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First United Methodist Church St. Cloud
April 2024 Newsletter
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From the Desk of Pastor Cathy | |
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Dear friends,
It’s been a busy month! We continued Confirmation classes and went on retreat at St. Simon’s Island in Georgia with four of our current Confirmation Class (Kyton Barnes, Jaelynne Martin, Isabelle Morgan and Lucy Knowles) and both of our 2023 Confirmation Class (Mason Ash, Veranna Mosher). We visited Ft. Frederica, St. Simon’s Lighthouse, Christ Church graveyard and Starbucks (more than once!). The class participated in classes, learned about the Wesleyan quadrilateral and the ACTS prayer tool. Their favorite activity was playing TAG in the empty room in our Craft Building! It was so good to see these young people learn about Jesus and the church, grow in their faith and bond with each other. Confirmation Sunday will be April 14th!
We have our new stage in the Family Life Center built by Pastor Dave Winship and friends from Open Arms Community Church. It was a labor of love, and we are so grateful to this wonderful team for their gift of time and talents!
As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection, we live in the new life of Christ who is alive forevermore! We had wonderful Holy Week events and Easter Sunday worship services with 272 in attendance at the three service; 50 at the Sunrise Service, 54 at the 8:15 Traditional Service, and 168 at the 10:15 Blended Service! On Thursday night 80 people attended the Living Last Supper and 90 people attended the Friday night performance! Thank you to all who participated in our dramas, helped with the Easter Egg Hunt, donated items for our church, invited a friend to come, brought flowers for the cross and worshipped with us!
Our new sermon series will be Life and Letters of the Apostle Paul. Last October, I traveled to Greece and Turkey to follow in the footsteps of Paul on his 2nd and 3rd Missionary Journeys. We visited Thessaloniki, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Santorini, Istanbul, Kavala, Istanbul and Meteora. In our messages, we will hear about the places Paul visited and the letters Paul wrote to the churches he established.
April 7th Sin and Grace
April 14th Confirmation
April 21st Paul’s Jesus
April 28th Paul and Prayer
I hope you will plan to join us for these messages.
The Florida Annual Conference will be held in person this year on June 6-8 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23-May 3, 2024. It has been postponed and delayed three times since 2020. Please be in prayer for our UMC and the General Conference as they meet to decide important legislation. The theme is “And know that I am God” from Psalm 46.
After Easter, Rusty and I will travel to the eastern shore of Virginia to visit our daughter, Sara, and her family for a few days. We enjoy being with our grandchildren Sadie, 13 years old, and Caleb, 9 years old; eating great seafood and going to the beach at Cape Charles.
Then when I return, I jump right into Lay Servant Ministry classes and a Walk to Emmaus. I will be giving a talk at the April 11-14th Walk to Emmaus. Please pray for our pilgrims and servants on the Walk.
It is my greatest joy to be your Pastor!
Pastor Cathy
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Several people have received text message requests from someone claiming to be Pastor Cathy asking for a favor. So they are using the cellphone number as well as email addresses. Please do not respond to the text or email. If you do, there will be more details. For example, that I am not available by phone because I'm in a meeting, etc. I need gift cards, etc. Please know that I will not make a request for you to get gift cards or money or gifts for me. Thanks so much!
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Dennis moved to St. Cloud in 1995 as a consultant in the St. Cloud City Engineering department. He previously commuted from the Tampa Bay area once a week to work with the city. He realized that it was too much to keep commuting so he decided to move here. He worked as a consultant at the St. Cloud City for 15 years and retired in 2006.
After the family moved to the area, they looked for a preschool for their young daughter and selected our preschool. Dennis’ wife Shireen began attending FUMC with their daughter. Dennis also attended the church throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s and slowly became involved in the church. After an extended illness, Dennis was baptized on Easter Sunday in 2018 and joined the church. Dennis has held many positions at the church over the years. Starting with being the church coordinator for the St. Cloud Food Pantry. He also has been Chairman on the Building Committee where in 2018 he led an extensive restoration of the sanctuary. He has been on the Board of Trustees, chaired the Finance Committee, and the Church Council. He is currently on the Altar Revision Committee. Because of his engineering background, he has been involved with the maintenance of the church property for many years.
