It’s hard to believe that we are only three weeks until Christmas Eve and then only one more week and we will be moving into a new year!

Are any of you are ready to be done with 2020?

I know I am most definitely ready to be moving beyond 2020 and into a new year. Even though I am ready to move on from this year, I have been experiencing a conviction that I need to give thanks for this year as well. When Paul admonishes the church to give thanks to God in all things (Ephesians 5:20) he is not just talking about the good things, but even for the bad and hard things that come our way. I have found in my life that when I am able to give God thanks in all things––even when going through hard times, that something happens within my own heart that allows me to find joy and peace within my life. 

So, I encourage you this week, to take some time to write out a list of all the things that you can give thanks for. You may find that when you start making this type of list, that something changes within you and everything seems a little bit better than it did before. Dr Seuss said of the Grinch that his heart grew two times larger. Maybe that’s what we need at the end of a year like 2020, to have our hearts grow two times greater
Couch Talk
Weekly the pastors and staff members record couch talk. Couch talk is full of useful announcements for the coming weeks. Take a moment each week to watch. 

Our couch talk is always linked on our  Facebook  page & our  YouTube  page.
Volunteer Highlight
Get to Know: Pastor Loida Divine

Loida has been an active part of Lake Deaton in different ways - from the very beginning. She was there when the new Lake Deaton community gathered at Big Cypress Recreation Center. She was appointed to serve as a pastor in other congregations, but Lake Deaton remained in her heart, mind, and especially in her prayers.

Loida officially joined as a pastor at Lake Deaton UMC last July through the Bishop’s appointment process. She joined the pastoral team with Jim and Kristyne. Her role with Lake Deaton is to work alongside lay leaders for Care and for Worship ministries. She says she is having a blast seeing God work, especially in the midst of a pandemic. People are worshipping and people are being connected to one another.

Loida has a heart for missions and has led mission teams to Honduras, India, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. She hopes to lead other mission teams in the future.

Interests: She loves to read, hike, spend time with her children, Maysson, Christina, and Jonathan. Loida also confesses that she loves football!

Pastor Loida feels that God has given her a gift to serve alongside Jim and Kristyne. God has been faithful and will continue to lead Lake Deaton to make a difference in the community we serve.
Discipleship & Connecting

It's not too late to sign up!!

Advent has already started but it is not too late to sign up for our Advent Devotional. Sign up today for our Advent Devotional: Sharing Our Stories. Click here to sign up! You can visit www.lakedeatongrows.com and click on "Advent Study 2020 or click here to see past devotions.
Mark Your Calendars

We are having our Annual Bonfire Event: Songs and S'mores. This gathering will take place on December 13 at 5pm. 

Bring a chair! We will have safe s’more set-ups for you. This will be a great time for us to gather together for some fun, music and fellowship.
Travel with Us
Want to learn more about traveling with us in 2021 and 2022? Meet with us on either December 10 @ 4pm or December 15 @ 5pm in the CLC. You can also check out the link below to find out more about these exciting trips!
 
In the October of 2021 we will be hosting a trip to Israel and in August 2022 a trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play and Italy.
Card Making Class is Back!

Back for January and February is the favorite of many! Cards are used by the Lake Deaton UMC Care Department.

Bring your own scissors and adhesive to class. Don't forget your mask as well. Click here to sign up for one, or all of these classes.
Prayer and Care Ministry
We believe that meeting the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our church and neighbors is what showing the love of Christ is all about. If you are facing a challenge, have a prayer request, or want to serve as a volunteer, please let us know. In case of a death of a loved one or a hospitalization, let us know so a Care Minister can support you through this time.

For Prayer and Care Ministries needs, please email Denise Herzberg by clicking here.

We are now able to visit congregants in the hospital! Please let us know by calling the Care Department when you, a relative or a friend is in the hospital. We will schedule a visit from one of our pastoral team.

Prayer Concerns

Our deepest sympathies, love and prayers for Pastor Kris Schonewolf on the loss of her husband, Mike Schonewolf. Mike was a member of Lake Deaton UMC
Prayers for Gianna, the friend of Laurie Dennison,
who is now in hospice care.
Prayer Quilts
Debbie Mancos. Prayers of strength and comfort on the loss of her brother, Robert Hodge
Pray for George McQuaid, friend of Leo Steffen, for comfort and
peace during this stage of his life’s journey
Prayer Service

Take 15 minutes of your time to pray.

