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~ God’s Servant To Our Community ~
October 2014 BELL NEWSLETTER
Riverview First United Methodist Church
Inside This Issue:
Pastor Merritt’s Message
……………………………...Page 1
Welcome Friends; Prayer Tree;
Bible Study Classes
……………………………..Page 2
Restore News; Pastor Rick Phillips Article “Prayer-How, Where,
When, and Why?” and RUMC
Events…...……......………Page 3
I Was Thinking About: “ Article
By Dee Lindsey & “Another
Thought” By: Harmon Robinson
son …………………..……..Page 4
Greetings in The Mighty Name of Jesus Christ!
Over your fresh squeezed Florida Red Ruby Grapefruit Juice, delicious cup of Cold Milk,
Strawberry French Toast, with Strawberry Cream Cheese and Strawberry syrup, and your 3 Red Hot
Sausage Links, I rejoice fully and without reservation offer you the following for your kind consideration:
Faith is the belief that God is Real, and that God is Good - All The Time! We have troubles all
around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed,
so we do not give up…Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, (Tell me about it…) but our
spirit inside us is made New every day. We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us
gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles and persecutions. We set our eyes not on
what can be seen but on what we cannot see…(2 Corinthians 4: 8-9, 16-18).
Think about the following: The feet that walked on water had been pierced. The hands that
touched and healed real people had been stilled by being nailed to a cross. The body that did so much to
help others to see God was abused and tortured for my sins and yours. The head that was filled with
love, grace, and compassion was mistreated so horribly that He was no longer recognizable, even to His
closest followers.
The women came to place fragrant oils on a cold dead body and say a final farewell to the One
who had given heart - felt reason for their hopes and dreams. The women thought they were alone but
they were not. God’s angel had move the stone so that they could see Jesus had risen from the dead, just
as He said He would! Jesus’ broken body had become the perfect resurrected body!
And, God says you and I will have a New body, too!!
Can you imagine even just for a moment, what that will be like? My friends, if you have faith in Jesus
Christ as your Savior and Lord, then you will have this perfect, resurrected body that Paul describes for
us in 1 Corinthians 15: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is
raised a spiritual body.” And, “The perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable; and the mortal
with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with the
immortality, then the saying that is written will come true; “Death has been swallowed up in Victory!
Church Staff; Using Your Gifts
Where, O death, is your Victory? Where, O death is your sting?” The sting of death is sin and the powand Talents Here at Riverview
First United Methodist Church & er of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
News From The Florida UM
Foundation
…….………...……………...Page 5
Our Homebound
………………...…………...Page 6
UMC Fall Festival Information…………………….Pages 7
Birthday’s and Anniversaries
……………………………...Page 8
Beloved, Paul presents resurrection as a New Creation; and this restored bodily existence affirms and fulfills the original intent of God’s creation. Believers don’t have to wait until the future to
experience this Spirt - enabled life because living in faith and obedience to God through the Holy Spirit
is a wonderful foretaste of the complete experience that will come when all is restored later.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have hope, salvation, victory, and purpose. We can be
confident in faith and diligent in work for Him!
God Bless and Keep You All,
Pastor Merritt Waters
Page 2
It Takes All God’s People To Do God’s Work!
Won’t
You
Join
Us
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of
Riverview, RUMC for short.
We are a congregation with deep roots in Florida
history and United Methodism. Our church began in
1846 not far from where it is located, today. For 168
years our congregation has been worshipping God
and serving the Riverview community.
Our mission statement reads, “Making Disciples of
Jesus Christ for the Transformation of Riverview
and Beyond” That means we are focused on encouraging one another to serve Jesus Christ in personal and unique ways. At RUMC we have groups
and ministries for all ages:
Worship is the central and most important act of a
Christian. On Sunday mornings we offer three distinct worship services:
10:00 AM Worship Celebration
1st & 3rd Sunday’s: Traditional / Choir-led
For all those needing God’s Love and
healing. If you or a loved one needs
Prayer or comfort
RUMC BIBLE STUDY CLASSES
Join Us for our Bible Study Classes!
You may contact:
Bev Plett: 813-349-9000
Email: mplett@ix.netcom.com
-ORYou may call Riverview United Methodist
Church Office: 813.677.5995
Monday’s 11:30 - 1:00. Our Women’s
“Small Group” Bible study is beginning a
new series and we have room for you! Ladies, come and try this unique, facilitator
lead, format for digging into God’s word. A
study of 1 Peter, “Hope in Hurtful Times”,
Sunday School room #6, 11:30 am to 1:00.
