PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Email Newsletter - October 21, 2016
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
OCTOBER 23, 2016

SERMON:  Rev. LeeAnn Inman -  What Disciples Do : "Making Christ the Center of Everything--Disciples Pledge Ultimate Allegiance to Christ"

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians 1:11-20 
 
SYNOPSIS:  "Following" by definition means not being first, not being the leader, not being in charge. This can be a very uncomfortable thought for many of us. We like feeling like we are in complete control of our lives and destiny.  But just like the original band of disciples who literally followed their Rabbi on the byways of Judea, we are called to give our ultimate allegiance to Jesus Christ. Such allegiance, freely given, means that Christ is the King over every aspect of our lives (work, relationship, finances, priorities, leisure).  Not just a category here and there, but every category at all times. What impact does our faith have on our day-to-day and long-term decisions, when we see those decisions through the lens of this allegiance?
Church Survey Focus Groups - October 23 & 30
Did you realize that in a few months it will be time to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Peace Church ? It is amazing to think about the impact this Church has had on the lives of so many people. We have received so many blessings to be thankful for. What is even more amazing is what God has in store for this Church over the next 25 years and the even greater impact God is calling and enabling us to provide for so many more. 

One way the leadership and staff of Peace is preparing for the future of Peace is evaluating the current strengths and opportunities of Peace. One part of the process was the survey so many of you completed for us. Thank you very much. Now that the survey results have been prayerfully analyzed we need to move to the next step which is open dialogue with you so we can go deeper into specific areas and get feedback on potential initiatives moving forward.  These sessions are open to EVERYONE.  Regardless of age, membership, frequency of attendance, years at Peace, or visitor they are open to all. 

We are going to make this easy for you by providing multiple sessions for you to join at times when many of you are already at the Church. These sessions will be 45 minutes to an hour and led by members of the leadership team. We will have sessions before, during, and after worship services and during existing group meeting times at the Church.  For those of you who indicated on the surveys that you were willing to be contacted for additional feedback, please take advantage of one of these available focus groups (dates and times listed below--room locations tbd). There will be additional focus groups in coming weeks.

In order to reach all who God is calling us to serve we need to hear from everyone -so please make plans to attend one session!  

-Your Peace Leadership Team

Focus Group Schedule:
  •  Sunday, October 23rd at 9:30 a.m.    (The Studio)
  •  Sunday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m.  (The Studio)
  •  Sunday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m.  (Session for Dinks Care Group)
  •  Sunday, October 23rd at 12:15 p.m.  (Sanctuary)
  •  Sunday, October 30th at 9:30 a.m.   (The Studio)
  •  Sunday, October 30th at 11:00 a.m.  (The Studio)
New Member Class and Luncheon - October 23
If you are looking for a church home, then we invite you to join our Fall 2016 New Members Class. For those coming from different denominations or other faith backgrounds, this class provides a supportive setting in which to learn more about Peace Church, United Methodism and what church membership means. There is no obligation to join Peace Church just because you take the class. We will be glad to have you participate and explore your spiritual gifts. 

Sunday, October 23rd from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Workshop and Luncheon:  We will talk in depth about our Peace family and any questions you may have as we approach your membership on the following Sunday. Lunch will be provided. 

Sunday, October 30th:  Membership Sunday  
If you'd like to join the class or have questions, please contact Pastor LeeAnn 407-462-7374 or  [email protected]
Faith Journey Class - New Study Begins - October 23
"Spiritual Warfare:" the Faith Journey Sunday morning class invites all members of the church to join them in an enlightening and in-depth study of Ephesians 6:11-18.  

This is a 9-week study which unpacks the familiar scripture of the Apostle Paul about putting on the armor of God to protect ourselves as Christians in a world plagued by evil. Join us in the Pastor's office at 11:00 a.m. beginning on Sunday, October 23.
Susanna Wesley UMW Circle Meeting - October 25
Susanna Wesley Circle, a UMW Bible Study Circle, will meet Tuesday, October 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Peace UMC. We are studying a Bible Study (Study #8) entitled "Friendships of Faith: A Shared Study of Hebrews." All ladies of the church are invited to join us.  Come discover all the ways you can grow, connect, serve and develop lasting friendships at Peace!  Please call Deanna Greenman at  407-812-5499 or Roberta Jones at 850-819-5234 for more information.
Trunk or Treat Spooktacular - October 30
Don't miss this year's Trunk or Treat community fall fair! The Spooktacular will include a hayride, costume contest, largest inflatable obstacle course in all of central Florida, trunk-or-treating, local crafts market, and other festive fall activities.  Bring the whole family and invite your friends and neighbors. There will be plenty of fun to be had!  Food Trucks will also be onsite for that monstrous appetite!  Trunk or Treat will be held on October 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This is a huge outreach event!  We need your help to make it a success. To volunteer p lease either see Mr. K on Sunday in Classroom A, call 407-353-0054 or email [email protected] . Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
  •  Decorate your car trunk & help  distribute  candy (Please contact  Mr. K to sign up)
  •  Pumpkin Painting Booth
  •  Candy Runner
  •  Bounce House Attendant
  •  Hay Ride Attendant
  •  Bounce House Attendant
  •  Movie Attendant
  •  Photo Assistant
Candy donations are also needed.  Since the candy doesn't have to sit out in the hot sun, any kind will be accepted.  Simply drop off your donations in the Trunk or Treat collection bin located in the main church hallway or out by the Welcome Table on Sunday. 
Peace Blood Drive - October 30
Our next Blood Drive will be on Sunday, October 30th from 8:00 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. It is usually transfused into patients at local hospitals within 48 hours after you donate. For more information, contact the Church Office at 407-438-8947 or go to www.oneblood.org
New Worship Series "Defying Gravity" Starts - October 30
Starting on October 30th, we'll be celebrating a church wide study in generous living called Defying Gravity . Through sermons, interactive opportunities, and first-hand accounts, we'll examine the generous life-what it is and why it can be hard to experience. We'll be studying the topic of generosity, including data from surveys, insights from experts, and conversations with generous people about their goals and habits. We want to understand why generosity brings people joy and what forces work against it. Many of us want to experience the significance of blessing others, but feel trapped by past decisions and misled by a society that bombards us with messages of having more and having better.  But we are not meant to live lives of anxiety: we are meant to feel secure and experience the freedom of generous joy.

