260 SW Prima Vista Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

(772) 878-1155

Church Webpage

www.pslfumc.com Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30a–4:30p

Friday 8:30a-12p

Sunday Morning Worship 8:00a Traditional Worship 9:30a Contemporary Worship

11:00a Traditional Worship

11:30a Spanish Worship

Senior Pastor Rev. Brian Carr

bacarro@pslfumc.com

Associate Pastor Dr. Rad Orlandi

rorlandi@aol.com

Assistant Pastor Nena Bonilla

nenab1928@gmail.com

Church Administrator

Gladys Dolan

gladys@pslfumc.com

Administrative Assistant Stephanie Welch

secretary@pslfumc.com

Director of Student

Ministries Pam Szymczyk

psymczyk64@gmail.com

Children’s Directors Erin Keelor

crowsfan08@yahoo.com

Holley Lane

holleylane53@gmail.com

Music Ministry Debbie Mock

debbiemock@gmail.com

Josué Martínez

jesusjosuemg@gmail.com

Yvonne Keller

eklektikstorm@gmail.com

Our Vision & Mission “Shining the Light

of God’s Love” Through:

Inspiring Worship Personal Growth

Intentional Outreach

The Beacon A light of information & inspiration

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Volume 61 No. 2

February 2020

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I hope and pray all is well with you, your wonderful families and all GOD has entrusted to

you. Happy February! Happy Leap Year 2020! I don’t know if you made any resolutions

this year; if so, how are you doing with those resolutions? I am doing great with mine

because I decided not to make any resolutions this year.

I was deeply blessed and inspired to visit our brothers and sisters in Christ in Cuba last

November. Their joy, faith, hope and love are so real, they are palpable! Living in a country

where we seem to have everything we would ever need at our fingertips, it was so refresh-

ing to visit Cuba where they do indeed have everything they need even closer to them, as

close as their next breath while having access to very few of the necessities and luxuries we

take for granted.

They have learned over the years to just trust in GOD always and for every need. This trust

is nurtured by their commitment to GOD demonstrated through the way they live out their

faith with their spiritual disciplines. The Word of GOD is precious to them! They do not

take it for granted. They live their lives in prayer, not dutifully but joyfully. They fast not to

diet but to dine on the LORD. They give going all in just as that widow did in Jesus’ day.

Worship is so important to them they would never dream of missing for any reason.

I have been encouraged and inspired by their faithfulness. I have begun to fast regularly this

year. At least once a week I fast from food from mid-afternoon one day until mid-afternoon

the next; all while submitting to and seeking GOD. This has become such a rich time for me

as I pray for you, our families, our community, the United Methodist Church, our nation,

our world, etc. I invite you to join me in this joyous effort. Thursdays seem to work best for

me but any day will suffice. Pick a day and join in fasting and praying.

To further encourage and inspire us, our Spanish-speaking folks from the Aposento Alto

worship have invited Rev. Dr. Rini Hernandez to preach here on Sunday, February 16th.

Rini is a fourth-generation Methodist from Cuba and recently served as the District

Superintendent for the South West District here in the Florida Annual Conference. He is

currently serving as the Director of New Congregational Development for our annual

conference.

I loved Rini when I first met him and am honored, privileged and blessed to call him friend

and brother. I am so excited to introduce him to you. Rini will preach at one combined

community worship service in English at 9:30 a.m. in the Beacon Life Center on February

16th. This service will contain elements of English and Spanish as well as traditional and

contemporary styles of worship. It is going to be an amazing day! Please make plans now to

come for worship at 9:30 on February 16th. All are invited to attend and bring your favorite,

home-baked goodies for our Fellowship Hour before and after worship. We will not have

worship at 8:00 or 11:00 that day. There will be worship in Spanish at the regularly

scheduled time of 11:30.

I look forward to seeing you all that day at 9:30 in the Beacon Life Center. Blessings on you

all! Bendiciones a todos de Ustedes!

Brian

Church Staff

In January, we enjoyed some down time

hanging out in my (Pam) backyard with a fire

pit. Perfect for roasting hotdogs and

making s’mores, enjoying the cool January

night. We also enjoyed talking about where

we saw God working in our lives in 2019 and

where we are hoping He will take us in 2020.

They expressed their love for their church

and our youth ministry and how they feel

the love and support from each other and

the church.

This word just doesn’t seem enough. When we were told the

amount that was donated to the youth thru the Christmas eve

offering, I was speechless. We know the church loves us and

supports us, this was truly more than we imagined. Thank you to

all who gave so generously and we look forward to telling you all

about our 2020 mission trip.

On January 25th we enjoyed going to Rock

the Universe to see and hear Christian

artists perform and hear their testimonies

of faith. Of course, the rides are just a

plus. This gives them a chance to hear new

music and just maybe replace some of their

other music with Christian music.

