Anona United Methodist Church March Magazine

MARCH 2020 INTRODUCING A NEW LOOK FOR ANONA’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Easter Earthquake Too often, we don’t realize we need Christ’s presence until after the earthquake has hit us.

A New Look

A new look for the magazine and a new logo for Anona.

2

March into Missions

March reminds us to use our gifts and talents to build God’s kingdom.

6-7

The Power of Love Seeing the BEST in Others.

SERVICE TIMES, OFFICE HOURS, PASTOR AND STAFF DIRECTORY

13

19

A NEW LOOK. This month, we launched a new look for the magazine and a new logo for Anona.

The new logo is one that, we hope, reflects a modern, unique, and bold design while at the same time is a thoughtful and reflective design with direct ties to our Christian and Wesleyan theological perspectives. The redesign of the new logo was led by Lesley Thompson, our marketing and discipleship director, and was done in collaboration with our Pastors, Erin Padgett (our Director of Communications), our staff, and our Board of Trustees, and is part of the overall 2020 marketing strategy to increase engagement, participation, and membership at Anona. We sat down with Lesley to discuss the marketing strategy, as well as ask specific questions regarding the meaning behind the logo.

ANONA MAGAZINE: Why a new logo for Anona? And why now, especially since the United Methodist Church is already going through a great deal of change?

LESLEY: A new logo has been on the staff’s “wish list” for more than six years. When I came on board last July, redesigning the logo was made one of my top priorities by leadership. Additionally, the old “logo” technically wasn’t a logo and wasn’t being consistently used throughout the church. A logo can quickly convey important messages, establishes the brand and identity of a business, and is crucial to the success of the company. Additionally, we wanted a way to celebrate Anona’s decision to move forward—beyond some negative media attention of the past. Finally, as explained at the All Church meeting on February 4, the decision to update Anona’s logo has nothing to do with General Conference 2020.

ANONA MAGAZINE: Explain the physical elements behind the new logo; where did the cross and flame go?

LESLEY: The cross represents Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. The circle represents God’s eternal love, and represents both the community within Anona and the community that we serve through Anona.

The four sections (behind the cross) symbolize the Wesleyan quadrilateral (scripture, tradition, reason and experience) as a model of evangelical theology. My favorite elements are the infinity lines, which extend from the cross. The lines represent Christ’s never-ending love for us, as well as Anona’s love for the world, which extends far beyond our physical walls. About the cross and flame: the cross and flame is a symbol of the United Methodist Church. It has not always been a part of Anona’s history. The cross and flame, created in 1968, will still be a part of Anona in physical elements throughout the church; it will just not be part of the logo.

ANONA MAGAZINE: Where can I learn more about the logo?

LESLEY: I am glad you asked about that since even the colors have meaning! To learn more or provide feedback, please visit anona.com/logo or reach out to me directly at lesley@anona.com. Thank you!

4

9 12 6

5

A New Look

02

Men and Women’s Ministries

14

Easter Earthquake

04

GrowFaith

15

All of Us are Called

05

Discipleship and Hospitality

15

March into Missions!

06

Small Groups, Activities, and Fellowship

16

Nursery

08

Anona Counseling Center | Academy of the Arts 17

Kids

09

A new look for the magazine and a new logo for Anona.

Approaching Lent from the perspective of the resurrection.

Stephen Ministry at Anona | Anona Simply Worship March kicks off with a week of service opportunities.

Learn why it is important to follow the best leader– Jesus!

Save the date for Family Game Night: Friday, March 13!

Calendar

Important events for the month of March

Youth

Confirmation 2020 is coming to an end this month!

Anona Child Development Center The Power of Love

10-11 12 13

UMM and UMW Information

Sign up for new classes, including Lenten series Be “radical” in our hospitality!

Endless opportunities to connect with your Anona family

Blinded by the Light | Open Enrollment, Instrument donation

Our Members

18

Our Church

19

Our Staff

19

Birthdays, Anniversariers, and In Memoriam Worship times, highlighted dates, and office hours Pastors and staff contact information

4 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Easter Earthquake

Approaching Lent from the perspective of the resurrection provides a way of living our lives grounded in the knowledge that the risen Christ is present, regardless of the earthquakes that may be shaking our lives now or in the future.

Earthquakes in life take many forms.

As one who recently returned from helping Puerto Rico recover from the damage of Hurricane Maria, it has been difficult to hear of earthquakes striking fear in the residents of this small island. People have been sleeping in their yards because they’re afraid an earthquake will hit and their home will collapse. The earthquakes of life are often a thing to be feared because they upset life, disrupt expectations and result in change. At the same time, when earthquakes occur, we often see the best in humanity rise to the surface.

Whether it is a literal earthquake or a metaphorical earthquake, our foundations and understandings of the world are shaken and our best is called forward.

For Lent this year, we will be using a book by James Harnish called Easter Earthquake. The season of Lent invites us to prepare for Easter by looking honestly at ourselves and discovering our need for Christ. Too often, we don’t realize we need Christ’s presence until after the earthquake has hit us. The Easter Earthquake book and message series will invite us to flip the script a bit on the season of Lent by starting at the empty tomb of Christ rather than

waiting until Easter morning. The point is to keep the resurrection in the forefront of our thoughts for the entire Lenten journey.

Approaching Lent from the perspective of the resurrection provides a way of living our lives grounded in the knowledge that the risen Christ is present, regardless of the earthquakes that may be shaking our lives now or in the future. It is a journey worth taking and begins on February 26th with our Ash Wednesday service. I hope you’ll come out to this evening service as a first step of leading a more spiritually deliberate life.

March 1st will be the first Sunday of Lent. I encourage you to join an Easter Earthquake community group. These small groups will be using the sermons and the Easter Earthquake book as discussion resources. Sign up by visiting anona.com or using the Anona App. Come experience the risen Christ and grow in what it means to claim Christ as Lord.