2nd & 4th Sunday’s: Contemporary /Praise Band
5th Sunday’s: Youth Praise Team
Noon Hispanic Worship Service
*Children’s Church is offered @ Both Services
The Celebration of the Lord’s Supper is observed the First Sunday of each month.
There are classes for all ages, cradle to walker. In
addition to our Faith Groups, we have a women’s
Bible study group that meet every Monday, at 11:30
until 12:30 and on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Pastor’s
Bible Study Group on Wednesday evenings at 6:45
p.m. Our Hispanic Bible Study also meets at 6:45
p.m.
Prior to these groups we have “Wonderful
Wednesday's” fellowship supper, bring your favorite
dish and join in. Other groups include: The Youth
group, who also meet on Wednesday evenings at
6:45, We also have Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts;
United Methodist Women and United Methodist
Men; Riverview Ringers (bells); and a Chancel
Choir. Hispanic Worship Practice is on Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
We also have Restore Food Pantry and Thrift Shop,
which is an equal opportunity employer and is open
to the public: Mon., Tues., and Thurs., from 10:00
a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Non-perishable donations
are always welcome.
Pastor’s Bible Study on Wednesday
All Submitted Bulletin information (Bulletin night’s at 6:45 PM
information, must be Church related) and
must be in the Church Office No Later Than
Wednesday of each week.
The Bell Newsletter information must be in
the Church Office no later than the 15th of
each month.
“Journey” Bible study class/ discussion
group, invites you to attend! The class facilitator: Connie Mosley. Classes will meet in
Room #8 at 9:00.
Please email all Bulletin and Bell Newsletter
The Gleaners Class under the tutelage of
information to this email:
rvrviewumc@tampabay.rr.com
Follow Riverview First
United Methodist Church on the Church
Website:
www.riverviewflumc.org
Earl Lennard meet each Sunday in the
church library. Our current studies are
Tradition and Wisdom and how these
things apply to our daily living.
We use the Adult Bible Studies from the
Uniform Series International Bible Studies
for Christian Living.
There is a lot of discussion and finding every ones opinion on the given lesson and
sharing our thoughts with each other.
RESTORE
NEWS
Page 3
Restore is a USDA Food Pantry and “This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider”
Restore Is Open To The Public ; Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of each week at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER EVENTS
Prayer - How, Where,
When, and Why?
and as we are tempted and pursued by the
evil one.
It is very easy to just memorize the Lord’s
How does one pray to God? Just speak prayer and other prayers and phrases and
from the heart. Where? Wherever you are. then recite them from memory without realWhen? Anytime, day or night. And Why? ly thinking about the significance and the
Because God really does hear us, and
power of the words. Jesus warns not to
only He has the answers we seek. God will “heap up empty phrases” as we pray. So
answer prayer in many different ways.
say the words you know, let your feelings
show, God will understand you. Pray from
Sometimes He will lead us to where we where you are, there’s nowhere that’s too
can read the answers for ourselves if we
far, God is all around you.
are willing to open up our Bibles, and open
up our minds and hearts. There is much
He knows every heartache, He hears
written in God’s Holy word that teaches us every call. He will move any mountain, part
about praying and the immense power of any sea, until nothing stands between Our
prayer in our lives. In the Gospel of Mat- Father and His children. God already
thew, chapter 6, Jesus teaches the disci- knows what we are going through, even
ples how to pray.
before we think or speak, He knows what
is on our minds and in our hearts.
He tells them that God is not impressed or moved by eloquent words, and
Honest and earnest prayer to God is not
showy public displays. Jesus teaches them so much a way for us to enlighten God as
what we now call “The Lord’s Prayer”, as a to how we feel, it is more God’s way to
pattern to follow in speaking to God. And
enlighten us as to His existence and His
he tells them that even when they pray
unfailing love for us.
silently in secret, God hears them just the
same.
