1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

WORSHIP
Sunday, February 22, 2015
LEAD US in your truth this day, gracious
God. We long to know your ways and to
be guided by your Spirit. Direct us into
that realm where your purposes govern
the hearts and minds of all your children.
We want to grow in the likeness of Jesus,
to learn to live in ways that are pleasing to
you. We wait for you now, eager to respond
to your instruction. Let nothing cut us off
from you or separate us from one another,
not only in this time of worship but as we
face the challenges of another week. Amen.
Church of the Pa ms
a community of faith . . . a way of life
3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 • Ph (941) 924-1323
Fax (941) 923-9594 • www.churchofthepalms.org
Prayer line (941) 924-9979
welcome to
w rship
Church of the Palms
Our mission and deep commitment is:
“Equipping Disciples for the Service of Christ.”
We are a community of faith dedicated to a way of life contained in our name:
P.A .L .M . S
P raising God in Worship
A ligning ourselves with Christ
L oving one another in Community
M inistering generously with our Time, Talent & Treasure
S haring our story and The Story
Our Pastors, staff and Session invite you to share not only in our worship, but also
in the exciting opportunities Church of the Palms offers to learn, serve and grow
in your faith. So whether you are a first time visitor, member, affiliate member or
frequently attend . . .
. . . we are glad you are here!
In Memoriam
We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Leland E. Johnson “Lee”, who
passed away on February 12.
A memorial service for Mary A. Wadsworth will be held on February 27 at 2:00 p.m.
in the Chapel.
Sanctuary Flowers
The flowers are given today to the glory of God and in loving memory of Bob
Williams, by Barbara, Pam and David Williams.
8:00 a.m. Chapel Communion Service
Please sign the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
Prelude
Call to Worship
*Hymn #263
Opening Prayer
Psalm 32
Offering
Scripture
Sermon
Communion
Prayer
*Hymn #356
*Benediction
Postlude
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Matthew 18:15-35 (Pew Bible NT pg. 20)
The Dragon Who Was Sorry
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
SANCTUARY WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Senior Pastor
Congregational Care Pastor
Visitation Pastor
Family Ministry Director
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Equipping Ministry Director
Director of Music Ministry
Organist / Pianist
Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
Dr. Lal Hmingliani Browne
Dr. Alan Rodda
Laurie Haas
Carol Homeister
Carolyn Wilson
Genevieve Beauchamp
Dr. Jonathan Spivey
Church Copyright License for all Music #706640 • Church Copyright License for all Video #503843606
February USHERS
9:00 a.m. - Judy Armitage, Barry Buchanan, Pat Curry, Judy Falkenthal, Genie
Hindall, Margo Krusing, Penny Mathews, Betty and Jim Mills, Paul Nielsen,
Andrea Reynolds, Sandra Schene, Sandy Snyder and Chuck Volkert. Captain:
Glynn Armitage.
11:00 a.m. - Ruth Baker, Jerry Cline, Jean Demeritt, Jackie Garn, Len & Carole
Higley, Bob Luedeka, Ben Morgan, Peg Pentz, Peg Tonn, Bob VanBergen. Cocaptains: Steve Black and Carol Spangle.
Hearing Loop System in the Sanctuary
Switch Hearing Aids to T-Coil (telephone setting)
Sanctuary Worship Aids: Large-print copies of the Order of Worship and
hearing devices are available. Packets containing children’s worship activities are
available in the Sanctuary and Campus Center. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Sermon Text: Printed copies of previous sermons are available in the Narthex
of the Sanctuary, Campus Center, the Administration Building and on the church
website.
Televised 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - Every Sunday, Comcast Cable Channel
189. Live streaming of the service is available on our website, www.churchofthepalms.
org and may be replayed Sunday afternoon. All services are archived online. DVD
copies may be purchased through the church office.
The Garden @ CHURCH OF THE PALMS
Join us at 9:00 a.m. in the Campus Center for our Modern Worship service.
THE GARDEN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Pastors:
Joe Davis ([email protected])
Bruce Hedgepeth ([email protected])
Technical Director: Mike Bassett ([email protected])
Worship Leader: Megan Mooney ([email protected])
What is wrong? “Nothing.”
But there is something wrong, and it makes it all the worse when you just can’t let it out.
If you are going through separation or divorce you may well benefit from the support and
loving Christian Care of a Stephen Minister. We are there for you and we do want to help.
Fortunately Church of the Palms has highly trained Stephen Ministers who are committed
to providing confidential loving Christian care to those individual who need it. Call Dr.
Browne, our Congregational Care Pastor, at 924-1323, [email protected].
a celebration of
w rship
9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. • Sanctuary
1st Sunday in Lent
• We gather •
Prayer of invocation
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Fran Patterson
Jane Delgado-Semidei
PRELUDE
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
Caroline Decker, piano
*Introit
Chancel Choir
arr. Mark Hayes
*Call to worship
*Hymn #263
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
*Call to Confession
• we confess •
*Prayer of Confession (together)
Have mercy on your church, O God, for we forget the covenant into
which you call us. We muddle along in our self-serving schemes rather
than waiting on your word. We follow the path of least resistance
without seeking your higher way. We forget our baptism into a faith
community built on trust and forgiveness. We turn from the vision of
heaven to the treacherous hell of competing egos. O God, we turn to
you to lead us to a new day. According to your steadfast love, forgive
us, we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
*Declaration of Pardon
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*Congregational response (together)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
*Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed (together)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on
the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy
catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Church of the Palms
• we share •
RESPONSE
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace!
