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Welcome to
Life@NorthLake
Newsletter
MAY 2023
Please submit your article or suggestion to office@northlakepc.org
for approval by May 20, 2023
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A NOTE FROM PASTOR JEFF
During a recent trip to Laguna Woods, CA, I worshipped at the Geneva Presbyterian Church, where my good friend, the Rev. Dr. Steve Marsh, serves as Senior Pastor. Their pre-school children were singing at the start of the service, so the front rows were fuller than usual with parents and grandparents holding up phones to video-record the moment. The hymns and anthems by their adult choir were uplifting. The service was laced with scripture readings from Isaiah, Psalms, Luke, and 1 Peter. The message had substance and relevance. Jesus was glorified. I was delighted to be there.
Geneva also hosted a dinner for our national covenant group of pastors. The dinner was served in Simpson Hall, where a year ago on May 15th a determined, well-armed gunman began shooting members and leaders of the Taiwanese Presbyterian congregation that also meets on that campus. The assailant had researched the premises and developed a detailed plan that involved chaining or disabling doors so his target victims could not escape. He was equipped with a small arsenal that included Molotov cocktails. The subsequent investigation uncovered a political and personal hatred that motivated his terrorist tactics.
When the shooting began in the banquet hall, most began to duck and scatter. But Dr. John Cheng, a 52-year-old physician attending with his mother, rushed the gunman head on, taking gunfire to his chest as he tackled him. His example encouraged others and provided an opening to overcome the shooter. The pastor swung a chair into him; and a handful of men in their eighties held him down, tied him up with an extension cord, and awaited the arrival of police.
Dr. Cheng was the only one who lost his life. His career had been devoted to the health and well-being of others. Then, in an instant of chaotic evil, Dr. Cheng’s instinct was to charge into the bullets. Without his courageous self-sacrifice, the casualty count would have been much worse, perhaps even reaching the holocaust of carnage that was intended.
Fortunately, the five others wounded have recovered. Simpson Hall with blood and bullet holes in almost every direction was cleaned, repaired, and rededicated. Their Presbyterian Women’s Spring Tea will be held there the first week of May. The first anniversary of that horrific and heroic day will pass this month. The Taiwanese Presbyterian congregation still meets there every Sunday. Worship and fellowship and discipleship are alive on the Geneva campus.
The dinner tables for our group of pastors were set in front of the Simpson Hall stage where the curtains had to be replaced. We were only a few feet from where a hero gave his life. I listened carefully as Steve explained, not only the sequence of the day, but also the impact on their community and the conclusions from the investigation.
I had many thoughts and emotions in response to what my friend shared. No pastor ever imagines such a malignant purpose will intrude upon a congregation. However, in today’s world we are wise to do all we can to prepare and prevent and mitigate the evil that might visit any church, school, or business.
So, I am exceedingly grateful to our North Lake Security Team. Their careful preparation and coordination, in conjunction with a Lake County deputy on Sunday mornings, are designed to create a secure environment for worship. Even the decisions about which doors would be locked
on the outside were guided by consultation with local law enforcement. Furthermore, our volunteer Security Team has committed to being present for other larger events like the Yard Sale, FAB dinners, etc. I pray we never need them for anything like the Geneva tragedy, but I want to thank our Security Team for their commitment, diligence, vigilance, and response to emergencies large and small.
Blessings!
|  | Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Hosmer | | | |
Sunday Worship @ North Lake | | | |
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Sunday Worship
8:15 & 11:15 a.m. - Traditional
9:30 a.m. - Contemporary
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| May 7 - Communion
"The Pros and Cons of Pediatric Faith" Matthew 18:1-5
Pastor Jeff Hosmer | May 21
"Rise Up"
Acts 1:6-14
Pastor Shawn Smith | | May14
"This is My Story-Cynthia Scribner"
Psalm 49; Luke 6:17-19
Pastor Jeff Hosmer | May 28 - Pentecost
"Babel in Reverse"
Acts 2:1-13
Pastor Jeff Hosmer | | |
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Become a member of North Lake on
Sunday, May 14 following each service.
Email Pastor Shawn with any questions - Click HERE
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North Lake Presbyterian Church
North Lake Finance Report for May Newsletter
NORTH LAKE OPERATIONS through March 2023
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Financial Report – March 2023 (Q1)
NLPC Operations: This month concludes our first quarter of Operations for the year. Giving for the month of March was $144,931, which is about $10,000 under budget, however for the first quarter, we are $13,000 over budget. Expenses this month are $3,270 over budget, yet at the end of the first quarter, we remain under budget $2,358. We ended the quarter with a surplus of $82,967, which is over budget $17,937. This is a very strong start to the year and this surplus is needed to carry Operations over the leaner summer months. The chart below summarizes January through March for 2022 and 2023. Expenses have been reduced $30,000 in the first three months compared with 2002 and Giving is about $16,740 less than last year.
THE BIG THREE:
Operation Homebound (OHB) revenue for March was $18,582 and under budget $1,590. This month the expenses were also over budget by $909. For the first quarter of this year, our deficit is $2,289 over our projected budget. The Designated Account Balance is $196,647. In April the SMO features Operation Homebound and also the Yard Sale later this month will further support this ministry. Interviews for the position of Director of OHB have been held this month with no decisions made at this point.
