A Message from Pastor Jim
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Greetings Lake Deaton Friends and Family,
Earlier this week I was reading a news report that spoke of a new phenomenon, “Pandemic Fatigue.” You may know someone who is experiencing this. It is described as a lethargy that people are experiencing after now five months of physical distancing and isolation. Several hours after reading the article I was in a meeting where someone shared that our food pantry was struggling with donations. They shared that early in the summer the Food Pantry was receiving more donations than ever before, but now giving has become slim. I found myself wondering if this is a result of Pandemic Fatigue.
I am reminded though, that it is in times like this that historically the church has functioned best––responding to the needs of the world around us. Eusebius, the bishop of Ceasarea in 314 wrote of the church’s response to a famine and plague that swept across Palestine in the early fourth-century:
All day long some of them [the Christians] tended to the dying and to their burial, countless numbers with no one to care for them. Others gathered together from all parts of the city a multitude of those withered from famine and distributed bread to them all.
These early Christians knew a power that was bigger than any pandemic or famine. That power, Jesus Christ, was enough to encourage them to give generously and put themselves out to serve others, even in the face of sickness and death. Today, we live in a different time, a time when we can understand how to protect ourselves and others by doing things like wearing masks, washing our hands and staying physically distant from someone, even while present with them. But, let us not forget our call to love all in the name of Jesus Christ.
I pray that Jesus gives us each the strength to rise above any type of fatigue that may come our way and that we will each find ways to joyfully serve those around us who have need. Here are a few ways you can serve those who need food at this time…
- Give as generously as we can to our food pantry (you can bring donations by the church building. These are collected from our building every few days),
- Have a neighborhood food drive for our food pantry,
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Volunteer to help with the Food Pantry distribution or with our new Drive Thru Dinner Church, which is now feeding over 80 people weekly (call the church for more information if you are interested participating).
These are just a few ways to give to those who are struggling with making ends meet, but they are a great way to get out of the slump of a pandemic fatigue and join with Jesus in mission to the World.
Have a blessed and safe week!!!
Blessings,
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The church building and office will be closed on Tuesday, August 18th. The staff and some leaders will be participating in a day long leadership retreat. |
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“Sonrise” Respite Program
We are very excited to announce a new and upcoming ministry of Lake Deaton UMC, “Sonrise” Respite program. This will be a ministry that provides fun, fellowship and stimulation for people who have memory loss due to Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, stroke or other cognitive mental deficiencies. Trained professionals and volunteers will provide supervision, lead, and participate in activities to encourage building interactive, caring relationships. Activities will include arts and crafts, music and dance, sports and games, exercise, and service projects. The program will also offer an opportunity for care givers to join in the activities if they wish, or they may spend the time pursuing personal interests or rest time to take a ‘respite’ break from their care-giving responsibilities. A once-a-month support group for care givers facilitated by Pastor Loida Divine will be available for anyone who would like to attend.
The program will begin January 4, 2021 and will meet every Monday from 10 am – 2 pm. More information regarding how to enroll in the program, how to sign up as a volunteer and how to donate necessary supplies and equipment will be announced in future Lake Deaton Happenings. Stay tuned!!!!! If you have any questions please contact Jan McCoy, Director/”Sonrise” Respite Program, at 352-633-6149 by clicking here.
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We believe that meeting the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our church and neighbors is what showing the love of Christ is all about. We have volunteers devoted to the care of persons, including ministries of prayer, meals, and member connection. If you are facing a challenge, have a prayer request, or want to serve as a volunteer, please let us know. In case of a death of a loved one or a hospitalization, let us know so a Care Minister can support you through this time.
For Prayer and Care Ministries needs, please email Denise Herzberg by clicking here.
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Prayer Concerns:
Bill Thurber, Grace Lauver,
Cheryl’s friend Carol
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This Prayer Quilt is for:
David and Katrina Lyons
Prayers for comfort, peace and healing during this difficult season of their lives.
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This Prayer Quilt is for:
Nancy Gaffney
Prayers for comfort, peace and strength during her battle with cancer.
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You can make a request for a prayer quilt on our website by clicking here .
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Prayer Service
Take 15 minutes of your time to pray. This is a 15 minute video for self-guided prayer. Click to this link and learn with Rev. Kris Schonewolf how to connect with God in prayer.
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Couch Talk
Each week the pastors and sometimes staff members record a segment called couch talk. Couch talk is full of useful announcements for the coming weeks. We hope you take a moment each week to watch.
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Women
Bloom...Live
Join us Tuesday, September 8th at 10am for our first Lake Deaton Women's Event of the fall..."New Beginnings".