Life at Church of the Palms
Please sign and pass the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
Minute for mission - family promise
Sarah Soboleski
“Lord, Speak to Me”
Eugene Butler
Chancel Choir
I kneel here alone before you, Lord, seeking to find my way.
I am listening in silence for your voice; tell me what to do and to say.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak in living echoes of your tone,
As you have sought so let me seek your wandering children lost and lone.
I need your presence with me Lord. Fill me with your grace and love.
Search my heart and cleanse my soul. Lead me to your realms above.
O fill me with your fullness, Lord, until my very heart
Overflows in kindly thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show. Now Lord,
I feel your presence near, I feel your love and joy.
I sing your praise. My heart is full, let me all my talents employ.
O use even me, just as you will and when and where,
Until your blessed face I see, your rest, your joy, your glory share.
Music meditation
Pastoral prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Offertory
“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
arr. Mark Hayes
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
• We PROCLAIM •
Children’s Moment (9:00 a.m.)
*Hymn #298
Carol Homeister, Allison McHenry,
Avery Long, Charlie Ruth & Walter Homeister
“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”
Scripture LESSON
Matthew 18:15-35 (Pew Bible NT pg. 20)
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON
“The Dragon Who Was Sorry” Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
www.churchofthepalms.org
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• We GO •
*Hymn #356
*Benediction
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
*Benediction Response
Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way;
With thee began, with thee shall end the day.
Guard thou the lips from sin, the heart from shame,
That in this house have called upon thy name.
Postlude
“Allegro in D minor”
G.F. Handel
*Congregation, please stand if able
Prayer is the most available of all God’s gifts and perhaps the most misunderstood.
Many don’t understand how to pray and many waste prayer on the wrong things.
Join us as we read and listen to Jesus’ teaching on prayer and discover perhaps a
new way to have a conversation with God. Led by Dr. McConnell.
Noye’s Fludde
(Noah’s Flood by Benjamin Britten)
March 1 • 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. • Sanctuary
Church of the Palms and Sarasota Young Voices in Sarasota, Florida
have joined forces in a full scale production of Benjamin’s Britten’s
1 Act Opera, Noye’s Fludde. Seventy five Young Singers, Professional
Orchestra & Vocal Artists, Sets and Costumes will join together in
this grand production that is intended for all audiences. Enjoy this
depiction from the Bible of Noah’s Flood envisioned by Benjamin
Britten that will bring together music, art, singing and
dancing all together in a glorious performance.
A Tale of
TWO PIANOS
March 29
4:00 p.m. • Sanctuary
Tickets: $10.00 Genevieve beauchamp • jonathan spivey
Please join us on March 29 for an exciting performance by our own Jonathan
and Genevieve, who will be performing a varied repertoire on two 9 foot
Steinway pianos. The sanctuary will be filled with heavenly music that you
won’t want to miss! Tickets are $10.00 and are on sale in the church office.
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Church of the Palms
new
member
class
March 8 • Chapel Reception Room
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. New Members Part 1 - COP Orientation: If you are
ready to make a deeper commitment to the Church of the Palms family of faith or
would just like to explore what that means, then this is the class for you! Just here
seasonally? Come learn about our affiliate membership.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. New Members Part 2 - Join The Community: If
you have made the decision to join our community of faith, this is your opportunity
to be received into membership. The only prerequisite is to have attended a New
Member Orientation. No need to sign up for either New Members Part 1 or 2...just come
to the Chapel Reception Room!
Call to Prayer
Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Chapel Reception Room
Join us every Sunday before the services as
we pray for our pastors and the morning
services. Come and pray silently or out
loud. Contact Susan Grundy, 355-2156.
Remember In
Prayer
Missionaries & Mission Partners
An updated list of our supported worldwide and local mission partners and missionaries
is available on the literature racks at the doors in the Sanctuary, the Campus Center
and the Church Office. We ask for your continued prayers for all of our Missionaries
and Mission Partners.
Military
Individuals
Chris Branning
June LeBell Alley
Roxanna Browning
Dotti Cole
Joan Daly
Mary Frances Dockum
Janet Eddy
T.H. Edelblute
Lee Greene
Babe Hart
Khloe Hill
Ernie Ingham
Mary Ann Jaqua
Marcia Jensen
Suzi Kinder
Bob Kramer
Cherie Leetzow
Jan Montgomery
Doris Nocera
Mae Perry
Ragnar Petri
Carl Phillipps
Sally Taylor
Roland VanderValk
David Wachtel
Betty Walser
Bill Zurlo
Non-Members
Tommy Arthur
Eleanor Candido
Jeff Dockum
Jacqueline Fellhauer
Nutei Khawlhring
Ralp Korn
Joshua Miller
Lloyd Odegaard
Susanna & Ismail Omac
Kathleen Papile
Thomas Perry
Tracy Patterson
Ann Prohoniak
Don Wilson
www.churchofthepalms.org
Alex Brown
Richard Carson
Rob Garner
Peter Higginbotham
Zachary Miller
David Moffett
Lauren Moffett
Tracy Prohoniak
Jared Sweetser
Ben Young
The Families of
Marilyn K. “Lynn” Fenton
Mary Winnifred Dumbaugh
Leland E. Johnson “Lee”
In Need of Prayer?