October 30th - Defying Gravity : "Discovering Gravity" - God has made us to enjoy life and have influence in the world.  The problem is that we lose perspective. We all are familiar with the pervasive impact of gravity in our day-to-day existence, but there is another force that is working around us all the time with just as powerful an impact. 

November 6th - All Saints Day - Defying Gravity : "Breaking Free" - Money and the things it buys can produce a field of gravity so strong that many people simply cannot escape. But we, as followers of Christ, escape when we adopt the personal qualities and outlook on life that Jesus possessed (humility in continually offering up acts of generosity).

November 13th - Defying Gravity : "Tethered to God" - Effective generosity does not just happen.  Generous people understand that blessing others with time, talent, and money requires focus and intentionality. 

November 20th - Defying Gravity : "When We Get It Right" - Commitment Sunday & THANKSGIVING - What does it mean to give?  It is a normal reaction to be focused on the loss implied in "just giving it away" (whatever it is), we'll miss out on the joy that comes from sharing in love.  Generosity is a means of grace in the process of Christian sanctification (what John Wesley described as being "habitually filled with love of God and neighbor"). 
Youth Dinner & Silent Auction Moving to Fall - November 4
Friday,  November 4th at 6:30 p.m. the Student Ministry of Peace United Methodist Church will be hosting their annual  Dinner & Silent Auction .  All proceeds from this event will benefit our 2016 - 2017 Youth Missions. 

We are asking for donations of any kinds of new merchandise and/or gift cards that we can auction at our event.  Any help that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. All items will be clearly displayed and marked with the name of the donor.  This is a great opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the lives of the young people in our church community and to assist in the mission work that will take place next summer.  

Tickets for the event are only $5 and will be available for purchase starting next Sunday morning on the portico between worship services, and during the week in the church office.
Please feel free to contact Brandon Sangster if you have any donations for the auction, questions, or need any further information. 407-932-8223 or [email protected].  Thank you!
Annual Peace Church Conference - November 13
What is a Church Conference?  It's an annual business meeting held in each local United Methodist Church.  We review the church's mission, decide on our pastoral compensation package, and receive a report on Lay Leadership for the coming year, among other things.  It's all important stuff, but it sounds like a lot of boring business, right?  Wrong-it's also a celebration of our Peace vision, passion and commitment to ministry.

Our Peace Church Conference will be held in the sanctuary on  Sunday, November 13th at 1:00 p.m.  Everyone who worships at Peace is invited to attend this meeting, but only members are eligible to vote on business matters.  Please make plans to attend!
Operation Christmas Child - November 14-21
It's Christmas shoebox time again, as Peace UMC begins its tenth year of support for this ministry to children and families around the world.  You can choose from one of the ways listed below to help:
  •  Fill a shoebox for a boy or girl, ages 2-4, 5-9, 10-14 with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and a note and photo of you or your family/group.  See brochure for suggestions.  Include $7.00 for shipping or donate at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ and receive an email with the destination of your shoebox gift.
  •  Bring in items that can be used to fill a shoebox.  (donation box on table in back) OCC team will assemble boxes on Sunday November 20th using these donated items.
  •  Cash donation to Samaritan's Purse can be designated to help with shipping of group assembled boxes.
  •  Cash donation to Samaritan's Purse to fund the Greatest Journey, a 12-week course about Jesus printed in many languages that is put in each box.  Donation of $6.00 per child.
Pray for this ministry that hearts will be opened to knowing Jesus Christ, workers will be safe delivering packages, and children will know they are loved. What goes into the box is fun...what comes out is eternal.  The shoebox is a tool for evangelism and discipleship-transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ. National Collection Week is November 14 - 21, 2016.

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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