Crystal River UMC

Crystal River United Methodist Church will be hosting an “Evening of Music” on Friday, May 23, at 7:00 pm. There will be a variety of musical groups and soloists from our church and our community to entertain us. The line-up includes:

• Annie and Tim’s United Bluegrass Gospel
• Clint Hinson
• Margaret Williams
• Crystal River UMC Praise Team
• Jeremy Neff
• Anthony Giglio
• Suzanne Cross
• Dan Starkey
• Annemarie Hooper
• Mandy Grimes
• Mike Himes

This event is a benefit concert for the Crystal River UMC Youth Mission Trip to Madison, NC, in July. A freewill offering will be taken. Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this wonderful musical extravaganza. We encourage you to invite friends and family. Refreshments will be available.

Opportunities for Sharing Time and Talents
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NLT

Upward Sports Ministry: The UMM are seeking coaches! Upward offers the congregation a chance to use their Godgiven talents and passions to introduce children and families to Jesus Christ through sports. Question– Is it more likely an entire family who does not attend church would come to watch their kids play on the church grounds or decide to just walk in and worship on a Sunday morning? Since we have an unused field the UMM plan to implement an Upward league to maximize the resources God has blessed us with. Upward provides all the tools necessary for a first class, detailed sports league that will allow us to focus on the ministry aspect. If you are willing to be trained for this exciting ministry see Paul Ingram, or call him at 563-0704.

A Thank You goes to the following for sharing their time at our “garden party.” Jerry Reynolds, Ann Hansen, Mary Lyons, Ethel, David and Virginia Dreher, Eric and Richiko Palhof, Donna Olsen, Teresa Jenkins, and John Morrison. Our next work day has not been set but we’ll be placing mulch in all the gardens. We are looking for the name and number of the young woman who helped by weeding the flower bed during the week. Please call or email the church office.

Opportunities to Grow as A Believer in Christ
2008– Daily Bible Readings:

• Su– John 7:37-39;
• M– Luke 6:39-42;
• T– Josh. 4:1-7;
• W– John 16:12-16;
• Th– Gen. 1: 1– 2:4b;
• Fr.– Psalm 8;
• Sa– 2 Cor. 13:11-13.

Sunday School Promotion Day is June 1st. Many of our children will be moving to new classrooms with new teachers. The youth finishing 5th grade will be promoted into the Youth Group. Let’s work to make every child and young person feel welcome during this time of transition.

This is an exciting time for all young people everywhere who are graduating, please call the church office with the names of your graduate. For the young-at-heart who are graduating from various programs of learning we want to celebrate your achievements also. May God bless you all with a life-long desire to know Him more!

Adult Activities
UMW Heirlooms of Love Tea, will be Saturday May 17, at 2:00 pm in the church sanctuary. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. You are welcome to bring a guest. Please bring an heirloom and share with the group any loving memory it might hold.

Opportunities for Fellowship
Our church will be hosting an “Evening of Music” on Friday, May 23, at 7:00 pm. There will be a variety of musical groups and soloists from our church and our community to entertain us. This includes Annie & Tim’s United Gospel Bluegrass Band. This event is a benefit concert for the CRUMC Youth Mission Trip. A free will offering will be taken. Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this wonderful musical extravaganza. We encourage you to invite friends and family. Refreshments will be available.

Upcoming Events

• June 1- Sunday School Promotion Day! We’ll also be honoring graduates and hosting the Baccalaureate for Crystal River High School here at 4:00 pm.
• June 8- 8:00 am Rev. Patrick Elmore will preach all services with the 8:00 am being held in Bethel Chapel. In addition we will be having a 12:00 pm Farewell Reception for the Elmore’s also.
• June 22- We’ll be having a Farewell Covered-Dish lunch at Noon for Rev. and Mrs. Brandon Wise.
• July 13- 10:30 am One Worship Service! Sunday School teachers may have class at 9:15 am or make other arrangements with your members.

Office hours April 28 - May 30 will be as follows: 9:00 am –1:00 pm Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. On Thursday we will be open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Any other hours will be by appointment.

Room Changes: The Upper Room class is now in the Library, Bob Kennedy’s in A5, Over/Unders are in A19.

The Lamplighter is available online at our church website, www.crumc.com . Using this resource will save our church paper, postage and some volunteer hours. Please email us at office@crumc. com if you are willing to read The Lamplighter on-line and we can remove you from the “snail mail” list.

Housekeeping
Please help keep things running smoothly here at CRUMC. Lock doors after meetings, put chairs back under tables, clear away bottles, cans, cups, and if you used a coffee pot turn it off. We all appreciate having a tidy place to worship, thanks for doing your part!

