Sunshine Herald

Druid Hills United

Methodist Church

A Monthly Publication of Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Serving Christ by Learning, Leading and Loving

Sunshine Herald
MARCH 2015

From the Pastor:

Rev. Daryl W. Allen

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

The season of Lent is upon us as Ash Wednesday marked its beginning. Many of us
have some memory of Lent and for most it is usually associated with the practice of
giving up something for those 40 days. But what is Lent? What is the purpose and reason for this season? Our General Conference Office put together a bit of information
about Lent that I wanted to share with you. This is written by Penny Ford and very
informative. I posted this as one of my Midweek Moments a couple of weeks ago but
wanted to share it again because of the value of its information.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor

1, 3

Caring and Sharing

Calendar

Activities

4,6,7

TABLEAU

What is Lent?
Lent is a season of the Christian Year where
Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting
in order to grow closer to God.
When is Lent?
Its the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a
little Easter. Basically, its about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time). Mardi Gras
is the day before Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday. This year its from February 18 (Ash Wednesday) to April 5 (Easter), 2015.
Mardi Gras? What does that have to do with JESUS??
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday. It refers to the day before Lent starts. Since Lent
always starts on a Wednesday, the day before is always a Tuesday. And its called
Fat or Great because its associated with great food and parties.
In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of fasting and repentance. Since they didnt
want to be tempted by sweets, meat and other distractions in the house, they cleaned
out their cabinets. They used up all the sugar and yeast in sweet breads before the Lent
season started, and fixed meals with all the meat available. It was a great feast!
Through the years Mardi Gras has evolved (in some places) into a pretty wild party
with little to do with preparing for the Lenten season of repentance and simplicity. Oh
well. But Christians still know its origin, and hang onto the true Spirit of the season.
So the real beginning of Lent is Ash Wednesday?
Yes. Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, usually begins with a service where
we recognize our mortality, repent of our sins, and return to our loving God. We recognize life as a precious gift from God, and re-turn our lives towards Jesus Christ. We
may make resolutions and commit to change our lives over the next forty days so that
we might be more like Christ. In an Ash Wednesday service, usually a minister or
priest marks the sign of the cross on a persons forehead with ashes.
Continued on Page 3

03/02
03/03
03/06
03/07
03/13
03/15
03/16
03/19
03/22
03/23
03/24
03/25
03/26
03/28
03/29
03/29
03/31

Marie Decker
Joyce Fraser
Susan Leighton
Brenda Shinn
Laurie Peacock
Charles Reid
Donna Reynolds
Kristen Palmer
Jack Burnette
Karen Palmer
Eunice Charles
Rachel Boddy
Hilda Bolomey
Carole Newlin
Steve Edwards
Parker Allen
Carol Rykaisky

03/05 Debbie & Ed Ford

03/07 Tom & Laurie
Peacock
03/18 Bill & Jean Woods
03/19 Judy & Bob
Brombacker
03/20 Joan & Ray Foren

Page 2

Sunshine Herald

Prayer serves as the backbone of the church. It The Sunshine Herald is the monthly
publication of Druid Hills United Methis what supports all our efforts of ministry. In odist Church.
that spirit, you are invited to hold these per- Editor: Jerrie Corpe
sons in your prayers and thoughts. Just as the Pastor: Rev. Daryl W. Allen
Spirit needs healing, so does the body. The Pastors Blog:
two, it seems, go together in Gods plan.
www.pastordaryl.blogspot.com
Director of Worship Arts:
Joan Foren

Please remember these people

in prayer:

Email: druidhillsocala@gmail.com

Rose Carroll, Linda Boddy,

Hilda Bolomey, Eunice Charles,
Tiffany Critchfield, Jerry Davis,
Cynthia DeKersky, Jim Erickson,
Madeleine Gamble, Elmo Graff,
Dan Grishkin, Davidson Family, Tola & Emil Hass, Robert Hildenbrandt, Bob Hisey, Lorrin & Mae Hosey, Tom Klotz, John
Klinger, Bonnie & Jim Knepp, Alene Krouse, Landon Parish, Jenny
Piner, Doris Pitts, Jan Ridley, P.R. Rion, Amy Smith, Floy Smith,
Jane Stahurski, Mickey Stevens, Norma Jean Uher,
OUR STEWARDSHIP
AND ATTENDANCE
February
Offering:
$ 13,955
Last Year +/$ 1,130.74
Vanco On Line $ 1,913.00
Childrens Home: $
Parking Income: $ 750.00
Average Attendance
Worship .131
Sunday School/Adult Focus
Childrens Church......
APPORTIONMENTS
Payment/mo $ 1,400
Annual Apport...$ 16,786
Remaining Amt...$ 13,986
MORTGAGE
Payment/mo .$ 1,912.48
Remaining Bal .$ 98,944.49