February Birthdays

28th

Kairi McIntosh

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL:

Chairperson - Gary Stannis

Recording Secretary—Kim Nelson

Pastors - Brian Carr, Rad Orlandi, Nena Bonilla

Lay Leader—Gary Stannis

Lay Members to the Annual Conference—

Jeziel Carrasquillo, Evett Simmons

UMW Representative—Judith Beckman

UMM President—Dan Tilley

Treasurer—Carolyn Hamel

Church Administrator—Gladys Dolan

Board of Trustee Chairperson/President—Jarmo Toivola

Finance Committee Chairperson—Andy Speros

Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Chairperson—Esther Ruppel

Congregational Care/Nurture—Marlis Spear

Children’s Coordinators— Erin Keelor & Holley Lane

Ark Academy Director—Dawn Stannis

Disaster Coordinator—Gary Stannis

Missions/Outreach

Witness—Janet Pederson

Worship—Elisa Groendyke, Debbie Mock

Youth Director—Pam Szymczyk

Youth Representative—Sterling Carr

Lay Advisory Board—Stephanie Botelle

TEAM COORDINATORS:

Congregational Care/Nurture—Marlis Spear

Visitation Committee—Rita Etherington

WHY Coordinator—Dawn Ginter

Discipleship Children’s Coordinators—Erin Keelor & Holley Lane

Youth Coordinator—Pam Szymczyk

Young Adult Ministries Coordinator—Pam Szymczyk

Missions Witness—Janet Pederson

Worship—Elisa Groendyke, Debbie Mock

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS Chairperson—Esther Ruppel

Vice-Chairperson

Delegates to Annual Conference—

Jeziel Carrasquillo, Evett Simmons

Lay Leader—Gary Stannis

Class of 2020—Marie Fox, Felix Rivera, Rubie Manwarren

Class of 2021—Esther Ruppel, Juanita Rishko, Don Raffensberger

Class of 2022—Dan Michel, Kim Mullins, Ricka Marsh

NOMINATING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Chairperson—Brian Carr, Pastor

Lay Leader—Gary Stannis

Class of 2020—Junior Velasquez, Deborah Galtere, Fran Peterson

Class of 2021—Kim Nelson, Patti Raffensberger, Kathy Wilkins

Class of 2022—Paul Watkins, Elisa Groendyke, Geri Warford

TRUSTEES

President—Jarmo Toivola

Vice President—Neal Wilkins

Secretary— Grace Michel

Class of 2020—Jarmo Toivola, Neal Wilkins, Rich Moran

Class of 2021—Grace Michel, Jeff Pederson, Steve Brickley

Class of 2022—Winston Dixon, Patti Raffensberger, Laura Stransky

FINANCE

Chairperson—Andy Speros

Secretary—Wayne Fercho

Treasurer—Carolyn Hamel

Delegates to Annual Conference

—Evett Simmons, Jeziel Carrasquillo

Trustees Chairperson—Jarmo Toivola

Lay Leader—Gary Stannis

Staff Parish Chairperson—Esther Ruppel

Church Administrator—Gladys Dolan

Class of 2020—Fred Patterson, Dionisio Aponte, Dana Heath

Class of 2021—Andy Speros, Wayne Fercho, Marilyn Lawless

Class of 2022—Pat Necklen, Dan Tilley, Randy Bullis

2020 FUMCPSL OFFICERS/COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Church Staff Senior Pastor ………………….........Brian Carr………...bacarro@pslfumc.com

Associate Pastor…………….……....Rad Orlandi………rorlandi@aol.com

Assistant Pastor ………………….....Nena Bonilla……...nenab1928@gmail.com Church Administrator……………....Gladys Dolan….….gladys@pslfumc.com

Administrative Assistant……..….… Stephanie Welch….secretary@pslfumc.com

Director of Student Ministries……....Pam Szymczyk….. pszymczyk64@gmail.com

Children’s Directors…………….…..Erin Keelor……….crowsfan08@yahoo.com

Holley Lane…...… holleylane53@gmail.com Traditional Music Director……….…Debbie Mock……. debbiemock@gmail.com

Oasis Worship Leader ………….…..Yvonne Keller…….oasisbandfumc@gmail.com

Hispanic Worship Leader……....…...Josué Martínez……jesusjosuemg@gmail.com

The Music Note

I must begin this article with a praise

report about the monthly singing at PSL

Restorative Health Care last month in January. The sing-a

-long was scheduled for the first Saturday in January, as

usual, but this Saturday was the first Saturday after the

LONG, holiday schedule. Upon my arrival, which I DID

NOT want to attend, there were 3 ladies waiting to sing.

THREE! The month before we had close to 35 church

folks in attendance. While we were sitting there

discussing where everybody else was, another lonesome

lady showed up. I asked if they wanted to sing, being it

was just the 4 of them. To my surprise, they said YES, OF

COURSE!! These 4, brave, ladies started their way into

the dining hall where the place was packed with 32

residents! By the time we finished singing, we had 8

wonderful ladies come to sing! The activity director

happened to be in attendance on this day. She proceeded

to tell me that she had several residents who NEVER left

their rooms, UNLESS it was for FUMC coming to sing!

So understand……. some of these residents NEVER leave

their rooms. THIS IS WHY WE SING EVERY

MONTH! This anointed time every month is sooooo

important in the lives of these people. I might add that it

truly is a blessing for those of us who go every month.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the

very bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for taking time

out of your busy lives to come and share your praises! Our

February meeting time for the health care center is

Saturday, February 1st, at 2:00pm. We (as well as the

residents) would love for you to attend!

The choir is filling up the choir loft, but we would still

love to have new members! I promise to find room if

you’d like to be a part of a wonderful experience! Come

join us at 6:30 pm Thursday evenings!

Rehearsals have begun for the community choir sing-a-

long. The festivities will be held on February 23rd at

Trinity Methodist Church in Jensen Beach. Last year, we

had 25 choir singers attend, and sing at this exciting event.

This year the highlighted composer will be Mary

McDonald. All of the songs performed, will be from her

collection of literature. Watch the bulletin for more

information regarding time and parking.

Believe it or not, the choir is actually beginning to

prepare Lenten/Easter music! Should be an exciting time!

