Life@North Lake Newsletter | |
NOVEMBER 6 - Daylight Saving Ends | |
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A NOTE FROM PASTOR JEFF
What’s the future look like for North Lake?
Of course, only God can answer that with certainty! Proverbs 19:21 reminds us: “The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.” God’s purpose will be established and accomplished through the Church, including North Lake. In that grand sense, we can be utterly confident regarding the future.
Like the majority of congregations around the nation and even around The Villages, North Lake contends with numerous, swirling factors that impact our attendance, our number of volunteers, and our level of contributions. Whatever was happening prior to 2020 was magnified by Covid-19. Gradually we are understanding better where we are as the pandemic subsides. We are recognizing new patterns of participation and support. We are trying to be realistic, proactive, and faithful in our response to what we are seeing.
In late August we sent out a congregational mailing to alert you to the decline in congregational giving and a projected shortfall for 2022. Thanks to so many of you who responded, and thanks be to God, we’ve had three consecutive months of giving above budget. Still, the gap was very large, and we remain in jeopardy of finishing with a deficit. That is not a three-alarm emergency; North Lake is positioned to handle this for 2022. However, we cannot continue on this pathway.
The Session (our board of elders) recognized the situation during the summer and commenced early planning for the 2023 budget. We always seek to have a balanced budget with expenses covered by dollars contributed in that calendar year. Budget planning necessarily involves assumptions and estimates, ordinarily based on past experience. What the last year or so has told us is that we need to reduce our budget by approximately $180,000 to continue our North Lake history of solid financial health.
On October 18 the Session approved a 2023 operating budget with expenses of $1,805,179, a decrease of 9% from 2022. This is a significant, essential step to give North Lake new footing in a post-pandemic landscape. For more financial information, follow this link to a report that contains details we cannot fit into a newsletter. We’ve tried to anticipate and answer some frequently asked questions.
The 2023 reductions are reflected in most budget categories, but the largest changes will be in staffing and mortgage payments. Between now and the end of December the Personnel Committee and Session are implementing staffing changes that represent a decrease of $146,000 in 2023. These decisions are always difficult as they affect persons we love and some of the programs or patterns we’ve been accustomed to in the past. We will announce these changes as soon as possible in a timetable that is fair and respectful to all involved.
The reduced payments for our mortgage reflect 1) the sale of the Teague Trail property, 2) the application of those proceeds to our principal mortgage on the North Lake campus, and 3) the bank’s agreement to a lower monthly payment based on the lower mortgage balance. This is good news and a huge step in the right direction. In the not-too-distant future, I hope we can plan to eliminate our North Lake debt entirely. Conversations have already begun about when and how to accomplish that.
So … what’s the future for North Lake? We are weathering a challenging season, but we’ve proven our ability in recent years to be “North Lake nimble.” Here’s what I see. Our Big Three missions together are as healthy as I’ve witnessed since 2015. North Lake is blessed with a remarkable depth of faith and commitment that shows up in countless ways. We have a tremendous corps of volunteers and leaders, including many new to the congregation—but we always can use more volunteer help! Our worship life is buoyant and creative and offered to the glory of God. North Lake ministries are geared to cultivate disciples and spiritual vitality. And our finances are administered by persons who are wise, compassionate, disciplined, and strategic. Even though we may not have the same numbers we had five years or fifteen years ago, North Lake can be radiant, strong, focused, and effective for the Lord.
My hopeful vantage point is based more on God’s purpose than our human plans. But we’ll do our best planning, budgeting, and working toward the future God desires.
In His love,
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Hosmer
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Sunday Worship
Traditional 8:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Contemporary 9:30 a.m.
On-Campus and Livestream Worship at northlakepc.org
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November 6
Fall Back One Hour - Communion
"They Will Be Remembered Forever"
Psalm 112:6
Pastor Jeff Hosmer
November 13
Veteran's Day Celebration
"This Is My Story-Earl Mastell"
Matthew 8:5-13
Pastor Jeff Hosmer
November 20
"Abounding in Thanksgiving"
Colossians 2:6-7
Pastor Shawn Smith
November 27: Advent 1
"It's Personal!"
Luke 1:26-38
Pastor Jeff Hosmer
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ADVENT STARTS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27
God's love and message is not "other-worldly" or beyond our comprehension.
God decided to make it personal — delivered in-person by His son Jesus.
Let's celebrate Advent this year and know that "It's Personal."
Want to know more about the season of Advent? Read more HERE.
