Page 8 VISION

450 Lee Avenue

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

SATELLITE BEACH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

More Information about SBUMC

Office Hours: 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Mon.– Thurs. 8:30 - Noon Friday Office Phone: (321) 777-0116 Fax: (321) 777-6772

Web site: www.sbumc.net Sunday Worship Services:

9:00 am - Contemporary 11:00 am - Traditional

Sunday School for all ages: 9:45 am 10:10 am

STEPHEN MINISTRY makes Satellite Beach United Methodist Church

a more caring place.

Our Church Staff Harry Holloman Senior Pastor harryh@sbumc.net Kyle Henderson Office Administrator kyleh@sbumc.net Georgia Garrett Senior Ministry georgiag@sbumc.net Shawna Brkich Children & Youth Director shawnab@sbumc.net Sharon Maslin Choral Director choruslady1@gmail.com Christopher Powers Worship Band Director musicianman4god@gmail.com Susan Siemer Preschool susans@sbumc.net Shirley Huffman Treasurer shirleyh@sbumc.net Charlotte Reinhart Accompanist charlottereinhart@yahoo.com Rick Armstrong Maintenance rickathedj@aol.com

The VISION NEWSLETTER DEADLINES December 16 is the deadline for January 2020

January 17 is the deadline for February

February 19 is the deadline for March

Vis ion

on

Satellite Beach United Methodist Church

Where there is no Vision, the people perish.

-Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no Vision, the people perish.

Proverbs 29:18

December is a time where life seems to get busy. I

am writing this midway through November, but

already the calendar is filling up for December with

parties, gatherings and celebrations. This craziness

is why Marilyn and I have decided not to have an

open house in December, but wait until Sunday,

January 5th

, which is the 12th

day of Christmas. That

is the day before Epiphany, which is the day we

celebrate the wise men who came to see Jesus and

deliver their gifts.

Christmas is a wonderful time. It is a time we need

to reflect more on the meaning of Christmas and less

on the craziness. Although it was into a crazy world

that Christ was born. It was because of the craziness

of our lives that Christ came. Our world is still crazy.

We are living in strange times. People are more and

more believing whatever they want about God and

being content with that belief. But we must

remember that Christ came for one purpose and one

purpose only, to die in our place in order to reconcile

us back to God. It was reconciliation that is at the

heart of Christ coming to earth.

I fear we are losing sight of what it means to be

reconciled, not only to God, but to one another. This

is where Grace comes in. Grace is instrumental to

reconciliation. Grace says I know you are not

perfect, but my love for you is bigger than your

imperfection. This is what God said to the world

when he sent His Son to be born.

As I read the news, I am seeing a society that cares

less and less about grace and more about saying,

“What I believe is right and you are wrong if you

disagree.” We live in a society that seeks to destroy

people for wrongs they committed years ago which

people did not see as wrong at the time. When Jesus

died, he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know

not what they are doing.” Many of the actions in our

lives were simply that we did not know what we were

doing—the harm we were causing, the help we were

not giving, and the love that was put in the wrong

places. For any of us to say we have lived perfect

lives would be a lie. This lack of grace is making us

intolerant people instead of loving people, willing to

help one another rather than put down one another.

Christ came to flip this problem to take us from

selfish, intolerant people to helpful, loving people.

Christ came to transform our very lives.

This grace is what we need to contemplate more this

Christmas season. When we give of ourselves to one

another and to strangers, we are demonstrating

grace. God’s grace is what makes us perfect and

allows us to live life to the fullest. As you celebrate

this season, be filled with God’s grace.

Blessing and Peace, Pastor Harry

Vision

Holiday Schedule

Sunday, Dec. 1: Giving Tree Tags Hanging of the Green Alternative Christmas Market Tuesday, Dec. 3 Young At Heart Luncheon Sunday, Dec. 8: Alternative Christmas Market Christmas Cantata both services Friday, Dec. 13 Live Nativity Saturday, Dec. 14 Live Nativity Sunday, Dec. 15: Preschoolers Sing Preschool Cookie Walk Return Giving Tree Gifts Saturday, Dec. 21 Breakfast with Santa Tuesday, Dec. 24 5:00 PM Candlelight Service 7:00 PM Candlelight Service Wednesday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Dec. 26 to Jan 2 Office Closed

Pastor Harry’s

Christmas

Message

December

Page 2 VISION December 2019

Month-to Date

Year to Date

Budget Required Budget Received Variance

$ 50,472.34 $ 43,634.24 ($ 6,838.10)

