Read the Bible - Week of May 17-23

This week we will finish reading II Samuel and read most of I Kings. 

Just as with the books of I and II Samuel, the books of I and II Kings were originally one long unbroken narrative. I Kings begins with the succession of Solomon as king after David and the story of Solomon's reign. 

After Solomon's death the story starts to turn as the history of Israel moves from being one united country into two divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.  The northern kingdom is Israel, capital in the city of Samaria and is made up of the ten northern tribes. The southern kingdom is Judah, capital in the city of Jerusalem, and is made up of the two southern tribes (Benjamin and Judah). The Scripture becomes a narrative of the lives and reigns of the many different kings in the two kingdoms.

There are a few prominent people and stories. For example we get an extended look at evil King Ahab of Israel and his interactions with the prophet Elijah in I Kings chapters 17-22. 
17 (Su) - II Samuel 18-21
18 (M) - II Samuel 22-24; I Kings 1
19 (Tu)- I Kings 2-5
20 (W)- I Kings 6-9
21 (Th) - I Kings 10-13
22 (F) - I Kings 14-17
23 (Sa) - I Kings 18-21

May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.


Blessings,

Friday Fives

1. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will conclude our series on Servanthood as we take a closer look at how we are to be servants in the workplace - Jesus on the Job - as we focus upon Matthew 5:13-16 and Ephesians 6:5-9.


* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am; CHURCH COUNCIL WILL MEET AFTER WORSHIP

2. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie is teaching a class in the mornings which will cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians - the last class will be Wednesday May 27 at 10am in Room 302.

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27)

3. Vacation Bible School - GForce - June 15-19, 2015 in the evenings


Signup sheets for those wishing to volunteer are up on the bulletin board in the narthex. Contact the office if you would like to register your child or grandchild for Vacation Bible School.


 

4. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family. Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through May 10 we have surpassed our goal and raised $2,837.75!!!! - We will continue to collect monies through the end of this month. 

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

4. Mark Your Calendars!

• Sunday May 24th - Pentecost (wear red to worship!); Commissioning of Stephen Ministers (reception after worship)
• Sunday May 31st - Memorial Day celebration in worship (Pastor's Debbie's goodbye party after worship); Mission Field Peter Worship at 5pm at Ocala West UMC
• Sunday June 7th - Graduation Sunday (reception after worship) 
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• Sunday June 14 - Father's Day 
• June 22-26 - hosting Cub Scout Twilight Camp
• June 23 - Free Concert at 7pm put on by the Glenwood Baptist Church youth group from Prattville AL - directed by former church member Mike Denning (son of Mildred Denning and brother of Terri Barnes)
• July 11 - Free Movie Night - "Unconditional"

Blessings,

Midweek Moment

Today’s Midweek Moment will be my last installment of this piece. As my time comes to close among you, I will need to redirect my time to the preparations necessary for the arrival of Pastor Kris. I want to invite you to continue to pray for her and her husband Mike as they prepare to join the family at Belleview. 

I leave you with these words from Ephesians chapter 4 that we discussed in Bible study this week, about unity in the body of Christ. It's a great word for how we as believers should live our lives together, remembering that Christ is ultimately the head of the church: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.... So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Blessings,

Read the Bible - Week of May 10-16

This week we will finish reading I Samuel and most of the book of II Samuel.

The book of I Samuel ends with the death of Jonathan and King Saul. That story continues in II Samuel. In chapter 1, David hears of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan and lifts up a beautiful song of lament over their lives. Chapter 2 finds David being anointed king over Judah and the next few chapters show the problems between the house of David and Saul before David is anointed king over Israel in chapter 5. Chapters 6-8 detail some of the early victories and establishment of David's kingdom. But chapter 9 is my favorite. It's the story of David and Mephibosheth - one of Jonathan's descendants - and it is a rare story of amazing grace. Read it. Put yourself in the place of Mephibosheth. Read it again and put yourself in the place of David. It's remarkable.