I am starting to prepare for the next hymn sing-a-long. We

have it during the worship service at 8 and 11 on the 5th

Sunday. If you’d like to submit your favorite hymn, I’d be

happy to add it to the list! The hymn sing will be held on

March 29th.

Keep on Singing! Debbie

Gifts received in honor of

Juanita & Ed Rishko for their

50th Wedding Anniversary by

Chris Bogley and Marilyn Benda

CHURCHWIDE

LENTEN STUDY

We invite you to join us for a Lenten

journey this year. We will journey from

the luminous heights of the Mount of

Transfiguration to the gloomy depths of the crucifixion.

Walk with us on a forty day journey to the Resurrection

as we study the book:

"Listen to Him:

Forty Steps on the Road to Resurrection"

by J.D. Walt

For a change, we want to order all of the Lenten study

books together this year as in bulk we can save up to 30%

on the cost of each individual book. If you want to join or

lead a study group, you can sign up on the Attendance

Form starting February 9th. Please remit your payment of

$10. (Please sure to make sure to indicate on your check

or envelope “Lenten Study.)

Ash Wednesday is February 26th and

the first Sunday in Lent is March 2nd.

Did you know that you can make your offering to the church online or on the easyTithe app? Its easy and convenient and can be done on your phone, computer or tablet. Benefits of Online Giving to you: • When you’re traveling or visiting family away from our four walls, our giving is with you through our website or the mobile giving app to continue to faithfully give. • You have the ability to set up recurring giving, which means, you set the amount you want to donate each week or month. • You can login to you giving account and track your donations at any time.

We welcome you to try our Online Giving resources.

FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE .…….FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE .…….FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE .…….

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS

With the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes” (PATH) Act

of 2015, the Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) rules

have been made permanent. It is much easier to engage in

proactive charitable giving strategies that help to minimize the

tax bite of an Individual retirement account (IRA) Required

Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations.

WHY DO THIS?

You may be able to avoid taxes on otherwise taxable

distributions if you’re drawing from a traditional IRA. A QCD

is NOT subject to ordinary federal income taxes—the amount

is simply excluded from your taxable income. Your annual

RMD or “part” of your RMD may be donated to a qualified

charity—such as your Church

WHEN CAN YOU DO THIS?

You must be 70 ½ at the time of this distribution. With the

new rules approved for December 31,2019 required minimum

distributions are now due at the age of 72.

HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?

In addition, there is the most stringent requirement-though also

the easiest to satisfy-that for and IRA distribution to qualify as

a QCD, “the check cannot be made payable to the IRA owner

and instead MUST be made payable directly to the charitable

entity”.

EXAMPLE:

Tom Jones just turned 72 years old and has an IRA with a

$152,000 account balance. HIS RMD for the current year is

$5,938. If Tom does a $5,000 QCD to his favorite charity, it

will satisfy $5,000 of his RMD obligation (without any tax

liability) leaving him with only another $938. to distribute

(and report in income for tax purposes).

As illustrated above giving a qualified charitable deduction to

a charity can be a very beneficial tax planning choice. You

may want to consider this type of donation. This should be

discussed with your tax advisor or with the investment firm

that holds your IRA.

Northport K-8 Happenings Our book drive continues to rake in hundreds of

books for the summer reading program for the

kids at Northport - thousands of thanks to all

those who donated books or offered prayers for

this most worthy effort!

The Buddy Bench project has collected enough

plastic caps for the first bench for the school, with

collection continuing so we can get a second

bench. Not only are we helping provide a safe

and friendly place for the kids, we are helping

preserve God’s gift of our environment!

Literacy Week is coming up and we have lots of

readers lined up to read the chosen book in

several different grade levels.

The Dr. Seuss Day reading celebration in honor

of Dr. Seuss’ birthday is coming up on March 2nd.

Readers are needed for this also, and there is a

link in the write-up on Northport’s Facebook

page where you can sign up to read at the school.

(Please do not ask Rad to sign you up- this has to

be done through the school).

Our partnership with Northport get stronger every

day thanks to the efforts of all of YOU!

Please join us on Wednesday,

February 26th, at 6:00 pm, in

the Sanctuary, as we are

called to a season of Self-

Examination and Reflection.

Memorial Gifts Received for:

Jim Possanza by Phyllis Laverne, Federal Engineering & Testing

and Ruth & Rob Possanza & Sue Ann Lemon

LEAVING A LEGACY OF MEMORIES As we grow older, we begin to think about what we want to pass on to

our children and grandchildren. It may be something of a material nature

like jewelry, china, silver, money or stocks and that's fine and will perhaps

hold some memories or joy for the person who receives them. But, there is

an even greater gift that you can give your children, your grandchildren and

those who come after - and that is a legacy of your memories, your thoughts

about life and your family stories. YOU are the bridge that connects your

parents and those who came before you to your children and those who

come after. YOU are the one who remembers the stories you grew up with

about your family history or family members who have long gone home.

And, your children have no idea what life was like when you were young or

what life happenings shaped the person you have become. Think about the

changes that have taken place just during your lifetime - jet airplanes, man

in space, medical breakthroughs and technological advancements. (If you

don't believe me, tell your grandkids about ten-party lines or rationing

books. They will not have a clue what you are talking about!)

If you have ever thought about putting your thoughts, your memories or

your family stories down on paper then stop thinking about it and come and

join us for a writing class that will help you do just that. We will start on

Monday, March 9 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 105. The class will run two hours

(with a break in the middle) and there is no cost (there is also no tests or

grades!). Just bring yourself, a notebook and a pen and together we will get

those stories told so that you will leave a lasting legacy for your

descendents.

