August 2021 ~ First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud |
|
From the Desk of Pastor Cathy
Dear friends!
As I write this Newsletter, I am preparing to go to my daughter’s house in Belle Haven, Virginia. I love going and helping with the grandchildren, Sadie and Caleb, and cooking and cleaning. They live on the eastern shore of Virginia and we usually get a day at the beach in Cape Charles! Most visits we enjoy some delicious seafood: oysters, clams and crabs. I cherish these times.
It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. School starts August 12th (just around the corner) and it will be fall before we know it! We had a successful and exciting Vacation Bible School called Discovery on Adventure Island. We were blessed to have 32 children, 11 Youth volunteers and 19 Adults! Thanks to Rijean Smith, our Children’s Ministry Director, for an outstanding job! Our Preschool held three summer camps and we have 53 registered for our Preschool this fall, too! An excellent job by our Preschool Director, Denise Dunn.
Our new August sermon series will be “Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It” based on the book by Rev. Adam Hamilton. This is an exciting study and sermon series so I hope you will plan to be in worship (online or in person) and attend our virtual weekly Bible study as we dig deeper. We meet on Tuesday nights at 7:00PM. Please invite a friend! We find that our faith and trust in God grows exponentially when we are connected in a small group. I am so excited about this series! You are going to learn so much about our roots in the Methodist Church!
Recently I read two books about church leadership I want to share with you. The first is called Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World by Gil Rendel. Rendle says that we grew up and remember a time that was convergent, where organizations and institutions molded and shaped the beliefs and thoughts of those individuals in their groups. Today we live and work in a time that is divergent, where the individuals and members focus on what they want and need and move in different directions. We have all seen this change in the church. He shares guidance to leaders (clergy and laity) to stop focusing on the past and instead focus relentlessly on the mission and purpose. In our denomination that is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”. I think of the Scripture in Isaiah 43:19, “See! I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
The second book is called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. If you have served in the church for any length of time, you know that there are always people in need, work to do, meetings to attend, crises and disasters needing response. When we are helping and serving in ministry, we can neglect our own souls and our own spirituality. In this book, the author talks about the top ten symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality. To be healthy is to be aware of our authentic selves and our relationship with God. He shares the core biblical principles to guide us in our relationship with Jesus. For example, St. Paul writes, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) When we do this, we experience healthy spirituality and balance in our ministry.
Here are a couple of pictures from a previous visit with the grandchildren. I am taking some time to take care of my soul and spirituality. I hope you will, too!
It is a joy to be your Pastor!
Cathy
|
|
|
|
Pastor Cathy with her grandchildren, Sadie and Caleb during her recent visit to Virginia. |
|
|
Pat Rudd is an amazing lady. She was born on August 29, 1921 in Illinois. She has been a member of the Eastern Star for at least eight decades. Her father told her that she had to join the Eastern Star before she could join the Navy. She was in the first group of Navy WAVES to be sent to Pearl Harbor after it was attacked. She went through Boot Camp in New York then spent a year in Washington DC before being deployed to Pearl Harbor. She stayed in Pearl Harbor until after WWII in 1945.
Pat met her husband, Jerry Rudd in Pearl Harbor. After the war they were married in Illinois then moved to Central Florida in 1946. Her husband was originally from Kissimmee where his father had a boating business.
Jerry and Pat had one daughter named Judith Ann. Their daughter and her husband moved to Alaska where he was stationed in the service. Pat has one grandson, Gary Root and a granddaughter, Jinnifer Cushman. Gary lives in St. Cloud and Jinnifer lives in Michigan.
Pat and Jerry moved to Georgia in 1994 and lived there for 12 years then moved to Alaska to be close to their daughter. They lived in Alaska for 8 years then returned to Florida after their daughter passed away.
Jerry and Pat joined the St. Cloud United Methodist Church at that time in 2013. When asked what she likes best about the church she said, “You can’t beat it.” She said she loves the Thacker family and has known them for many years. She is very happy that Pastor Cathy is the Pastor of this church.
Pat’s husband passed away four years ago. Since then, she continues to be active in the community. She feels blessed to be able to help others. She is still very involved in the Eastern Star. In fact, she attended an Eastern Star meeting in St. Augustine at the end of July.
