1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

WORSHIP
Sunday, November 23, 2014
ETERNAL GOD, you set Jesus Christ to rule
over all things, and made us servants in your
kingdom. By your Spirit empower us to love
the unloved, and to minister to all in need.
Then at the last bring us to your eternal realm
where we may worship and adore you and be
welcomed into your everlasting joy. Through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Church of the Pa ms
a community of faith . . . a way of life
3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 • Ph (941) 924-1323
Fax (941) 923-9594 • www.churchofthepalms.org
Prayer line (941) 924-9979
welcome to
w rship
Church of the Palms
Our mission and deep commitment is:
“Equipping Disciples for the Service of Christ.”
We are a community of faith dedicated to a way of life contained in our name:
P.A .L .M . S
P raising God in Worship
A ligning ourselves with Christ
L oving one another in Community
M inistering generously with our Time, Talent & Treasure
S haring our story and The Story
Our Pastors, staff and Session invite you to share not only in our worship, but also
in the exciting opportunities that Church of the Palms offers to learn, serve and
grow in your faith. So whether you are a first time visitor, member, affiliate member
or frequently attend . . .
. . . we are glad you are here!
In Memoriam
We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Betty Kelly, who passed away on
November 12; to the family of Herb Burgett, who passed away on November 16; to the
family of Wanda Mangum, who passed away on November 17 (memorial service on
November 24 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel); and to the family of Lura Virginia Lee, who
passed away recently.
Baptism
This morning, we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at the 9:00 a.m. worship service
for Liam Morgan Danna, son of William and Gretchen Danna and grandson of Joe and
Betty Ann Danna.
Sanctuary Flowers
The flowers in the Sanctuary today and on the Baptismal font are given to the glory of
God and in honor of Liam Morgan Danna, by the Danna family; in loving memory of
Earl N. Hollis, given by his family; and in loving memory of Helen & Bob Swisk.
8:00 a.m. Chapel Communion Service
Please sign the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
Prelude
*Call to Worship
*Hymn #559
Opening Prayer
Psalm 139
Offering
Scripture
Sermon
Communion
Prayer
*Hymn #555
*Benediction
Postlude
“We Gather Together”
Jeremiah 1: 4-10 (Pew Bible Pg. 698)
What I Didn’t Learn In Biology Class
“Now Thank We All Our God”
SANCTUARY WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Senior Pastor
Executive Pastor
Congregational Care Pastor
Visitation Pastor
Family Ministry Director
Equipping Ministry Director
Director of Music Ministry
Organist / Pianist
Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
Dr. Bruce Hedgepeth
Dr. Lal Hmingliani Browne
Dr. Alan Rodda
Laurie Haas
Carolyn Wilson
Genevieve Beauchamp
Dr. Jonathan Spivey
Church Copyright License for all Music #706640 • Church Copyright License for all Video #503843606
NOVEMBER USHERS
9:00 a.m. - Joan Agnacian, Judy Armitage, Barry Buchanan, Pat Curry, Judy
Falkenthal, Genie Hindall, Margo Krusing, Penny Mathews, Paul Nielsen, Andrea
Reynolds, Sandra Schene, Sandy Snyder and Chuck Volkert. Captain: Glynn
Armitage.
11:00 a.m. - Ruth Baker, Jerry Cline, Jean Demeritt, Jackie Garn, Bob Harris, Len
& Carole Higley, Ben Morgan, Peg Pentz, Eleanor Smith, Peg Tonn and Bob Van
Bergen. Co-captains: Steve Black and Carol Spangle.
Hearing Loop System in the Sanctuary
Switch Hearing Aids to T-Coil (telephone setting)
Sanctuary Worship Aids: Large-print copies of the Order of Worship and
hearing devices are available. Packets containing children’s worship activities are
available in the Sanctuary and Campus Center. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Sermon Text: Printed copies of previous sermons are available in the Narthex
of the Sanctuary, Campus Center, the Administration Building and on the church
website.
Televised 9:00 a.m. Worship Service - Every Sunday, Comcast Cable Channel
189. Live streaming of the service is available on our website, www.churchofthepalms.
org and may be replayed Sunday afternoon. All services are archived online. DVD
copies may be purchased through the church office.
The Garden @ CHURCH OF THE PALMS
Join us at 9:00 a.m. in the Campus Center for our Modern Worship service.
THE GARDEN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TODAY
Pastors:
Joe Davis (mobilepreacher@gmail.com)
Bruce Hedgepeth (bhedgepeth@churchofthepalms.org)
Technical Director: Mike Bassett (mbass66@verizon.net)
Worship Leader: Megan Mooney (megmooney@hotmail.com)
Need Someone To Talk To?
In times of trouble, we turn to caring Christian friends to listen to us while we work
through our feelings. A Stephen Minister can become such a friend. If you or someone
you know could benefit from the trained, caring presence and listening ear of a Stephen
Minister, please call our Congregational Care Pastor, Dr. Hmingi Browne at 924-1323.
a celebration of
w rship
9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. • Sanctuary
Christ the King Sunday
• we gather •
Prayer of invocation
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
PRELUDE
Joe Danna
Andrea Reynolds
“A Child of the King”
arr. Faye Lopez
*Call to worship
*Hymn #559
*Call to Confession
“We Gather Together”
• we confess •
*Prayer of Confession (together)
Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all.