The focus of this latter half of the book deals with the weaknesses and failures of David's reign as king. Specifically we find here the account of David's adultery with Bathsheba and complicity in the murder of her husband (chapters 10-12) as well as David's difficulties with his children and the loss of Amnon and Absalom (chapter 13-20).

10 (Su) - I Samuel 21-24
11 (M) - I Samuel 25-28
12 (Tu)- I Samuel 29-31; II Samuel 1
13 (W)- II Samuel 2-5
14 (Th) - II Samuel 6-9
15 (F) - II Samuel 10-13
16 (Sa) - II Samuel 14-17

May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.

Blessings,

Friday Fours

1. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will continue our series on Servanthood as we take a closer look at the first place God gives us to practice servanthood - our families. As we consider "Is There a Servant in the House?" we will focus upon Ephesians 6:1-4 and 5:21-33.

* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am

2. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie is teaching a class on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am in Room 302 which will cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. (Upcoming sessions are May 12, and May 27th)

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27)



3. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family. Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through May 3 we have surpassed our goal and raised $2,763!!!! - We will continue to collect monies through the end of this month. 

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

4. Mark Your Calendars!

• The Finance Meeting originally scheduled for May 14th has been cancelled. 
• Sunday May 17th - Church Council after worship
• Sunday May 24th - Pentecost (wear red to worship!); Commissioning of Stephen Ministers (reception after worship)
• Sunday May 31st - Memorial Day celebration in worship (Pastor's Debbie's goodbye party after worship); Mission Field Peter Worship at 5pm at Ocala West UMC
• Sunday June 7th - Graduation Sunday (reception after worship) 
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• Sunday June 14 - Father's Day 
• June 15-20 - Vacation Bible School 
• June 22-26 - hosting Cub Scout Twilight Camp
• June 23 - Free Concert at 7pm put on by the Glenwood Baptist Church youth group from Prattville AL - directed by former church member Mike Denning (son of Mildred Denning and brother of Terri Barnes)
• July 11 - Free Movie Night - "Unconditional"

Blessings,

Midweek Moment - Mother's Day

This coming Sunday is Mother's Day. I've been thinking about my own mother (Ellen Keller) and grandmothers (Rose Larger, Helen Washburn, Thelma Keller) as well as Daryl's grandmothers (Emma Davis and Murriel Allen). All of these women who are part of the great cloud of witnesses now were important influences in my life, as well as my mother-in-law Joyce Allen who continues to speak into my life now and the lives of her grandchildren. But this week I'm also thinking of two very special women on the other side of the world that I have never met who have had an important impact on my life and my family. One is Davis' birth mom. The other is his foster mother.

We have no way of knowing who Davis' birth parents are, or if they were really even from Guangzhou the city where he was found. It is a crime to abandon a baby in China. So when children are left most have no identifying information and are abandoned in places where the likelihood of the parent being discovered is small. Many are left in the dark on the roadside or on the doorsteps of orphanages or businesses. Had Davis been left like that, it is unlikely he would have survived to be found. His cleft palate was completely open and he had a double cleft in his upper lip. He would have been unable to breastfeed and would have required specially adapted bottles in order to receive any nutrients at all. Whatever the reason that his parents gave him up, we believe they clearly cared enough about him to ensure that he would be found and receive the care that he needed. Someone risked being discovered by walking into a very busy hospital and leaving him in the hallway.

And then there is Davis' foster mother. She and her husband had already raised children and took Davis into their home. He had been hospitalized because of a illness before going to live with them the summer that he turned 2. He was incredibly emaciated. He did not know how to walk. We've seen a video of the first day that he arrived in their home and he did not know how to play with toys. They nurtured and loved our boy for an entire year. They taught him to walk. They taught him to play. They showed him what love looked like and how a family functioned. We've been in contact with his foster family through email and have received many pictures of Davis' time with their family. They embraced him as their own even as they knew they could not keep him. Five months into his time with them, the foster mother brought Davis to a meeting our adoption agency held on a visit to Guangzhou because she wanted him to have the best chance possible to be adopted. We saw the pictures of that meeting and fell in love with the little boy with the shy smile who clearly loved the pork steamed buns he had found on the food table. And the woman whose lap he was sitting on was smiling and laughing and the love shone in her face. As we observe Mother's Day I am thankful for these women and for their care of my son that allows him to now be a part of our family where he is thriving and flourishing. Davis' life is richer for having their lives interwoven with his.

