PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Email Newsletter - March 24, 2017
THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP
March 26, 2017

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT -  LAETARE SUNDAY
WEAR PINK TO CHURCH

Sermon: Rev. LeeAnn Inman -  Restored: "No Messing Around!"

One of the biggest mistakes we often make in life is to try to manage with less mess. Jesus offers us a better way. He wants us to get out of the mess completely. We'll explore steps in transformation that can make a real difference to you and those around you. (Sanctifying Grace)

Scripture: 
John 3:1-17 (CEB)

The Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 26th) is called Laetare Sunday . It takes its name from the Latin word for  JOY . This Sunday is marked by a relaxation of the penitential character of the Lenten season.  We look with expectation to Easter, for which we have been preparing ourselves during Lent. By its anticipation of the joy of Easter, Laetare Sunday is meant to give us hope and encouragement as we slowly progress toward Holy Week.
Peace Blood Drive - March 26
Blood is essential for life.  It carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infection and helps to heal wounds.  Everyone has this self-generating resource that can be generously given to others-when and where it's needed most.  Our next Peace Blood Drive is on Sunday, March 26th  from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Don't wait for a tragedy to donate blood.  Cancer patients, trauma patients, premature babies and sickle cell patients need blood every day!  Please eat a good breakfast, bring a photo ID and come prepared to give! Follow this link to sign up for a time. 
UMW Susanna Wesley Circle - March 28
null Susanna Wesley Circle, a UMW Bible Study Circle, will meet Tuesday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Peace.  We are studying a Bible study entitled "Friendships of Faith: A Shared Study of Hebrews." (Study #13). 

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.
Welcome Our New Associate Pastor Jim Berlau - April 2
Next Sunday, the Rev. Jim Berlau will begin his appointment as our Associate Pastor.  Peace is truly blessed by this appointment which has been unanimously approved by all of the church leadership teams.  As some of you may recall Rev. Berlau served at Peace years ago as our Youth Pastor and Assistant to the Pastor before leading First Winter Park United Methodist Church's South Street Ministries. There will a special reception on the portico between worship services.  Please bring your favorite dessert or finger food to share.  Help us give Pastor Jim a warm welcome!
Autism Awareness Sunday - April 2
April 2nd is the ninth annual World Autism Awareness Day.  Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition.  Because of the large range of symptoms and impairment from person to person, it is now called  Autism Spectrum Disorder  (ASD).  ASD ranges in severity from a handicap that only somewhat limits an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability.  In the United States, 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with ASD.
People with ASD see things, hear things and feel things in a much different way than the rest of us.  They receive extra "data" from their senses, and they don't always know how to react.  Sounds, touches, smells or sights that seem normal to others, can send them into sensory overload. They can also have trouble understanding what other people think and feel.  This makes it very hard for them to express themselves and communicate.

Peace wants to be a welcoming and supportive place for individuals and families affected by ASD.  Last year we started our H.I.M. ministry (Hearts in Motion) to provide a loving and safe environment for those with special needs.  H.I.M. offers two classrooms, one for three months to age 11 in classroom C and one for adults in classroom D-meeting every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Classes are led by specially trained and screened volunteers with experience in special needs.  We believe all have God given gifts and deserve to be part of the life of the church.
Holy Week at Peace - April 9 - 16
Please make plans to join us during Holy Week (April 9 - April 16) and steep yourself in the richness of the passion of Christ from his entry into Jerusalem, the breaking bread with his disciples, to his death on the cross and resurrection on Easter Sunday. 
 
Palm/Passion Sunday
Sunday, April 9 at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. - as we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, our children will participate in our traditional palm parade. We invite you to bring in palm branches from your home or neighborhood to use during the service.

Family Passover Seder Meal
Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. - we will share a traditional Passover Seder meal and worship together as we sing the songs and tell the stories of faith.   The Jewish roots of Communion will enrich our experience of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 13 - sanctuary open for guided prayer & communion from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Come experience an individual time of prayer and contemplation.  Walk in Jesus' steps through a series of meaningful prayer stations.

Good Friday Service of Darkness
Friday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m.  - also known as Tenebrae, meaning "darkness," this worship service has been practiced by the church since medieval times.  Scripture readings, music and symbols tell the story of Christ's passion.  In the darkness of the sanctuary, we ponder the depth of Christ's suffering and sacrifice for us. 

Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 16 at 7:00 a.m.  Sunrise Service, 8:15 a.m. Traditional, 9:30 a.m. Praise, 11:00 a.m. Traditional  - come experience the healing love and eternal life that are the Easter gifts of Christ.  Associate Pastor Jim Berlau preaching!
UMW Annual Garage Sale - May 6
HAVE YOU MARKED YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE MAY 6 TH GARAGE SALE?  Your donation of items, time in sorting, pricing and working the event are welcome and needed.  Sponsored by the UMW for missions and outreach.
Faith Journey Class Leads Worship at HC Nursing Home
Our Faith Journey Sunday School class was recently given the opportunity to lead a 30 minute worship service at the Hunter's Creek Nursing & Rehab center.  We shared the love of God through songs, prayers and a short message.  One of our members was able to translate the service into Spanish, which ministered to several of the residents.  The experience was very rewarding and we are all looking forward to participating again on a quarterly basis. 

Join our Faith Journey class every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Pastor's Office. We're beginning a study of the book Count it All Joy: Discover a Happiness that Circumstances Cannot Change by David Jeremiah.  Everyone is welcome!
Text-to-Give on Your Smart Phone!
Giving financially to Peace just got easier with our Text-to-Give option.  Donating via text from your smart phone is a fast, convenient and secure way to give your tithes and offerings.

Simply send a text to 407-269-8307  with the amount you would like to contribute. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount you wish to give (that part is up to you) and the word Contribution.  Example: $25 Contribution .  Within a few minutes, you'll be sent a text with a one-time link to register.  Click on the link and enter your credit card or debit card information.  Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via email.  For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give and it will process automatically!  Text-to-Give donations are recorded to your annual contribution statement.  Because of your generous support, we are able to have a meaningful impact not only within our own church, but throughout our larger community and world.
Medicine Bottle Collection Ending
We are NO LONGER COLLECTING empty m edicine bottles.  The sponsoring organization met their goal of 8 million bottles and aren't doing further shipments overseas. 
 
Thanks to all who participated!  We encourage you to continue recycling your bottles through your local waste service programs. 
Peace Happenings:

Wednesday Connect - celebrating the Trinity and St. Patrick's Day

45s Spring Break Retreat

Thanks to all who participated in our first "Undie Sunday" event.  We collected 97 pairs of underwear for girls, 111 for boys, 18 for women and 38 for men. We also received several pairs of socks and undershirts. These will be distributed by our Dress a Girl Around the World Team.


Peace United Methodist Church 
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Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fridays - 8:30 a.m. - Noon

For emergencies after business hours or on the weekend, please call 407-438-8947 
Ext. 203 and follow the instructions to reach our staff member on-call. 
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