Prayers:

• Family of Bill Hulbert
• Arlene Landon
• Frances Crabb
• Mr. Camp
• Geo. Jaquith
• Richard Burton
• Graduating Seniors
• Bill Head
• Bob Kegan
• Dot Simonin
• Families in financial and personal crisis
• Upward Sports Ministry launch

Military Update
Phyllis Colquitt, an office volunteer, has been diligently working to update the military list. This way we can focus our prayers on those still in service. Please call the office with any new names or to update information. Thanks!

Opportunities for Sharing Time and Talents
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NLT

Today we are delighted to have children from our Bright Beginnings Pre-School sing in the 9:30 worship service. This is to express their gratitude to their parents and teachers for teaching God’s way. BB parents are hosting a BB teacher appreciation lunch on Tuesday.

Thank You to all who helped with the Sunday School makeover. Please note room changes. The Upper Room class is now in the Library, Bob Kennedy’s in A5, Over/Unders are in A19. We appreciate all the input, help, and cooperation so our kids ministries can bring more little ones to Jesus.

Opportunities to Grow as A Believer in Christ
Step out as a believer and grow! We need more people to lead worship in the 8:00 and 11:00 am services. Come join us for training in reading scripture and leading public worship. Thursday, May 8, 7:00 pm we’ll meet in the Sanctuary.

Our ReFocus Team is going to a training retreat this weekend. Friday, we’ll be leaving the church at 6:00 pm, and Saturday at 8:00 am. The meetings will be at St. Paul’s UMC in Ocala.

5 Prayer Meetings, 5 Wednesdays, at 5:50 pm began April 9 and continues through May 14th in the Prayer Parlor. You may come any Wednesday you are available. Come and join your prayers with those of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

2008– We’ve been reading through the Bible and hope you will join us in this independent study time. If you ever have a question about a scripture reading please call Pastor David. He’ll be happy to help.

• Su– Luke 24:44-53;
• M– Ps. 104:24-34, 35b;
• T– Jer. 2:12-13;
• W– 1 Cor. 11:23-26;
• Th– Num. 11:24-30;
• Fr.– Acts 2:1-21;
• Sa– 1 Cor. 12:3b-13.

Mother’s Day is coming soon and it’s a perfect opportunity to have your child baptized. Please contact Pastor David for more info.

Adult Activities
The United Methodist Women will meet Tues. May 6th at noon in the Sanctuary for their Unit meeting and covered dish luncheon. Judy Fowler will give a presentation on the Honduras Mission trip. All ladies of the church are invited to attend.

UMW Heirlooms of Love Tea, will be Saturday May 17, at 2:00 pm in the church sanctuary. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. You are welcome to bring a guest. Please bring an heirloom and share with the group any loving memory it might hold.

Two Special Invitations
Our Honduras Mission Team invites you to dinner tonight in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm. If you are interested in seeing our photos and tasting some Honduran recipes, please join us.

Last week we had an insert spelling out the youth summer mission, its financial shortfall and needs. Madison, NC is the poorest county in NC with the highest homeless rate also. Our 25 young missionaries, along with 11 adult chaperones, will be meeting dire needs, from running water into homes to providing shoes for the homeless. They have raised over $7000, are giving up several funfilled activities to tighten their own budget and are still just over $3000 short. Today’s special offering usually goes to the Food Pantry but Phil Thompson has graciously invited us give today’s special offering to the Youth Mission. Thank you.

Office hours April 28 - May 30 will be as follows: 9:00 am –1:00 pm Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. On Thursday we will be open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Any other hours will be by appointment until our new administrator arrives.

The Lamplighter is available online at our church website, www.crumc.com. If you are computer savvy please make yourself at home and access the Lamplighter on-line each month. Whether 10% or 75% of our members use this resource it will save our church paper, postage and some volunteer hours. Please email us at office@crumc.com so we will know you are willing to read The Lamplighter online and we can remove you from the “snail mail” list. Thank you!

The Scouting Ministries Committee is having a meeting this Wednesday, May 7, at 6:00 pm in A19. This is an important meeting and all involved are urged to attend.

Housekeeping
Please help keep things running smoothly here at CRUMC. Lock doors after meetings, put chairs back under tables, clear away bottles, cans, cups, and if you used a coffee pot turn it off. We all appreciate having a tidy place to worship, thanks for doing your part!