Pat still drives herself around town and she is fortunate to be able to live alone. She is even writing an autobiography about her time in the military. She has always enjoyed doing needlework, especially crocheting.
Pat’s granddaughter, Jinnifer Cushman is planning a 100th birthday celebration for Pat on Sunday, August 29 at the St. Cloud Community Center (3101 17th St, St Cloud, FL 34769) from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Church members and friends are invited and asked to bring cards to celebrate Pat’s special day.
|
|
|
Fourth of July Picnic
The church enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July with a fabulous picnic. There was an abundance of food, fellowship, and fun.
|
|
Amber Smith, Megan Phelps, Brylee McConnell, Amanda McConnell, Rijean Smith
|
|
Pat Hardin, Larry Finch,
and Ted Miller
|
|
Robin Clement, Olivia Siegel, Sophia Spivey, Caileigh Croft, Kathryn Siegel, Jessica Clement |
|
Dick and Yvonne Allen with Dennis Trip and a visiting couple |
|
Soul City Church Members behind James Wise |
|
Pat Rudd, Bonnie Gregory, Martha Anderson,
and Judy Bond
|
|
|
|
Pastor Cathy, Olivia, Sophia, and Jessica |
|
|
|
Elmer's Kitchen Volunteer: Larry Weiss |
|
Judy Schmidt, Friend of Patti, Patti McCurdy, Karen Roper & Joe Waskelis |
|
|
|
Hot food servers: Larry Finch, Larry Weiss, Nick Kravitz, Ellen Daniels |
|
4th of July Picnic Attendees |
|
|
|
Chuck McLendon, Darlene McCland, Andy Diazlo Tricia & Ray Tilley, Pat Harden, Ted Miller |
|
Chuck McLendon and Darlene McCland |
|
|
|
|
Barbara & John Fry with Ruth Upthegrove |
|
|
|
Althea Lee with Pam and Bobby Hall |
|
Remaining food was boxed in TO-GO Containers for Elmer's Kitchen Recipients. |
|
 |
Food, Food, and more Food! |
|
|
|
Several of the Elmer's Kitchen recipients enjoyed a great meal! |
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
- August 9 - Church Staff Meeting ~ 7:00 PM
- August 15 - Back to School Bash ~ 11:00 AM
- August 17 - Preschool Open House and Orientation
- August 18 - First day of Preschool at FUMCSC
- August 18 - Kickoff Children's Programs ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
- August 23 - Church Staff Meeting - 7:00 PM
- August 29 - 100th Birthday Celebration of Pat Rudd ~
4:00 - 7:00 PM (St. Cloud Comm. Center)
Regular Meetings
Sunday
- Traditional Worship Service ~ 8:30 AM
- Serendipity Sunday School Class ~ 9:00 AM
- Blended Worship Service ~ 10:00 AM
- Elmer's Kitchen ~ 2:00 - 3:00 PM (FUMCSC - 5th Sunday)
Monday
- Power Hour Prayer Group ~ 8:30 AM
- Seasoned Souls ~ 1st & 3rd Monday, 10:00 AM
- Smooth Stones Bible Study ~ 2nd & 4th Monday, 10:00 AM (no meetings in July and August)
- Boy Scouts ~ 7:00 PM
Tuesday
- Bags of Love ~ 9 to 11 AM (Hot Breakfast to Go)
-
Online Bible Study with Pastor Cathy - 7:00 PM; Please join using your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464 with passcode 623978
- Cub Scouts ~ 7:00 PM
Wednesday
- Youth Group ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM (New Time starts Aug. 18)
- Children's programs ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Starting Aug.18)
- Children's Choir Rehearsal ~ 6:30 PM (will change Aug. 18)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal ~ 7:00 PM
Thursday: Bags of Love ~ 9 to 11 AM (Hot Burritos to Go)
Please Note: Our Church Services can be viewed on
FACEBOOK LIVE on our FB page or later on our YouTube
Channel. Click on the links at the bottom of this newsletter to
find these videos.
|
|
|
|
It isn't often that we musicians are asked for an encore, but it happened July 4. Worshipers at the 8:30 traditional service were so taken by Lucy Knowles' rendition of God Bless America that they put in a request for her to sing it again at our awesome Fourth of July picnic. We'll be hearing more from Lucy, who also serves as an acolyte/greeter and sings with the Children's Choir at our 10:00 service.
Any instrumental musicians out there? Let me hear from you. At the 8:30 traditional service, we focus on older hymns and other familiar music, while keeping our presentation fresh. We are blessed with a group of enthusiastic singers who inspire everyone. I'd like to add some instrumental ensemble numbers, so If you'd like to be part of this fun group -– and believe me, we have fun at Wednesday night rehearsals -– please let me know. We are always looking for more singers too.
Our Children's Choir, performing every week for the Children's Moment at the 10:00 service, is growing. We can use a few more youngsters in the group, so if your child loves to sing, please don't hesitate. Practice is Wednesday evening at 6:30.
As school starts in August, and many people change their schedules, Scott Weyrauch and I will be working on a musical plan for the rest of the year. If there's something you'd like to hear more of, or less of, please let me know. Special music for the Christmas season? More soloists? Favorite songs? I'm always open to suggestions.
Lou Murray
Music Director
|
|
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Our children experienced a “Commotion in the Ocean” during our second camp held July 12-16th. Each day, 13 children were treated to activities and science explorations of the ocean. Activities included water bead ocean play, discovery of a pufferfish and other ocean creature facts, fishing for fish and an ocean animal parade. A variety of experiences enabled many hours of imaginative play. The children were excited to come back each day to see what new explorations would take place!
We are now enrolling for the 2021-2022 school year. We offer a Preschool class for children who are age 3 by September 1st and completely potty-trained. Our VPK Pre-K class is offered for children who are age 4 by September 1st and is free with the Certificate of Eligibility. Additional information regarding our programs can be found on our newly updated website at www.firstumcpreschoolstcloud.com. For the latest happenings and photos, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstumcpreschoolstcloud.
Smiles,
Ms. Denise
|
|
|
Children's Church on July 4th |
|
Vacation Bible School held on July 12 through 16 was a blast! We had 32 children, 19 adults and 11 youth volunteers. Everyone had a great week Discovering Adventure Island. We chose Bags of Love for our mission this year and collected $198.11 along with a swimming pool filled with food items to fill the bags. We finished our week by singing our theme song to the congregation in church on Sunday, July 18.
On Sunday, August 15th at the 10:00 a.m. worship service, we will be presenting our third graders with new Bibles. We will also present Bibles to those older children who have never received one from the church. Please let us know if your child is going into third grade or if your child has never received one. We want to make sure to include everyone.
Both the Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry will be having a Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, August 15th right after the 10:00 a.m. worship service. This event will be for our children, youth and families. There will be a water slide, Kona Ice and lunch served for all who attend. It's going to be a great time!
Our Wednesday night children's program will begin on August 18th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Please spread the word as we want to include all families.
In His service,
Rijean and Amber Smith
|
|
|
Your safety is our No. 1 concern!
We will are continuing to monitor the latest guidance from the CDC and the Bishop of our Conference. The guidelines have been updated as follows:
- Masks or cloth face coverings are no longer required for those who have been fully vaccinated but are optional.
- If you have not been fully vaccinated please continue to wear a mask indoors and outdoors.
-
Please continue to maintain at least six feet of social distance. Family units may sit together.
-
Monitor your symptoms - Stay home if you feel sick.
-
Every other pew will be closed.
-
No congregational singing at this time.
- Fully vaccinated individuals may sing in a choral group.
-
No passing of the offering.
-
There will be no meet and greet.
-
Deposit your attendance sheet and offering in the basket by the door when you leave.
-
Please dispose of your bulletin as you leave or take it with you to reference upcoming events.
-
The Sanctuary is sanitized after every worship service.
|
|
|
August Birthdays and Anniversaries |
|
|
|
August 1 - Reece Allison
August 7 - Sawyer McConnell
August 8 - Olivia Siegel
August 19 - Jaynee Yocum
August 19 - Rose Todd
|
|
August 21 - Jackson Sherman
August 21 - Logan Smith
August 25 - Diane Sutton
August 26 - Vivien Kravitz
August 29 - Pat Rudd
|
|
|
August 7 - Rose Todd & Mike
August 10 - Denise & Eddie Davis
|
|
The Word of Our Lord
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
|
|
Staff Members & Email Addresses
|
|
First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud
1000 Ohio Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769
407.892.3128
www.FirstChurchStCloud.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