Christian Food Pantry (CFP) The expenses in March are $5,617 and for the first quarter are $13,767 better than budget. The expansion project was completed with a “ribbon cutting” held on Wednesday March 24th. The total construction cost is $340,660. Designated Account Balance reflects three installments on the construction costs and is $180,789.
Little Blessings (LB) reported revenue is $47,017 which is under budget this month $233, and expenses are over budget $906. The deficit this month is $5,635. LB has a designated fund balance of $267,250. Little Blessings has two longer term employees indicate retirement; one to retire in April or another at the end of the school year.
Church Administrator - Dave Belch Email Dave Belch
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NORTH LAKE SECOND MILE OFFERING | |
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Operation Homebound - April Second Mile Offering A big THANK YOU to all who supported this wonderful and important ministry of
North Lake through giving to the
April Second Mile Offering!
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Philippians Study
Led by Pastor Shawn Smith
Join Pastor Shawn as we dive into Paul's writings and the invitation for all of us to experience and live joyous lives!
Mondays, May 1–22 at 2p.m.
in the Hope Room
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Building Blocks of Faith
Led by Pastor Jeff Hosmer
Join Pastor Jeff for one or all these classes.
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
in the Hope Room
May 3 Basic Christian Beliefs
May 10 Learning to Pray
May 17 Introduction to Reading the Bible
May 24 Writing and Authority of Scripture
May 31 What’s a Presbyterian?
June 7 Five Simple Ways to Share Your Faith
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For more information about these classes, call the church office, pick up information in the lobby or come to the class - registration is not required. | |
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Grief Share Series at North Lake
Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through July 5
in the Grace Room
To register or if you have questions
Email Pastor Liz
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A HUGE thank you to our wonderful Volunteers, North Lake Staff, and Security Team for all the endless hours of hard work toward our very successful Yard Sale. We truly felt the Lord’s presence with the joy and smiling faces throughout the week. Your hard work allows us to continue to fulfill our mission to serve the needy in our community with Operation Homebound. Also, a big thank you to those of you who supported us through your donations. Without all of you we could never have made this a success!!!!
YOUR VERY GRATEFUL Yard Sale Committee
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North Lake VBS
KEEPERS OF THE KINGDOM
June 12 - 16
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
For kids going into 1st grade-5th grade
free/ registration required
Contact Heather at heather.hough@northlakepc.org
for more information
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How can I help? Huzzah!
Contact Heather - Click Here
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"for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in"
Matthew 25:35 (NKJV)
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Christian Food Pantry
A Ministry of North Lake Presbyterian Church
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The first Sunday of each month is a great time to make a donation of non-perishable items for the pantry. If you are a Snowbird or just cleaning out your pantry, please remember the pantry can use non-perishable goods that are in date or slightly out of date. Feel free to leave such items in the bin in the lobby of NLPC. Paper products are also welcome.
Thank you for your continued support of the Christian Food Pantry. Happy Spring and many blessing to everyone!
Please contact the Christian Food Pantry if you are interested in volunteering at
352-259-0788
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May and the end of our school year
is quickly coming to a close.
Our VPK Graduation will be on Tuesday, May 16th at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. The students are excited to share some of the things that they have learned this year with family and friends in attendance. Many thanks to our amazing teachers, Michelle Branson, Carla Harris and Dawn VonSteenburg for their endless time, love, and talents that they pour into our students each day.
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2023 VPK GRADUATES
Aria Atkinson O’Shae Blocker
Jane Ballard Zoey Fessenden
Joshua Blair Dahlia Goodman
Luna Downs Claire Heivly
Kaylani Foster-Peeples Mya Jean
Bryson Johnson Nala Lanzo
Sophia Joslyn Soloman Nguyen
Angelos Koliomickalis Gianneliz Paredes
Corbyn Smith Baine Parks
Meilani Penny Timothy Wright
In April, Little Blessings families donated candy, goodies, cards, etc. to be placed in Easter baskets. We made 14 beautiful baskets that I took over to Lady Lake Specialty Care. We asked that the baskets be given to residents without family nearby so that they know that Jesus loves them and so do we. It was a great outreach project that the families could be part of to give to others. Until next month…
Linda Brown – Director of Little Blessings
Click HERE to contact Linda
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Operation Homebound (OHB)
Upcoming goals include:
1) Establish an oversite Committee for North Lake’s “Food” ministries (OHB and CFP). If you are interested to serve in this capacity, please let us know by contacting Dave Belch - see below
2) Replace the Director position vacated by Terry Carroll who retired at the end of 2022. If you know anyone interested in a part time role please contact Dave Belch - see below
3) Focus more attention to marketing and community focus to increase the number of clients.
For more information about this ministry or becoming as part of it contact Dave Belch - Click Here
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SUMMER WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
DISCOVERING THE PSALMS - PASSION, PROMISE, AND PRAISE is the title of this summer's Women's Bible Study which focuses on the book of Psalms, the hymn book of God's people.
