March 2020 First Connections

MARCH 2020

Restored

He Restoreth My Soul and Body That Day in November

Restoration

WORSHIP

INVITE

GROW

SERVE

first: things first!

Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess Rev. Tom Berlin knows about people. For about thirty years he has preached, counseled, guided and encouraged United Methodist congregations in Virginia. And, like most pastors, Tom found “people are a mess.”

He adds, “Don’t take that the wrong way. It’s true of me too.” Tom knows that challenges come in many forms, ranging from physical to emotional and spiritual. “Mess” is a word which describes the world we live in. Each day we witness a political mess, a social mess, a relational mess…the list seems to be unending. Yet, this is not how God intends us to be or to live.

CONTENTS Restored: Finding Redemption in Our Mess by David McEntire

1 He Restores My Soul and Body by Kimberly Ham ������������������������� 2 Restoration by Carlene Skiles ��������������������������������������������������������� 3-4 Prayers & Praise ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Stitches of Love ������������������������������������������������������������4 That Day in November - We Were Restored by Tricia Warren 5 Memorials ��������������������������������������������������������������������6 Restoring Hope ������������������������������������������������������������6

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor. 13:11 NIV) Paul, in writing to the Corinthian Church, knows that the messes of life must be dealt with and that the solution is found in restoration. This is no ordinary restoration, rather it is returning to our created image. The power to do this is found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the love and power of Jesus which restores.

Join us throughout Lent as we explore the book, Restored, by Tom Berlin. Each week in worship and in small groups we will consider our “mess” and God’s answer to our mess. It is our hope that each of us will be honest about the need for God’s restorative power and grace, that we will be willing to seek and work toward that restoration, healing and the joy which restoration brings.

Peace and Grace, David McEntire

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a publication of First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-686-3163 • www.firstumc.org #1stLKLD

He Restoreth My Soul ... and Body

by Kimberly Ham

While I suffered several broken bones and injuries that kept me hospitalized for over a month, if it hadn’t been for that “accident,” I wouldn’t have experienced the blessing of …

1. A full body scan that detected a large mass on my appendix, requiring my appendix to be removed before rupturing!

When I came across this scripture years ago, I remember wondering how one could count trials and tribulations as “joy” but, as I’ve aged and experienced more, I have finally caught on. And after a near-death experience 17 months ago, this scripture REALLY came to life for me in a big way!

As many of you wonderful prayer warriors know, on September 5, 2018, as I was taking my lunchtime walk around Lake Mirror and Lake Morton, I was struck by a pickup truck as I was crossing Walnut Street, right in front of our church. I was in shock, of course, and have no memory of the accident, but I was told church staff members came out to the site to pray for me as I was being transported to the hospital. This was just the beginning of the countless prayers that went out for me!

My lunchtime walks aren’t just about the exercise, but this time has always been set aside strictly for God and me.

While our talks differ from day to day, I have many routine prayer requests, one of them being for God’s protection. And protection, indeed, among many other blessings, is what He gave me!

2. The incredible care and treatment from Lakeland Regional physicians and medical staff (I’m sure I saw a halo over one of the nurses in the progressive care unit who made a deal with me to take off my neck brace for one full minute if I kept perfectly still).

3. The opportunity to be admitted to the Bannish Hall of Lakeland Regional for intense physical and occupational therapy for 2 weeks – going from being unable to put one foot in front of the other to walking out of the hospital 2 weeks later without as much as a cane!

4. The indescribable outpouring of love and countless prayers from family, friends, our pastors, church staff, my Vanguard family and our congregation. The neverending gestures of love I received throughout my hospitalization and 3 month recovery period to follow!

There are many more joys I could count from my accident, but the most extraordinary joy was feeling God’s strong presence and knowing how safe I was with Him! I was exceedingly aware of the fact that if I hadn’t survived the accident, God absolutely had me! He restored my body and soul in such a way I can’t possibly ever forget! I try to share my miracle of healing and restoration with others as often as possible! Praise be to God ALWAYS!