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Mark Your Busy December Calendar Today! | |
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Poinsettias are available for purchase as memorials or living honors for your cherished ones. They will also brighten our worship spaces until Christmas Eve. If you would like to provide one or more plants, please complete the form that is available by clicking the button above or pick up a form at the church and drop it with your check made out to "NLPC Poinsettias" in the lock box drop at the Welcome Center. The cost for each poinsettia is $10.
The last day to order is December 11. Contact: office@northlakepc.org
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North Lake Presbyterian Church
2022 Finance Report for the 3rd Quarter
Overall giving to church operations is $55,233 less than 2021 after nine months. Expenses are very much in line with our 2022 Budget, and some deficit is anticipated after coming through the summer. However, with giving down, our deficit is almost double than expected at $119,401.
Now there is positive news. Our giving to Operations this last quarter (July through September) has been consistently above budget, and we thank you for your response to this need. Also, the Teague Trail property closed in September, and the bank has allowed us to re-amortize our mortgage for no cost by paying down the principal with the proceeds of the sale. This reduces our final quarter principal and interest payment, $27,000, which lowers our expenses.
Your faithful giving to the operating fund can help close this gap in the final quarter of the year. Meanwhile, the Session has prepared a 2023 budget plan with significantly decreased expenses. That will involve several staffing changes and other reductions that set North Lake at a healthier, sustainable financial level.
David Belch
Church Administrator
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Second Mile Offering
October-November 2022
Operation Christmas Child
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CURRENT STATUS:
175 boxes are currently out to be filled and 20 filled boxes have been returned. Deadline - November 10.
OPTION 1
Fill a Shoebox
Pick up shoebox(es) to fill and then return in the church lobby. Shoeboxes may be picked up and returned on Sunday mornings as well as Monday–Thursday during office hours 8:30 a.m. –4:00 p.m. All filled shoeboxes are to be returned by Thursday, November 10.
OPTION 2
Give to Second Mile Offering
You may provide a direct offering to Operation Christmas Child as the Second Mile Offering in October and November.
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OPTION 3
Build a Box Online
This is a safe option for you to have the enjoyment of choosing gifts for your child. You will be walked through the process of filling your shoebox(es) with fun and useful items as well as including a special message about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Click the button below.
We will dedicate our North Lake shoeboxes and donations on Sunday, November 13 before they are sent for distribution to children worldwide.
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How Do I Contribute?
Simply write a check to NLPC with "OCC" in the memo line or click on the button below and choose Second Mile Offering. Questions? Contact Ruth at 352-753-8484.
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Thank You!
$5,331 was donated for Love, INC in the September Second Mile offering.
Learn more about this organization at https://loveincflorida.org/
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Christmas will soon be here and we know that there will be many children who may not receive a gift for Christmas. The Angel Tree will be here to help local families provide a gift for their child. Here is how it works...
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Pick an Angel Tag from the tree that will be located in the lobby area beginning November 22. Written on the tag will be a toy or other item that the child would like, as well as something that they may need such as a coat or warm winter clothing.
- Take the tag shopping with you and choose one or more of the gifts listed or one of your own choosing.
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Bring the unwrapped gift back to the church and place it under the tree on or before December 8.
- The gifts will be sorted and delivered to various families from Little Blessings Preschool, the Villages Elementary, and Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary.
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Be sure to securely tape or tie the Angel Tag onto the unwrapped gifts before dropping it off.
Questions? Call Linda Brown at 352-454-9438 or email lindab@northlakepc.org
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Surviving the Holidays
10:00 a.m. November 16
Are you dreading the holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:
- How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
- What to do about traditions and other coming changes
- Helpful tips for surviving social events
- How to discover hope for your future
The Surviving the Holidays event will last for about two hours. We will:
- Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical holiday survival tips and the real-life stories of people who have navigated the season after their loved one’s death
- Hear other attendees explain how they are dealing with the holidays
- Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you. No pressure-this is optional. We want you to feel comfortable
- Receive a personal copy of the Grief Share Holiday Survival Guide
No registration required, just mark your calendar and attend!
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Looking Ahead
Grief Support Meetings
The next Loss of a Spouse seminar will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14.
Grief Share is help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. This 13-week ministry is offered at 10:00 a.m. beginning December 21.
Serve in Congregational Care
If you have participated in the grief ministry and feel called to become a facilitator, please reach out to Pastor Lynn Miller or facilitator Steve Gerwin with questions. Contact: Pastor Lynn Miller.