Yours in the Journey, Richard

MARCH WORSHIP March 1: Shaken, Stirred and Stretched (Matthew 27:62-66) The Romans and Pharisees attempted to seal up Jesus’ body in the tomb. God had other ideas! Sometimes we seek to seal up Christ as tight within us as the Romans and Pharisees attempted to do with the tomb. God has other ideas for us too!

Claiming Christ means we are shaken, stirred, and stretched to be the best us we can be.

March 8: Surprising Hope (Mark 16:1-8) When the women went to Jesus’ tomb and saw the stone rolled away, they were genuinely surprised with both terror and amazement. This morning we’re going to talk about the paradox of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and how we might experience moments of surprising hope in our spiritual walk.

March 15: Beyond Belief…Spring (Psalm 19) The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

This Sunday marks Spring coming (Thursday), and with it, what Spring (Easter) has always meant. Resurrection beyond belief.

March 22: Healing Scars (Luke 24:36-49) The Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” has one of my favorite lines, “For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” The “Stigmata.” The signs of Christ’s suffering.

They become holy just as our own scars can be “sanctified to us,” as the song says.

Let’s let healing be our new story. Our Gospel.

March 29: New Life in the Graveyard (John 11:25,26) The story of Lazarus is our story, and the story of Martha’s faith is our story. Jesus asks, “Do you believe this?”

5 | ANONA MAGAZINE

All of Us are Called

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

I often have to laugh at myself.

Just when I think things are rolling along smoothly, God calls. He reminds me that, like the disciples of Jesus, He wants me to see one of his children who is suffering. This happened to me recently when I learned that a man with physical disabilities, family, and guilt issues was becoming overwhelmed and needed help. He needed a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential lay ministry that provides distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. A caring friend who really listens and will keep everything confidential.

Naturally, my first thoughts were: “I’m too busy, I don’t have time,” and “What could I possibly do to help someone seeming to need so much?”

Then I remembered my inspirational experiences from helping others as their Stephen Minister in the past and other wonderful stories from my colleagues. Shortly after, I was reminded by a scripture that “I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1). Then the third message came to me from an Upper Room devotion of how sharing what God has

done and continues to do in my life has helped others. Refusing to serve was not an option.

So, I am now serving again. I have a significant and meaningful PURPOSE to help others in need. This is what I learned about Paul in a Bible study last year. He, too, thought he had a purpose until Jesus called him to a higher one.

It has been a driving theme for me ever since.

Do you have a real PURPOSE? In God’s Love, Steve Livers If you or someone you know needs a Stephen Minister, contact the church office at 727-595-2581, ext. 408.

Stephen Ministers are also available Sunday mornings in the prayer room after Sunday services.

Anona Simply Worship Have you ever spent ten full minutes in silent mediation during a worship service? Join us Sunday mornings, at 10:45 AM, in the historic Anona

Chapel for quiet worship, acoustic music, and prayer. Our fellowship and conversation afterwards covers diverse topics as we plan our outreach missions and prepare to head back into the “busy-ness” renewed and refreshed. We also plan social events for our Simply Worship Family. One of our monthly missions will take us to Lealman’s Adopt-A-Block, and the Florida Dream Center on Saturday, March 21 at 8:45 AM. We will gather outside at the Transfiguration Church, located at 4000 43rd St. N to serve God’s people in this community. Whether at the sandwich/lunch table, the gentlyused clothing table, community clean-up, or knocking on doors to check on people’s needs, many share their heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching stories and struggles with us. Call Karen Apodaca at 727-656-3507 for more information. Members of our team lead worship the first Sunday each month at Indian Oaks Assisted Living.

We had our biggest participation ever in February and the residents singing was passionate as the Spirit moved.

If you are interested in joining us to lead worship service, please contact Bert or Judy Crossman at bert.crossman@tampabay.rr.com or 727-282-8535.

6 | ANONA MAGAZINE

March into Missions!

Jackie Evans | jackie@anona.com | anona.com/missions “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” John Wesley, founder of Methodism our school partners, with beautification of the school’s campus.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Habitat for Humanity Faith Build

March kick-offs with a huge Packa-Sack, after FX and Contemporary service, on Sunday, March 1. That day will also be the Call to Action event in the church lobby. Call to Action is the opportunity for church members to meet with leaders from a variety of different missional service organizations throughout Anona, learn more about what they do, and sign up to serve!

On Sunday, March 8, Anona will be joining together with three other Pinellas County United Methodist churches—Pasadena Community Church, St Paul UMC Largo, and Palm Harbor UMC—to hold a food packing event to pack 100,00 meals for people in Pinellas County (Anona is responsibile for packing 25,000 meals).

It is a perfect day to invite your friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors to pack meals to be used by the hungry in our community. So, let’s recap:

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Seminole Middle School Grounds Beautification

Next up will be an entire week of service opportunities, with chances to ‘plug in’ and see where your gifts take you. On Saturday, March 7, we will support Seminole Middle School, one of

MISSION WEEK: SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Pack-a-Sack, after FX and Contemporary. And our Call to Action Sunday event in the lobby.

March will be a reminder to us all that we are called, as Christians, to use our gifts and talents to build God’s kingdom.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Serve Pinellas event: food packing event where Anona will pack 25,000 meals.

ADDITIONAL MISSION OPPORTUNITIES: DISASTER RECOVERY TEAM (DRT) SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Help to build with our Disaster Recovery Team on the 2nd Saturday of each month! The DRT is an excellent opportunity to rebuild our community as an individual or with a small group.

Visit the Connection Desk to sign up.