One of Dennis’ other talents is cooking. His extended family was in the catering business so he is very familiar with food preparation and has prepared dinners for up to 150 people. He has been involved in cooking the meals for our Wednesday night church wide dinners and Elmer’s kitchen for some time.
Dennis is very musically talented. In his younger years he played all of the brass instruments, guitar and the vibraphone. He no longer plays these instruments and is planning to give his vibraphone to a nephew who is also very musically inclined. Currently he is in our Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir.
Dennis and Shireen have been married for 42 years. They have three sons and one daughter living in various states. They also have three granddaughters. All of their children and grandchildren have been very successful. One son served in the Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer as a cook, taking after his father’s cooking interest. Another son is a retired police officer/volunteer fireman and EMT, and the third is in his 30th year as an officer in the Merchant Marines. Their daughter lives in Ohio and is a veterinarian. One of their granddaughters takes after her grandfather’s interest in music and has a PHD in music while another is working toward a masters in theatre.
Dennis enjoys using his talents to serve others. When he isn’t helping out at the church, he helps his neighbors by mowing their lawn. We appreciate all that Dennis does at First Church.
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Jacob Suarez - Eagle Scout Project
Jaob Suarez recently completed his Eagle Scout project for our church. He refurbished the front steps going into the sanctuary. He did a wondeful job and the steps look fabulous!
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Serving Others with
Our Mercy Ministries
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We have a large number of people in need who come to the Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for Bags of Love. A hot breakfast/lunch, bags of food items and gently used clothing are distributed on Tuesday and Thursday when those less-fortunate come for Bags of Love.
Our supply of gently used clothing is running low. There are several items that are in need at this time. Men’s casual pants and shorts sizes 32-34. Also, T-shirts, socks, and underwear for men and women are needed. Women’s clothing is always welcome as well as toiletries. All donations are greatly appreciated!
Volunteers are always needed to prepare a hot meal, fill and distribute bags, and sort clothing. There are many opportunities for those who wish to help out. Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping or for a list of food items needed.
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We appreciate our amazing volunteers! | |
Our Bicycle Ministry provides refurbished bicycles to those in need so they are able to have much needed transportation. If you know someone who has a bike they are not using please contact the church office. | |
Seeds of Hope is an organized group of churches and non-profit organizations in the St. Cloud community. First Church is a part of this group which works together providing services in the area. | |
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Elmer's Kitchen
FUMC of St Cloud serves as the host site of Elmer’s Meal Kitchen, partnering with the St. Cloud Ministerial Association. Each Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Family Life Center, a free nutritious meal is distributed to the unemployed or underemployed by a different church or local group as a to-go meal.
First Sunday of month: First Presbyterian Church of St. Cloud
Second Sunday of month: Alternating
Boy Scout Troop #192 & St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Third Sunday of month: Soul City Church
Fourth Sunday of month: Alternating FUMC of St. Cloud
& St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Fifth Sunday of month: FUMC of St. Cloud Youth & Adults
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Congratulations to the Bride and Groom | |
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Matthew Findley and Karla Gusching were married on February 14, 2024 in Leesburg at Warren Willis Methodist Youth Camp.
The Reverend Corey Jones officiated the ceremony.
A reception was held on March 23th at Mead Gardens.
During the March Wednesday Night Dinner we celebrated with them at the church. Congratulations to the happy bride and groom!
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Coffee Hour on Sunday Mornings in the Welcome Center | |
Join us for "Coffee Hour" between church services from 9:15 AM to 10 AM and after the 10:15 AM worship service in the Welcome Center. Our Welcome Center is located in the Annex at the front of the sanctuary to the left of the altar. Beverages and baked goods are served. It is a good time to get know your church family. It has become a very popular place to gather as more people participate. This is also where new visitors can get information about First Church St. Cloud and receive a first time gift. Donations and volunteers are welcome! Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping. | |
Monthly Church-Wide Wednesday Night Dinner
Each month on the second Wednesday of the month we hold a Church-Wide Wednesday Night Dinner in the Family Life Center from 5:15 to 6:00 PM followed by a fun activity.