Rod Serling of the Twilight Zone said in 1975 -"I just want people to

remember me a hundred years from now." How do you want people to

remember you 100 years from now - as someone in a faded picture or as

someone who lived life and had a story to tell!

If you have questions about the class you can call me at (321) 543-9450

or e-mail me at hnsbaker@att.net. If you want to join the class you can call

the church office.

Looking forward to seeing you on March 9th,

God Bless, Shirley Baker

Use of Publix Gift Cards

The FUMC Men’s Club asked parishioners

to donate the $10 gift card they received

for having their flu shot at Publix. We

collected 29 gift cards and $20 cash for a

total of $310. While the original intent

was to use this for Hurricane Dorian relief,

most of these efforts had been discontin-

ued when we were ready to redeem the

cards.

In working with Missionary Flights

International (MFI) they informed us that

the Haiti Mercy Mission – Cercady was in

dire need of protein for their children.

They were requesting sardines, Vienna

sausages, and Spam. Accordingly we used

the cards to purchase those items plus

small canned hams and tuna fish, in total

spending $323 for 69 pounds of food.

This food was delivered to that

organization on January 14 at the MFI

airport. They said it would be packed that

day and would be on a plane to Haiti

within the next few days. We met with

two of their missionaries when we

delivered the food and they could not stop

saying how appreciative they were for the

donations. They have decided that every

child in their school will get a can of

meat to take home. Special thanks to all

those who contributed to this effort. A

small contribution from all of you has

made a significant impact on many

families at Cercady.

After reading a lesson that covered loving our neighbors,

our Disciple I class put together 26 blessings bags for a

homeless encampment on Monday January 20th. The bags

contained a t-shirt, a pair of socks, toiletry items, snack items,

and a sandwich. They were delivered by one of our class

members last week, and he said the receiving folks were very

grateful! All items in the bags were purchased and donated by

the members of the class, and we were all very excited to take

part in this small act of kindness!

CHURCH GARDEN

The mission of the Church Garden is to grow delicious, nutritious, fresh herbs and

vegetables to support the feeding ministries of the church. The work of the garden

will be performed by volunteers from within the congregation, including the youth

group. The garden is located across the parking lot from the Beacon Life Center.

Praise God, our garden plants are growing! We have planted more tomato seeds. And, we’ve planted peas!

With these new additions, we are growing on about 160 square feet of the 320 square feet available. We are half-

way there! We have planted the following plants: tomatoes, peppers, and collards. In addition, we have also

planted the following seeds: kale, lettuce, onions, oregano, parsley, peas, radish, rosemary, and spinach.

All are welcome to come visit the garden to marvel at what God has been able to accomplish. We also

encourage you to pray over the garden project, and pray for all of the people who will benefit from our efforts.

All we ask is that during your visit to please, please, please do not walk in the garden beds themselves.

With the approval of the Finance Committee, we are looking for sponsors to step out in faith and sponsor

one square foot of garden space for ten dollars ($10). You may sponsor more than one square foot if you feel led

to do so. Donations may be made by including it with your Sunday offering. Indicate on your envelope or your

check how much is for your offering and how much is for the garden. So far, we have 17 square feet of garden

space sponsored.

AS A GARDEN SPONSOR, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANY GARDENING AT ALL! We look forward to your prayerful consideration in support of this worthwhile ministry. Your support

will feed the hungry, provide the youth with an opportunity to serve, and help beautify the church grounds.

Thank you, Rich Moran,

United Methodist Men

908-268-6109 ~ rmoran0624@gmail.com

New Member Class

March 11th

, 18th

& 25th

6 pm

Room 106, BLC

Childcare available upon request!

****Mark your Calendar***

April 1st

, yes April Fool’s Day! An event

taking place in the BLC. Once again the Port

St Lucie Community Band will be performing

that evening in the BLC with a concert called,

“A Jazz and Big Band Spectacular”. This event will again be used to provide funds to replace

the carpeting in the BLC. Ticket cost is a low $10 and

well worth the price of admission.

If you haven’t attended one of the earlier concerts you

missed stunning performances by the

group. Beginning in March, members of

the UMM and the choir will be assisting

with ticket sales. The last concert filled

the BLC and we are hoping this happens

again as we strive for our goal to raise

$20,000 for the new carpet. Hope to see

you there. Contact the church office or

Fred Patterson if you have any questions.

UMW MEETINGS Join a

United Methodist Women's Circle Fun, fellowship and food!

Centennial Circle—2nd

Mon @12:30p Rm 103, BLC Priscilla/Mary Circle—2

nd Thurs @ 1p Rm 103, BLC

Lydia Circle—4th Tues @ 7p Rm 101, BLC

Marta Circle— Wednesdays @ 7p Rm 103, BLC

Executive Board Meeting:

Wednesday, February 5th @10 AM Rm 103, BLC

UMW Unit Meeting

Wednesday, February 19th

@ 7 PM Room 101, BLC

Topic: "School to Prison Pipeline" Refreshments Provided

UMW Facebook Page: First United Methodist Church United Methodist Women

Continue saving those caps and lids!

Although, we reached our goal of 200

pounds for the Buddy Bench Project, Northport

K-8 is still collecting and planning to go for

another bench. Continue to bring the caps to the

church office.

Mrs. Licameli at Northport, who is

coordinating the project, teaches students on the

autism spectrum and has them do hands on/

vocational things ... like sorting the bottle caps!