We confess that we have not bowed before him, and are slow to
acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world
and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive
us. Raise us to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be loyal
ambassadors, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
*Declaration of Pardon
Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel.
People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*Congregational response (together)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
*Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed (together)
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on
the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy
catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
4
Church of the Palms
• we share •
RESPONSE
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of God’s grace!
Life at Church of the Palms
Please sign and pass the red covered friendship pad at the end of the pew.
minute for mission - food pantry
Linda Lehmen
“Now Thank We All Our God”
Healey Willan
Chancel Choir
Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mother’s arms hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
music MEDITATION
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever-joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills in this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns with them in highest heaven,
The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
pastoral prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine
is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” arr. Linda McKechnie
Jubilee Handbell Choir
offertory
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
• we PROCLAIM •
Celebrating the sacrament of baptism - Liam Morgan danna (9:00 a.m.)
Children’s MomenT (9:00 a.m.)
*Hymn #554
Laurie Haas
“Let All Things Now Living”
Scripture LESSON
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 139:1-18 (Pew Bible Pgs. 698; 489)
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord!
People: Thanks be to God!
SERMON
“What I Didn’t Learn In Biology Class” Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
www.churchofthepalms.org
5
• we GO •
*Hymn #455
*Benediction
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
*Benediction Response
Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way;
With thee began, with thee shall end the day.
Guard thou the lips from sin, the heart from shame,
That in this house have called upon thy name.
postlude
“Come Ye Thankful People, Come”
arr. Joel Raney
*Congregation, please stand if able
Food Pantry Offering
Today we will be receiving our annual special offering to support the Food Pantry.
There are special Food Pantry Offering envelopes for your use in the pew racks this
Sunday. You can give knowing that 100% of your gift goes to helping feed people
in need in our community as the food is packed and distributed by volunteers from
our congregation. Once again this year, for the seventh consecutive year, we have
served over 20,000 of our neighbors in need through your generous giving to the
Food Pantry. Because of what you give in this special offering, we look forward to
continuing this important ministry next year. In this season of Thanksgiving, we
give thanks for your support of the Food Pantry.
STEWARDSHIP
Traditionally at this time of year, Church of the Palms has
conducted an annual stewardship campaign.
As the
Generosity Team requested, the Session has approved
moving the 2015 Stewardship Campaign to the winter
quarter. This will allow us to reach more people with the
story of generosity. For those who would like to pledge now,
you may do so in one of two ways; you may use the website
http://www.churchofthepalms.org/pledge.html or use a
2015 pledge card now available in the back of the Sanctuary
or in the church office. We encourage you to consider
increasing your pledge for 2015.
Want to Know Your Year-to-Date Giving?
Did you know you have 24-7 access to your year-to-date contributions? Go to
www.churchofthepalms.org and click on the “Give Online” tab at the top of the
page. Login in and click on the Contribution History tab and voila! Your yearto-date contribution history appears! Don’t have a login? Click on Register and
follow the instructions. If you have any questions please contact Cathie Silbaugh,
924-1323 ext. 205.
6
Church of the Palms
new
member
class
December 14 • Chapel Reception Room
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. New Members Part 1 - COP Orientation: If you are
ready to make a deeper commitment to the Church of the Palms family of faith or
would just like to explore what that means, then this is the class for you! Just here
seasonally? Come learn about our affiliate membership.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. New Members Part 2 - Join The Community: If
you have made the decision to join our community of faith, this is your opportunity
to be received into membership. The only prerequisite is to have attended a New
Member Orientation. No need to sign up for either New Members Part 1 or 2...just come
to the Chapel Reception Room!
Call to Prayer
Sundays, 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Chapel Reception Room
Join us every Sunday before the services as
we pray for our pastors and the morning
services. Come and pray silently or out
loud. Contact Susan Grundy, 355-2156.
Remember In
Prayer
Missionaries & Mission Partners
An updated list of our supported worldwide and local mission partners and missionaries
is available on the literature racks at the doors in the Sanctuary, the Campus Center
and the Church Office. We ask for your continued prayers for all of our Missionaries
and Mission Partners.
Military
Individuals
Chris Branning
Don Bixler
Earl Bloom
Bill Brandenburg
Dennie Bunch
Jean Chase
Joyce Christiansen
Mary Frances Dockum
Janet Eddy
Thomas Edelblute
Aaron Gooding
Khloe Hill
Mary Jaqua
Bob Kramer
Cherie Leetzow
Paul Mercer
Ragnar Petri
Linda Dallman-Repp
Marilyn Schaeffer
Nancy Schott
Lee Stewart
Sally Taylor
Roland VanderValk
Bob VanBergen
Mary Wadsworth
David Wachtel
Bill Zurlo
Non-Members
Patti Brainard
Jason Candido
Claire Cane
Jeff Dockum
Marien Favat
Judy Finch
Jane Kern
Nutei Khawlhring
Frank, Karen & Phil Lagana
Lloyd Odegaard
Ann Prohoniak
Devon & Carol Simon
Don Wilson
Kim Woodruff
www.churchofthepalms.org
Alex Brown
Richard Carson
Zack & Daniel Castle
Rob Garner
Peter Higginbotham
Zachary Miller
David Moffett
Lauren Moffett
Tracy Prohoniak
Jared Sweetser
Ben Young
The Families of
Lura Virginia Lee
Herb Burgett
Betty Kelly
Wanda Mangum
In Need of Prayer?
Please call the church office.
