 |
|
Soli Deo Gloria!
Director of Music Ministries
The approach of the Finale of my career has caused me to look back through the past 30 years on the call to serve in Music Ministry. The purpose, focus and goal was established from day one: To serve God through the Ministry of Music; to bring the Body of Christ into the presence of God in worship through the vehicle of music; to encourage, educate, develop, and nurture others in the understanding of music as ministry. "Share the Word of God with the people of God, through music for an audience of One."
I have conducted many choirs and ensembles and have provided training in vocal development and music reading to the young and old alike. However, none of these musical skills have been more satisfying or rewarding than sharing the love of Jesus with those I have served. In the process, I have experienced many lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. I will never forget the rehearsals, lessons and conversations that started as musical instruction and ended in intimate prayer for the needs of the people.
I find it difficult to find the words to express my deepest appreciation to the Lakewood community to whom I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement you have given me over the past eight years. I will treasure the memories, the music and worship we have shared together.
I pray that the legacy I leave to Lakewood is one that gives Glory to God. Early in my career I discovered that centuries ago Johann Sebastian Bach gave voice to the expression of my heart. Each time he began to compose a piece of music, he would say,
"Jesus, help me show your glory through the music I write.
May it bring you joy even as it brings joy to your people."
With that, he began to write. When he was finally satisfied, he wrote the letters SDG at the bottom of the page: "Soli Deo Gloria - For the Glory of God Alone." He hoped that when the music was played, it would point toward God.
We have reached the FINALE - the chapter and
another chapter will soon begin. I leave you with one more musical thought:
There is nothing more musical than a sunset. He who feels what he sees will find no more beautiful example of development in all that book which, alas, musicians read but too little - the book of Nature.
- Claude DeBussy
Soli Deo Gloria!
Dr. Brenda Spargo
Director Of Music Ministries, Retired
|
|
BREAKFAST WITH BRENDA
Come to the CAC Sunday morning, May 8, at 9:30 am for a time to say thank you to Brenda, who is retiring after eight years of wonderful service to our church. Bring a note, bring a hug, or bring a song. Stay for as long as you wish, or go to Sunday School after breakfast.
|
|
|
|
Help us with our Teacher
Appreciation Breakfast, Monday,
May 2 - bring a breakfast treat to church this Sunday . . .
Duval County Schools will observe Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6. In conjunction with this celebration of teachers, Lakewood will provide a continental breakfast for our partner school, San Jose Elementary, on Monday, May 2. We need your help to provide breakfast treats - sweet or salty, home-made or purchased - for the 85 teachers and staff at San Jose. If you are willing to help by donating two dozen breakfast treats, please contact Ree Unterspan. Call 524-6071 or e-mail
[email protected] and let Ree know that you will bring your treats (2 dozen) to the Fellowship Hall kitchen (main building) on Sunday morning, May 1. Let's join together in thanking these dedicated workers who devote themselves to a better world for San Jose Elementary students and their families.
|
|
Family Promise
May 8-15
Family Promise returns May 8 - 15. It is a ministry
for families in need. Three families will spend the week at our
church, and we will have an opportunity to get to know them and support them through this temporary season of their lives.
All of the different Family Promise teams are getting their timelines
and schedules together. Join us. You will be blessed beyond
belief! Questions? Contact Phillip Crawford,
[email protected].
|
|
MAY EVENTS:
SENIORS ON A MISSION
Join Seniors On A Mission Monday, May 2 on their mission trip! The meeting place is Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. The bus leaves there at 9:40 am. They will serve the American Diabetes Association and the Clothing Warehouse. RSVP to Judy Hiden (363-9663).
SAN JOSE ELEMENTARY BOOK FAIR
Please join us in service to our partner school, San Jose Elementary, for their upcoming Book Fair, May 23-27. Service includes helping students find books, restocking books, and bagging purchases. There are two shifts each of the five days-8:30-11am & 11:30am-2pm. To sign up for a shift, contact Ree Unterspan by phone at (904)524-6071 or via e-mail at
[email protected].
Join in the fun & excitement as the children discover new worlds through the myriad of books the Book Fair offers!
CHURCH-WIDE BLOOD DRIVE
Our next church-wide blood drive will be held on
Sunday, May 15 from 8:30 - 11:30 am in front of our CAC entrance. Reservations can be made online at
igiveblood.com/pint or you can just walk up on Sunday morning. There is no greater gift than a donation of life-saving blood that you alone can give to a fellow human being! Hope to see you there. Free donuts await you!
