Vol. 24| Iss. 7 | July 2020
8 8
9 Hooked On Books
DRIVETHROUGH PRAYER BOX OFFERS HOPE DURING TRYING TIMES By Kelly Wise Valdes
16 Amy Grant
16 From The Newswire
Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Scouts Go Virtual: Faith & Footprints:
04 09 11 15
God promises us in the Bible that He hears every word that we pray to Him. In the spirit of community and prayer, Disciples of Christ Christian Fellowship erected the Community Drive-Through Prayer Box soon after it opened its doors as a new church last year in Riverview. “We wanted to let the community know that we here for them and that they didn’t have to be a member to get prayer,” said Mary Jo McKay, co-founder of the church and wife of the church’s pastor, Reverend Kenneth McKay. “We increased the advertisement of the prayer box during COVID as a reminder to the community that Jesus is the answer and prayer is the key.” Prayer forms are available at the prayer box site, or people can come with their prayer requests already written. They can drive up or walk up and simply drop the prayer in the secure box. The prayers are collected each day. “We pray over them daily,” said McKay. “Our church has always had a strong focus on prayer. We truly believe that prayer will heal our communities and
Disciples of Christ Christian Fellowship Church invites the public to drop off prayer requests at the community prayer box located at 11116 Rhodine Rd. in Riverview.
our nation.” Currently, the Disciples of Christ Christian Fellowship is conducting all of its regularly scheduled services virtually and added three additional daily services, Monday-Friday, during COVID-19. The new services are: 9 a.m. morning devotion, 12 Noon prayer and 7 p.m. words of encouragement. “We wanted to ensure we kept in touch with our members, offered sufficient tools for them to maintain their faith, encouraged trust in God and assuaged fear,” said McKay. “We also sped up the completion of our prayer
garden to provide members the opportunity to safely leave their homes, enjoy nature and pray alone or with their families.” Regularly scheduled church services are all being held virtually: Bible study on Wednesday at 7 p.m., intercessory prayer on Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday morning worship service at 11 a.m. “We will resume in-person services once the CDC and local health professionals indicate it’s advisable to do so,” said McKay. “In the meantime, we’re installing hand sanitizer stations, and once reopened, we will frequently sanitize highly utilized areas, we will require masks when we’re unable to maintain 6 ft. distance, allow only families to sit together, discontinue breakfast and luncheons and discontinue group socializing before and after church.” For more information or to watch the online services, visit www.doccf.org. The church and prayer box is located at 11116 Rhodine Rd. in Riverview. You can also call 677-8600 to reach the church office.
NEWSOME SOPHOMORE BAKES UP SWEET NEW BUSINESS
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Like many teenagers, Emily Finch often pondered about the secret recipe to success. Especially during the height of the quarantine, this soon-to-be Newsome High School sophomore wondered what she could do to make a difference in the community. With the encouragement of her father and mother, Christian and Beth Finch, Emily’s Curbside Bakery was born. “I have always liked to bake, especially different holiday treats. When the stay-at-home order started, I began trying out new recipes,” said Emily. “My dad kept posting pictures of what I was baking on Facebook and there were a lot of positive comments. We arranged a pickup one night for a friend who wanted some of my pretzels. This was the point where I really felt inspired to start the bakery.” Emily has donated 15 percent of her profits to those in need, including a donation to FishHawk Fellowship Church’s food drive benefitting the Seeds of Hope food bank. She has also donated her baked goods to the church staff. The Finch family, including younger sister Peyton, have been FishHawk residents for the past 11 years and have been attending FishHawk Fellowship Church for four years. Emily Finch, an upcoming sophomore at Newsome High School, “Christian and I have loved watching Emily develop started Emily’s Curbside Bakery during quarantine and has her passion for baking,” said her mother, Beth. “As her donated 15 percent of her profits to people in need.
parents, it’s been inspiring to see her really take ownership of this and develop it into what it is now. We are incredibly proud of her work ethic and passion to do things that bring joy to others.” In addition to baking, Emily plays the clarinet and decided to audition for a leadership position in the Newsome band. One of the audition requirements was to participate in a service project. “I felt like this was God’s way of telling me I needed to give back to the community. In the end, it all came together very nicely, and I believe that it was all God’s doing.” Emily’s Curbside Bakery’s most popular baked goods include pretzel bites, chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls. To place an order, visit and like Emily’s Curbside Bakery on Facebook. Each week, Emily posts what she will be baking and pickup days. After orders are placed, customers receive confirmation of the pickup date and time. Emily’s Curbside Bakery will continue throughout the summer; however, there may be adjustments in orders to accommodate her summer schedule. As the new school year begins, Emily is considering scaling her bakery to special requests, events and parties. For more information, visit www.facebook.com and search for Emily’s Curbside Bakery.
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July 2020
Volume 24 | Issue 7
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ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program
By Tatiana Ortiz
recent emergency. Residents who come to ECHO for assistance are given 20 pounds of food, seven outfits and more with ECHO’s food pantry and clothing closet. The group also provides free life building programs such as GED (General Equivalency Diploma) classes, financial counseling, employment services and much more. Student volunteers assisting with moving boxes of food from a The 75 students in this food drive at ECHO’s warehouse. program will commit to one Students ages 15 to 21 who have an interest in developing leadership skills day a week from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sevthrough serving their community will get eral trainings will be provided to teach an opportunity to accomplish that this students about core issues and lessons summer with ECHO’s (Emergency Care on generational poverty, what causes it, Help Organization) new Youth Leader- what ECHO does and more. Students will ship Program. This nine-week program also work on team projects, assist with will begin on Monday, June 1 and end running the Back to School Community on Friday, July 31, offering students the Bash and participate in a team fundraischance to earn community service hours ing competition. There will be a competition consisting and learn about poverty. During the quarantine months, ECHO of five teams of 15 students. Each team shifted to an emergency food distribu- will be responsible for planning one fundtion plan in order to cater to the needs raiser for ECHO during the latter part of of the community while following so- the summer as a prize will be awarded cial distancing recommendations. This to the team with the most success of it. was especially important because, as a COVID-19 safety protocols will be implefull-service operation, the group relies on mented throughout the program. “Overall, our goal is that when stua large number of volunteers, the majoridents finish the program they will be ty of which are over the age of 60. The Youth Leadership Program was able to see how anyone could end up at born in an effort to expose new volun- our doors,” ECHO Development Coordinator Savanna Thompson said. teers to ECHO. “We are also grateful for the outpourAccording to ECHO’s executive director, Eleanor Saunders, this summer sea- ing of love and support from our commuson will likely be very busy for ECHO, nity too.” Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is locatwhich offers a wide variety of assistance and resources to people residing in Hill- ed at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. sborough County who suffered from a Call 685-0935 to learn more.
Beds are now available to rent at the Seeds of Faith community garden in Brandon.