When we pray, and God provides an
answer, it fortifies our belief and our faith in
We can use the same pattern when
Our Father in Heaven. God has the anwe pray to Our Father in Heaven. It is pret- swers to our questions and our problems.
ty simple; first we call Him by name, and
He is just waiting for us to take the time to
praise Him for His holiness above all creat- humbly kneel down before Him, and open
ed things. Then we acknowledge His will
not just our mouths, but our minds and our
for our lives, and our willingness to seek it hearts, and ask for His help. So let us pray
and follow it.
without ceasing: Anyhow, anywhere, anytime, and for any reason. God is always
Next, we ask for His provision, just
listening.
enough to get through the day, and then
ask Him to forgive our sins, and promise to
forgive those who have wronged us. And Rick Phillips
then, we ask for His guidance and protection as we face the trials of this life,
Financial Peace University:
Continues thru November 11th, 6:45 8:15 PM. Child Care will be available.
Questions, Contact: Connie Mosley
813.766.7104
Union Service:
In observance of World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5th, RUMC will enjoy a Union
Service with our Hispanic Brother’s & Sister’s.
RUMC PUMPKIN PATCH
Coming Saturday, Oct.11th,
2014. Hours of Operation are from 3-8
PM on Weekdays, and 10-8 on Sundays.
This our main fundraiser for the Youth
Group, your help and support will be
greatly appreciated!
This Year’s Annual Conference:
Will be held in our Sanctuary on Tuesday,
Nov. 4th, at 6:45 PM. Retired Pastor, Rev.
J.C. Powell will serve as our presiding elder. Church Conference. Conference Reports are due in the RUMC Office: Oct.
7th, 2014.
RUMC Harvest Festival:
Saturday, November 15th, Between
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Invite your friends
and family!!
Church Council Meetings:
Our next Church Council Meeting will
be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 2014 at
7:00 PM in our Church Library.
Please be reminded that currently our
Church Council Meetings are held every
other month. Please make every effort
to attend and to participate in our
Church’s decision making process.
Page 4
I
Was
About:
Just
Thinking
Light
All was darkness and then God
brought Light. Most people give no
thought to those long ago days when all
was darkness if the moon didn’t shine.
Politics have taken our Lord out
of public acceptance. What are the
churches telling us? Who is speaking
out for our Lord? Are we just sitting by
and letting others take His name out of
public expression? Will we let them pretend our God never belonged in our heritage and founding? Are we all sleeping?
No, we who are true Christians speak out
for our Lord and God.
Today we have all kinds of ways to
make light. Few give any thought of
We know that the Light God
where it all came from. Spiritual people brought us is our own blessed Lord.
have deep feelings about all we have and Wake up, believers. Darkness is closing
from where it came.
in as we let the Light be frozen out.
Stand up for the Light of the world.
Christians know that God is in
Now.
charge of our earth and everything about
it. When we fail to appreciate what He
Our nation is dying for lack of pride
has given us, forget His commandments, in our heritage. Americans are workers
He may call this to our attention by unusu- who believe in God and helping our fellow
al changes in weather patterns. Prophets man. The Lord is calling us to follow Him
of old saw this as a warning.
and remember His commandments.
Only two but they are everything.
God first and our neighbors as ourselves.
Are we living this? Are your homes
filled with the true Light? Do you trust
God in all things? Do you really believe? THINK.
I’m old in body but filled with joy
having my Lord with me always. My
Father God blesses me daily with
strength to go on and witness to my
Lord’s love and salvation.
Hear me, dear friends and fellow believers. Hear my plea to feel
my Jesus in your heart. Love spreads
its warmth all through you when you turn
to Him with all your heart and soul.
God is with me. His Son
strengthens me. This joy is all yours too if
you will only come into the Light that
knows no darkness. May God be with
you. Blessings.
Dee Lindsey
Another thought……
Practice it quite a bit to get used to the idea. If they turn
you down, it's not the end of the world.
Do you feel a little timid about witnessing to someone
new? The best antidote is to memorize a few verses of scripture
to help you get more comfortable. The more verses you can
memorize will give you the confidence you need.
It should make an impression on the one you are trying
to witness to. It will lend credence to your words. The best way to
get into the habit is to do it with friends like, Hasn't God made
another wonderful day? That will break the ice and give you a
little confidence. Then you can try it on some that you would like
to win to Christ.
You might practice on your spouse or friend to see the
reaction you get. Once you get your butterflies to fly in formation
will give you a good start. Christianity is on the wane and needs
all the help we can give it. You've got to get over the notion
that you're coming on too strong. No one is going to persecute
you for greeting them with a kind word from the Bible.
