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June 2020
Holy Smokes Bring Messages Of Hope To The Sky For 20 years now, Florida residents have been seeing messages of hope way up in the skies, and it’s all thanks to a nonprofit that was started by local resident Gerald Stevens after Jesus told him to use his skills as a pilot and paved the way for him to start his Holy Smokes Ministry. Today, Stevens is still flying, and the plane, the funds for the jet fuel, the training for skywriting and Jerry Stevens is the pilot who does the skywriting over the the messages themselves are a area. credit to Jesus, said Stevens, who often be seen over flies every clear day he can. Disney World, Universal, The Villages, Flying out of the Winter Haven airSarasota, Riverview, Valrico and Tampa port in his Grumman Ag-Cat crop duster, Bay. Stevens said it is oil injected into the “I started flying when I was 16 years exhaust that makes the skywriting visiold and got bored with it, and then, comble. Each day before he flies, he checks ing out of church one day, Jesus says, the weather and the wind. He typically ‘You have a talent and should put it to flies at 10,000 feet to start his words, good use,’ so we’ve been doing it for 20 which can be up to 7 miles high and 3/4 years,” described Stevens. of a mile wide and can be seen from 50 “It’s really not about me or the airmiles around. plane but about how God loves us so Stevens was an entrepreneur in the much. It’s like a post-it note and it’s what furniture industry before he moved to God’s doing in the sky he created and Florida from Ohio and settled in Boca he wants people to be happy and he’s Raton. With a supportive wife, four kids sending me messages for them.” and eight grandchildren, it was while One of the very first messages that walking out of his church one morning Stevens was led to write was: 20 years ago, that he got the message “U + GOD = Smiley face.” from Jesus to skywrite. Eventually, he Some other messages that can be moved to Auburndale where he and his seen include “Jesus 4Gives Ask Now,” wife currently live and his writing can “Jesus Loves U,” and “Trust Jesus.”
By Marie Gilmore
“Before every flight, I say a prayer and I ask Jesus to fly the plane and to guide my senses and the letters come out perfect,” said Stevens. “The thing with this is that he strategically places the message for the person he wants to reach. So if you saw that message on that given day, it was not a coincidence, he placed it there for you,” he added. For funding, Stevens said, “Jesus sends us funds and they might last for a long time, but Jesus has been supporting this ministry for twenty years.” Each flight has an estimated cost of about $500 for fuel and oil. Stevens volunteers his time and doesn’t get paid. Stevens said he draws out the message he is going to write on paper and then writes it upside down from what we see on the ground as he flies about 120 miles per hour. He added, “If I wasn’t doing the skywriting, I wouldn’t fly anymore at all. I enjoy putting up the message to the people that need to be reached so they can see the message that ‘Jesus Loves U.’ Holy Smokes is a ministry and a 501(c)(3). It doesn’t have social media or a website. To reach Stevens, email him at geraldastevens@hotmail.com.
New Guidelines For The Church After Coronavirus Pandemic
New Pastor Jomo
Pg 9
Columns: Grace Notes:
Page 5
Hooked On Books:
Page 11
Your Monthly Catch: Page 14 Faith & Footprints:
Page 18
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several states have closed down and set up a stay-at-home request to avoid spreading the coronavirus. More than one million coronavirus cases and thousands of deaths have occurred in the U.S. Presently, states are preparing to reopen, and now is the perfect time to implement guidelines that will ensure people can worship God in a safe environment. These precautions are intended to prevent coronavirus outbreaks in churches and protect the well-being and health of congregations and places of worship. Every church has a friendly open door policy. In the 21st century, churches have had to put precautions in place to protect congregates. The following suggestions are intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus within churches and to help ministers deal with the problems posed by COVID-19. • Local Regulations: In order to protect the health and safety of congregations, ministers are advised to follow the guidelines of the health and medical authorities. • Hand Hygiene: At the beginning and end of church service, all leaders, members and visitors are encouraged to use hand sanitizer. • Physical Distance: Ushers and greeters can sit relatives together who attend church together. Visitors and members must be placed at a safe dis-
By Dr. Reba Haley
tance to safeguard them from contracting COVID-19. • Church Interaction: It is recommended that congregates reduce touching and maintain a healthy distance when they enter and exit. Immediately after the end of services, attendees are encouraged to limit contact, i.e., embracing, shaking of hands and greeting one another. • Offering: It is recommended that deacons or those in charge of finances wear gloves when handling cash and that congregates place the offerings and the tithes in the collection plate without touching the plate or basket. • Stay-at-Home: It is suggested that older adults and those with severe underlying medical conditions, such as chest pains, coughs or a fever, not attend church but continue to watch the service online. • Community Groups: Dr. Reba
Haley advocates providing monthly support and care groups to help individuals cope with mental illness, divorce, trauma, addiction, death, dying and domestic violence. Support and care groups offer support, encouragement and hope in Christ that can help people cope with the social and economic impact of the coronavirus. The recommendations given will help ministers adapt and cope with the ‘new normal’ brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Haley graduated from St. Thomas Christian University and Theological Seminary with a PhD in Christian counseling and a master’s degree in psychology. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a master’s degree in addiction counseling and the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a undergraduate degree in psychology. She is also a licensed marriage and family therapist, mastercertified addiction professional and addiction specialist. Dr. Haley is a public speaker, former educator, corporate trainer and pastor of Hope Alive Christian Center in Riverview. She is also an independent writer and author of training manuals and books, including The Covenant Connection: Your Best Marriage Now and Dress for Success: Put on the Whole Armour of God. For more information, visit www.drrebahaley.com or email at drrebahaley@outlook.com.
Page 2 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Page 3 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
YMCA Veggie Van Provide School Supplies And Fresh Produce For Wimauma Students
New Life Village Builds A Community Of Multigenerational Caring
When we think place feeding families livabout a desert, ing in food deserts. places like the Through this mobile proSahara or Mojave gram, the Y distributes Desert come to mind. fruits and vegetables into Yet, according to the communities like Tampa Metropolitan Wimauma durYMCA, there are 40 ing the first and locations in metropolithird weeks of tan Tampa that are each month. deemed ‘food Membership deserts.’ By definifor Veggie Van Sarah Hays, Tampa Metro Area tion, food deserts are YMCA executive director, passes out is $4 monthly and allows book bags and supplies at Veggie participants to fill two located at least 1 mile from the nearest Van stops in Wimauma on April 9. bags during one of the supermarkets or large groceries in urban stops. Fees have been suspended temareas and more than 10 miles in rural porarily. areas, residents do not have vehicles, The coronavirus and closed schools they rely on walking or public transportacaused students living in food deserts to tion and frequently shop at convenience have limited access to not only healthy stores and gas stations where prices are meals but tools needed for educational inflated, food is processed and choices success. To assist students with their disare limited. tance learning, 100 free book bags Wimauma is identified as a food stuffed with school supplies provided by desert. It is a mostly rural community situ- YMCA donors were handed out in April. ated about 30 miles from Tampa. The Sarah Hays, Tampa Metropolitan area lacks a public transit system, which Area YMCA executive director of Y necessitates residents walking miles to Before and After School Enrichment, obtain affordable groceries. Although remarked about the Wimauma Veggie many residents are farmworkers picking Van stops, “Everyone was just overfruits and vegetables, according to 83 whelmed with gratitude. Just to see the Degrees Media, their financial resources smiling faces of the kids as they were do not allow farmworkers to purchase getting their school supplies was pretty their own fresh fruits and vegetables. amazing. The need is great. Whether it’s On April 9, the YMCA in partnership food or supplies, the Y wants to continue with Veggie Van brought some muchto be there for our families during this crineeded ‘rain’ to two Wimauma food sis. We thank our generous donors who desert locations in the form of school sup- continue to support us.” plies and free bags of fresh fruits and For more information, visit www.tamvegetables. The Veggie Van program paymca.org. For Veggie Van stops, conbegan in July 2015 as a mobile market tact Lauren.Reyes@tampaymca.org.