The Seeds Of Faith Community Garden Gives A Fresh Option For Feeding Families
By Kye Saunders
The Seeds of Faith Community Garden, located in the backyard of Baylife Church in Brandon, is ready to start summer off right with a chance for families to grow their own crops not only for themselves but for their community. What makes Seeds of Faith more than just your average community garden is the duality of its purpose. Not only can families rent a bed for their own personal use, but its dedicated team of volunteers tend, harvest and donate fresh produce from the garden’s community plots to different organizations that are locally fighting hunger. Since its opening in 2010, Seeds of Faith has donated over 20,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries. One of those pantries being ECHO (Emergency Care and Help Organization), which has locations both in Brandon and Riverview. When asked what makes Seeds of Faith different from some of ECHO’s other produce providers, ECHO’s Riverview center director, Steve McKinnon, stated, “The garden gives us locally grown fresh produce and, from November until summer, is a weekly fresh produce provider for us.”
ECHO has already received 3,000 pounds of fresh produce from the garden’s most recent growing season. “Forty-eight of those beds you can rent to individuals, but the other half goes to ECHO,” said McKinnon. “Those volunteer beds go a long way.” This summer is the chance for your family to have one of those 48 beds by becoming a grower. The garden will provide each grower with water, topsoil and mulch, and each gardener is responsible for planting, weeding and harvesting their own bed. The cost to rent a bed is $35 with six volunteering hours or $60 without volunteering hours. Those six hours of volunteering, as well as the rent collected from individual growers, is used to plant, maintain and harvest the donated produce. There is a limited supply of beds remaining, so anyone interested in renting a bed this summer should email seedsoffaithgarden19@gmail.com. Follow Seeds of Faith on Facebook for updates on what is being grown and different volunteer opportunities through the garden.
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Grace Notes SAM Creed By Debora Coty
July 2020
Church Opens Drive-Thru Food Pantry In Riverview By Kelly Wise Valdes
Remember the Old Testament story? Vain Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar built a giant gold statue of himself and ordered everyone in the kingdom to bow and pray homage … or die. He may have thought he was all that, but three young Hebrew slaves didn’t. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worshipped the One True God and flat refused to kneel to a hunk of metal, knowing the alternative was death in the bowels of King N’s fiery furnace. That was gutsy all right, but not as gutsy as what they did next. The three boy answered King N’s snide question, “What god will be able to rescue you from my power?” with what I call the SAM Creed (an acronym of their names, Shadrach, Abednego, and Meshach). They replied, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is ABLE to save us. He will rescue us … But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will NEVER serve your gods or worship the gold statue” (Daniel 3:17-18 NLT, emphases mine).
But even if he doesn’t … Five powerful words or life or death trust. In a nutshell, the SAM Creed states, “I believe the God I serve is able to save me from this disaster. But even if He chooses not to, I will still serve Him.” Say, dear reader-friend, are you gutsy enough to repeat the SAM creed (in the previous paragraph) aloud with me and mean every word? In the Bible story, Yahweh did indeed work an incredible walk-with-methrough-the-fire miracle, causing King N to declare in response, “There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (Daniel 3:29 NLT). In your life story, are you ready to claim the SAM Creed as your own? Even as you face that horrible diagnosis, devastating loss, or financial ruin? Will you commit to believe in the All-Powerful God of the Bible? To acknowledge that He is able. Always. And to choose to trust Him, no matter what?
“There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (Daniel 3:29 NLT)
Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.
Thinking outside of the box is nothing new for Pastor Jomo Cousins, lead pastor at Love First Christian Center in Riverview. With the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases in Hillsborough County, coupled with rising food prices and children home for the summer, many families may be struggling. Pastor Jomo saw this overwhelming need and wanted the church to be part of the solution. Prior to the church closing due to the quarantine, Love First Christian Center had a small food pantry that was able to serve a limited number of people due to storage capacity. However, now that the church is not being filled with parishioners, Pastor Jomo knew this meant the unused space could now be used for expanding the food pantry. “I was thinking of ways we can be effective to our community in our current environment,” said Pastor Jomo. “We may not be holding church, but we now have space to hold food.” The church lobby has now been converted to the food pantry holding pallets of canned and dry goods, and a packing area where church staff and volunteers pack the food each Tuesday for the hundreds of families to come pick it up. “We are practicing safely with our masks and gloves,” said Pastor Jomo. “And the drive-thru is set up with cones and we bring the food safely to each car.” In addition to the groceries, the church is also distributing gallons of milk that it’s receiving each week as a donation
Love First Christian Center in Riverview is holding a drive-thru food pantry each Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m.
from Borden Milk. Some families request multiple gallons of milk and Pastor Jomo takes any unclaimed gallons of milk in the church delivery van and distributes them to families in Wimauma. The groceries are currently not donated to the church, in fact, the church is using its own funds to purchase the food from Feeding America Tampa Bay, Walmart and Dollar General. The church lives by the saying on the side of its delivery truck, “We Live To Give.” “We want to always be part of the solution. God has really blessed us, and we want to bless others in our community,” said Jomo. “Just like the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible, God uses us to bless others.” The drive-thru grocery takes place each Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Supplies are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each family receives approximately two-three grocery bags filled with dry and canned good as well as at least one gallon of milk. The milk distribution may depend on when the truck arrives. Love First Christian Center is located at 12847 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For more information, follow on Facebook by searching Love First Christian Center, or visit www.lfcc.tv or call 671-2009.
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FishHawk Resident, Community Advocate Deploying For AByYear Kelly Wise Valdes Institute in Chicago, IL in 1996 and has his undergraduate degree in Bible and Theology. “My life has been enriched by getting to know Christians from a multitude of religious backgrounds and I hope that others will experience the same though interacting with others on my Facebook group,” said Hall. For more information about Hall’s page visit, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/Central.Florida.Bible.Study. Page/. In addition to his Bible study group, in October 2016 Hall started a Facebook group focusing on community support to build more playgrounds and recreational facilities in FishHawk Ranch. Since FishHawk is not a town, it lacks the loPhoto Credit: Lynn Hall. Jeremy Hall swears in cal governance of a city to pull together during change of command that occurred in May. Due to COVID restrictions, the traditional all the organizational entities needed to change of command ceremony was conducted via build large and innovative projects. Microsoft Teams video conference. “The inspiration for my idea was the FishHawk resident Jeremy Hall is gearoriginal broken Park Square fountain ing up for his deployment as an Army En- and the follow up project to replace it,” gineer Officer serving in the Army Reserve said Hall. “At the time, I advocated with as a Battalion Commander for unit 3 Bat- the FishHawk CDDII to build a playground talion 347 Regiment, 177th Armored Bri- in Park Square that would have simigade. The married father of four children lar equipment features as the Common will be deployed for a year to Fort Bliss, Ground Playground in Lakeland.” TX to augment the mission of the 5th ArHall’s Facebook Playground page is still mor Brigade. Hall’s unit plans, coordinates, active but has been re-purposed. “My synchronizes and supports the pre/post page features posts about FishHawk mobilization training and demobilization area parks, preserves, playgrounds, trails of Army National Guard and United States and open spaces,” said Hall. “I encourage Army Reserve units to provide trained and people to get out and play and enjoy our ready forces. great local area recreational areas doing Originally from Minot, ND, Hall and his unstructured activities.” Visit, www.facefamily moved to FishHawk in August 2013, book.com/groups/Parks.and.Playgrounds. due to an assignment change with the U.S. of.FishHawk/about/ Army. to MacDill Air Force Base. “I really enjoy living in FishHawk Two months ago, Hall started a Face- Ranch. FishHawk has a lot of people who book Page focus on studying the Bi- spend time on various local area Facebook ble. “My page is strictly a hobby of mine groups,” said Hall. “When I am out in our and not affiliated with any religious or- community and see someone who I have ganization,” said Hall. “I started the Bible interacted with on Facebook, I introduce Study group to provide our local area with myself to them. I view our local Facebook a non-denomination Facebook page where groups as good tools to build a sense of people can come together to encourage community.” one another to study the Bible. My hope Hall is now focused on spending as much is that people from all different Christian time as possible with family before his AuDenominations will come together to pro- gust deployment. vide reflections on what they are studying To learn more about his mission visit in the Bible. “ https://www.first.army.mil/divwest/conHall graduated from the Moody Bible tent.aspx?ContentID=5.
