Peace Email Connection - August 26, 2016
This Weekend in Worship:

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Blood Drive in the Parking Lot!

Sermon: Special Guest Speaker - Jana Hall
What Disciples Do: "Sharing Jesus with Integrity - Disciples Seek Disciples:

Scripture: Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV)

Synopsis:
Many mainline Christians are suspicious of evangelism (that's church-speak for sharing Jesus with people and inviting them to church).  A lot of us have been turned off by obnoxious and inappropriate evangelism, so we neglect it altogether.  Yet it is apparent that reaching disconnected, discouraged, and hopeless people was a huge priority for Jesus.  He once said, "For the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost" (Luke 19:10).  By living out our faith in word and deed, by building relationships that show we care, and by inviting others to join us on our journey, we can share God's grace with relevance and integrity.
 
Jana Hall (former Peace Youth member)
Jana was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Kissimmee, Florida. She earned her B.S. in Public Relations at the University of Florida in 2011 and relocated to Nashville a year later. She recently matriculated from Vanderbilt University Divinity School with a Master of Divinity.

During her time at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Jana's passion for social justice and desire to respond faithfully to God's call to ministry flourished. Having discerned an emphasis in her call to ministry on advocacy for people with disabilities, particularly the Deaf and hard of hearing, she began to learn American Sign Language. Jana earned honors distinctions in her field work studying the impact of faith in the lives of people with disabilities at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Jana continues to respond faithfully to God's call to ministry, preaching and teaching the gospel, and living out the gospel in daily life. In 2014 she married Lee Perkins, an ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ. Together they enjoy spending time with family, traveling and sightseeing, watching movies and staying active in the community's quest for social justice.
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/

Hate waiting in line to give blood?  You can now schedule an appointment on our Big Red Bus!  Follow THIS LINK.
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.
Church Office Volunteers Needed - September 19 - 26

Are you looking for ways to get involved or for an opportunity to help support Peace? Church Office volunteers are needed the week of September 19th - 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. 
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 all ministries across the church work together to go out in force and have a focused impact. These projects are designed to have a  local impact and offer us a way to build relationships with the people whom we will be serving.  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:
  • Habitat for Humanity (see article below)(Saturday morning). 
  • HOME work crew (Helping Others Make the Effort transitional housing): Painting, landscaping, etc. (Sunday afternoon).
  •  Helping shut-ins in our congregation with yard work and home repairs (Sunday afternoon).
  •  Visiting one of our local nursing homes for game time and visits (Saturday afternoon).
  •  Our annual Shingle Creek paddle and clean-up (Sunday afternoon).
  •  Preparing "Blessings Bags" to keep in our cars to hand out to the homeless (Sunday afternoon).
  •  Pawsitive Action (in St. Cloud) (4M project - all are welcome) supporting a service dog program (Saturday morning).
  •  First Responder appreciation: preparing and delivering "thanks" packages of goodies for First Responders (Sunday afternoon).
There is something for all ages, skill sets, and activity levels.  You can sign up for individual projects at the Welcome Table and SIGN UP ONLINE BY CLICKING THIS LINK RIGHT NOW!  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!
UMW Program and Luncheon  - September 24

Homeless or Living in Motels on 192 - Can We Help Make a Difference?
 
The Community Hope Center is a program-based project that impacts the low-income, poverty level families and individuals living in and around Osceola County, Florida. The primary emphasis is to assist those living homeless or in motels and hotels along Osceola County's 192 Corridor. This program restores dignity and self-sufficiency to those in need in our community through a holistic approach to case management, funds assistance, and life skills. The program is intended to provide gap services to clients that other agencies are not currently providing.
Come learn more about this amazing organization. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 24th at 11:45 a.m. for our UMW General Meeting and Potluck Luncheon. 
  •  11:45 a.m.  - Arrive, sign in and update your contact information and bring your dish to share (if able)
  •  12:30 p.m. -  Community Hope Center Program
  •  1:00 p.m. -    General Meeting Update
Habitat for Humanity  - 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. 
Peace Pumpkin Patch  - October 15

THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!   The Pumpkin Patch at Peace has become a huge event in our community, which means it takes lots of hands to make it happen. The Children's Ministry needs your help. The pumpkin truck is scheduled to arrive on Saturday, October 15th at 8:00 a.m. but could very well be late. We are calling on all able bodies to give their time for the greater good of our church and church VBS programs, and help unload this truck. Remember the more volunteers the faster it goes! Plus we will have Kona Ice for sale on site for your purchasing pleasure! If you are interested in volunteering either unloading or selling pumpkins at the patch, please email Julie Chatfield [email protected] 321-689-6899 or Rostam Kondolojy (Mr. K). [email protected] 407-353-0054.
Children's Ministry News

45s starts on Sunday, September 11th with our annual Splash Bash welcome celebration. 45s is for 4th and 5th graders only and is a pre-youth group meeting every Sunday from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  Parents join us on September 11th at 4:00 p.m. for a 30 minute parent meeting. You will learn about this year's lessons and activities and hear how you can be involved.  If you have a 4th or 5th grade student please let us know.  You can leave your info at the Welcome Table on the Portico, or send an email to [email protected] .  All 4th and 5th graders are welcome, so if you your child has a friend, pass the information along so we can be sure to include them too.  Also, mark your calendars now for our first outing to H.O.M.E on Sunday, September 25th. This is one of the ways we serve in our community and the kids always have a blast. 45s that evening will be extended from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  