dren from foster care,” said Hayden. As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” and NLV takes this concept literally. It pairs residents in need of services with local partner agencies to guarantee each family is receiving resources Sister Claire LeBoeuf founded New Life Village and support for For Sister Claire LeBoeuf, founding their wellness and vocational needs. New Life Village (NLV) was the culminaSeniors 55 and older that live at NLV tion of her lifelong ambition and her deter- serve as surrogate grandparents and mination to make a difference in the fosmentors to the children and families that ter care system. Sister Claire, as she is also live there. The complex also contains affectionately called, has a heart for chila playground, a pool and a 3,000-squaredren in foster care. She originally founded foot clubhouse that includes a learning this community as a way to reduce the center. Unfortunately, during COVID-19, number of children in foster care, espethe recreational activities were closed; cially those that have historically lingered however, the support among the families in the system. The mission of New Life that live there is stronger than ever. Village is to provide a supportive environ“During COVID, we partnered with ment to its 104 residents, within an interFeeding Tampa Bay to bring food to resigenerational community, for children in dents that may have been affected finanneed of a safe, stable and permanent cially by recent events,” said Hayden. family experience. Recently, the Hillsborough County According to Executive Director Board of County Commissioners recomMariah Hayden, the community has mended a 1.7 million-dollar grant to fund evolved over the years. “Hillsborough additional housing needed to meet the County has the most children in foster needs of the families that have applied to care in the state,” said Hayden. live at NLV. There will be a Lunch & Learn This 12-acre community contains 32 on Wednesday, July 15 for people to tour townhomes that house multigenerational the facility and learn more about how to family units. “The residents here range support this concept, which is the only from grandparents that are now raising one of its kind currently in Florida. their grandchildren or foster parents that To sign up, call 304-0623 or visit have taken in sibling groups, or single www.newlifevillage.org. It is located at mothers that are reunited with their chil4926 Venice Lake Ave. in Tampa.
By Gwen Rollings
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Page 4 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Neighborhoods And Businesses Get Creative To Thank Essential Workers
By Kate Quesada
Schools Thank Nutrition Services Workers
Earlier this month, schools throughout Hillsborough County found unique ways to thank the Nutrition Services employees who have worked tirelessly feeding children despite the schools being closed. Lithia Springs Elementary School in Valrico thanked its workers with a sign in front of the school.
Tessera residents opening cards from Newsome High School girls soccer team.
Newsome Girls Soccer Team Shows Heart
Players from the Newsome Girls Soccer Team showed their hearts by reaching out to the community last month. Students started out by writing thank-you notes to local emergency medical services and fire department workers and continued by sending cards and letters to the residents at the Tessera of Brandon assisted living facility. “My curiosity got the best of me and I read most of what the kids wrote,” said Coach Tina Trimborn. “It melted my heart and demonstrated that our future is bright.”
Bass Pro Shops Donated Masks
Residents in Channing Park showed their thanks to local essential workers with a homemade sign. Thank-you cards to local emergency medical services and fire department workers from the Newsome girls soccer team.
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 FishHawk resident Roger Earnheart raised thanks to a local restaurant. Taco $1,000 to feed local essential workers with a barbecue fundraiser last month. 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. Healthcare workers at Brandon Regional
Resident Hosts BBQ Fundraiser For Meals
Hospital ate meals from Taco YOLO on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a partnership between the restaurant at the Newsome Athletic Boosters.
FishHawk residents Roger and Kim Earnheart raised $1,000 last month by hosting a barbecue takeout event. Every penny of the money raised was donated to Davenport’s
ficed so much and worked so hard through the COVID-19 crisis,” said Roger. The Earnhearts donated the money raised to Peggy Davenport, who has fed thousands of workers and residents in need throughout the pandemic. Davenport used the money raised at the barbecue to provide a Mother’s Day luncheon for the staff at Brandon Regional Hospital. To learn more about Davenport’s Daily Delights’ meal donation program, visit www.davenportsdailydelights.com.
Daily Delights’ meal donation program to feed essential workers. “Quarantining at home and watching this pandemic unfold was very difficult to watch,” said Roger,
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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 medical facilities and help distribute the masks based on areas’ needs and demands. The donation will provide thousands of hard-to-find masks to every local community with a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s store, boat center, distribution center and White River Marine Group manufacturing facility—over 200 communities in total. To support their efforts, visit www.convoyofhope.org/10mm.
Free Counseling Services From Healing The Broken Heart Masks were recently donated to Brandon Regional Hospital from Bass Pro Shops.
who is very passionate about making authentic smoked barbecue and barbecue sauces from his outdoor patio smoker and grill area. “I was feeling sad and helpless and I wanted to do something to give back.” The event, held on May 2, offered takeout meals and a pickup service following social distancing rules. “We wanted to honor and thank our healthcare professionals and first responders who have sacri-
To show appreciation for local first responders, educators, healthcare providers and mothers, Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services is offering three counseling sessions for free via telehealth. To learn more, email healingthebrokenheartllc@gmail.com or call 430-3113. Visit www.healingthebrokenheartllc.com for more information on Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services.
Page 5 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Grace Notes
Developing Camel Knees By Debora Coty
James, author of the epistle and half brother of Jesus (James’ parents were Mary and Joseph), was nicknamed “Old Camel Knees” because of calluses he developed while kneeling in prayer. (Recorded in A.D. 325 by Eusebius of Caeserea in an account of church history.) Kneeling is out of vogue in some modern-day Christian circles, but for me, I find it’s the best position to get my heart in the right attitude for prayer. But what exactly is the function of prayer? How does it work? Can we really influence the Creator of all things by simple petition? For centuries, religious scholars have pondered these questions and still don’t understand. All we know for sure is that throughout His Word, Papa God repeatedly tells us to pray. The Bible even goes so far as to admonish us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17 NASB). Why would our instructions be so adamant if prayer wasn’t the nerve that moves the muscles in
the hand of God? My favorite analogy of prayer is a magnifying lens. Picture a child in a sunny field holding a magnifying glass over a blade of grass. A wisp of smoke ascends from the spot where a superheated sunbeam is trained. Soon a flame erupts. The lens serves as a focal point for the broad rays of the sun to exponentially increase their potency into a powerful beam. The way I see it, prayer similarly reins in the broad attention of Jehovah to focus His supernatural power on a specific area. We must, however, resist the temptation to view prayer as a free pass to success. The Almighty does not provide “Golden Midas Touch” tickets or “Skip to the Head of the Line” coupons because we follow a magical formula or develop three new knee calluses. But He does promise to hear every prayer. Every prayer. Even if we speak in camel. “For this reason, I kneel before the Father” (Ephesians 3:14 NIV).
Water Filter Warehouse Has New Technology To Promote Healthy Lifestyle
By Michelle Caceres
Water Filter father work in the Warehouse owner industry. Dan Kelleher said he “When I grew up I his goal is to provide worked for every residents of the brand water company Tampa Bay area to learn from each one access to the highest of them,” he said. “I quality of water in started my own comorder to promote a pany and sell the best healthier lifestyle. products that these Located at 3110 companies offer.” Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Kelleher, who Valrico, adjacent to noted, between him Kim’s Natural Pet and his employees, Foods, Water Filter they have more than Water Filter Warehouse Owner Dan Warehouse offers a 200 years of experiKelleher said every home in Florida needs a water filtration system. variety of filtration ence in the industry, systems, from water coolers to drinking said Water Filter Warehouse is a top 1 water systems to whole house water filpercent dealer for all of its manufacturers. tration systems, that will remove impuri“We don’t get that distinction for not havties such as iron, sulfur, bacteria and ing knowledge about every product they other contaminants that can be harmful to have,” he said. health, ruin appliances and stain fixtures. One relatively new concept attracting It also sells shower filters, gravity pitchers, attention in recent years is electrolyzed straws that filter water and alkaline water. water, that is generated using water, salt With Florida’s shallow aquifer (which and electricity and is an eco-friendly prodis why basements aren’t an option here), uct perfect to use for food sanitation (like anything sprayed will permeate into the fruits and vegetables), water purification aquifer and eventually contaminate the and disinfecting surfaces. water system. Poor quality water can “This system creates water that mean white spots on glassware and fixbecomes a natural disinfectant and can tures, a white, scaly buildup on shower safely kill 99.99 percent of viruses and doors, dry hair or itchy skin or a funny bacteria,” said Kelleher. smell or taste to water. Water Filter Warehouse’s store hours Water Filter Warehouse can correct are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Inthese problems with any number of prodhome consultations, which are compliucts. “We sell anything and everything mentary, can be scheduled for Mondaywater,” said Kelleher, whose passion for Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 844-H20clean water started as a young child TEAM (420-8326) or go to www.thewatergrowing up in Virginia and watching his filterwarehouse.com.