$ 493,326.42 $ 451,390.33 ($ 41,936.09)

Extra Mile Giving - Missions

Miscellaneous Missions $ 355.00 UMCOR $ 5.00

Children’s Home Good Samaritan

$ 545.00 $ 190.00

Croatia Mission Thailand Mission Cuba Missionaries Cuba General Fund

$ 100.00 $ 150.00 $ 709.00

$ 35.00

Total Missions

$ 2,089.00

Fellowship & Family Life Ctr. $ 8,241.67

Capital Improvements TOTAL

$ 85.00

$ 10,415.67

A Look

At Our Faithfulness

October 2019

Please remember to pray for the needs in our church body and community. In our weekly worship bulletin, you will find recently occurring prayer concerns.

The following prayer concerns are an ongoing basis:

Men and women of our armed forces: *Rob Bird, Ben Brown, Jennifer & Dylan Chamberlen, *Chuck Fischer, James E. Harris IV, *Zach Heim, *Bill Intille, Matthew Joubert, Tim Joubert, Sean Keane, Craig Lambert, Vance Lambert, Patrick Miller, Jeff Peppers, Justin Peppers, Andrew Peppers, Jason Snedeker, Mike Taylor, Connor Whitson. Missionaries: John & Lynn Lehn, Croatia, Kathy Harris, Moscow; Jim, Kathy, Stephen & Hillary Mehl, Salvador; and Pastor Alexis, Mir Iglesia Metodista, Cuba. All storm and natural disaster victims throughout the world.

Prayers of Concern: Holly Aaron, Georlene Armitage, Sydney Arnold, *Charlotte Attride, *Bernhart family, Connie Biscoe, Will Brewer, *Michael Capozzi, Mike Dunne, *Jack Fields, *Stephanie Garrett, Edgar & Sharon Gerhardt, *Charlie Heim, *Emery Jones, Ann Lachle, *Jerryan McClure, Jim McGhan, *Joyce Marks, *Mark Maslin, Sharon Meaders, Sarah Miller, *Ruth Miles, Philip Mitchell, Marty Peischel, *Shirley Pollak, Joan Powell, *Bailey Powers, *Linda & Ravi Shah, *Ruth Singletary, Al & Patty Smith, *Velma Smith, Erin Sullivan, *Molly Sutherland, *Jim Tate, *Ann Taylor, Donna Taylor, August Terry, *Cody Thomas, Darlene Thomas, William Thomas, Jr., *Ginger Thoms, Linda Tippins, *Mary Lou Tutt, Albert Whitsell

Long Term Care: Life Care Center, Palm Bay - Donna Maxwell; Discovery Village - Nancy Conover, Anna Grames, Victoria Landing - Doris Tantum; Zon Beachside - Joe Cocchiarella, James Fayed, Maddy Klasen, Mary Lueck, Ginger Thoms *denotes church family

Sympathies of the

congregation are

extended to

Ruth Singletary and

family on the death of

her husband, Nolan

on November 16, 2019.

Honoring Our Fallen Warriors

There will be two wreath-placing ceremonies on December 14, 2019 to honor our fallen warriors, where each headstone will receive a Christmas wreath and a short service. One ceremony will be at J.N. Tucker Memorial Cemetery, 2665 N. Harbour City Blvd, from 9:00-10:00 AM and one ceremony will be held at J.S. Stone Memorial Cemetery, 701 Church Street, from 12:00-1:00 PM. A similar ceremony will be held in Washington, DC. A $15.00 donation will buy a wreath, but any donation will be welcome. Please call Bruce Rothschild at 321-514-9874 to do-nate a wreath.

You may purchase a poinsettia or make a contribution to the Good Samaritan Fund in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one for Christmas Eve. You may take it home after the 7:00 PM service. Please attach a check in the amount of $10.00 for each poinsettia. Last day to order is December 15 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Given in Memory of ____________________________________________________________________________

Given in Honor of______________________________________________________________________________

Given by _____________________________________________________________________________________

I would like to purchase a poinsettia_______OR donate to the fund_______

Page 7 VISION December 2019

Preschool Cookie Walk is Sunday, December 15 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM In Fellowship

Hall You may purchase a container from $5.00 to $15.00, and fill it with homemade cookies for the holiday season. You may also give a donation for the cookies we give to Patrick AFB. Preschoolers are singing at both services on December 15.