7 | ANONA MAGAZINE CHANGE 4 CHANGE SUNDAY, MARCH 8 The “Change for Change” mission empowers our students in countless ways by getting them involved in mission fundraising and decision making! Student Ministry collects your donations (including spare change) the 2nd Sunday of each month to support mission projects in our community and beyond.

is needed to meet the day-to-day expenses to care for the 400+ children and families served by the Children’s Home. The Children’s Home also provides services such as foster care, community daycare, independent living, and emergency shelter care. Children’s Home HOPE envelopes will be in the pews, or available from the ushers in all services. Your FUMCH kids and staff love Anona and all you do for them.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Our next build is Saturday, March 28.

The teams fill up fast, so be sure to sign up at the Connection Desk or email dsgerald@hotmail.com to reserve your spot!

Did you know that Anona giving was the highest in the District and 3rd highest in the Conference? Thanks to you, over $243,000 was donated to FUMCH in 2019; the second highest in our history!

Anona members joined Tiffany Brown at her new Habitat for Humanity home dedication recently. Tiffany put in many sweat-equity hours as well as attending classes before receiving her New Habitat home. Tears of joy were shed, during a heartwarming moment when Jim and Amy Dyson presented her with a Bible for her new home. Tiffany works for Young Life now, and Jim and Amy have been essential mentors and friends for many years.

YOUR FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDRENS HOME KIDS LOVE ANONA! March 29th is 5th Sunday when your special offering serves the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home (FUMCH). Your special offering

COMPASS Are you between the ages of 18 to 23 and newly transitioned from high school to college or career? If so, Anona has something just for you!

Compass is a new young adult ministry we invite you to explore. As you embark on your new journey in life, you don’t have to navigate the waters of life alone. Join other young adults in the same life stage as yourself every first and third Sunday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Youth Room. If you are currently away at school and would like to be involved in small group, missionrelated activities, and/or events upon your return, we’d love to have you! Call Malia at 727-510-6383 for information.

MISSION TRIPS: PUERTO RICO Info. Meeting: Feb. 9, 2 pm First Payment Due: March 8 Trip: July 16-24 LOUISIANA (SAGER BROWN) Info. Meeting: Feb. 23, 2 pm First Payment Due: April 19 Trip: Sept. 12-19 CUBA Info. Meeting: March 22, 2 pm First Payment Due: May 31 Trip: March 1-12, 2021

VISITATION MINISTRY, PRAYER QUILTS, AND PRAYER CHAIN VISITATION MINISTRY: The Outbound Care Team is available to offer a sense of belonging to those who are no longer able to physically attend regular church services. The team is here to visit those who are still living independently but no longer drive or those who reside in an assisted living or long-term care facilities. We provide Christian care through monthly visitation, prayer and can offer communion upon requested. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about this ministry, please call the church office at 727-595-2581. If no one is available to take your call, press 5 during the recorded message to be transferred to the pastoral care office.

PRAYER QUILTS: The Prayer Quilt Ministry recently celebrated its 20th anniversary by making its 3,000 quilt. Each quilt is lovingly hand-made and enfolded in the prayers of our entire congregation as we join together on Sunday mornings to tie a knot on the quilt and say a prayer on behalf of each recipient. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, contact JoAnne Sullivan or Pat Juds.

Sew n’Sews meet on Wednesdays in Wesley Hall at 10:30am, no sewing experience required.

PRAYER CHAIN: The Anona United Methodist Church Prayer Chain is composed of church members who pray daily for those requesting prayers for themselves and others. Requests are kept confidential unless otherwise specified. To submit a prayer request, go to anona.com/prayer.

8 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Nursery

Shawn Seward | nursery@anona.com | anona.com/fxdiscover “Come and follow me, Jesus said.” – Matthew 4:19 FX DISCOVER

SUNDAYS 9:30 AM • Nursery: Children 6 weeks-turning 2 years old. Children play and interact with children their own age feeling safe and loved.

• 2 Year Old Class: Children will learn bible stories, sing songs, work on a craft and enjoy a snack with their church family.

• 3 to 5 Year Old Class: Using the Godly Play Curriculum the children will learn about the church calendar through interactive stories, projects, songs and a feast in a worship setting.

FX EXPLORE

SUNDAYS 11:10 AM

• Nursery is provided for children 6 weeks to turning 2 years old.

• 2 Year Old to 5th Grade Class: Age appropriate exploration of bible stories presented in FX Service through story, craft and song.

THE NURSERY IS IN SEARCH OF ADULTS WITH A HEART FOR KIDS.

We need help the first and third Sundays of the month at the 9:30 am service, and ALL Sundays at the 11:10 am service. If you can commit to one Sunday a month to serving with our children, as we help them take their first steps on their faith walks, please contact Shawn Seward at nursery@anona.com.

9 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Kids

Jamie Sprecher | jamie@anona.com | anona.com/kidsprograms

FX: FAMILY EXPERIENCE

FAMILY GAME NIGHT!

SUNDAYS 9:30 AM IN WESLEY HALL

MARCH 13, 6-8 PM

FX is a high energy, live, interactive, family worship service for all Pre-K through 5th graders AND their parents! It’s a burst of family fun, fueled by live worship, Bible stories, creative drama and family interactive time! This month, we are learning about forgiveness.

Food, fun, and fellowship! On Friday, March 13, from 6-8 pm, enjoy time with your family and make new friends at the Anona FX Family Game Night!

Lots of games will be provided, but feel free to bring your family’s favorite board game and fellowship and play games with other families. Dinner will also be served. Yum!

UPCOMING EVENTS: LINC We are calling all 5th graders to a new small group designed just for them! LINC is a weekly Sunday gathering of 5th graders & small group leaders designed to help them more easily transition into our student ministry program. Meet in the Anona Theater each Sunday, 4-5 PM. Go to anona.com/linc for more info and full schedule.