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Page 6 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Great Time To Get Legal Affairs In Order At Tom Gallo Law
By Michelle Caceres
“You can’t months to a year to take it with you,” complete,” he said. said Florida “To avoid probate, Attorney Thomas make sure that a will J. Gallo, P.A. “And or trust is in place so when it comes to assets can more making your wishquickly go to heirs.” es known about Located at 2240 how you want Lithia Center Ln. in your estate (all Valrico, Gallo has your earthly posmore than 40 years of sessions) divided, experience in managdoing nothing is ing complex estate often the wrong planning, tax planning answer.” and asset protection, Writing out a guardianship, trust will, making plans and estate administrafor end-of-life tion, business strucmedical care and turing and succession Tom Gallo with Tom Gallo Law says establishing every individual needs an exit strategy planning for clients. because you can’t take it with you. trusts (if you are Business owners using them) are in particular want to just some of the issues make sure that their busievery individual should nesses will be protected, he address, sooner rather said. “Even if you just own than later. one rental property there “Everyone needs a are strategies to protect will or a trust, whether that asset that I can help your family is large or with.” small, whether you are The first consultation single, married, divorced or remarwith Gallo is complimentary. During ried,” he said. “Everyone should make that initial visit, Gallo will have a consure that their assets go to the person versation with the client about what’s or persons they want them to go to.” important to them. In Florida, if you die without a “By getting to know a client’s will—called dying intestate—the goals, fears and hopes, I can make a courts, using succession laws found better assessment of what they have, in the Florida Probate Code, will what they want to do and devise a decide how your assets will be distrib- plan to help them accomplish those uted to your heirs. That process is goals,” he said. “It’s goes beyond just public and often messy if would-befilling out forms.” heirs have competing priorities and Tom Gallo Law’s office hours are conflicting notions of what is rightfully Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and theirs. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Did a family member die without a “Come in so we can talk or if you will or trust in place? Gallo says his prefer we can talk on the phone or via firm can represent individuals through Zoom,” said Gallo. the probate process, but it tends to be For more information about Tom costlier and take more time. Gallo Law, visit www.tomgallolaw.com “Probate can take from five or six or call 815-4LAW (815-4529).
Next Level Church Responds To COVID-19 Outbreak By Sending Letters Of Hope
Staff Report
Millions across America and in our region are struggling with loneliness and isolation in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and Next Level Church has decided to step in and make a difference for people throughout the community who have either been impacted by the virus or are serving on the front lines. People, churches and organizations are looking for ways to do something meaningful and impactful while maintaining social distancing, and that’s why Next Level Church came up with the idea of sending letters to residents of nursing homes and other isolated environments as well as in support of doctors, nurses, the police, firefighters, the National Guard and grocery workers, among others. The church is providing ready-to-print letterheads and templates for people to follow and already has received nearly 6,000 requests for letters from community organizations in just a few days. We are even sending a letter of hope to every firefighter in Hillsborough county! Next Level Church Lead Pastor Joshua Gagnon said, “There has been a huge response from community leaders asking for the letters immediately and we feel that this is a tangible way that anyone can make a difference safely. We are simply trying to be a conduit between those in need and those willing to meet the need for
community and connections in this unprecedented challenge.” “We have always believed that the most important thing we can offer to our community is love and care. Before anyone wants to hear us teach a message or speak about hope and love, they want to see those things in action,” added Pastor Gagnon. The staff, led by Pastor Gagnon, who is also the author of a new book called It’s Not Over: Leaving Behind Disappointment and Learning to Dream Again, and volunteers at all of Next Level’s locations are accepting requests for more letters and are also looking for more volunteers to help in writing them. If you want to learn more or sign up, you can visit www.nextlevel.church/letters today. To watch Next Level Church’s online church services, visit Next Level Church Online at online.nextlevel.church and choose from one of the many times available. ABOUT NEXT LEVEL CHURCH Next Level Church is a multisite church with locations throughout the East Coast and at Church Online famous for its annual Helicopter Egg Drop among many other generous, community-oriented events and has been named one of the fastest growing churches in America five times. The church was founded by Pastor Joshua Gagnon, author of It’s Not Over: Leaving Behind Disappointment and Learning to Dream Again, and has become known for its authenticity, creativity and ability to be relevant to all people. Learn more about Next Level Church at www.nextlevel.church.
TwoLocal Chapters Networking and Fellowship for Christian Business People BRANDON Every Monday from 8:00am until 9:15am
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Page 7 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Bikes For Christ Continues To Support Need Through COVID-19
Staff Report
While most businesses shut down during the month of April due to COVID-19, Bikes For Christ continued to be out in the field helping those in need. “Actually, very few of the organizations that we work with shut their doors, as the need for services only increased during this time,” said Bikes For Christ President and Founder Pat Simmons. Simmons founded Bikes For Christ in 2016 with the goal of helping those in need while also sharing the love of God. The organization now provides transportation across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties with the mission of one day being nationwide. In mid-May, Bikes For Christ worked with Dept. Footman of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Ruskin to help a special lady. “Deputy Footman has been work-
ing with Shelia; who is homeless, living in a camp and also suffers from Cerebral Palsy,” said Simmons. “Because of her condition, she cannot ride a regular bike, so we were able to provide her with a three-wheeler. While presenting her with the bike, I was also able to tell her about the lights we get from Florida Department of Transportation and provide her with a copy of the Gospel of John furnished by the The Pocket Testament League. We pray that these gifts help her not only get on the road to success but also lead down a road to an eternal kingdom.” Simmons believes that he shows God’s love through providing bicycles for those in need and hopes that he is able to lead them to a life in His eternal kingdom. “We appreciate all the support we get from the community and it is needed now more than ever, with many suffering sever financial loss and now needing good, reliable transportation to get around,” he explained. To learn more about Bikes For Christ and how you can help, visit www.Bikes4Christ.com. Simmons can be reached at 533-9177 or admin@Bikes4Christ.com.
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2240 LITHIA CENTER LANE VALRICO 33596 THOMAS@TOMGALLOLAW.COM
813-815-4529
The Church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 9 a.m.-1p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Masses will be streamed behind closed doors and uploaded to the St. Anne website and Facebook page. Please check the St. Anne website and e-blasts for fu rther information.
Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
Page 8 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
YMCA Receives $50,000 Assistance From United Way Suncoast
The Mighty Miracles Of Jesus Restoring The Ear Of A Slave
Staff Report
Committed At this crucial moment, to ensuring when our communities working families need us more than in Tampa Bay ever, we appreciate the have access to continued support of childcare, the community partners, Tampa like United Way Metropolitan Suncoast.” Area YMCA is The Tampa YMCA pleased to is using the funds to announce a offer all-day youth relief The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA $50,000 gift care at 11 centers for recently received a $50,000 gift from from United families who must conUnited Way Suncoast. Way Suncoast. The emergency funds are tinue to work during the COVID-19 crisis part of a more than $1.2 million of while their kids are out of school. The Y’s COVID-19 emergency assistance from youth relief care provides academic supthe United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 port and structure to help children mainResponse and Recovery Fund being distain their learning while also enjoying tributed to human services agencies enriching activities. across the Florida Suncoast to support “It is our job to raise funds, awarehousing/shelter, food, childcare, financial ness of need and mobilize volunteers for stability and mental health services. the critical services needed during this cri“Schools play such a vital role in sis. United Way Suncoast is proud to keeping kids safe, engaged and nourpartner with Tampa YMCA. This funding ished. While school’s out, there is a huge is being put to work to support working gap in the community to provide those families in our community,” said Jessica services,” stated Tampa YMCA President Muroff, CEO of United Way Suncoast. and CEO Matt Mitchell. “Thanks to the “United Way Suncoast, our donors generous support of United Way and volunteers are working hard to serve Suncoast, the Y can provide a safe and our community at a time of greatest need. nurturing environment for the children of Our region’s business community and first responders, healthcare professionals many generous individuals have conand other essential workers who play tributed to our COVID-19 Response and important roles keeping us safe and Recovery Fund to ensure that we have healthy. This generous gift helps the Y the immediate resources to support the serve these critical needs at a very nomimost vulnerable in our community,” said nal fee for these individuals who are riskUnited Way CEO Jessica Muroff. ing a lot. We want to make sure, at least For more, visit www.unitedwaysunin this part of their life, they can have coast.org. To learn more about the some normalcy and not have any worry. YMCA, visit www.tampaymca.org.