Thursdays - June 8 through July 20 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Faith Room. This study will be led by Judy Truscott. For more nformation and to register, call Judy at
352-259-3371. DEADLINE to enroll is Monday, May 8.
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CLICK on the image
for this month's birthday list
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Robert Kimbrough April 26, 2023
Joe Strednak April 21, 2023
Carrie Mason April 19, 2023
Donna Heath April 18, 2023
Dorothea Salhaney April 16, 2023
John Pulford April 15, 2023
Carol Peters April 10, 2023
David Morey April 2, 2023
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Presbyterian Women Circle Meetings
PW has 7 circles that meet once a month from Sept. through May.
ALL WOMEN who attend North Lake are invited and encouraged to participate. The Circles will begin meeting the second week in September. Please contact the circle leader, if interested in attending one of these circles.
CIRCLES SUMMER SCHEDULE
Please Contact Circle Leader if interested
ABIGAIL Activities & Food @ 9:30 in the Faith Rm. 2nd Wednesday
Please contact: Carol Vehling, 615-554-0103 or Linda Mancinelli, 203-260-3752
ANNA Dinner @ 6:30 pm the 2nd Monday, June, July and August
Please contact: Donna Rahn 352-633-1980
DEBORAH Lunch @ 12:00 pm 2nd Thursday, June, July, August
Please Contact: Rose Gorman 352-874-8682
ESTHER Lunch @ 12:30 pm, 2nd Wednesday’s, at Orange Blossom CC
Please contact: Ginny Dever 352-347-3556
LYDIA* Lunch @ 12:00 pm 3rd Wednesday Belle Glade Country Club
Please contact: Beth Ramsay 239-851-2577
NAOMI RUTH Brunch at homes @ 10:00 am 2nd Tuesday, May, June, July, August
Please contact: Lynn West 352-753-4025
REBEKAH Does not meet during the summer.
* Lydia Circle meets on the third Wednesday of the month in members’ homes, generally south of 466A if that is convenient for you. We welcome new members. Please contact Barbara Robinson 716-863-5458 for the next circle meeting to find out the location.
CT and MISSION MEETINGS
There will be a CT meeting May 2, in the Faith Room.
There will be a Mission Meeting May 23 in the Faith Room, at 1:00 p.m. Any questions please contact Bobbie Hosmer by clicking HERE.
Watch for more information throughout the summer for upcoming circle activities and more!
Congratulations to the new leadership of North Lake Presbyterian Women as of April 26, 2023!
Presbyterian Women 2023–2024 Officers & Circle Leaders
Moderator Mary Bontempo
Vice-Moderator Linda Williams
Secretary Carol Vehling
Treasurer Beth Ramsay
Missions Coordinator Bobbi Hosmer
Search Coordinator Donna Rahn
Historian Cheryl Grieve
Abigail Circle Leaders Carol Vehling & Linda Mancinelli
Anna Circle Leader Donna Rahn
Deborah Circle Leader Rose Gorman
Esther Circle Leader Sharon Perkinson
Lydia Circle Leader Betsy White
Naomi Ruth Circle Leader Lynn West
Rebekah Circle Leader Myra Faust
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Happy May to all our special North Lakers,
Holy Week was so inspirational as we celebrated our Savior's pathway to the cross and its culmination in His Resurrection. Messages, music and special services gave us a meaningful week.
I want to wish all our Mothers, Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers a Happy Mother's Day. I hope you have the opportunity to be with loved ones, but if that is not to be, to rest in the knowledge that love is sent to each of you.
Many of you will leave for the northern states or go on vacations soon. I hope your travels are refreshing and give you the chance to see family and friends. Hopefully, your volunteer positions will be filled by fine substitutes who will keep our missions and activities going strong. For those remaining in Florida, remember to contact me if you would like to sample a particular volunteer role.
Heather is busily planning a great VBS week -- with an interesting theme: Keepers of the Kingdom. Medieval times will be explored with castles; dragons; kings and queens – Come join the fun and work with the delightful children. Heather at: 352-753-8484 or Email her
Presbyterian Women wrapped up a tremendous year of great fellowship; Bible Study and outstanding fundraising events. A few of the circles will continue to meet during the summer for informal activities, lunches, coffees etc. Check out each circle's offerings and see if there is something you would enjoy.
Good opportunity to sample several groups, if you currently aren't involved with PW. Circles wrapped up the year at their annual Gathering -- officers were installed for the coming year and we all enjoyed a delightful lunch of salads and desserts. Have a wonderful summer!
Love, hugs and blessings, Judy Etheridge, your North Lake Volunteer Coordinator Email Judy
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Please pray all members of our Armed Services, remembering those listed here and their families.
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Msgt. Greg Price
U.S. National Guard
Son of Bill & Linda McAlexander
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Major Doug Sackett
U.S. Army
Son of Richard & Joyce Sackett
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Mitchell Bell
U.S. Air Force Reserves
Grandson of Chris Bell
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Lt. Commander Quinn Martin
U.S. Navy
Grandson of Madalyn Martin
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northlakepc.org / 352.753.8484 | |
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