Date: July 6, 2014Title: A Summertime ChristmasTheme: Second Sunday in AdventPurpose: Advent in Year A is about getting back to basics.  The second week, we focus on the righteousness and justice God calls for, creates, and re-creates.Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10New Testament: Matthew 3:1-12

Date: July 13, 2014Title: A Summertime ChristmasTheme: Third Sunday in AdventPurpose: Advent in Year A is about getting back to basics.  The third week, we encounter just how full of “reversals” and “subversion” our God is.”Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-10New Testament: Matthew 11:2-11

Date: July 20, 2014Title: VBS SundayTheme: Weird AnimalsPurpose: The children of this year’s VBS will be helping lead the service through music, dance, and skits.

Date: July 27, 2014Title: A Summertime ChristmasTheme: Fourth Sunday of AdventPurpose: Advent in Year A is about getting back to basics.  The fourth week, we hear Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus, and we are reminded it is this God of that kind of end, of this passion for righteousness and justice, and of such reversals who was and is and ever will be “with us.”Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-16New Testament: Matthew 1:18-25

Sunday’s Service InformationTraditional Service – For those that love that “Old Time Religion”, we have a traditional worship service that meets every Sunday at 8:30 am.Blended Service – Not too bold, not too mild…just right. Our Blended service combines the best of our traditional and contemporary worship services. The Blended service is every Sunday at 10:30 am.

Church ContactPhone: (305) 852-2581, Fax: (305) 852-4917

Email: burtonmemorial@bellsouth.net, Pastor: kmf_bmumc@bellsouth.netWeb Site: www.BMUMC.net

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Friday - Office Closed

Newsletter and Bulletin Deadlines We have a lot of ministries and events going on at Burton and it is important to get the word out regarding them. So, please remember the deadline for getting information into the weekly bulletin is on Wednesdays. The deadline for monthly Beacon articles is the 20th of each month. Please send all information that you want placed in the bulletin or in the Beacon to the office at burtonmemorial@bellsouth.net.

July Birthdays: July Anniversaries:

DAY DAY DAY Harriet Hild 2nd Michael Ratliff 27th Jason & Brita Kiser 8thAngie Bernstein 4th Paulina Grove 30th Peg Bridges 12thKyrié Foote 8th Ed & Harriet Armbruster 15thJason Kiser 11th Harry & Ruth Forgan 27thGary Boswell 13th David Sebben 13thVirginia Spear 13thDonald Englebreth 23th

Frances Simmons 24th

a monthly newsletter publication of Burton Memorial UMCJuly 2014

Kerry’s KornerA Summertime Advent/Christmas

A wonderful tradition that we have started here at Burton Memorial is the celebration of a summertime Advent/Christmas. We have found that by celebrating Advent/Christmas during the summer time months, we are able to avoid some of the competing factors (i.e. shopping malls, TV advertisements, and endless office parties) that tend to draw us away from the true meaning of the Advent/Christmas season.

From June 29 through July 27, 2014 we will be recognizing the Advent season during our Sunday services. Many people assume that Advent and Christmas are the same observance, but they are not. Advent historically has been to Christmastime what Lent is to Eastertime: a season of preparation for (primarily) the second coming of Christ and for baptism (at Epiphany or Baptism of the Lord), and, for a number of centuries, a season of penitence. In the Eastern Churches (Orthodox), this season is called the Nativity Fast, a period of forty days before the celebration of the Nativity beginning on December 25 (after sunset, December 24). These are among the reasons the primary color for Advent has often matched that for Lent -- purple. And like Lent, it remains a time for getting back to the basics.

The basics may be simple, but they are not simplistic. They are frequently hard to live up to. They require diligent attention and practice. Ask any coach or athlete, or any music teacher or musician. They will all tell you that if they can get the basics right, everything else can fall into place much easier. Advent is a season for remembering and practicing the basics.