I know some people are not fond of observing Mother's Day because the relationships with their own mothers are complicated, perhaps even neglectful or abusive. And others who want to skip the day because they long to be mothers and wrestle with infertility. And I know there are mothers who are grieving estrangement from their children and mourning the loss of children who have died too soon. On this Sunday though I hope that we can take a moment to acknowledge all of the women in our lives who have been mothering influences and role models for us and look for ways to help reach out to the next generation.

To all the women of our congregation, I say - Happy Mother's Day!

Blessings

Read the Bible - Week of May 3-9

This week we finish up the last chapter of Judges, read the entire book of Ruth and get most of the way through I Samuel.

Ruth is the first book named after a woman. Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law is endearing and touching and how this foreigner is rewarded for her faithfulness is nothing short of amazing (listed in Jesus' genealogy!).

I Samuel details the history of the Israelites as it details the life of one of their famous leaders, Samuel; who was the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. The first seven chapters deal mainly with his birth, calling and ministry, before turning attention to Israel's request for a king, fulfilled in the person of Saul. The picture included here is of young Samuel before the high priest Eli, answering the voice of God calling in the night.

By chapter 15 though, King Saul has been rejected by God because of his behavior. Young David is chosen by God and anointed by Samuel as king in chapter 16, then fights the famous Philistine giant in chapter 17. King Saul grows more and more suspicious and paranoid about David in chapters 18 and 19. Then we read about the friendship between David and Jonathan in chapter 20. The remainder of our reading this week details the ongoing hostilities between Saul and David.

3 (Su) - Judges 18-21
4 (M) - Ruth 1-4
5 (Tu)- I Samuel 1-4
6 (W)- I Samuel 5-8
7 (Th) - I Samuel 9-12
8 (F) - I Samuel 13-16
9 (Sa) - I Samuel 17-20

May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.

Blessings,

Friday Fives

1. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will continue our series on Servanthood as we take a closer look at Jesus' example of servanthood with John 13:1-17 and John 15:9-17 as we explore - "I'm Not Touching Your Stinky Feet!" Since it's the first Sunday of the month we will also be celebrating communion in worship.



* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am

2. School Appreciation Luncheon

Next Wednesday, May 6th we will host all of the staff and teachers of Belleview Elementary school for our spring semester Appreciation Luncheon. at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. This is one of the only times when the instructional and non-instructional staff have a chance to come together and fellowship with one another. Our gathering is usually around 100 people!

We provide a covered dish luncheon and great hospitality. We could use your help though in providing food. So that we can plan adequately, please use the signup sheets in the sanctuary lobby to indicate what you are bringing for the meal. If you have any questions you may contact the church office or Ila House.

3. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family. Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through April 26 we have surpassed our goal and raised $2,643!!!!

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

4. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie is teaching a class on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am in Room 302 which will cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. (Upcoming sessions are May 5, May 12, May 26 and June 2)

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27) 




5. Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday May 5th - Friendly Neighbors luncheon in Fellowship Hall - noon
• Thursday May 7th - Trustees 6:30pm
• Sunday May 10th - Mother's Day 
• Thursday May 14th - Finance 6:15pm
• Sunday May 24th - Pentecost (wear red to worship!); Commissioning of Stephen Ministers (reception after worship)
• Sunday May 31st - Memorial Day celebration in worship (Pastor's Debbie's goodbye party after worship)
• Sunday June 7th - Graduation Sunday (reception after worship) 
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• Sunday June 14 - Father's Day 
• June 15-20 - Vacation Bible School 
• July 11 - Free Movie Night - "Unconditional"

Blessings,

Midweek Moment - Introductions

Introducing the Rev. Kristina Schonewolf

Pastor Kris will begin her ministry at Belleview United Methodist Church on July 1, 2015

Pastor Kris was born in Cheyenne Wyoming in 1961 and spent her adolescent years in Wyoming, Phoenix, and St. Louis.  As an adult, she settled in the Northeast, and lived in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware.   After being raised in the Christian Science church, she left that denomination at age 30 and did not attend any type of church until she was 38.  At that time, her teenage daughters had become active in a United Methodist Church, and she began chaperoning youth group events. 

