Join us for worship on Sunday! 8 & 11am Traditional, 9:30am Contemporary

KNOW GROW GO THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF

PORT CHARLOTTE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Rev. Denvil Farley, Pastor

21075 Quesada Avenue

Port Charlotte, FL 33952

(941) 625-4356 | www.pcumc.info

facebook.com/portcharlotteumc

August 2019

Fear is a powerful motivator. At times fear can force us into action, while at other times fear can cause us to shrink away from life and steal away our joy. There are many things that cause fear: spiders, heights, snakes, the dark. When my boys were a few years younger, we spent hours at the dinner table working through their fear that a bear would come into our house. These kinds of fears are more object driven fears, you are afraid of an objective thing. There are other fears that are more subjective: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, fear of not being loved. These fears hide beneath the surface and create anxieties within us that steal our joy and keep us from living the full life that God has created us for.

Interestingly enough, one of the most repeated phrases in the Bible is “Do Not Fear.” Over and over again in the Old Testament, God tells his people do not fear. Throughout the gospels, Jesus encourages people not to be afraid. Nearly every time that people are instructed not to fear, it is accompanied by the promise of God’s presence with the people, or a statement about God’s promise for the future.

Those same promises of God’s presence and God’s hope for the future are for us when we are in the midst of fear filled situations. God’s desire for us is to live Courageous Lives, where we can push back on fear by trusting in Him. As we live courageously, trusting in God, we can experience peace and joy no matter what challenges come our way.

In August, we will be learning from the stories in the book of Daniel, about how he, Shadrach, Meshac, and Abednego, were able to lay aside their fears and trust in God. We are going to move from living fear-filled lives to Courageous Living!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Denvil Farley

Port Charlotte United Methodist Church August 2019

Extravagant Generosity

4 David & Donna Jean deSilva

16 Bart & Hope McFarlane

24 Gerald & Karen Shaw

29 Allan & Mary Lou Stocker

29 Robert & Cherie Thomas

1 Kyle Cox

1 Mary Cox

4 Jordan Foster

5 Riley Cain

5 Libby Weller

6 Bettie Curtis

6 Jean Wyckoff

7 George Faulkner, Jr.

7 Bob King

7 Laura Slike

8 Nancy Holt

8 Stephanie Sennholz

10 Leah Setser

11 Gay Graham

11 Emma Kvatum

12 Dorothy Mann

12 Joyce Minto

12 Alyssa Walton

17 Carol S. McCullough

17 Amy Murray

17 Kathy Williams

18 Matthew Hoffner

19 Gwen Farley

20 Robert Burr

20 Herb Grommeck

20 Deidra Setser

21 John Do

21 Joseph Scott

22 Abby Farley

22 Christina Harvick

23 Pat Douglas

23 Barbara Hepler

23 Candice Chardon

Zampella

24 Asta Terwilliger

25 Dorothy Adams

25 Edna Lather

26 Leo Jones

26 Mary Meyer

27 Jacob Hoffner

27 Deidre Parkinson

28 Alexander DePaul

28 Beverly Gomez

29 Millie Farley

29 Mary Lou Stocker

31 Amanda Kucewicz

31 Susan West

31 Dottie White

YTD 6/30/19

Income $408,731.84

Expenses $376,667.07

August Birthdays

August Anniversaries

Director: Paula Mann

625-4356 phone / email: pcumcschool@gmail.com

A Ministry of Port Charlotte United Methodist Church

We hope you had a fabulous Summer! We are busy gearing up for our school year to begin. Our classrooms are freshly painted and we are excited

to welcome all of our families to PCUMC!

Our Open House will be

Sunday, Aug 11th at 2 PM. Please join us at the 9:30 or 11am worship service as Pastor Denvil will be praying for our school, teachers, staff and families. It's a great way to start our year!

KNOW Christ. GROW more like Christ. GO to serve Christ . August 2019

Frequently Heard Questions Jonathan Carlsen email: theexhorter_fla@yahoo.com

Question: When you wrote about spiritual gifts in the June column, you didn’t say one word about the greatest gift of all ― love. Isn’t that a blunder that borders on heresy? (Part 2)

Answer: In Part 1, I recalled that I addressed the question of love as a spiritual gift a year ago (June/July 2018), noting that spiritual gifts and love are related, but the Bible never identifies love as a spiritual gift. I also quoted the fallacious syllogism (“Silly-Gism”) ― “Moisture is better than nothing. Nothing is better than Heaven. Therefore, moisture is better than Heaven.” ― with the note that nothing is used in two different senses in the quote. One could also argue that the premise, “Nothing is better than Heaven,” is wrong, because God, Who created Heaven, is better.

