LAKEWOOD PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCHDECEMBER, 2018 NEWSLETTER

The Right Thing at the Right Time

Galatians 4:4 - 6 (NLT) 4But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

Christmas time is almost here. By the time you get this newsletter, Thanksgiving will be long past. Those who do such things will have already started their Christmas shopping and/or their baking.

I must tell you that I am a Christmas traditionalist. What I mean by that is that I don't want to hear Christmas songs or see Christmas decorations until the day after Thanksgiving.

When I walked into a store a few weeks ago and saw the displays of light up snowmen and reindeer and Santa Clauses, I was really tempted to go to the manager and complain. I didn't do it, and I'm glad I didn't. But I sure did want to!

You see, it just wasn't the right time. I wish I could tell you I always did everything at the right time, but I can't.

I would also like to be able to tell you that I always do the right thing. Unfortunately, I'd have to lie to tell you that.

To make things worse, there are times that I do what could have been the right thing at the wrong time.

All of this makes me so glad God doesn't make the same decisions I would all the time.

You see, God sent Jesus on the very first Christmas long ago at just the right time. Not only did God do the right thing at the right time, but he did it for the right reason. Verse five in the passage above tells us that Jesus was sent to buy you and me freedom. Because of Jesus, we have freedom from the burden of the law of sin and death. This means that because of Jesus you and I can be forgiven of our sins and through faith in Christ have eternal life. Now we can call God “Abba” which is like Daddy.

That is what Christmas is all about.I hope that you and your family have the very merriest Christmas

possible.Oh, by the way, you can start celebrating Christmas any time you

want. You don't have to wait until after Thanksgiving.Merry Christmas. Grace to you from God our father and the Lord

Jesus Christ.Love in Christ,

Pastor Kirk

TERRIFIC TUESDAY TIME!

We enjoy welcoming friends each week and sharing a meal. Our volunteers are efficient and effective, but we can always use extra help. ~ Kathy Isaacson

Dec 4 Flounder DinnerDec 11 Chicken Noodle CasseroleDec 18 Ham DinnerDec 25 No Dinner: Have a Blessed Holiday CelebrationJan 1 No Dinner: Have a Wonderful New Year’s Day.

Tickets must be purchased prior to the dinner ($7.00). They are on sale in the Narthex before and after Worship Service on Sundays and you may purchase then for the following week or for the month at Terrific Tuesday.

Please Contact Kathy Isaacson (772-596-0800) if you have any comments, complaints, questions or just wish to volunteer your services.

OTHER TUESDAY NIGHT EVENTS:6:00p Youth Bible Study Youth Bldg.6:00p Hand Bells practice Room 46:30p Chancel Choir (6:30p-7:30p) Choir Loft

The needs of our community and church family continue, as do our need for your assistance with our Food Pantry Ministry: Boxed cereals, cans of soup, canned vegetables, boxed shelf-stable milk, canned beans, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, tuna, canned chicken, spam, and rice. Food donations have been great lately-thank you so much.

If you take food out of your cupboard, please check the expiration date. We do not give out expired cans or boxes of food. Our Food Pantry is always grateful for donations you wish to make.

Total Food Bank boxes given out in November was 14 plus 3 Thanksgiving Dinners.

~Thank you, Kay Olson

The Children's Home has notified us that rather than us collecting gifts for the children, they prefer gift cards.  In this manner the house parents and counselors can buy gifts for the children since they know the needs of the individuals.  Therefore, we will use the excess amount of $1,000 in the account to buy cards at Kohl’s, Walmart, as well as restaurants in the area.

Thanks so much for your generous support of the UM Children's Home in 2018.  There will not be a Red Bucket collection in December.

  -Kay Olson, Local Church Representative

JUST A REMINDER

We continue to support the Methodist Children’s Home with our monthly Red Bucket Collection, taken the last Sunday of each month. The collection for November was $218.39.

Thank you for all donations to this ministry.

LAKEWOOD PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCHMUSIC MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

DIRECTOR: DIANE FLOATWELCOME TO THE 2018-2019 CHOIR YEAR

Join one of our exciting choir programs and be a blessing to all this year. We have a growing and vibrant Ministry.

The Music Department invites you to join our exciting events in December!!

1. Our very own LWPUMC Violin Program will hold its'" Christmas Music and Carols' Concert" on Sunday afternoon, December 16th from 3 - 4 PM in our Church Sanctuary. You won't want to miss this beautiful free Christmas Concert and Cookie Reception meeting the Children and their parents. Santa is coming too!!

2. The Chancel Choir will present the beautiful Musical: "Joy Has Dawned" Sunday Morning, December 23rd in the 10:30 AM morning Worship Service with live Nativity Players, Soloists, Narrators and Instrumentalists. Come early to get a seat in the Sanctuary.

3. The Services in December begin each Sunday with a “Carol Sing-A-Long”. Come early and sing your favorite Carols with the Choir!

4. Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th our Choir will present "Carols By Candlelight" at 7:00 PM with an Audience Sing of all your favorite Carols! It will be a beautiful Family and Community Service celebrating our Savior's Birth in the singing of “10,000 Joys!”.

Will you help me by bringing your voice to join our Choir? Reading Music is not required - just a love for serving God.

See you in Church Sunday! Come up and say "hello". I would love to meet you!

Love In Christ, Diane

Home Schooling Network“Classical Conversations”

8:00am-4:00pm “Classical Conversations” This is our LWPUMC Mission Home Schooling Network. This program for 2018-2019, will be ongoing until the middle of May of 2019 on our church campus.

We will be on holiday break from December 12, 2018 through January 16, 2019. See you after the holidays. A very Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year!

~In Gratitude,Nicole MulesDirector of Classical Conversations of Fort Pierce

YOUTH NEWS

Merry Christmas from our youth group.  The youth group sponsored 2 Operation Christmas Child boxes this year.  They will be lighting an Advent candle Dec.16, and they are all looking forward to the Christmas holiday. 

Merry Christmas, Denise Liddell

CONFIRMATION INTEREST?Are you a teen interested in professing your faith publicly though Confirmation? Please see Ms. Denise or Pastor Kirk and we’ll make arrangements for the next steps.

******* DELIVERY WILL BE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21st. COME JOIN US TO PUT THEM

AROUND THE ALTAR AND NARTHEX********

YOUNG CHILDREN’S ROOM

If you need nursery care for your child, please let one of the ushers know and we will be happy to assist you. Care is provided during our Worship Service at 10:30am. The Nursery is located in the Church, across from the restrooms.

If you are interested in lending a helping hand one time per month in our new young children’s room, please let us know on your connect card or contact Pastor Kirk.

Also, please know that we will still have a nursery available in the Family Life Center for young child care during special events.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Dec. 4 Diane Float Dec. 3 Sheri & Lu DialDec. 4 Joan French Dec. 14 Cislyn & Beckleton

Dec. 11 Linda Graham ChantiloupeDec. 12 Darlene Coverdale Dec. 13 Shannon MeuterDec. 15 Scott DonaldsonDec. 18 Mary DonavanDec. 24 Diane GoldenDec. 30 Lloyd Hampton

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE MISSED YOUR SPECIAL DAY, IT WASN’T INTENTIONAL, MAYBE WE DIDN’T HAVE YOUR INFORMATION ON FILE. IF YOU WOULD BE SO KIND TO NOTE YOUR BIRTHDAY AND/OR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WITH THE YEAR, AS OUR COMPUTER WON’T ACCEPT IT WITHOUT THE DATE ON THE BLUE CONNECT CARD, WE WILL UPDATE THE INFORMATION IN OUR COMPUTER SYSTEM. HOPE YOU HAD A BLESSED DAY.

What are Chrismons?Chrismons are a type of Christmas Tree decoration used in many churches and often in the homes of Christians. The symbols used represent a variety of

biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers. Often, if the ornaments on a Christmas tree are comprised mostly of Christian symbols,

the tree is known as a "Chrismon Tree." Chrismons are white with gold decorations of beads, ribbon, glitter, etc. It is common,

however, to see these ancient Christian designs in other colors than white and gold. These would not be Chrismons,

however, but simply Christian symbols -- and there's nothing wrong with that!

As you begin to pull out your Christmas decorations and clean house for the holidays, please keep in mind that we will be holding our annual church yard and bake sale Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26 from 8:00am-1:00pm. We are currently taking in the donations. You can drop them off at Holland Hall or in the FLC (rear door) Monday – Thursday from 9:00am – 11:30am. What a great time to pass on “no longer wanted” items and help your church. Thank you!

ONGOING EVENTS

RECYCLING

Please remember to bring your aluminum cans to our recycling collection site. ALUMINUM RECYCLING IS GENERATING MORE MONEY NOW THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHS. Aluminum taken to the recycling center and the International Heifer Fund Mission benefit from the amount received. Mitch Williford took the cans over to the recycling station in November and received $20.90.

Additional items to our collection: empty computer ink cartridges, pull rings from soda cans and “Box Top $ Education labels”. These items can be placed in the appropriate bins along the wall in the Family Life Center.

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PRAYER AND PRAISEDid you know that we have a group of Prayer Warriors who meet every Wednesday morning at 11:00 to read and pray over the blue connect cards? You are more than welcome to join them as they offer prayers and praises in the Sanctuary.

**Need Prayers? Call the Prayer Chain: Helen Wilson, 772-465-5518 orSherry Dial, 772-579-5806.**

If you would like to use the Prayer Chapel in the Memorial Garden, it is available for use. Please contact the Church office for the key during regular office hours.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Do you have a special occasion coming up that you’d like to remember with flowers? There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex and complete the envelope under the sign-up sheet telling us the date and occasion you want the flowers for donating flowers. There is a $30. donation for the flowers. After the Worship Service please take your bouquet with you to enjoy. Thank you.