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By Kelly Wise Valdes
During the course of His ministry, Jesus performed more than 40 miracles, including healing the sick, changing the natural elements of nature and even raising people from the dead. A miracle is considered an event that occurs outside the bounds of natural law. Each month we will take a closer look at one of His miracles. Understanding the miracles of Jesus can change your life and it all begins with believing through faith. In Luke, chapter 22, we learn about the impending arrest of Jesus. His disciples were upset at the sight of Roman soldiers ready to take Jesus away. During the chaos of the moment, the disciple Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, a young slave of the Jewish high priest. Malchus had been sent several times to be the spy for the high priest by the name of Caiaphas. In verses 47-50, we learn of the betrayal by Judas with a kiss. “When
Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.” Peter, who cut off Malchus’ ear, had a history of impulsive behavior. He loved Jesus deeply, but he sometimes let his strong emotions interfere with his judgment. Jesus reprimanded the violence, immediately dropped to his knees and miraculously healed the servant’s ear. In verses 51-53, we are told, “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” This healing was the last miracle that Jesus performed before his crucifixion. In this hostile situation, Jesus could have chosen to perform a miracle for his own benefit, to avoid his arrest and ultimately his death, but he chose instead to perform a miracle to help someone else. Malchus’ experience shows us that Jesus’ love was omnipresent. He was betrayed and unfairly arrested at that very moment, yet all that He had for this high priest’s servant was love. The Bible doesn’t mention of Malchus after this, but one can imagine that his life and heart was changed after his personal encounter with the very gracious and forgiving God.
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Page 9 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Pastor’s Corner Jomo Cousins, PhD The Centurion’s Faith
Matthew 8:1-4, Amplified Bible (AMP) Jesus Cleanses a Leper; The Centurion’s Faith 1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. 2 A leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You are able to make me clean (well).” 3 Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest [for inspection] and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony (evidence) to them [of your healing].” In this story, a leper comes to Jesus the miracle worker in need of a miracle. At this time in the Bible, leprosy was an incurable disease that destined you to a life of isolation, pain, suffering and ridicule. So, the
By Pastor Jomo Cousins, PhD
leper approached Jesus with the request. Notice how he addresses Jesus as Lord. The word ‘Lord’ and falling to his knees signifies worship. He then let Jesus know that he knows that He has the power to heal. With this, the leper displays his faith in Jesus. It is believed that this was the first leper healed by Jesus. It’s incredible to see Jesus reach out His hand to the untouchable. I can’t imagine how this leper must have felt to have someone touch him, for lepers were untouchable. Not to mention the touch being from Jesus. We don’t know the last time this leper had a touch from another person, but imagine your first touch coming from Jesus. Jesus has just broken the rules for those who had a transmittable sickness and disease. It’s a wonderful thing to serve a God that thinks the best of us while looking at the worst of us. Except from: Prayer Life: The Conversation, Page 169.
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Page 10 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Homebound Residents Receive Home-Cooked Meals From Greater Brandon Meals On Wheels
By Gwen Rollings
There is a Monday as dedismall army of volcated volunteers unteers who prepare approximeet every mately 100 Monday. Reveille meals, it is a is early in the complex and kitchen at well-executed Westminster operation. Allen Church of is in charge of Brandon. The planning each objective must be week’s menu Hillary’s Helpers, back row (L-R): Martin Murphy, and purchases accomplished Jan Leathers, Susan Friederichsen, Pastor Wes the food usually before 14:00 Holland, Geraldine Campbell and Maribel Fox. hours (2 p.m. Front row (L-R): Hilary Eklund, Jack Holloway, on Sundays. Hillary Allen, Richard Miller and JoEllen Miller. Pastor Wes civilian time) that day. Its mission never changes: to preHolland picks up donated bread from pare and deliver nourishing mid-days Panera Bread also on Sundays. meals on Mondays to those in the Normally, 10 ‘kitchen crew’ volunteers Brandon community to enrich the indearrive early at the church to prepare the pendent lives of homebound residents. food, then another 10 drivers transport The ‘code name’ of this operation is the meals to those in need. Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels, Inc. According to Eklund, “Fifty-nine perThere are many individuals on this cent of home-delivered meal recipients team ensuring its success, like Jack live alone, and for many of them, the perHolloway, route coordinator, who mainson delivering the meal is often the only tains the weekly deliveries. However, person they will see that day.” Eklund many suggest Hillary Allen, chief chef, also said that the program is truly a misshould be given the honorary title of sersion of many hearts and many hands. geant major for achieving ‘mission Westminster Presbyterian donates by accomplished’ each week. Volunteer providing the kitchen, paper goods, elecHilary Eklund came up with an idea to tricity, utensils and pastor-power. give Allen special recognition for donating Although not associated with a so much of her time and heart. Recently, national organization, Greater Brandon Allen was surprised as each kitchen volMeals on Wheels started in 1976 with unteer was presented with a unique unithree churches and has grown to 18 form…an apron with ‘Hillary’s Helpers’ churches dedicated to providing hot embroidered on it by volunteer JoEllen meals five days a week for homebound Miller. people unable to prepare their own Although Westminster Church on home-cooked meals. Visit www.brandonLumsden Rd. is bustling with activity each mealsonwheels.com.
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Page 11 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Honoring Your Father On Father’s Day
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a father as “a man who gives care and protection to someone or something.” To many children, a father is the smartest, strongest, fastest and most handsome man in the world. As children grow into adults, and if they had a kind father or father figure in their lives, they often consider that person has their role model, hero and support system. On Sunday, June 21, we will recognize and celebrate Father’s Day. This day may be painful for some who have lost their dad or perhaps grew up without one, but God is always the ultimate Father, with absolute love, forgiveness and understanding. Regardless of your current circumstances this Father’s Day, know that God the Father loves you without condition. Deuteronomy 1:31: "There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son...”
The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers: Becoming the Father Your Children Need By Ken R. Canfield, PhD This faith-based book is written in both an easy-to-understand and practical manner. It’s the first book to analyze the habits and characteristics of fathers across the country. Learn from the secrets collected from ordinary dads who are considered by professionals, peers and their churches to be effective fathers..
What God Wants Every Dad to Know: The Most Important Principles You Can Teach By James Merritt
Through a personable and engaging style, this book offers fathers invaluable life principles from the Book of Proverbs that can be passed on to their children. The advice of King Solomon on finances, work, friendships, faith and other important values are as important today as they were years ago. It encourages dads to teach godly wisdom to their children in this increasingly secular world.
Brave Dad: Raising Your Kids to Love and Follow God By John MacArthur Become a ‘dad who leads’ and leave a godly legacy for your children, grandchildren and the generations that follow. This best-selling book shares time-tested wisdom on the importance of prioritizing your marriage relationship, nurturing faith and obedience, providing loving and effective discipline, avoiding common parenting mistakes and recognizing the power and blessing entrusted to fathers.
The Dad Book By Jay Payleitner From a veteran ‘Dadmeister’ of five grown kids comes a handy, humorous volume of bite-size readings to help you become the best dad you can be. Get man-to-man advice on how to engage your kids, pick-me-up reminders that God is parenting in the trenches with you, tips for teaching children by showing instead of telling and other practical help for dads.