July 2020
Mental Health Resources Available During COVID-19 Crisis By Michelle Caceres
Behavioral Health Outreach Director Tina Trimborn at HCA Healthcare said that while hand-washing and avoiding large crowds and people who are ill are important steps to mitigate the physical risks caused by the COVID-19 virus, it’s just as important that we understand and ease emotional stress caused by fear and anxiety. Anxiety is a normal response to a stressful situation and can provide adaptive benefits, but when faced with mounting uncertainty, the brain can go into an anxiety spiral that is no longer helpful. Atypical stress reactions may include: a persistent or excessive worry that doesn’t help in life and keeps you from carrying out daily tasks; increased drug or alcohol use; significant changes in energy, eating or sleeping patterns; difficulty concentrating on normal tasks; prolonged and overwhelming hopelessness; or thoughts of self-injury or suicide. “It’s OK not to be OK and it’s important to seek help when you need it,” Trimborn said. “Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger.” The CDC recommends the following ways to cope with stress: take deep breaths, stretch and meditate, try to eat healthy and well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs and talk with people you trust about your concerns
and how you are feeling. Patients receiving mental health services can work with their providers to develop a coping plan and have alternative options prepared if care routine services are disrupted. These can include teletherapy services, getting prescription medication or engaging in supplemental mental wellness activities. Mark Cardillo, director of behavioral health services at Memorial Hospital of Tampa and Tampa General Hospital, said that while there was a decrease in the number of behavioral health patients at the hospital during the saferat-home order, there has been a significant increase since it was lifted. He has also seen a switch to teletherapy services, increasing accessibility to counseling and recovery services. “Many of our outpatient therapists have moved completely their services online because people prefer to receive counseling at home,” he said. In addition to teletherapy, individuals can call 2-1-1 at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay or talk to their primary care doctor. Cardillo suspects things will get worse before they get better. “As people lose jobs and see their savings drained, fear will set in,” he said. “I’m not sure the state of Florida is prepared to deal with the mental health crisis that is coming.”
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Volume 24 | Issue 7
GRAMMY-Nominated Saxophone Artist To Play In Sun City Staff Report The UnitW h i l e ed Methodist UMCSCC is Church of Sun excited about City Center reopening (UMMCSCC), for church located at 1210 services, it Del Webb Blvd. is aware of W., is proud safety meato welcome sures needed back nationalto protect ly known and people. ConGRAMMY-nomcertgoers are inated saxoe n c o u ra g e d phone artist Eito bring and rinn Abu for a 3 wear masks, p.m. Sunday afand CDC-recternoon concert ommendon July 19. ed social Abu is a giftdistancing ed soprano saxguidelines ophone artist in will be folthe mold of Kenlowed. With ny G. Yet, he has that in mind, Nationally known and GRAMMY-nominated saxophone arthis own style ist Eirinn Abu will perform a concert at the United Methodist only the first and endeavors 175 people Church of Sun City Center at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. to touch peowill be adple’s souls with mitted into his inspirational the sanctuary, in music. Abu is a prorecognition of a 25 ducer and recording percent capacity artist in his own guideline. right, but he has A donation of shared the recordonly $10 is reing studio and stage with musical icons quested at the door on the day of the consuch as Miami Sound Machine and Dolly cert. Parton. Abu can be heard accompanying For additional information about this Parton on her classic recording of “I’ll Al- and other concerts at the United Methodways Love You.” Abu’s own album, A Time ist Church of Sun City Center, please conFor Us, was a 2015 GRAMMY nominee for tact Kevin Goodenow, concert series coorBest Contemporary Instrumental Album. dinator, at 362-0956. To learn more about Abu will also be playing in the church’s the United Methodist Church of Sun City Sunday morning traditional worship ser- Center, please visit its website at www. vices at 8:30 and 11 a.m. sccumc.com.
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Volume 24 | Issue 7
Page 7
Pastor’s Corner Jomo Cousins, PhD
The Centurion’s Faith By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD
Hannah’s Prayer For A Son 1 Samuel 1:9-20 (NLT) 9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. 10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” 12 As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. 14 “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” 15 “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” 17 “In that case,” Eli said, “go
in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” In this story we see Hannah in a barren state, a woman in search of a child. In biblical times, a woman who couldn’t bear children was shamed and ridiculed. So, Hannah, in her desperation, prayed and fasted before the Lord, seeking a child. Some may ask, why was she fasting? Jesus said in Matthew 17:21, “some things only come through prayer and fasting.” Here are some key concepts that we can learn from her prayer. She was specific in her request. She identified a place where she could pray. She came with a humble heart. She found the right person to come into agreement with her prayer. She took her faith to another level by making a bold confession. Hannah committed to God the son she did not have, now that is faith! Except from: Prayer Life: The Conversation, Page 68.
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Page 8
Be A Blessing Program Shares Hope With Families And Workers One Card At A Time
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BRANDON!