We would love to pray for you
and any prayer requests you
may have, 924-1323.
7
Family
ministry
family
MINISTRY
Christmas Eve Live Nativity - Casting Call!
Looking for a fun and unique way to serve your church and gain
needed service hours for summer trips? Join our live nativity cast
of characters! There’s a place for everyone: Mary, Joseph, angels,
shepherds and wise “men.” We will provide the live nativity as a gift
to our church family outside, on Christmas Eve, during each of our
services (5 :00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.). You will need
to be available 30 minutes before and after each service. Sign up for one, multiple or all
services today by emailing Valerie Mathews at vmathews@churchofthepalms.org.
Live Nativity Set Building
Calling High School Guys!
We are looking for a few high school guys to help us build our live nativity
set for this Christmas Eve. Our high school students will work under the
direction and supervision of John Buzilow and Barney Frisk. We hope
this will be a time of relationship building as well as stable building. If
interested, contact Jeff McCauley at jmccauley@churchofthepalms.org.
Christmas Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange
Join us for our annual Christmas party and white elephant gift
exchange. Enjoy Christmas songs, games and fun for all. Celebrate the
season as we play together and enjoy a gift exchange. Please bring
your family’s favorite Christmas dessert to share and a $5.00 gift
(or something free from home) for the gift exchange. Contact Jeff
for more information,jmccauley@churchofthepalms.org.
parents night out
Saturday, December 6 • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
We are going to give your kids a fun night at church. In doing so, parents can get
some Christmas shopping done; go to dinner and a walk on the beach; and/or go home
and take a nap in a quiet house. We will play games, decorate cookies, create a gift,
eat dinner and have a great time together. All kids from infant through 5th grade are
invited. The cost is $5.00 per child. Please register online or to Valerie Mathews,
vmathews@churchofthepalms.org by TODAY.
8
Church of the Palms
SUNDAY KIDS WORSHIP • 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
All Pre-K through 5th grade kids should begin worship with their families at
the 9:00 a.m. service. After the Children’s Moment, they will be escorted from the
service to participate in Kids Worship in room 205-207 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
On the first Sunday of the month, children will have Chapel (in the Chapel) during
Kids Worship time. Parents are welcome to join us for Chapel, which will include
music, a short message, and Communion. After Kids Worship or Chapel, children
will have Fellowship Time in room 205-207 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
SUNDAY CHILDCARE • 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Nursery: room 101
Toddlers & 2 Year Olds: room 103
3 Year Olds: room 103B
sunday Elementary Small Groups • 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This year, children are learning the same theme being preached in the Sanctuary
and Garden each week. We are all finding our place in God’s Story, the Bible.
Pre-K - Kindergarten: room 114
1st & 2nd grade: room 207
3rd grade: 211 Library
4th & 5th grade: room 205
SUNDAY Middle & High School Small Groups (Rooms 208, 209, 210)
Each Sunday from 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 am, students will gather in Rooms 208,
209, and 210 to explore the deeper themes of God’s Story through the narrative
lectionary being studied church wide. We will have creative conversations and
share personal stories to find where we connect to God’s greater story.
CONTACT FAMILY MINISTRY STAFF (924-1323):
Family Ministry Director:
Student Ministry Director:
Family Ministry Coordinator:
Children’s Ministry Coordinator:
Nursery Coordinator:
Laurie Haas (lhaas@churchofthepalms.org)
Jeff McCauley (jmccauley@churchofthepalms.org)
Valerie Mathews (vmathews@churchofthepalms.org)
Carol Homeister (chomeister@churchofthepalms.org)
Corrie Hoffman (corrie3hoffman@gmail.com)
students serving
Serve your church family and earn those trip bucks! Contact Valerie Mathews to sign
up vmathews@churchofthepalms.org.
Donuts and Decorations
Undonut & Undecorating Party
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, January 4
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
Come help decorate the Sanctuary
Wednesday Afternoon Kitchen Prep
for Christmas.
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Parents Night Out
Help during dinner and clean-up afterwards.
Saturday, December 6
Contact Kathy Robinett, krobinett@
4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
churchofthepalms.org
Lots of fun with kids decorating
Yellow Umbrella Greeting
sugar cookies, playing games and
Want to brighten someone’s day with your
doing crafts.
smile? Sign up to be a yellow umbrella
Serving the Advent Dinner
greeter.
Friday, December 12
5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
(shorter shifts can be made available)
www.churchofthepalms.org
9
adult discipleship
&
fellowship
sunday
The story: creation TO THE resurrection
10:15 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
This class is designed as a companion to the Sunday sermon series. Each week we
will have the opportunity to look deeper into the scriptures behind the sermon. We
will learn how God has revealed His plan of salvation from Creation to the Cross.
Augustine formulated the axiom, “in the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the
New the Old is revealed”. Led by Dale Vollrath: dale.vollrath@trcstaffing.com.
New Life Class
10:15 a.m. • Room 202
New Life Class is a wonderful group of parents who meet Sunday mornings
to discuss topics related to parenting and marriage. Our purpose is to provide
a time and place for couples to grow closer to God by studying scripture
and gleaning wisdom from current books related to family life. Led by Derek
Thompson, abolitionment@gmail.com.