Advent 1: (June 29, 2014) Remembering the end.In the end is our end, our purpose for engaging and joining God's reign wherever and however we can. Ignorance, warfare, and strife will end among nations (Isaiah and Psalm). So we are invited to learn all we can, seek peace, and work for reconciliation here and now. The "works of the flesh" come to an end (Romans). So we are challenged to refrain from such works here and now, and to end any habits that support them. Christ will return at a time when life seems normal (Matthew). So we are called to be ready and make ourselves ready every day, day by day.

Advent 2: (July 6, 2014) Justice and Righteousness.Isaiah prophesies that from the stump of Jesse will spring a righteous and just judge, a new king who will judge with righteousness and not "as the eye sees." Paul reminds the church at Rome that they, as the body of Christ, are called to continue to fulfill the work of the just king, Jesus, through their hospitality toward all. This week's reading about the ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew) reminds us that we are not righteous simply because we have some relationship with God, but because we obey God and so "bring forth fruits worthy of repentance." Righteousness and justice are to become real practices bearing real fruit in our lives, fruit that will endure the coming judgment.

Advent 3: (July 13, 2014) Expecting Reversal of the Powers That Be.Isaiah and the Song of Mary tell us to expect God to turn the world order upside down, for there to be springs in the desert (Isaiah), and for the mighty to be cast down, the lowly lifted up, and the rich sent away empty (Luke). James reminds us to wait for such reversal with patient expectation and without anxiety, like a farmer waiting for the crops to bring the harvest (James). And Jesus assures the followers of John the Baptist that John's confidence in Jesus' role was not misplaced, not with arguments but with a simple direction: "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard here — blind people receive sight, poor people receive good news, deaf people now hear, and dead people are raised. The reversal hoped for was already happening everywhere around Jesus. And it's still happening today. May we have hearts to expect it, eyes to see it, and lips to bear the good news!

Advent 4: (July 27, 2014) The God of Those Ends, That Justice, and Such Reversals Is with UsAdvent 4 is a bridge Sunday. It sums up all that has come before. It also leads into the celebration of the incarnation we begin on Christmas Eve.

From August 3 through August 24, 2014 we will recognizing the Christmas season during our Sunday services. We will end the Christmas season with a special Baptism of the Lord Service on August 24, 2014. Those who have never been baptized and would like to experience that are encouraged to contact the church office. More information will be provided about this special event in the August Beacon.

Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School (VBS) is July 14th thru July 18th (5:00 to 8:00 p.m.).  Our theme this year is Weird Animals. We need your help with materials and supplies.  If you can donate any of the things listed here, please leave them in the church Narthex:

solid colored sheets pool noodles paper towel tubes balloons stuffed animals..."weird animals" rolls of solid color wrapping paper black plastic pipe cleaners

We always need volunteers, too.  We always need volunteers, too.  If you want to help with VBS, please contact our VBS Director, Crystal Sebben, at (305)240-7170. Please pass the word to your friends (especially those with children) and neighbors about this year’s VBS. It is open to all children (K-middle school) in the community.

MissionUWould you like to travel with the United Methodist Women to Florida Southern College in Lakeland this July 10-13?  Come go with us to MissionU to study two of the 2014 mission studies.  This year the studies are:  People with Disability, The Roma of Europe, and Is It Well with Your Soul?  All in attendance will take Is It Well with Your Soul and will have a choice of the Roma or Disability study.  For more information contact v3spear@aol.com or tbric52@aol.com.  (Men youth and children are invited, also.)

United Methodist Women – Challenge Members of the Congregation to a MatchUnited Methodist Women (UMW) will match contributions (up to $799) toward the purchase of new chairs for the Fellowship Hall. Though typically UMW does not give money for the furnishings, building, decorating, or other capital projects for the local church, our women have voted to contribute to the purchase of new chairs to use for our number one means of raising funds for our missions…..our Annual Tea Party. UMW is proud to be the mission arm of the church and happy to have the bulk of our funs go undesignated to 221 missions, including 100 in the United States and 121 in more than 100 countries elsewhere around the world. We take Jesus’ Great Commandment seriously: “Go ye therefore into all the world and preach the gospel”. Please help us raise money for missions and help our church by contributing toward the purchase of new chair for the Fellowship Hall. You can put your gift in the collection plate on Sunday mornings in an envelope marked “UMW Chair Project” or simply leave your gift at the church office designated “UMW Chair Project”.

