Overflow 33 | Nov Dec 2012 by Overflow Magazine

OVERFLOWMAG.COM | NOV/DEC 2012

THE SALVATION ARMY GIVES HOPE AND LOVE TO TAMPA BAY

GOD'S GREATEST GIFT

A LIFE OF WORSHIP THE PLAN FOR PEACE

CONTENTS

16 DOING THE MOST GOOD FOR CHRIST The Salvation Army has been leading the way for the lost, hungry, poor, and homeless since the 19th century. Today, they are a refuge of hope demonstrating the principles of Matthew 25:40 to thousands of families each year.

A SONG TO LIVE BY

GOD'S CHRISTMAS CONSOLATION

Brian and Theresa NeSmith share their journey of following God’s plan for their lives and how music has greatly impacted their faith and their careers.

As God was fulfilling His Word in a quiet stable in Bethlehem, He was also keeping a special promise to one of His faithful through Jesus, our Christmas Consolation.

GOD'S AT PEACE WITH YOU

THANK YOU FOR MY GIFT

The angels brought “good tidings of great joy” for all people when they announced Jesus’ birth and revealed what God would do for us as a result—peace and goodwill toward men. Learn how this peace is available to you through Jesus.

This holiday season, let’s be grateful for our loving God’s gift to us—the gift of eternal life through Jesus—so that we can be with Him always and forever. Understand the purpose of Jesus' birth and what it means for us to be born again.

6 FROM THE EDITOR 26 MY ROCK 30 LOCAL CHURCHES SALVATION

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

HIGHLIGHT

EVENTS

FROM FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR

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NOV/DEC 2012, Issue 33

Dear Friends, This year really flew by! The holiday season is almost here with Thanksgiving coming up and Christmas right around the corner. I am really excited because the Christmas season is my favorite time of year. We get to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus and spend time with family and friends. I also truly enjoy making special memories with my husband and children. On page 22, we have some great ways to make this Christmas more memorable with your family. I am definitely going to try the gift exchange game with my family; it sounds like a lot of fun. Try doing something new with your family this Christmas and share it with us on Facebook. Have you ever wondered why the red kettles pop up during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season? Our cover story features The Salvation Army, which is a ministry synonymous with Christmastime. In Amanda Wright’s article, “Doing the Most Good for Christ,” learn about the history of The Salvation Army and the famous red kettle and how the Army not only gives love, hope, and a hand-up to those in need during the holiday season, but also all year long (see page 16). I encourage you to attend The Salvation Army’s 19th Annual Tree of Lights Benefit Luncheon on November 9th (for information, contact Moira_Hinson@uss.salvationarmy.org). If you can’t attend, there are several other ways to support this much-needed ministry, such as toy drives, food drives, volunteering, monetary donations, and much more. Let’s help The Salvation Army continue serving our community.

The Bible reveals many promises that God has made to His people. Through the Christmas story, Kerry Johnson reminds us of God’s greatest promise—the Messiah, our Christmas Consolation—and that God is always faithful to His Word (see page 10). “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV). If you haven’t made Jesus your Christmas Consolation, please go to our salvation section on page 14. In my early days as a Christian, I used to think that in order to really understand the Bible, you had to be a theologian or a pastor. However, I learned that you don’t have to be a Bible scholar or preacher to understand and get revelation from the Bible. The Holy Spirit reveals the Bible to us. When we depend fully on the Holy Spirit, He will give us revelation when reading His Word, even for children. When you open the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to give you revelation knowledge and He will surely open up the scriptures to you like never before. Whether you’re educated or not, the key is to depend on the Holy Spirit rather than on ‘head’ knowledge. Oftentimes, when the Lord leads us to do something, it may not make sense at the time. However, when we trust Him and obey, we will see His plans come to fruition in our lives, bringing us great joy and fulfillment. In “A Song to Live By” on page 8, Brian and Theresa NeSmith share their story of trusting God and His plan for their lives and how music has impacted their faith and careers. Want to see Brian in action? Then you don’t want to miss seeing him perform in Bell Shoal’s Christmas production, Experience Christmas, on December 14 and 15 (see ad on page 3). With this issue, Overflow Magazine is celebrating our third anniversary in print. We want to thank all of our readers, contributors, churches, distribution locations, and advertisers for all their support over the last three years. And thank you for helping us to continue spreading the Word of God in Tampa Bay and bringing people closer to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most of all, we want to give all the glory, honor, and praise to our Father God for giving us this opportunity to serve our community and for supplying us with the vision and the provision to fulfill what He called us to do in Tampa Bay and beyond. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas! And thank You, Father God, for the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. Resting in Jesus,

Amie Cherp

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Editor | Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com Sales & Marketing | Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com Creative | Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Creative | Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com Asst. Editor / Writer | Tommy Burrus Photography | Stephen T Photography stephen.theriault.photo@gmail.com How To Reach Us: 27251 SR 54, Suite B14-605 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813-915-6700 Phone 813-463-0275 Fax Submissions: magnify@overflowmag.com General Info Inquiry: contact@overflowmag.com Subscribe: Visit www.overflowmag.com and click the subscribe button on the homepage Event Submission: If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), & a short description of the event to: events@overflowmag.com Advertising and Distribution: If you are a business or church and think advertising to over 35,000 Christians is awesome, please contact: Chris Cherp | chris@overflowmag.com Overflow Magazine is published monthly by Eternal Holdings LLC, a Florida limited liability company, d/b/a Overflow Magazine. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in any form without prior written permission from a representative of Overflow Magazine. We cannot be held responsible for statements made by advertisers or contributing writers; however, we do make every effort to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information we print. Overflow Magazine cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors made by advertisers and/or contributing writers. All images, written work, photographs, e-mails and letters sent to Overflow Magazine will be allocated for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted rights to edit. Overflow Magazine is distributed free of charge to local supermarkets, churches, businesses, family events and other locations around the Tampa Bay area. For information on where to find Overflow Magazine or if you would like to become a distributor, please call 813-915-6700 or e-mail contact@ overflowmag.com.

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MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!

BY KIM JACKSON

ALLISON HILYER PHOTOGRAPHY

erhaps you know this song by heart: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” The beauty of music, created by God for His glory, is that He often uses it as a tool to establish His truth firmly in our hearts. Brian and Theresa NeSmith are living their lives literally set to music, and they are learning more and more how to trust and obey God’s direction for their lives. They are also experiencing the promised result of being happy and satisfied in Jesus. Neither Brian nor Theresa can remember a time when music was not an influence in their lives. Their DNA probably resembles measures of skillfully composed music. Brian was raised by a music minister father, and Theresa sang her first solo in church at the age of five, backed by a full adult choir. Both grew in their knowledge and love of music through high school and college, and they have enjoyed successful careers in music education. Now married for thirteen years, they reflect on God’s leading as well as His equipping them to follow His plan for their lives. They agree that their direction and successes are because a faithful God has led them and entrusted them with talents to be used for His glory and purposes.

