Faith United Methodist Church The Faith Connection ...

1 Faith United Methodist Church The Faith Connection newsletter june 2016 edition From the Pastor's Desk The day was Dec. 16, 1977. Sherry and I were living in Mt. Pleasant, MI, where we ministered to students through the Campus Crusade for Christ movement at the Central Michigan University. It was the last day of final exams and students were headed home for a welcomed Christmas break. As I finished my last report for the semester in my home office late in the afternoon, Sherry stepped into the room and said it was time to go to the hospital; our first child was about to be born. When we got to the hospital and as nurses began to take care of Sherry, I had the responsibility of signing her in. I was so excited, so emotionally wrapped up in what was happening, that I couldn t remember my Social Security number.

2 After seven very challenging hours, more so for Sherry than for me, I had the privilege of being in the delivery room when Elizabeth was born. Her beautiful, large, dark eyes drew me in; I was captivated by them. I was committed to being the best Dad for this little girl that I could possibly be. Fast forward to Nov. 19, 1981. Sherry, Elizabeth and I were living in Elizabethtown, PA, where I was the assistant pastor of a large Church . After a couple of runs to a hospital in Lancaster the past week or so for what proved to be false labor pains for Sherry, we then knew that the day had arrived for the birth of our second child. Being in the delivery room, I was overjoyed to know, before the doctor announced to Sherry, that we had a son. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. I was surprised by the happiness, the joy, the excitement that filled my heart, almost to the point of being overwhelming.

3 How blessed Sherry and I were to have a daughter and a son. Being a father has tested my commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. I ve felt the heat of needing to be a good example to my children of living as a Christian. I ve known that my children will be impacted far more by what they experience with me than by what they hear me say, by what they hear me teach. As my children have become adults, the heat is still on to be an example of Christian living to them, and the challenge won t end until I breathe my last breath. When I as their father am no longer with them, I want them to know how loving, trustworthy, and powerful their heavenly Father is. The best thing we as fathers and grandfathers may do for our loved ones is to point them to their heavenly Father who loves them and delights in them as much, indeed much more, than any father on earth is capable of.

4 Pastor Gary Faith United Methodist Church 7215 1st Ave West; Bradenton, FL 34209 Phone: 941-794-8067; Email: Website: Rev. Gary Eldred Intentional Discipleship by Sherry Eldred The Covenant Bible studies have ended. Both the Tuesday night and Thursday morning groups have walked through the Bible 3 times, studying the creation of the covenant with God, living and embracing the covenant with God, and relying on and trusting the covenant with God. We have seen the many connections God has employed in both the Old Testament and the New Testament to show people He desires a relationship. We have also encountered the many different ways He seeks to establish that relationship with people. In fact, coming out of the study, one can only conclude that God, through Christ, will pursue you continually until you yield to accepting His gift of mercy, forgiveness, and love.

5 If you are interested in a Covenant Bible Study in the fall, please contact Sherry Eldred at For the summer, two adult Sunday School classes (the Carlson s and the Mack s) have decided to join forces and study Adam Hamilton s newest Bible Study called Half-Truths. Look for it to begin on june 12th in the library. Each lesson will focus on common sayings that are often thought to be in the Bible. The classes will explore Hamilton s analysis of these common sayings and why part of the saying is biblically correct and part is not. Join these two classes in the library, at 9am, for the start of the series Half-Truths. Are you preparing for a serving ministry? How about a discipling ministry? As we grow in the Lord, we should be involved in ministry to serve and disciple. Look for Pastor Gary s classes on basic and effective discipleship, coming in the Fall.

6 Half Truths Sunday School Class: On june 12th we are starting an all Church summer Bible Study. EVERYONE is welcome to attend. The name of the study is Half Truths by Adam Hamilton. We will meet on Sundays at 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. It will run from june 12th through July 10th. There will be a DVD and discussion. No books are needed, just bring your Bible. If you plan to attend, please call the teachers: Fred Mack at 758-7107 or Val/Jim Carlson at 941-792-8776 to sign up. Everything happens for a reason. God won t give you more than you can handle. Adam Hamilton says these two statements are Half-Truths. Most of us see these statements as true, not half-true. Come and discuss Adam s half-truths with us. It should be interesting!!! Church Treasurer s News by Barb Munini Financially, we continue to keep our heads above water.

7 However, we are into our lean months with our snowbirds gone and our permanent residents traveling or having visitors, and we may forget to make up our offerings for the weeks we are not in Church . SO, why don t you use autopay through your online bank and your offering will be mailed to the Church for you by your bank. It is simple, easy to do, and your bank can help you. Recently, I was out of town for three Sundays, but I never gave my offering a second thought as I have it sent automatically from my bank. If is a wonderful feeling, not having to remember to do something as someone else is taking care of things for me. If you don t feel comfortable using autopay, then please drop your offering by the Church office when you know you will be missing a Sunday. If you are able to add a few extra dollars to your usual weekly or monthly offering, during these slow/lean months, please do so as the additional blessing will be greatly appreciated.

8 Sunday, May 22, it was announced that a very nice donation has been made to the Church of a three octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Although they are used, they are in extremely good condition and Schulmerich is the cadillac of handbells. Several families have made additional donations to the handbells fund for additional expenses that will be incurred, , larger, sturdier tables, thicker foam padding and covers to protect the bells during practices and performances, gloves, etc. These handbells will augment our current hand chimes, not replace them. If you are, or you know of someone who is, interested in learning how to play the chimes or bells, please contact Craig, our choir director. We are very blessed to have this wonderful addition to our music program. The handbells will practice during the summer and premier this fall.

9 Thank you everyone! And God continue to bless you all and our Church . The Brick The bricklayer laid a brick on the bed of cement. Then, with a precise stroke of his trowel, spread another layer And, without a by-your-leave, laid on another brick. The foundations grew visibly, The building rose, tall and strong, to shelter men. I thought, Lord, of that poor brick buried in the darkness at the base of the big building. No one sees it, but it accomplishes its task, and the other bricks need it. Lord, what difference whether I am on the rooftop or in the foundations of your building, as long as I stand faithfully at the right place? (Michel Quoist) Faith KIDS News by Linda Hasbrouck, Director of Children s Ministries or 941-761-9546) CAVE QUEST - 2016 VBS If you haven t already registered for VBS this year, it time!

10 VBS is the week of june 20 24, from 9:00 12:00. Our theme is Cave Quest, Jesus is the light of the world. All children, ages 4 11, are invited. Bring a friend or two for extra fun! I m attaching an application to this letter for those who need one, but you also can pick them up in the office or on our website at VERY COOL SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL! Starting june 5th, all Sunday School participants, grades K-8, will be together in Faith Place doing fun activities that all ages will enjoy. I will lead this group with the help of our regular Sunday School teachers. On june 12th the children should wear old clothing because they will be painting large objects for scenery for VBS. We also have smocks we will be putting on everyone. On june 26th, all children that attended VBS will be doing the entire service showing our congregation all they have learned throughout the week.