CHURCH CHUCKES
A Sure Cure
Three Pastors in the south were
having lunch in a diner. One
said "Ya know, since summer
started I've been having trouble
with bats in my loft and attic at
church. I've tried everything-noise, spray, cats--nothing
seems to scare them away.
Another said "Yea, me too.
I've got hundreds living in my
belfry and in the narthex attic.
I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go
away."
The third said, "I baptized
all mine, and made them members of the church... Haven't
seen one back since!!!"

Phone:

352-629-5688

1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd.

Ocala, FL 34471
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Monday through Friday
Mail:

Website: www.druidhillsocala.org
Our Mission:
We are a fellowship of believers
Serving Christ by
Learning, Leading and Loving

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The Newsletter deadline each month
is the 3rd Sunday. If you have information you want published, you can
write it up on the proper submission
form and submit it to the church office prior to the deadline or email to
druidhillsocala@gmail.com. Please
remember when writing articles for
publication to include all the basics
of the information you want communicated: who, what, when, where,
why, and how. Articles may be edited as necessary.

Page 3

Sunshine Herald
From The Pastor, Continued from page 1

Why ashes?
In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign of mortality and repentance. Mortality, because when we die, our
bodies eventually decompose and we become dust/dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance, because long ago, when people felt
remorse for something they did, they would put ashes on their head and wear sackcloth (scratchy clothing) to remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable and leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their way of confessing
their sins and asking for forgiveness.
Where do the ashes come from?
On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem while people waved palms and cheered him
on. Less than a week later, Jesus was killed. The palms that were waved in joy became ashes of sorrow. We get ashes
for Ash Wednesday by saving the palms from Palm Sunday, burning them, and mixing them with a little oil. Its symbolic.
What do Christians do with ashes?
At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a small
cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes. While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the cross reminds
us of Jesus resurrection (life after death) and forgiveness. Its a powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience
Gods forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus.
So what is LENT?
At Jesus baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and
a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased. Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1
-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During his time there he
was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.
Why DO Lent? How do I start?
Are you searching for something more? Tired of running in circles, but not really living life with direction, purpose or
passion? Its pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of classes, relationships, family, and work. Our lives are filled
with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless
TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol, too many activities or other irrelevant stuff. We run away from life and
from God.
Lent is a great time to repent to return to God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. Its a 40 day
trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart. You might try one of these practices for Lent:
FASTING: Some people have been known to go without food for days. But thats not the only way to fast. You can
fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40 days
to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one
meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up some activity like worry or reality TV to spend time
outside enjoying Gods creation. What do you need to let go of or fast from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do?
SERVICE: Some Christians take something on for Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a
week to tutor children, or work for reform and justice in your community. You can commit to help a different
stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving others is one way we serve God.
PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art
as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
This can be a great time to refocus, re-center, and repent as we draw ourselves closer to God and prepare our hearts
and minds for Easter and all of the wonderful grace and mercy we receive as the righteousness of Christ is credited to
each and every one of us.
Have a great week and I will see you Sunday,

Page 4

Sunshine Herald
CHILDRENS DRAMA WORKSHOP

The THIRD Orientation Meeting for the Drama Workshop for parents and children, will be on Saturday, March 21st at
10:00 am in the Education Building. Please remember to bring your shoe box with makeup, comb and brush and other
items we mentioned at the first and second meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Joy Anderson, Childrens Drama Workshop Coordinator 854-2629.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRYSUNDAY SCHOOL

Dr. Seuss will be celebrating his 111th Birthday on March 2nd. We will
be celebrating his birthday on Sunday, March 8th in the Nursery/Preschool
room. There will be several of his famous books to read. A special note to
parents: if possible, have your child dressed in red and white to help keep
in theme for this special celebration. If you have any questions, please see
Ms. Joy, Children Ministry Coordinator.

