Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
THE
CIRCUIT WRITER
What’s Inside
2 Pastor’s Corner 3 Stewardship 3 Men’s Service Team 4 A Time for Prayer 5 OWLS 5 Announcements 6 A Disciple’s Corner 7 Garden Ministry 8 Missions 9 EUMW 9 Visitation 9 Events 10 Migrant Lunch 10 Hymn Sing & Potluck 11 Birthdays & Anniversaries 12 Church Info.
Worship
Opportunities Traditional Service 8&11am
Contemporary
Praise Service 9:15am
Sunday School 9:30&11am The Circuit Writer
Children & Youth
•
The Youth Group meets Wednesdays at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall.
•
The Children meet Wednesdays for Bible Study at 6:15 pm in the
Children’s Building during quarterly classes.
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
Pastor’s Corner
As I sit at my desk in the middle of December
writing my article for the January newsletter I
am in a quandary. There are just too many
things to write about. So let me say a little
about a lot of things.
1. I don’t know if you remember the kids
Sunday School song “Deep and Wide,” but
as I am thinking and praying about what my
goals are for EUMC in 2015, that refrain
keeps coming into my head. We need to
be a spiritually deep church with a wide
impact for Christ in our community. To
accomplish that, we are going to have to
keep growing in healthy ways. We are
going to have to figure out both
individually and collectively how to love
God and each other more. We are going to
have to continue to integrate the truth of
the love and grace of God into our lives,
and let that love work itself out in our
actions and attitudes. We are going to have
to allow ourselves to be stretched and
molded to the image of Christ. And we are
going to have to be the physical hands and
feet of Jesus in the world around us. I think
it’s going to be a great year.
2. We have two new services starting on
January 11th in the Fellowship Hall. A 9:15
Traditional Service and a 10:45
Contemporary Service. Pastor John will be
leading both services. This is something
that we have been working and planning
on for nine months, and I can’t believe it’s
almost here. Please help us get the word
out about these services and pray that God
would bring people to fill them.
The Circuit Writer
3. In February 2015, Estero UMC will do all we
can to leave the Fingerprints of Christ on
our Community. Each week in February,
there will be various opportunities to get
out of the pews and into ministry. Each
Sunday in February, we will be hearing
testimonies about how our service is
making a difference. MY GOAL IS FOR
EVERY PERSON WHO ATTENDS EUMC TO
HAVE ONE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE
OF SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE
MONTH OF FEBRUARY. We will be
exercising some spiritual (and physical)
muscles as we serve.
4. Thursday, January 22nd at 7PM in the
Fellowship Hal,l we will repeat the
presentation of the proposed building
plans that we did on November 9th. Since
we have such a seasonal swing in
attendance we want to give those who
weren’t here in November a chance to hear
and interact with the information that was
presented.
5. Even though as I am writing this the final
figures aren’t in, as of today it looks as
though we will end the year in the black, or
close enough that it won’t be an issue. I am
so grateful for your continued generosity
and faithfulness to Estero UMC.
6. Prepare yourself on Sunday, January 11th to
meet our new Children’s Director, Robin
Voskamp. We are excited that Robin is
joining our team!! There is a separate bio
of Robin in the newsletter. I know you will
give her a great Estero welcome.
(Cont. on next page) 2
Estero United Methodist Church
Stewardship
January 2014
7. A very special word of thanks to Kathryn Hunter, Michelle
Harrington, Connie Hutson, and Bob Lee who are all rotating off of
the Ad Board. Their service to this church in the last year has been
exceptional and I have loved their heart for the Lord, His Church,
and our church. Be sure when you see them to give them a special
hug of thanks.
Yours in the Journey. . . Pastor Tim
Each holiday season, Estero
United Methodist Church
anticipates and relies on a
seasonal increase in
contributions. It is through the
donations of every individual
and family in the congregation
that we are able to carry on our
work throughout the year.
If you need a convenient way to
make recurring contributions or
plan to make an additional gift
before the end of the year, we
encourage you to check out our
electronic giving options. As the
pace of life speeds up around
the holidays, you may find
electronic giving to be a
welcome way to make
contributions.
To set up a recurring giving
schedule, visit us online at
www.esteroumc.com and locate
the GIVE ONLINE button. Or if
it’s easier, complete a paper
authorization form and return it
to the church office.