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Remembering Our Loved Ones
Please join us at North Lake’s annual Service of Remembrance hosted by Pastor Lynn Miller on Thursday, December 1. This service is a special time to honor the memory of those special people in our lives who have joined the Church Triumphant. Bible verses will be shared along with a brief message, music, and the opportunity to light a candle in honor of your loved one. Come listen to scripture readings of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Steadfast Love. Forms are available online and in the lobby.
Please Submit by November 17
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Turkey Time is here once again! Time for us to celebrate and learn to be thankful for all God's blessings. Our non-traditional Thanksgiving Feast is November 18. All our three year-olds and VPK students will don cute costumes and toddle over to the Fellowship Hall to enjoy lunch together. They will make placemats and there may even be a few pinecone turkeys to be seen in the crowd. It will be a great day for everyone.
Also, this month our kids are getting ready for our annual Christmas program. Our theme is "Bethlehem Barn" which is slated for 7:00 p.m. on December 13. You guessed it, there will be all kinds of kids in cute animal costumes. I can't wait to share this with our church family and our student's families. I hope you will join us as we re-tell the story of Jesus birth by our preschool children.
Just before Thanksgiving all our students will be creating Thanksgiving cards to be given out to Operation Homebound clients. This is a mission project that we started doing several years ago and it is something that all the children can participate in and do things for others. We want to help the children learn at a young age the importance of doing things for others whenever we can.
Until next month...
Linda Brown
Little Blessings Christian Preschool Director
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WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US! | |
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FOR "BETHLEHEM BARN"
A Christmas Pageant presented by
Little Blessings Christian Preschool
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13
North Lake Fellowship Hall
Come, join our preschool families as we watch these sweet children re-tell the story of the birth of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the animals in the stable. Having the congregation attend this event means so much to parents, students and staff. (No charge.) See you there!
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The Yard Sale Raised $20,175.63
All the proceeds help feed the homebound in our community!
Operation Homebound would like to give a final “THANK YOU” to everyone that participated in one of our 1,000,000 meal celebrations. Last month, we celebrated with the community at the Yard Sale, serving ice cream cones. In August, we celebrated with our clients and volunteers with special meals and snacks. We also recognized the congregation in a video that was played at Sunday service on October 2.
We are so indebted to everyone that has been a part of Operation Homebound and our celebrations. We had a great time and hope you did, too.
We will serve a special meal to clients on Thanksgiving Day
Roasted Turkey w/Stuffing & Gravy
Sweet Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole
Bread and Pumpkin Pie
Remember, we still have capacity on some of our routes for new clients. If you have a neighbor or loved one that you think would benefit with a meal delivery program.
NEW CLIENT SPECIAL!
First meal is FREE after completing registration.
We are in need of drivers – they make the whole program possible!
Please call us weekday mornings at 352-409-0562
Terry Carroll
Operation Homebound Director
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As Thanksgiving approaches I want to say thank you to our fifty plus volunteers who donate two or more hours per week to pick up, receive, sort, bag and give out the groceries and other items. Thank you to our grocery store partners, Winn Dixie, Target and WAWA who play a major role in the success of our pantry by donating meat, deli, bakery and other items each day.
A big thank you to everyone at North Lake who donates non-perishable food, paper products and other items throughout the month by placing these items in the collection bin in our front lobby.
Once again we will be purchasing and distributing turkeys and hams to our food pantry families. If you would like to donate non-perishable holiday items may we suggest instant mashed potatoes and stuffing, gravy, canned vegetables, and cranberry sauce. If you would prefer to make a donation for the pantry to buy these items a $20-25 donation goes a long way.
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We have Farm Share Drive-Thru Food Distributions scheduled at the church on November 16 and December 14.
Thank you for your ongoing generous support and best wishes to you and your family for a blessed Happy Thanksgiving.
For more information click HERE or email Christian Food Pantry Director Carrol Neal. Phone: 352-259-0788
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"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.”
—1 Corinthians 1:4
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North Lake Children and Youth Ministry
A Christmas Yarn: Musical on Tuesday,December 6 at F.A.B.
The Children and Youth Ministry’s Christmas Program will be held on F.A.B. Tuesday, December 6. Please join us after dinner for a great message about the real meaning of Christmas brought to you by the talented kids of NOW+, NOW! and the Youth Group.
