Today many of us are making decisions on whether to gather with family for Thanksgiving and for Christmas, or not. Some of us are choosing not to gather for our normal celebrations in order to keep our loved ones safe. And yet… I’m sure our hearts ache for the normal celebrations, gatherings, and traditions. We will have to find alternative ways to celebrate. I find myself in that group.
My children are not able to come for Thanksgiving. Jim and I will visit my niece in Gainesville and share a Thanksgiving meal with her. Our kitchen will not have the usual smells of turkey, dressing, and other delicious favorites. But I have much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for Lake Deaton UMC. For the staff, leaders, volunteers, and everyone who works so hard making an effort to reach out to others. Everyone who works hard so that people will feel connected to God and connected to one another. I am thankful for friends who call me. I am thankful for my children. I am thankful for Jim. I am thankful for gardens to walk through on my day off. I am thankful for our dogs. I am thankful for warm Florida weather.
When I am down or losing perspective, I love to make an “I am thankful” list. I know you probably have been challenged to do this before, but it is a great way to celebrate your Thanksgiving Holiday, even if it is turning out to be unlike any you have ever experienced before. Why not make your own list of what you are thankful for in 2020 this Thanksgiving? You might be surprised to see what God brings to your mind.
Be Thankful,
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Couch Talk
Weekly the pastors and staff members record couch talk. Couch talk is full of useful announcements for the coming weeks. Take a moment each week to watch.
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Get to Know: Cheryl S. Grieve - Caring!
Cheryl S. Grieve joined NCUMC, Lake Deaton Campus, in 2017 at Eisenhower Recreation Center. She is very grateful for the volunteer opportunities to serve at Lake Deaton UMC and praises our Lord for these opportunities.
Cheryl has been a Stephen Minister for 13 years, serving as co-leader in LDUMC Congregational Care Ministry (CCM). Also, co-leads with Kathy Schroeder in the Care & Prayer, Lake Deaton Ministry Team, serves with the Card Ministry Team, and a facilitator for Grateful Sisters small group. Cheryl is a part of the outdoor greeting team during this COVID-19 time.
Hobbies & interests include daily walking, gardening, crafts, reading, safe field trips, and outdoor adventures - exploring Florida.
Cheryl says it is a continual joy, getting to know our LDUMC church family!
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Discipleship & Connecting |
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It's not too late to sign up!!
Every day during Advent you will receive a short devotion in your email in box, along with a short prayer and some discussion questions.
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Mark Your Calendars
We are having our Annual Bonfire Event: Songs and S'mores. This gathering will take place this year on December 13 at 5pm.
Bring a chair! We will have safe s’more set-ups for you. This will be a great time for us to gather together for some fun, music and fellowship.
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Want to learn more about traveling with us in 2021 and 2022? Join us on either December 10 @ 4pm or December 15 @ 5pm in the CLC. You can also check out the link below to find out more about these exciting trips!
In the October of 2021 we will be hosting a trip to Israel and in August 2022 a trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play and Italy.
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Card Making Class is Back!
Back for December, January and February is the favorite of many! Cards are used by the Lake Deaton UMC Care Department.
Bring your own scissors and adhesive to class. Don't forget your mask as well. Click here to sign up for one, or all of these classes.
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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. 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.
We are now able to visit congregants in the hospital! Please let us know by calling the Care Department when you, a relative or a friend is in the hospital. We will schedule a visit from one of our pastoral team.
Prayer Concerns
Please pray for Chris Mitchell, friend of Carla Graves.
Prayers of comfort, strength and peace.
Pray for Cindy, friend of Anita Truax,
Prayers of healing and comfort for Cindy’s pregnant daughter and her son-in-law.
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At times there will be a quilt on display in the Narthex.
When on display please stop to pray and tie a knot for those in need of
comfort and hope
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 link and learn with Rev. Kris Schonewolf how to connect with God in prayer.
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Looking for a Unique Way to Give? |
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Blood Drive coming on Sunday, December 6, 8:30am - 12:30pm. For your convenience the Bloodmobile will be here during our outdoor service. Everyone will have an opportunity to win a special gift basket, plus other goodies.
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The Worship Team is ready to decorate the narthex lobby for Advent and Christmas! We need your help. If you could donate a faux, potted poinsettia plant to help create a festive Christmas experience. Please drop off plants in the lobby starting today! We would like mostly red, however pinks and white will work also. We can accept the poinsettias through Tuesday, December 1st.