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Brian’s path to music education was one of passion. “Music had become my life. It was the one thing I couldn’t stop doing,” said Brian. Rather than pursue a double major to ensure a career that might have better provided financially, Brian chose to focus his education on his God-ordained passion and talent. During his internship semester, he discovered his gift for teaching as students responded to him quite enthusiastically. This sealed his decision to pursue a career in music education. Immediately after graduating, he assumed the choral director position at East Bay High School, where he has been for thirteen years. Starting with only 56 students in his first year, Brian now leads 175 students in 4 choirs, as well as guitar and AP Music Theory classes. His is a music education success story. Theresa followed God’s leading toward the same end,

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but her path took just a bit longer. After receiving a degree in economics with a minor in music, she began a career in property management. It did not take long for her to recognize that this was not God’s plan for her. She loved music and she loved children. She realized that God was leading her to invest in students in the same way music teachers had invested in her. Within a year, Theresa completed the requirements for her teaching certificate and began her music education career. Soon she was given the choral director position at Eisenhower Middle School in southern Hillsborough County. She had quite a rough start during her first year, but with Brian’s support and encouragement, she persevered. After consistently employing techniques that Brian shared with her from his own classroom, she began to enjoy the same success in her program that he was experiencing at East Bay. Interestingly, and sovereignly, Theresa’s school was the largest feeder school to Brian’s school. Consequently, Brian and Theresa were blessed with quite a unique tag-team opportunity. Beginning in Theresa’s middle school choir, the kids were taught not only about music, but also about belonging to a family. Well aware of the difficulties kids experience during their time in middle school, Theresa strove to genuinely love her students. When they left her program for high school, they were welcomed and adopted into Brian’s music family at East Bay. “The most important thing we do for our students at East Bay is provide them a family. We

preach family to these kids, and a lot of them buy in,” said Brian. One of his former students confirmed the impact of his high school music chorus teacher. “Not only did Mr. NeSmith work hard to help me improve in singing and reading music, but he also helped me become a better person. He made school and the choir room a home for all of us. I don’t think teachers or people in general get any better than Brian NeSmith,” said John Moore, who graduated from East Bay in June of this year. John’s mom, Yolanda Moore, agreed. “These kids genuinely respect Brian. He lives out Christ each day at school and makes it very apparent that he not only believes in God, but also serves Him!” Though their respective choirs have won numerous awards at both local and state levels and both teachers have been privileged to serve in multiple countywide leadership positions, their top priority is to encourage students to know they are loved and have a place of belonging. This love they share wells up from the love that God has placed in their hearts through Jesus Christ. “More and more,” said Brian, “Jesus has become my passion. He has changed me. My focus has been altered from one of achieving goals to one of changing lives.” Throughout their careers, Brian and Theresa have learned to trust in the sovereign hand of God to direct them for His purposes. And the evidence of that is being lived out now like never before. If you look at Brian and Theresa’s lives, you will find confirmation of lives lived increasingly by faith in God and His promises. This past year God challenged them to give more than they’ve ever given to His work. They spent time together praying for God’s leading in their giving. Believing His promise to faithfully provide for their needs, they made a commitment to give significantly above their regular tithes and offerings. At the same time, Theresa felt a strong pull to pursue her passion for photography on a full-time basis. She had enjoyed using this talent on a part-time basis for years and had built a great reputation as an excellent photographer. But the burden of pursuing photography as a part-time job while continuing to teach full-time became overwhelming. In addition, both Theresa and Brian wanted more time for her to be available to their precious children Joshua, Luke, and Laurel. Leaving teaching would mean having that privilege, but it would also mean cutting their income in half during a time when they’d committed to give more away than ever before. It was truly a God-sized dilemma that only He could handle. Brian also feared the prospect of losing the best middle school choral director in the county from his feeder school. What if the new director

didn’t recruit enough students? How would they ever sing as well as they did under Theresa? But he chose to trust God, having faith that if God called Theresa to work from home, then He would also provide the choral students with the talent to continue to make the East Bay choral program viable. He humbly submitted his concerns to God and encouraged Theresa to follow God’s plan for their lives. Theresa’s earnings from her growing (but unpredictable) business, Theresa NeSmith Photography, became their only source of income for the summer. But both Brian and Theresa recognize that God often asks His people to do the illogical – or even what we may think is the impossible. Brian and Theresa are committed to trusting God and His leading. He is teaching

them, and others who hear their testimony, that God is their source – not their efforts (as good as they are) or their talents or their intelligence. Zechariah wrote, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit…” (Zechariah 4:6, NKJV). As Brian and Theresa are obediently accepting the opportunity to live this out every day, God has kept His promise to take care of them and has blessed them with provision exactly when it has been needed. They’ve also enjoyed the abundant blessings of more family time, a more smoothly run home, and improved health for all. Last December, Theresa’s photography was featured in the Christmas production at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. That work was a stepping stone to the plan that God had for her. This year Brian will sing the important role of the angel Gabriel in the Bell Shoals Christmas production, Experience Christmas, on December 14 and 15 (see ad on page 3). Theresa and Brian will be side-by-side doing what God has called them to do, yet again laying their talents and abilities in God’s hands to be used for His glory. Look closely at the audience, and you will likely see students and parents from Eisenhower Middle School and East Bay High School cheering on their teachers. And once again, Brian and Theresa will return it in trust and obedience as a worship offering to Christ. ■

“Jesus has become my passion. He has changed me. My focus has been altered from one of achieving goals to one of changing lives.”

Nov/Dec 2012 Love+Faith+Hope

CONTRIBUTOR

BY KERRY JOHNSON

“You said you were going to play with me when you finished that book—you promised!” The familiar words came from our playroom. I listened to my boys’ exchange, wondering if I needed to intervene. The upset child dragged his loud words out like a ferry horn warning of imminent departure. There are times as a parent when I leave them alone to work it out, but there are other times when Mommy Mediator has to step in. Voices rose, so I walked into the room and reiterated to our boys how important it was to keep their word. When you promise something, do what you said you’d do. I explained that a promise is like a gift to someone, and when we break it, we yank the gift back, hurting the other person as well as ourselves. When someone promises us something that our heart desires, we hold tight to the promise, placing our hope in the person’s word and faith in their actions. The Bible details many promises that God brought to fruition among His people: an arced, colorful promise to Noah that marks stormy skies to this day, His seemingly impossible promise to elderly Abram that he would be the father of many nations, and God’s greatest promise of a perfect Lamb offered for our sin, His Son Jesus—fully God and fully man and overflowing with grace. Within the Christmas story, we read about another promise, this one given by God to one of His faithful. In Luke 2, we’re introduced to Simeon, a righteous older man of sterling reputation who lived in Jerusalem around the

time of Jesus’ birth. The Bible tells us that Simeon was “just and devout” and was “waiting for the Consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25, NKJV). God had revealed a promise to Simeon through the Holy Spirit that he would see the promised Messiah before his death. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:25-26, NKJV) The Baby Jesus was born quietly in a stable, with only Mary, Joseph, and the surrounding animals to witness His humble entrance into a broken world that needed Him. God then sent the shepherds to visit the Christ child and to affirm that His promise of a Messiah had come to pass. Once the shepherds arrived at the stable in Bethlehem, they found the “Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12, NKJV). God, in His sovereignty and grace, was tying together His promise to Simeon with the lives of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Shortly after His birth, Joseph and Mary brought the Christ Child into Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice on His behalf and present Him to the Lord. At the same time, Simeon was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple.

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So he (Simeon) came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:27-32, NKJV) At long last, Simeon held God’s prophesied Messiah and peace overcame him as a life-long promise was brought to completion. What joy must have filled his heart as he held God’s perfect Salvation in his arms! Jesus was the Christmas Consolation for Simeon, just as He is for us, today.