Christians Under Construction - Biblical Potpourri
10:15 a.m. • Room 206
Each week we will tackle a new subject. For example, we will bring Bible lessons
to current issues; we’ll ponder Biblical mysteries; we will wrestle with the question
of free will against Biblical truth; and match what we know from science against
traditional Biblical beliefs. We read the Bible, consider how the lessons apply to the
real world, and practice informed discussion. Led by Adam Leonard (acleonard@
comcast.net) and Tom Webber.
A Time out for parents
10:15 a.m. • Room 109
Parents, please join our small group Bible study. Each week we will visit with each
other and catch up on our week. This will be followed by a 10-15 minute video from
Right Now Media, scripture readings, and discussion questions. Please note: there
will be no class on December 21 or 28.
Church of the Palms Book Group
January 18, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
Although we do not plan to meet in December, you are warmly invited to
join us to discuss our highly-recommended January book choice, I Dared
to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh. Everyone is welcome for any of our
monthly gatherings (whether or not you’ve read the book!). Questions?
Please contact Doris Kamphuis, 360-8474, rakamphuis@aol.com
10
Church of the Palms
MONday
PALMS’ SINGLES DINNER (50+)
5:30 p.m. • Off Campus
Every Monday we have dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by events such as book talks,
game night, special outings and more. Please call in your dinner reservations by the
Thursday prior to this dinner, no later than noon. Contact Dottie Stoddard, 924-7430.
TUESday
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & BREAKFAST
7:00 a.m. • Off Campus
This group is open to any men who would like the opportunity
to get to know other men from our church while deepening their
faith through Bible study and prayer. Please bring a Bible. We
are currently studying the book of John. Led by Dale Vollrath.
Contact Dale Vollrath, dale.vollrath@trcstaffing.com.
Women’s Prayer Group
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Chapel Narthex
Our prayer time is a time for encouragement through God’s Word and
prayer. Prayers are for our church, country, family relationships, adult
children with addictions, grandchildren and friends. We will stroll with
Paul through Romans. Join us to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to
love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more nearly. We welcome all
prayer requests. Gaye O’Brien 377-3480.
C.S. Lewis Reading Group
December 2, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Room 206
Our reading group, led by Dr. McConnell, will discuss G.K.
Chesterton’s The Man Who Was Thursday.
north home bible study
November 25, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.• Off Campus
This month we will begin our study on the book of I
Peter. We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of
the month. Please join us for Bible study, prayer and
food/fellowship. Please contact Reyn or Doris Kamphuis
at 360-8474 or email us at rakamphuis@aol.com if you
have any questions.
www.churchofthepalms.org
11
Stephen ministry
December 16, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Room 206
Receive continuing education and meet in supervised groups every third Tuesday of
the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
WEDNESday
Men’s Bible Study
7:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
In the Letter to the Romans Paul develops the argument that is the basis of
Christianity: Nothing you can do will save you. It is through faith alone that we are
saved. Led by Tom Webber, webber.thom@gmail.com and Rev. Fred Marsh.
watercolor wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Chapel Reception Room
Paint with watercolor and enjoy the company of other artsy
folk! Please remember to bring your own supplies. Contact
Hmingi Browne, 924-1323 or hbrowne@churchofthepalms.org.
prayer shawl group
3:30 p.m.• Chapel Narthex
We are knitting prayer shawls. All are welcome
to join us! Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323 or
hbrowne@churchofthepalms.org.
Join us for dinner before the
Thanksgiving Eve Service
November 26, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.• Campus Center
Enjoy a free, light dinner of soup and salad, including our delicious dessert bar.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
November 26, 6:00 p.m. • Sanctuary
We hope you will join us in what has become a wonderful tradition as we share a
combined Thanksgiving Service with our friends from Temple Sinai.
12
Adult Discipleship & Fellowship
THURSday
PALMS BRIDGE CLUB
December 6, 7:00 p.m.• Chapel Reception Room
We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month for
fun and fellowship. Anyone who is interested in being placed
on a “fill-in” list may also call. Fill-ins are greatly appreciated.
Contact Nancy Kanellos, 320-3478 to make your reservation
or to be placed on the “fill-in” list.
Beginning Creative Signing Class
5:30 p.m. • Music & Arts Building
This class is an introduction to incorporating American
Sign Language with music to interpret God’s message to
us in visual form. No previous experience is necessary. Our
Advanced Creative Signers will be leading this class. Anyone
from Middle School through senior adults is welcome. If
you are curious how this works, and you love to talk with
your hands, come and sign up under the Fellowship Tree.
Contact Susy Welsh 321-5703, musicalmoment@me.com.
sisters in Christ
January 22,2015 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. • Room 209
We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month. We will not meet in December
due to the holiday schedule. We will reconvene in Janaury. We study books and
articles to help us on our spiritual journeys. We share insights and fellowship with
coffee, discussion and prayer. Contact Cindy Lanoue-Foster, 922-1826 (please leave a
message); bettina5321@verizon.net.
FAMILY FRIENDLY DEVOTION
Families, we have a resource just for you and your kids to
continue the conversation of The Story at home. Each day,
there are a few verses to read along with a question to discuss.
These Devotions are available by the Children’s Worship
packs or online: www.churchofthepalms.org Under Families Children & Parents - Try it @Home. If you are new to family
devotions, how about trying just one at dinner this week?
www.churchofthepalms.org
13
FRIday
Friday Morning Bible Study
The Tabernacle: Christ in the Old Testament
9:30 a.m. • Room 202
This first of several Fall and Winter sessions will be a 7-week study
exploring how the wilderness Tabernacle of Moses foreshadowed
Jesus Christ’s incarnation, ministry, death and resurrection, down
to the smallest detail. Led by Meriam Matthews, meriam112@
mindspring.com and Peter Connor, peterconnor37@gmail.com.
grief support group
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
All those who have lost a loved one are invited to attend on Fridays. Licensed counselor
Diane Brantley of Samaritan Counseling is leading. Contact Pastor Hmingi Browne,
924-1323.
