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Oct. 30, 2023 - Nov. 5,2023
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Hello Wesley,
I have had several ask about the allegory of the forest. Here it is.
I went to John Chestnut Park before sunrise on Tuesday and parked where I knew there was an open field. I could hear the sound of the antlers of two buck raking one another, each trying to proclaim dominance. When the sun came up, I saw there were actually six deer in the field. The two buck, two does and two fawns who had just lost their spots. The buck fought fiercely and I could hear them snorting at one another. Each was certain he had the dominant claim to the territory and the harem.
One of the does ran over to the buck, almost as if to intervene, and the two buck instantly stopped fighting and together ran her off. The fawns were off playing and accidently got too close to the fighting buck. Again, the buck stopped fighting and together ran off the children as if to say this is grown up stuff we are doing here.
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I began my walk and noticed a cardinal on a palm branch, all alone and simply waiting for the next seed to drop, confident in the coming provision. A little further along there were three does, not a care in the world, grazing near one of the pavilions, everyone getting along splendidly.
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The allegory mirrors society, people in power, politics, the church, and even my drive into church down I-4 every day. We cannot seem to overcome our innate need for domination, at least some cannot. The church should not see itself from a position of power. We are called to be with the persecuted, even more, we are called to be the persecuted. As often as I try to intervene, I just get run off. So be it. I will be OK even if I walk alone.
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I love being your pastor,
Ernie
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FRIDAY NIGHT SONG & PRAYER GATHERING
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Friday, November 3 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
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We hope that you will join us this Friday!
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There is great power in coming together as a church to sing and pray!
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Please make every effort to join us this Friday night!
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There are brochures at the info desk.
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Please make sure and share with your neighbors and friends!
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If you are available to help monitor activities on
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the first event scheduled Nov. 11 & 12,
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please contact the church office or reply to this email.
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The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit—Psalm 34:18
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Walking the Mourner’s Path is a Christ-centered, spiritually-directed grief support group for those who are mourning the death of a loved one and are experiencing the pain of grief. Group members become aware of God’s presence and healing comfort as they share their own stories with each other. Participants learn ways to honor loved ones, seek spiritual direction and discover Christ’s promise of comfort as they move forward.
Connie Pruitt is a trained leader. Please contact her to register or if you would like more information. 813-494-4049
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We will meet and eat in the Sanctuary overflow area.
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Come help us decorate the church for the season
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as we fellowship and spend a short time in prayer!
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CHRISTMAS CAROLING IN BAYCREST
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AT THE BAYCREST BOAT RAMP
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Dec. 3rd at 5:30pm
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Please join us in song as we present Christmas Caroling to the Baycrest Community at the Baycrest Boat Ramp on Dec. 3 at 5:30pm! Mark your calendars!
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WATER RENEWAL SERVICE
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We had a special testimony and water renewal service last Sunday for Michele, a lady from Orlando who was in Ernie's youth group in Orlando 25 years ago! It was a very special service. God was moving.
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Click button for more pics of the morning!
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SHOEBOX PACKING PARTY
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After the service last Sunday, we had a shoebox packing party. Thank you to all who stayed after the service to help with this! We packed 180 boxes! We continued shoebox packing this past Wed. with the youth and will have another Shoebox Packing Party next Wed. All are invited to join in! We anticipate to send between 400-500 boxes this year!
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Click button for more pics of the afternoon!
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HABANA HEALTH CARE
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Last Saturday we did our monthly art and music activity at Habana Health Care Center. Jeff played music on his guitar and we had a special devotion and memorial for Darlene Bowden, a resident that recently went to be with the Lord. Darlene was one of our fav regulars who brought so much joy with her enthusiasm and love. She will be missed!
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Our next event will be Sat., Nov. 25 from 2-3pm. We will be singing Christmas carols and preparing our hearts for the season. Gail Parker will be leading us in song and we hope more people from Wesley will join us for this special event to show the love of Jesus.
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Click button for pics of the afternoon!
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We are collecting the following items for Habana Health Care Center.
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If you are able to help, please leave on marked shelf in the copy room.
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Immediate need : 1.5 - 3pt reading classes
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Goodie Bags : 2024 Wall/Purse Calendars
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Chapstick / Lip Moisturizers
Life Saver mints/ breath mints
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Pack of markers/paint pens
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(All of the above available at Dollar Stores)
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Homemade Cookies (will keep in freezer until Christmas)
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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY DROPPED OFF ITEMS!
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CUBA MINISTRY
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JOIN US IN SENDING CHRISTMAS LOVE TO OUR SISTER CHURCHES!
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Visit our Cuba Ministry table in the back of the sanctuary. You'll find a christmas tree. Take an ornament or two and help bring Christmas to the children of our 2 sister churches. Over the next few weeks drop your gifts off to Manny and Ashley Cisneros or on the Cuba table at the back of the sanctuary overflow. Attach the paper that you find on the back of the ornament to your gift. Please keep the ornament as a reminder to pray for the children and families.