“Jesus was the Christmas Consolation for Simeon, just as He is for us, today.” This Christmas season, let’s hope in God’s Word alone, knowing He is faithful to His promises and that through Jesus—God’s Christmas Consolation—we’re given new life and unshakeable hope. Let’s hold tight to our faith and hope in the One who came and offered us the free and priceless gift of salvation – Jesus Christ. “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified!’” (Psalm 70:4, NKJV) ■

CONTRIBUTOR

GOD'S AT PEACE WITH YOU BY BRIAN ESSARY

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:13-14, NKJV)

ach year as we begin to send out Christmas cards to our family and friends, we often see the above scripture printed on them. It is easy for us to read over these words without realizing the significance of what God did through the birth of His Son, our Savior. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden, humanity has been striving to gain back peace with God through our attempts of religion. In the book of Psalms, King David described the deepest need of mankind when he wrote, “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psalm 17:15, NKJV). Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, according to His likeness and in right standing with God, but as a result of sin, that perfect image was destroyed. Consequently, peace between God and mankind was also destroyed. However, God had a plan to restore this peace by sending His Son to redeem us and restore our right standing with Him. It is human nature to allow our differences to rob us of our peace because those differences bring fear of rejection and of judgment. At the very core of who we are, the greatest desire of our hearts is to feel accepted, therefore,

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“The message to the church and to the world is not a message of condemnation, guilt, and shame. It is not a message of judgment and rejection, but it is a message of God being at peace with us through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross.”

to be at peace. Understanding this helps us to realize why King David would say, “I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” He knew that only in regaining our likeness and oneness with God would we regain the peace that all humanity desperately needed. With this thought in mind, let us look again at what the angels said that night as they announced the birth of Jesus. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Did you see it? The angels not only announced Jesus’ birth, but also revealed what God would do for us as a result—peace and goodwill toward men. God was not announcing peace among mankind but peace between God and us. Isaiah had prophesied this day would come when he wrote, “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed...” (Isaiah 54:9-10, NKJV). Notice what Isaiah says, “Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed.” He also tells us that this covenant would be like the covenant with Noah. Let me ask you a question. Is God’s covenant to never again flood the earth

dependent on anything you must do, accomplish, or work for in order for God to keep that covenant? The obvious answer is no! It is completely independent of anything we do. Isaiah prophesied that this covenant of peace that God would make with us was like the covenant that He made with Noah. God’s peace with us is not dependent on our performance but completely dependent on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Did God simply wake up one morning in a good mood and decide to make this deal with us? No. God is a just God, and He justly made the provision for us to be at complete peace with Him forever. In the book of John, Jesus reveals to us how this covenant of peace would take place between God and men. “Now is the judgment of the world; now the ruler of the world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:31-32, NKJV). In order for us to understand what Jesus is referring to here, we first have to remove one word that was added by the translators as some versions of the scripture have already done. The word “peoples” in the above text should have never been added because it took the focus off of the subject matter—judgment, which is what Jesus was speaking of here. In this verse, Jesus was not speaking of drawing peoples, but drawing God’s judgment for the sin of people. Jesus was speaking of Himself being lifted up on the cross and becoming the lightning rod of God’s judgment, wrath, and anger. Jesus took ALL of God’s judgment for us, meaning there is none left for God to put on you. God is not angry with you because His anger was satisfied at the cross. This is why Isaiah says that God’s covenant of peace towards us would not be taken away – it would be independent of our efforts and solely dependent on what Jesus did. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are a believer, a child of God, recreated in His image, one with the Father, resulting in complete peace with God forever! Paul tells us in Romans what the result of putting faith in the finished work of the cross creates in our lives today. “[Jesus] Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 4:25-5:1, NKJV). The message to the church and to the world is not a message of condemnation, guilt, and shame. It is not a message of judgment and rejection, but it is a message

of God being at peace with us through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. This is why Paul said, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15, NKJV). The world must know who our God is. He is not a God of unsatisfied anger ready to strike people down for their sin, but is a God of complete satisfaction in the price Jesus paid for our sin. When this message is proclaimed, within it is the power for true transformation and peace in people’s lives. This Christmas, as you read those words the angels declared that first Christmas, remember this: God is and always will be at peace with you,

His child, not because of your goodness or efforts but because of His goodness and perfect work on the cross! And He gets all the glory. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” ■ BRIAN ESSARY has traveled the world for years ministering to the unreached through mass crusades. He has seen over one million people come to Christ and hundreds of churches planted. Brian is also the senior associate pastor at Grace Life Church in Lutz and one of the church's regular speakers. www.gracelifetampa.com

MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED SALVATION BY YOU!

YOU ARE WORTHY "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

ow many times have you heard or felt that you're unworthy? Maybe you have heard that you’re unworthy to be forgiven, unworthy to be loved, or unworthy to be in right standing with God. Today friends, you can stop thinking this way and reset your mind and your heart. Jesus came so that we could be worthy in the sight of God because we simply cannot be worthy by our own efforts. This Christmas, remember that Jesus was born to bring us back into a relationship with our Father God through a Heavenly plan that reveals God's unconditional love for mankind. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:31-35), so He would be born through man, 100% man yet 100% God, making Him the Son of Man and the Son of God. He walked this earth tempted and tested, just as we are, yet "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV). God knew mankind could never live perfectly here on earth, so He

sent His only Son, Jesus Christ—who could live perfectly—to take the punishment in our place. No, Jesus didn't deserve it. He was so worthy of God's love, but God also loves mankind so much that He offered the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be worthy through Christ (John 3:16). Jesus died on the cross not only for our sins, but also to make us righteous before God. He took our place, and when we receive Christ in our hearts and declare Him as our Lord and Savior, we are one with Him. We become a brother or sister in Christ and a child of God. Once Jesus lives in your heart, God only sees His Son when He looks at you. There is nothing you could ever do to change His love for you. You have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, which makes you worthy before our Heavenly Father. Let go of your past this Christmas season and celebrate what Christ did for each one of us. Stop punishing yourself, and allow God's love to flood your heart. You are loved and you are worthy! ■

S A LVAT I O N P R AY E R Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says that “whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, NKJV) and “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV). Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. It is because of Your love that You don't want me to be condemned and punished for my sins. Thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus, to die for me on the cross. Jesus took my sins, penalties, and all my curses and in return gave me His blessing, righteousness, and favor. He got what I deserved so I can receive what He deserves – all good things! Jesus' blood washes me clean from every sin (past, present, and future). On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death. Father, I thank You that when You look at me, You choose to no longer remember my sins and that You see me in all the beauty and righteousness of Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing and lead me through this life – thank You, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

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FEATURED MAGNIFY HIM MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT SUBMITTED BY YOU!

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WRITTEN BY AMANDA WRIGHT

“The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

Jingle, jingle, jingle.

The familiar sound of the jingling bells fills the cool air and reminds shoppers that the Christmas season is upon us. Smiling Salvation Army soldiers and volunteers welcome the public with hearty greetings of “Merry Christmas” as they stand beside the Red Kettle and await generous donations from those passing by. Every November, Red Kettles pop up at grocery stores, shopping malls, and department stores, each donned with a sign containing The Salvation Army’s red shield and the words, “Doing the Most Good.” Clank, clank, clank. The merry sound of clanking change warms our hearts as we toss in whatever can be found in our pockets. Giving, as Christ gave to us, is an innate trait within our beings. It feels good to give, and after all, the Bible does say, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV). But does giving your pocket change really make a difference? Christmas is synonymous with giving and the celebration of Jesus Christ cannot be complete without it. He was born to give to mankind. God gave His only Son. Christmas is a time to rejoice in Jesus’ birth, be thankful for our blessings, and to give out of our abundance to loved ones and strangers alike. In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus explains that His sheep will be blessed and inherit the Kingdom that was prepared for them because they gave food when He was hungry, they gave drink when He was thirsty, they gave clothes when He was naked, and they invited Him in when He was a stranger. His sheep ask when they did all these things for Him and "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

WINNING THE LOST The Salvation Army illustrates Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40 in practical, yet remarkable ways. They give food, clothing, shelter, love, hope, support, compassion, and the knowledge of Jesus Christ to people in need all year long in 125 countries across the globe. The grassroots ministry undertaken in our community and around the world doesn’t stray from the origins of The Salvation Army. In 1852, William Booth set out to preach the Gospel to the homeless, poor, and hungry on the streets of London. The Church leaders disagreed with Booth’s untraditional methods to reach the lost. He held meetings on street corners and in tents. Prostitutes, gamblers, thieves, and drunkards were some of his first converts. Booth attracted followers throughout London, but many of the churches did not accept these people with their sordid pasts. He wasn’t deterred and continued to lead the newly saved under The Christian Mission. They were referred to as a volunteer army and Booth corrected the reference, renaming the organization “The Salvation Army.” Booth and his “rowdy bunch of outcasts” became soldiers and “Salvationists” for Christ. Along the way, Booth discovered something critical to the mission of the Army—something that remains true even today. “It is very hard to introduce someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ when they’re hungry, homeless, and have nowhere to go,” said Major Dan Heard, Tampa Area Commander. “Booth believed that we have to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ by meeting those immediate needs: giving them something to eat, some clothing, and a place to stay. Then, we can also tell them about Jesus Christ, so we minister to the whole person in that way.”

