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Volume 10 Issue 6

June 2018

WORSHIP

SUNDAY

10:30 am English Service

in the sanctuary

2:00 pm Iglesia

en Español

in the sanctuary

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

STAFF

SENIOR PASTOR

Reverend Lia Willetts

ADMINISTRATOR Charlene Golden

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Keith Hepler

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Mary Porter

NURSERY ATTENDANT Terry Panega

JANITOR Michelle Cabral

Christ United Methodist Church

1430 Homestead Rd N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 (239) 369-1433

www.christumclehigh.org admin@christumclehigh.org www.facebook.com/christumclehigh

Our Vision is to invite all

people to follow

Jesus Christ,

build them up into

his body and image,

and send them

out to serve.

SUMMERTIME

Isaiah 40:31” But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar

high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not

faint.”

Summertime presents challenges for every congregation. People are very busy and

mobile in the summer time and, sadly, some families will disengage from their local

church during the summer months. As church leaders, this becomes a personal,

spiritual challenge for us. People need refreshment. People need a vacation, as we do.

Yet, the ministry of the church continues. I believe there are two big questions for us

during the summer:

Question 1: How can we keep connected with our church family? While we

cannot control our church’s summer attendance, we may be able to keep connected as

a church family:

1. PRAY AND WORSHIP. Continue to pray daily 3 times a day for pastor and

congregation. Many people will take a couple of weeks away this summer. We need

to remember that when we are in town this summer we need to worship the Lord with

the church.

2. STAY IN TOUCH with your small group or ministry team. Do not let an “out of

sight, out of mind” mindset result in complete disengagement. The Lord calls us to be

his disciples daily. He does not give any believer a “pass” for the summer time.

3. GIVE. Remember that the ministries of the church continue even while we are

away; therefore, we need to remain consistent in giving to the church during the

summer time. Keep your promises of financial support for the church and serve

people in need.

Question 2: How can we reach people in the summer?

INVEST AND INVITE. Just because attendance inside the church may be more

inconsistent during the summer, this does not change our desire to reach people.

During the summer, be mindful to reach people. Invest in your neighbors and

newcomers, pray for them, be a friend so they would accept your invitation to attend

worship in our church, so they can experience the presence of God in their lives.

CONTINUE TO READ THE BOOK OF PSALMS THIS SUMMER. We read

one psalm per week. June 3-Psalm 3, June 10-Psalm 4, June 17-Psalm 5, June 24-

Psalm 6, July 1-Psalm 7, July 8–Psalm 8, July 15-Psalm 9, July 22-Psalm 10, July 29-

Psalm 11, August 5–Psalm12, August 12-Psalm 13, August 19-Psalm 14, and August

26-Psalm 15

Have a Blessed Summer! In Christ’s Service, Pastor Lia

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The New Man of Today

Knows who he is

Why he is here on earth

That God has a plan for his life

Is dependent on God

Is forgiving

Will take unpopular stands

Has a controlled aggressiveness

Is “others centered”

Feels free to fail or lose

Can talk about his feelings

Knows and seeks guidance from Scripture

Sees his body as “a temple of the Holy Spirit”

Is a good role model

As a husband, is faithful, sacrificial

As a father, is sensitive, caring

Is a man of prayer

Have his priorities in this order:

God, Family, Work, Other

Based on Psalm 15, Ephesians 4:21-24, and

Colossians 3:1-11

In the hospital:

In rehabilitation:

In hospice: Joy Conti (care at home)

In nursing homes or homebound: Mary Armstrong, Drema Brooks,

Evelyn Canning, Ray and Hallie Jerome, Libby Jones, Mary Ellen

Norton, and Norma Viera.

Christian Sympathy to:

Please notify the church office when you are hospitalized, moved to

another facility or go home so that we may visit and pray with you at

the correct location.

Member Update

New Email for Sara and Bob Etter

etterbobsara@gmail.com

To our members who have moved away, we want to keep in contact

and make sure you are being taken care of spiritually. Please let us

know the name of your new church home.

