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Community Update

Issue 54, August 24, 2007

Sunday, August 26

9:30 a.m. Journey Worship
11:00 a.m. Foundation Worship

Picture This
We can't see what we're used to. A "common" flower, a daily smile -- we walk right by. Then later we hesitate to pray, thinking, How can I know God's really there? In Part 3 of Prayer: It's Not What You Think, come and discover that prayer is seeing God at work in familiar places -- including the most familiar place of all.

LAST CALL for Directory photos.The last chance to sign up for directory pictures is this Sunday, August 26, after both services. We still need a few more VOLUNTEERS to help check people in during their photo sessions, on Tuesday, August 27, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 29, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. If you can volunteer for a couple of hours, please email bjnipp1@verizon.net or call Bob Nipp at 899-4530.

Tea Party. The Temple Terrace United Methodist Women are hosting a tea on Sunday, Aug. 26, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All women between the ages of 4 and 104 are invited to join the UMW for refreshments and fellowship.

Divorce Care. DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group will begin a new 13-week cycle on Sunday, Sept 16, 2007, meeting at the church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The seminar features nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics, such as "Facing Your Anger," "Facing Your Loneliness," "Depression," "New Relationships," "Kid Care" and "Forgiveness." Through DivorceCare, you'll learn how to deal with the pain of your past and look forward to rebuilding your life.
      To register, sign up at the Connection Center on Sunday or call the church office (988-4141). Books are $12. For more information, contact Phyllis Rabb via email.

Special Hurricane Katrina offering planned for this Sunday. As the second anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita approaches, the need continues for prayers, volunteers, partners and donations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The recovery stage has evolved into the rebuilding stage in most areas, though some places in New Orleans have been untouched since Hurricane Katrina hit on Aug. 29, 2005.

     United Methodist churches will collect a special offering Aug. 26 for the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal. Donations go directly to the rebuilding of United Methodist churches, parsonages, and other facilities, as well as to salaries for support staff; training for lay leadership; and efforts to grow congregations where membership has declined.

     "We have been able to reopen churches that were totally devastated and that was made possible only because of the gifts of the people of the church," said Bishop William Hutchinson, Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference. "At the same time, major parts of the city of New Orleans and surrounding area have not been touched and still need basic services."

     "At this point in the recovery process, we are deeply involved in casework management. Families continue to need help and we continue to need skilled construction teams who are willing to volunteer in this ministry," said Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster, Alabama-West Florida Annual (regional) Conference. "Our prayers are that all those affected by this tragedy will see the love of Christ in our work."

     People can make contributions to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal through their local church offerings. Checks should be made payable to “Conference Treasurer,” with a note on the check stating “Katrina Church Recovery Appeal #818-001,” and sent to the Florida Conference Treasurer, P.O. Box 3767, Lakeland, FL 33802. Donations may also be made online here: Hurricane Katrina donations.

     New resources to help tell the story of rebuilding and recovery are available here: Hurricane Katrina recovery. (By Kathy L. Gilbert, United Methodist News Service)

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that whenever we care for someone in need, we care for Him. Each week, this space will highlight places where you can make a difference in the church, in the community, and in the world. Pray for God to lead you to where He wants you to serve. If you already serve somewhere that needs volunteers, please let us know so that we can share the information here.

In the Mission Field

Support Sarah Goodpasture's Mission Trip. Sarah Goodpasture, one of TTUMC's Young Adults and Youth volunteers, is planning to go to Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, as part of a mission group committed to "affect changes in the community." Like many mission groups, they have asked Sarah to raise her own funding for air tickets, health insurance, upkeep, etc. She needs a total of $9,000 -- or pledges for monthly support equaling that -- by Sept. 1. Make checks payable to "Adventures in Missions," noting on the check that it is for support of "Sarah Goodpasture." Checks may be placed in the offering plates or brought to the church office. Please note on the envelope that your giving is for Sarah Goodpasture.

In the Church

Showing hospitality to strangers: Our first-time guests receive a Temple Terrace coffee mug when they visit us. But what good is an empty mug? So shortly after their visit, we send a personal note along with a $5 Starbucks gift card as a way of extending our welcome. You can help with this ministry by purchasing a gift card or two next time you stop for coffee, and dropping it off at the office or at the Connection Center on Sunday.