Nov/Dec 2012 Love+Faith+Hope

“Simpson’s pot” on the landing stage that people put donations in. McFee acquired permission to place a red kettle at the Oakland ferry landing to collect donations for the Christmas meals. His idea spread around the United States and became a Christmas tradition worldwide. These generous donations tossed into the kettles allow The Salvation Army to do so much more than bring the spirit of the season to the lonely, forgotten, and needy. Moira Hinson, Director of Development and Community Relations, explained that many soldiers at The Salvation Army talk about the positive impact the kettle has. “Change goes in and change goes out.” The kettle donations left over after Christmas are dedicated to the programs and services that The Salvation Army continues to offer after the holidays are over. So your change is making a difference throughout the year. MAJORS DAN & DAWN HEARD TAMPA AREA COMMANDERS

The Salvation Army continued to help the needy regardless of their backgrounds, and the movement spread quickly throughout England and found its way to the United States in 1879 through “soldiers” that dedicated their lives to helping others and sharing Christ with the world. They’ve been blessing the disadvantaged and destitute in Hillsborough County since 1893, and their reach to the Tampa Bay area continues to grow despite, and partly because of, the nation’s economic climate. Like the soldiers before them, Major Dan and his wife, Major Dawn, serve the community with the spirit of the Army’s mission constantly on their hearts. “It’s our mission to preach the Gospel and to meet human needs without discrimination,” said Major Dan.

A RED KETTLE CHRISTMAS The Salvation Army brings Christ to the brethren that Jesus referred to during the holiday season. Through the ringing of the bell and clanking of the change, thousands of families will receive meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas along with new gifts and toys for their children at Christmastime. This wonderful holiday practice has been around since the 19th century; generations of our families have faithfully dropped change in the kettle each year, but have you ever wondered where the idea came from? In December of 1891, San Francisco Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee decided the most good to be done that Christmas season was to give a free dinner to the hungry. McFee needed to find a way to pay for the food, and he remembered seeing, as a sailor in England, a large

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NEED KNOWS NO SEASON The Salvation Army programs and ministries operate 365 days a year, and some facilities are open 24 hours a day. Approximately 25,000 people in the Tampa Bay area are homeless. This includes not only people living on the streets, but also people who lack a nighttime residence, people who live in places not meant for human habitation, and people living in motels or campgrounds due to an economic hardship and loss of housing. For these people, The Salvation Army provides a safe haven to institute change in their lives through three housing programs. The first step for anyone experiencing homelessness is to go to the Red Shield Lodge Emergency Shelter at 1514 N. Florida Avenue in Tampa. Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. every day and the lodge provides three meals. Moira explained, “It has 132 beds for homeless men and women. It is a place where people can go to get off the street, get a hot shower, and have access to a case manager to talk about their needs.” After emergency concerns have been met, The Salvation Army

can identify the people who would like to move forward and regain their self-sufficiency. “They can graduate into one of our transitional housing programs,” Moira said. “There are two mirror image programs." One, called the Hospitality House, is for women and children and it has 50 beds. The other is called the Hope House for men and it has 43 beds. The residents may stay up to two years for very minimal fees and meals and childcare are provided. The cost is based on the individual’s income and the number of children they have. “It’s really about personal responsibility, helping people prepare themselves to pay their bills, and understanding what will be expected of them when they leave here,” Moira explained. While living in the transitional housing, the residents can take advantage of the many programs and services that The Salvation Army and their partners offer, including chapel services, classes for life skills and parenting skills, and Bible studies. An immediate goal is to make sure everyone has their GED. There are also scholarship programs available for vocational training as well as college courses. In addition to helping those affected by the epidemic, The Salvation Army also works to prevent homelessness. “Our first line of attack would be to send someone to our Family Services program. It is designed to help people who are experiencing some unavoidable emergency and they are normally able to pay their monthly bills, but for some reason they can’t and need a hand-up,” Moira explained. The program, for qualified families and individuals, can pay a rental or mortgage payment or a utility bill and can help with prescription medication costs. Any family who is hungry can go through the food pantry and receive a bag of free groceries. Family Services also has several supplemental programs throughout the year, such as holiday food and gift assistance, school supply drives, and a summer camp for inner city kids. Moira said, “Family Services is a safety net for thousands of people every year.” In 2011, The Salvation Army of Tampa Bay provided 200,000 new gifts to children, 15,507 families with emergency assistance, 455,008 meals, and 175,233 nights of lodging for the homeless.

REACHING THE COMMUNITY The Salvation Army successfully lives up to its motto of Doing the Most Good. Beyond the services for the poor and homeless, the ministry reaches even further through the Community Worship Centers, the Adult Rehabilitation Center, youth character building, music, recreational, and educational programs, and disaster relief, among several other programs. One of the beautiful things about The Salvation Army is that we can’t possibly

share all of the impact they have on Tampa in just one article. We encourage you to log on to www.SalvationArmyTampaBay.org or call 813-224-9119 to learn more about their programs. Majors Dan and Dawn, who have 70+ years of combined service to the Army, are ministers and were trained at The Salvation Army Training College in Atlanta. They have spent the last four years here in Tampa extending their hands in love to anyone who wishes to join in worship through singing, reading the Bible, and hearing God’s Word preached at the Community Worship Center. The church is located across from the zoo at 1100 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa and all are welcome every Sunday. Many of the participants of The Salvation Army’s programs attend the church services, including the men of the Tampa Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). ARC helps men affected by the devastating destruction of addiction. Men who are a good match for the program and recognize they are suffering from drug or alcohol dependency issues have an opportunity to start over. The intense six-month program offers spiritual and addiction counseling, job skill training, work therapy assignments, and other tools to help rebuild a positive lifestyle. They are provided with a place to live, regular meals, medical care, and programs to deal with their addiction. What’s unique about ARC is the fact that the program is self-supporting. Major Dan said, “The funding of it is 100% through the Family Stores.” The Salvation Army Family Stores throughout the Tampa Bay area support the Tampa ARC through the sale of refurbished clothing, furniture, and other household items. Some of the men’s work assignments are through the

stores as well. “Wednesday is half price day on all clothing!” Major Dawn shared. We encourage you to support this valuable program by shopping at the Family Stores for affordable items in good condition. Do the most good with items you no longer want and donate them to a Family Store near you.

