Newsletter 0615

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A loving congregation bringing people to Jesus Christ through prayer and the Holy Word of God, empowering them to minister to others. Love ~ Worship ~ Serve Sunday Worship Services: 8:45 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 & 10:15 a.m.

15690 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33908 Tel. (239) 482-2030 Fax (239) 482-6270 www.faithum.com JUNE 2015 ISSN. 250 Published Monthly

Abundance vs. Scarcity One of my favorite Bible passages is the account of Jesus feeding of 5,000 men plus women and children (see Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus had been teaching the people all day. The disciples encouraged Jesus to send the people home. It’s not that the disciples didn’t care for the people. They did care. They wanted the people to be able to travel home before they became too hungry to travel. Jesus responded to this request by telling the disciples “You give them something to eat.” To which the disciples replied, “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.” [Emphasis mine] What was the difference between Jesus’ approach to the problem and the disciples’ approach? Both cared for the people. Both wanted something good for the people. But it appears that Jesus lived by an “abundance” mentality while the disciples lived by a “scarcity” mentality. Jesus saw in what they had on hand that God would do something great. The disciples saw in what they had there was too little. I have to confess that I have often found myself leading and thinking too much like the disciples. A scarcity mentality in church leads one to say things like, “If we only had more money… more young people… more volunteers… more parking… more of ____________.” I am challenged by this passage to think differently. Jesus, in an act of faith, told the disciples to bring the bread and fish to him and then he instructed the people to sit down in preparation to receive dinner. Jesus then looked up to heaven…. What happened next is a great miracle. I’ve come to believe that what often holds me back as a Christ follower (as a follower of Jesus and as a leader) is a scarcity mentality. One might even call it a lack of faith. It is amazing what Jesus can do if we will bring what we have to him. He can make what appears to be little to be a

lot. He can do much with what we have. And in good time give more. Perhaps this occurs to me as we approach summer. It’s easy to see our church accomplishing a lot when the crowds are over 1200. Jesus can do amazing things with the summer crowd of 350 too. This doesn’t mean that we don’t want or need the 1200. Our church family includes seasonal and year around people. What it does mean is that we must not say to ourselves “if only ….” Christ invites us to always bring what we have to him. He will bless it and multiply it and do amazing things with it. Let us bring our lives, our ministries, and our resources to Jesus. Like Jesus, let us lift them up and then trust Jesus to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Every day, I am looking forward to seeing what Jesus can and will do as we give ourselves to Him. Blessings, Pastor David

Children’s Wing Update: Progress is happening in the children’s wing. The nursery update is nearly ready. Doors and walls are now painted in child-friendly colors. And part of the carpet will be installed in early June. Soon (waiting for some fund transfers) we will begin the wall removal and more. Consider stopping by to take a look.

Mark your Calendar: Labor Day Weekend fun day at Faith Church. On Sunday, September 6 we will have one worship service beginning at 10:00. Following worship there will be food and fun. More details to come so watch your bulletin and/or newsletter.

Acrylic Painting

Wednesday, June 10 5:30 p.m.

Meets on Tuesdays: June 2 & 16 (select days during Summer months) 8:30-12:00 in Room 301 Enjoy creating a lovely scene in just 3 hours, guided step-by-step by the instructor! You’ll be amazed at what you can produce in such a short time, learning techniques and color mixing as you go. You’ll need paint, brushes, and a painting surface. A complete supply list is available at the church office. A good idea is to visit an ongoing class, so you can see the supplies that are being used. You’re always welcome. Donations to the Missions Fund, up to $10/class are welcome. Arrive at 8:30 in Rm 301, and prepare for an action packed morning! Please call Lisa Grinter for more information: (239) 481-2531 or email: [email protected].

June

2 16

Bring a freshly made dish to pass. Please call Joanie Steinke, 481-8219, with any questions.

Newcomers Lunch: New to Faith Church? If so, you are invited to lunch with Pastor David and other leaders in our Family Life Center at noon on June 7.

AA Meetings Saturday Mornings at 9:15 Family Life Center

Moonlight on Monterey Bay, 11” x 14” Flying Eagle, 9” x 12”

“BROWN BAG” Men’s Lunch Series FELLOWSHIP and Fun for Men! 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Family Life Center, NOON - 1:15 p.m. June 17th - Ron Wubbena Bring a lunch from home or from your favorite Fast-food restaurant and have a great time listening to thought-provoking speakers. Invite your friends and neighbors. Soft drinks provided!