Thank you for your generosity
and support!
The Circuit Writer
Calling the Men of Estero United Methodist:
Prepare for Action!
This winter it’s time to serve Jesus by serving our neighbors!
We are kicking oﬀ our New Year by gathering an Estero
UMC Men’s Service Team. We plan on taking on a few
church projects and serving our brothers and sisters in the
congregation who are in need of our skills in the areas of:
basic household maintenance and repairs, computer help,
yard work, furniture moving and general grunt labor. But in
order to pull this oﬀ . . . we need your help! Please consider
if you would join into our work of service and stay tuned for
an organizational meeting in early January.
Contact:
Pastor John
[email protected]
(626)616-0790
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
A TIME FOR PRAYER
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven.”
MATTHEW 5:16
A new year is beginning and we reflect on the old year. We look back and wonder how to
improve our spiritual and personal lives. We think of New Years resolutions as ways to fix or change
something. God sent us Jesus to put hope into our lives. We soon discover we need divine help.
Thank the Lord for directing and leading us.
God calls us to make a difference in the lives of others. We may resolve to use our gifts to
celebrate the presence of Christ in our lives and ask for wisdom to serve God. There is no time like
the present to seek the Lord. In the Bible we can read of Joshua’s decision on whom to serve. “As
for me and my household we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua: 24:15)
With God’s help, we do not fear rejection. We can
make a difference by letting Christ live through us. When
Please pray for:
trouble comes, let the Lord guide you through the dark times
• New church services in
and wait for God. We can trust Him to give us his hand as He
Fellowship Hall
did for Peter when he faltered and took his eyes off the Lord.
•
New Disciple classes
The Lord is always with us. Do not fear and become
•
Winterfest
dismayed. The Lord never sleeps. He will watch over us even
• New member classes
when the world ignores Him. He is always at work answering
prayers and using them for His purposes.”He will not fail or
forsake you.”(I Chronicles 28:20)
Pray for those who need Christ. Look for opportunities
to help others and give glory to our Father. Jesus says “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”
We live in a world filled with danger. He still says to those who love Him and believe Him the same
words, “Do not be afraid.” “In Him we have redemption through His blood.” (Ephesians:7)
Seek the Lord daily and let Christ work in your life, changing you and making you more like
Him. The closer we get to God, the more we see his greatness and majesty. Discover that it is Christ
alone who is the source of love, peace, and joy.
“Let your heart not be troubled. Nor let us be afraid.” (John 14:27)
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
God Bless, Lucy Jacoby ,Prayer Advocate
The Circuit Writer
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Estero United Methodist Church
:: OWLS ::
Only Women Living Single
Welcome back ladies! I trust everyone had a great summer and are
now ready for a new season with the OWLS. Service Day: We have lots planned for the up and coming season. The first
Weds. of the month, as you know, is put aside for deciding and
working on our service projects. This year we are focusing on ways
of assisting our church single men and women who may need help
in areas such as transportation, light housekeeping, med. pickups,
etc. Hopefully, we will have our ideas and plans finalized after our
next service meeting on Jan, 7th. Ladies plan to attend. We need
everyones' input and energy to make this year successful.
Meet and Greet:
We are planning a single women's Meet and Greet in early Jan.
immediately after each church service. This should be a great way
to connect with other single ladies. Our goal is awareness of who
we are and what we can provide for these singles in ways of
fellowship,, friendship, and/or needs.
Fellowship and Fun:
Remember the third Weds. of each month is our game/book
club day. We will begin at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We
welcome ALL single ladies of our church who wish to come and
enjoy a morning of games such as cards, dominos, Mah-jong. For
those who wish to join our Christian book club, this too is available.
Lunch out after is also an option for those who wish to attend. It is
not mandatory to be an OWLS member to attend our fellowship
day. Outings:
Our first outing of the season was to the ECHO Farm. For those of
you with could not join us, you missed out on a great day. In Jan.
we are venturing out for a night of musical fun at Koreshan State
Parks' "Music Under the Stars" series. More details will follow.
We are just warming up for the season so there is a lot more to
come. Members, I look forward to seeing you at our next service
meeting on Jan.7th. For any single women who wish to see what
we are all about please come and join us for the day. If you wish more information on the OWLS please feel free to call
Sandra Pilliod at 419-346-6110.