She's very much on board with continuing the

project. When the time comes that we're done

with a second bench we'll keep collecting and

donate the caps for another school's bench

project: it's an environmental positive, and we'll

be impacting students who are lonely and need

companionship.

This month I will give you an overview of the BIBLE & BIBLE STUDIES section. This section is color coded light blue and are the very first section to the left as you come in the door. Because it is a very large section, I have

broken it down with many subdivisions. They are: GENERAL, which includes information on broad topics of both the Old & New Testaments. PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE, OLD TESTAMENT COMMENTARIES, NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARIES, NEW TESTAMENTS with many translations, BIBLES which also includes many translations, DICTIONARIES & ATLASES, CONCORDANCES & COMMENTARIES. At another time I will go in depth more on these subdivisions. Please find a sample featured on the table this month.

Carole Williams, Church Librarian

February 19th

Noon ~ Room 100

Bring your favorite dish to share!

Bring a friend, neighbor or

family member!

For more information call Sandra McClure at (772) 336-0307 or

Jenette Robarge at (772) 879-4805

Wednesday

February 5th

5-7 pm

Room 100, BLC Bring your favorite dish!

Invite your friends!

Invite your neighbors!

Hope to see everyone there.

If you have any questions, contact

Cheryl Patterson at 720-480-3461

SAVE THE DATE

Please start to gather all your unneeded,

unwanted, “treasures” for the upcoming

Annual UMW Rummage Sale on

Saturday

March 21st

Follow us!

fumcofpsl

www.pslfumc.com

Good News coming from the office of Cuban Bishop Pereira

Cuba will begin processing Religious Visas again. This type of Visa will allow for

overnight stays in churches. The opportunity to teach, preach, distribute bibles, and

religious literature once again. This will allow our Missions Team greater

opportunity to do Gods work once we are there, but READ ON!

Now, however, there is a new Government Regulation Announcement. Beginning March 10, 2020 U.S. Charter flights

will no longer be allowed to travel to any Cuban Airports except Havana. Havana to Holguin is 422 miles away.. at least a

9 hr car ride. This will cause travel inconvenience, and added cost to reach our churches there.

Furthermore, you may recall we no longer have the avenue of sending funds to our sister churches via Western Union,

and must depend on Cuba Family Methodist Members to send financial aid for us as regulations demand. These

Government regulations make it most difficult to help support our brothers and sister there in Cuba.

So how can we continue to do so? Our only avenue now will be through air or sea cargo to deliver much needed food supplies, OTC Meds, and school

supplies. Unfortunately shipping is a very costly option. Cuba Missions will be once again placing a donations container in

the church office for these items (listed below). As always we ask for your continued heartfelt prayers for our brothers and

sisters there in Cuba. Sandra McClure, Cuba Missions

ITEMS FOR CUBA

Please consider tucking a couple of dollars with your donation to help with shipping charges.

Cuba Missions thanks you for your support in this effort.

OTC MEDS Vitamins: C, E, D, B

Pre Natal vitamins

Multivitamin

Children Multivitamin

Ibuprofen

Tylenol

Advil

Aspirin

Antacids

Antibiotic ointment

Band-Aids

Q-Tips

Ace wraps

Ben gay

PERSONAL PRODUCTS Deodorant: Solid or roll on

Toothpaste

Toothbrushes

Combs: Men/ladies

Shampoo

Body soaps

Kotex

Peanut butter

Dry soup mix

Tea bags

Oatmeal

Bags of lollipops

SCHOOL SUPPLIES Pens

Pencils

Crayons

Stickers

Notebook paper

Pocket folders

Construction paper

Rulers

Scotch tape

Markers

Colored pencils

Coloring books

Chalk

Erasers

Pencil sharpeners: (Small ones)

Depends

Pampers

Toilet paper

Baby wipes

HELPERS Eyeglasses: New/used

Readers: Mid to high power

Magnifying glass

Canes: Regular or folding type

Sunglasses

Ball caps: (protection from sun)

FOODS Macaroni

Rice

Beans (dry)

Flour

Corn meal

Powdered Milk

Powdered chocolate milk mix

Sugar

Brown sugar

Coffee (bagged)

Have you moved?

Have you changed your email

address or telephone number? Do you use only your cell phone now?

Does your church know?

Please call the church office at

878-1155 to update your records or

email - secretary@pslfumc.com

Please pray for our

Service Personnel:

Douglas T. Gifford

Lawrence Bach

Steve Dorris

Anthony LoPrinzi

Torey Griffith

Kaitlyn Neeley

Anthony Hope

Christian Portinga

Ezra Gordon

Sean H. Simpson

Johnna Moody

Judi Moody

Carole Moody

Michael Dugan

Kevin Dugan

Charles Ensminger

Thomas Kitson

“Wit” Darvill

Please call the church office

if someone you know should

be added to the

Service Personnel list or is

no longer on active duty.