PACK-A-SACK On Sunday, March 1, FX will join forces with the Contemporary Service to complete a huge Pack-a-Sack (right after FX) as part of mission weeks! And don’t forget about the HUGE meal packing event on Sunday, March 8 for Serve Pinellas!

FAMILY GAME NIGHT Join us on Friday, March 13 from 6-8 pm for food, fun, fellowship at our first FAMILY GAME NIGHT!

10 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Sun

MARCH

Mon

1

Call to Action Sunday

2

5:00 PM Youth Group 5:15 PM Conscious Discipline

10:00 AM UMW Board Meeting 6:30 PM Lenten Study 7:00 PM King’s Ringers, Men’s Bible Study, Orchestra

8

Change 4 Change Serve Pinellas Sunday Confirmation Sunday Girl Scout Sunday Daylight Savings Begins

Tue

We

3

4

9

10

11

15

16

17

18

22

23

24

25

29 Children’s Home Sunday

30

31

6:30 PM Lenten Study 7:00 PM King’s Ringers, Men’s Bible Study, Orchestra

5:00 PM Youth Group

5:00 PM Youth Group 5:15 PM Conscious Discipline

5:00 PM Youth Group 6:30 PM Book Club

5:00 PM Youth Group

6:30 PM Lenten Study 7:00 PM King’s Ringers, Men’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:30 PM Lenten Study 7:00 PM King’s Ringers, Men’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:30 PM Lenten Study 7:00 PM King’s Ringers, Men’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:45 AM Men’s Group 10:30 AM Grandparents Group 11:00 AM Choraliers 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:00 PM Sign Language, Sew Much Fun 6:30 PM Gospel Chordsmen 7:00 PM Women’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:45 AM Men’s Group 10:30 AM Grandparents Group 11:00 AM Choraliers 1:00 PM Priscilla Circle 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:00 PM Sign Language, Sew Much Fun 6:30 PM Gospel Chordsmen 7:00 PM Women’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:45 AM Men’s Group 10:30 AM Grandparents Group 11:00 AM Choraliers 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:00 PM Sign Language, Sew Much Fun 6:30 PM Gospel Chordsmen 7:00 PM Women’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:45 AM Men’s Group 10:30 AM Grandparents Group 11:00 AM Choraliers 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:00 PM Sign Language, Sew Much Fun 6:30 PM Gospel Chordsmen 7:00 PM Women’s Bible Study, Orchestra

6:45 AM Men’s Group 10:30 AM Grandparents Group 11:00 AM Choraliers 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:00 PM Sign Language, Sew Much Fun 6:30 PM Gospel Chordsmen 7:00 PM Women’s Bible Study, Orchestra

8:00 AM Faith Build 9:30 AM T’ai Chi QI 10:00 AM Sew ‘n Sew 10:30 AM Pastors Stu 6:30 PM AA, Disciple 7:00 PM Sanctuary C

9:30 AM T’ai Chi QI 10:00 AM Sew ‘n Sew 10:30 AM Pastors Stu 6:30 PM AA, Disciple 7:00 PM Sanctuary C

9:30 AM T’ai Chi QI 10:00 AM Sew ‘n Sew 10:30 AM Pastors Stu 6:30 PM AA, Disciple 7:00 PM Sanctuary C

9:30 AM T’ai Chi QI 10:00 AM Sew ‘n Sew 10:30 AM Pastors Stu 6:30 PM AA, Disciple 7:00 PM Sanctuary C

ed

2020

Gong ws udy e’s Path Choir

Gong ws udy e’s Path Choir

Gong ws udy e’s Path Choir

Gong ws udy e’s Path Choir

Thu

11 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Fri

Sat

5

6

7

12

13

14

19

20

21

26

27

28

7:00 AM Lawn Crew 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study 6:00 PM Outbound Team 6:30 PM Hope Support 7:00 PM Praise Choir

7:00 AM Lawn Crew 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study 1:00 PM Mary Fellowship, Rachel Circle 7:00 PM Praise Choir

7:00 AM Lawn Crew 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study 6:30 PM Hope Support, Youth Easter Bible Study 7:00 PM Praise Choir

7:00 AM Lawn Crew 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study 6:30 PM Youth Easter Bible Study 7:00 PM Praise Choir

Sundays Nursery Available 9:15 -12:15 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Contemporary, FX Family Experience Adult Sunday School, FX Discover (3 & 4 Year Olds) 11:10 AM Traditional Worship 4:00 PM Youth Band 5:00 PM Youth Group

9:00 AM Quilters 2:30 PM Golf Fellowship Largo Golf Course 5:30 PM Confirmation Beach Night 8:00 PM Al Anon

9:00 AM Quilters 11:00 AM Son Seekers Luncheon 2:30 PM Golf Fellowship Largo Golf Course 6:00 PM Family Game Night 8:00 PM Al Anon

9:00 AM Quilters 2:30 PM Golf Fellowship Largo Golf Course 8:00 PM Al Anon

9:00 AM Quilters 11:00 AM Son Seekers Lunch & Tour William Dean Chocolate 2:30 PM Golf Fellowship Largo Golf Course 8:00 PM Al Anon

Mondays 6:00 PM FX Vocals Tuesdays 4:00 PM FX Yellow Dancers 4:45 PM FX Red Dancers 5:30 PM FX Orange Dancers

8:00 AM St Mark’s Breakfast, Seminole MS Beautification

8:00 AM Disaster Recovery Team

Children’s Home Trip

8:00 AM Habitat for Humanity 10:00 AM Let’s Talk

Wednesdays 4:00 PM Carol Choir (Age 4 - Kind) Chimes (1st - 2nd Grade) 4:30 PM Kids Choir (1st - 5th Grade) 5:30 PM Bells (3rd - 5th Grade) Thursdays 6:30 PM Contemporary Band

12 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Youth

Casey McKinney@anona.com | casey@anona.com/youth YOUTH GROUP

MARCH SERMON SERIES

SUNDAYS 5-7:30 PM

WORTH REPEATING / THE STORYTELLER

Life in Middle and High School is crazy, right?! We all need a place to belong in the midst of it. At Youth Group, students from 6th-12th grade gather for dinner, worship, community, conversation, and teaching designed just for them. Led by our Youth Directors and a team of amazing Small Group Leaders, students are joined by dozens of caring adults to support them in all the ups and downs of life and faith as we seek God together. Expect crazy games, free food, real talks, and a place to belong.