BE A SHIELD How can you be a shield alongside The Salvation Army to fight against hunger, homelessness, despair, and lack? There are many ways that we, as a community, can come together to help The Salvation Army accomplish this: host a drive, volunteer, or donate. Many families face chronic hunger and poverty and the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are no different. Rally your neighbors, coworkers, church congregants, family, and friends and host a drive to collect the much-needed food for holiday meal baskets and to stock the food pantry. You can also collect toiletries and linens for the housing programs. For more information on hosting a drive, contact Jessica_ Vick@uss.salvationarmy.org. Major Dawn shared that a key source for their Christmas gift giving is through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. “We

ask the public to help us by selecting any angel off the tree and adopting the angel. On the angel is the first name of the child, their age, and sizes. It has a need that their parent has designated, like shoes or clothing. Then it has two wishes that the child would like for Christmas.” Donors are not required to spend any particular amount, as any gift amount is appreciated and impacts one child in a very special and personal way. Major Dawn explained, “We use some of the money from the kettle to purchase supplemental gifts in every age range so we can make sure each child has an equal number of gifts.” Angel Trees can be found at churches, organizations, corporations, offices, or neighborhoods that want to host a place for people to adopt the angels. Trees can also be found at ABC Action News, Westshore Mall, and University Mall, which the latter will be the distribution site for families picking up gifts for their children. To get more information about the Angel Trees, to get angels to adopt, or to schedule a pickup of toys from an office or business, please contact Cheryl_Devars@uss.salvationarmy.org. If you want to volunteer, hundreds of people are needed to make this Christmas season a success. Love the ringing of the bell? Well, volunteering to ring bells at a site near you may be the job for you. Contact Linda_Zipkin@uss. salvationarmy.org to learn more. Talented gift-wrappers can volunteer at the local malls – all proceeds of the gift-wrapping will go to The Salvation Army. Contact Jessica Vick for shifts. During the month of December, volunteers are also needed Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., to help organize the Angel Tree gifts and prepare for the gift distribution to the families. Contact Moira_Hinson@uss. salvationarmy.org for more information. Perhaps you’re a woman that would like to get involved throughout the year. Major Dawn said, “The Women's Auxiliary reaches into many areas helping The Salvation Army fulfill its mission in our community. We meet on the second Friday of each month, and we are always accepting new members.” Contact Dawn_Heard@uss.salvationarmy.org to get involved. Maybe you’re a busy professional or stay-at-home mom and time just isn’t what you can give. The greatest need The Salvation Army has is financial, as they do not receive any funding from the international ministry. Moira explained, “Monetary support is always number one. We [need this support] because we have so many programs to fund [and] we can only raise funds in Hillsborough County.” Whatever county you live in, rest assured, your dollars go directly to the ministries and programs of your local Salvation Army Corps. It’s important that the Christian community continues to support The Salvation Army. They are doing so much more than meeting basic human needs. They are really giving of their hearts. The soldiers, employees, and volunteers of the Army dedicate their lives to bettering the circumstances of others and sharing Jesus Christ with each person they touch. Through a ringing bell, a smile, a hot meal, a Word of encouragement, a bed to sleep in, a shared experience, a Christmas present, and the love of a stranger, The Salvation Army continues to do the most good in the Name of Jesus Christ. Support the cause today. Glory! ■

Nov/Dec 2012 Love+Faith+Hope

FEATURED

BY CHRIS CHERP

Father, I thank You for my gift, Your Son. I pray all who read this gain the sweet revelation of who we are in Christ and what it means to be born again – In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ver two thousand years ago, a baby was born whose sole purpose in life was to fulfill the Messianic Law and become a sacrifice so all who believe on Him, as the Redeeming God, would be born again and have eternal life. Without this miraculous conception in the body of a young female virgin, none of this would be possible. However, through the Holy Spirit, a woman named Mary became the mother of our Living God, Jesus (Matthew 1:18). While on earth, Jesus walked a sin-free life and perfectly fulfilled the work given to Him by Father God. Jesus’ work was to take all power and authority away from the devil, share with all believers on earth what He was doing, and that He completed these things for us. “In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross of Christ” (Colossians 2:15, NLT). Then at the cross before He drew his last breath, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). According to the book of John, these were His last recorded words on the cross, meaning His Father’s work on earth was complete. Because of Jesus’ birth, perfect walk, and completed work, anyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior receives the greatest gift known to man, the gift of eternal life. “Therefore, if anyone

is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). This spiritual transformation that allows one to experience eternal life is known as being born again. “Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God.’ ‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Nicodemus. ‘How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?’ Jesus replied, ‘The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from Heaven’" (John 3:3-6, NLT). So what does this mean for us who are born again? Together with Jesus, we are seated at our Father’s right hand in the throne room of grace (Ephesians 2:6). This is true not only when we get promoted to glory and leave this earth, but also now while we walk this earth. This means that every challenge the devil tries to throw our way is just a lie. Though it may feel like the end of something good, it is only temporary and will pass (2 Corinthians 4:18). For those of us who are born again, we are in a place of victory, today. When we pray, we pray from a place of victory. Prayers of faith are ones that give thanks to our Father for the solution (see Colossians 1:3), not ones of beggary or failure. Defeat is never God's will; let's stop thinking that way.

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The born again man and woman will never taste the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). Whether we witness our King returning on a cloud and calling us up to Him in the blink of an eye or we leave our bodies before that time, we have a guarantee that we will not experience the taste of death (John 8:51-52). When we come to realize the gift given to us through Jesus, we will begin living a life free of fear. When we comprehend the promise that our spirit man is eternally sealed, protected by the Holy Spirit, and wrapped

“Let’s remind ourselves daily of what it means to be born again and be thankful for this priceless gift.” in Christ, we will begin to live a life of no condemnation. No one, especially the devil, can take our eternal life and freedom of being born again away from us – ever (John 10:28). This holiday season, let’s be grateful for our loving God’s gift to us—the gift of eternal life through Jesus—so that we can be with Him forever. By living life with the understanding of what it means to be born again, we can begin living life the way He intended us to live, without condemnation and without fear. Let’s remind ourselves daily of what it means to be born again and be thankful for this priceless gift. Merry Christmas! Glory! ■

Making Christmas Memorable 4 Fun Family Traditions Christmas is such a special time of year, not only because we get to celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior, but also because it's an occasion to spend quality time with our families. The busyness of life slows down for at least a few days and gives us the opportunity to make memories with our loved ones. Remember all the reasons you loved Christmas as a kid? Overflow and some of our readers have shared our favorite Christmastime traditions.

Christmas Lights

Going on a walk in the brisk air or piling into the family van to see the neighborhood Christmas light show is one favorite family tradition. Let's be honest, everyone loves a little twinkling lights, inflatable lawn ornaments, and of course, the life-size nativity scene. Even those neighbors who go over the top, we secretly can't wait to see the spectacles and drink in the shining lights blinking to the beat of "Here Comes Santa Claus." Check out Christmas Lane in Dover, Florida. It's a free amusement for our kids with none of the work, but something they'll remember to do with their own children.

The Story of Jesus' Birth

The age-old Christmas Eve tradition of reading the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible is important and a great reminder for everyone. Have you ever thought about putting on a family skit with the kids? The Christmas plays at church are wonderful, but when your little ones have sheets covering their hair, belts of rope around their waist, and are carrying around a baby doll named Jesus, it's not only hysterically entertaining, but also something everyone will look forward to year after year. Kids say the funniest things, so read to them from Luke and let them recite the story in their own words. Videotape the skit and play it next year; you'll be amazed at how amusing and heartwarming this will be.

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Gift Exchanges

Gift exchanges are all the rage in recent years. They are not only easy on the pocketbook, but also lots of fun, offering a time full of laughter. In the white elephant gift exchange, the goal is to make gift giving more of a playful game. Everyone has at least one competitive family member going after that sought after gift a little too aggressively, while most of us are praying to draw last in order to avoid Aunt Ida's clearly re-gifted fuzzy slippers. The gifts can be silly or something everyone wants if you wish to make it more fun. This gift-giving game offers the one scenario where you can open your gift, declare you don't like it, and steal your sister's and everyone will laugh. It's memories like these that make Christmas special.

Christmas Sweaters

Imagine your big, burly Uncle Bubba wearing a sweater two sizes too small with a blinking reindeer and enough jingle bells for a preschool class. His picture would definitely be worth more than a thousand words! There's always someone with a classy Santa sweater on, so let's celebrate this tradition with a little lighthearted fun. Try a Christmas sweater contest this year. On Christmas Eve invite the family to bring over a sweater and set up a craft bar and make the prettiest, or ugliest, sweaters you can dream up. You'll get men to step out of their element, and the kids will love the crafts. On Christmas Day, choose a few judges and award a trophy to the winner. The next year, as the reigning Sweater Champion, make them re-wear that awesome display of Christmas spirit as they pass on the trophy to the next snowman-sweater-loving relative.