You may get some strange looks, but you've opened the
door to get them to question you about your position.
Remember that Edison had to make several hundred
tries before he got the light to come on. Our church has stood the
test of time for over 168 years, but has been on the decline.
We are going to get help from the conference to show us
what needs to be done. Let's all get involved instead of the usual
ones. You are free to brow beat me if I'm wrong.
Your friend in Christ,
Harmon Robinson
Page 5
Foundation Board Names Interim President
LAKELAND, Fla. - The Florida United Methodist Foundation board of directors
has named Scott Davidson interim president.
Davidson will serve in that capacity while the board searches for a permanent president.
"Davidson has more than 22 years of experience and leadership in business and civil engineering,
combined with a lifelong commitment to the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church,"
said the Rev. Dennis Vlassis, chairman of the Foundation's board. "He will be an instrumental part of the team as the board and
staff carry on the work of the Foundation during this time of transition."
Davidson serves on the Florida Conference board of pension and health benefits, as treasurer of the East Central District and as a
member of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home board of directors. He is also chairman of ZOE Ministries, which
works with more than 22,000 children and youth in Africa and Central America orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and vice chairman of
Agua Viva Serves, a nonprofit water-well ministry based in Costa Rica.
From 2003 to 2005, Davidson was director of operations and ministries at First United Methodist Church in Winter Park, and in
2006 he served as interim president and CEO of the Children's Home. Most recently, he supervised the final design and construction of Madison Youth Ranch, the new north campus of the Children's Home.
Davidson earned graduate and undergraduate degrees in civil engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Rollins College in
Winter Park.
He is a former principal and vice president of Ardaman and Associates, a 350-person engineering consulting firm specializing in
geotechnical engineering.
Davidson also worked as a Peace Corps volunteer, serving as executive engineer in the public works department in Belize.
He is married to Ann Eppinger-Davidson. The family attends St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Orlando.
Foundation Board Names Interim President
LAKELAND, Fla. - The Florida United Methodist Foundation board of directors has named Scott Davidson interim president.
Davidson will serve in that capacity while the board searches for a permanent president.
"Davidson has more than 22 years of experience and leadership in business and civil engineering, combined with a lifelong commitment to the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church," said the Rev. Dennis Vlassis, chairman of the Foundation's
board. "He will be an instrumental part of the team as the board and staff carry on the work of the Foundation during this time of
transition."
Davidson serves on the Florida Conference board of pension and health benefits, as treasurer of the East Central District and as a
member of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home board of directors. He is also chairman of ZOE Ministries, which
works with more than 22,000 children and youth in Africa and Central America orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and vice chairman of
Agua Viva Serves, a nonprofit water-well ministry based in Costa Rica.
From 2003 to 2005, Davidson was director of operations and ministries at First United Methodist Church in Winter Park, and in
2006 he served as interim president and CEO of the Children's Home. Most recently, he supervised the final design and construction of Madison Youth Ranch, the new north campus of the Children's Home.
Davidson earned graduate and undergraduate degrees in civil engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Rollins College in
Winter Park.
He is a former principal and vice president of Ardaman and Associates, a 350-person engineering consulting firm specializing in
geotechnical engineering.
Davidson also worked as a Peace Corps volunteer, serving as executive engineer in the public works department in Belize.
He is married to Ann Eppinger-Davidson. The family attends St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Orlando.
Page 6
Church Staff
Senior Pastor
Rev. Merritt A. Waters
813.677.6739
merritt.waters@flumc.org
Hispanic Lay Pastor
Norma Encarnacion
813.389.3607
Norma.vega1@verizon.net
Administrative Assistant
Betty Pace
8002 US Hwy 301 So.
Riverview, FL 33578
Office: 813.677.5995
Fax: 813.671.3871
E-Mail: rvrviewumc@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.riverviewflumc.org
Pastor Rick Phillips
813. 677.1885 Home
maniacjunior@aol.com
R.U.S.H. (Youth Ministry)
Sunday School Superintendent
Dee Macchio
813.930.5199
dmacchio2@tampabay.rr.com
Children’s Ministry
Rolinda Smoak
813.453.0190
Music Director
Kim Floyd
813.677.7679
johmanda@tampabay.rr.com
Pianist / Accompanist
Danette Garcia
Softpiano2@gmail.com
813.671.1379
RUMC Nursery
Susan Bonner
813.671.3435
Restore Food Pantry & Thrift Store
Karen Moore
813.741.2222
Custodian
Joe Cornell
plainoljoe1957@yahoo.com
Please Remember Our Home
Bound!