Actually, love, gifts, and probably also greatest are used in different senses in different places in the Bible. One could argue that Jesus, not love, is the greatest gift, though love prompted His coming (Jn. 3:16). In last year’s question I said that love was a present or blessing, not a spiritual gift. William Barclay names four different Greek words used in Bible times to differentiate different kinds of love (New Testament Words, Westminster Press, 1974, pp. 17-30). The Apostle John says, “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8), but not every mention of love in the Bible refers to God. Paul describes love as something beyond the power of the gifts, but, if it is absent when the gifts are exercised, their exercise becomes ineffective or meaningless. Nowhere in this chapter does Paul call love a spiritual gift (1 Cor. 13).

Question: What about faith? In 1 Cor. 12:9, Paul identifies faith as a spiritual gift, but in 1 Cor. 13:13, he groups it together with hope and love. If so, aren’t hope and love spiritual gifts along with faith?

It doesn’t follow, because Scripture describes different kinds of faith. Spiritual gifts are not the same as presents or blessings, they are also different from the nine-fold “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) and from natural talents, according to Kenneth Kinghorn and C. Peter Wagner, whom I cited last month (Kinghorn, Gifts of the Spirit, pp. 21-22; and Wagner, Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow, 1979 ed., pp. 85-90). Wagner adds that spiritual gifts are also different from “Christian roles” and “counterfeit gifts” (pp. 90-102). For example, each of us is called to witness to our faith (Acts 1:8; cf. 1 Pt. 3:15), a role, but far fewer of us have the gift of evangelism (p. 91). The faith that is a spiritual gift empowers us to hear the mind of God, to imagine great, even impossible, things to do for God, and to work tirelessly and unswervingly to accomplish them for God’s glory (Kinghorn, pp. 65-67; and Wagner, p. 90, 160-162). This is vastly different from the faith that saves us and other kinds of faith.

Question: In the four gospels’ resurrection accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20-21), Mark 16:1 names the women going to the tomb as “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome” (NRSV). Since ancient Greek had no commas, was Salome was one of the women, or was she James’ sister?

Answer: I put the question to David deSilva. Checking his Greek New Testament, he said the comma is there correctly. The Greek is clear. Salome is a subject of the sentence with the two Marys. James was marked in the possessive case as Mary’s son. Salome wasn’t marked thus. She was there.

Do you have a question about the Bible or United Methodist belief, organization, or practice? E-mail them to me at theexhorter_fla@yahoo.com or leave them with Katherine Warden at the church office and I’ll try to answer as many as I can. ― JAC

Port Charlotte United Methodist Church August 2019

Our church has a partnership with Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Port Charlotte. We have volunteers that work with kindergarten, first and second grade teachers to help students with many learning tasks, but their primary activity is helping the youngsters learn how to read. This has been a very rewarding experience for our volunteers (read their comments under their pictures) and a big help to the students by providing additional one-on-one help. These young people also appreciate the presence of adults who care about them and show them love.

This a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in our community and to live into our church’s mission to “Know Jesus, Grow more like Jesus, and Go Serve Jesus." The school is always in need of more people ready to serve. You can work any day of the week, either morning or afternoon. Contact Phyllis Crews (941-916-6519) or Frank Hansen (941-204-8333). You have to fill out an application and we will help you get a clearance to work in the school. Please help these kids.

Carol McCullough

“The children are such a joy to be with and it’s rewarding knowing you are making a small difference in helping.”

Carolyn Yost “A little girl put her arms around my legs and said, ‘I wish you could be here every day.’”

Diane Geiss

“Love to see the fun in learning.”

Gay Graham

“Being a retired teacher, it’s great working with children again!

Eugene Edgington

“It is always a pleasure to help the kids especially when we get a smile in return.”

Hanne Edgington

“Enjoy watching the kids; teaching them how important reading is.”

Jacqueline Wint “I enjoy helping the children, they help me as well.”