United Methodist Women (UMW)This is a reminder that the UMW will not hold their regular meeting

in July.

Membership and Information Class

Our Pastor will be hosting a Membership and Information class on Sunday, July 13, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 p.m. in his office. Individuals, couples, or families that are interested in becoming members of Burton Memorial United Methodist church are encouraged to attend. Attendance at the Membership and Information Class does not obligate one to become a member. It is also for those that would just like more information about Burton.

Numbers Are InterestingNumbers are interesting. There is a whole book in the Bible called Numbers. But you knew that. God calls us to serve His children. Burton memorial United Methodist Church (BMUMC) continues to reach out and touch the lives of our community. Last year, our Food Pantry disbursed enough groceries to feed approximately 10,000 people. We know we served 2400 citizens for about 3-4 months. According to www.Florida-demographics.com, Key Largo’s population is about 11,000. Islamorada’s population is about 6200. The number of people that live in poverty in Key Largo and Islamorada is about 2080. The number of people living in poverty versus how many people the Food Pantry served is interestingly close. Granted, the correlation is not scientific but the numbers are a fact, and only God knows why the numbers are close.

We know that statistically our clients are served for about 3-4 months, but we do not know why they stop coming to the Food Pantry. We know something changed. Did they find financially adequate employment or did the lack of employment discourage them and they left our community? Only God knows what triggers the change.

What causes poverty? Leading economists have debated that throughout the ages. We will probably never know, and only God knows. Regardless, on faith, our faith, we know that we are called to serve. We have all the faith-facts we need. We know that our mission field is the place outside our church walls. For many, the mission field is the workplace and the role that is filled.

A member of our congregation is employed by CareerSource South Florida (CSSF), a private non-profit, secular organization, serving the job seeking citizens of South Florida. They also provide free employment assistance services to local businesses which include incentive subsidies to businesses for hiring program-eligible, job seeking applicants. See the included flyers for Employee and Employer Services. CSSF is located in the Pink Plaza. Call or visit them. They are here to serve our community in need.

BMUMC is also committed to serving our community’s youth. We embrace our kids with activities, devotions, mentoring, and fellowship as we strive to be His hands and feet to nurture His kids. Sometimes kids struggle. It can be tough to be a kid. Peer pressure, family life, low income or poverty issues, or just the awkwardness of trying to grow up can prohibit a youth from discovering their potential, fall behind, or drop out of school. That fast, a kid is “At-Risk.” CSSF has programs to help kids stay in school, gain work experience, or obtain their GED. See the included flyer for youth services.

Your call to serve is this: JUST TALK. Tell your family, your friends, your associates, or a youth about how CSSF can help. Tell them to talk. Increase the numbers of awareness. Numbers are interesting.

Community Health of South FloridaCommunity Health of South Florida sponsors one-on-one counseling on affordable health care on the fourth Thursday of every month from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Topics covered include the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and KidCare. Counselors will help you learn about your options. For appointments contact Diana Ross, OW CAC, at 305-986-4733.

Altar FlowersThe Flower Calendar for 2014 is ready for you! Please consider placing flowers on the altar in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone or something (such as a ministry

or event), or to the Glory of God! Cost is $25.00 per arrangement starting in July. There are still lots of Sundays open – so sign up! The calendar is in the Narthex or contact the church office. Only two bouquets per Sunday will be purchased.

Florida Annual Conference Summary Greetings, to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and thankfulness for the blessings received before, during, and following our experience at the 2014 Annual Conference of the Florida United Methodist Church, June 11-14, in Lakeland.