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Restoration by Carlene Skiles

When I think of the word restore, I immediately think of bringing something that is old, ruined and destroyed back to its original condition. In my daily life as an elementary school librarian I have had to restore MANY a book that has been loved on a lot. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have believed that our family would go through the physical restoration of our 12 year old daughter, Katie, in May 2019.

It started with a visit to the pediatrician on March 29th with a complaint of a sore and uncomfortable back and ended 5 weeks later, to the day, on May 3rd with massive spinal fusion surgery that covered 11 vertebrae.

You see, Katie was diagnosed with a 48 degree curve in her upper spine. Shocking… since there was no sign of scoliosis on her routine visit the previous August.

From nothing to 48 degree spinal movement in 8 months! We were fast tracked to immediately see a pediatric scoliosis surgeon within a week and at the appointment we were told that there were options, but none of them would improve her condition, and surgery was necessary. Surgeries are typically scheduled 6 months to a year in advance, but they had just had a cancellation that morning for a surgery date 3 weeks later on Friday, May 3rd. Our heads were spinning with everything happening so fast!

Of course, we had all kinds of pre-op procedures to take care of, and one of them was the most current x-ray possible. The surgeons used the x-rays to connect their surgical tools so that they were precisely cutting and moving Katie’s spinal column. In the 3 weeks we waited, Katie’s spine began curving on the bottom as well, so she had a 23 degree curve on her Before surgery lower spine. Her spine looked like a a backward S. Since time was of the essence we were glad surgery was happening sooner than later.

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A five-hour surgery on May 3rd ended with 2 titanium rods and 20 screws added to our daughter’s back. The 5 day stay at All Children’s Hospital including ICU to a regular room was the next hurdle in Katie’s restoration process. Watching Katie endure the incredible pain, being turned in her bed every 2 hours, relearning how to get up out of bed, relearning how to walk with a 15 inch scar down her back was incredibly hard. As a parent, I wanted to take all the pain away from her. As her family, we were her cheerleaders. We rejoiced when Katie could take a daily walk to the mailbox to check for mail. Our family and friends were lifting her up in her restoration process and sending her cards daily in the mail. My daughter, who had been very active in school, church and the neighborhood was now reduced to moving from her bed to the couch and walking around the house as her activity. To say this tested her patience was an understatement.

But Katie would never be held back. She was completely off all pain medications in less than 10 days. She was dressing herself in regular clothes in 2 weeks. She was maintaining her school assignments from home so that she could finish her 7th grade year on time. She attended her Confirmation service at 3 weeks post-op. Katie was a warrior, truly living out the following verse that can be found on a wall hanging in her room: She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25 The hardest part in Katie’s restoration process was the 3 months of restricted activity. She wanted to go, to be able to do what her brother Wyatt was able to do.

You can only work on so many puzzles, watch so much Netflix, color so many pictures before you start to lose your mind. But Katie did it with a grace and patience that was well beyond her years.

On November 21, 2019, Katie was officially released of all restrictions from her scoliosis surgery. Her spine was now at a 1 degree curve at the top, 2 degree curve in the middle and a 1 degree curve on the bottom. What a complete restoration of her body, back to its original beauty! Much to the surgeon’s dismay, Katie’s body make up produces an over abundance of collagen, which creates keloids all down her back. Meaning that her incision is raised up and red all down her back.

After surgery

The 125 cards Katie received.

Continued on page 5

The surgeon said that he could send her to a plastic surgeon. I was so taken back by the response I heard come out of her mouth: “Nope, I’m good. It doesn’t matter to me what it looks like. I don’t wear a lot of things that you can see it, and if someone asks, I can tell them why I have the scar.

That’s me now.” Those of you who know me… know that I immediately teared up. At 13 years old our daughter was not ashamed of her scar but realized that her surgery and recovery had given her a story to share, and a voice to those who would have surgeries in the future. In fact, Katie has volunteered to be someone a future patient could call and talk to about an upcoming surgery.

Restoration comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be as simple as the restoration of a page in a library book, to a complex physical restoration of a spine. My hope and prayer for anyone going through a restoration in their life is that they can take a page from my daughter’s story and choose to look for the good, look for the positive, and know that each and every person is clothed with strength and dignity and can laugh without fear of the future.