By Lily Belcher
to continue the program as long as the church continues to receive donations. “What’s been wonderful about this whole initiative is that it has been a win-win-win for everybody,” said Rachel Grafton. “It obviously blessed the recipients but has also been a blessing to businesses that we are From left to right: Emma Adcock, Mary Beth Southworth, Ali Southworth deliver a banner to Brandon Regional Hospital purchasing meals from employees. and it’s always a blessing to The St. Andrew’s United Methserve in some odist Church has organized a way, shape, or Covid-19 relief program, Be a form, whether Blessing, to provide notes and it is writing letgift cards for first responders ters or donating and families financially impactmoney.” ed by the Coronavirus. DonaWhile many tions collected by Be a Blessing churches have will be delivered to hospital staff had to cancel through Feeding the Frontline weekly services and to families through volunand other outteers for St. Andrew’s. reach programs, The program is not just deSt. Andrew’s is signed for the St. Andrew’s concontinuing their gregation, however. The Be a mission to serve the community. Through Blessing program gives the opportunity the Be a Blessing initiative, the church to nominate someone or apply for relief can remain open to helping and serving for themselves. Donors can also drop off notes of encouragement in collection bins hospital staff, patients, and members of outside the church, which will be distrib- the community and still play an active uted by volunteers, or make monetary role in fulfilling their mission to serve. For more information, contact Jessica donations on their website. Adams, the Communications Director of The Be A Blessing initiative began in Be a Blessing, at jessica.adams@saumc. April with a goal to help 125 families and net. To make a donation or apply for or frontline workers but has helped nearly nominate someone for help visit St. Andouble that in only two months. Katie drews’ United Methodist Church’s webBritt and Rachel Grafton have organized site at www.saumc.net and helped distribute the gifts and plan
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 7
Page 9
Patriotic In Prayer This Independence Day
By Kelly Wise Valdes
As we enter the month of July, summer is in full swing. Normally our families would be planning our Independence Day cookouts, attending Fourth of July parades and watching fireworks. However, this year, our holidays may look and feel a little different for a lot of us. Like many of you, my family is searching for normalcy and peace in a time of uncertainty and confusion. As we enter into the hot, humid months of this Florida summer, find time to reflect of the small joys in your everyday life. Whether it be a good cup of coffee, a Sunday drive around the neighborhood or a phone call with a friend, know that when everything feels like it’s out of control, that’s when we need to put our trust in God. He is sovereign and will not forsake His children. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you this July.
100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith By Robert J. Morgan
Trying to understand America without Scripture is like describing the human body without including its bloodstream. In 100 brief entries, this book explains the Bible’s role in our nation’s defining moments, the undeniable impact of leaders throughout our history who were intimately acquainted with God’s Word and what these verses mean for today.
The Soul of America: The Battle Seeing God in America: Devo- Prayer in America: A Spiritual for Our Better Angels tions from 100 Favorite Places History of Our Nation By Jon Meacham By Thomas Nelson By James P. Moore Jr. Our current climate of partisan fury is not new, and in this best-selling book we learn what Abraham Lincoln called the “better angels of our nature” have repeatedly won the day. While the American story has not always—or even often—been heroic, we have been sustained by a belief in progress even in the gloomiest of times. This inspiring book reassures us “The good news is that we have come through such darkness before,” as, time and again, Lincoln’s better angels have prevailed.
Whether you’re hiking a rocky trail up Mt. McKinley, feeling the misty spray of Niagara Falls, seeing stunning bluebonnet fields in the south or enjoying the zoo in San Diego, America is full of truly amazing and exciting places to see and experience. This book is filled with 100 devotions for spiritual reflection paired with beautiful photography for enjoying our country’s most favored cities and natural landmarks. Each destination brings its own theme, such as serenity, simplicity and hope.
This book brings together the country’s hymns, patriotic anthems, arts and literature as a framework for telling the story of the innermost thoughts of people. Beginning with Native Americans, Prayer in America traces the prayer lives of Quakers and Shakers, Sikhs and Muslims and Catholics and Jews from their earliest days in the United States through the aftermath of 9/11.
Page 10
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
July 2020
Pawn Shop Owner Brings Community Together To Help A Local Veteran In Need
By Libby Hopkins
cause of his hoarding illness, his trailer became unlivable and his property is overrun with items. His trailer is 40 years old and has electricity, but no running water. Kim sleeps in his truck each night, which has caused his legs to swell to a dangerous size. Ashley Harden, a bartender at Keith’s Oaks Bar and Grill, saw Sebastian’s post on Facebook and immediately wanted to help. She decided to The community came together to help veteran Kim Joseph Kurosky create a GoFundMe page recently. to help him. Veteran Kim Joseph Kurosky has been “So far, we’ve raised ala faithful customer to Billie Jo Sebas- most $3,000 to make his trailer and the tian for more than 10 years. He visits other structure on his property livable for her weekly while she works at the Value him,” Harden said. “The outpouring from Pawn & Jewelry in Brandon. During one the community has been absolutely amazof Kim’s visits, Sebastian noticed his legs ing.” were extremely swollen. Harden and Sebastian also received “He and I had stepped outside and help from Jim Stacey at AMVETS Post I said to him, ‘You need to elevate your 44, Travis Wright of the Hillsborough legs, Kim.’ He responded, ‘Billie Jo, can County Sheriff’s Office and Nam Knights, you please let me know how I’m supposed Ellie Saldana of Hot Boxes Dumpster, Jarto elevate my legs when I’m sleeping in rod Matthews of Wretched Few VMC and my truck and trying to swat off mosqui- Lori Finnegan of Finnegan Real Estate, tos?’ Up until that point, I never realized in addition to the numerous people who the severity of his living situation,” Sebas- have donated funds on Kim’s GoFundMe tian said. page. Nearly 40 people from the Brandon Sebastian asked Kim if he would be community have helped to clean and orcomfortable with sharing his story on so- ganize the property. cial media to try and get him some help. “I “I am amazed at all the help that has could not believe how many people want- been available to me,” Kim said. “I couldn’t ed to donate food and help him,” Sebas- imagine there were so many people who tian said. wanted to come out and help, especially Kim is a Marine sergeant who did two with the virus happening now.” tours of duty in Vietnam. He suffers from To help Kim, please visit his GoFundMe a hoarding condition and diabetes. Be- page at https://bit.ly/2UfImLN.
Resident Rallys Four Local Restaurants To Come Together To Feed Fire Fighters By Karin Davis-Thompson
It started with a converus,” she said. “They have sation with employees at a families themselves, they few of his favorite communican’t go home because ty restaurants. It ended with they are keeping us safe. four small business making a This was the least we can difference for first responddo. We just wanted to ers. give them a home-cooked A local resident got togethmeal.” er with four of his favorite The firehouses had the restaurants to provide a free chance to dine on everymeal to first responders firething from wings to the houses in the Brandon/Valrico The New York Diner Owner Lau- special of the day. area. He said that since the rie Conover recently donated The original Beef ‘o’ pandemic, fire stations are meals to workers at local fire Brady’s, on Kings Ave. in stations. getting a record number of Brandon, provided wings calls in addition to their usual call volume to Fire Rescue - Stations 11 and 33. and it was important for them to know Keith’s Oaks Bar & Grill, a family-owned they were appreciated. restaurant on Lithia Pinecrest Rd., donated “I wanted to use locally owned restau- wings to Fire Rescue - Station 18. rants,” he said. “It was something I had The New York Diner allowed its first rebeen thinking about. I just chose four plac- sponders from Fire Rescue - Station 36 to es that I frequent and when I told them select from the menu, while the what I wanted to do they all said yes.” And, finally, Three Bulls Tavern & BrewThe restaurants provided food over ery in Valrico donated the day’s special to three days to make sure all three shifts at its fire stations, 7 and 27. the fire stations got a meal. Conover, who has been in business for Laurie Conover, owner of The New York 10 years, said it made her feel good to give Diner in Valrico, said donating meals was back and she was happy to see how happy just a small way to say thank you to first she made them. responders for working to keep us safe “They were very thankful,” she said. “We and healthy. put smiles on faces, fed bellies and hope“They are on the front lines, protecting fully they got a good night’s sleep.”
