A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and he started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie.
He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, ”What did you do today that made your so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? He’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, “Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” However, before his son responded, he added. “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
This wonderful story illustrates how lonely people who share something and who smile at each other can have a profound influence on each other. The little boy was looking for God and the old man was apparently lonely. They didn’t have to say anything but in the time together they touched each other’s lives.
The boy thought he had spent time with God because the old man had smiled at him in a warm affirming way. Children need acceptance and a look of love. The old man was lonely and had no real purpose in his life. He probably felt like a burden to his son with whom he was living. To have the boy give him a Twinkie and a root beer was really special. Their time together was really special.
Where do we find God? We find God in the face of others. God lives through us and comes to us in the wonder of relationships. The old man and boy were a real gift to each other. Sure, their statement about “spending time with God” is a bit far-fetched. However, God does speak to us through each other’s voices and touches.
How can we be “Christ to one another?” How can our simple gifts and smiles point to the reality of God? How can we share our faith in special ways, even without words. Yes, actions and smiles are living sermons. They are more compelling than the arrogant arguments of religious fanatics. How can our face reflect the image of God this summer?
Trying to mirror God to others,
In the Hospital ...
Our thoughts and prayers are with those recently in the hospital:
Sandy Frutchey
Frank Hatcher
Louise Robertson
Christian Sympathy...
Christian sympathy is extended to Susan Maddox on the death of her father; to the family and friends of Bill Cooper who died on April 22, 2008.
A visit with a friend
On May 5, I invited Pastor
Jerry to visit me in my home for a get-acquainted social visit. It was an opportunity for us to get to know
each other. We had a pleasant visit, sharing
our life stories and spiritual journeys.
I enjoyed playing the piano for him and we enjoyed a cup of coffee. I came to realize that Jerry was not just a
minister, but a real person with goals and feeling for life like the rest of
us. The “visit by the minister” was
transformed into a very “pleasant hour with a friend.”
—John McKechnie
Have you noticed that things are all in an uproar around the church? Not an uproar that is divisive but one that creates excitement and change.
Committee meetings are more productive and new folks are coming on board. Why there are even new committees being formed as we speak. It certainly creates an uproar that is leading us in a positive direction.
I overheard one of our long-time members say, “It's fun coming to church now with all that is going on.” That kind of statement will attract new people just to see what in heavens name is happening. It will also attract new pastoral leadership that will want to join in on the parade.
I've noticed in Stephen Ministers, the Care Teams, Walking the Mourners Path and Adult Education more and more creative leadership is coming out of the congregation and less and less dependence upon the staff. That is a change in the way we're doing things and it feels good.
The staff had a wonderful gift of an elegant lunch this past month sponsored by the Hospitality Committee. We had candles and linens. It was so fancy I didn't know which fork to use or how to behave.
It sure makes this church a place we all want to be a part of ... moving in the right direction that points us to the kingdom.
Shepp Lawrence
Hospitality
Ministry
The Hospitality Ministry
continues to be blessed with a great team and wonderful supporters.
We
owe a special thanks to Rick Davis, who continues to donate his time and
hot dogs to the garage sale and to Larry Campbell whose generosity for
the Staff Appreciation lunch overwhelmed us.
And of course, to those of you who welcome our congregation and visitors
with coffee and goodies each Sunday, we so appreciate your help.
We
aren’t taking the summer off! Mark
your calendar with these upcoming events:
June 7 Jazz Saturday
from
6 pm – 8:30 pm Under the Oaks (see next page 3)
July 20 The “4th” on the “20th”
from
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Family
Life Center ! Barbequed chicken and
pork, baked beans,
cole
slaw, potato salad and dessert! Yum!
Tickets
go on sale June 29 in the narthex.
August 17 Back to School
Family Picnic
Noon
in the Family Life Center
Won’t
it be fun to get back together as school gets started again?
If you have any questions about any
of the events or if you are interested in volunteering, please call Liz
Doyle at 407-539-2513 or e-mail lizmoregroup@earthlink.net.
Picnic under the oaks
June 7 at 6 p.m.
Bring your family, a picnic dinner, plus your blankets or chairs and enjoy the sounds of Chuck Graham’s Band! The oaks will be swaying Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. with the band beginning at 7p.m. Don’t worry about dessert – we’ll have pie and ice cream available (donations welcome!)