In January of 1999, while chaperoning the Annual Youth Rally for the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the UMC, she had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, and gave her life to our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Shortly after, she attended the Walk to Emmaus, which was transformational in too many ways to detail here.   In the summer of 2002, as she was serving on a Chrysalis weekend (the teen version of the Walk to Emmaus), she received her calling into full-time ordained ministry through a clear vision.  She immediately returned to finish her bachelor’s degree (completed in 2004), and then began seminary training at night while working a full-time corporate sales job during the day.  In 2009, with just one year left of seminary, she was commissioned as a Deacon, left the corporate world and accepted an appointment at Ewell’s-St. Paul United Methodist Church.   She also completed a 400-hour Clinical Pastoral Education program at Christiana Hospital in Newark Delaware in the summer of 2009.  One year later, in May, 2010, she transferred into the Elder track and graduated from Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA.  In June 2013, she was ordained as full elder at the Annual Conference of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. 

Pastor Kris enjoys cycling, including riding several “centuries” each summer.  She is excited that Florida is more suited to year-round cycling than Delaware is.  She’s even looking forward to biking the 11 miles to church when possible.   She also enjoys vegan cooking & baking, reading, and spending time with family.  

Pastor Kris married Mike Schonewolf in July 1995. At that time Mike was serving as an assistant football coach at Princeton University. Mike is a native Pennsylvanian, graduating from Reading High School before matriculating to the University of Delaware and playing football for the Blue Hens.  Following a 1979 National Championship he moved to Massillon, OH to teach and coach.  In 1983 he moved to Marietta, OH to coach football at Marietta College where he served as offensive coordinator and head football coach through 1990.  In 1991 he again moved back to Delaware to work at Caesar Rodney before moving to Princeton in 1994.   In the summer of 1997 Pastor Kris and Mike moved to Dover Delaware where Mike taught social studies at Caesar Rodney High School and coached football and baseball until 2006.  He was then named Athletic Director and Head Football coach. He will retire at the end of this school year. Mike enjoys golfing and looks forward to getting involved in other sports after the move to Florida. 

Pastor Kris has two grown daughters, Jennifer (Delaware) and Adrienne (Boston). Mike has four grown children:  John (Augusta), Joe (Naples), Erin (Delaware), and Ryan (Fort Bragg).  Together they have 3 grandchildren and one more on the way. 

We invite you to contact Pastor Kris and Mike in the upcoming weeks to welcome them into the BUMC family. Contact Pam in the church office for their email and physical address. 

Read the Bible - Week of April 26-May 2

This week we finish up the last few chapters of Joshua and will also read all of the book of Judges.

The book of Judges picks up the history of Israel after Joshua's death as God begins a new work in the leadership of the people through a series of leaders called judges. You should recognize a few names here: Deborah (chapters 4-5), Gideon (chapters 6-7) and Samson (chapters 13-16). Samson's tale is one of romance, intrigue and what happens when we put what we want above what God wants for us.


26 (Su) - Joshua 17-20
27 (M) - Joshua 21-24
28 (Tu)- Judges 1-4
29 (W)- Judges 5-8
30 (Th) - Judges 9-12
1 (F) - Judges 13-16
2 (Sa) -Judges 17-20

May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.

Blessings,

Friday Fives

1. DINNER AND A MOVIE

Tomorrow night we will enjoy Dinner and a Movie in the Fellowship Hall. Dinner begins at 5pm and is sponsored by the UMM and UMW. For $7 the meal includes ham, scallopped potatoes, green beans, drinks and dessert. All proceeds benefit our Imagine No Malaria Campaign.

After dinner, we will watch a free movie at 6:15pm called Mary and Martha starring Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn. It's about two mothers whose families are touched by malaria and what they do to help make a difference for others in this fight.

2. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will begin a new series on Servanthood as we take a look at the idea of "Pick Up Your Broom and Follow Me" as we examine John 13:10-17 and Luke 22:24-30.



* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am

3. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family.

Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through April 19th we have raised $1,566 towards our goal!!!!!

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

4. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie is teaching a class on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am in Room 302 which will cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. (Upcoming sessions are April 28, May 5, May 12, May 26 and June 2)

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27)



5. Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday May 5th - Friendly Neighbors luncheon in Fellowship Hall - noon
• Wednesday May 6th - Luncheon for Staff and Teachers of Belleview Elementary - 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall 
• Thursday May 7th - Trustees 6:30pm
• Thursday May 14th - Finance 6:15pm
• Sunday May 24th - Pentecost (wear red to worship!); Commissioning of Stephen Ministers (reception after worship)
• Sunday May 31st - Memorial Day celebration in worship (Pastor's Debbie's goodbye party after worship)
• Sunday June 7th - Graduation Sunday (reception after worship) 
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• June 15-20 - Vacation Bible School 

Blessings,

Midweek Moment - Important Announcement

This is the text of the announcement that I made on Sunday morning in worship at the close of the service. I'm thankful for the kind words that were shared with me after worship and for the emails, texts, calls and facebook messages I have received with your well wishes since then.

===========================================================

Today I have one last announcement that needs to be made. Across our connection in the Florida Conference this third Sunday in April serves as Announcement Sunday concerning the return or the move of pastors for another appointment year. I asked Staff Parish to let me make the announcement this year so that I could let you know personally that my season of serving as your pastor here in Belleview is drawing to a close after six years. Beginning July 1, our family will be moving to Fruitland Park, where Daryl and I will be appointed together to serve as co-pastors of Community United Methodist Church.

This is a tremendous opportunity for Daryl and I. It has been our dream to serve together since we first received our calls to ministry in the fall of 1993. For the last few years we have told the Cabinet that the only reason we would want to leave our current appointments is if we could serve together.
When we were told a few months ago that there could be several opportunities open this year, we prayerfully discerned that we wanted to move forward with wherever God was calling. It is a good time for this transition in our family as two of our boys would have to start new schools in the fall anyway - as Parker enters middle school and Davis enters kindergarten. And it is also a good time for this transition in the lives of both churches as things are stable and growing in terms of attendance, finances and strong lay leadership.

But as much as we are excited about this opportunity, this transition is bittersweet as well. I've been a pastor for fourteen years and six of those have been in Belleview; that's a longer term here than in either of my previous congregations. We have accomplished so much together in the six years that I have been here: I'm proud of the work we've done with finances and committees, with purchasing property and a bus, the increased partnership with Belleview Elementary and hosting Classical Conversations and I'm proud of your generosity with Church Has Left the Building and the Advent Conspiracy funds. Alongside those ministry highlights has been the relationships I've built here. I've had the privilege of walking alongside many of you in some of life's most sacred moments. And I will be eternally grateful for how you were truly the church and ministered to me and to my family in our joy of adopting Davis and in our sorrows when my parents were ill and passed away.

It helps to know also that I am leaving you in good hands. The same appointive process that brought me to you, is bringing you another pastor. Our district superintendent the Rev Sue Haupert Johnson has been in consultation with our Staff Parish committee about the needs of our congregation. Bishop Carter and the Cabinet are appointing the Reverend Kristina Schonewolf as the next pastor of Belleview United Methodist Church. Kris is an ordained elder currently serving in the Delaware conference; she is familiar with this area because her husband's parents already live near here. I've had the opportunity to speak with Kris on the phone and by email in the last couple of weeks and she is looking forward with great excitement to joining you in ministry. Kris brings with her gifts in preaching and teaching as well as evangelism and making connections in the community - gifts that church leadership have identified as being very important in moving forward with Belleview's mission and vision within the community.

I am thankful for the opportunity that I have had over the last six years to serve as your pastor. For the rest of my life, no matter what church I serve, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned here and the love that I have experienced from you.