There will be three great performers. Admission is $15 for advance tickets (we will have a Will Call window for those who want to order by phone) or $20 at the door. The event will honor the Abused Women’s Shelter of Citrus County which is celebrating its 25th anniversary of service on that day and raise funds for the new shelter for abused women that is being built in Citrus County.

Many door prizes, 7 of which are worth more than $75 each. If checks are made out to CASA they will be tax deductible. Please join us for “An Afternoon of Musical Delight” featuring the soothing music of Jimmy Beecroft who sings in the style of Frank Sinatra, Monica Tichauer who does Broadway tunes, and Cameron Drake, who is a jazz saxophonist.

P.S. Do you know that:

• 1 out of every 3 women has been the victim of abuse at one time or another in her life?
• Children of abusing parents often become abusers themselves.
• It is not just women in poverty who are abused.
• Right here in Citrus County, CASA helps between 1200 and 1500 people every year.

Call 352-634-4216 to order tickets!!

Opportunities for Sharing Time and Talents
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NLT

The Praise Team has openings for vocalists and instrumentalists.  If you sing, play piano, percussion, or other instruments, we want to talk to you! Talk to any team member or call Deb Allen at 697-2309.

A New Sunday School Format: In June at the 9:30 am Sunday School time, a new  “Game Show” format is to begin for grades 2-5.  Hat’s Off to Teresa Jenkins for developing this format!  If you would like to be a part of this exciting new adventure in learning contact Donna Olsen or Teresa Jenkins.

Work Day: Sat. May 3rd we will be setting up new Sunday School rooms. We need help moving many tables and chairs. Come join us in making room for our Children’s Ministries to grow! We’ll get started at 10:00 am.

Our Father’s Table is an interdenominational outreach to anyone in need of a hot meal. CRUMC is one of four churches participating. Our church’s turn is the first Saturday of each month. We need four more volunteers  to help from 10:00 am—1:00 pm. This is an opportunity to answer Christ’s call to feed the hungry. Please call Marybeth McKinney Smith at 563-2386.

Char Waters wants to thank all who volunteered to help in the gardens. She will be in touch with you the beginning of this week.

Opportunities to Grow as A Believer in Christ
5 Prayer Meetings, 5 Wednesdays, at 5:50 pm began April 9 and continues through May 14th in the Prayer Parlor. You may come any Wednesday you are available. Come and join your prayers with those of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

2008- We hope you are enjoying reading through the Bible with us and are being blessed!

• Su– John 14:15-21
• M– Ps. 139:1-6a
• T– Isa. 6:1-13
• W– 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
• Th– Acts 1:1-11
• F– Ps. 47
• Sa– 1 Ephesians 1:15-23

Mother’s Day is coming soon and it’s a perfect opportunity to have your child baptized.  Please contact Pastor David for more info.

Adult Activities
National Day of Prayer is this Thurs., May 1st. Crystal River citizens are invited to gather at the gazebo behind City Hall at Noon to pray for our nation. Pastor David will be leading in prayer.

Discovery Group’s Annual Picnic will meet Thurs., May 1 at 11:00 am at the Fort Island Trail County Park on Hwy 44 West on the right side of the trail. Bring a covered dish; beverages and paper goods will be provided. Bring a folding chair if you like. In case of rain meet at the church.

All Men are invited to a breakfast fellowship and prayer time at Cock-a-Doodles restaurant on US 19 this Saturday, May 3rd at 8:00 am.

The United Methodist Women will meet Tues. May 6th at noon in the Sanctuary for their Unit meeting and covered dish luncheon. Judy Fowler will give a presentation on the Honduras Mission trip. All ladies of the church are invited to attend.

A Special Invitation
Our Honduras Mission Team will be having a reunion dinner next Sunday, May 4th, in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm. Those who were blessed to be able to go will be sharing what the trip meant to them and sharing their photos over dinner. If you are interested in missions yourself, or would enjoy hearing their testimony we’d love to have you. We will be taking a “show of hands” today during the worship service so we will know how many folks to prepare dinner for.
–Pastor David

Office Changes
Judy Strickland’s last day will be Tuesday April 29. Our new administrative assistant will start June 2. Her name is Judith Cartier.  She is currently working part-time in a local church setting.

Office hours April 28 - May 30 will be as follows: 9:00 am –1:00 pm Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. On Thursday we will be open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Any other hours will be by appointment until our new administrator arrives.

Thank You’s
The Handbell Choir’s beautiful music this morning is compliments of a memorial gift for Eloise Watson, the mother of Theresa Nuzum.  Thank you to everyone who helped make the Sunday School picnic possible yesterday!