Please call the church office.
We would love to pray for you
and any prayer requests you
may have, 924-1323.
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Family
ministry
family
MINISTRY
youth group
We will meet at our regular time and place this week. Looking forward, Youth Group
will be on the road on March 4 (more details to come); and there will be no youth group
on March 11 due to Spring Break!
Childcare on wednesday evenings
If you need childcare on a Wednesday night, reservations must be made to Corrie
Hoffman at [email protected] by Tuesday at noon. Please note: Childcare will be
provided for the Ash Wednesday service (infant to 3 only).
Easter Egg Collection & Volunteers
Saturday, March 28 • 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is approaching. Please help us prepare, by bringing in plastic
eggs and candy. You may donate pre-stuffed eggs or donate bags of wrapped candy and
plastic eggs. Please do not fill them at home. Eggs and candy must be at the church
office by Sunday, March 22. If you’d like to help, please stop by the Family Ministry Table
under the tree or email Carol Homeister, [email protected]
confirmation
Our 2015 Confirmands will all be participating in the Crop Walk on Sunday, March 1
from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you would like to support them, contact Valerie Mathews
for more information, [email protected]
Summer Trip Payments
Payment #2 is due no later than Wednesday, April 1. Contact Valerie Mathews for more
information regarding your amount and if you have questions on how to pay, vmathews@
churchofthepalms.org.
Spring Bash at Cedarkirk! (3rd – 5th grade)
All 3rd – 5th graders are invited to attend our 24-hour retreat to
experience God in a fun, exciting and beautiful setting. Sign up through
our website: churchofthepalms.org/children.html
COP’s Got Talent 2
Start Practicing now! Our next COP’s Got Talent night is Wednesday,
March 18!
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Church of the Palms
SUNDAY KIDS WORSHIP
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
All Pre-K through 5th grade
kids begin in worship with their
families at the 9:00 a.m. service.
After the Children’s Moment,
they will be escorted upstairs
to room 205 to participate in a
fun and inspired Kids Worship
experience. Come see what
God’s Fun is all about!
Sunday Childcare & Nursery
8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
1st floor, Education Bldg.
Room 101 & 103
Serving 2 months - 4 years old
Children will enjoy a craft,
share a snack, and play
in a safe and nurturing
atmosphere.
Nursing
station and changing
areas are available. Please consider
helping our team in the nursery.
For information contact Nursery
Coordinator Corrie Hoffman at
[email protected] or call
(727) 457-9403.
KIDS SUNDAY SMALL GROUPS
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kid’s will divide into classrooms
by age with their small group
leaders for a chance to hear more
about GOD’s word and our
churchwide narrative lesson.Great
relationships start in small groups
and fun is guaranteed!
Pre-K - Kindergarten: room 114
1st & 2nd grade: room 207
3rd grade: room 211
4th & 5th grade: room 205
COOL KIDsUpcoming Events
Noye’s Fludde: March 1 • 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Crop Walk: March 1 • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COP’s Got Talent: March 18 • 5:00 p.m.
Family Fun Night: March 18 • 6:30 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt: March 28 • 9:30 a.m.
Good Friday Family Service: April 3
Cedarkirk Spring Bash: April 10-11
(3rd - 5th grade)
Contact Carol Homeister,
[email protected]
for more information.
CONTACT FAMILY MINISTRY STAFF (924-1323):
Family Ministry Director:
Laurie Haas ([email protected])
Jeff McCauley ([email protected])
Student Ministry Director:
Valerie Mathews ([email protected])
Family Ministry Coordinator:
Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Carol Homeister ([email protected])
Corrie Hoffman ([email protected])
Nursery Coordinator:
Students serving our church
Serve your church family and earn those trip bucks! Contact Valerie Mathews to sign
up: 924-1323 ext. 208, [email protected]. Remember: You must have
15 hours served before March 1 to keep your spot on a summer trip!
Wednesday Afternoon
Volunteers Needed
Kitchen Prep
Family Ministry is looking
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
for a team of volunteers
Help during dinner and clean-up
to help in our creative
afterwards. Contact Kathy Robinett,
outreach. If you have an
[email protected]
eye for design or know how
to use Pinterest, we want
Yellow Umbrella Greeting
YOU! All ages are welcome.
Want to brighten someone’s day
Contact Valerie Mathews
with your smile? Sign up to be a
(924-1323 ext. 208,
yellow umbrella greeter. Contact
[email protected]) to sign up.
Linda Lehman, llehmanflorida@
gmail.com
Sunday
The story: creation TO THE resurrection
10:15 a.m. • Chapel
This class is designed as a companion to the Sunday sermon series. Each week we
will have the opportunity to look deeper into the scriptures behind the sermon. We
will learn how God has revealed His plan of salvation from Creation to the Cross.
Augustine formulated the axiom, “in the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the
New the Old is revealed”. Led by Dale Vollrath: [email protected].