There’s a place for you here, this Sunday.

Everyone loves a good story! What you may not know, however, is that there is no better storyteller than Jesus. In this series (covering the same topic of Jesus’ parables, but presented in ways unique to the MS and HS developmental stages), we’ll share some of His most memorable words and parables with our students to help them learn more about who Jesus is, what God thinks about them, and how He wants us to live our lives going forward. Together we’ll find that when words come from Jesus, they’re worth listening to, worth remembering, and even worth repeating.

WINTER RETREAT RECAP: What do you get when you mix hilarious group games, awesome worship, relevant messages, intentional small group discussions, and the best youth group family you could ask for?! Our annual Winter Retreat! Our retreat was incredible. Our theme was called “In the Making,” and we spent the weekend journeying through the life of David together. Through looking at David as an example of an ordinary person used by God to do extraordinary things, we learned that God can do so much in and through us as we become who He created us to be while we are “in the making.” A group of amazing College Leaders returned from our 2019 graduating class. We are so grateful for their help, as well as all of our Small Group Leaders and Adult chaperones who lead our students so well during the weekend. We can’t wait for next year! * Winter Retreat photo taken by Macie Jones Photography UPCOMING EVENTS: Confirmation 2020 will come to a close this month with our traditional Confirmation ceremonies to solidify our confirmands experience and officially welcome them into the church. We invite and encourage all of our church family to join us for two very important dates: Beach Night on Friday, March 6th, and Confirmation Sunday held at all worship services the morning of Sunday, March 8th. Details can be found at anona.com/youthevents. We’d love to have your support as our students take this important step of faith.

13 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Anona Child Development Center Marion Denton, Director | 727-593-KIDS

The Power of Love: Seeing the BEST in Others

As the school year progresses, we tend to focus on the academic achievements of our children. But, did you know that a better indicator of success is their social and emotional growth?

For example, self-control, persistence, empathy, etc. are skills that need to be taught just like letter recognition and addition. A child struggles with academics. We patiently teach them the skills they need to be successful.

A child struggles with self-control and behavior. Are we willing to patiently teach the social/emotional skills they need? In Conscious Discipline®, the Power of Love requires that we see our children differently for them to behave differently. To do this, we must shift our perception of the moment of upset from seeing our children as “bad” and being willfully combative, to accepting the moment and viewing our children through the lens of love.

In this case, we are not talking about the emotion, love – but the choice to EXTEND our love even during the chaos. Through this lens, we begin to recognize that their upset isn’t about pushing our buttons, but rather it is

about needing to learn new skills. With this perception shift, we can view our children with compassion and see the moment as an opportunity to teach new skills. This requires that we are composed and willing to see past our child’s upset and behavior and offer Positive Intent; seeing the BEST in him and BELIEVING, he can learn new skills.

Offering this love in the upset moments shuts down opposition and aggression and optimizes the opportunity to teach the values of Responsibility and Compassion and skills that promote self-regulation. To learn more, visit www.consciousdiscipline.com. We still have openings in our program for this school year, and registration is open for next year! Call the office and set up a time to come in and see the program in action. We are happy to show you all we offer and find the perfect way we can partner with your family.

HOMECOMING

Our ACDC friends, especially Fiona (4) and Emery (3) Wood, received an extra special visitor on Thursday, January 16: Chief Warrant Officer Wood, who had just returned home to the US from the Middle East after being stationed there for a very long time! Thanks to the extraordinary coordination efforts of Fiona and Emery’s mom, Sarah, and the fantastic ACDC teachers, everyone was surprised!

PAUSE FOR PAWS Our Community Connection project for the month of March is Pause for PAWS. The children and families will collect supplies for our animal friends at the Tampa Bay SPCA. Extending love to all of God’s creatures is an expression of the values of Responsibility and Compassion which we are learning through the Power Love and the Skill of Positive Intent, in Chapel and in the classroom.

14 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Men’s Ministries FRESH START MENTORING: Being there for each other. Mentoring probationers and homeless men who want to turn their lives around is not that complicated. With training in coaching skills from Fresh Start Mentoring Ministries, a Christian man or woman can mentor a person for a specified period by merely being there and being a listener to a person who wants to turn their life around. Learn more about this ministry by contacting Ian Lennox at 727-482-8379.

TUESDAY’S MEN’S GROUP: Anona’s Men gather together in Wesley Hall on Tuesday mornings for a light breakfast and light (and sometimes heavy) discussions about things men are concerned about. Come out, guys, and join us every Tuesday from 6:45 - 7:45 am.

DISASTER RECOVERY TEAM: Cleanup from natural disasters in 2019 and 2018 is still ongoing. Learn more from Anona’s Disaster Recovery Team. The DRT is starting up again for the New Year doing work on the second Saturday of each month.

Check-in at the Connection Point in the lobby for more information. Or contact David Sills at dav_sills@yahoo.com.

LAWN AND CAMPUS CARE: Come out on Thursday mornings and help Anona’s Lawn Mowing Crew get the campus ready.

These guys meet year-round on Thursday mornings to mow lawns, edge, and trim, clean up, have breakfast together, and give thanks for the work God has called them to do. 7 am Thursdays at Anona church.