Sharon Wolfe

“I enjoy helping people. And, the kids as well as the teachers are so appreciative.”

Sharon K

“We are making a difference.”

Terri Smith

“This has been an eye opening experience into the education of our children in the future.”

Becky Foster “I love to read one on one with the children that need extra help.”

Neil Armstrong Elementary Partnership

Fran Tobin

“The kids teach me about joy, about resilience. I am in awe of what they are willing to try.”

KNOW Christ. GROW more like Christ. GO to serve Christ . August 2019

Evelyn Welsh

“I love you, Miss Evelyn.” Words of a six year old boy in first grade. What a joy to be surrounded by all that love. I enjoy every minute of it. The sad part is preparing for a “shooter” and learning how to hide in the classroom. I can’t believe how smart these first graders are. They already know how to read, and are learning new words to expand upon it.

Linda Brown

“I feel like I am making a difference in children’s lives,

Lois Tschetter “After thirty years working with children in my own classroom, it’s a real blessing being back helping children in a classroom at Neil Armstrong Elementary school. I also have an excellent teacher who I am helping approximately 2 hours one day each week. Easy job!

Nancy Bosserdet

Phyllis Crews

Steven Brown

“Students genuinely ENJOY working with me, as an adult who care about helping them learn.

Surprise the World Small Groups

In September we are going to be reading through Michael Frost’s book, “Surprise the World: Five Habits of Highly Missional People.” This book is all about how our Christian faith makes a difference in the world and how we can share that with others. Our readings will set the stage for our sermons throughout the month of Septem-ber. In order to process the book more and begin applying the habits to our lives, we also will have 6-week small groups so that you can connect with others and discover how you can effectively share God’s transforming work in the world around you. There will be sign-ups starting August 11 for the various dates, times, and locations these small groups will occur. Be on the lookout and be ready! God is going to do great things in us and through us as we develop missional habits, apply God’s work to our lives, and connect with others who are doing the same!

Port Charlotte United Methodist Church August 2019

Attention All Women!

Thanks to everyone for your response and attendance at our tea and fashion show this past spring. Since then we have been asked to host the South West, UMW district wide meeting on Saturday, September 21st at our church. How exciting! Save the date! All women are invited to attend and join with women from Bradenton to Naples (21 churches in our district). These types of district meetings are typically held every other month, with the exception of the summer months. The district leaders will be discussing our mission focus and areas of study. We always have fun in fellowship. We have made friends with women from all over through UMW as result of these events.

Our next local meeting is Saturday, August 3 at 10:00am in the New Room. Come and learn more about UMW, our missions and enjoy our short program. Recent programs include deaconess’ of the Bible, past and present. House churches of the Bible and the importance of our own hospitality today as it relates to our homes and food.

United Methodist Women

Faith-Hope-Love in Action

United Methodist Women Laurie Leskanic

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me, but Him who sent me.” Mark 9:37

Each school year, there are more and more children who arrive at school with no supplies. Imagine your first day at a new school, be it August, December or March, and walking into the classroom with no backpack and no supplies. You already feel like everyone is staring at you, which they are, and on top of your awkwardness, you realize you are not prepared to be part of this educational situation – the classroom. We can do something about this, and for the last few years our members and friends have purchased backpacks and supplies for these children, who arrive at school empty handed. Thank you to all of you who have shopped in Publix or Walmart, and put a few supplies or a backpack in your cart. You have a loving and giving heart for these children. Once again, the Missions Committee will be happily accepting school supplies for Meadow Park Elementary Students, grades K-5. There is a collection box in the Welcome Center, and a table with examples of supplies and backpacks. The members and friends of Port Charlotte United Methodist Church have always been very generous in helping economically disadvantaged children in our community, and we know that our Backpack Project is a way for us to reach out into the community, and help these children achieve a brighter future. The Lord loves each and every one of these children, and we have the privilege to be His hands and feet in the community.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my father, who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:20

Missions: Backpack Project Deborah Valler / Linda Bailey

KNOW Christ. GROW more like Christ. GO to serve Christ . August 2019

On July 7, the Church celebrated Pastor Denvil’s recent ordination with a potluck luncheon hosted by the church’s staff parish relations committee (SPRC). In remarks at the well- attended event, Roger Willmeth, chair of the SPRC, said that “the committee decided that there was no better way to honor Pastor Denvil’s ordination than for all of us to enjoy some great food in the process of doing it.”