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June 1-Jun Psalm 119:89-176

2-Jun Song of Solomon 1-8

3-Jun Proverbs 1-3

4-Jun Proverbs 4-6

5-Jun Proverbs 7-9

6-Jun Proverbs 10-12

7-Jun Proverbs 13-15

8-Jun Proverbs 16-18

9-Jun Proverbs 19-21

10-Jun Proverbs 22-24

11-Jun 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

12-Jun 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4

13-Jun 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

14-Jun 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136

15-Jun Psalms 134; 146-150

16-Jun 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

17-Jun 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

18-Jun Proverbs 27-29

19-Jun Ecclesiastes 1-6

20-Jun Ecclesiastes 7-12

21-Jun 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

22-Jun Proverbs 30-31

23-Jun 1 Kings 12-14

24-Jun 2 Chronicles 10-12

25-Jun 1 Kings 15:1-24; 2 Chronicles 13-16

26-Jun 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17

27-Jun 1 Kings 17-19

28-Jun 1 Kings 20-21

29-Jun 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

30-Jun 2 Chronicles 19-23

December Anniversaries Esperanza Victores & Yurisander Perez 12/1/2014 Miguel & Magnolia Cordon 12/3/1984 Michael & Laraine Bristol 12/15 Bruce & Barbara Hyman 12/19/1987 Owen & Joyce Parkes 12/19 Gary & Theresa Darpino 12/20/2010 Sylvia & Leonard Morgan 12/23 Antonio & Nora Berrios 12/29

December Birthdays

1 Rachel MacKenzie 2 Amari Maloy 3 Linda Rogers 3 Sara Etter 4 Earl Hart 4 Marjorie Black 6 Ashley Haines 6 Jeanne Cantrell 8 Barbara Jean Rose 10 Ileana Chang 10 Loida Chang 10 Vanessa Rodriguez 14 Holly Rogers 15 Patty Long 20 Margarita Wolfson 21 Angelina MacKenzie 21 Leroy Stewart 21 Vera Rolling 23 Deanna Blauer 23 Lucille Grueninger 27 John Chiviges 30 Daisy Arthurs 30 Teresa Stowers

If your date is missing it is because we don’t have your information. Contact the office.

Sunday Fellowship Time Flower Ministry Van Ministry

6/3/18 Graduation Reception Jackie Bolin Lorane Henry

6/10/18 Beverages only during Edie Rogers & Mary Allen Debbie Billiard

6/17/18 the summer Dan & Carol Larimer Donna Boyd

6/24/18 Daphne Forrester & Sylvia Tross Lorane Henry

June Anniversaries

Art & Teena Webber 6/1/2003 Son & Peg DeHaas 6/11/1971 Chuck & Debbie Dittmar, Jr. 6/14/1986 Johnny & Nannette Richie 6/14/1974 David & Linda Wymer 6/15/1963 Bob & Sara Etter 6/20/1964 Hugo & Hilda Quintana 6/24/2006 Ken & Evet White 6/26/1970 Dennis Leach & Herlinda Ramos-Leach 6/28/2009

June Birthdays

6 Kwame Reynolds 8 Janice Martin 11 Herlinda Ramos-Leach 12 Spencer Williams 20 Nancy Nevins 21 Jeannette Flores 24 Joelys Gonzalez 24 Jean Roy 24 Arthur Webber 25 Michelle Cabral 27 Pansy Moxey-Rogers 27 Jon Olliff 28 Michael Bristol 28 Ruth Ulrich 29 Keith Hepler 29 Kathleen Karp 29 Judy Simpson

If you don’t see your anniversary or

birthday listed then we don’t have your

information.

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FINANCE

ELECTRONIC GIVING DOESN’T TAKE VACATIONS

This summer, if you can’t make it to church due to travel or other commitments, we encourage you to automate your

regular donations. The church relies on the consistent financial support of the congregation and electronic giving offers an

easy way to give on a recurring basis. Pick up an authorization form from the church office or in the magazine rack near

the water fountain in the sanctuary. We thank you for your continued support!

GIVE TO THE CHURCH THROUGH YOUR PHONE

Give+ through Vanco Payments provides an easy way to contribute to the church. Here is a video giving you the steps on

how to do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAjqUxK8YRk. You can give one time or set up regular giving.

IN THE CHURCH

OUR GRADUATES

Graduates this year are: Ethan Brooks, Jelliam Gonzalez, Sara MacKenzie, Daxton Wellman and Tiffania Willetts.

We have a box in the sanctuary for you to drop off your cards of congratulations. June 3rd

we will recognize our graduates

and have a reception after church in the narthex/sanctuary lobby.

EXTRA CHURCH DIRECTORIES

We have a few extra church directories available in the office for $10 each.

Each time we have 15 people or families that need their picture taken (new members, change in your family status), we

can have a whole new directory printed. Make sure to keep the office informed of any changes to your address, email, or

phone numbers. If you missed out on having your picture taken, let the office know so we can add you to the list.

Those who have their picture taken receive the directory for free. If you had your picture taken for this directory, you will

continue to receive a free directory each time it is updated.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Here are the activities planned for the youth so that they can continue to meet together during the summer. Make sure you

have a current medical authorization and photo release on file at the church.