Presbyterian
Women
A salad luncheon will be
held for all Presbyterian Women on June 1,
immediately following the last church service. There is no charge; just bring a
salad. There will be a speaker from the Duvall Home which is a non-profit
organization for the developmentally disabled with no restrictions as to
age, sex, race or national origin; operated by the Presbyterian Special
Services, Inc., in relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
What is Presbyterian Women? Presbyterian Women have gathered together
from the time the Presbyterian Church in the USA was established in 1789, to
help meet the needs of their local congregations, to further the missionary
work of the church, and to form lasting friendships with their sisters in
Christ. PW is concerned with the Christian growth and witness of all women in
the congregation. PW is not an
organization to join but an organized way for women who are already members of
the church to work together to maintain a fellowship. Voluntary giving is the
method used by PW to finance the work they do as a group and their part in the
support of the whole church program.
Reconnect Wednesdays
Coming in July
Time
for vacations...
time for the beach...
time for reunions...
time for God?
We know that the summer is full of fun
activities that can take you away on the weekends. During the month of July
FPCMaitland has a solution – Reconnect
Wednesdays. Join your church family each
Wednesday evening in July for “Light Supper, Light Service and Enlightened
Hearts.” Centered around a fun theme each week, we will gather for a
light meal at 6:30 p.m. and then
move to the sanctuary for a worship service.
So if you are going to be away on the weekends, or even if you are not, come and celebrate summer during Reconnect Wednesdays. For more information, watch for further announcements in the bulletin or contact Jillzy64@yahoo.com.
Blood Drive
Be a LIFEGUARD this summer—be a blood donor! Our next Blood Drive is Sunday, June 8, from 8:00 to 1:00. As schools break for summer vacation and snow birds return home, our local blood supply becomes strained. That’s why it is critically important for you to donate blood, if you are physically able. Please, take the time to help guard against a low blood supply by donating with us on June 8!
Children’s
Ministry for the Summer
Our
Sunday School children are collecting materials to go into Goodie
Bags for the Ronald McDonald House. They are learning mission and caring for
others in our community. We are asking
members of the congregation to bring in any of the following items:
Candy (melt-resistant) Hand sanitizer (travel size)
Notepad and Pen Journal
Playing cards Phone cards
Bottled water Gum/Mints
Sunscreen
(travel size) Tissues
(travel pack)
Our children will assemble the bags on August 17. Mark your items “for the Ronald McDonald
House” and leave them in the church office.
See Sue
Peterson
for more information.
Please sign up to lead and/or assist with children’s
Summer Sunday School, June 8 - August 31,
9:30 a.m., Rooms 12-13 in the Family Life Center. We have 13 interesting
topics designed to involve children in ministry and care for the world.
We need a coordinator for July to gather materials and be sure that all is
readyy. Look for ways that you can contribute to various mission projects
throughout the summer.
Canine Companions will visit
with the Children of Sunday School on June 29.
Visitors are invited to join us.
Later we will make “doggie thank yous” for our two-legged and
four-legged guests. This is part of our
summer program on missions and caring for people around the world and our
community.
Children and Worship: A new
Sunday school curriculum coming this Fall (September 7) for children in PreK
(4) through 2nd grade. We will be sharing the library for this
program. We need willing workers on the
afternoons of July 1 and July 8 to help rearrange books and make space
for resources. Look for opportunities to be trained as a worship
leader/storyteller, and greeter/assistant to prepare art materials and
other resources as well as bring children to that sacred space in the library.
Vacation Bible School: July 28 - August 1
— A Rainforest Adventure.
Enroll your children now, tell your friends. Continue to collect items
listed on the LOOP and in the narthex. We still have a few slots open for
adult leadership. Contact Sue Peterson or Denise Cobia if
you would like to help.
Schedule for Sunday Mornings in June (Room 12 – 13 FLC)
Date Theme Scripture
Topic
June 8 Creation: The Garden Genesis 1
Read the story of Creation and think about all parts of creation: water, sun, moon, stars, sea and land
animals.
June 15 Green is Keen: Frogs Exodus 8:1-13
Endangered amphibians.
June 22 Heifer Project: Ark Noah Genesis 7:11-24
Noah and the Ark. The congregation will be invited to “pull” an animal from the Ark and make a donation to Heifer.
June 29 Healthy Bodies: Provide Genesis 1
Manna in the Wilderness.
We will sample healthy fruits and veggies and then receive a portion of
rice that a person gets to live on for a day in the other parts of the world.
FPCM Youth Ministry
Element 24 is every Sunday night in the FLC from 6:30 to 8:30. If you're into FUN, FRIENDS, WORSHIP, and LEARNING about GOD, then it's the place to be.
Check it out: We're having a Skool's Out Blowout on Saturday, June 7 to celebrate a temporary break from slavery.. I mean, skool. Location is yet to be determined but if you would like to host the party at your house, please call me 644-3455 ex 340.
We are currently planning more summer activities so stay in touch for more important info!!
—Lucas Brandenburg
The Adult Education Committee is committed to offering the best in biblical and theological education that we can throughout the year. While many will take a break and travel this summer, the Sunday 9:30 a.m. adult class will continue in the Fellowship Hall.