In the Community

Gleaning to End Hunger: The Society of St. Andrew has delivered nearly 3.6 million pounds of salvaged potatoes and other food to the needy in Florida through the Potato Project. This has resulted in approximately 10.8 million servings of food going to Florida's hungry.

     SoSA operates a statewide, volunteer-driven Gleaning Network that coordinates with local farmers, thousands of volunteers, and food providing agencies. Florida is one of the top five states in agriculture, by volume, and our Florida Gleaning Network salvages over a million pounds of fresh produce for the hungry each year.

     Through the Florida Gleaning Network, we coordinate volunteers across the state who actually enter fields after farmers have finished harvesting and simply pick up the tons of good produce left behind. Our volunteers represent groups from various church denominations, synagogues, youth groups, other civic organizations, individuals, and inner city residents.

Each year thousands of volunteers glean over one million pounds of a wide variety of produce in Florida. Please join us in this exciting hands-on ministry. Contact Hillsborough County Coordinator, Donna Palmer at 813-417-2380 or by email: donna_palmer701@earthlink.net

In the World

God's Word to the World: For nearly 200 years, IBS-STL Global (formerly International Bible Society) has been reaching people with God’s timeless Word. The mission of IBS-STL Global is to advance the Kingdom of God through translating, producing, and distributing Bibles, Scripture materials, and other Christian resources. Our vision is to get God’s Word into the hands of people so they may become disciples of Jesus Christ.

     You can find a list of outreach projects here or call (800) 987-3595.

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YOUTH 411

Night of Joy is coming! For those who don't know anything about Night of Joy, it's an event put on at Disney World with a bunch of cool Christian bands having concerts all night long. We go and ride rides and listen to cool bands and generally hang out having a good time. The bands this year include Third Day, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Jaci Velasquez, Brian Littrell, BarlowGirl, Leeland, Jessie Daniels, and Sanctus Real.

     This is a fun event for youth to get to know each other better in a cool setting.Youth are not allowed to go off on their own -- an adult will be with them the entire time. Youth are welcome to bring sleeping stuff for after the event, however sleep usually is rare and hard to come by at this particular event.

Here are the basics:

  • The FIRM deadline to sign up is August 30.
  • Everyone who signs up is responsible to pay for their ticket whether or not they attend.
  • Price for the trip is $45 per person.
  • The event is Friday, Sept. 7th.
  • We will meet at the church as early as possible that afternoon so we can get to Disney as early as possible.
  • We will go to the event, then spend the night at the church.
  • Youth can be picked up Saturday morning at 9am.
  • We will have snacks at the Youth Center, but youth should bring money for food at Disney (they usually all get hungry by the end of the night).
  • Friends are welcome, as long as they are signed up by the deadline.
  • ALL YOUTH need to turn in a NEW WAIVER (new school year, new waiver required).
  • Any adults interested in going with us are completely welcome also. Please let Erica know if you are interested in going.

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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Toddler Time: Toddler Time is a parents' co-op that you can participate in for a small fee and a portion of your time. In return, you can have some mornings off to do whatever you want, knowing your child is in the care of another parent. We meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Julie at the church office, 988-4141.

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UPDATE FROM THE ARK

     Many exciting things are happening for Noah's Ark. Our playground has been redone by Boy Scout John Maurer from Troop 188 -- thanks, John! Also, a big "thank you" to those who contributed to this project. Our Fabulous Fours class is full, with a waiting list. Our Thrilling Threes class still has a few openings. We have a new teacher this year, Michele Cardoso, who will be the Lead Teacher for the Thrilling Threes. The other staff members -- Ms. CinDee, Ms. Kandi, Ms. Debi and Bower -- all have returned. The team is ready for an amazing year!

     Our open house is this Sunday, August 26, at 3:00 p.m. All the children will be coming to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers. We begin school the next day, Monday, Aug. 27. Please keep Noah's Ark staff and our school families in your prayers.

Lorida Morey, Director

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PRAYER CORNER

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:1-3)

This week, ask the Lord to place on your mind someone for whom you are to pray. It may be someone you know well, or it may be someone with whom you are only acquainted. It may even be someone you only know of. Write the name down. Be faithful in praying each time that the name comes to your remembrance. Watch for the amazing ways the Lord will lead you in prayer and the ways He will give you a glimpse of His work. Write them in your journal. (Jennifer Kennedy Dean)


Do you want to become part of the Prayer Ministry? To receive the weekly email prayer requests, send an email to Jackie Diamond with "prayer ministry" in the subject line. You can also join us at our next Prayer Gathering on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Need prayer? Click here to submit an online prayer request.