On March 13th we enjoyed a delicious Irish meal followed by painting a beautiful picture of a cross.
Our next Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner will be on April 10th. We will enjoy a meal of chicken & wild rice casserole, green beans, Caesar salad and dessert. Playing Bunko will be our activity of the evening. Everyone is invited to join in our joyful fellowship.
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Pastor Jim on the new stage | |
Ruth Mosher, Marcia Adams, and Dennis Tripp | |
Lou, Bobby Hall, Gloria Taylor, Georgina, and guest | |
June Richards, Steve, Diana Kehr, and Bruce Adcock | | |
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Matthew Findley, Karla Gusching and Family | |
Fellowship Circle
The Fellowship Circle (formerly Seasoned Souls) is a small group which serves God and our church by doing tasks and chores as needed or requested. They strive to get to know each other better and thus enrich their lives, support each other and have fun. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.
You may contact Myrna Lee at [email protected] for more information about how you can be a part of this ministry.
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Circle of Light
Another group of women who meet at the church is the Circle of Light led by Renda Collins. They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Their primary goal is to mail out cards to the homebound (shut-ins) of our congregation. They are looking for other ways to serve our church. We welcome new members.
You may contact Renda Collins at [email protected] to learn more about this small group.
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Circle of Light Luncheon at Village Inn | |
Here at First Church St. Cloud there are several opportunities to study God's word. | |
Smooth Stone Bible Study is a bible study that meets in the Family Life Center (FLC) at 10:00 AM. They are looking forward to learning more from the Bible and from each other. They have just finished their study on the book of James and started a new study of the book of Ruth on March 25th. Smooth Stones Bible Study meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month. Vivian Kravitz leads this group and can be reached by email at [email protected]. | |
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Every Tuesday evening Pastor Cathy leads an in-depth study of the Sermon series which will be preached on the following Sunday. This study involves much discussion about the topic at hand. Please join her and others from your computer, tablet or smartphone at 7:00 PM.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464
Passcode 623978
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On Sunday mornings the Serendipity Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 AM in the classroom attached to the Sanctuary as a hybred format; some in person and others over the phone. This class is led by Kevin Knox. For more information contact the church office. | |
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The Genesis Sunday School Classes also meets on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:15 AM until 10:00 AM in the Family Life Center (FLC).
The Genesis Sunday School Class will begin a new book study on April 7 titled Context by Josh Scott. This six week study will look at some of the familiar Bible passages that are sometimes taken out of context and attempt to put them back in context.
Everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Larry Finch at [email protected] or Pastor Jim.
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Youth Sunday School led by Caileigh Croft is held on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 10 AM (Between Worship Services) in the youth room upstairs of the FLC. | |
Our high school youth meet at Starbucks for Coffee with Jesus every Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 PM and our middle school youth meet at Starbucks for Coffee with Jesus at 4:30 PM. | |
The Power Hour Prayer Group meets each Monday morning at 8:30 AM for prayer and to lift up the prayer requests from the congregation. You are invited to join this lively group of prayer warriors each week. If you are interested you may contact the church office. | |
2024 Confirmation Classes
Confirmation classes are underway. There are six youth who are learning what it means to be a Christian and a Methodist. They went on a retreat to St. Simon's Island on March 8th - 10th. Confirmation Sunday is on April 1th.
Please pray for our youth and mentors as they prepare for this milestone event.
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St. Simon's Island Retreat | |
Each Sunday FUMC of St. Cloud has two Worship Services. The Traditional Worship Service begins at 8:15 AM and the Blended Worship Service starts at 10:15 AM. | |
New Holy Communion Table Built by Larry Finch with Trustees Building Funds | |
Healing Service - April 14th
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This month's healing service will take place on April 14th, at 11:30 AM in the Centennial Room (sanctuary annex, next to the Welcome Center.) Anyone who feels a need for physical or emotional healing is invited to come for personal prayer and anointing.
Your healing team also prays for absent healing requests. We're happy to report some positive results.
Anyone who wishes to be part of the healing team may call the church office for more information. Some introductory material and a couple of training sessions are available.
