Group heads to Costa Rica: Al Miner, Wally Mulder, Richard Blue, and Jim Haskiell left for Costa Rica on July 16^th for a two week mission trip.  We look forward to hearing about the wonderful movement of God during this exciting mission outreach.

Life changing praying story:  Over and again we prayed for teachers in our preschool, and the very next day the Lord would answer by sending someone our way.  With teachers in place, we turned our attention to praying for children and infants.  We prayed for their attendance and to have an opportunity to minister to families.  God is answering again, and India is one of those infants.   She is a 12 week old baby in our pre-school nursery, and both of her parents have been deployed to Iraq.  Her grandparents are caring for her while her mom and dad serve in the military.  They brought India to St. John’s United Methodist Church Christian School Nursery because they were looking for a strong Christian environment, good program, and loving people.  When they walked in they immediately knew India would receive the love and care they were looking for.  This is one of many life changing praying stories coming out of St. Jon’s United Methodist Church.

Farewell Cindy: Thank you for all you have done to make St. John’s who we are today.  You have spoken into our lives, helped us experience God, led us deeper in our faith, and loved us unconditionally.  Through ups and downs you remained consistent in your call to music and worship.  We’ve witnessed some of the most moving cantatas that will remain etched in our lives forever.  You challenged us to sing unto the Lord with all our heart.  You helped us worship our loving God unreserved.  People are better singers today because of your individual attention and training.  People are better musicians because of your dedication to teaching.  We are so blessed to have had you with us and a part of St. John’s for six years.  We are a better people because of you.  We will miss you, and extend our best wishes and blessings upon the next chapter of your life.

 Sunday, August 5^th will be Cindy’s last Sunday as the Worship Arts Pastor.  We will honor her at both services and have a reception between the two morning services.  9:30 to 10:45.

Welcome Eloise campus: From Eloise: “Pastor Kent, Thank you and St. John's UMC for your vote of acceptance of the Eloise Church. We look Forward working with St. John's. We know that with God’s help, all things are possible.  May God add his Blessing.”  The Church Council of St. John’s has given the green light to receive the old Eloise United Methodist Church as a satellite church.  They are becoming, “St. John’s United Methodist Church, Eloise Campus.”  What’s the difference between satellite church and mission church?  As a satellite church, the Eloise church actually becomes St. John’s United Methodist Church.  Eloise UMC is no longer a chartered church.  We will seek to grow the church with the same mission, vision, and values as St. John’s Winter Haven, except with the people of Eloise.  We will grow leaders, teachers and servants at the Eloise Campus to do the ministry there.  Basically, we are one church meeting in two locations and cultures.  If it were a mission all we would be doing is trying to keep a church running but with no input or leadership, and they would be a people with no pastor.  The folks of Eloise asked St. John’s if we would consider taking them under our wings.  With much discussion, thought, and prayer, we agreed to make a go of it.  These first six months will be a time to get to know one another.  Our brothers and sisters are grieving the loss of Eloise UMC.  I will be working with the Eloise Campus as they let go of the old church, etch out a plan for the future, and embrace a new chapter as a St. John’s UMC.  I will be preaching there on Sunday mornings at 10:00am.  (Yes, I am preaching both services at St. John’s also.)  How am I going to do that?  It’s really very easy, for it’s no different than adding another worship service here.  Prior to coming to St. John’s I use to preach three times a Sunday.  I know many of you are excited and anxious about getting involved at the Eloise Campus.  Thanks for your patience as we take our time to get to know one another and make plans for the future.

United in Christ,

Kent