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THE ADVOCATOR
February 2012
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
Word From Our Pastor
Rev. Gabriela ‘Gabe’ Wright
I wrote last month about the structure of the United Methodist Church and how that structure allows each individual church to contribute to the greater good; within the individual church as well as nationally and globally. I want to elaborate a bit more this month. The UM very much believes that every member is in ministry and, therefore, you in the pews on Sunday (the laity) have an equal voice in everything the greater "Church" decides.
The world is sectioned off geographically into Conferences. We are in the Florida Conference which extends from Key West to Tallahassee. The Florida Panhandle is in the North Florida-Southern Alabama Conference. Each Conference is lead by an elected Bishop. Our current one is Bishop Whittaker who resides at our Conference headquarters in Lakeland. Each Conference is broken down into Districts with a Superintendent who oversees the churches, pastors and administrative affairs of that District. We are in the Gulf Central District that extends from Bradenton to Crystal River and is led by Rev. John Powers.
Each Conference holds an annual meeting (Annual Conference) in which an equal number of laity and clergy are present and issues of the Church are discussed and goals are set amongst prayer, worship, study and fellowship. Every 4 years representatives of clergy and laity (elected at Annual Conference) meet at a Jurisdictional Conference to elect Bishops, set Conference boundaries, and make rules for the administration of the Church within the Jurisdiction. Jurisdictions are geographically determined just as individual Conferences are. We are in the Southeastern Jurisdiction.
Every 4 years a General Conference is held which is also made up equally of clergy and laity elected at Annual Conferences around the world. The General Conference is global and has full legislative power over the United Methodist Church. Our doctrinal standards, how we are globally, nationally and locally organize, our administrative rules and processes are all determined by this body and published in the The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (copy available in pastor's office to borrow anytime).
This year the General Conference will be held in Tampa ( April 24 - May 4) and all of us in this area are encouraged to volunteer for a variety of duties. I've already signed up to help with check-in, hospitality and prayer. It will be an exciting time as our fellow UM's from every part of the world come together in one place! We are all also welcome to simply attend any of the events. What an opportunity to listen as issues of the Church are discussed and decided! We can learn so much about our Church in other parts of the world and about who we are and what we hold to be true as United Methodists.
This year I know one of the 'hot topics' will be eliminating guaranteed appointments for Elders in Full Connection such as myself. Currently a fully ordained Elder is automatically guaranteed an appointment; sort of like tenure in the schools. But it is now open for review and this policy may change. Another 'hot topic' is ordination of practicing homosexuals. Many of you know the Episcopal and Lutheran denominations have dealt with this issue but United Methodists have not. Our current policy is that a homosexual may be ordained if he/she remain celibate (p. 206, The UM Book of Discipline, 2008). You probably didn't even know that!
Wood—Cannamela Wedding
All are invited to attend the ceremony on Sunday, February 12th at 2 p.m. Reception is by personal invitation only.
Honorarium
In Honorof: From:
To Pueblo Nuevo in honor of the Pastor and Staff of Asbury UMC Ted & Jo Anderson
Financial Corner - Food for Thought
Do you know how much it cost to sit in your pew each Sunday?? Hmmm, never thought about that one before did you. Well, for interest sake it cost approximately $27.11 each Sunday for the expenses involved.
District Training Events
February 6 - First UMC, Spring Hill
February 7 - Heritage UMC, Clearwater
February 9 - First UMC, Bradenton*
Please plan to attend the Gulf Central District Training event near you, there may be more classes added, all events will begin in the Sanctuary at 6:30 PM and then we will break into the training sessions:
· Jail & Prison Ministry - Tammy Fisher
· Church Planning that Keeps us on Mission for God - Jeff Stiggins
· HR 101 - Wendy McCoy
· Lay Leader/Lay Servant - Walter Dry, Helen Morrill, Sue Eidschun
· Missions - Pam Qualls
· SPRC - John Powers
· Trustees - Mark Thomas
· Finance - Mickey Wilson
· Social Media - Linda Bennett
· Forgiveness and Reconciliation - Harold Lewis
· Disaster Response & UMVIM - Pam Garrison, Ron Luke
*HR 101, Trustees and Finance will not be offered at this location
Christian Tradition at Asbury
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday or the beginning of Lent. Early Christians set aside Shrove Tuesday as the day to pray with emphasis on self examination and looking at areas in which they needed to repent. It has become the practice on Shrove Tuesday to ask God’s forgiveness and to petition God for help in over-coming sin and assistance in walking the righteous path.
Shrove Tuesday, also called Fat Tuesday or Pancake Day, is recognized as the last day folks can feast and party as the 40 Days of Lent require discipline and sacrifice. Many people “give something up for Lent.”
In 1979, Dave and Beverly Blanden brought a northern tradition which they had observed in their church in up-state NY to their new home in Florida. At that time and in that area people often worked various shifts and life’s activities went on 24 hours a day. It was, therefore, not difficult to find folks to pray as they would drop by the church during anyone of the 24 hour period.
33 years later here in Florida with the changes in work habits, the slower pace of life and our aging population we now ask church people to set aside just a half hour during the period from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. We encourage the practice of coming to the sanctuary and praying for forgiveness and redirection for spiritual growth.
Please sign up to support this traditional Christian observance for by your faith and deeds you are known.
Prayer Vigil
An Asbury tradition that started in 1979 is now in its 33rd year—a 10 hour Prayer Vigil on Tuesday, February 21, one day prior to Ash Wednesday.