We still have spots for three-year olds and four-year olds (VPK). Check out our web page at www.sbumc.net/preschool . Susan Siemer, Preschool Director Phone 321-777-0116, X223 License #C18BRO153

DINING OUT IN DECEMBER by Lil Moore

Emerson Krause, owner and chef, invites us to patronize BANANA RIVER CAFÉ during the month of December. He will give our church 10% of our receipts when we remember to write SBUMC on the top and bottom of our bill. BANANA RIVER CAFÉ is located on S. Patrick Drive, just south of SBUMC in the Lori Lane strip mall. Their hours are: 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM seven days a week. Their selections vary every day. They have delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, wraps and quiche. Their breakfast menu is extensive and creative, especially the omelets and their famous chocolate chip pancakes, just to name a few. Your dedicated support of our Dining Out Program is contributing a lot towards the refurbishment of our Fellowship Hall, just like you did for our “state of the art” kitchen.

A reminder that NORTH BY SOUTH BISTRO, north of us on A1A, is also donating 10% to SBUMC every time we dine with them. Again, please remember to tell your server and write SBUMC on your bill. Bon Appetit. . . everyone!!

Preschool Teachers on Halloween Ms. Sharpe’s Younger 2’s Class Mrs. Underwood’s 3-year Old Class

Mrs. Locke’s 4-year Old Class Mrs. Smith’s 3-year Old Class “Trunk or Treat” Line Dancing

Banana River Cafe

Page 6 Page 6 VISION December 2019

FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME

Maria’s Story Before I came to the Children’s Home, it seemed I was always angry. I felt alone,

and truly believed that no one wanted me. I would often start fights with people, either verbally or even physically for no reason at all. I even fought people who just looked at me wrong. Because I didn’t feel wanted, I would run away a lot. This usually ended up getting me into trouble with the law. Because I was a frequent runaway, there were many times I went hungry. I didn’t have money to wash my clothes, so I would steal clothes from others. I also had diabe-tes, and was not getting treatment. This landed me in the hospital a lot. Since my mom and dad were fighting a lot, I was not treated like part of the family, and had to take care of myself. I was working two jobs and going to school. Then I came to the Children’s Home. At first I was nervous. When I met my house parents, I thought they were sweet and welcoming, and maybe a little goofy. But they made me feel like I finally had a real family. They actually care about me, about my education and about my health. I began to feel like a normal kid for the first time in my life.

Today I’m a good student. I feel loved and wanted. I no longer have those feelings of anger and fear, because I feel safe. Part of that feeling is because I know my house parents won’t leave me. They love me just as I am!

UMCOR Alternative Christmas Market

Between services on December 1 and 8, there will be a table in the lobby where you can participate in the

Alternative Christmas Market. UMCOR has a Gifts of Hope catalog describing several of the areas where

they provide assistance throughout the world. You can make a donation of ANY amount to these projects

in someone’s name and we will provide a Christmas card which can be presented to that person telling of

the gift made in their honor. As you know with UMCOR the full amount of the gift goes to the project.

There are so many of our friends and family members that are hard to shop for because they are already

blessed with so much in their lives. One of these gifts makes a difference in the life of someone who is not

so fortunate and lets the honoree know that they are remembered and loved. It can also teach a child who

is so honored that receiving one more toy is not all that Christmas means. Consider shopping our Alterna-

tive Christmas Market to spread the spirit of Christ at Christmas.

Ann Montgomery

FOCUS ON CUBA

It has been a stressful month in relationship to Cuba Policy. The US State Department changed it's regula-

tions that previously allowed commercial flights into 10 different airports in Cuba. All commercial flights

must now go only thru Havanna. We have been working on a trip to visit Mir and had even purchased tick-

ets to fly into Holguin in January before the policy change. Thankfully JetBlue refunded our tickets, but the

next dilemma was to find another way to Mir. Havana is way over on the West side of the island and Mir on

the East. The transportation from one side of Cuba to the other is a 12 hour long bus ride - and we have

seen Cuba's roads as well as what is considered reliable transportation there. I had my concerns to say the

least. What seemed an impossible insurmountable obstacle God has easily worked around! Charter flights

had previously been $500 plus per ticket...compared to the $209 for commercial tickets. However, ABC

Travel has offered a charter flight (not restricted by the new regulations) for $229 per person. God has pro-

vided a way for our 2020 trip! Five members of my family and Gail Anderson will be traveling to meet our

new pastor and fellowship with our Cuban brothers and sisters in Mir from January 7th to January 14th,

