In the Word

From the American Bible Society 2011 Reading Guide:
Rejoice in Hope
Click on a scripture to read it.

Memorial Day Observance - May 30

Let us pause for a moment to acknowledge those who gave their lives for the freedom that we enjoy.  We also pause to express our THANKS to those who are  serving in our armed forces today so that we may maintain this freedom. 

Preschool - 2011 Graduation

Fire Department Visit Preschool

Tampa Fire Department Visit

Last week the Tampa Fire Department visited our school. They came in their big red fire truck, with several firefighters. The preschoolers received a tour of the fire truck, inside and out. Afterwards the preschoolers learned about fire safety and received a fireman hat.

Thank you, for your service Engine #13.

See photos below

Missions Project - Church Garage/Yard Sale

The Garage/Yard Sale on Saturday was a big success.  We made $2400.00, all of which will go to our church's outreach in our community.  Decisions willl  be made by Mission Committee and you will be informed as they are.

The Youth and their food sale were a wonderful addition to the day and then again on Sunday morning.  They made  over $300 and are thankful for the continuing support they get as they seek to raise money for camp scholarships.

Thank you so much to each person who helped in any way.  Those who brought items for sale, who volunteered to help with organization and selling, to the men who moved the tables and loaded the truck with what didn't sell, those who made and put up signs and I could go on and on.  It truly was a church family project and we experienced, together, the joy of serving. 

I saw God's presence among us as I watched those who patiently and lovingly dealt with each issue that came up, flex to a need, and really exhibit the joy of the Lord.  We prayed that God would be seen in us and I believe He was.

Now, as the Mission Committee prays about and makes decisions about where we can use the money and be of most help, we hope you will also be praying about what way you might be able to participate in making Christ visible in our community.

 Phyllis Rabb

• View slideshow of additional pictures here

Florida United Methodist Children’s Home

Florida United Methodist Children's Home
www.allchildrenfirst.org

 Fifth Sunday Offering is May 29, 2011

Please continue to pray for the abused, neglected and abandoned children placed at the Children's Home and in our local foster homes here in Hillsborough County.  May is National Foster Care Month; therefore, please pray and thank God for these wonderful foster homes and families that provide much needed stability, love and support for these children.  Please remember that the fifth Sunday is allocated for a special offering for the Children’s Home.  Look for the special envelopes and insert in your bulletins this Sunday.  Our generous support and prayer are vital to the continued success of this amazing ministry.

Watch for information in future e-tidings to learn more about our local Open Hearts Family Services right here on our very own campus!  Open Hearts is our local foster care agency which is always looking for eligible and loving foster families to provide a safe home for a foster child.  If you are interested in inquiring now, please contact their office at 813.988.2969, located in the building directly across from the church's Administrative Offices.

God Bless and Thank You for your prayers.

Communications Update - May

Effective next month, June, we will be generating our newsletter on a monthly basis. To maintain ongoing communications with our members, we will provide weekly updates via an electronic weekly update, our church bulletin, the Narthex communication boards and external communication boards across the campus.  

Ministry leads, you are encouraged to provide submissions for the monthly reporting via the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) email queue, featuring key information about the ministries for which you have accountability. Please keep in mind that the objective is to share insights about our ministries depicting how we execute our mission for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Through our monthly electronic newsletter, your summation, along with featured pictures of your team’s events will help others connect to the life and mission of our church. Your message, witnessing to the saving power of Jesus Christ in our lives,  will be a witness to our church members, as well as those seeking a church.

Looking forward to partnering with you in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Nominations and Leadership Development (NLDT) Update

Volunteer Opportunities - there is a new link on TTUMC.org which will take you to a list of our ministry needs.  Take this opportunity to get involved at TTUMC by returning your completed Volunteer Form that was distributed last Sunday to the "Get Connected" box at the Connection Center.   Keep checking the website as the list will be updated as our Ministry needs change.  
Nominations and Leadership Development Team

Church Workday - June 4

Sign up in the courtyard this Sunday, May 29 to participate in the upcoming church workday.  Stop by and see the Trustees for additional information.  We need your support in maintaining our beautiful campus. 

Children and Youth News

Summer Camp & Mission Trip Fundraiser was a HUGE Success!

Thank you to all who donated baked goods and purchased items from our Rummage Sale Concession Stand and Bake Sale this past Saturday and Sunday.  We raised enough funds to pay the $380 tuition for one camper in full.  We have (20) children and youth attending the UM Summer Camp and (7) adults going as Volunteer Leaders from TTUMC.   We also will be going to the Florida UM Children’s Home in August for our Summer Mission Trip.  Again, thank you for your prayers and support of our Children & Youth.

Upcoming VBS Meetings & Covered Dish Lunch – Sunday, June 5th

ALL Youth and Adults interested in volunteering with our VBS – “Shake It Up Café” MUST ATTEND this exciting workshop and luncheon.  We will meet in the Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for a time of FRIENDS, FOOD, and FUN.  We will discover more about the “Shake It Up Café” theme, each days Bible Point, Craft, Songs, etc.  You will get to meet VBS Team Leaders and sign-up for a specific jobs during VBS.  For Lunch, we are asking everyone to bring 1-2 covered dishes to share.  We will supply the meat, beverages, and paper goods.  Please make certain to RSVP no later than Friday, June 3^rd to Missy at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)so that we can make sure to save you a seat.

VBS Team Leaders- immediately following our large group volunteer meeting, we will gather for a final VBS workshop to make sure we have all area plans, supply needs, volunteers assigned, etc.  We should expect to finish by 4pm.  Please ensure you and/or your co-chair can attend this meeting.  Also, send Missy a confirmation email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)indicating your attendance.

Summer Tutoring Needs for Children & Youth

The need for summer tutoring has been brought to our attention for several of our Children and Youth within our congregation and community.  We are looking for a team of six or more volunteers to gather to vision, plan, and launch this ministry this summer.  If you feel God has called you to serve your Church and community in this way, please contact Missy Watson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  We already have several families eagerly awaiting this outreach.  Let’s get excited and help a student realize God created them with a purpose to discover and learn more about all that He has created in them and His world.

Wednesday fellowship dinner

****Wednesday Night Dinner Resumes***

August 31st  menu: Sliced beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls, dessert, iced tea and lemonade.

Cost: $5

Hot dog meal: $3

Set up your standing reservations

Mark a connection card or sign up via our Web site.

Save the Date: September 10 - Church Picnic

Save the date for a church picnic that will be held at Boggy Bottom on September 10th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  More details will follow shortly.

Attendance

The attendance for May 22 was 314 people.

Prayer ministry