Are you inspired? The key to making this Christmas more memorable with your family is to keep it amusing and enjoyable for everyone. Start one new tradition with your family this year and tell us about it on Facebook (facebook.com/overflowmagazine). ■

HIGHLIGHT

WRITTEN BY: BRANDI WILKERSON PHOTOGRAPH BY: BARBARA BANKS PHOTOGRAPHY

hovon Greene is comforted by his belief that there is no sickness that Jesus can’t heal. He also realizes that Jesus has blessed medical professionals with the skill and knowledge to perform modern-day miracles. Shovon, a senior at Northeast High School, is a perfect illustration of one such miracle. He was born with several heart defects and had undergone four heart surgeries before the age of four. He can remember feeling limited in life. “I couldn’t enjoy contact sports or participate in activities with friends,” said Shovon. “I was pretty much stuck inside watching television because I got tired a lot.” Shovon’s heart problems continued to worsen and at 16 years of age, Shovon was placed on the national transplant waiting list for a new heart. By the grace of God and the generosity of an organ donor, Shovon received his new heart on November 11, 2010. Since then, Shovon’s lifelong pastor, Clarence Welch of Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ in St. Petersburg, has witnessed a change in him. “My first impression of Shovon was that he had an unusual calmness about him that a lot of the boys his age didn’t have,” said Pastor Welch of a very young Shovon. “Now I have to tell him to slow down. I think he feels good about himself and thinks he can do everything.” Pastor Welch loves to see Shovon’s increased energy, but he is even more proud of how Shovon’s relationship with Christ continues to grow. “My greatest satisfaction is that he is trying to [mature] spiritually,” said Pastor Welch. “Recently, he stopped by my office and said, ‘I just want to get closer to the Lord.’”

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During his extended hospital stays, Shovon was encouraged by his faith. “I would read my Bible to keep me focused and not wanting to give up because of all the pain,” said Shovon. He also spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation. “God seemed like the only person I could talk to that actually understood me.” Now at the age of 18, Shovon is involved in many different activities. “In church I play the guitar, usher, and work with video and audio. In school, I swim and am a member of 5,000 Role Models of Excellence, an adult and student mentoring program for underclassmen.” In addition to these activities, Shovon is involved in the fire and medical explorer programs in Pinellas County and volunteers with LifeLink® of Florida. LifeLink is the organ and tissue recovery organization that serves 15 counties on the west coast of the state. Through LifeLink, Shovon is able to share

his transplant experience and encourage people to sign up to become an organ donor. “It is awesome that people want to hear a story about overcoming different things, and I am happy to give someone else joy and encouragement to keep going in life. It makes me feel better to know I am helping someone else,” Shovon said. In the United States, there are many other people who are in the same position that Shovon once was. Right now more than 115,000 individuals are in need of a new heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, or small intestine transplant that will save their lives and more than 4,000 of those on the list are our friends and neighbors in Florida. Last year 28,537 lives were saved in the U.S. because of the generosity of organ donors. There are few legacies greater than giving someone renewed life, and organ and tissue donation is a great way to do just that. Shovon realizes how blessed he is to have received a heart transplant since many others are still waiting for their much-needed transplants. For this reason, we encourage anyone who is interested in becoming an organ donor to visit www.DonateLifeFlorida.org or contact Brandi Wilkerson at 800-262-5775 for more information. Also, check out LifeLink’s ad on page 25. ■

MY ROCK

SCRIPTURES I STAND ON

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This is my favorite Bible verse because it applies to many areas of my life. To me, this verse embodies a warrior's ethos, and whenever I quote this verse I feel a surge of new energy, strength, and courage. Recently, since I am already sworn into the USMC, I had to pass a pretty demanding physical test in order to ship out to boot camp. I quoted this verse several times a day to remind myself that fear had no place in my life and that with God's help, I would be victorious. I passed my test with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help and will ship out to boot camp as scheduled!

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROLSON RAGBIR

JOIN US NOV. 17 & DEC. 29 AT 10 AM For a Time of Encouragement for Young Mothers and Their Children Are you looking for... New friends? Encouragement for your marriage? Building blocks of faith for your children? Prayer support?

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A PLAYGROUP WITH A PURPOSE! Lexington Oaks Clubhouse Playground 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., Wesley Chapel

What is Pray & Play? A gathering designed to connect women, mothers, and children to learn and be encouraged in their faith through devotionals and prayer. Inspiring devotionals for moms as they connect with God and each other.

Developed by Stonecroft Ministries, whose mission is to equip and encourage women to impact their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

HOSTED BY OVERFLOW For more info & to RSVP: amanda@overflowmag.com 813-618-0298

Learn more at stonecroft.org/prayandplay

EVENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

NOVEMBER 1,8, 4KIDS Faith-Based Foster Parent Training Bell Shoals Baptist Church 15,29

2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-857-8335, www.4kidsoftampa.com 6pm-9pm, Thursdays through 12/13/12

2-3

The Rockin' Tale of Snow White

Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon 813-490-2787, www.faopa.org *Performed by students ages 5-9 7pm, $5 (youth) & $8 (adults)

One by One Women Summit

Presented by Rise UP Tampa Oak Grove Methodist Church 2707 W. Waters Ave., Tampa 813-260-1753, facebook.com/riseuptampa 9:30am-3pm, FREE

Free Music Makers Workshop, Ages 2-10

Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon 813-685-5998, www.faopa.org *Must register in advance 9:30am-11am

Voice for the Orphans 5K & 1 Mile Run

Outdoor Art Festival

16-18 Little Mermaid Junior

Music Showcase, 402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon 813-490-2787, www.faopa.org *Performed by students ages 9 & up 7pm (Fri. & Sat.), 2pm (Sun.) $5 (youth) & $8 (adults)

Hosted by Artistic Soul Galleria and Organic Life Coffeehouse & Bakery 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz 813-527-6911 10am-5pm, FREE

Keystone Community Church Corner of SR 54 & Hwy 41 813-948-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org Mon.-Wed., 8am-2pm, Th.-Fri., 8am-5pm, Sat., 10am-4pm, & Sun., 12pm-3pm

The Great Turnaround Event

Presented by Life Impact Network Grace Family Church 5101 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz Contact mhoffmann@awpm.net for tickets *Help Women Choose Life! 7pm-9pm, FREE

Adoption from China & Haiti 5418 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel RSVP: ccaifl2@chinesechildren.org or 813-994-1000 1:30 pm

12-21 Metropolitan Ministries Tent Bring Nonperishable Food & New Toys

6 & 20 National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group Branch of Christ Ministries 23604 SR 54, Lutz For more info: 813-918-3205 *For friends, family members & caregivers of a person with a mental health issue 7pm-8:30pm

CCAI Adoption Information Meeting

Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace

8718 N. 46th St., Tampa Contact: Chaplain Hanna at 813-317-1386 9am-12pm

www.guardiantoyrun.org, 813-400-0448 10am (Ride starts at 11am), $10 + new toy

Pray & Play - A Playgroup with a Purpose

"Protecting What's Important" Class

Calvary Chapel St. Pete 8900 US Hwy 19 N., Pinellas Park 813-299-9219, dbs88@hotmail.com 12pm-1:30pm, $6

at the UPARC Foundation Festival of Trees

1501 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater For more info: nadia.driver@verizon.net 12pm-1pm

16-17 Aviva - Revive Tampa 2012 with Jeremy Rosado, Nota & More

Presented by Abundant Love Worship Center Tampa Convention Center www.avivatampa.com, 813-621-2020 *A Bilingual Event 6-10pm (Fri.) & 9am-11pm (Sat.) $25 (general seating), $40 (VIP)

Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Spring Hill www.voicefortheorphans.org 5K - $27 and 1 Mile - $15 8am (5K), 9am (1 Mile)

Fun Feeds Pasco - A FREE Family Event Bring Nonperishable Food & New Toys

Metropolitan Ministries Tent at Keystone Corner of SR 54 & Hwy 41 813-948-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org *Bounce house, music, food, clowns & more 10am-3pm

Calvary Business Lunch

Benjamin Jacob Rupe Concert

Guardian Toy Run & Toy Drive A Motorcycle Event

Starting at Tampa PC Networks 11946 Boyette Rd., Riverview

New Tampa Women's Connection Luncheon

Fall Fundraiser: Silent Auction, Bake Sale, Chance Sale Tampa Palms Country Club 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa Reservations: 352-458-3267 or dayoung3@verizon.net 11am-1pm, $17

2nd Annual United in Faith to Understand Bone Marrow

Hosted by Overflow Magazine Lexington Oaks Clubhouse Playground 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., Wesley Chapel RSVP: amanda@overflowmag.com *Moms and kids of all ages are welcome! 10am-11am, FREE Covering Various Types of Insurance & Wills Edward Jones Investments 533 S. Howard Ave., Ste. 4B, Tampa RSVP: 813-251-4549 6pm-7:30pm, Free (dinner included)

Impacting Lives for the Kingdom Event with Worship Artist Dennis Jernigan Presented by New Hearts Outreach River of Life Christian Center

6605 Krycul Ave., Riverview 813-379-2971, www.nhotampa.org 7:30pm, FREE

DECEMBER 1

Benjamin Jacob Rupe Christmas Concert Main Street Holidays - Sims Park

Branch of Christ Ministries 23604 SR 54, Lutz For more info: 813-918-3205 *For friends, family members & caregivers of a person with a mental health issue 7pm-8:30pm

6 & 13 4KIDS Faith-Based Foster Parent Training Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-857-8335, www.4kidsoftampa.com 6pm-9pm, Thursdays through 12/13/12

Women-N-Charge Networking Meeting

Pebble Creek Country Club 10550 Regents Park Drive, Tampa 813-600-9848, info@women-n-charge.com 11:30am, $15 in advance/$18 at the door

ADD YOUR EVENT

402 Oakfield Dr., Brandon 813-685-5998, www.musicshowcaseonline.com *craft vendors, food, bounce house & more 9am-3:30pm, FREE

Bank St. & Grand Blvd., New Port Richey For more info: nadia.driver@verizon.net 6pm

4 & 18 National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group

Christmas Festival - Live Music & Activities

If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), & a short description of the event to: events@overflowmag.com. Deadlines are the 15th of each month (space is limited).

CCAI Adoption Information Meeting Adoption from China & Haiti 5418 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel RSVP: ccaifl2@chinesechildren.org or 813-994-1000 1:30 pm

15-23 Metropolitan Ministries Tent Bring Nonperishable Food & New Toys

Keystone Community Church Corner of SR 54 & Hwy 41 813-948-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org Mon.-Wed., 8am-2pm, Th.-Fri., 8am-5pm, Sat., 10am-4pm, & Sun., 12pm-3pm

"Joseph" An Original Christmas Drama Temple Terrace UMC

5030 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa 813-988-4141, www.ttumc.org 7pm, Free will offering

Calvary Business Lunch

Calvary Chapel St. Pete 8900 US Hwy 19 N., Pinellas Park 813-299-9219, dbs88@hotmail.com 12pm-1:30pm, $6

28 OverflowMag.com Nov/Dec 2012

Pray & Play - A Playgroup with a Purpose

Hosted by Overflow Magazine Lexington Oaks Clubhouse Playground 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., Wesley Chapel RSVP: amanda@overflowmag.com *Moms and kids of all ages are welcome! 10am-11am, FREE

LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES Agape Faith Fellowship Church

Church of the Lakes

First Baptist of New Tampa

Alafia Baptist Church

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church

First Reformed Church of Tampa

Countryside Baptist Church

First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church

6805 U.S. Hwy 301 S., Riverview, 33578 813-571-9314, www.agapefaithfc.org Sun., 10:30am 222 Alafia Baptist Church Rd., Lithia, 33547 813-634-8845 Sun., 9:45am, 11am, & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

Anointed Word Church

1709 St. Joseph St., Tampa, 33607 813-254-5271, www.anointedwordchurch.com Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm

Atonement Lutheran Church

29617 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-973-2211, www.be-at-1.org Sun., 10am

Baypointe Church

5238 Mile Stretch Dr., Holiday, 34690 727-938-2955, www.peoplesbaptist.net Sun., 10am & 11:15am

Bell Shoals Baptist Church

2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon, 33511 813-689-4229, www.bellshoals.com Sun., 9:15am & 11am, Wed., 7pm

Bethel Church

1510 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33603 813-238-2348, www.betheltampa.org Sun., 10:10am, Wed., 7pm

Branch of Christ Ministries

23604 SR 54, Lutz, 33559 813-435-1469, www.branchofchrist.com Sun., 10am

Bridgeway Church

30651 Wells Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33545 813-907-1313, www.bridgeway.tv Sun., 10am

Calvary Chapel Worship Center

6825 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richey, 34653 727-376-7733, www.ccwc.org Sun., 8:10am, 9:45am & 11:20am

Candlewood Community Church

21418 Carson Dr., Land O' Lakes, 34639 813-956-1541, www.candlewoodfl.org Sun., 10:30am

Centerpointe Community Church

8610 Temple Terrace Hwy, Tampa, 33637 813-988-3557, www.centerpointecommunity.com Sun., 10am

Christ Apostolic Church Tampa

10620 Henderson Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-899-2464, www.cactampa.org Sun., 9am & 10am

Christ CP Church

19501 Holly Lane, Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789, www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am

Christian Family Church

3457 W. Kenyon Ave., Tampa, 33614 813-802-8736, www.cfctampa.org Sun., 10:30am

2530 Wilson Rd., Land O’ Lakes, 34638 813-948-4358, www.churchofthelakesepc.org Sun., 9:15am & 10:30am 17520 Marsh Road, Lutz, 33558 813-962-3584, www.cpclutz.org Sun., 9:30am & 11am, Wed., 7pm

13422 Sydney Road, Dover, 33527 813-571-8200, www.countrysidebaptistchurch.net Sun., 9:30am, 10:45am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

28125 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685, www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm

8283 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33615 813-886-6210, www.frctampa.org Sun., 9:30am & 11am

10650 McIntosh Rd., Thonotosassa, 33592 813-986-4756, www.thonotosassabaptist.org Sun., 9:45 am, 11am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church

Floodgates Community Church

Deliverance Christian Connection Ministry

Gateway Christian Center Assembly of God

26211 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-907-5815, www.crossroadsum.com Sun., 9am & 10:30am

2130 W. Brandon Blvd., Ste. 203, Brandon, 33511 813-401-7223, www.dccministry.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm, Sat., 9am

Dwelling Place

410 County Line Rd. W., Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912, www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 10:30am & 2pm (Spanish), Wed., 7pm

E_Life Chapel

3806 N. 12th St., Tampa, 33603 813-924-6553, www.elifechapel.com Sun., 10:30am

Epistle of Christ Ministries

610 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33604 813-785-4519, www.epistleofchrist.org Sun., 9:45am, Thurs., 7pm

Extraordinary Life Church

5808 Lynn Rd., Tampa, 33624 813-610-6554

www.myextraordinarylifechurch.com

Sun., 9:45am, 12:30pm (Spanish)

Faith Family Worship Center

14514 Del Valle Rd., Tampa, 33625 813-920-3685, www.ffwc.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

Faith Life Church

4902 East Busch Blvd., Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336, www.flctampa.org Sun., 9:30 & 11am, Wed. & Thurs., 7pm