The Circuit Writer
January 2014
WANTED
Our Church is need of
some used, but still
working lawn
equipment. We need,
one lawn edger, one
Weed Whacker, and one
blower. All of these need
to be gas powered as
they will be used for the
upkeep of the south
field. Do you have one
you no longer need?
If so, please call John
Nance at
(239) 770-2384.
GARDEN NEEDS:
Plastic Bags!
There are crops to pick,
and great food to
gather. The garden has a
need for plastic bags.
Many of us have lots of
bags and we could
surely use them. Please
drop by the garden and
put them in the blue
recycle bin, or bring
them on Sunday
morning and we will
gather them. It seems a
shame to buy a box of
1,000 when many of us
have gobs of bags.
Thanks!
For more information,
call Dianne Wilkins at
513-829-3258.
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
A Disciple’s Corner
Happy New Year’s to you, fellow disciples! It’s tough to believe, but this month marks my one year
anniversary alongside of you at EUMC. What a blessing this journey has been so far, and I am
convinced what’s ahead is better than what’s behind. In fact, I am excited to share with you today
our Winter Discipleship Group line-up for the Discipleship Fair on January 18th! Check it out:
Discipleship Group
Leader
Community Gardening 101
Dianne Wilkins
Ecclesiastes Bible Study
Tim Carson
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage
Tom and Judy Branch
Daytime Bible Study: the Apostle Paul
Bill Kennedy
Children of the Day: A Beth Moore Study of 1 and
2 Thessalonians
Martha Todd, Roxy Virunurm
Following Jesus 101: The Core Christian Practices John Halley
Hole in the Gospel
Lori Martell
Confronting Cancer with Faith
Chuck Titko
The Meaning of Marriage
Bob Wheeler
Upper Room
Shirley Billups
OWLS
Sandra Pilliod
McGee Bible Study
Bev Weisend
Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith
in Your Kids
Rachael Loukonen
Covered Wagon Children’s Outreach
Yady Galano
GriefShare
Linda Horne
Cup of Joe with Jesus: Men’s Discipleship
John Halley
Men’s Service Team
John Halley
Pillowcase Dress Mission Team
Roxy Virunurm
Drive Thru Prayer
Lois Strauss
-Pastor John Halley
The Circuit Writer
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
Garden Ministry
It IS the season for thanksgiving, hope and joy. Dianne’s mission moment to the congregation
about our ministry at work in the church and community was a wonderful tribute to the fruits of hard
work, diligence and love, delivered just in time for Thanksgiving. We extend many thanks to you
Dianne. There is much hope in our garden ministry as evidenced by the growth we are experiencing
in produce and members. There is much joy in our ministry reflected in the fellowship we share with
each other. For all of this and so much more we thank God and EUMC for making this opportunity
available.
Our Community Garden 101 class finished up on November 22. Our
hearts were filled when a number of our class joined us in worship the next
day. We filled two pews with a sea of green “Faithful Gardener” shirts, many
smiles and accolades for our church and the service. The bulk of our new
members are continuing their work in the garden. The next class will begin
late January and we are excited to welcome new students from our church
and community.
We are now in a time of harvest. Many have enjoyed broccoli, kale,
tomatoes, radishes, pole and bush beans, squash, cabbage and a strawberry
Farmer Bob in here and there. We continue to support Interfaith Caregivers with
the beanstalk
contributions of fresh produce. Also, this is a time our garden faces its biggest
peril – FROST. Early in January we will be plowing the last few rows in
preparation for our new class. We have enjoyed much success in weeding and mulching, none of
which would be possible without the growth in size of our ministry.
Please stop by and visit us on Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9-11. We will be happy to
take you on a tour, find a task if you wish and share our harvest and fellowship with you. We will
resume Saturday morning work days in February.
The Circuit Writer
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
MISSIONS
For the month of February, Estero UMC will be
focused on missions, from our sermons to mission
moments and chili cook-offs, to serving around the
community. There is something everyone! It will be a
month of learning, sharing and growing. Pastor Tim
asked the Missions Committee to create a range of
opportunities for the congregation to serve others
locally. It is quite a list of options.We are asking that
you pick one of them and during the services in
February put your commitment in the offering plate or
basket as you leave service. You will then be contacted
with all the details you will need to be a volunteer
serving those who need to know that God loves them. You will be leaving the fingerprints of Christ
on their lives. And hence, the theme of the mission’s month is The FINGERPRINTS of CHRIST.