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Volume 24 | Issue 7
Page 11
Scouts Adapt With Virtual Camping, Community Service & More
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Local members of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council were able to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many youth organizations to close their doors, but according to members of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, Scouting is as active as ever during the outbreak. “Our district is persevering,” District Executive Clarissa Castillo said. “The program is needed for the youth to stay engaged, socialize in a safe environment and to provide emotional stability.” While campgrounds and properties were closed to the public, volunteers and staff members worked to ensure program opportunities are still accessible in the Scouts’ Timucua District, which is made up of the southern half of Hillsborough County. Tasked with serving over 2,000 youth, the district has shifted its focus to meetings and community outreach compliant with national guidelines. Timucua District initially faced the
same challenges as other nonprofits serving young people during the pandemic, but most units have now switched over to virtual meetings, according to District Commissioner Donna Williams. Platforms like Zoom and Skype have been utilized, and, even at the district level, committees plan for the future. Many leaders have come up with creative activities to keep youth engaged in the meantime. Jill Migone, a parent of three Cub Scouts, created the #campathome contest, which encouraged families to go camping in their backyards and living rooms throughout the month of April and post the photographs to social media. The Kilcomons family of Pack 107 took the grand prize, a Go Time Gear Life Tent and a bag of camping games. “Service projects are being done with family support, and advancement continues,” Williams said. “We have even promoted several Eagle Scouts. Scout-
ing is alive and well.” Cub Scout Pack 61 and Troop 61 in Valrico performed two such service projects in April and May. Both hosted separate no-contact food drives in collaboration with ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) and Seeds of Hope at Bloomingdale Presbyterian. “It made my heart happy to help people in need,” Lion Scout Olivia Campo said. COVID-19 could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity, and many food banks are strained to keep up with demand, according to Feeding America. However, the pack alone brought in over 400 pounds of food for ECHO. “They saw that they could do something without going out,” Cub Master Eric Brown said. “It was very simple, and it made a huge impact on the community. There
are families out there in need right now.” Troop 61 provided 2,500 pounds of nonperishable food items for Seeds of Hope. After the donations were collected and dropped off, First Class Scout Troy Gilmore sorted the collection to assist with distribution to more than 350 families that week. “While we are not able to gather for a campout in the woods or fellowship over the finest of Dutch oven cuisines, our core values remain the same,” Sharrod McCree, field director for the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, said. “Our Scouts continue to live the mission and remember the oath and law. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Scouting movement today.” Interested in Scouting? Visit https:// join.scouting.org/ to find a local unit in your area or call the Tampa Service Center at 872-2691.
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Page 12
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Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day By Kathy L. Collins The Vote By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The Supervisor of Elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsSupervisor of Elections Craig Latimer is getting borough.org. geared up for the 2020 election cycle. “Election Day Voting is a right and not a privilege. In is your last day order to exercise this right, every voter to vote, not your in Hillsborough County must be informed first. I encourand must know where to vote and how age everyone to consider voting by mail. to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are During the March election, it was heartthree ways to exercise your right to vote: breaking to get calls from voters who Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election could not leave home and had planned to Day Voting. vote on Election Day,” said Latimer. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 18, you EARLY VOTING must be registered by Monday, July 20. In Early Voting is set up before both the order to vote in the general election, set primary election and the general election. for Tuesday, November 3, you must be regEarly Voting will take place from Monday, istered by Monday, October 5. When you August 3 through Sunday, August 16 from register, you are asked to select a party. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the general elecThe parties are Republican. Democrat or tion, it will be from Monday, October 19 No Party Affiliation. You can also register through Sunday, November 1 from 7 a.m. as a member of a minor political party to 7 p.m. such as the Green Party of Florida. “In March, we had 23 Early Voting loFlorida is a closed primary state. This cations open, and we may have 24 for the means that for the primary election, your August primary. We are just finalizing ballot will reflect the party that you have those details now. We will have drop-off selected. In other words, you vote only for ballot boxes at each of those sites for votthe candidates from your party as well ers who want to drop off their Vote By as non-partisan races such as the judge Mail ballot,” said Latimer. (county and circuit) and school board. Early Voting is just like Election Day In the general election, your ballot is voting. You must bring one or two forms based upon where you reside. of identification with your photo and sigYou can view sample ballots for both nature on it. Acceptable forms of identithe primary and the general election by fication include a Florida driver’s license, visiting www.votehillsborough.org. state issued identification, U.S. passport, “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but student ID, public assistance ID and more. please do not ignore the primary election. ELECTION DAY VOTING We have local school board and judge racPolling places or precincts, noted on es on the primary ballot that are non-paryour voter registration card, are open tisan, so everyone votes in these races. If from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You you are a Democrat or Republican, you can bring your sample ballot with you and will also have a say in which state and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We local partisan candidate moves on to the are taking great measures to ensure a general election,” said Supervisor of Elecsafe and healthy in-person voting expetions Craig Latimer. rience.” Social distancing and hand sanitizing as well as adjusted layouts will be VOTE BY MAIL Vote By Mail is the most convenient utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this method. You do not need an excuse to will mean that in-person voting is going to choose this option. If you request this be slower than in the past, but it will be method, you will receive your ballot in the healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, rememmail (by Thursday, July 9 for the primary ber that your vote counts. election and by Thursday, September 24 For more information, please visit www. for the general election), and you can take votehillsborough.org. your time making your voting decision.