Dave & Dena Anderton and Jerry & Madge Sutcliffe, who have provided excellent leadership throughout the year, will give the other members the opportunity to teach on various topics through June, July and August. We are so grateful for such committed and dedicated teachers who take the time to teach the Word of God. Our learning does not end with our youth but continues on and on. God's Word is eternal and we are always learning.
If you haven't been involved in an adult education class, drop in on the discussion; newcomers are welcome to join us!
Schedule of Sunday mornings...
Date Teacher
June 1 Dave & Dena Anderton
June 8 Ron Clayton
June 15 Dave & Dena Anderton
June 22 Walt Peregoy
June 29 Irene Martin
July 6 Irene Martin
July 13 Ron Clayton
July 20 0ave & Dena Anderton
July 27 Walt Peregoy
August 3 Bob Hackler
August 10 Bob Hackler
August 17 Dave & Dena Anderton
August 24 Walt Peregoy
August 31 Jack Reid
When the Fall comes around, keep your eyes open for a whole new list of Adult Education opportunities. They will come in a variety of times and days and evening offerings. You can't afford to miss out.
We will not have a July issue of our newsletter, Good Tidings.
Condensed
versions of announcements
and/or
articles may be placed in the
Sunday bulletin. These are due by noon on the
Monday prior to the Sunday’s publication.
Deadline
for August’s Good Tidings
newsletter
is July 15.
From Sue Peterson
Director of Children's Minstry
Dear Friends,
This year I am privileged to have been elected a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA from Central Florida. This is not a responsibility that I take lightly. We are heading into a new world, new ways of “doing church,” new challenges for the Body of Christ. It is a time for listening with respect, to speaking in order to be understood and to understand. It is a time for thinking outside the box and finding new ways to serve the least of these in the name of Jesus Christ.
Please pray for me and for the entire General Assembly as we meet in San Jose, California from June 22 - 28. Pray for us on our way to San Jose!
Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you called disciples and, by the Holy Spirit, made them one church to serve you.
Be with members of our General Assembly. Help them to welcome new things you are doing in the world, and to respect old things you keep and use. Save them from empty slogans or senseless controversy. In their deciding, determine what is good for us and for all people.
As this General Assembly meets, let your Spirit rule, so that our church may be joined in love and service to Jesus Christ, who, having gone before us, is coming to meet us in the promise of your kingdom. Amen. — from the Book of Common Worship
With love in Christ,
Sue Peterson, Elder Commissioner
218th G.A. 2008
Senior Fellowship
Clearwater
Trip for Seniors:
Seniors who are looking for
a fun excursion will be boarding the Dreamcoach and headed to
Clearwater, Florida on June 10, 2008 at 8 a.m. for a day of sightseeing at Heritage Village (a 21 acre
living history museum). Afterwards, we will have a seafood lunch and a
sightseeing cruise along the shore line of Clearwater and Caladesi Island.
Don’t
forget GAME DAY each Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall area. We are having a lot of laughs
and good fellowship so come join us and bring your favorite game. Variety and a
new learning experience can add to the fun and make the afternoon more
enjoyable. Bring a friend!
Mary
Kortz is looking for a volunteer Senior Activities coordinator to assist her. You
may contact Mary at 407-678-5150.
Family life Center Activities
Summer
Art Camp for Kids! It's back! FPCM presents the
seventh annual Summer Art Camp for Kids again this year in the Family Life
Center. Cheryl Smith will be working with future artists during
the weeks of June 16 - 20, June 30 - July 3, and July 14 - 18.
Clay, painting, drawing, printing, mixed media and art exploration are
available for the campers to explore and learn about. Half-day sessions are $90
per session and full day sessions are $150 per session for the weeks of June
16 - 20, and July 14 - 18. During June 30 - July 3 half day sessions
are $72 and full day sessions are $120. Pick up a registration form at
the church office or Family Life Center. For information call MaryAnne
LoSasso at 407-644-3455 ext. 329.
Still Have Game? Adult
fitness classes coached by former Orlando Magic player Anthony Bowie.
Whether you have never played basketball or just need some help refining your
skills, Still Got Game, will meet your needs. Meeting Friday evenings in the Family Life Center Gymnasium from
6 - 8 p.m., beginning Friday, June 6 through August 1, 2008. For
information call 407-549-5251 or at stillgotgame.org.
Orlando Magic Basketball Camps,
June 9-13, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., here at the
Family Life Center Gymnasium! Cost is $155 which includes: five days of quality instruction from
National Basketball Academy; Camp T-Shirt, a Magic Basketball, Prizes and
Giveaways; Tickets to a Magic home game and much, much more!