The joy, of meeting new friends and greeting those already familiar to us, was equaled by the inspiring music and oration offered throughout the event. The band, a nameless compilation of spirit-filled musicians, was amazing, and the Africa University choir was awesome. The speakers included our own Bishop Ken Carter, bible study leader Dr. Robert Tuttle, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries Dr. Thomas Kemper, Vice-Chancellor of the Africa University Dr. James Sally, the Rev. Harold Lewis, and a series of storytellers, all sharing their experience with “Missions in God”, the conference theme. “We are missionaries from everywhere going everywhere.”With Bishop Carter presiding, plenary sessions were conducted efficiently and fairly. The most

exciting sessions involved discussion relative to several Resolutions offered by groups and individuals within the conference. One, passed resoundingly by the delegates, called on the General Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry to consider scholarship applicants equally, regardless of their resident status, consistent with legislative action approved by the 2008 General Conference.Of course, the highlight of the event was the ordination service, where our very own shepherd, Kerry Michael Foote, was ordained as a full Elder in the United Methodist Church. There to witness the event were Ken and Nancy Mills, Jim and Mary Harris, Charles and Vickie Pinson, Tiffany Katz, Harry and Ruth Forgan, and Edith and I. It was an honor to represent Burton Memorial at the conference.

Peace in Christ,Tim Bricker

July Blood DriveSunday, July 6, 2014 the Big Red Bus will be in the Burton parking lot from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm. All those who donate blood that day will receive 2 free movie tickets and a wellness checkup which includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. Please come and donate blood.

Status of OfferingsAlthough our church has several ministries funded by a variety of sources, we must keep in mind that the weekly offerings through the collection plate and website are what pay the expenses of our worship services. These expenses include utilities, insurance, salaries, facility maintenance, and worship supplies. So far this year, our offerings have been somewhat below the forecast, which was based on the offerings in the previous several years. The chart below shows the actual offerings compared to the forecast for 2014. Although the offerings typically are lower in the summer months when the attendance is down, this year the decline has been greater than expected.

dV8Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (dV8) by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Our youth group is open to all adolescents in grades 6 through 12.  You do not have to be a member of Burton to attend and friends are always welcome.  As a matter of fact…we encourage our youth to BARF at every event.  (Bring a Real Friend).  Our normal dV8 events are Sundays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (with exceptions for special events which will be advertised in advance) at “The Place” a.k.a. the youth room of the education building.

July 6, 2014 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) - ARK: Act of Random Kindness. The youth will meet in the church parking lot to load up the van with bottled waters and soda’s. Then we will travel to a designated site to hand out free bottles of water and sodas with a message of the love of Christ to total strangers and record their actions.

July 13, 2014 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) - Water balloon wars and baptism wars. Come to this dV8 wearing your swim suit and bring a towel because things are gonna get wild. We will be having a water balloon war (with a water balloon launcher provided). Following this (baptizing) wet event, we will take a little time to discuss the different forms of baptism in the different churches.

July 20, 2014 (3:00 pm to 7:00 pm) - Swimming and tubing and boarding…oh my. The youth group will be meeting at the Gonsalves house (168 Jasmine Street, Plantation Key Colony) for a retreat from the hot July month. We will be swimming and taking turns tubing, boarding, and skiing. Food and drink will be provided. Please do not forget to bring a towel with you. We will not be meeting at the church for this event.

July 27, 2014 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) - Underground Church. This is one of the favorite games of the dV8 youth and it is “funner” with more people. So be sure to invite as many friends as you can for this event. Following the

game, we will be discussing what it means to be a “martyr” for Christ and talking about some of the people that have given up their lives for the message of the gospel.

Airsoft GamesOur dV8 youth group has resumed playing airsoft on specific Sunday’s of the month. Those wanting to play are encouraged to show up at 3:30 pm on specified Sundays wearing long sleeved clothing and pants. Youth can bring their own guns or borrow ones supplied by the church. Also, youth are not allowed to play without eye protection gear. For the month of July, the youth will be playing Airsoft on:July 13, 2014: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.July 27 2014: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.