THE ANONA HARMONY: This is not just a bunch of guys, and now including women’s voices, getting together to sing for the church. This is also about people who get together for each other – learning from each other, teaching each other, and being in the presence of God with inspirational singing. The Anona Harmony singers can use more men and women to join. Practices are at 6:30 pm Tuesdays. Contact the church at 727-595-2581 ext 237 or call Doug Moland Director at 727-244-1764 or Lynda Hamlett, assistant director at 727-744-1521 to learn more.

ANONA’S ALL PRO DADS: Looking for more dads and men to join the All-Pro Dads Day team. Contact Richard Landon at Richard@anona.com. Or learn more at allprodad.com ANONA’S MONDAY MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: On Monday evenings in Room 117 (east side of multifunctional Worship Center) and sometimes in Room 110 at 7 – 8 pm. All men welcomed. The Book of the Acts of the Apostles examined involving the men and women who came together after Jesus’ ascension, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to build the universal Christian church.

Women’s Ministries MARY FELLOWSHIP Mary Fellowship is a small group of spiritual and social women (photo to the left) who meet the second Thursdays from October to May. We invite all newcomers to share with us in prayer and refreshments, Christian devotions, and a program provided by one of our members. Our mission outreach supports “Women on the Way” at St Petersburg College. On March 12, we meet at Myra Stout’s residence on Harbor Way in Largo. Please contact Judy Crossman at 607-259-0106 or kjcgram@yahoo.com.

CRUISE WITH US IN FEBRUARY 2021!

We are currently accepting deposits for the February 6, 2021 cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. Email AnonaUMWcruise@gmail.com for details on how to reserve your stateroom, or call Cyndi at 727-773-7111. Cruise is for all ages and open to non-members.

15 | ANONA MAGAZINE

GrowFaith

Gary Thomas, Director of Pastoral Care | gary@anona.com | (727) 585-2581 A DISCIPLE’S PATH, THE UNITED METHODIST WAY Wondering what United Methodists believe? Wondering what the history is of the United Methodist Church, where it has been and where it is going? Wondered how decisions are made official and become the stand of the United Methodist Church? Wondering where you fit into the United Methodist Church and where you fit into the Anona family? Explore these topics and more in this 7-week class reviewing the ideas in a Disciple’s Path by James Harnish. You are guaranteed to explore and grow in your own spiritual journey. Sign-up at the Connection Desk or online at anona.com/adultgroups. Dates: Wednesday, March 4 – April 22, skipping the week after Easter | Time: 6:30 – 8 PM, Room 110 | Facilitators: Mary Watson and Karen Creamer Class Materials: $20. Scholarships available.

2020 LENTEN STUDY AND SERMON SERIES | EASTER EARTHQUAKE BY JAMES A. HARNISH In Easter Earthquake, James Harnish invites us to place Easter at the center of our Lenten journey. This study explores how Christ’s resurrection shakes some of our most basic assumptions about ourselves and God. Harnish reverses the usual focus of Lenten studies by starting at the empty tomb and seeing the entire journey in light of the resurrection. This different perspective on the passion can bring fresh energy into our lives as followers of Christ.

Sign-up at the Connection Desk or online at anona.com/adultgroups.

Dates: Monday, March 2 – April 6 | Time: 6:30 – 8 PM, Room 110 Facilitator: Nan Hubbell Class Materials: $12, Scholarships available.

LOOKING FOR A REGULAR BIBLE STUDY CLASS? We have several to choose from! Contact the church office if you have questions or visit us online at anona.com/adultgroups for additional class details.

Discipleship and Hospitality Lesley Thompson | lesley@anona.com | (727) 585-2581 When I first heard the term “Radical Hospitality,” all I could think of was my overuse of the word “radical!” in the ‘80s. It turns out, Radical Hospitality is something much more critical, especially when it comes to making folks feel at peace in the Lord’s House.

Anona is consistently recognized for our hospitality, but we can always do more. Radical hospitality is going beyond being friendly; it welcomes guests with warmth, openness, and authenticity that significantly exceeds their expectations.

At our recent Hospitality Team Lunch and Learn, we discussed ways that we could be more radical in our efforts.

Here are some ideas that we can ALL add to our Sunday routine to make both guests and “regulars” feel at home as soon as they walk through the door: • Greet everyone sitting or standing within 10 ft. of you • Introduce people to each other • See a problem, own the solution Have a radical hospitality idea we should implement at Anona? Share it with me: lesley@anona.com

NEW MEMBERS

Please give a warm welcome to our new Anona members who joined in January: • Frank Karbowski • Bill Medford • Sam DiBiase • Reg and Peg Thayer • Stan Marsters If you, or someone you know, are interested in taking the next step of membership, please reach out to me!

16 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Small Groups, Activities, and Fellowship IT’S GREAT TO BE GRAND (GRANDPARENTS GROUP)—TUESDAYS AT 10:30 AM IN ANONA UMC YOUTH ROOM: This is a group of grandparents that come together for an hour each week to encourage and share moments of joy or concern with others grandparents who are active in their grandchildren’s lives. All are welcome, this is not limited to church members so please feel free to bring a friend who could use this time to grow friendships and receive support and encouragement.

HANDS OF PRAISE—TUESDAYS AT 5:30 PM: The vision of Hands of Praise choir is three-fold: loving God by praising God with our hands; loving one another as we accept diversity within our church and the world; and serving others as we go into the community sharing the love of God through the songs. Leader to contact: Jackie Gerald, nanakca@hotmail.com.

SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS—TUESDAYS AT 6 PM: Are you interested in learning simple signs to communicate with those who are hard of hearing or deaf? Or perhaps you just want to learn to communicate with someone across the room! Then this is the class for you! It meets Tuesdays, 6 to 7:00 PM in Room 110. For more information or to register call Nancy Wootten, nancywootten@gmail.com, 727-804-1375, or Jackie Gerald, nanakca@hotmail.com.