GET YOUR TALENT READY! S.O.S. (SISTERS OF SOUL)

is hosting a birthday celebration and talent show on
Saturday, March 14th at 7:00pm.
That's right! We're going to celebrate YOUR birthday and
entertain (well.....hopefully entertain!) you all in the same evening!
Sign up sheets are available at the Connection Station where you will sign for the
birthday month you belong to. One person from each month needs to volunteer to
bring a birthday cake to share that evening while we enjoy the talent and someone
else may want to decorate their table! AND whether you read some poetry, sing,
tell us a joke or do a little jig please sign up on the sheet labeled TALENT so we
can get with you to organize the evening. Questions????? Ask any member of
S.O.S.

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015

We would like youth and children to participate in the worship service by carrying
palms into the sanctuary. Please see Ms. Joy if your children can participate . We
need to know how many will be there for the service. Thank You!

PLEASE PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN BE OF SERVICE HERE AT OUR CHUCH !
Church Greeters

Church Liturgist

Communion Stewards

Nursery Assistants

Church Luncheons Food, Set Up and Clean Up Crews

Sisters of Soul (S.O.S.)
United Methodist Men (UMM)
Church Choir

Praise Team

United Methodist Women (UMW)

Interfaith

Pumpkin Patch

FAD Night

Block Party

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Easter Tableau

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Sunshine Herald

Page 5

Sun
1
9:00 am
Adult Focus Group
10:30 am
Worship Service
PRAISE TEAM

8
9:00 am
Adult Focus Group

Mon

12:00 Tableau
Meeting
15

11:00am
Moving
Forward

8:15 am
ROMEOs

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

6:00 pm
Jr. Girl Scouts

10
8:15 am
ROMEOs

11

16

2:00 pm
Ocala Health
23

9:00 am
Adult Focus Group
10:30 am
Worship Service
PRAISE TEAM
LEESBURG
WOMENS
RETREAT
_________________
29

PALM SUNDAY

9:00 am
Adult Focus Group
10:30 am
Worship Service
PRAISE TEAM
CANTATA
@ Belleview