July 2020
Residents Thank Law Enforcement With Gifts For GuardiansBy Kate Quesada items and putting them into gift bags in an effort to let officers know she appreciates what they are doing every day. “I know personally how hard the job is and how much they sacrifice on a day to day basis. There are bad people in the world, in every profession, and unfortunately police are not excluded from that,” she said. “But 99 percent wake up every day and put their lives at risk to save ours.” The response Gifts for Guardians received online overwhelmed Abdallah, who received donations for her bags from many people within hours of her first post. FishHawk resident Brittani Abdallah recently started a Face“So many have wanted book group named Gifts for Guardians to show appreciation for to donate to help with the local law enforcement officers. bags,” she explained. A group of FishHawk residents is makOnce the bags are asing it their mission to brighten the days sembled, Abdallah drives to locations of local law enforcement agents. around FishHawk and hands them out to Brittani Abdallah and Pam Kitts re- officers she sees. She has also left bags cently started a Facebook group called at homes where she has noticed a police Gifts for Guardians to connect local po- car parked. lice officers with the people who want to “The appreciation the men and womshow how much they appreciate them. en have shown that have received these “We decided to start this group be- little gifts has brought us to tears,” she cause of everything happening right now said. “Though the gifts can’t compare to in the world and in the news,” said Abdal- the large sacrifice that they give, I belah. “Our police are very important and lieve the impact we are making is huge.” we can’t live without them. I feel it’s very Abdallah has plans to grow the group important for us now, more than ever, to out of the FishHawk area and is also lookshow them that we support them, need ing for officers to show appreciation with them and love them.” her bags. Abdallah, whose father is a retired To learn more about the group, search Tampa police sergeant, began collecting for Gifts for Guardians on Facebook.
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Volume 24 | Issue 7
BAPTIST
St. Matthews Anglican Church 10701 Bloomingdale Avenue, Riverview 813-663-0334 St. Stephen Catholic Church 10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview (813) 689-4900 CHURCH OF GOD Boyette Springs Church of God 12114 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 671-0086 Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City (813) 752-4591 EPISCOPAL Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-3130 LUTHERAN Immanuel Lutheran Church 2913 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-1787 Living Savior Lutheran Church 2650 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico (813) 681-2375 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Seffner 1310 South Kingsway Rd., Seffner (813) 689-3513 Grace Community United Methodist Church 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia (813) 661-8858 • info@mygraceumc.com New Hope United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4161 Riverview First United Methodist Church 8002 US Hwy 301., Riverview www.riverviewflumc.org Ruskin United Methodist Church 105 4th Ave. NW, Ruskin (813) 645-1241 South Shore United Methodist Church 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview (813) 649-9462 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Calvary Chapel Brandon 1331 Kingsway Rd., Brandon (813) 681-5318 Centerpoint Church 1801 S. Miller Rd., Valrico (813) 689-1906
Bay Life Church 1017 Kingsway Ave., Brandon (813) 661-3696 Bell Shoals Baptist - Brandon 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 Congregación Hispana 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon (813) 689-4229 ext. 242 Bell Shoals Baptist - Apollo Beach 408 Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach (813) 641-2222 Bell Shoals Baptist - Palm River 5415 Palm River Rd.,Tampa (813) 621-2058 Bell Shoals Baptist - Riverview 9990 South Hwy 301, Suite 10024, Riverview (813) 689-4229 First Baptist Church of Brandon 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon (813) 689-1204 First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale 3303 Bloomingdale Ave.,Valrico (813) 689-3847 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton 9912 Indiana St., Gibsonton (813) 677-1301 First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin (813) 645-6439 FishHawk Fellowship 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia, (813) 655-7431 Grace Baptist Church 2909 John Moore Rd., Brandon (813) 689-7190 Journey Church 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 699-8262 Shiloh Baptist Church 1104 Cason St., Plant City (813) 752-8345 CATHOLIC Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813) 681-4608 St. Anne Catholic Church 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin (813) 645-1714
Page 13
Grace Community Church 1425 N Valrico Rd., Valrico (813) 689-9781 Harvest Bible Chapel Bloomingdale High School 813-699-0517 Love First Christian Center 12847 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview 813-671-2009 River of Life Christian Center 6605 Krycul Ave, Riverview 813-677-4453 New Life Christian Church 401 S. Saint Cloud Ave, Valrico 813-548-2733 South Bay Church 13498 US 301 S., Riverview 813-677-0721 The Chapel at FishHawk 6026 Churchside Dr., Lithia 813-661-7105 The Crossing Church - Main Campus 10130 Tuscany Ridge Dr., Tampa, (813) 626-0783 The Crossing Church - SouthShore 2409 East College Ave., Ruskin (813) 626-0580 The Palms Church 207 New Hope Rd., Brandon (813) 841-9598 True Sanctuary 6528 US Hwy 301 S., Suite 114, Riverview (813) 319-5862 PENTECOSTAL Destiny Church 2322 11th Ave. SE, Ruskin (813) 645-3337 HighPoint Church of Brandon 2207 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Valrico/Brandon (813) 685-4827 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Brandon -PCUSA 121 Carver Ave., Brandon (813) 689-4597 Redeemer Church-PCA 12404 Boyette Rd., Riverview (813) 741-1776 Westminster Presbyterian Church PCA 402 E. Lumsden Rd., Brandon (813) 689-6541
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July 2020
A Callout On Facebook And Social Media Brings Meals To Parents Of Newborns In NICU By Gwen Rollings
changes in the visiting policies in the NICU, but TGH’s highly-trained team of professionals found innovative ways to make the best of a challenging situation. Brenda Bugbee, NICU manager, explained the changes, “Each baby was allowed one family member, usually the mother, to stay. Others could see the baby on the NicView camera, providing access 24 hours a day.” This innovative small camera system is placed at designated bed spaces and allows parents, family and friends to view their infant in real-time and helps families develop that bond with their preemie or hospitalized infant even when they can’t Local restaurants, including Nékter and Davenbe in the NICU with them. port’s Daily Delights, provided meals and treats for Parents were not allowed to leave parents of children in the Neonatal Intensive Care the unit to eliminate their possible exUnit at Tampa General Hospital while they stayed posure to COVID-19 in the public areas with their babies. of the hospital. Team members such When parents are preparing for the as Angie Mangiapane, Lauren Mishos birth of their child, people often say with and Laurie Marino reached out via social knowing smiles, “Your life will never be media and Facebook seeking variety for the same again.” After COVID-19, many parents’ hospital meals. The response people shake their heads and say, “Life as was great from Greater Brandon and we knew it will never be the same again.” Tampa restaurants, including Jai Ho InThese prophesies have proven especially dian Cuisine, Nékter, Davenport’s Daily meaningful to many new parents in ex- Delights, D’Angelo’s, Culver’s, Shells Seatraordinary ways since the second week food, Wright’s Gourmet, Outback Steakof March at Tampa General Hospital’s house, Carrabba’s, Entenmann’s bakery, Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed Neonatal Caspers McDonald’s and Jack and Jill Intensive Care Unit (NICU). of America donated cookies from Alessi Tampa General (TGH) is one of just 12 Bakery. Meals were often provided for Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Cen- NICU team members as well. Gofer Girl ters designated by the state of Florida to Scout Troop donated snack bags, cards deliver the highest level of medical care and activity books. to critically ill newborns premature and In the midst of all the changes our nasick infants and to women with high-risk tion has recently endured due to the panpregnancies. Before March, both par- demic, the staff of TGH’s Jennifer Leigh ents were welcome to visit their infants Muma NICU proved the spirit of charity 24 hours a day. COVID-19 necessitated remains unchanged, alive and well.