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. AA Preamble

GAME DAY FUN OUT OF THE SUN! Come enjoy some fellowship and lots of laughs out of the sun every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Please join us in the Family Life Center. Widowers’ Grief Support

“The Sewing Circle” 2 Tuesday of each month 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Family Life Center nd

Family Life Center - Room 201 2nd & 4th Thursday - 10 a.m. Leader - Steve Weir

Call Paula Ridley at (678) 372-8111 for more information

Please note The Clothes Closet will be CLOSED for the entire month of June so that we can deep clean, re-organize, and paint. We will NOT be accepting any donations in the month of June. Please hold your donations or give them to another worthy organization during this time. We look forward to seeing you when we re-open on Thursday, July 2, 2015. As always we thank you for your help and your support!

Children’s Ministry Newsletter FAMILY MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY We are welcoming our CHILDREN and YOUTH as readers of our scripture on the first Sunday of every month. If you are interested in having your child, or youth serve in this special way, please see Ms. Kathy or Mr. Mike in the lobby on Sunday mornings, or by calling the church office at 482-2030.

FAMILY SUMMER FUN! SAVE THIS DATE! Sunday, August 2nd COME TO CHURCH AND HEAR OUR SUMMER CAMPERS IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY WORSHIP SERVICE STAY FOR PIZZA AND SOME WATER FUN! We’ll have a GIANT WATERSLIDE and plenty of pizza for all who attend. This will also be a wonderful way to welcome our Summer Camp families to our church family. Make new friends, enjoy a meal together and have loads of FUN IN THE SON!

THIS IS FREE BUT YOU NEED TO SIGN UP SO WE HAVE PLENTY OF PIZZA FOR EVERYONE!

Thank you for your support, and generous donations to our Summer Day Camp Program. We will welcome 35 campers to our church on June 8, and spend the next 9 weeks ministering to these wonderful children that range in age between 5 years and 5th grade. We have a power packed summer planned. A solid Christian Education program, games, fun, crafts, field trips, fun lunches, fellowship and more will fill our summer days. This summer we have a staff of six, and 7 teen helpers that are graduates of our Summer Camp Program that will be assisting the staff with our youngest campers and being our helping hands. This is a great way for our young teens to serve, and become accustom to our program so that when they are older they become our future staff. Please pray for the children, their families, our staff and volunteers as we begin this opportunity to help create joyful disciples of Jesus. Thank you again. We could not provide this ministry to the children of our church and community without your loving support. Please plan to attend church on August 2nd when our Summer Campers will be sharing their talents at both of our Worship Services.

SUMMER THEATER AT FAITH CHURCH

The Children of Our Summer Day Camp Proudly Present…

Unlucky Cinderella Friday, July 17th, at 5 pm in the FLC

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS IN THE LOBBY BEGINNING JUNE 7th

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Ft. Myers, FL Permit No. 424

Faith United Methodist Church of Fort Myers 15690 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908

Zambia Mission Trip 2015

Check out our website: www.faithum.com. See us on Facebook: Faith United Methodist Church - Fort Myers, FL Also, search out our Zambia Mission Team on facebook for more details of their trip.

18 Please note these special days! If we missed your special day, please call the church office at 482-2030 so we may correct the omission.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS 1

2 3 4

5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15

17

Sharon Archer Betty Madison Betty Jane Schmidt Adam Stephens Don Streck Howard Kreiser Lois McEdwards Russell Samuel Cheney Grattan Pat Lang Ethan Martinez Danny Scanlon Roland White Marguerite Arnold Bobbi Laakson Inez Patten Brenda Percifield Karen Wilcox Pamela Brown Ellen Tachmazian Julia Corbett Monty Campbell Kayla Ruth Walker June Eicher Patty Payne Bill Laakson Barbara MacMillan Michael Null Richard Herrmann Earl Brocklehurst Lou Browne Kay Cram Pauline Geary Doug Crosby Greyson Karl Green James McCabe Jr. William Harris Edward Imel Jayne Pontious John Way Diane Anderson

19

20

21 22 23

24 25 26

27

28 29

Ron Hanson Lil Hyland Gene Rudolph Don Wolfe Herb Anderson Erin Fasig Betty Bailey Kathleen Crosby Michael Downey Kim Fulscher Robin Hammond Margaret Bowman Elizabeth Ferber Roberta O’Brad Carol Peeples Arthur Swain Ronald Worley Mckenzie Walker Jack Harlan Mary Lachat Norva McCracken Kyle Percifield Edna Waldron Barbara Steffey Meryl Worley Carolyn Wubbena Joann Burda Marianne Johnston Carolyn Sims Bob Davidson Elva Kirby Betty Logan Mary Reninger Cliff Crain Jack Saylors Bernie Humphrey

4

5 6 8

10

11 12 15

17 18 19 20

21 22 23

24

25

26

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 1 3

Tom & Diane Anderson Michael & Betty Pacheco Marshall & Carol Peeples

28 29 30

John & Joan Kaline Carl & Betty Madison Robert & Veda Merry Donald & Billye Pickard George & Norva McCracken William & Joan Doane Terry & Ann Dunlap Tom & Mary Jo McPherron Blaine & Ellie Place Ken & Tina Blitch Paul & Kay Cram Rick & Barbara VonHarten Charlie & Debbie Whitehead Jack & Judy DeLancy Rolland & Ann Zeisloft Armin & Nancy Dreissiger Jack & Helen Saylors Gerald & Arlene Steiger Bill & Helen Wilhelm Bill & Nancy Merriam Lee & Dotty Swan Brian & Lori Blass-Adams Joe & Joan Burns David & Ginny Andrews Edward & Roberta Jackson Bill & Betty Byrus Dennis & Carol Hartman Walter & Gail Lewis Don & Arline Spoenlien Bob & Tiffany Green Bill & Dot Schmidt Daniel & Gerri Oldt Lou & Julie Browne Ken & Sandy Chiurko Chas & Betty Logan Truman & Bonnie Miller Charles & Peggy Patterson Fred & Sharon Chappelle Cliff & Sally Hill Donald & Sue Mackett Tim & Peggy Smith Robert & Betty DeVeny George & Anna May Hitman Brad & Meg Middaugh Harold & Edna Waldron Darl & Virginia Knebel Walt & Linda Kozlowski Gordon & Barb Perkins Don & Gerry White George & Ria Pfersch Robert & Betty Kimmel Charlie & Wanda Ketron Loren & Arlene Schultz

This is the current Church Prayer Request List, as printed in our Bulletin. For a more complete list of our long-term prayer requests go to either Welcome Center at Faith or call the office at 482-2030. We will be happy to send one to you in the format of your choice (through the mail or electronically). •Upper

•Linda

•Jeanette

Room Methodist Church Lynch (mother of Janice Reed) •Jimmy Lumsden (childhood friend of Janice Reed) •Calvin Sneed (son-in-law of Dorothy Morris) •Jan Laird •Karin Bennett/Patz •Dennis Ruebel •Sarah Sartin •Joy Browne (daughter of Richard Manson) •Chester Johnson •The Hale Family •Orv, Jessica & Evan Curry •Jed Prossner •Howard Lemke •Lucille Hanlon •Jack Hanlon •Heinz Remus •Paul LaPierre •Kyle (friend of Marcus Williamson) •Terry Brown •Eddie Konow •Joseph Hearlily •Jan Zeimer •Sydney McCarthy •Jay D. Stiles •Rosemary Coverdale •Ron Peck (dear friend of Faye & Dale Turner) •Bob Heabler (friend of Bob Palmer) •Jack Proctor •Jamie Cox (niece/Goddaughter of Tom & Mary Easton) •Joe Indelicato •Janel Donnelly (wife of Frank Donnelly III-grandson of Frank Donnelly) •Skip Rowland (brother of Karen Wilcox) •Frank Coles •Robert Hawes •God’s provision for all of Faith’s Ministries •June Chamberlain •Michele Farner •Joyce and Bill Sanders •Diana Nelson •Ed Blacksmith •Sal & Donna

•Rose

Handmade Cards Please stop by and shop the beautiful handcrafted cards on sale in the lobby. This month, all moneys received go directly for Children’s Ministry. If you make cards and would like to donate some for sale to benefit Missions, please contact Joan Steinke at 481-8219.

Tate Marie Weber •Lois & Len Colagrossi •Family of Janet King •Mary (friend of Nadine Stiles) •Family of Steve Slocum •Pacheco Family •Family of Danny Andrade •Harold Schmul •Family of Hans Waldenstrom •Carol and Jim Chiaverini •Mary Easton •Neil Arnold MILITARY SERVING OVERSEAS •Staff Sgt. Matthew Hanson (Godson of Michael & Marianne Johnston) •Sgt. Kevin Blieka •Amn Arthur Steinbrecher (grandson of Lois & Don Evans) •Sgt. Kenneth Steinbrecher (grandson of Lois & Don Evans) •Zachary Thomas Cullen (grandson of Diane Marks) •Preston Thompson (grandson of Paula & Jessie Ridley) •HT1 Kristen Pacheco (niece of Mike & Betty Pacheco) •John Carter •Thomas Carter •Johnny Davis •Staff Sgt. Nick Scanlon (son of Sally & John Scanlon) •LCpl Corey Barnhouse (grandson of Richard & Carol Spratt) •Kenny Byer (brother of Brittany Montaro) •Major Dale Jones (friend of Joan Steinke) •Cpl. Joe Dino (husband of Jenna Carr) •Sgt. Joshua Carr (son of Keith Carr) •Jake Fout •SP4 Chris Van Buskirk (grandson of Lois Fose) •PFC Joseph Russell Dresen •Capt. Joe Harris Please keep these service personnel and their families in your prayers. MISSIONARIES Delbert & Sandy Groves-Zambia