T’AI CHI QI GONG—WEDNESDAYS AT 9:30 AM IN WORSHIP CENTER: This mind-body practice has value in prevention or treating of various health problems. GET STARTED EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN SHAPE, LOW-IMPACT, SLOW MOTION EXERCISE. SONSEEKERS/SEASONAL RESIDENTS (SSR’S): The Sonseekers/Seasonal Residents (SSR’s) is an Anona UMC small group who meet for fellowship and activities twice a month from October through March. March 13: meet your friends in Wesley Hall for a potluck luncheon. Bring a favorite dish to share. The program will include a demonstration and information about “Seeing Eye Dogs”. March 27: our second activity will be a luncheon at the Cody’s Restaurant on W. Bay and then a tour of the Wm. Dean Chocolates. Make your reservations at the Connection Desk. Leader to contact: Ted Pinkerton 513-739-9796.

BOOK CLUB, 4TH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, 6:30 PM, BRIDE’S ROOM: The next meeting is Sunday, March 22nd, when we will discuss Olivia Hawker’s The Ragged Edge of Night. Look ahead toward April’s book, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson; May’s book is The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriart. Contact Deanna Comingore at deannacom@att.net with any questions.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM IN BRIDES ROOM: An adult group that seeks to understand God’s Word and apply it in practical ways to everyday experiences. Focus is on study of books of Scripture for sharing and discussion. Leaders to Contact: Phil Marshall & Ian Lennox FAST CROWD, SUNDAYS 9:30 AM IN ROOM 110: A large class that enjoys fellowship and Bible study using a wide variety of curriculum to bring faith to life in light of today’s world. Class largely includes individuals and couples in their forties up to retirees but all are welcome. Leader to Contact: Jim Dyson CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE PARENTING CLASS: MIDDLE SCHOOL EDITION, 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS AT 5:15 PM: Anona is offering a parenting class based upon the Conscious Discipline model to help parents of 5th through 8th graders, be the best parents they can be. RSVP at anona.com/adultgroups to ensure you don’t miss out on class communications. We gather around 5:15 PM on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month.

QUILTERS, 9:00 AM ON FRIDAYS IN DO DROP IN: This group of ladies enjoys quilting by hand while enjoying one another’s company. Leader to Contact: June Minard, 727-581-4984. SEW MUCH FUN, 6:00 PM ON TUESDAYS IN WESLEY HALL: Enjoy an evening of fun with friends while sewing. Leader to Contact: Paige Rapson HOPE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, 6:30 PM, 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAYS: No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help. Caregivers are also welcome. Contact Teresa Elder: eldergators@gmail.com; 727-458-6843 or Joanie Pickens: johnjoanie74702@yahoo.com; 727-366-4106.

17 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Blinded by the Light

Dina Meitner, LCSW | Anona Counseling Center

ACADEMY OF ARTS Director Sandy Ross OPEN ENROLLMENT: The Academy offers individual music lessons to children, youth, and adults of all ages on piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, violin, and music theory. Please register online at anona.com, “Worship,” “Worship Ministries,” “Academy of Arts,” or contact Director Sandy Ross at caseychev@ aol.com or 727-430-1316. Beginning to advanced students welcome.

Aren’t most things exciting when they are new? Something new invigorates and piques curiosity. You may have noticed that Anona’s communication pathways are moving in new directions.

As it is so with the Counseling Center’s article. Our new focus will be more of a “blog style” where the topics flow one month into the next… kinda like life.

I have chosen three topics for the 2020 focus: Marriage, parenting and grief.

My aim is to get you thinking about how your faith and everyday life’s joys and challenges can connect in emotionally healthy ways.

Emotional health is a choice complete with specific action steps – much like marriage. There are rules. There are boundaries. And, in the space of loved ones honoring rules and boundaries exist a peaceful coexistence. Faith is not tested and prayers are not as paindriven.

People in new relationships tend to be blinded by the light. Most couples don’t think to come to counseling or their pastor during this “honeymoon” phase, and yet seeking guidance at this time could save future heartache.

Ephesians 4:2 says: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing

with one another in love.” Humble in a disagreement? Gentle after a hard day’s work? Patient when the kids are – everything they can be? Bearing with one another in love means abiding by agreements that foster an easy-going, comfortable relationship.

Bearing in love skills include 1) less reactions – more thoughtful responses.

2) less critical – more supportive sentences. 3) less my way or no way – more meet in the middle compromises.

Next time we’ll explore when the blinding, blissful light turns into the starry, starry night. This is when the road gets rough and there are only twinkles of light. How do you hold on?

Your Pastors, your Stephen Ministers, your Counselors and I are here for you.

Dina Meitner, LCSW The Anona Family Life Counseling Center is an Outreach Ministry of Anona UMC and is pleased to offer confidential professional counseling services as well as educational and personal growth classes, groups and seminars on a variety of topics on a fee for service basis. Contact us at 727422-9654.

ACADEMY REGISTRATION: Academy registration is always open. Consider adding music lessons to your or your students’ schedule. It has been scientifically proven that students who study music do better in all other subjects, and have increased focus and concentration skills.

RECITAL 2020: Recital 2020: Friday Recital will be on Friday, May 15, 7 PM; Saturday Recital will be on Saturday, May 16, 3 PM. Rehearsal for Friday Recital will be on Monday, May 11, at 7 PM; Rehearsal for Saturday Recital will be on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 PM. All rehearsals and Recitals will be in the Traditional Sanctuary. Rehearsals on individual tunes will be scheduled during April.

DONATIONS: The Academy gladly accepts donations of pianos, guitars, basses, violins, musical equipment, amplifiers, books, and accessories.