Kids Worship at 9:30 a.m. will now be in Classroom A and B, our Kids Zone.  The normal routine will continue with kids joining their families through the children's story, then heading to the Kids Zone through Classroom A for worship, and then returning for communion.  As usual, they will all watch the lesson video and sing together, then separate, 3 months-Kindergarten in Classroom A and 1st-5th in Classroom B, where they will have age appropriate discussions and activities.  If time allows, playground time may be permitted.  This fall during the 9:30 a.m. hour we are continuing with Whats in the Bible as we discover 16 Big Lessons about God.  At 11:00 a.m. we follow the Deep Blue Curriculum and will be learning about Joseph.  For complete details about the weeks lessons, watch for take home papers, check out the bulletin board next to Classroom A, or join our Facebook page.  For more information contact Rostam Kondology or Mr. K at [email protected].  
Operation Christmas Child - Shoebox Stories 2016

David - Romania  "My interest in how things and people can be restored to new life probably started with that toy car."
 
I received my shoebox gift in Romania at age 2, the youngest you can be to receive a box.  I don't remember all the details of what happened, but my older sister would tell me about the shoeboxes we received and how I came to have my toy car.  My parents saw the church reaching out to its community with the shoebox distribution.  It made a lasting impression on their walks of faith.
 
I loved that toy car.  I played with it all the time.  I hadn't had a toy like that before.  At the time, our idea of a Christmas gift was the orange my father received as a holiday present at his job.  At first, I loved the toy car because it was mine.  Then, I became intrigued by how it worked.  Even as a child, I loved science and was always taking things apart to see how they were built. 
 
Now, I'm studying biomedical engineering at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Essentially, it's about creating devices, such as prostheses and artificial organ implants, to help people.  I've realized that God can use whatever career field people pursue to share the love and hope that can be found in Him. 
 
Shoe boxes are available in the back for you to take home and begin gathering items to fill them.  Collection Week is November 13-21, 2016.
Peace Cell Phone Tower Update from Trustee Committee

This year, at our first meeting in January, the Trustee Committee established a priority of considering new ways to creatively use our  property to continue to support our mission, to improve our presence in the community, and support the work already happening at Peace.

You may recall that last year part of our property was leased to a utility contractor for storage and staging while work was performed for Orange County.  The income from that lease, like SOM, has helped to fund mission work.  We also used part of the income to seed a new, necessary, Trustee Reserve Fund.  We now have an account, with a balance of $15,000, to turn to for unexpected expenses associated with our facilities, like hurricane insurance deductibles, roof leak repairs, or any other expected items.

In 2008, the Trustees and Church Leadership considered offering a lease of a portion of our property to a cell tower company.  This Congregation reviewed the idea and wholeheartedly supported it in a Congregational meeting in September of 2008.  The potential financial impact is very exciting, but the logistics and jurisdictional approvals required have proved to be extremely challenging. Work on this effort continued, and now as a direct response to us diligently praying and working on ideas for how to utilize our God-provided resource of land, we are THRILLED and EXCITED to announce that Peace has FINALLY RECEIVED the agreement and approval from a cell tower company and the Hunters Creek Community Association to proceed RIGHT AWAY with installing a cell tower on our property.

The income stream this opportunity will generate will be over $1,700 each month, and is set to increase each year to account for escalation! What is even more exciting than the income, is that design of this tower will be a beacon to the community and tourists of God's presence in this place!  The tower is going to be a 130' tall cross.  It will be located on the north side of our property, close to the 417.  The cross will be directed so that all drivers on the 417 will see it clearly as they pass by our location.  Everyone, commuters, tourists, and our community -  will be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice and expression of love that the cross represents - what an opportunity to reach out and impact lives of so many people!

Just like the cell tower is a tool for extending communications networks,  this cross will be a new tool for extending the reach of our church.  But the cross is just the start of how we can use this new resource to reach others.  Part of the income from the lease will be used to add to the Trustee Reserve Fund, to augment our mission work and to market and tell others about what the cross means and why Peace is a great place to learn more about it.  With the distinctive placement of this most significant representation of God's love for us on our property, and the additional financial resources the lease payments from the cell tower company will provide, the moment is now to reach others, tell them about the love and life of Christ, and introduce them to Peace with more momentum and enthusiasm than we ever have before!

The lease agreement is executed, the Hunter's Creek Community Association approval is in hand, and the last step is receiving approval from Orange County zoning, which we believe is a formality because of the HCCA's consent.  We anticipate construction of the cross will start before the end of this year! We are convinced that the tower - a 130' tall cross - is a direct answer from God to our prayers.  We are so grateful that God provides in many ways, and we are excited about the future potential this opportunity provides us for truly reaching others and drawing them to our Church.

Trustees and Church Leadership are in continual prayer and hard at work.  We need each of you continue to support us with your prayers, time and financial gifts as we continue to oversee the building and work to reach others through mission and outreach. If you have any questions about this great news or any of the other work taking place around the Church, don't hesitate to ask me any time.

- Drew Emerson Peace Trustee Chairperson 
" 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 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.
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!
This Week at Peace

Peace Youth worship

Adorable momma duck sitting on 7 eggs in the Portico bushes...please do not disturb :)
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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