Our Love & Prayers Go Out To

Our Friends Residing at Care Centers

Martin Nursing and Restoration Care, 6011 SE Tower Dr, Stuart, 34997

Ebba Forgue Room 102B

Palm Garden, 1751 SE Hillmoor, PSL, 34952

Allena Hughes Room 146

The Manor at Hobe Sound, 9555 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, 33455

Eloise Kinahan Room 501

Harbor Place at Port St Lucie, 3700 SE Jennings Rd. PSL, 34952

Tom Cox Room 332E

WaterCrest, SLW, 279 NW California Blvd, PSL, 34986

Gwendlynn Brehon Room 120 Ruth Cooke Room 201

Paradise Cove, 2277 SE Lennard Rd., PSL 34952

Sandi Johannessen Room 36

The Palms of St. Lucie West, 501 NW Cashmere Blvd, PSL, 34986

Thomas H Meredith Room 122

Brookdale, 1700 NE Indian River Dr. Jensen Beach, 34957

Bonnie Ryder Room 119

Our Friends Residing at Home Erma Jean Caulkett Fred Knechtel Althia Griffith

2386 SE Master Ave 186 NW Avens St. 2034 SE Ellington Ter.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Port St. Lucie, FL 34983 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

Evelyn Reis Lillian Schubel Desmond Brice

The Pointe Apt S306 Opis Island Lake Center 401 SE Starflower Ave.

2750 SE Ocean Blvd. 155 Landover Place Port St Lucie, FL 34983

Stuart, FL 34996 Room 207

Longwood FL 32750

If you are aware of an

illness,

hospitalization, or

death in the family of

one of our members please

notify the church

office. This will help us

better serve you. We would

rather receive several phone

calls than none at all. Please

do not assume that we

already know.

Men’s Prayer Group

Wednesday mornings

6:45 am

Conference Room

Please join us!

Women’s

Prayer Group

Conference Room

Thursdays, 8:30 am

Won’t you join us?

Please join the

Visitation Team in

wishing a

Happy Birthday by sending a card to:

Ebba Forgue 2/1 Martin Nursing and Restoration Care,

6011 SE Tower Dr, Room 102B

Stuart, 34997

Erma Jean Caulkett 2/28 2386 SE Master Ave

Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

The Men's Bible Study meets

every Sunday at 8:15 in Room

105 of the Beacon Life Center.

♥Carol & Jerry Dust, Joe Goebels,

Wayne Habermehl, Maureen Flood,

Sherry Barton, Mary LaLa, Carole

Bowen, Cherie Portinga, Paul

Watkins, Karen Pine, Susan Taylor

and David Stiles for staffing the food

pantry on Tuesday mornings.

♥Our many church family volunteers who keep the

landscape weed free & beautiful.

♥Connie Clegg & Shirley Reeder for preparing the pews.

♥Counters for your weekly assistance.

♥All of our committee members, Praise Teams, Tech

Team, Visitation Team, Choir, Communion Prep Team,

Greeters, Ushers and Welcome Team who work hard all

year long.

♥Kim Nelson, Marlis Spear, Jenette Robarge, Marilyn

Lawless, Marilyn Benda and Shirley Miller who help in the

office on a weekly basis.

♥The Men’s Prayer Group (Jim Silletto, Dana Heath, Terry

Wix, Dionisio Aponte, Junior Velasquez, Ed Rishko) and

the Women’s Prayer Group (Carole Bowen, Helen Davis,

Melissa Bower, Karen McCall & Mavilia Franois) who

pray for everyone for whom prayers were requested and

prepare and mail out the prayer cards.

♥Carole Williams and Dixie Bradley for taking care of the

church library.

Budget

Financial Update - In the month of January we

received $66,460.29 toward our monthly need of

$76,485. Your financial dedication is appreciated.

Record of Our Faithful Attendance

Attendance 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26

8:00 am 156 164 162 154

9:30 am 159 195 167 177

11:00 am 221 227 248 216

11:30 am

63 68 65 66

Youth

S School

0

92

0

104

21

106

0

101

Shining the Light of God to the Latino Community

♥ Many thanks to the FUMC Visitation Team, Sandra

and Mary, Priscilla/Mary Circle and Marlis Spear for the

gifts, your visits, thoughts and prayers. Come again, I

appreciate you. Love and prayer, Evelyn Reis

♥ To our Sisters and Brothers in Christ—Thanks for all

your love and encouragement and trusting in God.

Happy New Year From Desmond and Phyllis Brice

Saturday March 14

8 am - 12 pm

at the Public Works Complex

located at 450 S.W. Thornhill Drive Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful (KPSLB) makes it easy for residents to get rid of their unwanted household chemicals and hazardous waste by providing a convenient place and time where the materials can be handed over to experts, free of charge, for proper disposal. St. Lucie County Solid Waste accepts most household waste free of charge year-round. For more information, please call 772-871-5103.

ACCEPTED Ammunition Automotive fluids Batteries (rechargeable & vehicle*) Bug sprays Computers/Electronics Drain cleaners Fire Extinguishers Fluorescent Light Bulbs/Tubes Fuels Herbicides Insecticides Lighter Fluid Mercury thermometers Oil-based paint Propane Tanks (20 lbs. or less)

NOT ACCEPTED

Bio-Hazard/Medical Waste Containers > 5 gallons Explosives Flares Paint (Water-based or latex) Sharps Tires

RX Drugs Solvents/Thinners Thermostats *Vehicle Batteries: Includes car, truck, boat, lawn mower, etc.

$60,000.00

$65,000.00

$70,000.00

$75,000.00

$80,000.00

Year to DateNeeded

Year to DateReceived

$76,485.

$66,460.29

Missions is God's work through us!

“SCRIPTURE FOCUS"

Declare His glory among the [a]nations, His wonders among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 New King James Version (NKJV) <>< <>< <><

HOW TO PRAY FOR OUR MISSIONARIES : PRAY FOR: Social aspects.