Thriving in the early years of parenting (Parents of kids 6 and under)
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. • Room 202
Family Builders Tony and Janae Camp will lead this 5 week course. Young parents
will connect with one another as they learn techniques for correcting behavior and
how to communicate for better cooperation. Questions? Contact Laurie Haas, lhaas@
churchofthepalms.org.
Christians Under Construction:
Biblical Perspectives on Current Issues
10:15 a.m. • Room 206
Each week we will tackle a new subject that has generated interest among both
Christians and non-Christians and look at it from a Biblical perspective. We will read
the Bible, consider how this experience might apply and engage in informed discussion.
Church of the Palms Book Group
March 15, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
During this significant time of Lent, we look forward to discussing Barabbas
by Par Lagerkvist. We trust this book will provide us with the opportunity
to dig more deeply into the Biblical story of the “one human being Jesus
literally died for on the cross.” You would be most welcome to join us on
March 15, as well as on the third Sunday of upcoming months for the following
books: April - The Insanity of God:True Story of Faith Resurrected, by Nik Ripken, and
May - In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord. Questions? Please contact Doris
Kamphuis, 360-8474, [email protected]
Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Prayer According
to Jesus
5:30 p.m. • Sanctuary • Led by Dr. McConnell
Prayer is the most available of all God’s gifts and perhaps the most
misunderstood. Many don’t understand how to pray and many
waste prayer on the wrong things. Join us as we read and listen to
Jesus’ teaching on prayer and discover perhaps a new way to have a
conversation with God.
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Church of the Palms
East home bible study
TODAY , 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.• Off Campus
This newly-organized East Home Bible Study group is meeting in support of God’s
word as our only authority and His Son as our only Savior, as we seek to follow
the leading of His Spirit. We will meet on the second and fourth Sundays of
the month. Please join us for Bible Study, Prayer, and Food/Fellowship. Contact
Mark Hildreth (321-5871,[email protected]) or Karen Hildreth (302-0603,
[email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to join the group.
Monday
PALMS’ SINGLES DINNER (50+)
5:30 p.m. • Off Campus
Every Monday we have dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by events such as book talks,
game night, special outings and more. Please call in your dinner reservations by the
Thursday prior to this dinner, no later than noon. Contact Dottie Stoddard, 924-7430.
Tuesday
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & BREAKFAST
7:00 a.m. • Off Campus
This group is open to all men who would like the opportunity to
get to know other men from our church while deepening their
faith through Bible study and prayer. Please bring a Bible. We
are currently studying the book of John. Led by Dale Vollrath.
Contact Dale Vollrath, [email protected].
Women’s Prayer Group
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. • West Meeting Room
This is a time for encouragement through God’s Word and prayer. We
pray for our church, country, family relationships, adult children with
addictions, grandchildren and friends. We will stroll with Paul through
Romans. Join us to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to love Him more
dearly and to follow Him more nearly. We welcome all prayer requests.
Gaye O’Brien 377-3480.
C.S. Lewis Reading Group
March 3, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Room 206
Our reading group, led by Dr. McConnell, will continue our
discussion on That Hideous Strength.
North home bible study
February 24, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.• Off Campus
We will now begin studying the book of II Peter. We meet on
the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Please join us for
Bible study, prayer, and food/fellowship. Contact Reyn or Doris
Kamphuis at 360-8474 or email us at [email protected] if you
have any questions or wouldwww.churchofthepalms.org
like to join the group.
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Stephen ministry
March 17, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Room 206
Receive continuing education and meet in supervised groups every third Tuesday of
the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
Wednesday
Men’s Bible Study
7:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
In his letter to the Romans Paul develops the argument that is the basis of
Christianity: Nothing you can do will save you. It is through faith alone that we are
saved. Led by Tom Webber, [email protected] and Rev. Fred Marsh.
Watercolor Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
Paint with watercolor and enjoy the company of other artsy folk!
Please remember to bring your own supplies. Contact Pastor Hmingi
Browne, 924-1323 or [email protected].
Prayer shawl group
3:30 p.m.• Chapel Narthex
We are knitting prayer shawls. All are welcome
to join us! Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323 or
[email protected].
Palms Buffet & Grille
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Campus Center
Enjoy food and fellowship for all on Wednesday evenings!
On The Menu: Fish and Chips, our delicious Salad Bar and
Dessert. Family Price w/reservation (2 adults, 2 children): $15; $16
without reservation • Kids (ages 3-17): $5 • Adults w/reservation: $8; $9 without
reservation. Kids two and under eat FREE! Make your reservation by calling
the office before noon on Tuesday, filling out a dinner reservation card or
going to www.churchofthepalms.org.
Temple mount - site of the world’s longest running
family feud
6:30 p.m. • Room 205
Come and join a new and enlightening series explaining the continuing conflict between
Jews and Arabs. Travel through the Middle East searching for Biblical archeology,
searching Scripture, and seeing how events 5000 years ago are still affecting us today.
This interactive PowerPoint series will be led by Charles Haeussner, MD.
This week - Origins of the Family Feud
In this series we will review Biblical events as they affect us today starting with
Abraham, the Father of Monotheism, and of two sons whose enmity is still evident
in todays’ world. How did all of this begin? We will search the Bible, the Koran, and
other ancient sources for answers in this fast moving PowerPoint illustrated series.