Prayers & Praise Baptisms

Kezlie Rose Sampson, January 12 Daughter of Kailyn Reynolds-Keller & Travan Sampson Ellis Virginia Kidwell, January 19 Daughter of James & Holly Kidwell

Back, left to right: Carlene, Toby, John Front, left to right: Wyatt and Katie

Wedding

Kaylen O’Leary & Alfredo Muente, January 17

Memoriams

Emma Kay Fleming, December 30

Stitches of Love This dedicated group of women meet to crochet and knit prayer shawls for people experiencing difficult situations. Each shawl is blessed and is meant to be a blessing to someone in need. The group also crochets and knits white baby blankets that are presented to the family when an infant is baptized.

Should you know of someone who could use some hope and would appreciate a shawl, please contact Rosie Helms, 863-899-2065 or Margie Brown, 863-6402552.

If you would like to use your gifts of crocheting or knitting or would like to learn these skills, please contact Rosie or Margie.

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That Day in November - We were Restored by Tricia Warren On that November day in 2014, we walked into this church for the first time, and we weren’t sure what to expect. Like many people, we had faced challenges in our lives. Our parents had been sick, our marriage was struggling, and we were really just going through the motions of life. We had no purpose. On that day in November, we weren’t even sure God existed. I remember that first Sunday, we entered the children’s area, and I wasn’t sure how Bailey would be accepted.

Our daughter Bailey has Down syndrome and I had heard horror stories about how children like Bailey had not been accepted at other churches. To our surprise, Bailey was welcomed with open arms in the kindergarten class.

Each Sunday after, we woke up and returned to a church that was becoming more and more familiar to us. Soon, we decided to attend Wednesday Phoenix Dinners.

We noticed in the back of the room, a table that was set up with offerings of various classes. We asked Warren Pattison for a suggestion, and he selected a class he felt would be best for us. What we loved about those classes, and Warren, is that we were given the opportunity to express our doubts and ask questions, and Warren guided us through our journey without judgement.

Then, Keith and I entered the Fellowship Center and found a nice spot, hoping to not stand out, because let’s be honest, that’s what every new person does.

After singing a few songs, and being greeted by those sitting around us, we sat to hear the sermon. It started with a conversation on finances, because of course two non-believers chose Commitment Sunday as their first Sunday to attend church.

We left church that Sunday, feeling confused and unsure if we wanted to return. After all, our opinion of the church as a whole, was based on what we see in the news, and it was often not good. However, we had three girls who nudged us to return, and so we did. That next Sunday, we had the same plan to slip in, go unnoticed, and slip out. However, that did not go as planned.

Instead, we were introduced to several staff members, including the Pastor, and were convinced to go ice skating that afternoon with Children’s Ministries!

That day in November, when we decided to enter the church, we had no clue how much First United Methodist of Lakeland would impact our lives. As I look at my phone, social media, or when I’m out, I realize that each person I’m surrounded by, are people I’ve met at First United Methodist of Lakeland.

I have shared on many occasions that each and every one of you contributed to our marriage being saved.

We were a family who just existed. There was little happiness and we were always seeking something.

When you see us at Phoenix dinners, small groups, church services, or when you see our girls singing in choir, please know that God placed us here, and placed you in our lives for an important reason, and without the church I am not sure where we would be. We are a family who God has restored.

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Memorials: October - December 2019 Gifts to First United Methodist may be given in memory of a deceased loved one. A Memorial gift shows thoughtful support for a ministry that was important to your family or friend. When giving a memorial gift, the remembered person’s family will receive a written acknowledgement of your gift.

Thomas Billings Helen & John Cannon Lamar & Joan Daniels Nelson & Marilyn Kimball Jennifer Royal Doris Trohn Pauline Brennan Annie-Laurie & Bill Wynn Raymond P. Delafield Carole Delafield Nancy Dettmer Charles Dettmer

John & Florence Knoll John & Elise Knoll

Hugh Palmer UK Custred

John Langford Alex & Jane Bryant

Judy Ruthven John & Helen Cannon

Dave Lenkiewicz Carole Delafield

Harold Truman Spears Barry Storey

Foster Mason McGill Bev McGill

Harriet Woodson Virginia Kelley Albert & Irene Vondrasek Janet Keith

Ellen McRobie Carole Delafield Marcus & Evaline Moyer John & Elise Knoll

Art Wright Alex & Judith Brice May & Sid Kimbrell

Restoring Hope Prayer Quilts

First United Methodist has a group of women who participate in an inter-faith outreach ministry that combines the gift of prayer with the gift of a hand-tied quilt. These hand made quilts have many ties on them.