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First Church has an active Drama Ministry that performs during the Worship Services and on special occasions. | |
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Palm Sunday
Prepare Ye The Way!
Everyone was invited to dress like hippies to celebrate Palm Sunday.
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Steve Giggard Sounding the Shofar | |
Hippies Kevin and Vicki Northridge | |
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Jesus – Dylan W. Barnes
Peter – Kevin Northridge
John - James Kledis
James – David Cloud
Simon – Ruth Mosher
Nathaniel – Jennifer Rojas
Judas – Vicki Northridge
James the Lesser – Dave Daniel
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Andrew – Kay Smith
Matthew – Bobby Hall
Thaddaeus - Dennis Tripp
Thomas – Juan Santiago
Philip – Scott Giggard
Mirriam – Rebecca Armstrong
Esther – Abigail Calderon
Sara – Natalia Armstrong
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Producers - Pastor Cathy Thacker, Pastor James Kledis
Directed by – James Stamberger
Written by – Rnee’ O’Bannon
Sound & Lights – Rory Kendall
Costumes & Props – Ruth Stamberger, Pamela Heffington-Hall
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St. Cloud Lakefront Sunrise Service | |
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The Watson Family at the
Sunrise Service
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The Allison Family at the
Sunrise Service
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We had 168 Attendees at the Easter Sunday 10:15 Blended Worship Service | |
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by Lou Murray, Choir Director
Music isn't just for the church services! A year ago I conceived the idea of taking our music out into the wider world, with performances by our choir at community facilities and events. We spent a few months working on a repertoire of upbeat, inspirational songs: a little Broadway, a little Gospel, and of course some favorite hymns.
Last September we got the ball rolling when Dennis Tripp invited us to his house for a gospel singalong with members of another church. That went well, so I decided the choir was finally ready to sing for a wider audience. In October we started doing a monthly performance at Kissimmee Health and Rehab. Since then we've entertained at Council on Aging and various other facilities, in addition to providing music for funeral and memorial services.
I sincerely appreciate the efforts of every member of the choir. Although there's never a big crowd at the 8:15 service, we have an unseen audience tuning in online, and I do get feedback from some of those listeners. We hope the music blesses all listeners, every week.
We have room for a few more singers, guest soloists, and instrumentalists. It's easy to join the choir: just show up at 7:00 Wednesday evenings for choir practice.
I'm always open to comments or suggestions about the music.
Thanks for listening!
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Chancel Choir - 8:15 AM Traditional Worship Service
Directed by Lou Murray
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Worship Team - 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service
Directed by Scott Weyrauch
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
April 8 - Staff Meeting - 7:00 PM
April 13 - Confirmands at Wekiwa Springs State Park
April 14 - Confirmation Sunday
April 23 - May 3 - 2024 General Conference of The UM Church
June 2 - Farewell and Appreciation Celebration for Denise Dunn
June 9 - Welcome Reception for Barbara Knapp
Regular Meetings
Sunday
- Traditional Worship Service ~ 8:15 - 9:15 AM
- Hybred Serendipity Sunday School Class ~ 9:00 - 10:00 AM
- Genesis Sunday School Class ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM (FLC)
- Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM
- Coffee Hour (Annex off the Sanctuary) ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM
- Blended Worship Service ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
- Children's Ministry - Sunday Funday ~ 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
- Healing Service - 2nd Sunday ~ 11:30 AM (Centennial Room)
- Newcomer's Luncheon ~ 3rd Sunday Quarterly, 11:30 AM
- Elmer's Kitchen ~ 2:00 - 3:00 PM (FUMCSC - 4th & 5th Sunday)
- Children's Ministry Funday Sunday ~ 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Monday
- Power Hour Prayer Group ~ 8:30 AM
- Fellowship Circle ~ 1st & 3rd Monday of the month ~ 10 AM
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Smooth Stones Bible Study ~ 2nd & 4th Monday of the month ~ 10:00 AM
- Trustees - 1st Monday of month - 7 PM
- Boy Scouts ~ 7:00 PM
Tuesday
- Bags of Love ~ 9 - 11 AM (Hot Breakfast to Go)
- Online Bible Study with Pastor Cathy - 7:00 PM; Please join using your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464 use passcode: 623978
Wednesday
- Circle of Light - Women's Group - 2nd Wednesday of each month 10:00 AM
- Coffee with Jesus for Youth ~ 2:15 and 4:30 PM @ Starbucks
- Youth Fellowship ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
- Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner ~ Beginning at 5:15 PM
- Adult Choir Rehearsal ~ 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday
- Bags of Love ~ 9:00 - 11:00 AM
- Handbell Rehearsal ~ 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Please Note : The Live Streaming of our Worship services is on YouTube. You can Subscribe to the First Church Saint Cloud on YouTube and will get regular notifications when we are live. Then, they are posted to the Church's FB page and to the Website. To view these online services use this link.