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Adult Discipleship & Fellowship
Thursday
Adaptive Movement classes
10:30 a.m. • Off Campus
Church of the Palms & Bee Ridge Presbyterian Churches have now officially joined
together to provide easy adaptive movement classes. We will work on balance, range
of motion, standing/sitting, walking, light weights to tone muscles, coordination,
etc. The classes will be lead by Kay Sanchez (retired Parish Nurse) every Thursday
at Bee Ridge Presbyterian in their Fellowship Hall at 10:30 am. Please contact Susy
Welsh if you wish to join the group, 321-5703 or [email protected].
PALMS BRIDGE CLUB
March 5, 7:00 p.m.• Chapel Reception Room
We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month for fun
and fellowship. Contact Nancy Kanellos, 320-3478 to make your
reservation or to be placed on the substitute list. Substitute players
are greatly appreciated (and needed) as well as players who are able
to play on a regular basis. Come and join us - you’ll love it!
Beginning Creative Signing Class
5:30 p.m. • Music & Arts Building
This class is an introduction to incorporating American Sign Language with music to
interpret God’s message to us in visual form. No previous experience is necessary. Led
by the Advanced Creative Signers. Everyone is welcome. Sign up under the Fellowship
Tree contact Susy Welsh 321-5703, [email protected].
Beginning Bell Ringers class
6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary
Come and learn how to read music and how bell/tone chimes ringing is actually done.
Everyone is welcome, middle school students through adults. No previous experience
necessary. Contact Susy Welsh 321-5703, [email protected].
Sisters in Christ
February 26 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. • Room 209
We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month and study books and articles to
help us on our spiritual journeys. Come and share insights and fellowship with
coffee, discussion and prayer. Contact Cindy Lanoue-Foster, 922-1826 (please leave a
message); [email protected].
www.churchofthepalms.org
13
Friday
Friday Morning Bible Study
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. • Room 202
Beginning on Friday, February 27, you are invited to join our
nondenominational Bible Study group which will begin a new
study titled, “Basic Biblical Christianity.” It will will touch on
topics such as Pursuing Holiness, The Footprints of the Holy
Spirit, With All Your Mind, Opening the Scriptures, Blessed
Assurance, and other topics. Study guides will be available on the
first day of the study. Led by Meriam Matthews, meriam112@
mindspring.com and Peter Connor, [email protected].
grief support group
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
All those who have lost a loved one are invited to attend on Fridays. Licensed counselor
Diane Brantley of Samaritan Counseling is leading. For more information, contact
Pastor Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
Eat, Meet & Be Merry February 27, 11:30 a.m. • Off Campus
Join Pastor Hmingi Browne for food and fellowship at Der Dutchman every
last Friday of the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
South home bible study
February 27, 7:00 p.m. • Off Campus
We will now begin studying the book of Proverbs. We meet on the second
and fourth Friday of the month. Please join us for Bible Study, Prayer, and Food/
Fellowship. Contact Reyn or Doris Kamphuis at 360-8474 or email us at rakamphuis@
aol.com if you have any questions or would like to join the group.
Loving stitches
February 27, 2015 • 9:45 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
We are a group of women who knit, crochet, sew and quilt for
local charities. We create baby sweaters and blankets for Healthy
Start and the Veterans Hospital; teddy bears for the Sheriff and
Police Departments and hats for the Resurrection House and the
Salvation Army. We meet on the fourth Friday of each month. If
you enjoy sewing, knitting, quilting or crocheting, please join us.
Knitting and crochet instructions are available. Contact Alberta
Adams, 924-8464.
14
Church of the Palms
opportunities for
generosity
Two Cents A Meal
Collection TODAY!
Join the Fight Against
Hunger. Every donation
we collect will go to hunger related
projects, including 50% to our own
Food Pantry. Red collection baskets
will be located by the Sanctuary main
entrances. To donate by check, include
Two Cents A Meal in the memo line.
back t bas cs
tutoring program
We still need tutors.
For information and/
or to sign up, please see
Judy Armitage under the
Fellowship Tree between services,
call her at 924-1323 or email her at
[email protected].
Thank you.
Wednesday Grille Volunteers
We need volunteers for prepping (2
hours), dining room setup (begins at
3:00 p.m.), dining room help during
dinner and cleanup afterwards.
To help, please contact Kathy
Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org.
Help With Panera
Bread Pickup
Volunteers are needed
to help with the Panera
Bread pick up for the months of
March, May, July, August, November
and December. To help, please contact
Kathy Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org.
Family Ministry Volunteers
Family Ministry
is looking for a
team of volunteers
to help in our
creative outreach.
If you have an
eye for design or
know how to use
Pinterest, we want
YOU! All ages are welcome. Contact
Valerie Mathews (924-1323 ext. 208,
[email protected])
to sign up.
Legacy Giving Corner
Did you know that our church’s Foundation
will generate about $155,000+ this year for
major church projects?