===========================================================

My last Sunday as your pastor will be Sunday June 7th. After that Daryl and I will be attending Annual Conference in Daytona Beach and then taking two weeks of vacation before the move at the end of June. Kris' first Sunday as your pastor will be Sunday July 5th. More information about Kris and her family (including pictures) will be forthcoming in the days ahead. As we enter this period of transition, I covet your prayers for our family and invite you to begin praying for Kris. 

Blessings

 

Read the Bible - Week of April 19-25

 

This week we finish up the last few chapters of Deuteronomy and move into the book of Joshua. This moves us out of the Pentatuech and into the next grouping of books of history, sometimes called the "Former Prophets."

While considered a "prophet," Joshua is also a historical book. It not only tells the story of Joshua's life and leadership of Israel, but also the story of the people of Israel from the death of Moses until the death of Joshua - as they move into and work on conquering the Promised Land. Some very famous stories are found here including the fall of Jericho which features one of Jesus' ancestors (Rahab).


19 (Su) - Deuteronomy 23-26
20 (M) - Deuteronomy 27-30
21 (Tu)- Deuteronomy 31-34
22 (W)- Joshua 1-4
23 (Th) - Joshua 5-8
24 (F) - Joshua 9-12
25 (Sa) - Joshua 13-16

May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.

Blessings,

Friday Fives

1. CHURCHWIDE WORKDAY - TOMORROW - Saturday April 18th

The Trustees are sponsoring a Churchwide Workday on Saturday April 18th from 8am to noon. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided! There are inside and outside opportunities for folks to volunteer!

Indoor - Vacuum pews, cleaning kitchen, dusting and polishing in the sanctuary, cleaning windows
Outside - Pressure cleaning sidewalks/patios/awnings, tree trimming, raking leaves and leveling off the volleyball court

2. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will take a look at the I AM statements God and Jesus make about themselves in the book of Exodus (3:13-15) and in the Gospel of John. The United Methodist Men will be presenting some memorial plaques in worship. After we will be taking group and individual pictures in the Fellowship Hall and also holding a meeting for those interested in helping out with VBS in Room 303.

* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am

3. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family.

Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through April 12th we have raised $1,566 towards our goal!!!!!

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

4. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie is teaching a class on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am in Room 302 which will cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. (Upcoming sessions are April 28, May 5, May 12, May 26 and June 2)

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27)



5. Mark Your Calendars!

• Wednesday April 22 - Mission Vision Team - 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall 
• Saturday April 25 - Dinner and Movie - Mary and Martha (all proceeds benefit Imagine No Malaria) 
• Tuesday May 5th - Friendly Neighbors luncheon in Fellowship Hall - noon
• Wednesday May 6th - Luncheon for Staff and Teachers of Belleview Elementary - 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall 
• Thursday May 7th - Trustees 6:30pm
• Thursday May 14th - Finance 6:15pm
• Sunday May 24th - Pentecost (wear red to worship!); Commissioning of Stephen Ministers (reception after worship)
• Sunday May 31st - Memorial Day celebration in worship
• Sunday June 7th - Graduation Sunday (reception after worship) 
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• June 15-20 - Vacation Bible School 

Blessings,

Midweek Moment

A friend shared with me an article recently online at Relevant Magazine - "The Dangers of Making Jesus Look Like Us." You can check it out for yourself here. 

The basic premise is that when we read Scripture its easy to sort of airbrush Jesus and make him what we want him to be, much like we "airbrush" ourselves on social media and only let people see the good parts of us. In other words we can read through the Gospels and only focus on the grace, and edit out the calls to obedience. Or we could read through looking at Jesus as righteous judge and leave out all the places where he offers compassion to people who don't have it all together. And much, much more. 

The author, Ryan Lokkesmoe, shared a really interesting idea for testing yourself on whether or not you have airbrushed Jesus. He says to "read through one of the four Gospels and make a note of everything Jesus says that makes you a little uncomfortable - the statements you secretly wish he didn't make." And when you're done what you have is a glimpse into the certain aspects of Jesus' preaching that you need to wrestle with. 