After the squares are sewn together they are brought to staff and the staff will tie a knot as they pray for the person. Sometimes they are put out in the Lobby or Narthex for our congregation to pray over and tie a knot. A special tag with the person’s name, stating that it has been prayed over, is attached and the quilt is presented to the person so that they can be draped in our prayers, blessings and love.

Anyone in a crisis may receive a quilt. If you know of someone who needs a prayer quilt, contact Julie Holman, 863-397-5439 or Sherry Harter, 863-446-3866. We are always looking for new volunteers for this ministry. We love having new quilters join us, you don’t have to know how to quilt, there is plenty to do!

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lakeland, FL Permit No. 30

Published monthly by First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801 863-686-3163

PASTORAL AND WORSHIP TEAM

Rev. David McEntire Senior Pastor Rev. Melissa Stump Associate Pastor Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith Associate Pastor Nicole Wood Pastors’ Administrative Assistant Rev. Lee Lallance Minister of Music and Fine Arts Matthew Corl, AAGO Organist/Assoc. Director of Music & Fine Arts Karen Buie Music & Fine Arts Assistant/Youth Choir Coordinator Dr. Waite Willis Worship Leader, 9:30am Service Jeremy Hearn Worship Leader, 11:20am Service Susan Willis Worship Leader Assistant, 9:30am Service Cindy Cleveland Assistant Worship Leader, 11:20am Service Diana Russell Kids PRAISE Coordinator

INVITE TEAM

Diana Russell

GROW TEAM

Director of Newcomer Ministries

Warren Pattison Cristi Moore David Jans Alex James Cherry McClellan Katelyn Dolan Alice Hazel Stephanie Keen

Director of Adult Ministries Director of Children’s Ministries Director of Youth Ministries Children’s Coordinator Director of Preschool Ministries Associate Director of Preschool Ministries Christian Education Administrative Assistant Youth/Neighborhood Administrative Assistant

Sean Hults Namirah Perkins Forrest White Rev. Betty Batey Rev. Dale Golden Vicky Pitner Jennifer Cross

Director of Neighborhood Ministries Associate Director of Neighborhood Ministries Director of Mission Ministries Minister of Visitation Minister of Visitation Connections Ministry Coordinator Connections Ministry Facilitator

SERVE TEAM

MINISTRY SUPPORT TEAM Harriet S. Mayes Fred Murphy Mike Stasiak Maggie Trask Shawn Joyner Roxane McCann Lea Ellen DeWitt Angela Bowne Karrianne Heide-Cagle

Church Administrator Facilities Manager Kitchen Manager Communications Assistant Media Coordinator Cook/Baker Church Administrative Assistant Facilities Administrative Assistant Financial Assistant

Worship Services 8:15am, Traditional, Sanctuary

9:30am, Contemporary, Fellowship Center 11am, Traditional, Sanctuary

11:20am, Contemporary, Fellowship Center

March Highlights Confirmation Retreat, March 6 Youth Talent Show/Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, March 15 Clarion Brass & Organ Concert, March 17 Polk County School Break begins, March 23

April Highlights Easter-ific Celebration, April 4 Palm Sunday, April 5 Maundy Thursday, April 9 Good Friday, April 10 Easter Sunday, April 12 Church closed for Easter Holiday, April 13 Spring Fling, April 25

Vesta Foster Carole Christensen Shane Tindale Chalcin Charles Carol Chastain Renise Charles Mwidmisi Munnisi Tom Kelly Daniel King

www.firstumc.org

Financial Services Financial Services Facilities Specialist Maintenance Tech Custodian Custodian Custodian Kitchen Support Food Service/Facilities Support