Date Time Event Location

June 1 7 to 11 pm Movie Night Youth Room

June 22 7 to 11 pm Laser Tag (signed permission slip needed)

TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY

Thank you to the new drivers for our van ministry. We have 4 regular riders and 2 who occasionally need rides. It can take

two trips to get everyone to church. We could use two more drivers on a rotating basis.

It may be your ministry to provide one or two of these people a ride to church each week if they live near you. Let the

church office know if you can provide a ride on a regular basis.

Those needing a ride to church live on the following streets:

Two in Presbyterian Homes off Beth Stacey, one lives on Farmdale Street, one on 3rd

St West, one on East 5th St., and

one on McKinley Ave.

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WEBSITE MASTER

We need someone with website skills to keep the church’s website up to date. Let the church office know if you are

interested.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

THANK YOU!

To the ladies who so willingly gave of their time and effort, and came in to help set up the Fellowship Hall, and stayed to

help clean up after our Mother’s Day Luncheon. I could not have done it all without your graciousness, and my heartfelt

“THANKS” to all the ladies from our Circle and those of the Church that came in to assist.

Respectfully,

Laraine Pohle-Bristol

Rebekah/Ruth Circle.

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER

Missions Outreach Committee is having an all you can eat spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, June 9th from 5:30 to

7:30 pm. Tickets are available from Missions Outreach Committee members, Stewardship Committee members and the

church office. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for child 6 and under.

This is open to the community so let your neighbors know. This event has been posted on the church’s Facebook page.

Please share it with your Facebook friends.

SNEAKERS PROJECT

Our church collaborates with Lehigh Acres Community Services on the Back to School Backpack

Program. We raise money to purchase $10 gift cards from Walmart that are given to families to purchase

shoes for school. Make your checks out to the church and note it is for sneakers.

Lehigh Acres Community Services is changing how they do backpacks this year. (1) They are providing backpacks from

kindergarten to 12th grade. (2) It will be an assembly line process so students and their families can pick the items they

actually need for their grade. (3) Our church will have a table at the event to hand out the sneaker gift cards. (4) LACS

will need help the day they do the backpacks which will be late July as school starts August 10.

Families watch the news or contact LACS for the dates to sign up your children to receive a backpack.

IN THE DISTRICT AND CONFERENCE

The Life Enrichment Center and Warren Willis Camp are looking for passionate, creative, inspired people to serve on the

teams that design each of our camps and retreats. These teams are open to UM clergy and lay people and we hope that

they reflect the amazing diversity of the Florida Annual Conference. Design team members also receive priority

registration for the events they design! If you would be interested in creating amazing experiences for youth, children and

families please apply at https://goo.gl/forms/25xcb0l8EAxxuVLR2

IN THE COMMUNITY

HURRICANE SEASON

Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes. Various organizations provide preparation lists, booklets and websites with

information including local TV stations, American Red Cross and Lee County Emergency Management. Watch for

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programs on the local TV stations or presentations that will be given in the area. Lehigh Acres is the highest ground in

southwest Florida so other areas evacuate to us. Our Fellowship Hall is the emergency shelter for first responders in

cooperation with Lee County Emergency Management. Many of our schools are emergency evacuation sites that you can

go to if you are uncomfortable staying at home.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Ron and Linda Jacoby delivered for Meals on Wheels for several years. There are 2 routes just for the Lehigh Acres

area. Each route has about 9 to 12 stops and takes about 1 hour to complete. They said it was very rewarding to deliver

prepared meals to people who are shut-in and/or disabled. The recipients are always very grateful for the time and

attention. They always felt a blessing at each stop.

The Meals on Wheels program needs more volunteers. Shifts are available Monday through Saturday. You can

volunteer daily, weekly, monthly or seasonally. Volunteer applications are available in the church office.

Call Jennifer Larsen at 239-337-1055 for more information or go to www.CommunityCooperative.com.

STEPS TO SALVATION

1. Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

2. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 3. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 4. Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved, For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13) Pray this prayer:"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

5. John 1:12, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Next Steps: Attend a church. Join a Bible Study to continue to grow spiritually.

The Good News is published monthly by Christ United Methodist Church, Lehigh Acres, Florida. It is emailed to those who have provided an email address and it is available on the church’s website.

Printed copies are available at each church service and in the church office.

Deadline for articles or ad submission is the 15th of the month for the next month’s newsletter. All articles are

subject to editing. Send your information to admin@christumclehigh.org or drop it off at the church office.

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Contact the church office about

placing an ad in this

newsletter.

Business card size ads are

$2.00 a month.