ttps://www.youtube.com/@FirstChurchStCloud/streams
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You can easily access our website from your computer, tablet, or Phone by using any Web Browser. Give it a try today!
www.firstchurchstcloud.org
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Announcing Change in Preschool Director | |
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Denise Dunn will be leaving our preschool at the end of this school year. We will miss her dedication and happy disposition. There will be a farewell and apprecation celebration for her on June 2nd.
Barbara Knapp, who has been working at our preschool for the past several years will be taking over as Preschool Director beginning in June. A reception for Barbara is being planned for June 9th.
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Barbara Knapp, Future Preschool Director & Denise Dunn, Currrent Preschool Director | |
APRI 2024 CHURCH NEWSLETTER | |
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This school year has flown by! We have only two more months left. We finished out the month of March with our 100th Day of School Parade and our Seuss-a-bration! The children participated in Easter Egg hunts with their individual classes. Jim and Eileen Zetwo donated 175 eggs for our hunts. Our school has been blessed by their many gifts! April will be another busy month. Our students will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a special Easter Chapel on April 4th at 9:00 AM.
Enrollment is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. We offer a Preschool class for children who are age 3 by September 1st and completely potty trained. Our VPK Pre-K class is offered for children who are age 4 by September 1st and is free with the Certificate of Eligibility. Additional information regarding our programs as well as a virtual tour can be found on our website at www.firstumcpreschoolstcloud.com.
Smiles,
Ms. Denise
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The children of FUMC of St. Cloud meet on Sunday mornings during the 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service after the Children's Moment for Children's Church. They also meet on Sundays at 11:30 AM for Sunday Funday. If you know of any children who would be interested in our children's program please contact Caileigh Croft, our Children's/Youth Ministry Director. | |
Children's Easter Egg Hunt
& Pancake Breakfast
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Our high school youth meet each week on Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 PM at Starbucks for Coffee with Jesus. The middle school youth meet on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 at Starbucks for Coffee with Jesus.
The Youth Fellowship meets on Wednesdays at 6 - 7:30 PM.
If you know of a youth who would like to join this active group please contact our Children's/Youth Ministry Director, Caileigh Croft.
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Confirmation classes are underway! The confirmands went to St. Simon's Island on the weekend of March 8th through March 10th. (See photos in a previous section of this newsletter.)
On April 13th they will be going to Wekiwa Spings State Park for a day of fun before Confirmation Sunday on April 14th.
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April 1 – Andy Smith
April 1 – Jan Baldwin
April 5 - Karen Winchell
April 5 – Wyatt Scarlett
April 8 - Yvonne Lethenstrom
April 9 - Caleb Meyer
April 10 – Rob Morgan
April 12 – John Yocum
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April 14 - Debbie Thompson
April 21 - Samuel Watson
April 22 - Charlie Justice
April 23 - Sharon Donis
April 26 – Ida Bergeron
April 27 - Emalee Gorman
April 28 – Janice Morgan
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April 13 – Chris and Amanda McConnell
April 23 - Joel and Darla Kelly
April 27 - Dave and Ginny Johns
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Note: We are working hard to keep our information accurate and regret if we have missed your birthday or anniversary. If you know of someone whom we have missed in this birthday or anniversary list please notify the Church Office. | |
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The Word of Our Lord
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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