Thank you. -
Denny Britt, Blood Drive Coordinator
BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL
"The Blessing Of The Lord" - First Thursday Bible Study with Gloria Short -
(Room EB 102).
May 5, 10:45 am - 12 pm. Questions? Call Gloria at 396-6342.
ATTENTION GRADUATING SENIORS!
Graduate Sunday is June 12! Please call the church office at 733-8477 or email
[email protected] and let Margaret, our church secretary, know the details about your graduation - high school, college, or professional school. We need to have this information by Wedne
sday, June 1. Thank you!
BABY BOTTLE BOOMERANG
Support First Coast Women's Services! Beginning Sunday, May 8, pick up an empty baby bottle at the back of the church . . . and just like a well-tossed boomerang, return it full of coins, currency, and checks. All bottles (empty or full) should be returned to the church by Father's Day, June 19. Thank you!
UNITED METHODIST MEN DINNER & PROGRAM
Men! Join us in the CAC Dining Room at 6:00 pm,
May 23 for food, fellowship and fun. Questions? Email Mark at
[email protected].
WEDNESDAY NIGHTLIFE
YOUTH AFTER SCHOOL - 2:30 pm til . . .
Youth meet in Youth Room - Christian Activity Center Contact: Bryan Amerling, [email protected]
FEASTING IN THE WORD - 4:00-5:30 pm - Church Library
All are welcome at this Bible study! Contact: Carol Hudson 607-6924.
DINNER served 5:15-6:00 pm in the CAC
GROUPS 6:10 pm - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
CHILDREN'S CHOIR - 6:00 pm - Program Follows
Choir Room (Music Suite - Winn Dixie)
ADULT CHOIR - 7:30 pm - Music Suite
Contact: Dr. Brenda Spargo,
[email protected]
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MENUS AND SERVERS
May 4
:
Chicken Parmesan - Youth
May 11: Spaghetti - Family Matters / Living Room
May 18:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches - Open Forum
May 25:
Hamburgers - Staff
LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT UNTIL SEPTEMBER IS MAY 25!!!
|
|
. . . to Aaron and Stephanie Daniel on the birth of their son, William Capshaw Daniel, April 4, in Miami. Proud great- grandparents are Bill and Jan Daniel.
. . . to Carlos Perez and Liz Foster on their wedding, April 8. Proud parents are Pete and Betty Perez.
. . . We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Lakewood United Methodist, for allowing us to use your wonderful facilities for our annual home-school testing event. We are fortunate to work with such a helpful and accommodating staff, who certainly contributes to the success of our testing - year after year.
- Jan Koncar, HERI testing volunteers (Home Education Resources & Information)
OUR CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SYMPATHY
. . . to Sharon Moran and her family on the death of her father, Beryl Eugene Everist, April 6.
. . . to Jay Permenter and his family on the death of his mother, Nancy Reddy, April 14.
. . . to Brian Brodehl and his family on the death of his mother, Louise "Marie" Brodehl, April 18.
. . . to Ann Chappell and her family on the death of her sister, Judy Lane, April 24.
|
|
|
More whimsical flea market songs
have resurfaced, which Nancy Grant
will present. She will be assisted by
Nancy Ferdman, Jim Grant, and
a cast of dozens of Lakewoodians!
Everyone is welcome to attend this monthly luncheon right after the second service on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
|
|
|
Monday night, May 2, is a BIG celebration for 12 of the bravest and faithful ladies ever!!! They(we) have all given God our hurts, habits & hang-ups & are ready to celebrate 13 1/2 months of learning who God is & whose we are in Christ!!
Come celebrate this time of meeting your new Step Study Sister
s!
Every Monday Night!
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7 - 8 pm Main Meeting
8 - 9 pm Small Groups
9 pm Cornerstone Cafe
Bring your kids ages 5 - 12 to Celebration Place! While adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness, kids discover the same truths in age-appropriate ways! Celebration Place helps to lead kids as they make Jesus the enduring, rock-solid foundation of their lives and is designed to inspire kids with hope, joy, and
happiness while they learn to rely on God.
To volunteer, take a step study, or to get involved in any way, please contact Cyndi Morphew at 318-6539 or Mark or Suzanne Biery at 730-3057.
www.crjacksonville.com.
|
|
E-Reflections
If you would like to submit an article, contact Karen Chaudhry by the 15th of the month ( [email protected]). Copies of Lakewood UMC's
E-Reflections are available in the church office and in the back of the church.
or 733-8477.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