7:00 pm
Choir

7:00 pm
Choir

12
10:00 am
Bible Study

13

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts
7:00 pm
Cub Committee

18
10:00 am Prayer
Shawl Ministry

19
10:00 am
Bible Study

5:00 pm
Trustees
6:15 pm
Finance
Committee
7:00 pm
Church Council

12:30 PM
MODELS

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

6:00 pm
Jr. Girl Scouts

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts

24

25

26
10:00 am
Bible Study

7:00 pm
Boy Scouts
17

7:00 pm
Choir

7:00 pm
Choir
7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

6:00 pm
Jr. Girl Scouts

_____________
30

_____________
31

_______________
April 1

HOLY
WEEK

8:15 am
ROMEOs

TABLEAU
SET UP

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

6:00pm
Kids Central

6:00 pm
Jr. Girl Scouts

8:15 am
ROMEOs
6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

7:00 pm
Choir
7:00 pm
Boy Scouts

1:00 PM
BOY SCOUTS
MEET IN
FELLOWSHIP
HALL

6:00 pm
Girl Scouts

5:30 pm UMM
5:30 pm
FAD Night
6:15pm
Praise Team

5:30 pm
FAD Night
6:15 pm
Praise Team

5:30 pm
FAD Night
6:15 pm
Praise Team
6:00 pm
Girl Scouts
______________
April 2

14

7:00 pm

5:30 pm
Dinner
For Interfaith

S.O.S.
TALENT
SHOW &
BIRTHDAY
PARTY

20

21

LEESBURG
WOMENS
RETREAT

LEESBURG
WOMENS
RETREAT

27

28

4:30 to 7:30
Spaghetti
Dinner
Fellowship
Hall
_____________
April 3
GOOD
FRIDAY

EASTER
TABLEAU

MARCH 2015

Sat
7

5:30 pm
FAD Night
6:15 pm
Praise Team

10:00 am UMW

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

Fri

10:00 am
Bible Study

8:15 am
ROMEOs

10:30 am
Worship Service
EASTER
CANTATA

22

10:00 am
Worship
Committee

6:30 pm
Cub Scouts

Thu

APRIL 2007

9:00 am
Adult Focus Group

12:30 pm
S.O.S.
Sisters of Soul

Wed

10:30 am
Worship Service
11:30 am
Womens Retreat
Meeting

Tue

EASTER
TABLEAU

______________
April 4

Sunshine Herald

Page 6

A REQUEST FOR DONATIONS AND HELP

ADULTS: We would like donations of big colorful plastic eggs & wrapped candy to fit inside the eggs.
PLEASE NO CHOCOLATE! Deadline for the eggs & candy is Thursday, MARCH 26TH.
We are asking for volunteers to fill eggs on March 31st @ 10:00am in Fellowship Hall. Any
questions, contact Joy Anderson.
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Sunday, April 5th. All children are invited to come
& enjoy the fun collecting the eggs in the Pumpkin Patch area after the Fellowship Hour. See
Ms. Joy and Ms. Debby Baugher before going to the pumpkin patch area. Dont forget to bring your Easter
basket with you that morning!

REMEMBER THE SPAGHETTI DINNER FUND-RAISER

The Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be on Friday, March 27th in the Fellowship Hall
from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. This is a yearly event put on with the gracious help of the
Sunrise Lodge, our Boy Scouts, and YOU, the members of our congregation.

The cost of the dinner is $8.00 for adults,

$5.00 for children ages 6 to 12 and under 6 is free.
Dine In or we can pack your dinner to go just ask!
Dinner includes: Mouthwatering spaghetti with special recipe tomato sauce, homemade meatballs, salad, roll, dessert and beverage.
As in years past, tickets will be pre-sold for this dinner.
** Special Note ** Help is needed in the kitchen serving the salad, beverages, and dessert as well as packing
up to go orders. Donations of desserts (PIES) are needed and greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST

CHILDRENS HOME
Happy Spring, brothers and sisters!
Theres a Fifth Sunday Offering coming up on March 29th. The offering, established in 1908, helps the FL
United Methodist Childrens Home pay the daily expense of taking care of the children, youth and families in
their care. Please prayerfully consider how you can help the Home continue their mission.
At the growing Madison Youth Ranch, the horse stable and paddock area are under construction. Soon, equine-assisted therapy will be available to children with behavioral and emotional issues. More information on
this program is available at www.fumch.org/madison-youth-ranch.
Learn more about the Home, including volunteer opportunities, tours, and more, by checking out
www.allchildrenfirst.org.
Thanks for your continued support, and keep the children and staff of the Childrens Home and Madison
Youth Ranch in your prayers.
Blessings,
Anne Zecca, Local Church Representative for the Florida United Methodist Childrens Home

Sunshine Herald

Page 7

2015 EASTER TABLEAU

April 2 & 3, 8:00-9:30pm
The Easter Tableau will be here before we know it. Lots of help is needed, from characters to be in the scenes to work
area coordinators. Signup sheets for characters in each scene are located at the Connection Station. If you would rather assist in one of the work areas, and not be in a scene, contact one of the work area coordinators below. If you
dont know where you are needed but would like to be plugged in, ask Linda Hughes, 732-8280 or Terri Silvola-Finch,
369-0614. Please browse through the Easter Tableau Book of History, located in the Fellowship Hall on the credenza. This book will give you insight into the Tableau and its history and our history as a church.
March 8, 12:00pmMeeting for Work Area Coordinators, Library
April 2 & 3-----6:00pm-Work Area Coordinators report
7:00pm-Scene characters report
7:30pm-Communion
Work Area Coordinators
Costumes: Libby Orbison

Nursery: Joy Anderson

Music: Federico Lopez

Publicity: Peggy Sue Munday

Traffic/Parking: John Battin

Photographer: Susan Wincek

Scene Set up/Take down: UMM

Last Supper/Food: Karen Palmer

STAY CONNECTED
You can always stay connected throughout the month to the events and opportunities that happen here at Druid Hills by checking out our church website and the pastors blog.
The website has our calendar, weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter, and various amounts of information including who we are, what we believe, how we are reaching out to the community, among other items. There is
also a news banner outlining events that are coming up.
You can also visit Pastor Daryls blog to get video recordings of the weekly sermons, a Friday Five column
that lists five things for the upcoming week, a Midweek Moment about a few of his thoughts, and the schedule for the daily Bible Challenge.
Both of these places are great places to visit often to help you stay connected throughout the month! Check
them out today!
Website: www.druidhillsocala.org
Pastors Blog: www.pastordaryl.blogspot.com

Druid Hills United Methodist Church

Sunshine Herald
1712 S. E. Lake Weir Rd.
Ocala, FL 34471