Eat, Meet & Be Merry
December 26, 11:30 a.m. • Off Campus
Join Pastor Hmingi Browne for food and fellowship at Der Dutchman every
last Friday of the month. Contact Hmingi Browne, 924-1323.
south home bible study
December 26, 6:30 p.m. • Off Campus
We meet the second and fourth Friday of the month. We are continuing our study
of the book of Romans. Join us for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Contact Reyn
and Doris Kamphuis, 360-8474 or rakamphuis@aol.com.
loving stitches
January 30, 2015 • 9:45 a.m. • Chapel Reception Room
We are a group of women who knit, crochet, sew and quilt for
local charities. We create baby sweaters and blankets for Healthy
Start and the Veterans Hospital; teddy bears for the Sheriff and
Police Departments and hats for the Resurrection House and the
Salvation Army. We meet on the fourth Friday of each month.
We will not meet in December. We will reconvene in January. If
you enjoy sewing, knitting, quilting or crocheting, please join us.
Knitting and crochet instructions are available. Contact Alberta
Adams, 924-8464.
14
Church of the Palms
opportunities for
generosity
Two Cents A Meal
Collection on Nov. 30!
Join the Fight Against
Hunger: Every donation
we collect will go to hunger
related projects, including 50% to our own
Food Pantry. Red collection baskets will be
located by the Sanctuary main entrances. To
donate by check, include Two Cents A Meal in
the memo line.
Got Blood? Donate.
TODAY • 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
North Parking Lot
The Suncoast Communities Blood Bank
will be here today in the northwest parking
lot. There will be one bus for whole blood
only. There is a critical need for O
negative and B negative blood types but
all blood types are needed. Please consider
donating your blood at this important time.
Questions? Contact Don Schalekamp, 9234803.
Sanctuary Decorating
Volunteers Needed
Nov. 29 • 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to
help us prepare for Advent
and Christmas! 8:30a.m.:
This group will “fluff ”
the garlands as they are
brought out of storage. 10:00am: This
group will hang the garlands and other
decorations, arranging the nativity sets,
etc. If you can stop by for an hour or
two to help, please contact: Yoko Spivey,
yspivey@churchofthepalms.org, 5442244. Did we mention the free coffee and
donuts, with lovely Christmas music as a
bonus? Every hand helps!
Food Pantry Help Wanted
The Food Pantry is looking
for substitutes and packers.
We are in need of substitutes
for distribution.We also need
packers for Thursdays (beginning
at 8:00 a.m.). To help, please contact
Kathy Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org
back t bas cs
tutoring program
There will be NO
tutoring this week due
to Thanksgiving. Have a
wonderful Thanksgiving.
Our Christmas Pot Luck will be on
Thursday, December 4 – please plan
ahead.
The Resurrection House:
A Daycare Center for the Homeless
The RH continues to need your
donations even if you are unable to
volunteer. Warm clothing (coats,
hats, 30-34 underwear socks, &
sneakers), bedding (blankets &
sleeping bags) and towels & wash
cloths are needed. Please drop off
donations in sacks or containers
marked “RH” in the Administration
building. All donations are greatly
appreciated. Contact Len Higley,
724-6876.
Wednesday Grille Volunteers
We need volunteers for prepping (2
hours), dining room setup (begins at
3:00 p.m.), dining room help during
dinner and cleanup afterwards.
To help, please contact Kathy
Robinett, 924-1323, krobinett@
churchofthepalms.org.
www.churchofthepalms.org
15
spotlight on
missions
Jeanine Giuffrida
YWAM (Youth With A Mission)
“Expect great things from God, and attempt great
things for God.” Jeanine reports that this quote is
from William Carey, one of the fathers of our modern
missionary movement and is one of our mottos for this
year’s Discipleship Training School. She adds “We
desire this out of a heart to love Jesus without limit, to
expect Him to reveal himself in Truth by His Word and
experientially, and to see His kingdom come through
our lives as we allow ourselves to be to Him do and say
what He desires through us.
Jeanine states: “it’s hard to believe I have started my
second year serving with YWAM here in England. As
I have come to realize over the past year, WYAM life
runs at a rather frenzied, and shall we say, lively pace. With a few short, but
wonderful weeks of rest and ‘recoup’ spent back in the States over the summer
- connecting with so many lovely friends and family, I now find myself back in
the full swing of a new year. I praise God for my incredible DTS (Discipleship
Training School) staff team from last year. Looking to this year, we’ve had
some changes as one of our staff’s commitment here in Derby was at an end,
but we’ve added to our team an inspiring, enthusiastic staff member from
Cambridge who has been a joy to get to know and work alongside.
“God has been stretching me as I’ve had more consistent opportunities to lead
our YWAM base worship times together and bring relevant teaching on worship
and prayer. I also enjoy leading our morning devotions (we call them ‘energizers’)
with the DTS staff and students. I am heading up the administrative running
of the school as DTS school leader and I try to keep up with all that this entails.
At times it’s an ever present challenge to cram in everything that needs doing!”