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Page 15
July 2020
FAITH & FOOTPRINTS
The Church In The Rock – Helsinki, Finland Excavated directly into solid rock, the unusual Church In The Rock is situated in center of Helsinki, Finland. Because of its distinct architecture, the church has become a popular tourist destination in Helsinki with more than 500,000 visitors annually. Plans for a church originated in 1906 when Helsinki was experiencing growth and modernization. Several design contests were held for the church plans, but no one submitted satisfactory designs. World War II temporarily halted the plans to build and after the war, Finland was deeply in debt and was focused on paying off its reparations to the Soviet Union. However, in 1961, another contest was held and architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen (whose surname literally means ‘Finnish’) won. They worried that using the rocks for walls would be too extreme at the time but thought the rocks would make excellent natural acoustics. The architects consulted with orchestra conductor Paavo Berglund who, along with an acoustical engineer, assisted in determining the best acoustics using the rock wall surfaces. The brothers also designed the building to use natural light from a skylight with a copper-lined dome and included ducts in the floor to carry away water from melting snow. In February 1968 construction finally began, and the Church in the Rock was com-
pleted and dedicated in September 1969. The interior walls that are made entirely of rock amazes the thousands of visitors each year. And, despite been located beneath the ground, the interior is bright and during the day, the light spreads from the row of windows surrounding the roof all the way to the altar wall. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts as well as a wedding venue. Today, the building serves the community as both a tourist attraction and a working church. It has also become a popular spot where visitors are welcome year-round to visit the church, take a tour and attend the many concerts held each year. For more information visit https://temppeliaukionkirkko.fi/.
Live Like You Mean It ... I Dare You To Hope Leadership Redefined (With Apologies To Paul) Life is a fluid situation where we should always be learning, rethinking and reevaluating. I know I have a lot to learn and I’m often wrong; the sooner we acknowledge that and grow together, then the sooner we will solve the challenges we face. Freedom is as much about us as it is about me—probably more so. Individual rights must be exercised in a way that demonstrates care for our neighbors. The Bible tells us Christ died to give us freedom, then teaches us to use that freedom for the benefit of others. There is much at risk on both sides of the freedom equation, with no easy solu-
tions. This is why our leaders must stop the political gamesmanship and work together to help this nation, and the world, move forward with confidence. We need one another. We need to see more selflessness and less hunger for power. I want to vote for people who are not afraid of the truth and whose only agenda is the good of the American people. Forgive the liberty I’m taking here, but I’m substituting the word ‘leaders’ for ‘love’ in 1 Corinthians 13. This is ‘good government.’ Of course, leaders who do not love their people are not leaders at all.
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“Leaders are patient and kind. Leaders are not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Leaders do not demand their own way, are not irritable, and keep no record of being wronged. Leaders do not rejoice about injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. Leaders never give up, never lose faith, are always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance,” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, with apologies to the Apostle Paul). Here it is, in bullets: • Leaders are patient and kind. • Leaders are not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
• • •
By Derek Maul
Leader do not demand their own way, are not irritable, and keep no record of being wronged. Leaders do not rejoice about injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. Leaders never give up, never lose faith, are always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance.
Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
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July 2020
HOT OFF THE CHRISTIAN NEWS WIRE
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Amy Grant Undergoes Open- Selfie Dad, The Faith-Based Comedy That’s Truly Funny Heart Surgery Contemporary Christian and pop singer Amy Grant underwent open-heart surgery to fix a rare heart condition on June 3. Grant discovered earlier this year that she has had a heart condition called partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR). According to a statement on Grant’s official Facebook page, the surgery was a success. Grant, 59, is a six-time GRAMMY Award winner with multiple hit crossover pop songs, including “Baby, Baby,” “Every Heartbeat” and “That’s What Love is For.” She has sold more than 30 million albums, including her 1991 album, Heart in Motion, which has been certified five times platinum and brought her to a larger pop audience, and Grant has been married to country singer Vince Gill since 2000.
The faith-based comedy Selfie Dad launched on video on-demand in June, starring comedian Michael Jr. as Ben Marcus and comedian Chonda Pierce as Rosie.
Ben Marcus is an aloof husband and father of two who is undergoing a midlife crisis and gets fired from his job. Need-
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Carrie Underwood And Husband Launch Web Series
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood and her husband, Mike Fisher, are continuing to share their journey with God in a fourpart short digital web series titled “Mike and Carrie: God and Country.” After sharing about their multiple miscarriages in their latest episode, the couple is sharing stories about how they teach their two sons unconditional love through faith in God. Fisher also confesses what he believes is his greatest fear in life.
“Someone asked me recently what my greatest fear was. Right away, I thought, well, it’s losing a child. And then, as I thought on it, no, I think the greatest fear for me would be having a child that didn’t have a real relationship with Jesus. I want my sons to see me and be like, ‘This is real. This isn’t just what he’s saying. This is not an informed faith. This is a transformed faith and my dad is different,” he explained. The last episode of their web series will premiere on the website at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 17. The first three episodes are also available to watch on www.iamsecond.com.
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ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 7
Brandon Residents Named Knights Of Columbus Family Of The Year Staff Report organized the first parish youth retreat, which has turned into an annual event attracting more than 100 young men and women attendees. As a family, they have actively participated in the council’s annual golf tournament, the Tootsie Roll Drive, to support the intellectually challenged, the Coats for Kids initiative and the council’s food pantry that serves more than 100 local area families each week. Alex, a knight for seven years, has served his council in several officer and chairman positions— including financial secretary and recorder—coaches little league baseball and is a board member for a local Boy Scout Troop. The Franklin family, Brandon residents, were recentRegan, a school teacher, heads up ly named the Family of the Year by the Florida State the women’s church retreat, is acCouncil of the Knights of Columbus. tive in the Parent-Teacher-Student Alexander and Regan Franklin of BranOrganization and runs the school don received a huge honor last month. food bank that assists the homeless and The couple were named the Family of the less fortunate. Year by the Florida State Council of the Nick and Sophia, both National Honor Knights of Columbus. Society members, are also very active in The Franklins were selected by the their high school. Nick was captain of the 55,000-member Florida jurisdiction of cross country team and assists his father the international fraternal organization in directing the annual Passion Play. Sofor their service to their council, their phia is currently the student body presichurch and their local community. dent and assists her mother with the reliAlex, a member of Resurrection Council gious education classes. 15675 in Riverview, his wife, Regan, and Recognized by the Florida Knights of children Nick and Sophia are all involved Columbus as a model family, the Franklins in various church ministries at Resurrec- will be nominated for the national award tion Catholic Church in Riverview, includ- presented by the two million-member ing the Eucharistic ministry, CCD and Knights of Columbus at its annual conRCIA religious education programs, altar vention in the fall. servers, lectors and choir. To learn more about the Florida Knights Several years ago, the entire family of Columbus, visit www.kofc.org.