Contact your tax professional to learn more. For more information
about the Legacy Society, contact Dr. McConnell, smcconnell@
churchofthepalms.org, 924-1323 or John Mercier, Chair of the
Legacy Giving Committee, 921-5726, [email protected].
www.churchofthepalms.org
15
spotlight on
missions
Alice Faye Jones
Founder of Brothers and Sisters Doing the Right Thing
Tutoring Program for Newtown’s Youth
O
n February 8, the Herald
Tribune featured Alice Faye
Jones in its Sunday Profile: “Tutoring
pioneer ‘real deal’ in Newtown” and
mentioned her most faithful COP
partner - Dee Webber - in its two
page coverage, most of which follows
using the online version for COP’s
congregation to read and perhaps
find ways to help Alice and Dee.
“Fifteen years ago, when Alice (who
had married Randy Jones, Sr.)
started taking their son Randy, Jr.
to the library after school, hoping to boost his grades, Alice Faye Jones was just
being a good mother. But when she started seeing results, she asked Randy, now
26, ‘if any of his friends needed help.’ Soon there were 10.
“I started liking it, says Alice Faye Jones, 48. When I see the light bulb go on,
when I hear the ‘Oh, I got this!’ Oh my gosh, now that’s a wonderful feeling.
“With the help of volunteer Dee Webber, she began BSDRT in 2002 as a Saturday
morning tutoring program. Three years later, it grew to an eight-week summer
program introducing youths to unfamiliar activities like sailing and tennis and
foreign concepts like etiquette.
“Now Alice Jones’s balanced blend of encouragement and discipline is meted
out four days a week after school at the Robert Taylor Community Center.
Along with the hearty snacks she cooks at home and serves with a liberal hand,
Alice also dishes out demands: at least 30 minutes of reading (60 if you have
no homework), no play until the work is done and impeccable manners with
parents, peers and volunteers.
Speaking from a different background, Dee states ‘Alice Jones does what no one
else does - or could do.’
16
Church of the Palms
“She’s part of this community and she knows everyone, she says. ‘The kids
respect her and the parents respect her. And there are very few programs in
Newtown except the ones for very young kids - our kids are not young or little
and cute.’
“She’s the real deal, agrees Allison Cohen, a math teacher at Booker Middle
School who has seen the FCAT scores of her students in the program rise
uniformly. And ‘let’s just say, she’s very, very needed.’
“Alice grew up in Apartment 1799 of the Newtown Housing Authority’s ‘old
projects,’ across from the Boys and Girls Club. She wasn’t allowed to stray
farther than the distance of her mother’s voice, nor waste any time with idleness.
That’s not the case for children in Newtown today. But that’s ‘politics,’ which she
would rather not discuss. Even if there’s no fairness in the system, ‘at least you
got one person who’s going to try to make a difference, she says. I do it because
it’s a need, a necessity and what should be done.’
“After her mother died in 2005, Alice was downsized out of a job and stepped in
as the caregiver for her injured father, a schedule that didn’t permit full-time
employment. Or so she thought. She works up to 40 hours a week now, though
none of it is compensated. By 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, she’s parked
in the pickup lane at Booker Middle School, behind the wheel of the ramshackle
bus donated by her pastor at Harvest Tabernacle Church, with which she ferries
students to the community center.
“They greet her affectionately as they get on board, calling her ‘Miss Alice,’ or
‘Auntie.’ Parents call her a godsend. ‘I love her, love her, love her,’ says Sharon
Robinson, a parent, friend and volunteer. ‘She has the same goals the parents do
and she doesn’t get paid for any of it. It’s all coming from her heart.’
“Through the process of keeping the program alive on a shoestring Alice has
learned to write grants, beg for donations and establish a nonprofit - skills that
could probably earn her a steady income somewhere. But that’s not likely to
happen.
“If I did take on a position, ‘what would happen to these kids?’ she says. ‘Would
someone else step up to the plate? Would they be a friend, a mentor … would
they wear all those hats that Alice currently wears as mentor, mother, tutor, bus
driver, chef, etc.?’
“It’s about so much more than money now. It’s about the future.”
The new Spotlight on Missions 2014 Booklet contains two related Spotlights one on page 10 - “Brothers and Sisters doing the Right Thing,” and the other
“Newtown Youth”- on page 21. Mission Partner Advocate Dee Webber may be
reached at 379-3500 or [email protected]
www.churchofthepalms.org
17
upcoming ministry
events
Suncoast Concert Band Performance
TODAY • 3:00 p.m. • Sanctuary
Tickets are $5.00 per person and may be purchased at the door.
Sunday, March 1
St. James United Methodist
Church (2049 Honore Ave,
Sarasota, FL 34235)
The Church of the Palms is one of
fourteen local congregations banding together in this effort to alleviate hunger around
the world. The CROP Walk is the primary fund raising effort of Church World Service
with 35 denominations cooperating in the U. S. with international disaster recovery and
long term solutions for hungry people. Twenty-five percent of funds raised in Sarasota
go to our local All Faiths Food Bank. This year’s l mile and 5 mile walks will begin at St.
James United Methodist Church. This is a major community service project of our new
confirmands and their mentors. You will have an opportunity to sign up for the walk,
or to contribute your support for our youth and other walkers under the tree Sundays
through March 1. You can also email or call Bill Watrous for more information, bill@
watrousvideo.com, 374-0062.