Joys and Concerns. Please pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for: all U.S. troops; the leadership and youth of our church; Henry & Susan Albritton; Paulette Arey; Ashley; Ed Berndt; Miki Bishop; John Boots; John Borden; Paul Butler, Sr.; Anita Coniglio; Cornerstone Family Ministries; David; Molly Deal; Violet Diemer; Eleanor Duda; Marie Dwyer; Jay Ellison; Gregory Essert; Keith Ewing; Ann Funderburke; Vicki Garrett; Sarah Gil; Toni Green; Robert Greene; Hannah; Ann Harvey; Jodi Hayes; Janet James; Jeff; Pastor Jerry & family; Kevin; Valerie Kirby; Teresa Lindsey; Mot Livingston; Jeremy Lundt; Ryan Lytle; Christian Marketta; Lois McClain; Cordelia McIlwain; Ron Mueller; Ron Mueller, Jr.; Willa Munday; Leroy Norton; Bobby Pace; Polly Pepin; Jamie Pistole; Julie Rogers; T.J. Rogers; Sophia & her parents; Susan Schubert; Kevin Snyder; Dorothy Stokes; Carol Teetsel; Doris von Behren; Jeff Wagner; Bruce Wilkinson; Lauren Willis; Steve Young; Jacqueline Ziegler.

Violet Walling Diemer, daughter of Don and Alba Walling and who grew up in TTUMC, recently went home from the hospital after two attacks of an aggressive leukemia. She is in remission for the second time, but is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Tests showed her brother, Jerry, was not a match. She will have another round of chemotherapy to make sure she stays in remission while doctors search for a compatible donor. If you're interested in reading her story or sending encouragement, you can post a message to Violet at her online journal. (The link will take you to the home page of CaringBridge; click on "Visit," then enter Violet's name in the first box.) If you'd like to send a card the old-fashioned way, you may contact the church office for Violet's address. Please keep her in your prayers.

. . . and also pray for these friends, who celebrate their birthdays this week!
 8/27 Dorothy Quilhot
 8/29 Mike Smith; Joanne Woodard; Kevin Dwyer
8/30 Shields Clark; Jane Hamil; Aubrey Houston; Woody Hale; Wyatt Buckner

8/31 Joe Henderson; Brandon Underwood

9/01 Marisa Adams; Paul Butler, Sr.

In the Word -- From the American Bible Society 2007 Reading Guide
Live in Union with God & Build Up the Body of Christ
Aug. 26 2 Timothy 2:14-16
Aug. 27 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Aug. 28 2 Timothy 4:1-22
Aug. 29 Titus 1:1-16

Aug. 30 Titus 2:1-15

Aug. 31 Titus 3:1-15

Sept. 1  Luke 6:17-26

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday Morning Classes. Classes meet weekly during both worship services. Please call the church office for information, 988-4141, or stop by the Connection Center for a current list.

Singles Bible Study: Singles over 35 who gather weekly for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Mondays, 7:00 p.m., Room 33 (Bldg. 300).

Community Life Groups. Small groups the way the early church did them: meeting in homes, living life together, and reaching out to connect others with the love of Jesus. Check out what the groups are talking about! Discussion Guides are available online. Click here

Celebrate Recovery. Help for Hurts, Habits & Hang-ups. Monday nights, 6:30 for dinner, worship at 7:00, groups at 8:00, Solid Rock Cafe at 9:00. Call Linda at 237-1394 or Jasmine at 977-8558 for more information.

Walk to Emmaus. Upcoming walks at the Brandon Rotary Camp: Men, Oct. 4-7; women, Oct. 11-14. If you are interested in attending these walks, or upcoming walks in 2008, please contact the church office as soon as possible. If you'd like to find out more about the Walk to Emmaus, please check out the website. Brochures are available in the narthex Information Center, or you may contact John Eaton.