After specifically thanking a number of church members and staff for making the event possible, Roger quoted Rev. David DeSilva’s assessment of what was required from Pastor Denvil to achieve his ordination:

“Denvil will have gone through a rigorous process of screening and testing at the district and conference levels to determine that he had the "gifts and graces" for ministry, a three-year ministry degree (the Master of Divinity) with additional examination of his theology and person by the Board of Ordained Ministry, and a probationary period between his commissioning as a probationary elder and his full ordination this past month during which he would have needed to give evidence now not only of being ‘gifted’ for ministry, but ‘effective’ in ministry.”

Roger referenced the fact that Pastor Denvil once considered attending law school. There was an enthusiastic response from the audience when Roger told Pastor Denvil that “those of us at Port Charlotte United Methodist are extremely grateful that you chose divinity school over law school!”

After Roger, on behalf of the SPRC, presented Pastor Denvil with a white polo shirt embroidered with the church logo and the pastor’s name and title, Pastor Denvil thanked him and the SPRC and said that he was “humbled” by the event. He said that he was “pleased by the relationships we’ve been able to build over the first six months” and that he is “grateful to be our pastor and go through life’s journey with us.” Pastor Denvil said that all of us have received gifts and graces from God and that we need to use those in the church and out in the world.

Roger Willmeth, SPRC Chair, presents Pastor Denvil with a gift from the committee at his July 7 ordination celebration.

All Stephen Ministers receive fifty hours of training on how to best help their care receivers accept God’s Healing Grace. They are then commissioned by the congregation to serve the congregation and the community for a period of not less than two years. There is no time limit as to how long they can serve as a Stephen Minister. Once a Stephen Minister, always a Stephen Minister. Once commissioned, the Stephen Minister is required to attend Continuing Education Meetings once a month and Peer Supervision Meetings once a month even if the Stephen Minister does not have a care receiver assigned to them. Those without care receivers encourage those with care receivers and provide helpful insights and suggestions from their own experiences to help the Stephen Minister provide the best possible care for their care receiver.

You may remember the sentenceU”Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country” in typing class. Recently, Frank and Betty Hansen, both experienced Stephen Ministers serving well beyond the required two years, had to become inactive as they both concentrate on Frank’s rehabilitation. In addition, Lynne Smalley, another skilled Stephen Minister, and her husband Tim are moving to North Carolina soon. So, now is the time for already trained Stephen Ministers to come to the aid of this Ministry, and Church, and Community.

Once before, I came before the congregation and asked for those already trained Stephen Ministers to reactivate for a period of two years to give me time to train new Stephen Ministers. Thankfully, twelve of you stepped forward and accepted the responsibility and I was able to train eight new candidates as Stephen Ministers, giving this church a total of seventeen, all of whom at one time had care receivers. We now have seven active Stephen Ministers. So, now is the time for those already trained and those wanting to be trained to serve in this very rewarding ministry to come forward to serve this Church and its Congregation and this Community. All that is necessary is that you contact Pastor Denvil or call me, Dean Winston @ 941-421-4815. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few”. Thank you.

More About Stephen Ministry Dean Winston

Ordination Celebration Roger Willmeth

Port Charlotte United Methodist Church August 2019

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

21075 Quesada Avenue

Port Charlotte, FL 33952-2546

Student Ministries Barbara Hald

I want to thank everyone who gave to the Camp Sponsorship fund. Some of our children and youth that go to camp are being raised by their grandparents who are on fixed incomes. Some are being raised by a single parent who works hard to provide the basic needs. Some come from families who have divorced and struggle with finances. But, no matter what the issues are at home, when they come to Port Charlotte UM Youth group they are ALL LOVED the same and ALL are given the chance to go to camp. All that is required of the Youth are 40 hours of Church service to attend and a partial payment if the family can afford it. I cannot tell you how many times over the years that I have heard the youth come back from camp excited they were able to have an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Thank you for all you do and keep us in your prayers as we start back to another year of School.

In His Love, Barbara

Wednesday

August 14th 6-8pm

Featuring a Bounce Water Slide &

Walking Tacos!!

Come and enjoy the fun!