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Page 12 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Roundtable Cancels 63rd Fourth Of July Parade But Moves Forward With Mayor’s Race
Facebook Restaurant Group Helps Restaurants And Attracts Thousands
date, Valrico resident Dawn Marshall. Traditionally, The Honorary Mayor of Brandon race consists of community members declaring their candidacy and fundraising for local charities during the month leading up to the parade. Every dollar raised is donated to Brandon area nonprofits. Whoever earns the most money for their designated charities earns The Community Roundtable will not host the Brandon the title. But as Marshall is Fourth of July Parade this summer. the only candidate this year, Despite The Community Roundtable she automatically receives the title. Board of Directors’ difficult decision earlier Marshall will be raising money for this month to cancel the Sixty-Third John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade, and has already planned virtual events the group’s Honorary Mayor’s Race is including an online ball and a Facebook kicking off in June with the goal of helping auction. Once elected, she is also plana local charity when it needs it the most. ning to put together a cabinet with posiAccording to The Community tions including Dog Catcher, Town Cryer, Roundtable’s President Janine Nickerson, Hush Money Specialists and more, for the board thought long and hard and con- which she will be accepting bribes, sulted with the Sheriff’s Office Homeland “Our big goal, to raise funds for local Security Division about the decision to charities, is even more important than cancel the parade, which is one of the ever in these times,” said Nickerson. largest in the state of Florida, but decided Nickerson and the board are planit needed to put safety first. ning for next year’s parade and encour“It was a very disappointing decision age residents to start thinking about volfor our Brandon tradition,” said Nickerson. unteering now. To learn more about The “But we felt that cancelling was the only Community Roundtable and The way we could be sure to keep our particiHonorary Mayor of Brandon, call 661pants and spectators safe during this 4350 or visit www.thecommunityroundtime.” table.org. However, Nickerson and the board Look for a full story on Marshall and are excited to announce that in another her campaign in next month’s edition of unprecedented turn, this year’s Honorary The Osprey Observer. Mayor’s Race will have only one candi-
Local realtor favorite dishes Brenda Wade and deals, memhad an idea last bers also started month that brightposting giveened the lives of aways and conthousands of tests and rallying quarantined residonations to prodents while helpvide food to ing restaurants essential workers through some and recognition hard times. of single parents Wade set up on Mother’s Day. the private But the best Facebook group thing for Wade ‘Restaurants in about the group Greater Brandon is how it has & Tampa Area brought the comFishHawk resident Rebecca Long was Offering Delivery recognized by the Restaurants in Greater munity together. & Take Out’ and “I have been Brandon & Tampa Area Offering Delivery & within days it had Take Out Facebook page on Mother’s Day. so impressed by thousands of followers and hundreds how positive everyone has been and of posts a week offering support to how they have rallied when they saw local restaurants. a need,” she said. “I feel we have “I eat out frequently and was still added value to some folks that needgrabbing takeout and noticed how ed us.” terribly slow the restaurants were,” Despite the fact that restaurants said Wade. “I just wanted to help. I are now starting to open with quaranhad a friend in Canada that had start- tine restrictions lifting, Wade feels ed a group and I felt we should try it there is still a role for the group. here.” “I see us continuing to support Wade started spreading the word them and using it to promote the about the group through her family independent food providers,” she and real estate contacts and it quickexplained. “We have lots of hidden ly gained momentum. gems in our community. There are “This community is close-knit and ones I didn’t know about and I think will rally for what they believe in,” she it’s important to support local.” said. “We all want our neighbors and Search for ‘Restaurants in friends to survive this black swan.” Greater Brandon & Tampa Area In addition to posts from resiOffering Delivery & Take Out’ on dents and restaurant owners about Facebook to learn more.
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By Kate Quesada
Page 13 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Curry Law Group To Pursue COVID-19 Claims For Area Businesses
Staff Report
location in mid-April, but it is by creating a dangerous physical a far cry from her regular condition on business premises. revenue. Federal government leaders, both She made her business at the White House and in interruption claim around Congress, have also said they April 2—and was quickly believe insurance companies denied. Her insurance comshould be honoring their policies. pany claims viruses aren’t Clif Curry, owner and founder covered in her policy. of Curry Law Group, learned Other insurance compaabout this issue after speaking nies are saying that losses with Pierola and other business due to COVID-19 are not owners and wanted to help. covered because there is no Curry Law Group has repre“physical damage,” such as a sented clients in Brandon and fire or flooding. Curry Law throughout Hillsborough county for Group does not agree with over 30 years. It has been Curry Law Group is helping small businesses with their COVID-19 Business Insurance Claims. the insurance companies. retained to represent clients all The claims they’re preparing over the Tampa Bay area in comBrandon’s Curry contend that businesses can plex litigation of all types. Curry Law Group is now make a claim on their commercial has been awarded the prestigious representing local liability. ‘A-V’ rating by Martindale-Hubbel businesses and Curry Law Group is stating for attorneys that have been voted restaurants with that COVID-19 causes physical by judges and lawyers to have the coronavirus-related property damage and business top rating in both legal ability and claims against income loss due to the virus’ pro- ethics. insurance compaclivity to attach to surfaces for To learn more, visit www.currynies. prolonged periods of time, therelawgroup.com or call 653-2500. After being denied her business interruption insurance claim losses from COVID-19, Celebrating Jeannie Pierola, Pierola was forced to close all 3 2 years chef-owner of Tampa staple in business! three restaurants on March 18, Air Conditioning & Heating restaurants Counter Culture, but reservations started going Edison and Swigamajig, is workdown in early March due to the ing with Curry Law Group to purpandemic. The restaurants started Sunairtampa.com | 813-684-9919 with New Install sue her claim. Family Owned and Operated for 32 Years a pop-up from the Counter Culture CAC044863
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Page 14 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Your Monthly Catch Local Happenings In Our Community The St. Vincent Food Pantry At St. Stephen Church Is Open
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is open to people in our area that are in need or may have recently lost their jobs. The pantry operates at St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Rd. in Riverview off of Boyette Rd. Pantry hours are Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-thru in front of the church’s Family Life Center. Visitors will stay in their car and voluteers wearing face masks and gloves will load the food directly into the car so there is no contact between people. Donations of food and/or money are also accepted on Friday mornings between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon. Drop-offs can be made a the drive-thru in front of the Family Life Center. Checks should be made out to SvdP.
YMCA To Open Camps
As long as it aligns with the governor’s reopening plan, the Tampa YMCA is moving forward with plans to safely start summer day camp on Monday, June 1. The safety of campers and staff is a top priority and the YMCA is committed to making summer camps just as safe as the emergency Youth Relief Care currently offered at more than 20 YMCA locations across Tampa Bay. After providing 10 weeks of Youth Relief Care for children of essential workers, Y staff are very experienced in keeping children and staff safe. For details on how the YMCA is adapting to these changes, please visit www.tampaymca.org/programs/camp/s ummer-camp.
County Fairgrounds Host Drive-In Water Circus
During these difficult and uncertain times with social distancing playing an important role in our daily lives, what better way for the entire family to witness first-class live entertainment than from the safety for their car? Just like the old-time drive-in theaters, visitors of the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds can view an all-new water circus with one-of-a-kind attractions
featuring performers from around the globe. The 30-minute act includes acrobats, jugglers, hula hoops, aerialists and features the only jet ski cyclone daredevil duo in North America. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Shows take place at 12 Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from ThursdaySunday, June 4-7 and 12 Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Thursday-Sunday, June 11-14. Cars will be parked 6 feet apart and parking will begin 30 minutes before the show and will be first-come, first-served. Viewers must remain in their vehicles, and there are no bathrooms or waste facilities. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.
Relief For Special Needs Families
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, especially those of families that have children and young adults with autism. Part of Experienced Autism Alliance’s mission is to assist families, this is why it has created the Special Need Family Relief Program. Its goal is to help provide relief during this time of need. Donations can be dropped at Dickey’s Barbeque Pit on 10463 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview between 11a.m. - 9p.m. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact Experienced Autism Alliance at www.ea-all.org.
Library Book Drops Reopen
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is working to restore library services to its customers in a gradual and safe manner. The first step is to open book drops to accept returns at locations such as Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Book drops will be Monday-Friday and you can return books there regardless of where you borrowed them from. Your returned items will be placed into quarantine and will still appear as ‘checked out’ on your account. They will be checked in when safety and staffing permit. Check HCPLC.org for the latest library information.
FIT4MOM Moves Classes Online
By Michelle Caceres
Moms with FishHawk resident young children may Laci Bellora was feel like their days pleasantly surprised are running together, that she was able to as the amount of time duplicate its programs spent in the kitchen in a virtual environhas skyrocketed and ment. “Through this the walls are starting pandemic and saferto close in. One local at-home orders, group is helping FIT4MOM FishHawk moms find relief. hasn’t skipped a beat Bloomingdale and has continued to resident Brittany offer so much love and Wade has found solvalue to our local ace in FIT4MOM, a moms,” she said. “It’s community of moms FIT4MOM is keeping its members safe really important for offering fitness and by hosting online fitness classes and moms to have that playgroups. wellness programs to mom-to-mom connecmake them strong in body, mind and tion right now.” spirit. The group offers more than a dozen Before the safer-at-home order, online workouts throughout the week. In Wade enjoyed attending daily in-person addition to offering fitness programs, group workout classes, her outlet as she FIT4MOM offers weekly playgroups for adjusted to the demands of motherhood moms and their kids with daily activities (she gave birth to Adelynn in October). like crafts, show-and-tell, dance parties After social distancing rules took effect, and story time along with Moms’ Night her need for a physical outlet to help Out social gatherings. relieve stress became more important. “In these uncertain times, we feel it’s As a result of this new situation, especially critical to continue to provide FIT4MOM began to offer livestreamed community,” said Bellora, who is waiting fitness classes. At the moment, these on guidance from the governor and the live online classes are the closest you county on when she can transition back can get to a group workout experience— to in-person classes. and its filling a need for many in the Her plan will be to transition back Lithia area. slowly. “I think our plan will be a moms“I am forever grateful to FIT4MOM only class in the evening then eventually for helping me during this time,” Wade move back to stroller-based classes,” said. “It’s my outlet and has helped me she said. stay sane and connect with other For more information about moms.” FIT4MOM or to sign up, visit www.fishFIT4MOM Franchise Owner and hawk.fit4mom.com or call 486-1295.