You are invited to participate by selecting any half-hour segment between 9 a.m. and
7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please print your name and telephone number on the sign up poster that will be mounted on the south wall of the Narthex, starting on Sunday, February 5th. This will indicate your commitment to be a part of this Lenten Vigil.
In the Monday morning Bible Study the group is discussing Max Lucado's “Travelling Light” which is based on the 23rd psalm. Lois Brown shared this explanation of the 23rd psalm in contemporary terms.
The 23rd Psalm---Explained
The Lord is my Shepherd ----- That's Relationship!
I shall not want ----- That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ---- That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters ----- That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness ----- That's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ----- That's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- That's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me ----- That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ----- That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ---- That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ----- That's Security!
Forever ----- That's Eternity!
Asbury UMC Church Council Minutes from January 17, 2012
Charlie Hunt, Chair, opened the meeting with a welcome, introductions, and a devotion. He stated it would be a goal to keep the meetings to one hour and to avoid dialogue on what had been done in the past. Chris Ennist has volunteered to be the Secretary and he asked someone to consider volunteering to be Co-Chair.
Attending: Pastor Gabe, Charlie Hunt, Dave Blanden John Haggerty, Lois Brown, Jan Pettit, Jan Smith, Sue Hamilton, Pat Sovonick, Jo Anderson
Committee/Ministry Reports:
· Hymnfest- Dave Blanden emphasized need for a pianist especially for trips to Claude Pepper.
· SPRC- One application is in for position of Nursery Worker. There has been no response to position of Worship Leader.
· Trustees- Jan Smith reported Rick Hamilton has ordered AUMC a new sign for highway 54. Gary Sawyer is checking on timer for AC in Fellowship Center and for price on installation of crash bars on glass doors in FC.
· Finance-John Haggerty gave year end report. AUMC finished the year in the black and paid 100% of its apportionments with the assistance of a large bequest. Stewardship campaign begins Jan 29. Commitment letters will be mailed and will include giving statements for past year.
· Singles- Did not meet this month.
· Membership- Judy Gessel sent in a report that the current membership is 153 which was noted is below the average attendance figure of 157 for 2011.
· Hospitality- Pat Sovonick relayed that Ann Snodgrass was making slow improvement. Sue Hamilton who has carried out hospitality leadership announced a meeting on Sat. Jan 28 at 10:00 in the FC for those who would like to join the Hospitality Team.
· Worship- Pastor Gabe announced that Asbury will have a chartered Boy Scout pack and troop and they will begin meeting in the FC in Feb on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Scouts will participate in the Worship Service on Boy Scout Sunday on Feb 12th.
· Pastor is hoping to present a Lenten Study again this year.
· Gary Sawyer has chosen a Cantata to be performed on Easter Sunday.
· Cemetery Committee-Curt Malone reports that water taps and water pump were repaired courtesy of Woody Tucker. New security light helping with trash dumping. Still need to post cemetery rules so that all can see.
New Business:
Jo Anderson announced the up-coming program for women called “Hannah’s Cry” on March 15 @ 10:00 in the Fellowship Center. See information in Behind the Scenes.
District training will be held for members of SPRC, Trustees, Finance and any others who are interested. Those wishing to attend the training in Spring Hill on Feb. 6th, please meet to carpool in the church parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend the training in Clearwater, contact Pat Sovonick for carpool information.
Attempts are being made to add an insert sheet of pictures of those not in 2011 Pictorial Directory. Call the Church Office for information on picture taking. 25 new pictures are needed to take advantage of this offer.
Lay Servant Training will take place March 3 and 10 at Sylvan UMC in Clearwater. Pastor Gabe adjourned the meeting with prayer. February’s meeting will be on Tues. the 20th
West Pasco United Methodist Women
The General meeting of the WPUMW will be Tues. Feb. 7th at 1 PM in Henderson Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 5901 Indiana Ave. New Port Richey. The program will be the observance of the "Call to Prayer and Self Denial" offering for United
Methodist Women's Global Missions effort.
The meaning of the Self Denial is to put money into the offering in place of buying something for yourself and of course to Pray for Missions. Before the offering is taken there will be a Talk-Show presented by Libby Baillie where representatives from Countries all over the World will tell of the mission work and the special needs the offering will cover.
All ladies are invited to attend all of our meetings. Also, we invite all ladies to join one of our Circles. Dates and Times for the Circle meetings are listed in the Church Calendar.
There will be an Officers Training Session at East Lake United Methodist Church, Palm Harbor, on Sat. Jan. 28, from 9-11:30 a.m. for United Methodist Women. This will be led by the District and is always very helpful and informative. If you want to attend please contact Dorothy Cherry at 727-848-4189.
The Rummage Sale will be March 2nd and 3rd (Fri 8-2 & Sat 8-12), at First United Methodist Church, address above. We are counting on all of you to bring us your treasures to sell. If you need further info, please call 727-842-7674.
Items needed for the sale should be in good condition (small household items, small kitchen appliances, dishes, linens & bedding, curtains, knick-knacks, Christmas items, home and garden tools, toys and games, books). NO clothes, shoes, computer items nor large furniture! Bring items to First UMC (Henderson Hall) from February 13th to February 28th, 9-12 noon. Thank you for your support!
submitted by Libby Baillie and Dorothy Cherry, Co-Presidents .
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