This is a 15 minute video for self-guided prayer. Click link and learn with Rev. Kris Schonewolf how to connect with God in prayer.
Looking for a Unique Way to Give?
Blood Drive coming on Sunday, December 6, at 8:30am - 12:30pm.  For your convenience the Bloodmobile will be here during our outdoor service. Everyone will have an opportunity to win a special gift basket, plus other goodies.
Click here to sign up for your appointment or click here for more information.
Worship 
Christmas Tree Decorating!!!

We still need of a group to adopt the following tree: The Small One. Please email David Rowan by clicking here to secure your tree.
 
Each weekend you are invited to bring a special ornament to put on the Christmas tree at the church that reflects the Advent Theme.  After your time of reflection, you can either create an ornament or use an ornament that you already own to share on our tree. 
 
  • 2nd Sunday of Advent (Dec 5/6) - HOPE - Isaiah 9:2-3
  • 3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec 12/13) - JOY - Luke 2:8-14
  • 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec 19/20) - PEACE - Isiah 9:6-7
Movies on the Lawn

Join us each Wednesday at 6pm. Bring your lawn chair, a blanket and a friend for this fun, weekly event. You can also watch from the comfort of your car or golf cart. Click on the movie title to watch a preview for the movie.

Wednesday, December 9 - A Christmas Story
Wednesday, December 16 - Going My Way
Double Feature Wednesday, December 23 - Small One & Home Alone
Worship Attendance

Sat, Nov 28, 5:00 pm - 62 Online, 48 In-Person, Total: 110
Sun, Nov 29, 9:00 am - 148 Online, 85 In-Person, Total: 233
Sun, Nov 29 10:30am - 73 Online, 52 In-Person, Total: 125
Weekend Totals - 185 Online, 283 In-Person, All Total: 468

Please Make Sure You "Sign In" on the Connection Pad. Just click this link!
Outreach
The Bargains & Blessings Resale Store is in need of additional volunteers. There is a need for people to work in the Intake Area and moving heavier items within the store. If interested, click on link for Volunteer Application form. Check out our website for more info or email Ed Lovera.
Christmas Joy - an Alternative Christmas Gift

Looking for an opportunity and a special way to honor your family and friends by contributing in their name? A brochure with ministries you can support is available at church or on the website

You can give your gift online by clicking here, by writing a check and dropping it off at the church office, in the offering basket on the weekend, or by mailing it to the church. Please write "Christmas Joy" and the name of the project you wish to support on the memo line 
Christmas Clean up

We are looking for volunteers to participate in cleaning up a few more flower beds that need "sprucing up" We are meeting December 8 & 12, between 9am and 12pm Hope to see you, and you, and you too!
Women
Bloom...Live: Have You Heard the Latest?

Ladies, join us Tuesday, December 8th at 10am for our next Bloom Live.

Come in-person (just like we have safely done for our in-person worship), wearing your mask to enjoy our program -OR- view it LIVE on Facebook, YouTube or the website (just like online worship).  

There is no fee, but please register if you will be attending in-person. Click here to sign up.
Administration
Make a difference this holiday. Shop for gifts at
 Amazon Smile to generate donations for
Lake Deaton United Methodist Church.
Christmas is just around the corner. Each year we “surprise” our staff with a love offering to show our appreciation for all they have done throughout the year.

As the Chair of our Staff/Parish Relations Committee, I ask each of you to join with me by contributing toward this Love Offering. All contributions raised will be divided equally and presented to our staff during their annual Christmas party on December 16th. In years past the Pastoral Staff was included in sharing the Love Offering. This year, Pastors Jim, Loida and Kristyne have asked that they not be included so that the administrative staff can realize a greater appreciation for all they do!

There are specially marked “Love Offering” envelopes available in the CLC and narthex. You may drop them off at the office, in the offering baskets, or mail your contribution to the church. Please clearly mark your check or donation as “Staff Love Offering” on the memo line. All contributions must be received no later than December 13th.

God’s Blessings,
Chair, Staff/Parish Relations Committee
An Invite from Rick & Constance Rademacher

You are invited to enjoy a Christmas light show at: 3610 Quietwoods Drive - Village of Lake Deaton - 6 PM until 9PM (or when the last group leaves)

To hear the music that the lights will dance to, tune the radio to 98.7 FM. Praying that everyone stays healthy and will receive and retain that Christmas spirit. Click here to see a preview of the light show.
Our church calendar is now LIVE on our website. Check it out by clicking here.
Connect with Us

Mailing Address: 
6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood, FL 34785

Lake Deaton Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm
Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm 

Office: Call 352-571-4665