Blessing in ministry depends a lot on your interpersonal relationships with fellow workers, official institutions, and the people themselves: Pray for

these missionary and family relationships to be effective with: Their neighbors and daily contacts. <>< <>< <><

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE MISSIONARY HEART:

“Maybe He has sent me as a temporary stopgap. You know that part of the soldier's job is to fill gaps.

One must be willing to be nothing as well as something".

<>< <>< <><

There are around 269 unengaged unreached people groups numbering over 5.7 million souls that are still beyond the reach of the Gospel. We cannot

and must not ignore the great need of these precious souls needing our Savior.

UREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS: KIRAR IN INDIA

Pray For God to win The Kirar to Himself & that Bible believing churches are planted in their community. <>< <>< <><

CONNECTING THE CHURCH IN MISSION MISSIONARIES--FROM EVERYWHERE TO EVERYWHERE!

Seventeen new United Methodist missionaries consecrated in 2017 commissioned and sent.

The 17 participants from seven countries, in addition to the United States (Japan, Korea, Mexico, Costa Rica, Switzerland

and Zimbabwe). They are serving in eight different nations: 9 serve in the United States (3 of them in Puerto Rico); 2 in

Switzerland; As well as Cambodia, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, Nicaragua and in the area of

Palestine and Israel. Pray for them and that others are encouraged to go to the mission field as well.

More info at: https://www.umcmission.org/

< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < La Obra de Dios - Nuestras ManosLas Misiones son la Obra de Dios a través de nosotros.

ENFOQUE DE LAS ESCRITURAS:

Hablen de su gloria y de sus maravillas ante todos los pueblos y naciones, Salmos 96:3 Dios Habla Hoy (DHH) <>< <>< <><

COMO ORAR POR NUESTROS MISIONEROS: Los Aspectos Sociales

La Bendición en el ministerio depende mucho de sus relaciones interpersonales con sus colaboradores, las instituciones oficiales, y el

pueblo mismo: Oremos por estas relaciones del misionero y de su familia para que sean eficaces con:

Sus vecinos y contactos diarios. <>< <>< <><

El ÁNIMO PARA EL CORAZÓN MISIONERO: “Talvez Él me ha mandado como un tapón temporal Ud. Sabe que parte del trabajo del soldado es llenar el cupo vacío.

Uno debe estar dispuesto a ser nada al igual que ser algo.

Hay alrededor de 269 Grupos Étnicos No alcanzados que suman más de 5.7 millones de almas que aún están fuera del alcance del

Evangelio. No podemos ni debemos ignorar la gran necesidad de estas almas preciosas que necesitan de nuestro Salvador.

GRUPOS NO ALCANZADOS: KIRAR EN LA INDIA

Que Dios gane muchos kirar para sí mismo y para que iglesias que creen en la Biblia sean plantadas en su comunidad

<>< <>< <><

CONECTANDO LA IGLESIA EN MISIÓN, MISIONEROS DE TODO EL MUNDO A TODO EL MUNDO:

Diecisiete nuevos misioneros(as) metodistas unidos consagrados en el 2017 comisionados y enviados.

Los 17 participantes originarios de siete países, además de los Estados Unidos (Japón, Corea, México, Costa

Rica, Suiza y Zimbabwe). Servirán en ocho naciones diferentes: 9 sirven en los Estados Unidos (3 de ellos en

Puerto Rico); 2 en Suiza; y a Camboya, Canadá, la República Democrática del Congo, Japón, Nicaragua y Pa-

lestina/ Israel. Oremos por ellos y que otros se animen a ir al campo misionero también.

Amy Carmichael 1867-1951

Missionary to India

Amy Carmichael 1867-1951

Missionary to India

Online/Mobile

Giving

You can make your

donations online. Go to

our website at www.pslfumc.com

and click on the easyTithe link or

go to the app store and download

the EasyTithe app.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The Lord’s Supper – Communion is available each Sunday morning from 7:30 am–12:30 pm. Bread and juice, as

well as guide sheets to lead you through your time communing with God, are available in the Prayer Room at the back

of the Sanctuary building.

Food Pantry – Please bring your donations of non-perishable food and supplies. Our pantry serves many less

fortunate families from our congregation and our community. Tuesdays 10a-1p.

Sarah’s Kitchen - provides free hot meals to the community on Mondays, 5-6:30p in Rm 100 of the BLC.

Feeding Ministry – Every 1st & 3rd Thursday, we provide a meal on Avenue D in Fort Pierce. We meet in the BLC kitchen.

Good Grief Group – Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to meet on the first Monday of the month at 12 pm to share a

potluck luncheon in Room 101 of the BLC. Call Darlene Tilton at (772) 302-3852.

WHY - We Help You - The WHY volunteers are available to provide in-home meals during difficult times, such as

illness, recovering from a hospitalization or nursing home stay, following the loss of a family member, or while

experiencing a family crisis. If you or someone you know, could use this help, please call Dawn Ginter at (772) 485-3244.

Baby Ministry - We are eager to reach individuals from our congregation who are pregnant or have recently had a baby, to provide

them with a gift for both mother and baby. Please contact the church office.

Texas Roadhouse - Bring your church bulletin to Texas Roadhouse on Peacock Blvd in St. Lucie West on any Sunday and they will

make a 10% donation to our church. This is a great way to raise a little bit extra for the church.

Perkins Family Restaurant and Bakery - We receive 10% of the (pre-tax) bill whenever our members dine at Perkins Restaurant.

Simply present the printed coupon to the cashier at the Perkins Restaurant on Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie. Coupons available in the

church office, the Narthex or the Lobby of the BLC. Please feel free to pass them out to your friends, family and neighbors.

