jerry & Juanine Lowery 9/15
Mark & Marianne Barnebey 8/20 Ed & Sandy Trottier 9/29
Jeff 7 Salley Tyson 8/20
Dan & Barb Munini 9/2
Faith Church Calendar for August/September 2014 can be found on our
website at Faithchurchum.org or please find a hardcopy on the Sunday school hallway
bulletin board.
Speakers Series with Friendship Dining Club at Faith Church
August 7th: Florida Maritime Museum: How Stephen Mallory Saved the Whales; Confederate Commerce Raiders in the Civil War August 14th: Jonathan DiRico: New Found Wealth September 18th: The Latest & Greatest: What’s Medicare Up To Now? September 25th: Medicare – More Changes & Updates
Please arrive by 10AM. There will be plenty of freshly brewed hot coffee!
July 2014
By: Sheila R. Rapavi
Doing The Locals Thing In June
Nothing could throw a wet towel ~ even a downpour ~ on the PrimeTimers June event at the Ana Maria Island Beach Café (http://amibeachcafe.com). Providing a cool breeze and cloud shaded sun, the rain actually enhanced the experience. Aah!
Scott Blum and Howie Banfield were the perfect accompaniment to a laid back afternoon at the beach. Their music is kind of a blend between Jimmy Buffet and Daryll Hall and John Oates. They even kept the volume to a pleasant level.
Prices are reasonable, food choices are plentiful and the quality remains consistently good.
Shirley Johnson, who received a large box of chocolates last month for her birthday from Lois Maat, provided dessert via Charlene Moran. Shirley said, “Its too much candy for me!” as she presented it to Charlene in honor of her July birthday. Charlene concurred; promptly opening the box for all to share… it was delicious and went fast!
Mote Marine VIP Passes were the door prizes at this month’s event. Bunny Klein graciously declined when she won as she already had annual passes. Taking home the prizes were Pat Black and Shirley Johnson.
Naturally, you can’t beat the atmosphere – literally! If you haven’t been to the beach lately – now’s the time to revisit one of the reasons you moved to Bradenton. Go for the music, tranquility or beauty that awaits you. The water is warm this time of year, so dip your toes in the ocean, too!
July 18th – 6PM Free Popcorn, Ole Fashioned Chocolate Ice Cream Sodas & Ice Cream!
Faith’s Outreach Ministry
Meals On Wheels Plus (MOW+) Friendship Dining
Program Leaders: Sheila Rapavi and Janet Hershey Written By: Sheila Rapavi
July 2014
JUNE ASKS, “WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?”
Our average age is a mere 83 years old. Sure, we have challenges like strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, gout, arthritis, hearing loss, failing eyesight, memories that occasionally test us, corns, bunions, muscle aches and pains… BUT
We don’t sit around feeling sorry for ourselves or dwelling on daily challenges. Not in June or any other time. Nope, we don’t waste our precious time worrying about kicking the bucket – we play kick the bucket! We turn challenges into opportunities and consciously choose to shift negative energy into positive living… mentally, physically and spiritually! We put a smile in our hearts that shines on our faces and radiates through our hugs. Yep, we EMBRACE LIFE!
Part of our joy, strength and health is contributed to the MOW+ Friendship Dining program held weekly at Faith United Methodist Church. Nope, we aren’t hermits, complainers, party poopers, channel surfers or couch potatoes!
We look forward to getting up in the morning to head over to Faith where a bevy of good friends are waiting for us. We happily participate to the best of our abilities – with open minds and positive attitudes that grow more positive each day! There are guest speakers and a variety of activities suited to any ability level. The food is delicious, too. We love to giggle and laugh out loud as we choose to make each day the very best.
Yep, we’re living it up everyday - for our happiness and ourselves. So…what’s YOUR excuse?!
Many excuses pop up? Take control of your life right now by simply saying ‘Cancel, cancel.’ Feel great about eliminating negativity from your life and do something positive for yourself. Join us! You deserve a happier, healthier life right now!
Another Great Week – In Fact, Four To Five Every Month!
Vacation Bible School was fun for us, too! Some of us made colorful decorations and others were VBS volunteers.
Everyone played a part and it was a hoot watching the kids frolic, sing, learn, laugh, snack and play. It was nice getting to know the families and other volunteers. Junior Leaders even gave each of us a keepsake – a personal note and Bible verse. Another hi-light was hearing Amaranta Perez-Dalto sing. Yes sir, the church was loud with excitement and happily, we were right there in the midst of it all!
Without the kids, It sure was quiet the next week, so we pumped it up and generated lots of noise ourselves at the Friendship Dining monthly birthday party! Wearing favorite beach-inspired summer clothing, leis, tropical hats and flowers in our hair, we partied at Journey with friends from all of the Manatee County MOW+ Friendship Dining Centers.
The children’s puppetry team from Journey Church provided entertainment with their animated puppets and upbeat music. Raquel (Activities Coordinator) and the Journey
Center attendees out did themselves decorating the center. Tables were laden with ‘water’ (blue plastic waves and incandescent tinsel), seashells and fish in bowls. The bowls of fish, complete with fish food, were given out as door prizes.
As luck would have it, Nell (sitting), Mary Lou and David were winners from Faith’s Center. Sheila also won, but was unhappy that no one from the Palmetto Elks Club did, so she held her won little side raffle and donated her fish to the new winner – sweet little Virginia De Leon.
Speakers Series
July 10th I’m All Ears… But I’m Not Sure I Hear A Darn Thing! (Free Hearing Test)
July 17th Get A Grip On Life ~ New Technology for Old Challenges
Held in the FUMC Sanctuary at 10AM ~ Enjoy a cup of hot coffee, too!