2020. That brings me to my Christmas Wish List!

There are so many needs at Christmas time and our church helps out so many of them, but if your heart

brings Cuba to your mind during this season of love and giving, there are things to take that you can pro-

vide for just a few dollars. The most important of these are Multi Vitamins, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Ant-

acid medicines, Allergy medicines, Vitamin E oil, Bandaids, Hydrocortisone Cream, Triple Antibiotic Cream,

Anti-Fungal cream, Anti-Diahrrea medicine, Pepto Bismol, Aspirin, Nasal Spray, tooth brushes, tooth paste,

soap, deodorant, and children medicines. Also new or gently used shoes and clothes of all sizes for Men/

Boys and Women/Girls. Shoes are particularly needed as they only have access to expensive ones of poor

quality. Thanks in advance for filling our suitcases to take these blessings with us! We will also have to pay

more for our luggage this year, so donations of money to the Cuba General account would be very much

appreciated! I wish you could see when all of these things are carried down there and the distribution to the

church people happens. The church creates a "store with no price tags" where items have "no cost" and the

church people come and shop for the things they need! It's an awesome sight!

Stacy Jones

Georgia Garrett

Beyond 50 Ministries - ReFired Servants

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

YOUNG AT HEART LUNCHEON

DECEMBER 3, 2018

This is our 52nd season of the Young At Heart Luncheons here at SBUMC. The program will be a Christmas con-cert by DeLaura Middle School Chamber Orchestra, un-der the direction of Al Dodd. We will be collecting a do-nation of $5.00 for children at The Haven for their Christ-mas stockings. If you would like to be on the permanent reservation list, please call Georgia Garrett. The lunch-eon cost is $8.00, payable at the door. If you would like to join our kitchen staff or the decorating team, please let me know. I also need someone to do the devotional.

COCOA VILLAGE PLAYHOUSE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” After WWII, two veterans follow two singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs. There are only 20 tickets available, so please sign the sheet in the office by November 25 if you would like to attend. We meet in the parking lot at 12:30 PM and leave at 12:45 PM. We have a Dutch Treat supper after the show, returning approximately 7:30 PM.

JANUARY 26-29, 2020

Len Wilson is a storyteller and strategist of creativity in church life. Len will lead you through a process to de-velop your own strategy of creativity in ministry. He is the author of Think Like a Five Year Old. The price range for lodging, meals and taxes range about $300 per person for a double. If you would like to attend, please call the church office as soon as possible. ORGANIZATIONS SENIOR MINISTRY SUPPORT

Humane Society We gave 12 bags of cat food, 5 bags of litter, and 6 bags of treats. We gave 8 bags of dog food, and 4 containers of dog biscuits.

“We love him because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Georgia Garrett, Director, Senior Ministry

December 2019 VISION Page 3

December 3 Raymonda Luginbuhl 5 Barbara Stasko 8 Shirley Aitken 11 June Brittingham 14 Bob Peterson 17 Georgia Garrett 18 Jean Tate 21 Mary Small 25 Celebration of Jesus’ birth 26 Frank Armitage 29 Iris Moen 30 Donna Maxwell 31 Kay Aiken

920th Rescue Squad

I want to personally thank the Pastoral Care Team and Senior Ministry for sending seven boxes to 50 Patrick AFB Rescue Squad personnel stationed in Iraq for Christmas. The packages included personal items, snacks, dried foods and hand-made Christmas tree ornaments. It is my understanding that those stationed in Iraq will have a Christmas tree. I suggested to their relatives that they ask them to take a picture of their Christmas tree once it has been decorated. “I want to show God’s kindness to them.” 2 Samuel 9:3

VISION December 2019 Page 4

BELL CHOIR NEWS

We will resume practice January 15th at 5:30 PM. If you are interested in joining the bell choir, please get in touch with me no later than January 1st. We can also use some substitutes that read music and could help out on an occasional basis. At times, we need someone to ring a position for an absent ringer just for one or two practices.

Our ringers are making great strides and as we tackle tougher music, we need to rehearse with all bells being played. If you can help us out in that way, we'd love to have you. This is a fun group and I promise,

an hour with us goes by FAST! To all of you who have been enthusiastic and supportive of our bell music, THANK YOU for your kind words!

Marilyn Holloman 321-616-4384

MUSIC

"Darkness Into Light," a Christmas Musical Journey by Mary McDonald is our 2019 cantata. It will be presented Sunday, December 8 at both the 9:00 and 11:00 AM worship services. Childcare will be provided and the presentation is free.