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FINANCIAL UPDATE

July 31, 2007 Year-to-Date

Income                  $ 295,683
Expenses paid        $ 297,493
                            $   (1,809)

 

Donations week of August 19, 2007

To support the Ministry of Temple Terrace United Methodist Church in memory of George and Marguerite Dransfield by Larry and Joan Dransfield;

For Educational Purposes from the Earl T. and Melva M. Willis Trust

Living Fully in the Face of Death: Elizabeth Edwards and her presidential candidate husband recently announced that her breast cancer, first diagnosed at the end of the 2004 presidential campaign and thought to be in remission, had returned as stage four cancer and had spread to other parts of her body. The cancer is inoperable and incurable . . . and will be managed by treatment. “Managed.” Now there’s an interesting word. What does it mean to “manage” a devastating illness? The word seems totally inadequate, sterile and clinical.
      [Nevertheless,] she has decided to press on, to live the life to which God has called her, to pour herself and her energy into something she thinks is important. And she’s doing it with others, not just her family but with countless well-wishers from all sides of the political spectrum. You’ve got to admire that.
      None of us knows when we’re going to die, but all of us know that we are going to die. That self-awareness, that knowledge of our finite lifespan on this earth, is part of what makes us human and what separates us from the rest of God’s creation.
      In the face of dying, Elizabeth Edwards has chosen to live fully. We have the same choice. In the face of his own death, Jesus chose to have dinner with his friends, and share something that would always be remembered, every time we come to the communion table, a sacra-mental legacy.
      Facing the reality of our own deaths, each of us can leave a legacy to our children, grandchildren, friends, our church. One of many ways to do that is to remember your church in your will or estate plan. In addition to your regular giving to support your church’s mission and ministry, please prayerfully consider a bequest from your will that will help your church reach future generations.
      As the stewardship voice of the Florida Conference, the Florida United Methodist Foundation is ready to help you, your family and your church with anything related to comprehensive Christian stewardship. For more information please call, click or write the Foundation at 1-866-363-9673 toll-free; www.fumf.org; or P.O. Box 3549, Lakeland, FL 33802. (excerpted from "Life & Death Decisions" by Tom Wilkinson, FUMF newsletter, March 2007)

Brochures describing the Foundation's Planned Giving programs are available in the Information Center in the Sanctuary lobby.

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ETCETERA . . .

Sanctuary Flowers. Honor a special person in your life by purchasing a floral arrangement to decorate the sanctuary. Flower dedication sheets are located in the church lobby.

Message Audio, Podcast Available. Do you want to hear a message again or direct it to someone else's attention? Go to the TTUMC home page and click the Listen Now link (or go directly to ttumc.net/onlinemedia). You can choose to listen on your computer or you can download the message in MP3 format for your iPod or to burn a CD. Or click the new "Get the MessageCast" link to subscribe to the podcast and receive all messages automatically.

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TTUMC BLOGOSPHERE

Epic Conversations (epicconversations.com). Pastor Jerry wants to have a conversation of "epic" proportions with you. Visit the new blog regularly and find out what's jazzing Pastor Jerry about how TTUMC is connecting 21st century people with Jesus. Then continue the conversation by leaving a comment!

Observations of a Caffeinated Christian (pastorjay.wordpress.com). Insights straight from Pastor Jerry's keyboard to your brain (ok, so it goes to your web browser first). You can leave a comment on this blog as well.

Erica the Youth Director (blog.myspace.com/ericatheyouthdirector). Ummm ... guess who?

TTUMC Celebrates Recovery (ttumccelebratesrecovery.wordpress.com).Jasmine Rogers and the Celebrate Recovery Team

Partners on a Journey (partnersonajourney.wordpress.com). Lay Leader Shields Clark and Equipping Leader Martha Clark.

Effective Christlike Caring (effectivechristlikecaring.blogspot.com). Caring Ministry Team leader Joyce Price.

TTUMC Connects People (ttumcconnectspeople.wordpress.com). Equipping Team leaders Jasmine Rogers & Martha Clark.

TTUMC Prayer Warrior (ttumcprayerwarrior.wordpress.com). Prayer Team leader Jackie Diamond.

A Fan of the Man (www.afanoftheman.blogspot.com) and Church Library (ttumclibrary.blogspot.com). DJ Price, our church library coordinator, shares his story and news about the TTUMC library.

Clearly TTUMC (ClearlyTTUMC.wordpress.com). TTUMC's Communications ministry blog.

Our Mission: Building a Christ-centered community, risking whatever it takes to connect people with the love of Jesus.

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More Events . . .