Page 17
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Page 18
July 2020
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit What Is Patience? By Kelly Wise Valdes
Residents At Tessera Of Brandon Stay Engaged And Connected With Families While Safe
By Taylor Wells
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” You may have heard about the fruit of the Spirit and wondered what it is and how it relates our Christian faith. In this series, each fruit will be explored and related to our everyday lives. Just like physical fruit need time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit will not ripen in our lives overnight. As we mature in our faith, all the characteristics of our spiritual fruits will grow as well. The fourth fruit of the Spirit is patience. The word ‘patience’ is mentioned in Scripture nearly 70 times. But, really, who has time for patience? All of us have been told at some point in our lives to just be patient. In our age of instant gratification, nobody enjoys patiently waiting. For most people, patience can be difficult in certain circumstances. Whether it’s waiting in a doctor’s office past your appointment time, sitting in traffic or trying to get the kids to do their chores, patience is sometimes hard to come by. During these recent times, our days can be long, hard and incredibly stress-
ful. When we’re exhausted or worried, finding patience is probably the last thing on our minds, but it should really be the first. We are told in Psalm 37:7, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” How do we develop patience? How can we cultivate patience in relationships with our loved ones? Patience is waiting with grace and it’s what enables us to live in this demanding world and still have love, joy and peace, and all the other fruits of the Spirit. But, patience is much easier said than done, right? Waiting with patience is difficult, and God knows this. The good news is that you don’t have to wait alone. Romans 8:26 says, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Ask God for the patience that you need to get you through all the struggles, pain and trials and may you be like Jesus more and more as He fills you with His love.
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tessera of Brandon adapted excellently by making sure that its residents are engaged more than ever and connecting with people outside it while everyone stays safe. People want to check on their relatives like never before, and to help out and keep everyone distanced yet together, Tessera of Brandon created visitation stations where families can meet and talk with each other through a phone from opposite sides of a window. Since then, they’ve been used nonstop. “Our residents are very understanding, the families are understanding. It’s nice that they can visit,” said Jill Andrews, director of community relations at Tessera of Brandon. “We’ve become experts at Skype and Zoom and FaceTime and Facebook Live and all of those things, and in the visitation stations we set up littles areas with couches and chairs and tables inside a window, and then we set up outdoor furniture outside the window for the family members.” That’s just the beginning, as it has been organizing constant events and activities to keep its residents engaged. Tessera is using its iN2L program so local businesses—such as Zumba and yoga, a visit from the Weinermobile and much more—can
work just outside its doors in the residents’ view. This also helps the local businesses that are struggling due to the quarantine, so everyone benefits. Moreover, residents are still celebrating holidays; local businesses are connecting with the residents through letters and donating food and masks; they’re playing putt putt golf, bocce ball and giant chess; the list goes on. There’s plenty of things for the future as well, like Drum Magic visiting, scheduling sing-alongs and Bible study classes. Residents are giving back to the community too, as they’ve made cards for graduates, made Easter eggs for kids of a local church, donated their cereal and made cards for Seeds of Hope and much more. “We’ve had to get so creative, and our team here, instead of flipping into ‘Well, I guess we’re not gonna do that anymore more,’ instantly went into ‘OK, so what can we do and how could we change it up so that we could still do it or do it even better?’” said Andrews. Visitors must set up appointments to use the visitation station. To learn more about Tessera of Brandon or set up an appointment, visit tesserabrandon.com or call 607-6880. It is located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 24 | Issue 7
Page 19
Community Gets Creative To Thank Essential Workers
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Employees at BAYADA Home Health Care recently made masks for staff members in need.
BAYADA Home Health Care Employees Teach Themselves How To Sew Masks
Office employees at the BAYADA Assistive Care State Programs (BSP) office in Brandon of BAYADA Home Health Care (bayada.com), a leading nonprofit provider of in-home healthcare and support services, banded together to watch YouTube videos and teach themselves how to sew masks, making over 100 comfort masks for its staff members in need. These masks contribute to the many supplies BAYADA is currently in need of and is actively seeking donation from across the country. Donations can be made to the organization by visiting BAYADA.com/Care4Covid or texting CARE4COVID to 41444.
Bass Pro Shops Donated Masks
Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris personally donated one million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis across the United States. In Tampa, a total of 6,000 of these masks will be donated to two facilities— Brandon Regional Hospital and the Palm Gardens of Sun City Center Assisted Living Facility. Convoy of Hope is utilizing its national network of partners and volunteers to identify appropriate local hospitals and
“Teachers across the country face new and complex challenges to keep their students learning right now,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president for public relations for SONIC. “As we continue to celebrate teachers this Teacher Appreciation Month, we sincerely thank educators like Samantha Conley who are creatively keeping their students learning even as schools are closed. With SONIC’s $1 million donation match, we were able to help teachers obtain resources for their students and will continue to empower them throughout the year.” SONIC is committed to helping teachers now in this time of need, and all year long. Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC has donated $16.6 million to public school teachers, helping more Reddick Elementary kindergarten teacher Karena Caputo received thanks for her school in the shape of a sign for her yard.
ing facility—over 200 communities in total. To support their efforts, visit www.convoyofhope. org/10mm.
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To recognize the entrepreneurial spirit driving teachers to Masks were recently donated to Brandon Regional Hospital from Bass meet their students’ Pro Shops. distance learning than 21,000 teachers and impacting needs during this difficult time, SONIC® more than 5.4 million students in pubDrive-In matched all donations to Donor- lic schools nationwide since 2009. Visit sChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, LimeadesforLearning.com to learn about giving three Riverview teachers funds. future funding opportunities and explore Christine Schreck at Boyette Springs public school teacher requests in need of Elementary School, Amanda Bromen at support. Bridgeprep Academy of Riverview and Amanda Kovach at Lillian Symmes Elementary School all received money for Free Counseling Services From projects through the program Limeades Healing The Broken Heart To show appreciation for local first for Learning®, SONIC donated $1 million to public responders, educators, healthcare proschool teacher requests across the coun- viders and mothers, Healing The Broken try on Teacher Appreciation Day—Tues- Heart, LLC Counseling Services is offerday, May 5—supporting their endeavors ing three counseling sessions for free via to provide students with essential edu- telehealth. To learn more, email healingthebrocation resources. Conley at Independence Academy was kenheartllc@gmail.com or call 430-3113. www.healingthebrokenheartllc. among the exceptional teachers whose Visit com for more information on Healing The project received funding.
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Taco YOLO Donates Cinco De Mayo Meals
Despite having to work during a pandemic on one of the nation’s favorite holidays, employees at Brandon Regional Hospital enjoyed delicious food on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a local restaurant. Taco YOLO in FishHawk Ranch teamed up with the Newsome High School Athletic Boosters and donated meals on May 5. “We are honored to be a part of the community and were happy to donate to the brave men and women on the front lines of the pandemic helping members of our community,” said Taco YOLO’s Heath Hardin. To learn more about Taco YOLO, visit www.tacoyolo.com.
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July 2020