PENNIES FROM HEAVENYou may have noticed this jar on the Narthex table: “Pennies From Heaven”The money herein goes to help assist our Food Pantry.

If you forget to bring your canned donation for the Food Pantry, just pennies added to this jar adds to this Ministry of putting food on the table of someone in our community, even members of our church family benefit from your generous donations, Thank you!

CALANDER OF EVENTS(REMINDER: OFFICE CLOSED ON FRIDAYS)

Sat. Dec. 1

Sun. Dec. 29:00a.m. Adult Bible Study:

“The Role of Human Suffering in God’s Plan” 9:00a.m. Children’s Sunday School9:00a.m. Youth Sunday School9:30a.m. Chancel Choir Warm-up (9:30am-10:00am)10:30a.m. Worship Service

Mon. Dec. 310:00a.m. Food Pantry Open (10:00a.m. – Noon)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00-8:00p.m.)

Tues. Dec. 45:30p.m. Terrific Tuesday6:00p.m. Youth Bible Study6:00p.m. Hand Bells Practice6:30p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (6:30pm-8:00pm)

Wed. Dec. 58:00a.m. Home Study Group (8:00am-4:00pm)11:00a.m. Prayer & Praise6:30p.m. Adult Bible Study (Narthex)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00pm-8:00pm)

Thurs. Dec. 69:00a.m. TOPS10:00a.m. Ladies Bible Study10:00a.m. Men’s Bible Study

4:00p.m. Violin Program Classes (4:00p.m.-5:30p.m.)

Sun. Dec. 99:00a.m. Adult Bible Study:

“The Role of Human Suffering in God’s Plan” 9:00a.m. Children’s Sunday School9:00a.m. Youth Sunday School9:30a.m. Chancel Choir Warm-up (9:30a.m.-10:00a.m.)10:30a.m. Worship Service

Mon. Dec. 1010:00a.m. Food Pantry Open (10:00a.m. – Noon)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00-8:00p.m.)

Tues. Dec. 115:30p.m. Terrific Tuesday6:00 p.m. Hand Bells Practice6:00p.m. Youth Bible Study6:30p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (6:30pm-8:00pm)

Wed. Dec. 12No Home Study Group11:00a.m. Prayer & Praise6:30p.m. Adult Bible Study (Narthex)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.)

Thurs. Dec. 139:00a.m. TOPS10:00a.m. Ladies Bible Study10:00a.m. Men’s Bible Study4:00p.m. Violin Program Classes (4:00pm-5:30pm)

Sun. Dec. 169:00a.m. Adult Bible Study:

“The Role of Human Suffering in God’s Plan” 9:00a.m. Children’s Sunday School

9:00a.m. Youth Sunday School9:30-10:00a.m. Chancel Choir Warm-up10:30a.m. Worship Service 3:00-4:00p.m. LPUMC Violin Program Join us for this delightful program

Mon. Dec. 1710:00a.m. Food Pantry Open (10:00a.m. – Noon)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00-8:00p.m.)

Tues. Dec. 185:30p.m. Terrific Tuesday 6:00p.m. Youth Bible Study6:00 p.m. Hand Bells Practice6:30p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (6:30pm-8:00pm)

Wed. Dec. 19No Home Study Group11:00a.m. Prayer & Praise6:30p.m. Adult Bible Study (Narthex)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00-8:00p.m.)

Thurs. Dec. 209:00a.m. TOPS10:00a.m. Ladies Bible Study10:00a.m. Men’s Bible Study4:00p.m. Violin Program Classes (4:00pm-5:30pm)

Sun. Dec. 239:00a.m. Adult Bible Study:

“The Role of Human Suffering in God’s Plan” 9:00a.m. Children’s Sunday School9:00a.m. Youth Sunday School9:30-10:00a.m. Chancel Choir Warm-up10:30a.m. Worship Service -*Musical by Chancel Choir*

“Joy Has Dawned”

Mon. Dec. 24(OFFICE CLOSED)

10:00-Noon Food Pantry Open7:00p.m. Christmas Eve Service – Carols by Candlelight

Tues. Dec. 25JOYFUL AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!(OFFICE CLOSED)

Wed. Dec. 26No Home Study Group 11:00a.m. Prayer & Praise6:30p.m. Adult Bible Study (Narthex)7:00p.m. Zumba (7:00-8:00p.m.)

Thurs. Dec. 279:00a.m. TOPS10:00a.m. Ladies Bible Study10:00a.m. Men’s Bible Study4:00p.m. Violin Program Classes (4:00pm-5:30pm)

Sun. Dec 309:00a.m. Adult Bible Study:

“The Role of Human Suffering in God’s Plan” 9:00a.m. Children’s Sunday School9:00a.m. Youth Sunday School9:30-10:00a.m. Chancel Choir Warm-up10:30a.m. Worship Service

Mon. Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE…..BE SAFE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

‘HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR’