Peace Email Connection - August 19, 2016
This Weekend in Worship:

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Sermon: Rev. LeeAnn Inman
"What Disciples Do: Moving Beyond the Basics"

Scripture: 
 
The biggest threat to the Christian faith in America is not secularism or the growing number of "nones" or "dones."  Rather, the biggest threat to vibrant growth is nominal Christianity.  Shallow and noncommittal faith does not breed vital believers and congregations.  Who would choose to be attached to such a lame faith?  Authentic faith impacts every part of our lives: how we spend our money; how we work; how we treat our family, friends, and neighbors.  Authentic faith impacts our character, goals, and values.  There is a serious cost to discipleship, but there are also incredible rewards: a life of meaning, purpose, service, and vitality.

**Please be in prayer for flood victims in Louisiana and fire victims in California. To help with recovery efforts follow this link to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
" What Disciples Do" Worship Series

Although Christians are often identified by what they believe, Jesus seemed to care more about what his followers did.  In our fall worship series, What Disciples Do , featuring scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, we'll look more closely at how specific faith practices, along with theological beliefs, are crucial to Christianity.  We'll be exploring the specific guidance given by the Scriptures and the living example of Christ as to the ways in which disciples practice generosity, wrestle with God, take their faith public, live authentically, evangelize with integrity, model faith in their homes, leave judgment to God, stick to their faith even when times are tough, serve with joy and selflessness, and make the best of their circumstances.  We'll be challenged in very specific ways to live out Jesus' call to "Follow me," and we'll learn and grow together.
  •      August 21st: "Moving Beyond the Basics - Disciples Take Faith Seriously" (Luke 14:25-33)
  •  August 28th: "Sharing Jesus with Integrity - Disciples Seek Disciples" (Scripture: Luke 15:1-10)
  •  Sept. 4th: "Passing on Faith to Our Families - Disciples Take Their Faith Home" (2 Timothy 1:1-14)
  •  Sept. 11th: "Making the Best of Babylon - Disciples Redeem Their Circumstances" (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)
  •  Sept. 18th: "Wrestling with God - Disciples Grapple with Faith" (Genesis 32:22-31)
  •  Sept. 25th: SUNDAY SERVE: "Rolling Up Our Sleeves - Disciples Live to Serve" (Matthew 25:34-45)
  •  Oct. 2nd: "Leaving Judgment to God - Disciples Don't Judge" (Luke 18:9-14)
  •  Oct. 9th: "Practicing Faith in Difficult Times - Disciples Live by Faith" (Job 19:23-27a)
  •  Oct. 16th: "Taking Our Faith Public - Disciples Understand that Faith Impacts Both the Personal Realm and the Public Realm" (Isaiah 65:17-25)
  •  Oct. 23rd: "Making Christ the Center of Everything - Disciples Pledge Ultimate Allegiance to Christ" (Colossians 1:11-20)
We will be starting a whole new daily e-devotion series based on What Disciples Do , and there will be plenty of other ways to go deeper and engage with this series, including the Weekly Worship Blog and suggested supplementary reading materials and interactive opportunities.  Call or email the church office if you need more details.
Thank You for Your Support!

Thank you for your generous support of our Back-to-School Gift Card drive for this year.  We took in around $800 in funds to provide gift cards for distribution to families in our community who needed some extra help with the expenses of getting kids outfitted for the new school year.  Many of these families are connected to us through our Meals Assistance Program, which supplies some essential food supplies to a limited number of families each week (thanks for supporting MAP as well).

Additionally, during last week's worship services, we recognized 17 teachers and educational support staff with appreciation bags, filled with some thoughtful goodies to encourage them as they begin the valuable work of guiding our children through the school year.  We had an opportunity to pray with those in attendance, and we will continue to look for ways to support education in our community.  Thanks to the Youth Group for their help on that project.
Susanna Wesley Circle - August 23

Susanna Wesley Circle, a UMW Bible Study Circle, will meet Tuesday, August 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Peace UMC. We are studying a Bible Study (Study #6) entitled "Friendships of Faith: A Shared Study of Hebrews."  All ladies of the church are invited to join us. Please call Deanna Greenman at  407-812-5499 or Roberta Jones at 850-819-5234 for more information.
Peace Blood Drive - August 28

Our next Blood Drive will be on Sunday, August 28th from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Please eat a good breakfast and come prepared to give!  There is no substitute for human blood.  When you donate blood, you are making an immediate contribution to the health and welfare of your community. Blood is needed by patients facing planned and unplanned medical procedures, such as trauma victims, cancer patients and premature babies.  Blood is usually transfused into patients at local hospitals within 48 hours after you donate. http://floridasbloodcenters.org/
Disciple Fast-Track Studies Start - September 12 & 14

What Disciples Do? Get to Know the Bible!

Get to know God's word with other folks in an engaging encounter called Disciple Fast-Track Bible Study. Starting the second week in September, two weekly groups begin a twenty-four week journey through the Old and New Testaments, with breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Monday morning group, led by Rev. Roberta Jones and Marianne Barnes, will meet from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room (starting September 12th). The Wednesday evening group, led by Betsy Brantley, will meet from 7:00-8:15 p.m. in the Youth Room (starting September 14th). If you are interested, sign up by contacting the  Church Office or 407-438-8626.
We Serve Weekend - September 24/25

On the weekend of September 24th and 25th, we will once again celebrate our yearly fall emphasis on community service.  We're calling it We Serve Weekend, and, while we are constantly engaged with our neighbors in making God's love real in the community in which we live, every fall we designate a special 48-hour period in which we're all encouraged to bond together to go out in force and have a concerted impact.  We believe that one of the ways Jesus calls us to follow as disciples is to be actively at work doing good and building relationships, so these projects are specifically designed to have a specific local impact and offer us a way to build relationships with the people whom we will be serving.

Our Children's Ministry and Student Ministry will be directly participating with a Hope for the Homeless 4M project on Saturday and a visit by our 45s group to their friends at the HOME ministry in Kissimmee on Sunday evening.  Everybody is eligible to participate in one or more of our other projects, including a Habitat for Humanity work day on Saturday, and number of Sunday afternoon options:
  •  HOME work crew (Helping Others Make the Effort transitional housing for women and children): Painting, landscaping, etc.
  •  Helping shut-ins in our congregation with yard work and home repairs.
  •  Visiting one of our local nursing homes for game time and visits.
  •  Our annual Shingle Creek paddle and clean-up.
  •  Preparing "baggies of love" to keep in our cars to hand out to the homeless.
  •  First responder appreciation: preparing and delivering "thanks" packages of goodies for first responders.
There is something for all ages, skill sets, and activity levels.  You can sign up for individual projects at the Welcome Table and on line at the church web site.  If you have questions, please contact Eddie at [email protected]  or 321-947-8930.  You can also create your own project with a group of friends!  And these opportunities (and any projects you might create independently) are not limited to members of Peace.  Feel free to get your friends and neighbors involved!
Habitat for Humanity Date Change - September 24

Habitat for Humanity
The Habitat for Humanity September work day has been rescheduled (per request by the Habitat folks) to Saturday, September 24th. It's not too late to join the team.  Volunteers are needed!  Habitat has a very active presence in Orlando building affordable homes (with sweat equity provided by those who will live in them) and rehabbing foreclosed properties as well.  Sign up on the table in the back of the sanctuary. 
Sunday Portico Refreshment Team

Narda Parker coordinates a group of volunteers who help with refreshments on the portico between Sunday church worship services. We are looking for enough volunteers to provide store bought or homemade baked goods just one Sunday per month. This is a great opportunity for fellowship time and a wonderful way for you to support the church.   Please contact Narda at 407-856-7422 or email  [email protected] if you are interested in joining this team!
Operation Christmas Child - Shoebox Stories 2016

Roselyn - Malawi  - "My life felt gray.  But when my shoebox came, it was full of color."
 
Growing up in Malawi, I loved playing make-believe.  That's what my siblings and I did because we didn't have any dolls or toys.  We would go outside after it rained and mold the clay-type soil into figures.  When I received my shoebox gift at age 6, it contained my first real toys-not just one doll, but two!  Having two dolls to play with was perfect because that meant I could pretend the dolls were having conversations with each other.  I played with those dolls so much that I wore them out.

I grew up in a Christian family but thought of religion in terms of rules.  I didn't have a relationship with God.  I went to church because that's what I was supposed to do.  The shoebox helped me realize that God is for children, too, not just adults. At age 14, I resettled in Michigan with my family. My two brothers, sister, and I still talk about how fitting our individual shoebox gifts have been to our lives and personalities.  I think that God designed our shoeboxes specifically for each one of us. 

Now I speak in churches encouraging people to pack shoeboxes.  I tell people that this little gift changed my life.  I want to thank all the people who have a sincere dedication to this ministry of packing shoeboxes, to empower them to continue in their ministry because they are impacting so many children in ways they can't even fathom.

Shoe boxes are NOW available in the back for you to take home and begin gathering items to fill them.  Collection Week is November 13-21, 2016.
Church Office Volunteers Needed in September

Church Office volunteers are needed the week of September 20th - 26th, during our Office Manager's vacation.  If you are available to help answer the church telephones and greet walk-ins, please contact Jana Hart at [email protected] or call 407-438-8947.  We promise the phone is easy to use and you'll receive training! This is a great way to meet church staff and fellow Peace members.  Thank you for sharing the gift of your time. 
This Week at Peace

First week of Preschool Classes and Youth Sunday!




 
Peace United Methodist Church | 407-438-8947| Email | Website
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m.
 Friday 8:30 a.m. - Noon 

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 A.M.

 For emergencies when the Church Office is closed - call 407-438-8947 Ext. 203 and follow the instructions to reach our Pastor on call. 
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