PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Email Newsletter - January 12, 2018
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
Sunday, January 14, 2018

Sermon: Rev. Jim Berlau
Known As Fishers: Called to Cast a Wide Net

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

New Series: KNOWN AND CALLED  Five Weeks: January 14th - February 11th
Theme: As we discover the depth of who Jesus is, we are called to claim these same characteristics as our own.
After the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we move into a season of hearing the stories of people discovering and recognizing the identity of Jesus. In the time from Epiphany to the beginning of Lent, we too will discover the depth of who Jesus is, and by extension who we are called to be as his followers. How are we known as followers? What identifies us in such a way that others see an unmistakable likeness in us?

January 21st - Known to Stand Our Ground: Called to Justice (Mark 1:21-28) Justice-seekers

January 28th  - Known by Touch: Called to Heal (Mark 1:29-39) Healers

February 4th - Known by the Crowds: Called to Gather (Mark 1:40-45) Making room for others

February 11th - Known by the Company We Keep: Called by the Saints  (Mark 9:2-9) The bigger picture
Cell Phone Tower Update
There has been exciting progress made toward starting the cell tower construction!
 
Building permits for the cell tower have been issued by Orange County, and the contractor is planning to start work within 2 - 3 weeks.  The start date is dependent on the availability of the rig that drills the foundation for the tower.  We will have a firm start date by Tuesday, January 16th.  Once the work starts, there will be a lot of digging to do!  The power and communications lines will be installed underground from Town Center Boulevard to the cell tower site.  Also, the foundation will be drilled and filled with concrete.  The underground work will take 1 - 2 weeks.  Once the foundation is poured, the tower will be assembled in just 1 - 3 days!  After that, there will be significant wiring and cable termination work to do at various equipment boxes that will surround the base of the tower.  Once that is completed, the site around the tower and equipment will be fenced and landscaped.
 
During construction, the site will be flagged and everyone should stay away from the equipment and construction activity.  No one should approach the area where work is happening at any time!  We are taking several steps to ensure the site is secure from pedestrians. 
 
The opportunity that will come from the cell tower's presence is near!  Remember, the tower is going to be constructed as a cross!  The awareness of Peace in our community and to passers-by on the 417 will be tremendous!  Hopefully the giant cross will be beacon to many. Additionally, the income stream from the lease of the land to the tenant will commence in February.
 
We will keep you updated as work starts and progresses over the coming weeks.
 
This is an exciting new utilization of the gift of the land that the Lord has blessed our Church with.  Let's give thanks to God for providing an answer to our prayers and giving us this chance to use the resources he's provided to us to do His work!
MAP (Meal Assistance Program) Thank You!
The Peace Meal Assistance Program began in 2010, in response to the Great Recession.  Thanks to your generous food and monetary donations during the last eight years, over 1400 bags of food have been distributed to local families in need.  A huge thank you to volunteer Scott Strehlow for his dedication and energy in support of this ministry to end hunger. He spent countless hours shopping for the best deals, sorting and packaging food-making a positive difference in the lives of others.

MAP is continuing in 2018, but transitioning to a new gift card only program.  Rather than collect canned goods, we are partnering with Publix to purchase special gift cards which cannot be used to buy tobacco or alcohol items. Peace staff will continue to distribute these cards to church families and our neighbors in need. Your continued monetary support of this important ministry is deeply appreciated. Please checks payable to Peace UMC with "MAP" in memo line, or give on our church website www.peaceumcorlando.org
Peace Youth Confirmation Classes Begin - January 14
Confirmation is a 9 week experience where you'll learn what it means to commit your life to follow Christ; what it is to call yourself a United Methodist and the importance of becoming a member of the Peace United Methodist Church family.  All Youth in 8th grade are welcome to join.  If you did not take the class and are now in high school please contact us. Classes start on January 14 th  and culminate with Confirmation Sunday on March 11 th . Classes will typically last one hour each Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  The first session is for parents, students and mentors to learn about the Confirmation journey and will be held on Sunday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Room.  Questions? Contact Deborah Norman  debn2911@gmail.com  or jimbpeaceumc@gmail.com  .  
Prayer Shawl Ministry Evening Workshop - January 15
Please join us on  Monday, January 15 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the church Choir Room for a special evening Prayer Shawl workshop.  Anyone who likes to knit or crochet is invited to attend-all skill levels are welcome!  Prayer shawls are given to people who are ill or hospitalized, suffering chronic conditions, undergoing chemotherapy, or simply in need of comfort and prayer.  For more details, please contact Carol Thomson 407-812-7043.
Thank-A-Teacher Community Event - January 19
Be part of our effort to love and appreciate the teachers and administrative staff of our local elementary and middle schools.  Our goal is to encourage and support those who are dedicated to teaching and serving the children of our community. We'll be hosting our Thank-a-Teacher event on Friday, January 19th  from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. where we'll provide free items to stock classrooms, hand/neck massages, raffle prizes, prayer and a free meal to take home. We'll need volunteers to set up and break down, help with prayers and handing out food, and hospitality (sign up on the back table or email the church office).  We are collecting donations of the following items: hand sanitizer, pens & pencils, highlighters & dry erase markers, to-do lists, post-it notes, glue sticks, general art supplies, cleaning wipes, copier paper and small boxes of tissue. These may be dropped off in the bin in the sanctuary entry hallway or the Church Office.
FREE "Joy" Workshop at Peace - January 20
As humans, we often use the term "joy" as a synonym for happiness.  But as a "fruit" of the Spirit, (Galatians 5: 22-24) true Joy is awakened in us as we grow in the image of our Lord Jesus.  In his experiential workshop "Awakening the Joy Within", Tom Acey presents a practical guide to us to direct us in our daily lives to live a joyful life.  An experienced facilitator and workshop creator, Tom has presented the Joy Workshop here at Peace several times over the past few years.  He will be presenting a "new and vastly improved" workshop here on Saturday, January 20 th , 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m . Whether you are a new participant or one who has experienced the Joy Workshop in the past, come and discover a transformation of your mind that the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans 12:2.  Questions? 407-791-3424 or tomacey2004@yahool.com .
5th Annual Divas & Dudes 5K Run/Walk for Youth Missions
On Sunday, March 4, 2018 --Peace Youth will be hosting our FIFTH ANNUAL  Divas and Dudes 5K in Hunter's Creek as a fundraiser for our summer mission trips.  Volunteers are needed NOW to help coordinate this exciting event.  You don't need to be a runner, just have a heart to help our youth program!  If you are interested in joining the 5K volunteer team, or know of possible local business sponsors, please contact Joanna Sell via phone  407- 908-4212 or email joannasell74@gmail.com .    
Church Office Volunteers Needed in February
Church Office volunteers are needed the week of February 5th - 9th. If you are available to help answer the church telephones and greet walk-ins, please sign up on the table in the back of the sanctuary email peacechurchoffice@gmail.com . We promise the phone is easy to use and you'll receive training! This is a great way to get to know your fellow church members and Peace staff. Thank you for sharing the gift of your time.
East Central District Training Event for all United Methodists
East Central District Annual Called to Serve Event 
Training Leaders to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ  for the Transformation of the World 

Saturday, February 3, 2018 - 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - First UMC, Oviedo, Florida  

7:45 a.m. Registration & Refreshments
A Training Opportunity for All Local Church Laity & Clergy...
This FREE district wide learning event is designed to inspire and equip laity, lay staff, and clergy.  You will connect with other UM's throughout the East Central District and Florida Conference.  You do not have to be in the ECD to join us.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. Michael Beck - "Awakening from Apostolic Amnesia" - Luke 10:1-9

Breakout sessions target a variety of exciting ministry topics plus specific church leadership roles.  Encourage all church laity to attend, especially newly elected leaders and committee members for 2018.  Expand your understanding of local church ministry.  Learn and share new ways to be God's light in your community.  Grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

25 different workshops offered!  Which two will you select?   Click HERE for a .pdf of the courses. Register one person at a time.  Classrooms are determined by the number of people who register for the workshop.  If you plan on attending a workshop, please select it when you register.

Don't miss out, on-line registration closes January 31st! Follow this link to register.
Stay Connected

Peace United Methodist Church  |407-438-8947Website |
NEW CHURCH OFFICE EMAIL: peacechurchoffice@gmail.com 

Rev. LeeAnn Inman, Lead Pastor - revleeann@gmail.com 
Rev. Jim Berlau, Associate Pastor - jimbpeaceumc@gmail.com 
Sunday Worship Services: 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

The Peace Church Office is open Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - Noon.  For EMERGENCIES after normal business hours, call 407-438-8947 Ext. 203 and follow the instructions to reach our Pastor on call.  
*The Church Office will be closed on Monday, January 15th in observation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day*