Faith E-prayer Chain Anyone, year round or seasonal, can be a part of the Faith E-prayer chain if you have email. We can't have too many pray-ers praying. Send an email to me, [email protected]. You will receive prayer requests when I receive them.

Thanks, Joyce Dolby

Book Club is Canceled for the Summer See you in October! Please join us on Wednesday, October 21st to discuss the book “Hinds' Feet on High Places” by author, Hannah Hurnard. Hurnard was born in 1905 in Colchester, England to Quaker parents. In 1932 she became an independent missionary, moving to Haifa, Israel. Her work in Israel lasted 50 years. Hinds’ Feet on High Places is one of the most successful works of Christian fiction. It is the story of a young woman and her journey away from her Fearing family into the High Places of the Shepherd. It is an allegory of the Christian life from salvation through maturity. It doesn't actually describe life in Heaven, but shows how the Christian is transformed from unbeliever to immature believer to mature believer, who walks daily with his/her Lord. Only $1.99 on your Kindle!

Wednesday, June 3 (1st Wednesday of each month) 11:00 a.m. In the Choir Room (near southwest entrance of the Sanctuary)

Church Staff & Extensions Church Office 482-2030 Denny Ausman /212 Organist/Bell Choir Director Richard Belanger /213 Maintenance Director Jill Bosman /200 Receptionist Laura Collazo/209 Nursery Coordinator

Mike Edwards /234 Youth Director Kathy Frumoff /211 Director of Children’s Ministry Delbert & Sandy Groves Missionaries in Zambia/Congo Philip Klarén /215 Technical Support Kayla Mars Preschool Attendant

Brenda Percifield /213 Custodian George Percifield /214 Worship Media Coordinator Call for information and cost

Jenna Roberts /204 Financial Secretary Gary Rushing /210 Director of Worship & Technical Ministry Erica Sabo /203 Publications Secretary Rev. David J. Stauffer /205 Senior Pastor Kathy Sprague /233 Adult Member Care Pastor

“Prayer Shawl” Ministry EVERY TUESDAY, 1-2:30, our “Prayer Shawl” Knit & Crochet Group meets in Room 301. Come gather for conversation, brush up on skills, and free lessons. Led by Betty Maurer, 333-4051

Melissa Stott /201 Administrative Assistant Heidi Thompson /212 Keyboardist Allison Whitehead /209 Nursery Attendant

Items requested for

PLEASE REMEMBER THE NEEDY ON JUNE 7

Recyclables: ♦ OLD USED NECK TIES ♦ PAPER TOWEL TUBES ♦ SHOE BOXES ♦ GALLON WATER JARS ♦ CAMPBELL SOUP CANS (Regular soup can size only) Snacks: ♦ POP TARTS ♦ PRETZELS ♦ GOLDFISH CRACKERS ♦ KID FRIENDLY CEREAL (Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Etc.) ♦ COOKIES

Please bring donations for the Soup Kitchen (cash AND/OR non-perishable foods) for our community food bank. They can especially use: peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, and cereal for kids. Please check expiration dates as we can’t donate outdated foods for safety reasons. Thank You! Volunteers are needed to help us at the Harlem Heights Food Pantry on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call 437-8122 for more information.

Support Group FOR CARE GIVERS ONLY 2 Monday of each month at 11:00 - noon in Choir Room nd

FAITH United Methodist CHURCH is reaching out to the caregivers of loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any dementia. Faith United Methodist Church has connected with the Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter to offer a location for this support group. The support meetings will be available to church members and the surrounding community free of charge as an affiliated support group for family members and caregivers of diagnosed loved ones. Our support group facilitators have received training as required by Chapter and National Alzheimer’s Association standards. This support group will provide a safe, confidential place where caregivers can participate in a small group atmosphere receiving educational resources, and emotional support.