Donations Please
If you have any ugly sweaters, we cannot guarantee they will be returned unharmed, but we will do our absolute best to keep them in good shape. We also need a winter cape and hood and some wool scarves. Please label with your name and phone and then place in the bin by the Children's Desk in the lobby. Thank you!
Children's Ministry Director Heather Hough
heather.hough@northlakepc.org
352-753-8484 ext. 104
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JANUARY RETREAT
January 28
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Guest speaker Liz Smith.
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THE CAT'S MEOW
JAZZ CLUB
A Funny Murder Mystery Event
February 28
3:00-5:30 p.m.
Come in your best 1920’s outfit. Tickets will be limited!
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Presbyterian Women offers 7 circles that meet once a month through May.
ALL WOMEN who attend North Lake are invited and encouraged to participate. Please contact the Circle leader (button above) if interested in attending.
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Ray Edmiston: October 19, 2022 | |
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LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT to the NORTH LAKE THEN & NOW WALL
Veteran's Day is November 11. Artist Sharon Hay will bring the wonderful patriotic banners showcasing North Lake veterans to the lobby. They feature a picture of the person in uniform and what he/she looks like today. If you have never given the church your picture and would like to be added to the tribute, please bring your photos to the office by Tuesday, November 1.
LOOK FOR DISPLAY IN CHURCH LOBBY NOVEMBER 6-13
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Greetings North Lakers,
YARD SALE KUDOS
Do you ever feel just overcome with gratitude for the wonderful effort put forth by the special
people at our terrific church? I DEFINITELY DO after this amazing past month as we completed
a fantastic yard sale with outstanding fundraising results. Operation Homebound (our mealtime ministry) is the beneficiary of the monumental effort.
First, I have to extend thanks and bravo to the leadership of the team who SERVED ALL WEEK! Kudos to the Yard Sale Team who planned; recruited; and worked from morning till night. If you could have seen the volunteer workers who unpacked and arranged the beautiful displays, you would have been so impressed. We had people pricing; arranging; and doing the most outstanding color- coordinated tables. Then, during the actual sale, people were busy helping people with selections; ringing the sales; carrying items to the car, all the jobs involved in retail -- it was spectacular! Thanks also to the members of the Security Team whose visible presence was helpful to the smooth running of the event.
Not only did the leadership team work before; during and after the sale -- they created 14 gift baskets which people could buy raffle tickets in hopes of winning their choice. Each one was magnificent and so creative!
Operation Homebound volunteers served free ice cream cones to commemorate having served one million meals since its inception. People LOVED the free ice cream!
Volunteerism was surely on display. Thank you!
DO YOU HAVE A DEACON HEART? LEARN MORE HERE
The Nominating Committee is looking for individuals who would like to be considered for the position of Deacon. If you would like to submit your name, please contact Elder Ann Collins. Place your information in her mail box in the office. Questions regarding the duties of the job can be answered by Ann at: acollins@northlakepc.org or call 561-308-0097.
USHERS NEEDED: On December 11, at 2:00 p.m. and December 12, at 6:00 p.m. the choir will be presenting their Christmas Concert “And There Was Light.” During the concerts, donations of a free-will offering to benefit the choir and their expenses, will be collected. We will need 16+ volunteers to pass the offering plates. If you can assist at either or both concerts, please text Rose Gorman at 352-874-8682 or email to rgorman@northlakepc.org.
If you would like to volunteer at one or more of our North Lake activities but you're just not sure which one, or how to proceed, feel free to contact me and see if I can help you with the perfect fit in volunteering. Contact me: Judy Etheridge jetheridge@northlakepc.org or text: 352-630-1484. In the meantime -- happy fall, happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy life at North Lake.
Judy Etheridge
North Lake Presbyterian Volunteer Coordinator
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Please pray for members of our Armed Services, remembering especially members of North Lake and their loved ones.
Please call the church if you have a family member to feature. 352-753-8484.
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Capt. Jacob Barnes
U.S. Army
Nephew of Patty Tillman
Currently serving stateside
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Chief Petty Officer Kevin George
U.S. Navy
Son of Tony Curtis
Currently serving stateside
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Senior Petty Officer E4 Conner Gibbs
U.S. Coast Guard
Grandson of Reed and Diane LeFebvre
Currently serving stateside
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Major Doug Sackett
U.S. Army
Son of Richard and Joyce Sackett
Currently serving stateside
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For more information visit our website at
northlakepc.org
or LIKE us on Facebook @nlpcfbpage
Church office: 352-753-8484
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