More details will follow, but please give the list below a close look to see what God is calling you to
do in February, 2015.
1. One Way Out Deliver Valentine’s Gifts –
Feb 13 – Lori Martel, 239-216-1252/
[email protected]
2. Habitat for Humanity Home Build – Feb 14 – Lorrie Morrison, 215-805-6514/
[email protected]
3. Super Girls Club Tea – Feb 20, 4-6pm–
Yady Galano, 239-405-4151/
[email protected]
4. Super Kids Club Tutoring – M-Th in Feb
3:30-5pm – Yady Galano, 239-405-4151/
[email protected]
5.
Meals of Hope Food Build – Feb 21,
9-11am – Brenda Booth, 239-287-8834/
[email protected]
6.
Come As You Are Serve a Meal or Cook
Ahead Casseroles/Soups/Desserts –
4-4:30pm Feb 7, 14, 28 – Anita Spohr,
239-691-7587/ [email protected]
7. Migrant Lunches Package and Deliver –
February 5, 12, 19, 26, Dianne Wilkins,
513-829-3258/ [email protected]
The Circuit Writer
8. Super Kids Club Package Book Bags with
School Supplies – Feb 17th at 6:00 pm –
Lorrie Morrison, 215-805-6514/
[email protected]
9. Traveling Praise Sing at Nursing Homes –
Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 at 1:30pm – Betty
Wilhelm, 239-390-3366 /
[email protected]
10. Sager Brown Mission Trip Info Meeting
and Sign Up – Feb 18, 6pm, church library
– Lori Martell, 239-216-1252/
[email protected]
11. Missions Fundraiser Cook Chili for Chili
Cook Off – Feb 22, 11am-1pm – Bill
Smith, 218-9675, [email protected]
12. Farmers’ Market Staff the Church Booth
– Any Tuesday in Feb 9-11am – Linda
Horne, 239-992-5516,
[email protected]
13. Random Act of Kindness for someone in
the community – stop at church office for
$20 – Mary Huron, 239-992-5516/
[email protected]
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
The EUMW Board Meeting will be
January 5th, 2015 in Fellowship Hall at
9:30 a.m. Hope you can make it as we
have lots of business to take care of. The EUMW first meeting of the New Year
will be held January 12, 2015 in Fellowship
Hall at 9:30 a.m. The program for this
meeting will be presented by Jim Jacoby,
covering "Romantic Europe". As you know
with previous programs that he has done for
us, we are in for a treat. Please plan to
attend and bring a friend. Also, remember
to bring a non-perishable food item for our
local charity.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
EUMC Worship/Hospitality Committee
sends a big THANK YOU to Hanging of the
Greens volunteers where we have
succeeded in adding so much beauty
inside and outside for the Christmas
Holidays to celebrate our Lord & Saviors
Birthday. It really was a great TEAM effort
this year and we were done in a record
time. Thanks to all!
Hanging of the Greens will be coming
down on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at
9:00 AM again meeting in the Sanctuary
and providing those delicious donuts. We
all pray that our turnout will be as great as
it was in decorating. Enjoy your Christmas
and the beauty God gives us each and
every day.
The Circuit Writer
Visitation
We are blessed to have many people in
our church who are capable of visiting and
sharing prayers with those who are in need.
Pastor Chuck is part time ( Mon-Wed-FriSun) assisting Pastor Tim with many things
and also doing hospital visitation!
Covering for Pastor Chuck during his days
off, doing hospital visits are Lynn Nelson
and Bill Gottschalk.
We will be having an orientation meeting
on Friday, January 9th, at 10am for those
who will be willing to help us with home
visit.
If God is speaking to you to help with this
ministry, and share some smiles with those
who are home bound, please call Pastor
Chuck at 239-247-1807. WINTER FEST
Saturday, January 24th
10a.m. to 2p.m.
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
There is always a need for individually
wrapped snack items for the lunches that
we pack every week for the 40 students at
the RCMA Headstart Program. Please NO
NUTS! Ideas that work are Little Debbie
type snacks, fruit snacks, raisins, cheese
crackers (no peanut butter), pop tarts and
granola bars. Thanks for providing food for
these little ones to take home for the
weekend. For more information, call
Dianne Wilkins at 513-829-3258.