Page 15 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
BAPTIST 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
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
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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Page 16 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
The Resting Place Church Begins In-Person Gatherings In New Ways & Helps Local Businesses
By Taylor Wells
we’re responding to what was taught and what we saw in the words, and it’s proven to be really powerful,” he said. Until the church reopened, it held all its gatherings online, but Hyers noted that something felt lost when doing them online. “It was good, but it wasn’t the same, because when you’re all together in one place, all together singing to the Lord the same song The Resting Place Church reopens for in-person in the same space, it’s a very differgatherings with a few changes. ent experience,” said Hyers. As we all carefully try reopening and TRPC also seeks to help out local take precautions for safety along the businesses that have been struck hard way, a local church, The Resting Place by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has Church (TRPC), is happy that it can start already reached out to seven businessin-person gatherings again. Of course, es—Sabor A Mexico, The Revolution Ice things can’t completely go back to norCream Co., Moreno Bakery, Chicago’s mal quite yet, so the church has set up Best Burgers, Flow Fitness Boutique, some new ways to do gatherings. The Nail Nook at Flow and Chuck’s The church is now gathering in person on Sundays at 9 and 11:15 a.m., and Natural Fields Market. The church helped by promoting gatherings will include 15 minutes of worthem and purchasing gift cards, which ship, followed by a message, then endwere given away online along with links ing with worship. It will have gatherings to each business’ website and social on Saturdays at 6 p.m. as well and media pages. TRPC plans on reaching Bilingual Sunday (Spanish and English) out to the community to help in the services at 6 p.m. “One switch I was talking to the Lord future. Hyers believes the future looks good about, I felt in my heart, what if we taught first and then responded and worshiped? for TRPC as it will soon be 100 percent reopened and the longing for community So that’s one of the major changes that and togetherness means churchgoers we’ve implemented now that we are reopened,” said Caleb Hyers, senior pas- will be more engaged with God and one another than ever before. tor at TRPC. The Resting Place Church is located “We have a song of thanksgiving at at 217 Hobbs St., Ste. 106 in Tampa. For the beginning, but then we actually open more information, visit trptampa.com or the Word of God and teach and then we call 402-8086. go into our full-time of worship where
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Page 17 • christianvoicemonthly.com •June 2020
Buy A Steer For Quality Beef In Bulk From Local Farm Wilkinson Cattle Co.
All Pro Dad To Hold Virtual Meetings To Continue Strengthening Father-Child Relationships
By Taylor Wells
By Taylor Wells
Anyone wanting from. to get their beef in “I’m very much bulk and help out about the humane life local businesses in of these animals as this trying time of well as the processquarantine should ing. From the take a look at moment they’re in my Wilkinson Cattle Co., hands and then the which sells live steers moment they’re that are processed handed off to the for high-quality beef processor, I want after the purchase. them to be handled The farm prides in the correct way,” A calf at Wilkinson Cattle Co. itself on raising its said Charlotte cattle humanely and naturally as well as Wilkinson. providing buyers with custom purchases, She cares a lot for her animals, so meaning they can purchase a steer in she earned a Beef Quality Assurance cerportions as small as a quarter and decide tification and took classes at the how their portions are processed. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Wilkinson Cattle Co.’s standards of Agricultural Sciences to ensure that she’s steer readiness and raising are such that, doing everything she can to raise them to if, for instance, a steer hasn’t reached its the best of her ability. It’s important to her weight goal, the farm will put that steer on that the steers are happy, healthy and hold until it’s ready. All the steers are naturally raised, so things like growth horraised at its farm and most of the steers mones aren’t used. are born there, so it knows everything As steers need time to grow to the about them. farm’s standards, customers must contact All that combined means quality beef the farm and get their names on steers is assured and a priority. Also, those purahead of time. The prices for a quarter of chasing a steer will not see a picture of a steer and half of one depend on the that steer, since many don’t want to. Of weight of it and includes processing the course, people are welcome to visit the steer, so contact Wilkinson Cattle Co. to farm, see the animals and learn about the find out how much your steer portion and whole process. processing will cost. What’s more, Wilkinson Cattle Co. is For more information, see updates based in Plant City and it processes its and to get your name on a steer to fill steers through a local, USDA-inspected your freezer, contact Wilkinson Cattle Co. butcher, so the entire operation is local, through its Facebook page at customers will be helping two businesses facebook.com/Wilkinson-Cattle-Coand they’ll know where the beef comes 102938997956253.
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his chapter members have strengthened fatherchild connections through their meetings at the local school, which usually 150 or more members attend. “All Pro Dad is just really connecting dads and kids,” said Gaffney, “and encouraging and reminding the dads that, let’s be a hero in our house and in our community, let our kids see us in Dads of Bevis Elementary All Pro Dad singing “You are that role. And that’s hopeMy Sunshine” to the children. fully what we’ve done this year.” All Pro Dad—a fatherhood proActivities that his chapter has gram of Family First, a Tampa-based, done include building a bench for the national nonprofit—will continue its school’s playground; going to a Bucs mission of bringing dads together with game; dads telling their kids what their kids through its All Pro Dad about them they’re proud of and vice Virtual Chapter Guide, which will proversa; kids playing games to learn and vide existing All Pro Dad Chapters practice topics like leadership, reliabiliaccess to tools and resources to conty and self-control; doing a clay shoottinue regular breakfast chapter meeting fundraiser to support the nonprofit ings in a virtual space. Operation Lotus, helping families in Through these chapters’ monthly need; and much more. school gatherings, dads and their kids Of course, moms and other family engage in meaningful conversations members are welcome and encourand activities centered around a charaged to join the meetings, but the acter-based curriculum, and in a time emphasis is on father-child relationwhen physical interaction and socialships. With the pandemic situation, ization is not possible, All Pro Dad Gaffney and his chapter seek to conbelieves father-child connections tinue the meetings however they can, should remain a priority—virtually or including virtually. otherwise. “Fathers have an incredible role to All Pro Dad Virtual Chapter Guide materials include directions for running play in their children’s lives, particularly during times of uncertainty,” said a chapter meeting with Zoom®. It will Tony Dungy, co-founder of All Pro Dad. help leaders navigate virtual meeting “Though current circumstances prenuances while listing upcoming dates vent us from coming together physicalfor online All Pro Dad Chapter meetly, the All Pro Dad Virtual Chapter ings, which will be made available to Guide will allow chapter members to those who are unable to host a virtual gathering on their own. Current All Pro gather remotely to continue building Dad team captains can access materi- relationships and making memories.” For more information on the All als through their chapter’s online Pro Dad program, where to find a local dashboard. chapter or how to start your own chapJim Gaffney, leader of the Bevis ter, visit allprodadchapters.com. Elementary All Pro Dad Chapter, and
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Page 18 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Live Like You Mean It I Dare You To Hope By Kelly Wise Valdes
Panagia Kapnikarea – Athens, Greece
At the center of Athens on perhaps the busiest commercial street in the capital city, you will find one of the most important monuments of Byzantine architecture: a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as Panagia Kapnikarea. The church was built at the beginning of the 11th century on the ruins of an ancient temple. The architectural design of Kapnikarea is considered architecturally unique with its multifaceted structure that is created by three different parts: the main church at the southern part, which is may have been the diocese of a monastery; the chapel at the northern part; and the outer narthex at the western side. Most of the icons inside the church are painted by the artist Photis Kontoglou and his pupils, a school of hagiography (studies of the saints). The art was strongly influenced by Byzantine tradition. In 1942, Kontoglou painted the Greek version of the Virgin Mary at the arch
of the church, which was his first monumental work. It was completed in 1955 with the help of his students. The paintings on the walls of the vaulted narthex show western influences and are the work of an unknown artist and date from approximately 1900. The beautiful mosaic outside the church was created by Elli Voila in 1936. The church is filled with history and during the Greek Independence War, it was damaged, as were other the monuments in Athens. In 1834, plans were made to demolish the church, but it was saved after the intervention of the King of Bavaria, Ludwig I. Today, the church belongs to the University of Athens and continues to be a unique part of the city’s history, attracting thousands of locals and tourists who walk inside each day to light a candle, say a prayer and visit the sacred site. For more information, visit https://kapnikarea.wordpress.com/.