Family Promise is coming to Church of the Palms!
Family Promise brings the faith community together to provide
food, shelter, and support services for homeless families. Over
40% of the homeless in Sarasota are families and this amazing
program has an 80% success rate of getting families back into
permanent housing. We have an opportunity as a congregation
to, for one week every three months, play a critical role in helping
these families get back on their feet. We need volunteers the
week of March 22 to help us set-up and break-down, to provide supplies, to provide
meals and to serve as hosts to our guests. For more information, find us under the
tree in February, contact Sarah 780-3899 or Steve 587-0177 or email FamilyPromise.
[email protected]. To sign up as a volunteer, visit us online: https://sites.google.com/site/
familypromisechurchofthepalms/
18
Church of the Palms
upcoming ministry
events
Open Hangar
Saturday, March 7
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an Open Hangar at
the Venice Municipal Airport
(100 Airport Ave E.) on
Saturday, March 7. For more
information, contact John
Mercier, 921-5726, jmaosf@
gmail.com. Visit our website
to learn more: http://www.
agapeflights.com/
Annual Legacy Society Luncheon
Saturday, March 7 • 12:30 p.m. • Mattison’s 41
(7275 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota)
For those interested in joining us, please contact Steve McConnell, smcconnell@
churchofthepalms.org, 924-1323 or John Mercier, [email protected], 921-5726.
Easter Egg Collection & Volunteers
Saturday, March 28 • 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is approaching. Please help us prepare, by bringing in plastic
eggs and candy. You may donate pre-stuffed eggs or donate bags of wrapped candy and
plastic eggs. Please do not fill them at home. Eggs and candy must be at the church
office by Sunday, March 22. If you’d like to help, please stop by the Family Ministry Table
under the tree or email Carol Homeister, [email protected]
www.churchofthepalms.org
19
Pa ms
Detach before mailing
_______________
of the Church:
Check which echoes apply to you!
Echoes received . . . remembering God’s gifts to you!
Remembering God’s gift of life.
Remembering God’s gift of the important people in your life.
Remembering God’s gift of new life in Christ.
Echoes given . . . your gifts to God:
Giving praise: in worship, prayer and service.
Giving from First Fruits: budget your gift before other expenses
Giving regularly: use weekly envelopes
Giving systematically: use your bank’s “bill pay” or set-up recurring gifts at www.churchofthepalms.org
Giving faithfully: make an annual pledge on the other side of this card
Monthly
Quarterly
Annual
Seasonal
I/We have included the Church and/or the Foundation in my/our estate plan and Pledge $__________
therefore qualify for membership in the The Legacy Society.
This commitment may be increased or decreased due to changing circumstances.
insurance gift, etc.)
I/We would like to discuss a special or planned gift (through a will, annuity, trust, Weekly
Grateful for God’s love in Jesus Christ, I (we) make the following commitment in support
Email____________________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________________State________Zip___________
Address__________________________________________________________________________
Name___________________________________________________________________________
The Generosity Team would like to say thank you
to those of you who presented your 2015 sacrificial
commitments last week on Commitment Sunday. We
continue our Stewardship season and invite any and all
who have not yet made a financial pledge to our mission
and ministry for 2015 to complete a pledge card. They
are available in the pews or in the church office during the
week. You may place your completed card in the offering
plate or send it to the church office. We look forward to
great opportunities this year as you join others carrying
out the important work of Equipping Disciples for the
Service of Christ.
Church
3224 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239
P: 941-924-1323
F: 941-923-9594
www. churchofthepalms.org
of the
a community of faith . . . a way of life
$___________________
My/Our TOTAL PLEDGE is
Keep this portion as a record
of your financial Stewardship
Pledge for the year 2015.