On the outreach front: “I am thrilled to be working again with our Roma youth
in the city. I missed their bright, smiling faces over the past couple months as
I needed to take that time to step back and prepare for the DTS and get our
staff trained and ready. Our heart in continuing with this ministry is to be role
models and instill positive self worth and value and share the love of Jesus
practically and in word as we do activities, etc., on a weekly basis.
16
Church of the Palms
“Another one I’m very excited about is working as a one-on-one mentor
at a school in a very deprived area with girls who come from very troubled
backgrounds. I will be receiving training for this and I am looking to start
within the next month or so. The aim is to empower these young girls to know
they are loved, cherished and full of worth. This is a new ministry that schools
are welcoming with open arms. Please pray for more people willing to mentor
and for these girls’ lives to be radically changed for good.” Derby, England.
“Your Prayers are Powerful and Effective!”
James 5:16
1. “Please pray for our students to encounter God in a meaningful and lifechanging way and that their transition to living in community together
and in a ‘foreign’ country would be smooth and quick.”
2. “Please pray for for my time management skills to be more effective and
for the energy and vision and wisdom to lead well and do all that God has
placed in my heart this year.”
Mission Partner Advocate: Ray Angle, rayangle@comcast.net, (941) 351-1103;
Jeanine Giuffrida’s email is: jeanine7799@gmail.com.
The DTS staff and students)share testimony of all the amazing
encounters they had in the streets and parks of Bristol.
Normanton, the area of
Derby where the YWAM
House is located.
www.churchofthepalms.org
17
upcoming ministry
events
ANNUaL COMBINeD
SeRVICe OF
THaNKsGIVING
Wednesday, November 26, 6:00 p.m. • Sanctuary
We hope you will join us in what has become a wonderful tradition as we share a
combined Thanksgiving Service with our friends from Temple Sinai. We will begin with
a soup and salad dinner at 5:00 p.m. in the Campus Center, followed by a Thanksgiving
Celebration in the Sanctuary at 6:00 p.m.
‘Tis The Season To Ring The Salvation Army Bells
November 28 - December 24 (various times)
Publix on Bee Ridge Road & Beneva
We have an opportunity to show the love and light of
Christ in the cold dark world by ringing the Salvation
Army bells. We are inviting you to sign up for a twohour shift between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Monday - Saturday, beginning November 28 and running
through Christmas Eve. We will also ring on Saturdays
ONLY from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Macy’s at Southgate
Mall. Like last year, we don’t want anyone to ring alone,
so please sign up with a family member or friend from
church. Or even better, invite a friend who doesn’t attend
church to ring with you! We especially need people
with a flexible schedule to sign-up as substitute bell ringers in case
someone has to cancel his/her shift.
Bring a taste of “home” to the mission field and
stretch your Thanksgiving guest list to include a
missionary family. Your $80 gift helps deliver a turkey
and all the trimmings to one missionary family in Haiti,
the Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic. Send a check
to Agape Flights (note “Thanksgiving” in memo line), 100 Airport
Ave., Venice FL 34285 or do so online at www.agapeflights.com, by clicking on the
Thanksgiving icon and following the directions.
18
Church of the Palms
upcoming ministry
events
Messiah
Saturday, December 6 • Sanctuary
Performance: 4:00 p.m. • Tickets: $20
Dress rehearsal: 1:00 p.m. • Tickets: $15
Sarasota Choral Society presents Handel’s
Sacred Oratorio The Messiah. Come celebrate
the 70th anniversary of the Sarasota Choral
Society on December 6. 150 member chorus,
orchestra and soloists. Genevieve Beauchamp,
Director, Jonathan Spivey, Organist. Tickets
are on sale in the church office.
Christmas Tea
Friday, December 5
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Campus Center
The women of COP are invited to the annual Christmas
Tea. Come and enjoy our celebration of the 12 Days
of Christmas with music provided by the COP String
Ensemble. Presentation of the Lifetime Membership Award,
installation of the new PW officers for 2015 and dining on
delectable confectioneries with friends will begin a great
holiday season. Cost: $10.00. Reservations required
by December 1. Sign up at the PW table under the
tree, or contact Eleanor McCallum at 375-8214.
Advent Dinner
To Benefit Samaritan Counseling Services
Friday, December 12 • 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • Campus Center
Tickets: $40.00 or a Table of 8 for $320.00
Get ready for Advent by viewing inspiring table settings decorated by members and
friends of our church. Enjoy the delicious dinner, Christmas music entertainment,
and fellowship with one another. Our 2014 Advent Dinner will benefit Samaritan
Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast. Our mission is to strengthen individuals and
families through professional Christian Counseling services. For more information
contact Bonney Miller: 966-8102, bonneybcat@comcast.net or see us under the tree.
www.churchofthepalms.org
19
upcoming ministry
events
WATERWorld
2014 - 2015
Sanctuary Concert Series
Friday, December 19, 2014 • 7:00 p.m.
Our next performance in our 2014-2015 Concert Series will
be a Festival of Carols. This is a collaboration between First
Presbyterian Church, Church of the Palms’ Chancel Choir and
Sarasota Young Voices. Tickets will be on sale in the church office.
You may also purchase tickets at the door. Cost: $10.00.