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By Derek Maul “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers,” – 1 Timothy 4:10. “If Jesus had remained in the tomb, we never would have been bothered with something so intrusive as hope,” – Rebekah Maul. I’ve got to tell you, this idea really grabbed me one recent Sunday morning. The sermon was a compelling message from beginning to end, but this one phrase, this one idea, so captures the heart of the gospel that I had to write it down. We talked about it after church over lunch, and then again later (there are certain advantages to being married to the preacher). “That’s one distinct difference between hope and wishful thinking,” I said. “Often we don’t hope, or we walk away from hope, because we literally don’t dare to hope. It’s not that we are afraid of being disappointed, but that we don’t dare to hope because we are afraid of what hope will require of us…” Our hope is not for God so much as our hope is in God. Like faith, hope is something of substance, rooted in a very real relationship we have with our
Creator. This speaks to the intrusiveness of hope, because it comes out of our active, purposeful engagement with God. At its simplest form, we hope because our hearts tell us that, “Jesus loves me, this I know.” It’s a song that needs to find its way back into the adult consciousness. If we are not careful, we can lose touch with such uncluttered expressions of our faith. Here’s the point: I dare you to hope. I dare you to allow the intrusiveness of God’s initiatives of grace, mercy, light, love and encouragement to carry you into the future. I dare you to let enough of Jesus in that you are remade by hope. I dare you to stop wishing for and recognize who you find your hope in. Because of hope - Derek 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
Page 19 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Grow Into You Foundation Announces Virtual 5K And Photo Contest
Residents Shower High School Seniors Through Facebook Connection
Register Now value and worth in through June 16 for the world. The Grow Into You EVENT Foundation Virtual INFORMATION 5K which will proVIRTUAL 5K vide mentoring for You may run foster teens in the your virtual 5K Tampa Bay comanytime in the munity. Join us any month of June. To Virtual 5K to support Grow Into You. time in the month receive your of June to run a medal, email us single 5K or a series of 5Ks! All with a picture of your proof of participants will receive a medal time (watch or phone tracker). and printable bib. 5K Series parMedals and t-shirts will be mailed ticipants will be eligible for our to all participants by the end of Grand Prize Drawing! T-Shirts July! available for an additional fee. VIRTUAL 5K SERIES All participants will also have access You may run your virtual 5K anytime to our GIYF Virtual 5K photo contest, with in the month of June. You may run it as a prizes going to: series of 5Ks or as a single 15K. To Best costume, Most excited runner, receive your medal and commemorative Most treacherous terrain, Most deterpin, email us with a picture of your proof mined runner, Most coordinated race out- of time (watch or phone tracker). Medals, fit, Most running gear worn pins, and t-shirts will be mailed to all parWHY SUPPORT GROW INTO YOU ticipants by the end of July! FOUNDATION? PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY The Foster Care system is in crisis. All participants may enter our photo There are not enough foster homes to contest by emailing your photos to care for all the children displaced from erin@growintoyoufoundation.org. their families. Teens in the system end up Prizes to all photo contest winners! in group homes. When they age out at 18 www.growintoyoufoundation.orgGrow years old, they have very little support. Into You Foundation provides coaching These teens frequently end up on the and mentoring services as well as housstreets, facing homelessness, human traf- ing to individuals aging out of the foster ficking, hunger, drugs, and jail. Grow Into care system. Grow Into You focuses on You Foundation offers mentoring and shifting perspectives, restoring power and coaching to teens as they age out of fosplanting hope in the most forgotten memter care. This gives them a fighting bers of our society. Helping these teens chance to pursue education, employovercome their hardships and become ment, and shelter. More than that, it the best version of themselves is what allows these foster teens to discover their Grow Into You Foundation is all about!
The onset of COVIDseniors in public, private, 19 has meant cancelled or charter schools request proms, graduation cereto join the page and post monies and celebrations a photo of themselves (or for high school seniors. multiple photos) along But local resident Elena with a detailed bio. Then, Dench refuses to let this potential sponsors join the year’s senior class end page, read about the stutheir high school career dents and choose a senior without a memorable way to sponsor. Once they to celebrate. choose a student, the parDench started a ent and sponsor talk Facebook group in late Megan Lee poses with about their senior in more April called ‘Lithia & her gift from her sponsor. detail and coordinate the Lee, senior of Riverview delivery of the student’s Riverview FL c/o 2020 High School, received a “Adopt A Senior”’ as a gift from her community gift. way to connect students So far, students from sponsor as a part of a with members of the com- senior Facebook page. at least 14 schools have munity willing to help students celeparticipated. Dench said reading brate their senior year with a special about the students has been an inspigift. So far, she has found sponsors ration. to ‘adopt’ nearly 150 seniors from the “I really enjoy reading about these Lithia, Riverview, Brandon and Plant kids,” said the mother of two. “So City areas. many of them have over a 4.0 GPA, Dench, a licensed practical nurse, admirable volunteer resumes and a said she first saw the concept when a set of twins even has a nonprofit they friend in Georgia with a graduating created to provide first aid kits to senior posted on Facebook with an underserved schools.” organization sponsoring the concept Dench said she encourages peofor students in the area. ple to take a look at the page regular“After I was seeing people posting ly as students are continuing to join their senior pictures to Facebook I and post. The 48-year-old also said a was thinking, that doesn’t really help teachers are even signing up to adopt show support for these kids,” she former students. said. “They are still supporting these But when she saw her friend’s kids, even if they were their second post on Facebook, she was inspired. grade teacher,” she said. “It has been “I just thought it was a terrific so sweet to see and shows just how idea,” she said. much teachers pour into and care The idea is simple, high school about their kids.”
Staff Report
Expiration: 6/30/2020
By Karin Davis-Thompson
Expiration: 6/30/2020
Expiration: 6/30/2020
Page 20 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Hot Off The Christian News Wire
By Kelly Wise Valdes
will be sent to at-risk churches.
Mississippi Pastor Advances To The Finale Of NBC’s The Voice
Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY To Participate In Simulcast To Help Small Churches In Financial Crisis
Christian music artists and leaders are linking up to partake in a special simulcast in an effort to help small churches financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The event will feature chart-topping Christian music artists like Lecrae, Lauren Daigle, TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY. A recent survey revealed that 42 percent of pastors said giving was “significantly” down while 28 percent noted a slight decrease in giving. Only about 26 percent of pastors said that giving “stayed about the same.” The goal was to raise $500,000 for churches at risk of closing. Ex-NFL star Benjamin Watson, who is the spokesperson for the event, stressed the need some churches have for immediate funding as “it may take months” for some of them to receive government assistance. The simulcast aired at TogetherGeneration.com/CHC on May 15. Proceeds from the event
A Mississippi pastor advanced to the finals of NBC’s The Voice in May. Pastor Todd Tilghman expressed surprise in a late-night video that he had made it that far. “I cannot believe this,” said Tilghman, the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in Meridian, Mississippi, “ I’m grateful for every minute of it.” He joked that he’s “four or five episodes past” his goal. Tilghman sang the 1991 country song “Love, Me” by Collin Raye with his eight children sitting around him, watching. Tilghman told his Facebook Live audience he couldn’t have advanced to the finals by himself. “I just sing—and that’s it. The rest is all you…and the goodness of God,” he said. “I am so, so thankful that God has seen fit for this to go the way that it has.” Tilghman is a member of Team Blake, which means he works with and is coached by country singer Blake Shelton. Although The Voice normally takes place in front of a live audience, the pandemic has forced the singers to perform at remote locations. For more information, visit
www.nbc.com/the-voice.