OLD FASHIONED HYMN SING & POTLUCK
On Sunday, January 25th at
5:30, let’s gather in the
fellowship hall for a Potluck
and Hymn Sing. The NEST
Committee wants everyone to
get together for time of fun
and fellowship. So whether
you have been here for fifty
years or you are just returning
for the season, please join us!
Please bring a dish to share:
A-F
M-R
G-L
S-Z
Salad
Meat Vegetable
Dessert
Please sign-up at the Welcome
desk so that we will know how
many tables to set. You will
also have a chance to sign up
for your favorite hymn. For
more information, please call
Dianne Wilkins at
513-829-3258.
The Circuit Writer
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Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
January 10th January 19th January 28th Parke Beach Glenn Diehl Catherine Cochran Ruth Cleghorn John Halley Lillian Simpson Tamara Cottrell Richard Kline January 29th
Jean Smith January 20th Maddison Kichline January 11th Dennis Jackie Mary Jane Alexander January 2nd Renee Lewis Darlene Almon January 21st Dorothy McNeill Joan Board Edward Nolan Eugene Jorissen January 12th Jesse Loukonen Carolyn Hughes January 22nd Jeanette Neutzling Fred DePirro January 13th Penny Meyer Cinda Leaders Sharon Nolan Talia Wiseman Joyce Robbins January 14th January 23rd Madge Cooks Kathy Courtnage Michael Kelsey January 24th Sara Morris Emily Fechtmeyer James Murphy Eleanor Wagoner Sage Williamson January 25th 1/09 Herm & Betty Beier January 15th Debbie Mitchell 1/20 Bob & Janice White Paula Citeno January 26th January 16th Gene Goodwin Alana Consolo Russell Nielsen Nancy Hebb Albert Stanton Rich Moeller Leslie Van Beveren January 17th January 27th Jonathan Lee William Conaway Kayla Moser Ginger Conaway William Smith Harold Hattock January 18th Doyle Stemen January
Birthdays
January 1st Minty Ausman Margaret Kruger Robert Wheeler January 3rd Alexander Harrigan Lynette Marks Barbara Martin Travis Ray Robert Sarver January 4th Norman Board Naomi McClintock Mary Ann Morris Thomas Myers Deborah Tubergen January 5th Betty Beier January 6th Carl Andrews Venus Myers Rhonda Oyster January 7th Walter Bitley January 8th Dorothy Potter January 9th John Nance Judy Weigard The Circuit Writer
Bob Hufnagel Miriam Sichting January 30th Susan Chenoweth Virginia Cole Bob White Jennifer Harrigan
Anniversaries
1/06 Jerry & Alice Frederick 1/08 William & Ginger Conaway 1/22 Richard & Mary Anderson 1/22 Reid & Karen Bryan 1/23 Earl & Dorothy Ward 1/24 Bud & Harriet Corum 1/28 Bob & Carolyn Barry 1/28 Hoody & Janet Sexton 1/30 Gerald & Ruth Metcalfe
Connie Langston Trey Sarver 11
Estero United Methodist Church
January 2014
Church Office Hours
Monday—Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Church Phone: (239) 992-5516 Fax Number: (239) 992-6393
Email: [email protected]
www.esteroumc.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 68, Estero, FL 33929 Location Addresss: 8088 Lord’s Way Estero, FL 33928
The programs and activities of Estero
United Methodist Church are open to
all who desire to participate. Call the
church oﬃce for more information.
Staff
Pastoral Leadership Senior Pastor: Rev. Tim Carson [email protected]
Program Staff: Renee’ Camper
Children’s Coordinator [email protected]
Mary Huron
[email protected]
Ligia Pucci
Choir Director
Josh Braden
Bookkeeper
Susan Korecki
Accountant
Vic Sylvia
Megan Carson - Communications Coordinator [email protected]
Pastor Chuck Titko
Drew DiRoma- Praise Team Leader, Youth Coor. [email protected]
& Pastoral Assistant
Carol VanBeveren
John Halley
[email protected]
Business Manager Maintenance
Visitation/ Congregation Care
Organist
Discipleship Director Linda Horne
Administrative Assistant [email protected]
The Circuit Writer
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