Foster Hope - Socks & Underwear Drive
Hayes Leaver would appreciate your help with giving kids in
foster care the basics, so during your next shopping trip add an
extra pair of socks or underwear to your cart. Today is the last
day we will be collecting donations. Your donations will be
distributed by the Safe Children Coalition to foster kids in need
as they come into care. If you don’t have time to stop at the
store we would be happy to take cash donations as well. Make
checks payable to the Sarasota YMCA with the “Safe Children
Coalition on the memo line”. All donations are tax deductible and
much appreciated.
Coffee
Sales
Supporting our Nicaragua Mission Team
Stop by our table under the tree each Sunday to purchase our Dona
Katy Nicaraguan Coffee for only $10 a bag! Each purchase of this
coffee supports Church of the Palms’ continued partnership with
Vida Joven (Young Life) Nicaraguan Ministry. Stop by and hear
about how your purchase will impact the lives of our students and
allow many to hear the gospel in Nicaragua. It’s a win for everyone.
20
Church of the Palms
upcoming ministry
events
Join our 2015
mission team to
Are you interested in joining our 2015 Nicaragua mission team August 1-9?
Contact Jeff McCauley at jmccauley@churchofthepalms.org or register online
today at: www.churchofthepalms.org/students.html. We hope you’ll join us!
Important Notice
About Year End Giving
Please remember that all financial contributions for 2014 must be
received in the church office no later than noon on Wednesday,
December 31, which is when the office closes that day. Contributions
that are mailed must be postmarked on or before December 31 to be
considered as contributions for 2014. All contributions received within
these parameters will be reflected on your 2014 financial contributions
statement. Anything else will be posted as received in 2015. To avoid
confusion at year end, please be sure that you note on your check and/or
envelope to which year’s pledge your contribution is intended.
www.churchofthepalms.org
21
THINGS TO CONSIDER IN YOUR YEAR-END GIVING
•Supporting the ministry of Church of the Palms is like investing in a lifechanging diversified charitable portfolio. Think of all we do: educate children
and youth, feed the hungry, counsel the discouraged, tutor young students,
inspire worshippers through exceptional music, preach the message of good
news, support missionaries across the globe, and the list goes on.
•If you have highly appreciated stocks, instead of selling the stocks and
contributing the cash, contributing the stocks directly will usually provide for
a larger tax deduction. Consult with your financial planner on tax advantages
to your giving.
•Your generosity in these remaining weeks of the year will allow us to address
our severely underfunded capital reserve. We are blessed to have such fine
facilities and we must be prepared to care for them in the years ahead with a
hearty capital reserve.
Legacy Giving Corner
What Will They Say When You’re Gone?
An old song used to plead, “Please don’t talk
about me when I’m gone”. In fact, it is most
likely that folks will speak about us when we are
gone whether we like it or not. The real issue
is, what will they have to say? Providing for the
causes and institutions that have been meaningful
to us during life can be a most effective means
of giving our friends something to remember us by. When you
remember the church in your will, you leave more than money.
You are leaving powerful evidence that your life accomplished
something significant and lasting. Then, when folks think of us,
they will have something positive to say.
Contact your tax professional to learn more. For more information, about the
Legacy Society, contact Dr. McConnell, smcconnell@churchofthepalms.org,
924-1323 or John Mercier, Chair of the Legacy Giving Committee, 921-5726,
jmaosf@gmail.com.
22
Church of the Palms
back t bas cs
tutoring program
Tutors are still in need for the subject areas listed below. If would like
to help, please see Judy Armitage under the Fellowship Tree between
services or call her at 924-1323.
Tuesdays
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays
4th grade: Math, Reading
5th grade: Math, Writing
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
9th grade: Algebra 1
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1st grade: Reading
9th grade: Math, Reading
5th grade: Math, Money, Time
2nd grade: Essays
11th grade: Geometry online
6th grade: Math
4th grade: Reading, Science, Cursive
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
6th grade: Math
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
9th grade: Math, Biology
7th grade: Math, Reading
5th grade: Math, Writing/Spelling
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
12th grade: Geometry, Liberal Arts
9th grade: Geometry
4th grade: Math, Reading Comprehension
4th grade: Math, English
4th grade: Math
6th grade: Math, Reading
6th grade: Math
6th grade: Math, Writing
3rd grade: Math, Homework
7th grade: Math
4th grade: Math
1st grade: Reading
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
6th grade: Language Arts, World History
3rd grade: Math, Reading, All
4th grade: Math, Reading Comprehension
8th grade: Math
1st grade: Math, Writing
3rd grade: Reading
7th grade: Math
5th grade: Reading
7th grade: Math, Reading
10th grade: Geometry
6th grade: Math
12th grade: Spanish
6th grade: Math
8th grade: Math, Science
6th grade: Math, Reading
7th grade: Math, Reading
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 7th grade: Math, Reading, Science
3rd grade: Reading Comprehension 7th grade: Math, Reading
3rd grade: Math, Reading Comprehension
www.churchofthepalms.org
23
calendar of
events
Sunday, NOVEMBER 23
8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m. Chapel Worship Service
Prayer Meeting
Childcare
The Garden Worship Service
Traditional Worship
Kid’s Worship
Blood Drive
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
Middle - High School Small Groups
Christians Under Construction
New Life Class
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
A Time Out For Parents
Traditional Worship
Praise & Glory Choir Rehearsal
Monday, NOVEMBER 24
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Palm Singles Dinner