Please do not bring your diagnosed loved one to the meeting. Contact Pastor Kathy Sprague for information concerning free respite care for your diagnosed mate during the Caregiver’s Support Meeting. Church phone: 482-2030, ext. 233.

Grandparents and Me

June 15-18; July 13-16

Family Camp

June 19-21; July 17-19

Mom and Me Weekend

September 18-20

Registration for all programs is open now! For more information about these great opportunities to spend quality time together and grow in faith, go to: Lecfamily.org or call the church office.

June 2015

Faith Youth News This month, we are gearing up for our mission trip on the 21st. Last fall, we looked at several options for our trip: in-state vs out-of- state, rural vs inner-city, construction vs interactive ministry. The youth chose construction because they saw it as a way to directly benefit someone in need. They chose out of-state because it takes them out of their comfort zone. They chose Columbus, Georgia to save money on travel expenses. The youth have been working hard raising funds since last November. You may have noticed them with the candy bars and crosses on Sundays after services. We have 8 youth and 2 chaperones leaving for a week of hard work, fellowship, and sharing God’s love. Please pray for us. In His love, Mike Edwards, Faith UM Youth Director

Youth Calendar: Scheduled Youth Programs: Sundays: Life Application, 4-6 pm in the youth room, #302. Note: Doors to Youth Room open at 3 pm for “hang out” time. *Youth Pool Party on June 7. *No youth program on Father’s Day June 21 or on June 28. Wednesdays: Bible study, 6:30-8 pm, in youth room, #302. *No Bible study on June 24. Upcoming Events: Youth Parent Meeting: Pastor David has scheduled a meeting with all parents, volunteers, and others with an interest in the youth program for May 31 at noon immediately following the second church service. Summer Outing: We are looking at an outing on June 7 or 14th. As of publication date, we have not decided on exactly what we will be doing. Cost and details TBA. The youth are again going out of state for a light construction mission trip in late June. We are going to Columbus, Georgia to serve inner city families. Our free day activities are being held at Six Flags. This Middle and High School-aged youth mission trip will run from June 21-27. Please begin praying for us as we prepare to serve God’s people. Note: A current, signed, and notarized Medical Authorization/Parental Consent Form, (commonly referred

to as a “Health Form”), is required for all youth whenever we leave the church grounds.

LAY READERS June 7

8:45 a.m. Joan Steinke 10:30 a.m. Carolyn Wubbena

June 14

8:45 a.m. Linda Wightman 10:30 a.m. Mike Edwards

June 21

8:45 a.m. Kathleen Lacasse 10:30 a.m. Joan Campagna

June 28

8:45 a.m. Terry Fabisiak 10:30 a.m. Bronye Pollock

Membership Attendance Date 5/3 5/10 5/17

8:45 326 262 243

10:30 Nursery Total Worship S.School 187 4 517 64 161 6 429 67 153 7 403 62

Healing & Focused Prayer In the Chapel Tuesday mornings at 11:00 Leaders: Pastor Kathy Sprague & Tom Neddo

Flea Market Results First, let me say thank you to all of the sellers, buyers, & workers! The amount of money that will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project is $3,216.58. That amount will be split in half and sent to WWP in Jacksonville, FL and the other half will go to the WWP in Kansas. Next, a special thank you goes to Doris Conrad and her bake sale staff, and to Bob Palmer, who has been right with me all the way, and to Kathy Burek for manning my table. Kathy, at that time, was not a member of the church but she is now. Last but not least, I will not chair any future flea markets. I will help if asked. Dennis J. O’Brien

Membership Class If you are interested in becoming a member of Faith Church, our next membership class (in three parts) will be on Thursday evenings November 5 & 19 and December 10. Each session will begin at 6:45 p.m. and will last about an hour and fifteen minutes. We will cover the following: basic United Methodist beliefs, meaning, purpose and obligations of church membership, the organizational structure of the United Methodist Church, ministry opportunities here at Faith Church, and the history and future of our congregation. In-between sessions there’ll be reading from “A Disciple’s Path.” If you will be joining by transfer from another church, please provide us with the name and address (if you know it) of that church.

AARP Driver Safety Class Saturday, June 20 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Room 301 (Youth Room) Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non members. Call to register (239) 463-0263.

FLOWERS The Flower Calendar is available and ready for you to sign up at either Welcome Center. Please be sure to check whether you would like to take the flowers after the second service or want to leave them to be distributed to shut-ins. Please sign up at least 2 weeks in advance to insure that the information will get to the florist and the bulletin. You can contact Margaret Schafer by phone, 463-5801 or e-mail, [email protected].