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Our goal is to have all gifts collected by December 3rd.
Just a few gift ideas if you are not sure what to buy: Girls-small dolls, hair ornaments, or accessories. Boys- small cars and footballs. Dollar Tree is a great place to find these items, like socks, coloring books (Christian theme preferably, but all will do), and crayons.
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Many thanks to the Cisneros family for stepping up
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to help Renee with the Cuba Ministry!
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SOUL PAINTING
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Nov. 5 is the deadline to receive scripture devotionals for the Advent booklet. We have some paintings that were claimed by the congregation we do not yet have your scripture devotion. Please bring Sunday and leave at the Soul Painting table or you can submit online here!
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Help us keep the shelves stocked!
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We are now serving three schools!
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| If you are able and want to help, we are always in need of the following: |
- Tuna/Chicken salad snack (Bumble or Dollar Tree Brand)
- Nutrigrain bars
- Small boxes of raisins
- Juice boxes or pouches
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DRIVERS NEEDED: Pack a Sack is in need of more drivers who can deliver food packets on Fridays from 10:30am to noon. If you are able to help please contact Shaun Black at 813-399-0220 or [email protected]
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Thank you again for all the love and support!
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NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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We need four volunteers, each available one Sunday a month during the worship service, to provide back up when the nursery has both infants and toddlers. Contact the church office if you are able to help. [email protected]
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Wesley, you are such a faithful church! We thank you for your generous and giving hearts! You can Text To Tithe your offerings for Wesley Memorial UMC at this contact number - 813-699-4304. Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and credit or debit information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via email. You can even text “repeat” to make it a recurring donation. Give + Text is one of the fastest and easiest ways to give.
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Or by standard mail by sending cash or check to
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6100 Memorial Hwy, Tampa FL 33615
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Office hours are Monday - Thursday 9am-3pm.
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We are here to help you with any of your needs.
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Church Contact Information:
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Pastor Ernie is now back and rested from his trip to Virginia. Coffee with Ernie will resume next Tues. on Facebook at 7:30am. Click link below for the most recent episode.
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Post your prayers and praise requests here and pray and comment for others!
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Please make visiting the prayer wall a daily practice!
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International Day of Prayer Sun., Nov. 5
PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
JOSHUA 1: 9 : Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
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PRAYER POINTS: We pray for
^ the safety and strength of persecuted Christians worldwide. We ask God Almighty to grant them courage and resilience in the face of adversity. May they find strength in their faith and continue to worship and serve God despite the challenges they face
^ church leaders and pastors who have been targeted for their faith. We ask God Almighty to grant them wisdom, courage, and a steadfast spirit as they lead their
congregations amidst persecution. May they be strengthened in their faith and be a source of hope and support to the persecuted communities they serve
^ the governments in persecuted countries to uphold religious freedom and protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities.
^ policy changes that promote tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs. We pray for a fair and just legal system that respects and protects the rights of all people.
^ the families of those who have lost loved ones due to persecution. We ask God Almighty to provide them with comfort and support during their times of grief.
^ the hearts of those who perpetrate violence and discrimination against Christians. We ask God Almighty to bring transformation and change their hearts towards love and understanding.
^ a spirit of unity among Christians worldwide to stand in support of their persecuted brethren- that all Christians increase their awareness and advocacy efforts to address Christian persecution and protect religious freedoms for everyone in the world. We pray for unity and strength among member church members in these countries as they navigate the challenges posed by the government's pressure.
^ the cessation of violence and terrorism and, regaining peace in Israel, Ukraine and particularly in areas where Christians are facing the brunt of attacks
^ the protection and safety of thousands of vulnerable and innocent victims of enemy attacks- for those displaced due to the ongoing conflict. We ask for God's provision of their basic needs and for their physical and emotional well-being.
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Please note that we are transitioning to a new You Tube Channel. During this time livestreams will be posted on both channels. This button goes to the new You Tube Channel. Please be sure to subcribe! Also, please note, on both channels you must go to the Live button on the top menu button to see livestream of recent sermons.
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10:00 am SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Nov. 5,2023
"Paul, a Prisoner in Rome"
Acts 9:16
Pastor Ernie Post
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Please help the church save money on paper and printing by checking in virtually on Sunday Service and receiving a bulletin. The QR code will be posted on the outside and inside of sanctuary entries, in the pews, and at the coffee station. Give it a try and see if it works for you. Paper bulletins will still be available if preferred.
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*Please note: When registering for check in, it is only required to input one contact - cell phone OR email (although both are preferred.) All other requests are optional and can be bypassed by simply pressing the done button.
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
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