Session Dinner
Sounds of Glory Orchestra Rehearsal
Cantori Choir Practice
Session Meeting
Chapel
Chapel Study
See Page 9
Campus Center
Sanctuary
205-207
North Parking Lot
See Page 9
See Page 9
206
202
Chapel
109
Sanctuary
Music & Arts Building
Off Campus
Campus Center
Music & Arts Building
Sanctuary
206
Tuesday, NOVEMBER 25
7:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
Off Campus
Women’s Prayer Group
Chapel Narthex
SYV Prelude & Training Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
COP Nominating Committee West Meeting Room
Creative SignersSanctuary
SYV Concert Choir Rehearsal Music & Arts Building
North Home Bible Study
Off Campus
Messiah RehearsalSanctuary
Wednesday, NOVEMBER 26
7:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
24
Men’s Bible Study Chapel Reception Room
Watercolor Wednesday
Chapel Reception Room
Prayer Shawl Group
Chapel Narthex
Congregational Prayer Time
Chapel
Thanksgiving Dinner with Temple Sinai Campus Center
Equipping Ministry Team Meeting
East Meeting Room
Combined Thanksgiving Service
Sanctuary
Youth Group (Middle & High School)
208, 209, 210
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Music & Arts Building
Church of the Palms
calendar of
events
Thursday, NOVEMBER 27
Office, ECC and Food Pantry closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, NOVEMBER 28
Office, ECC and Food Pantry closed for Thanksgiving
Saturday, NOVEMBER 29
8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Christmas Decorating
Sunday, NOVEMBER 30
8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m. Chapel Worship Service
Prayer Meeting
Childcare
The Garden Worship Service
Traditional Worship
Kid’s Worship
Pre-K - Elementary Small Groups
Middle - High School Small Groups
Christians Under Construction
New Life Class
The Story: Creation to Resurrection
A Time Out For Parents
Traditional Worship
Praise & Glory Choir Rehearsal
www.churchofthepalms.org
Sanctuary
Chapel
Chapel Study
See Page 9
Campus Center
Sanctuary
205-207
See Page 9
See Page 9
206
202
Chapel
109
Sanctuary
Music & Arts Building
25
are you new
here?
Want to find out more about
Church of the Palms?
Check out our website at:
http://www.churchofthepalms.org
There you can:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Learn more about our ministries
Catch the Livestream worship service every Sunday
Watch archived services
Download our 2014 Advent Planner
Connect via iTunes to our sermon & teaching podcasts
Sign up to be on our email list
Friend us on Facebook
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Make an online donation - it’s fast, easy & secure!
And more . . .
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QR app?
Use this
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phone to
give online!
Every 2nd Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the Chapel Reception Room
God’s Story
Your Story
November 23, 2014
For the week of November 23, 2104
Devotion: Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily
devotions. You can do this alone, as a couple, as a family; in the morning,
during the day, or at night. Find a routine that works best for you.
Pray: Light a candle and open your devotion time with a prayer.
God of promise and judgment, you proclaimed deliverance for your
people after they suffered for their sin. Deliver us from our sin, by the
gift of your faithfulness, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reflect: Reflect on the key verses from Sunday’s reading.
For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one
with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or
shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to
your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave
of old to your ancestors forever and ever. Jeremiah 7:5-7
Study: Study the reading and consider the background.
By the time of Jeremiah, the Babylonian king had defeated Assyria
(who had defeated the Northern Kingdom of Israel). The Babylonian
king now threatened to destroy Judah (the Southern Kingdom).
Jeremiah spoke on God’s behalf, with judgments for a people who
seemed to have forgotten how to remain faithful to God. God’s promise
of deliverance still rang throughout Jeremiah’s prophesies, yet God
showed God won’t stand idly by while the people sin. God’s promise
would be kept, but not until the people had endured punishment (exile)
for their unfaithfulness to God.
- Continued on back New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
God’s
Story
Your Story
- continued -
Read: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of
Sunday’s text. After the reading, ask the follow-up questions.
Follow the story of Israel’s and Judah’s disobedience, and the words of
God’s prophet, Jeremiah.
Sunday, Jeremiah 1:4-10; 7:1-11, Jeremiah’s Temple Sermon
Monday, Jeremiah 7:16-34, The People’s Disobedience
Tuesday, Jeremiah 8:18-9:11, The Prophet Mourns for the People
Wednesday, Jeremiah 10:1-10, Idolatry Has Brought Ruin on Israel
Thursday, Jeremiah 10:11-16, Idolatry Has Brought Ruin on Israel
Friday, Jeremiah 10:17-25, The Coming Exile
Saturday, Jeremiah 11:1-17, Israel and Judah Have Broken the Covenant
How does mourning and lament shape the communities of Israel and
Judah? What role does mourning play in shaping our lives?
Connect:
Connect in conversation with others in your household. Discuss the
following questions, or simply check in with “Highs” and “Lows.”



What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
What evidence have you seen that God remains faithful to
people today, despite people’s inability to remain faithful to
God?
When you were a child, what did you believe you would do to
make the world a better place? What can you do now to make
the world a better place?
Do:
By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the
following activity this week.
Do something this week that leaves the world in a better place than
before you arrived. (Plant something, create something artistic, enhance
a relationship, forgive someone, care for someone who is sick)
Bless:
Close your devotion with a blessing.
Copyright © 2014 Clergy Stuff. Used with Permission. Find more at www.ClergyStuff.com. Blessing written
by Pr. Chip Borgstadt.
God of Power, remind us through your word that you are at work