Tax receipt is given upon request.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Director Sandy Ross caseychev@aol.com 727-430-1316 anona.com/academy

Our Members If your birthday is not listed, please call the church office at 727-595-2581 Birthdays 80th and Above 03/01 Barbara Burkett 03/03 Ron Renz 03/04 Lois Swanson 03/05 Doris Frazer

Bob Gibson

Joan Prudente 03/07 Bill Allen

Bob McLachlan

Marion Salvie 03/10 Susan Cordea

Mardy Prentice 03/13 Judy Allen

Bonnie Bass 03/17 Joyce Lippert 03/18 Ardith Ammeter 03/23 Annetta Dietz 03/24 Pat Coleman

Agatha Hobbs

Dale Krout, Sr. 03/27 Sally Gourley

June Minard 03/29 Walt Jennerich 03/30 Chuck Lutton

Anniversaries 25th and Above 03/03 Tom & Molly Schaaf 03/04 Ian & Chris Collinson 03/06 Tony & Mary Colletti

Tom & Linda Holliday 03/07 Wallace & Barbara Nickse Mike & Linda Zagorac 03/09 Doug & Cindy Hoover

Bill & Nancy Kelsey 03/10 Warren & Patti Meier 03/15 David Shearer & Bonnie Sullivan 03/17 David & Cynthia Tollon 03/18 Cary & Elizabeth Auderer

Michael & Carol Fagin 03/20 Jon & Kathy Luethje 03/21 Phil & Jamie Merritt 03/23 Jim & Jacky Saeger 03/24 Bob & Debbie Backus 03/25 Dan & Sandra Burke Jim & Sheila Olliver 03/28 Mike & Karen Silvernail

Russell & Danielle Welsh 03/29 George & Patricia Smith 03/30 Dan & Maridel French

Sam & Pat Lester

Kevin & Kim Morgan 03/31 Jeff & Lisa Wittman

Brian & Katie Yeates

36 yrs.

53 yrs.

25 yrs.

63 yrs.

55 yrs.

50 yrs.

40 yrs.

35 yrs.

59 yrs.

30 yrs.

47 yrs.

25 yrs.

25 yrs.

26 yrs.

28 yrs.

35 yrs.

28 yrs.

26 yrs.

42 yrs.

56 yrs.

28 yrs.

52 yrs.

48 yrs.

45 yrs.

29 yrs.

30 yrs.

36 yrs.

Please be in prayer for: The Family of Bill Mouchett, joined in 2009.

The Family of Dan Reid, joined in 2012.

A new In Memoriam page has been added to the Anona website (anona.com/inmemoriam) so that we can remember those of our church family that has died in the last two months and support the families and friends left behind. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things many of us will ever face. Your expressions of concern for the family, weeks and months past the time of a loved one’s death, shows you care and that their loved one is not forgotten. Please keep these families in your prayers during their journey of grief. The In Memoriam page will be updated weekly.

19 | ANONA MAGAZINE

Our Church ANONA SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

HIGHLIGHTED DATES

8:15 AM: Traditional in Traditional Sanctuary 9:30 AM: Contemporary in Worship Center

SUNDAY, MARCH 1: Pack-a-Sack, after FX and Contemporary. And our Call to Action Sunday event in the lobby.

9:30 AM: FX Family Service in Anona Theater

FRIDAY, MARCH 6: Confirmation 2020 Beach Night

11:10 AM: Traditional in Traditional Sanctuary

SATURDAY, MARCH 7: Seminole Middle School Beautification

5:00 PM: Youth Group (Proximity) *Nursery for six weeks old–Preschool children is available 9:15 AM–12:15 PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 : Serve Pinellas: food packing event where Anona will pack 25,000 meals for our community.

MULTI-SITE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

OFFICE HOURS/PHONE

10 AM: St. Mark’s Campus (6801 38th Ave N, St Petersburg 3 PM: Elmcroft of Pinecrest (1150 8th Ave SW, Largo)

Monday-Thursday: 9AM - 4PM Friday: 9AM - 2PM 727-595-2581 anona.com

Our Staff PASTORS Jack Stephenson Richard Landon Jeremy Herrington Gary Thomas

Co-Senior Minister Co-Senior Minister Executive Minister St. Mark’s Minister

jack@anona.com richard@anona.com jeremy@anona.com gary@anona.com

224 243 236 225

STAFF Jean Berry Jay Brooks Terry Collier Janice Dean Jonathan Dennison Marion Denton Jackie Evans Penny Kolba Steve Livers Casey McKinney Erin Padgett Alisa Rushing Jamie Sprecher Lesley Thompson

Office Admin Assistant Director of Traditional Worship Anona Christian Counselor Financial Secretary (Giving) Director of Technological Arts Dir of Anona Child Dev Center Director of Missions Admin Assistant-Worship Arts Multi-site Facilities Manager Student Ministry Director Director of Communications Church Administrator Director of FX—Family Experience Director of Marketing and Discipleship

jeanb@anona.com jay@anona.com terry@anona.com janice@anona.com jonathan@anona.com dentonm@anona.com jackie@anona.com penny@anona.com steve@anona.com casey@anona.com erin@anona.com alisa@anona.com jamie@anona.com lesley@anona.com

288 222 727-463-6181 223 226 249 409 237 227 298 244 229 230 228

20 | ANONA MAGAZINE

ANONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A MULTI-SITE Community 13233 Indian Rocks Rd. Largo, FL 33774

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #4000 St. Petersburg, FL

VOLUME 2020 ISSUE 3 MARCH

Holy Week Services “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” John 11:25 PALM SUNDAY April 5 MAUNDY THURSDAY April 9, 7 PM, Traditional Sanctuary Join us for a meditative service of music, prayer, communion EASTER, APRIL 12 Celebrate the resurrection of Christ at any of our Easter Sunday services: 7 AM Sunrise Service (Serenity Rose Garden), 8:15/11:10 AM Traditional, 9:30 AM Contemporary, or 9:30 AM Family FX Worship