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Christmas Tree Decorating!!!
This year we are offering two different opportunities for you to help us decorate the church Christmas trees. The first one involves decorating the trees in the narthex. We still need a groups to adopt the following trees: It's a Wonderful Life and The Small One. Please email David Rowan by clicking here to secure your tree.
Our second opportunity to decorate a tree is available to EVERYONE!
Each weekend you are invited to bring a special ornament to put on the Christmas tree at the church that reflects the Advent Theme. We invite you, each week, to reflect on the Bible passage and word for each week of Advent. After your time of reflection, you can either create an ornament or use an ornament that you already own to share on our tree.
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1st Sunday of Advent (Nov 28/29) - LOVE - Zephaniah 3:14-17
Example of Ornament: A heart, photo of grandkids, ornament of Jesus in a
manger Christmas ball with word “Love”, etc.
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2nd Sunday of Advent (Dec 5/6) - HOPE - Isaiah 9:2-3
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3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec 12/13) - JOY - Luke 2:8-14
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4th Sunday of Advent (Dec 19/20) - PEACE - Isiah 9:6-7
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Movies on the Lawn
Join us each Wednesday at 6pm. Bring your lawn chair, a blanket and a friend for this fun, weekly event. You can also watch from the comfort of your car or golf cart. Click on the movie title to watch a preview for the movie.
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Christmas is just around the corner. Each year we “surprise” our staff with a love offering to show our appreciation for all they have done throughout the year.
As the Chair of our Staff/Parish Relations Committee, I ask each of you to join with me by contributing toward this Love Offering. All contributions raised will be divided equally and presented to our staff during their annual Christmas party on December 16th. In years past the Pastoral Staff was included in sharing the Love Offering. This year, Pastors Jim, Loida and Kristyne have asked that they not be included so that the administrative staff can realize a greater appreciation for all they do!
There are specially marked “Love Offering” envelopes available in the CLC and narthax. You may drop them off at the office, in the offering baskets, or mail your contribution to the church. Please clearly mark your check or donation as “Staff Love Offering” on the memo line. All contributions must be received no later than December 13th.
God’s Blessings,
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Chair, Staff/Parish Relations Committee |
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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, Nov 21, 5:00 pm - 47 Online, 40 In-Person, Total: 87
Sun, Nov 22, 9:00 am - 136 Online, 85 In-Person, Total: 221
Sun, Nov 22, 10:30am - 55 Online, 55 In-Person, Total: 110
Weekend Totals - 238 Online, 180 In-Person, All Total: 418
Please Make Sure You "Sign In" on the Connection Pad. Just click this link!
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A BIG thank you to our wonderful church family for your generous response to Operation Christmas Child this year. Even with the coronavirus challenge we were able to fill 463 shoeboxes for needy children around the world!
It is such a blessing that the children can witness Christ through the joy of receiving these gifts.
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The Gift That Keeps Giving
Christmas Wish Tree - This year, our Lake Deaton Church family will be supporting the Self-Sufficiency Program at the Wildwood Resource Center. Through a series of classes and individual coaching, women with children who are unemployed and even homeless are given the tools to help them break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. This is truly a “hand up” and not a “hand out”. Make a contribution and we’ll provide a card you can use to give someone for Christmas! Click here to give online!
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Christmas Joy - an Alternative Christmas Gift
Looking for an opportunity and a special way to honor your family and friends by contributing in their name! A brochure with ministries you can support is available at church or on the website
You can give your gift online by clicking here, by writing a check and dropping it off at the church office, in the offering basket on the weekend, or by mailing it to the church. Please write "Christmas Joy" and the name of the project you wish to support on the memo line.
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Bloom...Live: Have You Heard the Latest?
Ladies, join us Tuesday, December 8th at 10am for our next Bloom Live.
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).
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Do You Need Social Interaction?
Are you missing the social contact of the church? We have a way...
Volunteer to staff the front receptionist desk on a weekly basis or as a sub. What better way to see some of your church family?! Contact Marilyn Booth at 352-571-4665 or email her by clicking here with any questions. We hope to see you soon! |
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Make a difference this holiday. Shop for gifts at
Lake Deaton United Methodist Church.
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Our church calendar is now LIVE on our website. Check it out by clicking here.
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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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