AmazonSmile — Use this link while shopping at Amazon and they will donate .5% of eligible sales to our church!!

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-0954425. Thank you so much for your participation.

Worship in Sign - Our 9:30 am service is interpreted for the deaf. If you know of anyone that would enjoy this service, please invite

them.

Need a ride to church? - We have a limited bus ministry to pick up people on Sunday morning for the 11 am worship service and

return them home afterwards. Please call Frank at (772) 521-4672 or the church office.

Grocery Coupons are being collected for the Food Pantry. Please bring to the church office.

Next Beacon Newsletter deadline is February 15th!

GOOD GRIEF GROUP

February 3rd ~ 12 pm POTLUCK LUNCH

Anyone who has lost a loved one is

invited to meet at noon to share a

potluck luncheon in Room 101.

The United Methodist Men

meet on the first Saturday of

each month at 8 am in Room

101 of the Beacon Life Cen-

ter.

Join us on

February 1st!

Our Lay Servant Ministry

conducts a worship service each

Monday at 11:15 am at the

Watercrest Senior Living facility

in St Lucie West. We would love

to have you join us by 11 am. The

facility is located at 279 NW

California Blvd. For more information, please call

Bruce Kitson at (561) 876-6423.

PRAYER SHAWL

MINISTRY

Knit & Crochet Every Monday at 1 pm

(except Holidays)

ALL ARE WELCOME!! We teach beginners! Teenagers and

older. We share patterns, yarn and

stories. We will help you with

problems you may have.

We are a fun group!

Come join us! For more information call the

church office or Coordinator: Ruth

Ann Albert (772) 878-1703.

If you would like to

receive the monthly news-

letter “The Beacon” in your

email box or

receive our daily

e-prayers and daily

devotions, just send an

email to

secretary@pslfumc.com and

we’ll add you to the list!

We meet every Thursday

from 9 am to noon and the

1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of

the month from 6-8 pm in

Room 101 of the

Beacon Life Center.

PLEASE JOIN US! For further information, contact Cheryl

Patterson at (720) 480-3461.

First United Methodist Church

260 SW Prima Vista Blvd.

Port St Lucie, FL 34983

(772) 878-1155

February 2020

Volume 16, Issue 2

Page 1 of 2

Practical Tips for

Family Devotion Times

For some, especially those who grew up

in the absence of family devotion time,

leading family devotions can feel

intimidating and stressful. But there are

also a variety of things that you can do

to create a more conducive environment

for your family.

Have a regularly scheduled (and child

friendly) time for devotions.

Keep track of time—stretch your

children’s attention span, but don’t

exasperate them.

It is preferred that (if possible) the

father should lead the devotional

time.

Choose a regular place in your home—

one with as few distractions as

possible (no TV, etc.).

Begin your time with prayer.

Put any and all electronic devices

(e.g., phones, tablets) out of reach.

End in prayer.

In order to motivate a younger child’s

attentiveness, consider following your

devotional time with a special snack or

dessert.

We believe that there is an important

progression involved in encouraging our

children for a life of faith in Christ. To put it

very succinctly: MIND → HEART → WILL.

Children must first be presented with biblical

truth for their minds to absorb, ponder, and

understand. Knowledge of God and His Word

is the essential first step for faith (Romans

10:17). You cannot trust, love, and act upon

what you do not know. Next, that truth must

go beyond mere knowledge. It must reach and

transform the heart so that children might

truly embrace, cherish, and love the truth—

specifically love of God through faith in

Christ. Finally, this love will affect the will as

it comes under submission to Christ, producing

decisions, choices, words, and actions that are

pleasing to God. While we must fully

acknowledge that only God can bring about

this Spirit-wrought, grace-dependent

transformation, we believe that it is our

responsibility to guide, inspire, and implore

our children to make a personal and sincere

response to God’s truth in their minds, hearts,

and will. Therefore, our devotional resources

are designed to instruct the mind, engage

their hearts, and influence the will.

First United Methodist Church

260 SW Prima Vista Blvd.

Port St Lucie, FL 34983

(772) 878-1155

February 2020

Volume 16, Issue 2

Page 2 of 2

Get Creative: Make your own Valentine’s!

Materials: Baggies, Hershey Kisses,

construction paper, stapler,

scissors, markers.

Steps: Place a few Hershey’s kisses

into a snack size baggie and seal.

Cut colored construction paper to

fold over the top of the baggies and

staple shut. Using your markers,

write induvial messages to all your

friends!

Random Acts of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness Week is February

13th – 17th. I am challenging you each to launch

the week of kindness by doing something really

special for your parents, without being told.

Make them breakfast, or clean your room or

help bring in the groceries without being

asked.

Take your kindness to school and open the

door for your friends or teachers, bring your

teacher an apple or a special treat that you

know he or she likes.

Bonus ---- Write down your Random Acts of

Kindness and bring your list to Miss Holley or

Miss Erin for a treat!

Extreme Kids! Wednesday Nights

6:30-8:00 pm Ages VPK-5th grade!

First United Methodist Church

260 SW Prima Vista Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

(772) 878-1155

We’re on the web:

www.pslfumc.com

You don’t want to miss this…………

February 16th

9:30 am (English)

& 11:30 am (Spanish)

Worship Services

Beacon Life Center Reverend Rini Hernandez

Bring a breakfast item to share!

District Superintendent in the South West District Florida Conference

director of New Church Development

(There will be no 8 & 11 am services.)