Please take the time to send a card, make a
phone call, or better yet, make a visit! A little
thought goes a long way! Please
continue to keep the homebound and their caregivers in your
prayers!
Rudy Rattman
Brandon Health & Rehab. Center
Room # 123
How Can I Best Use My Gifts and Talents to Help Our Church
Family Grow?
We have the following opportunities for Ministry available:
Tellers / Counters - Sunday’s Only (After Church Service, see
Jetty Miller)
Wednesday Night Children’s Coordinators
Youth Leader Help
Communications Resources Coordinator
Scripture Readers for Sunday Morning Worship Service
People who would like to Offer Our Sunday Morning Worship
Service Prayer
Volunteers to help with Children’s Moments
Pressure Washers and Painters
Landscapers (See Dee Macchio or Pastor Merritt)
Sunday School and Nursery Room Cleaning
And Organization
Signage and a number of other things
Need to be replaced
Please contact Pastor Merritt or Gemma Armstrong
For ideas, guidance, and help.
Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated!!
Remember……This is YOUR Church!
Melanie Jones
813.643.9773
805 Centerwood Ct.
Brandon, FL 33511
Johnny Jones: 13220 Balm Boyette Rd.,
Riverview, FL 33578
813.689.7604
Mary Crichton: 10904 Hackney Dr., Riverview, FL
33578
Sandra Sprang: 12406 Tocci Ln., Riverview, FL
33579 813. 310. 4130
Lois Gorbe: 813. 672. 0374
Margaret McNeal
Shady Glen Assisted Living
451 East Orange St.
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Cell# 813.739. 9222 Office: 727.937.9405
Dusty Franz
Page 7
RIVERVIEW FIRST
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
2014 HARVEST FESTIVAL
We are gearing up for what may become an annual event here at RUMC. Our Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 10 AM until 5 PM, and will help fill the interlude between our Pumpkin Sales (held in October), and our Christmas Tree Lot (held between
Thanksgiving and mid-December).
The Harvest Festival will be a one-day only celebration that will consist of three events in one:
We are planning a vendor fair inside Crichton Hall. Commercial vendors, healthcare providers
and non-profits will have booths available offering products and services to our church
members and the greater Riverview community. We are offering tables in the hall for $30
for 6’ long tables and $35 for 8’ long tables.
We are offering outside booth space to crafts people at various locations on our church
grounds. Space for a 12’ by 12’ crafter tent area will rent for $25.
All proceeds from the Harvest Festival will go towards the work of United Methodist missions. There are vendor and crafter contracts available on the church website--at
www.riverviewflumc.org/harvestfestival.html
Booths and tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis as signed contracts
and rental fees are received. All submissions must be received by October 30, 2014.
We have set up a special email account just to service the Harvest Festival—which is:
rumcfallfestival@gmail.com
Contact the organizers if you want more information about renting table or booth space,
want to volunteer to help with the event, or even if you have suggestions about how to make the
event even better.
Page 8
* Please Note: If you do not see Your Birthday
Or Anniversary listed, please let us know, we may
not have you in our Church Office Database.
Also, please let us know if you need to Up-date your
personal information, which can include removing
old information Thank You,
Administrative Assistant
Debra Burt
Karen Stowe
Dorothy Thomas
Harmon Robinson
Jonathan Short-Nieves
Jeff Smith
Margaret Cooper
Betsey Short-Nieves
Alexis Councill
Liza Rodriquez
Christina Mousseau
Broderick Gorman
Diana Williams
Melville Findlay
Gary Alabaugh
Dan Bauer
Kenneth Bonner
David Burt
10/3
10/3
10/8
10/11
10/13
10/14
10/14
10/20
10/20
10/23
10/24
10/26
10/26
10/27
10/29
10/29
10/30
10/31
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Findlay
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Forshey
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Stowe
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Yost
Living The United
Methodist Way
Radical Hospitality
Passionate Worship
Intentional Discipline
Salty Service
Extravagant Generosity
Designer, & Publisher:
Betty Pace
10/4
10/12
10/13
10/20