Family Harvest Worship Church

Meeting at Benito Middle School 10101 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-973-FHWC, www.fhwc.net Sun., 10am

First Baptist Church of College Hill 3838 North 29th St., Tampa, 33610 813-248-6600, www.fbcch.org Sun., 7:30am, 10am, & 12pm

First Baptist Church of Midway

2902 Midway Road, Plant City, 33565 813-752-7209, www.fbcmidway.org Sun., 10:30am

30 OverflowMag.com Nov/Dec 2012

Meeting at Hampton Inn 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-389-0238, www.floodgateschurch.org Sun., 10:30am

14200 North Central Ave., Tampa, 33613 813-961-4692, www.gatewaytampa.net Sun., 9:45am, 10:45am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

Grace Family Church

5101 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz, 33558 813-265-4151, www.GFConline.com Sat., 5 & 7pm, Sun., 8:45am, 10:30am & 12:15pm

Grace Life Church

1930 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Lutz, 33549 813-393-0514, www.gracelifetampa.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm, & Fri., 7pm (Youth)

Grow Life Church

Meeting at Veterans Elementary School 26940 Progress Pkwy., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-406-8963, www.growlifechurch.com Sun., 9:30am & 11:15am

Heritage Church

1854 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz, 33559 813-909-4080, www.yesheritage.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm

House of Prayer Church

6305 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 813-994-5694, www.houseofprayerchurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm

Joining Hands Mission Church

3214 US Highway 19, Holiday, 34691 727-264-1288, www.jhmissionchurch.org Sun., 10am

JTB Ministries/The Daily Word

38621 Calvin Ave., Zephyrhills, 33542 813-285-1846, www.jtbministries.com Sat., 6pm

Kaleomark Church

Meeting at Seven Oaks Clubhouse 2910 Sports Core Circle, Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-310-8794, www.kaleomark.org Sun., 10:15am

Keystone Community Church

21010 State Road 54, Lutz, 33558 813-962-4522, www.keystonecommunity.org Sun., 9:30am & 10:30am

Kingdom Worship Center

Oakwood Community Church

Terrace Palms Community Church

Legacy Church

Oasis World Outreach

Torre Fuerte Tampa

Life Changing International Church

Open Arms Church of Ybor City

1102 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33612 813-443-5720, www.kwctoday.com Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm 2702 Causeway Center Dr., Tampa, 33619 813-770-LIFE, www.legacyfam.com Sat., 6pm

2106 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, 33594 813-653-9358, www.lifechangingintlministry.com Sun., 1:45pm, Mon., Wed. & Fri., 7:30pm

Light Christian Ministries

730 W. Robertson St., Brandon, 33511 813-458-6252, www.lightcm.org Sun., 10am, Tues.& Wed., 7pm

Manhattan Baptist Church

4300 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 33611 813-831-1951, www.manhattanbaptist.org Sun., 9:30am, 10:45am, Wed., 6:30pm Spanish Service - Sun., 9:30am

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church

2017 Reigler Rd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639 813-949-5516, www.myrtlelake.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm

New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church 1725 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33612 813-972-0101, www.newbirthoffaith.org Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm

New Life Church

1611 E. Bougainvillea, Tampa, 33612 813-971-6961 Sun., 9am, 11am, & 6:30pm, Wed., 6:30pm

New Millennium Community Church

4810 E. Busch Blvd., Suite I, Tampa, 33617 813-381-5463, www.newmillenniumchurch.org Sun., 8:30am & 11am, Wed., 7:30pm

New Wine Outreach Ministry

6213 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 813-443-4503 Sun., 11am, Wed., 7:30pm, 2nd & 4th Fri., 7pm

NorthBridge Church

Meeting at John Long Middle School 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-319-4588, www.northbridgechurch.info Sun., 10am

North Pointe Church

2427 Old Cypress Creek Rd., Land O' Lakes, 34639 813-545-9420, www.thenpc.org Sun., 9:15 am & 11am

Northwest Tampa Church of God 5131 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 33624 813-961-7278, www.nwtcog.cc Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm

Oak Grove United Methodist Church 2707 West Waters Ave., Tampa, 33614 813-935-4471 www.gbgm-umc.org/oakgroveumc Sun., 9:30am

9620 Davis Rd., Tampa, 33637 813-985-9279, www.terracepalms.org Sun., 9am & 10:30am, Wed., 7pm

11209 Casey Rd., Tampa, 33618 813-969-2303, www.oakwoodfl.org Sun., 10:30am 35636 SR 54 West, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888, www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm

1314 E. 18th Ave., Tampa, 33605 813-248-2595, www.openarmschurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm

Palma Ceia United Methodist Church 3723 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 33629 813-837-1541, www.palmaceiaumc.org Sun., 8:30am, 9:40am, & 11am

Perfected Love International Fellowship 10960 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, 33617 813-443-5107, www.perfectedlove.org Sun., 11am, Wed., 7pm

Real Life Church

6821 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33634 813-243-2333, www.thereallifechurch.com Sun., 8:30am & 10am

Reality Church Tampa

1000 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-228-8700, www.realitychurchtampa.com Sun., 10am

Meeting at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church 19911 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-410-7220, Spanish Services Sat., 7pm

Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel

33425 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-788-2898, www.trinitychurchnow.com Sun., 10:15am & 12:34pm

Trinity Presbyterian Church

14925 North Boulevard, Tampa, 33616 813-961-5836, www.trinitytampa.com Sun., 9:30am, 11am & 6pm, Wed., 6:15pm

Victorious Life Church

6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-973-2230, www.victoriouslifechurch.com Sun., 9am, 10:40am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm

Vida Community Church

Meeting at The Dwelling Place 410 W. County Line Rd., Lutz, 33558 813-810-0863, www.vidacommunitychurch.org Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 2pm, Thurs., 7pm

Remix Family Church

Water’s Edge Church

Revival Worship Church

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church

River of Life

Without Walls Intl. Church

Meeting at Campo Family YMCA 3414 Culbreath Rd., Valrico, 33596 813-661-2273, www.remixfamilychurch.com Sun., 10am

9270 Bay Plaza Blvd., Suite 600, Tampa, 33619 813-621-8886, www.revivalworshipchurch.com Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm, Fri., 7pm 410 Chapman Rd. East, Lutz, 33549 813-949-9931, www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm

Shoresh David Messianic Synagogues 813-831-5673, www.shoreshdavid.org Tampa: 4320 Bay to Bay Blvd., 33269 Fri., 7:30pm, Sat., 11am, Tues., 6pm Wesley Chapel: 33425 SR 54, 33543 Fri., 7:30pm Brandon: 4929 Bell Shoals Rd., 33596 Fri., 7:30pm

St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church

30200 Overpass Rd., Wesley Chapel, 33545 813-994-5000, www.connectingfaith.com Sun., 11am, Wed., Kids 6:30pm, Adults 7pm

6100 Memorial Highway, Tampa, 33615 813-886-2536, www.wesleymemorial.net Sun., 9am & 11:15am, Wed., 6:30pm 3860 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa, 33607 813-879-4673, www.withoutwalls.org Sun., 9am & 11am, Wed., 7pm

Zephyrhills First Assembly

36322 SR 54, Zephyrhills, 33541 813-788-3490, www.zephyrhillsfirst.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm

ADD YOUR CHURCH

2708 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 33602 813-223-6090, www.sjhoptpa.org Sun., 9am & 11:30am

St. James Methodist Church

If you would like to learn more about how your church can be listed in this section and become a point of distribution, please contact us:

Tampa Covenant Church

Contact@OverflowMag.com

16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790, www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9:30am, 11am & 12:30pm 13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979, www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm

Nov/Dec 2012 Love+Faith+Hope