Thank You to our Youth and Bo and Crystal Jefferson for the wonderful puppet ministry they performed for the Children’s Parable last Sunday.

Thank You to Chuck Thomas for the amazing orchids he provides every Sunday.

Needed:
Our Boy Scout Troop always needs propane cylinders for their camping trips.   Contact Scoutmaster Robbie Lovestrand at 344-2685 for more info.

Opportunities for Sharing Time and Talents
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NLT

The Praise Team has openings for vocalists and instrumentalists. If you sing, play piano, percussion, or other instruments, we want to talk to you! We are seeking folks who have a desire to serve, a sense of humor, work well in a team setting, and are committed to attendance. We are passionate about serving God. Our style is our own. Our team members value excellence. Our goal is to help everyone experience God in worship. You may feel shy about joining our team, but maybe God is telling you to meet the challenge. Share your talent with us for one week and let’s see what happens. Talk to any team member or call Deb Allen at 697-2309.

VBS Training Day Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am to Noon, at Peace UMC in Orlando. Cristy Ingram and Susan Gill will be carpooling from the church parking lot. Call Cristy for more info 563-0704. Come have fun and get fired up for VBS!

Opportunities to Grow as A Believer in Christ
5 Prayer Meetings, 5 Wednesdays, at 5:50 pm began April 9 and continues through May 14th in the Prayer Parlor. You are all invited to come any Wednesday you are available. Come pray with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be blessed and be a blessing!

Join us in reading the Bible together this year:

• Su– John 14:1-14
• M– Ps. 139:14-18
• T– Heb. 3:17-19
• W– 1 Cor 3:1-15
• Th– Acts 17:22-31
• F– Ps. 66:8-20
• Sa– 1 Pet. 3:13-22

Children’s Sunday School Makeover, April 21, 7:00 pm  We are working to breathe new life into Children’s Sunday School at CRUMC and believe that you are someone whom God can and will use to do just that. Your participation in this meeting is greatly appreciated. The agenda includes physical relocation of Children’s Sunday School classrooms, the new 9:30 am “Game Show” format to begin in June and preparing Game Show hosts and hostesses, and promotion of this new format to children and their parents. Please make plans to be there! Contact Pastor Brandon for more information.

Schedule Changes
SOS meeting scheduled for April 22 has been canceled. The next meeting is schedule May 27 at 11:00 am.

Up-Coming Events
Today, April 20th, Jennifer LaMountain is in concert at First UMC in Homosassa at 3:00 pm. Thousands worldwide have witnessed the grace and passion of Jennifer’s ministry.

On April 25-26 we have been invited to participate in the Focused Living Retreat at an Ocala church. Meet Pastor David here at 5:30 pm this Friday and at 7:30 am on Saturday. The cost of lunch is $6.50. Please sign up on the clipboard in the narthex today or call the office at 795-3148.

On April 26th the Sunday School Family Picnic is being held at the church pavilion from 2:00-4:00 pm. Come and enjoy us for the fun and companionship of our fellow Christians.

Our Father’s Table is an interdenominational home town outreach to anyone in need of a hot meal. CRUMC is one of four churches participating. Our church’s turn is the first Saturday of each month. We need four more volunteers church to help from 10:00 am—1:00 pm. Please call Marybeth McKinney Smith at 563-2386.

Discovery Group will meet Thursday, May 1 at 11:00 am for its annual picnic. Meet at the Fort Island Trail County Park on Hwy 44 West on the right side of the trail. Bring a covered dish. Beverages and paper goods will be provided. Bring a folding chair to make the day more comfortable. In case of rain we will meet at the church.

Congratulations to the UMW. They made $1300 on their “Trash and Treasure” sale.

Welcome New Members
Please welcome our newest members: Sandra Garrett and Jerry and Jeanne Reynolds.

Announcements
Today we gladly commission four new Stephen Ministers: Shirley Dibble, Anne Marie Hooper, Sandy Metzler, and Fred Whetzel. Each of these members received fifty hours of training to serve hurting people in the name of Jesus. If you need someone to talk to, call Arlene Landon at 794-0104.

April 23 is Administrative Assistants Day in our church. We appreciate all those who serve the Lord in our church office.

Needed:
Our Boy Scout Troop always needs propane cylinders for their camping trips.  Contact Scoutmaster Robbie Lovestrand at 344-2685 for more info.

Bright Beginnings, our preschool ministry, is in need of a good used plastic wagon or two for transportation of our young ones on their walks. Please call Jane at 795-1240 for more info.