Come in-person (just like we have safely done for our in-person worship), wearing your mask, to enjoy our program -OR- view it LIVE on Facebook, YouTube or the website (just like online worship).
This will be a special program as we celebrate New Beginnings:
- As Lake Deaton UMC
- As women that are new creations, transformed by Christ
- As a community of women growing in Grace
There is no fee, but please register if you will be attending in-person.
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Christmas in July
Empowering children and families to experience the transforming love of Christ through wholistic care.
Thanks be to God and to the members of Lake Deaton UMC for their generosity in support of our Christmas in July outreach to support the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home located near Enterprise, Florida. Over 75 gifts were given in our online project totaling $1294!
Through your efforts, Lake Deaton helped stock the store at the Home which offers items the children can ‘purchase’ through the points they have accumulated in reward for their good and benevolent behavior. This has proven to be a great behavior modification program.
Jesus said, “When you did it to the least of them, you did it unto me!”
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Discipleship & Connecting |
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Visit our website for more information on this class.
Coming in September - Grow Fall Semester
We will be offering a combination of In-Person, Zoom and Online Classes. Watch for more information coming next week.
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Membership Questions?
Were you a member of New Covenant United Methodist Church, Lake Deaton Campus before the launch and haven't transferred you membership yet? If the answer is yes, all you need to do is call the church office and ask to speak to Phyllis. She can help you transfer your membership in just a few minutes.
If you are a member of another congregation and wish to join Lake Deaton UMC please visit our website and sign up for one of our upcoming Coffee with the Pastors classes.
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Help Update our Database!
If you did not get a chance to fill out a Data Transfer Form before July 1, that is okay. However, we still need to populate our database with your information. Please help us to be able to care for you and stay connected with you by filling out our Congregant Information Card. Again, if you already filled out a Data Transfer Form you do not need to fill out this card. But if you did not fill out the Transfer Form please take a few minutes to fill out the card and send it to us or drop it off at the church office.
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We Miss Seeing You!
Stay tuned! Next week we will be giving you more information about this FUN Wednesday opportunity for us to connect with each other. You can also watch this weeks Couch Talk to hear a little sneak peek about Operation We Miss you!
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Worship
In-Person Worship Update
This weekend we will continue offering hybrid worship. We encourage you to worship in the way that best meets your own personal needs. You can tune into our LIVE services on Facebook, YouTube or on our website. Click here to discover where to watch our LIVE services on our website.
If your preference is to attend in-person worship, please make sure you read our phase one document. After reading and agreeing to the entire document you should register for weekend services. Registration opens each week on Monday and remains open until the service is full. To register please click the website button below.
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Worship Attendance
Each week we calculate our online attendance from three sources: YouTube, Facebook and our Website. We also make a physical count at our in-person services.
Sat, Aug 8, 5pm - Online 72, In-person 29
Sun, Aug 9, 9am - Online 200, In-Person 42
Sun, Aug 9, 10:30am - Online 75, In-Person 32
Weekend Totals - Online 347, In-Person 103, In All Total 450
We also appreciate your cooperation in "signing" the online "connection pad" at www.lakedeatonumc.com/here. "Signing" the "connection pad" on the weekend is helpful because it helps us to better connect and care for you. It is also helping us to update our database. It is even easier to "sign-in" if you use our app. To download the app you can visit our website and click either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store OR you can just search in the app store for Church by MinistryOne. The app is a white cross on a purple field. After downloading search in the MinistryOne App for Lake Deaton UMC. If you have issues call the church office for assistance.
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Volunteers Needed
Front Office
We are still in need of volunteers for the reception area! Volunteers answer the phone, forward calls, greet guest to the church and do light office tasks.
We have four openings: Wednesday Mornings, Friday Mornings, Monday Mornings from 10-1 (April-Aug only, as we have a seasonal volunteer who does Sept-Mar) OR Monday Afternoons from 1-4.
Please call the church office if you have questions or to volunteer.
Ushers and Greeters
Remember how you were greeted and welcomed when you first came to Lake Deaton? Now, we need YOUR help! Ushers and Greeters are needed at our Saturday 5pm service and our Sunday 10:30 service.
Some of the ushers and greeters primary duties include welcoming people as they enter the worship space and directing people to seats. Volunteers usually arrive 30 minutes prior to their assigned service. If you are interested in volunteering or want to know more contact Stan Hoover.
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Connect with Us
Mailing Address:
6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood, FL 34785
Lake Deaton Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm
Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Office: Call 352-571-4665
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