‘Faith in Jesus’ Is The Secret To Dude Perfect’s Success
A new Dude Perfect documentary that has jumped into YouTube’s top 10 and amassed millions of views also provides a peek into the group’s faith. Dude Perfect: Backstage Pass is a YouTube Original film that landed on the platform in May and tells the history of the five friends who went viral a decade ago with basketball trick shots and then expanded their base with comedy routines. The movie is a part of Dude Perfect’s channel, which has 51 million subscribers. It gives fans a look at their family life and faith. The film includes footage of their families gathering around them and praying before they embarked
on the first live tour of their career. Dude Perfect consists of Tyler Toney, twins Cory and Coby Cotton, Garrett Hilbert and Cody Jones. The film also shows the men visiting children in the hospital and welcoming Make-A-Wish children on their tour. “We all love what we do,” Hilbert said. “But we all know that there’s something more than just our own happiness, our own satisfaction, and that’s to give back.” Coby calls it a “huge opportunity” to bring joy to a child who is battling an illness. Speaking of the group’s fame, he said, “We want to use the opportunity to do something meaningful.” For more information, visit www.YouTube.com and search ‘Dude Perfect.’
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Page 21 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Kiwanis Club Supports Two Local Nonprofits With Matching Donation Program
By Karin Davis-Thompson
decided that if With a we could concommitment to nect with ending childthose in our hood hunger community and improving maybe we nutrition for could spur children, the them to give Kiwanis Club $20, $50, of Greater $100 or more,” Brandon is Daigle said. sponsoring a “Then we fundraiser to could increase support two local nonprofits The matching donation program is just one of many our impact.” initiatives the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon hosts Daigle, working to throughout the year to fight childhood food insecurity the club’s address both and improve nutrition for children. foundation issues. president, also said that while The organization is promotmany nonprofits are continuing to ing a matching fundraiser for do their best to service clients, ECHO and Seeds of Hope. resources are stretched thin as ECHO’s mission is to assist donations slow with a number of Hillsborough County residents in people in the community finding crises with emergency food and themselves out of work. clothing as well as access to “Just like many other nonprograms that may help them profits, their resources have been find stability in life. Seeds of stretched to the breaking point,” he said. Hope works to provide various forms of assistance to local residents in need. The “Cash donations are way down and their idea is simple, the group will match dona- pool of volunteers has shrunk.” The matching donation fundraiser tions given to the two organizations up to runs until Sunday, May 31. The two $5,000. organizations will split the matching funds Mike Daigle, a member of the Kiwanis Club, said the club wanted to find once the campaign ends. To participate, go to www.brandonkiwanis.org and look a way to make its donation grow and for ‘Support Our Community Projects’ have a greater impact. He said the club made an immediate donation of $2,500 to near the bottom of the homepage. The website also has more informaeach organization, then announced that it tion about the Kiwanis Club of Greater would donate matching dollars up to Brandon, its programs, mission and initiaanother $5,000. “Rather than just donate $10,000, we tives.
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Page 22 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit What Is Peace?
By Kelly Wise Valdes
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 needs 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 third fruit of the Spirit is peace. The word ‘peace’ appears nearly 429 times in the Bible, which helps us understand why the phrase “Peace be with you” is so important in the faith community. One of the strongest human desires is for peace, whether it be peace between nations, peace between neighbors or even peace within our own minds. Peace is listed in the top three characteristics of the fruit of the spirit. Without love, joy and peace, the rest of the fruits are not possible. God has also called us as Christians to be peacemakers.
Over the last several months, we have experienced unprecedented global anxiety. People are stressed about finances, children, work, relationships, sickness—the list goes on. It’s difficult to find peace during these circumstances. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s perfect peace is an amazing gift that is hard to understand. How can people find peace of mind when things are falling apart around them? The fruit of the Spirit of peace provides the inner peace of mind and contentment even in less-thanpeaceful situations. If you are having anxiety, take a moment to sit and be still. The peace that can comfort you during this time comes from the Holy Spirit within us. Having peace doesn’t mean that you will not have conflict, stress or difficult times. Peace is knowing that our God is in control.
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ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program
By Tatiana Ortiz
Students ages pantry and clothing 15 to 21 who have an closet. The group also interest in developing provides free life leadership skills building programs through serving their such as GED community will get an (General Equivalency opportunity to accomDiploma) classes, plish that this summer financial counseling, with ECHO’s employment services (Emergency Care and much more. Help Organization) The 75 students Student volunteers assisting with new Youth in this program will moving boxes of food from a food drive Leadership Program. commit to one day a at ECHO’s warehouse. This nine-week proweek from 8:30 a.m.gram will begin on Monday, June 1 and 3 p.m. Several trainings will be provided end on Friday, July 31, offering students to teach students about core issues and the chance to earn community service lessons on generational poverty, what hours and learn about poverty. causes it, what ECHO does and more. During the quarantine months, Students will also work on team projects, ECHO shifted to an emergency food disassist with running the Back to School tribution plan in order to cater to the Community Bash and participate in a needs of the community while following team fundraising competition. social distancing recommendations. This There will be a competition consisting was especially important because, as a of five teams of 15 students. Each team full-service operation, the group relies on will be responsible for planning one a large number of volunteers, the majority fundraiser for ECHO during the latter part of which are over the age of 60. of the summer as a prize will be awarded The Youth Leadership Program was to the team with the most success of it. born in an effort to expose new volunCOVID-19 safety protocols will be impleteers to ECHO. mented throughout the program. According to ECHO’s executive “Overall, our goal is that when studirector, Eleanor Saunders, this summer dents finish the program they will be able season will likely be very busy for ECHO, to see how anyone could end up at our which offers a wide variety of assistance doors,” ECHO Development Coordinator and resources to people residing in Savanna Thompson said. “We are also Hillsborough County who suffered from a grateful for the outpouring of love and recent emergency. support from our community too.” Residents who come to ECHO for Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is locatassistance are given 20 pounds of food, ed at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. seven outfits and more with ECHO’s food Call 685-0935 to learn more.
Page 23 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020
Valdes Takes Zoom Meetings To A Whole New Level With Award-Worthy Costumes
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Valdes has been dressing up in costumes for her work video meetings for nearly four weeks, she’s also a contributor to the Osprey Observer and Christian Voice Monthly.
So, it happened. A few weeks after I was sent home to work remotely, my boss tells our team he wants us to participate in daily video meetings and the problem is, well, I didn’t want to. Most of the male coworkers didn’t have a problem with it because, after all, they can roll out of bed and throw on a ball cap. While working from home, I hadn’t put on makeup for weeks, I’d been wearing yoga outfits and my hair was always in a ponytail. What in the world was I going to do? I complained to my husband and he jokingly replied, “Why don’t you wear a costume?” And that’s when the ball started rolling. Luckily, we had a few old Halloween costumes in our closets, so I pulled out the costume for the first meeting—none other than the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,
Elvis Presley. When the camera came on the next day, my teammates seemed slightly amused by my costume. At least I hoped so. Apparently, it was unexpected to have Elvis attend the meeting. The next day was Janis Joplin, followed by Elton John. Now, the co-workers were zooming to see who would be at the meeting each day. I started getting text messages with suggestions of costumes and ideas. I kept thinking my boss would soon stop the daily meetings and maybe have a weekly meeting instead; however, it appeared he was continuing the meetings to see how long I could continue to find costumes. We are now entering week four and I’ve somehow managed to find a costume every day, mostly putting together things I can find around
the house. My co-workers have now been in meetings with Richard Simmons, Hulk Hogan, Flo from Progressive, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Ross, Princess Leia and the Grinch, just to name a few. Quarantine can certainly stir creativity. But, dressing up in full-costume isn’t necessary to create comradery for a video meeting. After speaking to other people looking for fun things to do during this time of separation, I’ve seen people becoming creative in ways that just didn’t happen while in the office. Some examples of fun things to consider: Crazy socks day, funny coffee mug day, favorite sports team day, show-off-your-pet day, share a picture of your favorite vacation, funny hat day, concert t-shirt day and crazy hair day. I even heard that one team
shared how many toilet paper rolls they had left in the house. Virtual team bonding increases employee motivation and collaboration. During this time of separation, having virtual fun activities makes employees feel connected and valued, and ultimately makes them highly dedicated to their organization. To quote author Steve Goodier from his book One Minute Can Change A Life, “Humor can make a serious difference. In the workplace, at home, in all areas of life – looking for a reason to laugh is necessary. A sense of humor helps us to get through the dull times, cope with the difficult times, enjoy the good times and manage the scary times.” If you are looking for some fun ideas, visit https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/16/.
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Page 24 • christianvoicemonthly.com • June 2020