_______________
calendar of
events
Sunday, FEBRUARY 22
8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Chapel Worship Service
Prayer Meeting
Childcare
The Garden Worship Service
Traditional Worship
Kid’s Worship
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
Middle - High School Small Groups
Christians Under Construction
Thriving in the Early Years of Parenting
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
Traditional Worship
Suncoast Band Concert
Praise & Glory Choir Rehearsal
Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Prayer According to Jesus Sanctuary
Monday, FEBRUARY 23
9:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Chapel
Chapel Study
See Page 9
Campus Center
Sanctuary
205-207
See Page 9
See Page 9
206
202
Chapel
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
Music & Arts Building
SILL Music Mondays
Noye’s Fludde Orchestra Rehearsal
Captial Campaign Committee
Palm Singles Dinner
Session Dinner
Sounds of Glory Orchestra Rehearsal
Session Meeting
Spring Cantori Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
206
Off Campus
Campus Center
Music & Arts Building
Music & Arts Building
Chapel
Tuesday, FEBRUARY 24
7:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
Off Campus
Women’s Prayer Group
West Meeting Room
Tutoring
Campus Center
Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) Rehearsal
Sanctuary
SYV Prelude & Training Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
Creative SignersChapel
SYV Concert Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
College of Elders
Chapel
SYV Chamber Choir Rehearsal
Music & Arts Building
North Home Bible Study
Off Campus
Wednesday, FEBRUARY 25
7:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study Chapel Reception Room
Watercolor Wednesday
Chapel Reception Room
Prayer Shawl Group
Chapel Narthex
Congregational Prayer Time
Chapel
Palms Buffet & Grille
Campus Center
Leadership Development Team Meeting West Meeting Room
Equipping Ministry Meeting
East Meeting Room
Jubilee Handbell Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary
Youth Group (Middle & High School)
208, 209, 210
PALMS Essentials Small Group
202
Temple Mount Class
205
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Music & Arts Building
calendar of
Thursday, FEBRUARY 26
2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
events
New Deacon Orientation
Chapel Reception Room
Tutoring
Campus Center
Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) Rehearsal
Sanctuary
Beginning Creative Signers Class
Music & Arts Building
Girl Scout Troop Meeting
205-207
The Garden Worship Team Meeting
East Meeting Room
Beginning Bell Ringers Class
Sanctuary
Sisters In Christ
Chapel Reception Room
The Garden Worship Band Rehearsal
Campus Center
Friday, FEBRUARY 27
9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday Morning Bible Study
202
Loving Stitches
Chapel Reception Room
Grief Support Group
Chapel Reception Room
Eat, Meet & Be Merry
Off Campus
Palms String Ensemble
Music & Arts Building
Noye’s Fludde RehearsalSanctuary
Selah Freedom Ministries Dinner
Campus Center
South Home Bible Study
Off Campus
Saturday, FEBRUARY 28
8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Noye’s Fludde Dress Rehearsal
Honduras VBS Mission Team Trip
Sanctuary
Off Campus
Sunday, March 1
8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Chapel Worship Service
Chapel
Prayer Meeting
Chapel Study
Childcare
See Page 9
The Garden Worship Service
Campus Center
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
Kid’s Worship
205-207
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
See Page 9
Middle - High School Small Groups
See Page 9
Christians Under Construction
206
Thriving in the Early Years of Parenting 202
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
Chapel
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
Noye’s Fludde PerformanceSanctuary
Lord, Teach Me to Pray: Prayer According to Jesus Sanctuary
Noye’s Fludde PerformanceSanctuary
STUDENT SPONSORSHIP 2015!
Thank you for your generosity as we continue to receive our sponsors and donations.
Currently, we have received $26,951 from 228 donors, exceeding our goal of $25,000.
We are grateful for your support. If you have not had a chance to give, cards are
available in the Narthex and church office. Because of your generosity, our students
will have opportunities to encounter Christ in 2015, an experience which will influence
them for life. Questions? Contact Jeff McCauley at [email protected].
22
Church of the Palms
God’s Story
Your Story
February 22, 2015
For the week of February 22, 2015
Devotion: Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily
devotions. You can do this alone, as a couple, as a family; in the morning,
during the day, or at night. Find a routine that works best for you.
Pray: Light a candle and open your devotion time with a prayer.
God of abundant mercy, you taught your children to forgive, and then
to forgive again. Remind us to offer grace and forgiveness to all people
for any offense, for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reflect: Reflect on the key verses from Sunday’s reading.
[Jesus said,] “Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about
anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For
where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church
sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:19-22
Study: Study the reading and consider the background.
Jesus often used parables to teach people about God and God’s
kingdom. In today’s parable, Jesus taught that forgiving others makes
sense in light of the abundant forgiveness God has extended to us. Jesus
suggested that unity is more important than being right. His suggestion
to forgive 77 times was not to limit forgiveness to a specified number of
times, but to suggest that we forgive an unlimited number of times.
- Continued on back New
Version
Bible,copyright
copyright
1989,
Division
of Christian
Education
of the
NewRevised
RevisedStandard
Standard Versi
on Bible,
©©
1989,
Division
of Christian
Education
of the Nati
onalNational
Council
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
God’s
Story
Your Story
- continued -
Read: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of
Sunday’s text. After the reading, ask the follow-up questions.
Follow the parables and teachings of Jesus, as Jesus challenged
followers to do more for God’s kingdom.
Sunday, Matthew 18:15-35, Forgiveness
Monday, Psalm 32:1-2, Psalm
Tuesday, Matthew 13:24-43, Parables of Jesus
Wednesday, Matthew 13:44-58, Parables of Jesus
Thursday, Matthew 14:1-12, Death of John the Baptist
Friday, Matthew 14:34-15:20, Teachings of Jesus
Saturday, Matthew 15:21-39, Teachings and Miracles of Jesus
What is the kingdom of heaven like? How might Jesus’ parables be told
using images from today?
Connect:
Connect in conversation with others in your household. Discuss the
following questions, or simply check in with “Highs” and “Lows.”



What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
In our litigating society, how does culture view justice? How does it
view forgiveness? What might happen if people practiced
forgiveness over blame and the need for restitution?
Who stands in need of your forgiveness? What would it take to
make you ready to forgive?
Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the
following activity this week.
Follow a court case that is spotlighted in the media. Identify places
where Jesus’ words for forgiveness might break in. How would
extravagant forgiveness alter the outcome of the trial?
Bless:
Close your devotion with a blessing.
Gracious and loving God, soften our hearts as we hear your word today.
Give us the will and the power to be forgiving. Amen.
Copyright © 2014 Clergy Stuff. Used with Permission. Find more at www.ClergyStuff.com. Blessing written
by Pr. Chip Borgstadt.