Jesus came into the world to bring life and light to all mankind. This remarkable story is powerfully conveyed through beloved carols, expressive new melodies and scripture-based narrative.

Invite your friends, family, neighbors, business associates —anyone you know who needs to hear the truth that God sent His Son to offer us hope, peace, joy, love and LIGHT! Postcards are available at both entrances to hand out. Personal invitations can go a long way.

I can't wait to see you at the cantata!

Sharon Maslin, Choir Director

Holiday Reception at the Parsonage

Marilyn and I have decided not to have our holiday event in December, but wait until the 12th day of Christmas, which is Sunday, January 5th. That is the day before Epiphany, which is the day we celebrate the wise men who came to see Jesus and deliver their gifts. It will be held

from 2:00-4:00 PM. Please stop by and visit with friends and celebrate the New Year.

Did you know that when you shop for the holidays at smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1100835, AmazonSmile do-

nates to Satellite Beach United Methodist Church?

As of November 20th, we have 54 shoppers who have desig-nated Satellite Beach United Methodist Church as their Ama-zon Smile charity resulting in over $100 in 8 months. We get 0.5% of all Amazon Smile eligible purchases made once you have designated us as your charity. Our numbers are growing but imagine how much we could receive if everyone signed up and did their Christmas shopping on smile.amazon.com!!

Shirley Huffman, Treasurer

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

Requests for Christmas gifts from our community families are on the Giving Tree in the lobby. Please wrap and return them no later than December 15.

Be sure to place the tag on the gift. Monetary gifts are always welcome. Thank you for your support of this sharing opportunity.

VISION Page 5 December 2019

Shawna Brkich, Children & Youth Director Shawnab@sbumc.net (321-423-5937)

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “For unto you is born this day in he city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11(KJV) LIVE NATIVITY On December 13th and 14th, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM we will be having a Living Nativity to celebrate the birth of our Sav-iour, and to share with the community around us the real reason for the season. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA On Saturday, December 21st, we will be hosting Breakfast with Santa in the Fellowship Hall. This is a free event, but RSVP is required because we are opening it up to the public and preparing to feed approximately 75 children. Kids can come have breakfast with Mr. Claus, get their photo taken, and put together a Christmas craft as festive music plays in the background to fill them with the holiday spirit.

YOUTH MINISTRY SBUMC TEENS For the entire month of December, I challenge you all to do at least one random act of kindness each day. The possi-bilities are endless, so go spread the love of Jesus with the world around you. Hopefully this will become habit-forming and carry into the new year. :) Here are a few ideas: hold the door for a stranger, buy another student’s lunch, send a song of your favorite Christian artist to someone, roll a neighbor’s trashcan back to their house after the trash runs, go out of your way to compliment a person you really admire, but that might not know, etc. PARENTS AND TEENS To kick off Winter Vacation, the youth group will be going to Disney on Sunday, December 22nd. We will need to leave from church by 3:30 PM, and we will be driving back in the wee hours of the morning (technically Monday). SBUMC Youth Group are going on a Winter Retreat to Lake Junaluska in North Carolina! We will be leaving on Sunday, December 29th at 6:00 AM and are expected to arrive back home on January 2nd at some point. This is go-ing to be such an enriching few days, and I can’t think of a better way for our teens to ring in the New Year!

Student Ministry

The Preschool Cookie Walk is Sunday, December 15, starting at 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall to buy a container and fill it up with cookies of your choice. The money collected will go toward a Preschool project. You may also make a donation for the cookies we send to Patrick AFB. Please be sure to stop in to the New Fellowship Hall and enjoy the rewards.

WOMEN OF WORTH SISTERHOOD GATHERING

On November 5 at 6:00 PM 49 ladies attended the second annual Pre-Holiday

Sisterhood Gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Each table was decorated differ-

ently using Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years decorations. Chef Tony

Sinnes prepared marsala chicken and rice pilaf to go with salad, green beans

dinner rolls and butter. We had a delicious marble cake decorated with the

three holidays we were celebrating. Our Secret Sisters were revealed and we

picked our new Secret Sisters for next year. As usual, we had a fun ice

breaker. A good time was had by all.

We will not have Sisterhood gatherings in December and January. We will resume

in February. Watch upcoming bulletins and newsletters for the date and time.

We can always use additional helping hands. If this is something you can help with, please let me know.

We’ve lost a few ladies on the planning committee and could use extra hands.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Kyle Henderson

Sisterhood Gathering cake