Friendship Dining welcomes all adults 60+. Stop in FUMC’s Sanctuary and see Sheila or Janet (9A-1P, Mon-Fri) or simply call Meals On Wheels Plus (941.747.4655) to get started! Transportation is available for qualified individuals. MOW+ provides valuable services and depends on your tax-deductible donations and generosity. (SRR)
DOOR PRIZE WINNERS
JOURNEY CHILDREN PUPPETEERS
August 2014
By: Sheila R. Rapavi
Annual Movie Night & Plenty Of Ice Cream – Delicious!
Fresh hot popcorn, old-fashioned chocolate ice cream sodas,
cookies and ice cream sundaes with all the toppings were the
perfect way to cool off on a sunny Florida summer day.
Goodies in hand it was time to sit back
and enjoy another great movie, Haunted
Mansion, thanks to Bud & Elma Sample.
The movie had everything… suspense,
comedy, fantasy, intrigue, drama, action,
adventure, romance… a thriller whodunit
murder mystery without the gore. Be sure you come next year!
PrimeTimers Invites All Adults To
Demetrio’s Restaurant
August 15 @ 6:15PM (Friday)
Order & Pay Off Their Extensive Menu
1720 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: 758.6478 Website: www.DemetriosPizza.com
Be prepared to bring home leftovers, because the only thing better than the cooking are the portions.
Specializing in all Italian favorites! They’ve garnered many of Manatee County’s most coveted
awards. “Best Place for Lunch”, “Best Italian Restaurant” and for 17 years (and counting), “Best
Pizza Place.”
RSVP to Sheila (792-1919)
to ensure you have a seat.
Faith’s Outreach Ministry
Meals On Wheels Plus (MOW+) Friendship Dining
Activity Coordinators: Sheila Rapavi and Janet Hershey
JULY WAS A CHANGIN’ MONTH
There certainly were a lot of changes in the month of July. It was wonderful seeing how resilient the group was handling challenges, stepping out of their comfort zone and welcoming new opportunities with grace. It was sad watching friends make the choice to leave the program, but was positively wonderful greeting new friends.
Two such friends are guitarist Jim Dart who enriches lives with good old-fashioned sing-alongs, and his wife, Jan, whose enthusiasm is absolutely contagious! Jan, a recently retired physical education teacher, knows how to bring out the best of everyone – in a very fun and active way.
We were in awe and inspired by National Radio Talk Show Host Barbara Carley, a little bitty lady who consciously chooses to continually overcome gigantic challenges daily – all with an incredible positive attitude and zest for life. Her presentation, “Get A Grip On Life,” had us getting a grip on a better and more appreciative attitude, too.
With minds open to new possibilities, the Selis family opened the doors to better hearing with their presentation, “I’m All Ears, But I’m Not Sure I Hear A Darn Thing!” Family owned and operated, All Ears Hearing Services pulled their mobile office right up to the church doors, providing value-added free hearing tests, plus information on hearing products, options and services.
One person exclaimed, “I’m thrilled to know there’s a wax blockage in my ear canal! I’m going to the doctor to have it removed, keeping my fingers crossed it may be the root of my recent hearing loss.” Others were surprised to learn the VA might provide their hearing aides – a savings up to $4000. ‘I hear that!’
We welcomed Meals On Wheels Plus visitors Dr. Lauri Wright (Registered Dietitian), Migdalia Rosales (Client Advocate) and Richelle Leuchter (Intern). It is because of the hard work and heartfelt efforts of the behind the scenes MOW+ workforce that Friendship Dining is such a wonderful program. It truly takes a positive collective team effort and the MOW+ team is a blue-ribbon winning team!
In addition to the informative Speakers Series, there’s always plenty of activity at the center, including but not limited
to cards, dominoes, board games, crafts, art, gardening and golf. Bingo is a monthly favorite, too. This month’s Bingo winners were (standing) Mary Lou, Elma, Pat, (sitting) Nell and Velma, who won the adorable plush animal of their choice.
Next Monthly Birthday Party
August 27th At Faith United Methodist Church
National Radio Host Barbara Carley
Jim Dart leads a sing-along to the joy of everyone
Dr. Lauri Wright, Migdalia Rosales, Richelle Leuchter
Mary Lou, Nell, Elma, Pat & Velma
MONTHLY BIRTHDAY PARTY: ‘CHRISTMAS IN JULY!’
In alignment with the ‘Christmas In July’ theme, partygoers decked out in red and holiday regalia, picked up early holiday gifts at bargain prices, made candy cane reindeer and enjoyed a delicious hot meal at Renaissance on 9th. There was even a friendly word game competition between tables, which the Journey Center won with twenty-one words. Our own Millie Snyder (shown on the left in the last picture above) was among the July babies honored with a robust version of ‘Happy Birthday’. Good times!
YOU LOOK MARVELOUS, DARLING!
Partygoers broke out into age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90-99), while Nell Bailey held her own at a mere 101.
Speakers Series
Held in the FUMC Sanctuary at 10AM ~ Enjoy a cup of hot coffee, too!
Aug. 7th Florida Maritime Museum: How Stephen Mallory Saved the Whales; Confederate Commerce Raiders in the Civil War
Aug. 14th Jonathan Di Rico: New Found Wealth
Friendship Dining welcomes all adults 60+. Stop in FUMC’s Sanctuary and see Sheila or Janet (9A-1P, Mon-Fri) or simply call Meals On Wheels Plus (941.747.4655) to get started! Transportation is available for qualified individuals. MOW+ provides valuable services and depends on your tax-deductible donations and generosity. (SRR)