I thought this was fascinating. We all read Scripture with our own prejudices and bias and have parts we like to focus upon to the exclusion of others. This is a great way to read through a Gospel and challenge ourselves to really think about the Jesus we follow. 

Blessings,

Read the Bible - Week of April 12-18

This week we finish the last chapters of Numbers and move well into the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is the last of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible thought to be authored by Moses. Its name literally means "things or words" and the book consists of three sermons or speeches delivered by Moses, a recounting of the law and some other material including an account of Moses' death. One of its most significant verses is considered to be verse 6:4, which constitutes the "Shema", a definitive statement of Jewish identity: "Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one."


12 (Su) - Numbers 31-34

13 (M) - Numbers35-36; Deuteronomy 1-2
14 (Tu)- Deuteronomy 3-6
15 (W)- Deuteronomy 7-10
16 (Th) - Deuteronomy 11-14

17 (F) - Deuteronomy 15-18
18 (Sa) - Deuteronomy 19-22


May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.

Blessings,

Friday Fives

1. Worship This Weekend - This weekend we will take a look at what happens after Easter, exploring the journey of two disciples from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus, recorded in Luke 24. We will also be celebrating two baptisms in worship as well as the sacrament of communion. Since it is the second Sunday of the month, we will take up a collection of items to support the Food Pantry as well.



* SUNDAY SCHEDULE - Sunday School 9am; Worship 10:30am

2. Mission Offering - Imagine No Malaria 

For just $10 you can purchase a bed net that will help prevent the spread of malaria and protect a family.

Did you know that every 60 seconds, malaria claims a life in Africa? Most malaria deaths are children under the age of 5. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable. The UMC has over 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts in Africa working to fight this disease.

Bishop Carter has challenged the Florida Conference to raise $2.5 million towards Imagine No Malaria this year (that’s the purchase of 250,000 malaria nets) and we as a congregation have committed to raising $2,500 (the purchase of 250 nets) towards this goal! You can make your donation by using the jug in the narthex, or by marking an envelope “No Malaria”. - UPDATE - Through April 5th we have raised $1,250 towards our goal!!!!!

For a donation to Imagine No Malaria, you may also take home one of the beautiful Lenten crosses handmade by our members in Lent that are currently decorating the wall of the sanctuary. 

3. BIBLE STUDIES FOR APRIL AND MAY

Pastor Debbie will teach a class on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30am in Room 302 which will begin Tuesday April 14 and cover the New Testament letters of Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians. (Other dates for meeting are April 28, May 5, May 12, May 26 and June 2)

Pastor Ken Vickery will teach a class on Wednesday evenings in the month of May from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (dates for this class are May 6, 13, 20, and 27)



4. CHURCHWIDE WORKDAY - Saturday April 18th

The Trustees are sponsoring a Churchwide Workday on Saturday April 18th from 8am to noon. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided! There are inside and outside opportunities for folks to volunteer and a signup sheet is located in the church narthex.

Indoor - Vacuum pews, cleaning kitchen, dusting and polishing in the sanctuary, cleaning windows
Outside - Pressure cleaning sidewalks/patios/awnings, tree trimming, raking leaves and leveling off the volleyball court



5. Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday April 14 - Worship Committee 6:30pm in Room 303
• Sunday April 19 - UMM presentation of plaques in worship with reception afterwards; Individual and Group Pictures for Directory after worship in Fellowship Hall; Meeting for those interested in helping with VBS after worship in Room 302
• Wednesday April 22 - Mission Vision Team - 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall 
• Saturday April 25 - Dinner and Movie - Mary and Martha (all proceeds benefit Imagine No Malaria) 
• Tuesday May 5th - Friendly Neighbors luncheon in Fellowship Hall - noon
• Wednesday May 6th - Luncheon for Staff and Teachers of Belleview Elementary - 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall 
• Thursday May 7th - Trustees 6:30pm
• Tuesday May 12th - Finance 6:15pm
• June 10-13 - Annual Conference in Daytona Beach
• June 15-20 - Vacation Bible School 

Blessings,