It's so easy! After you watched the weekly message, use your smart phone to send a text message to the church phone # 352-683-2600. Text the word "CHECK" and send along, instantly you will be sent a link and if you follow that link you can check in yourself and any others in your household as having viewed the weekly message. This helps us stay connected to you and know that you are actively participating in the life of the church. Go ahead and save the number as a contact in your phone as there will be additional features available as well.

Oct 12th, Pastor Greg continues with "The Gospel Challenge. " This Sunday will be "More than Miracles,” from Mark 6-12, specifically from Mark 8:31-38.

Previous Sunday sermons are archived and available too thru the link below!

OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH!!

   During the month as we strive to show Pastor Greg the appreciation he so richly deserves let’s look to scripture for our guidance as we do that. We are led to support, love, pray and follow our Godly leader. Hebrews 13:17 tell us “Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

   Scripture teaches the accountability of leaders to lead well. They lead under God’s leadership and are ultimately accountable to Him. Scripture also teaches the responsibility of church members to obey and submit to their leaders. This is NOT blind obedience. As leaders teach in accordance with God’s word we are to “obey . . . . submit to them.” Mike Livingston, Lifeway Christian Resources

   Let’s be ‘specially nice to Pastor Greg and his main support, Kristie, this month as they devote their lives to God and live in His leadership.

There are many creative ways to let Pastor Greg know you are thankful for his leadership and teaching! Through this month as you pray for Pastor Greg ask God to show you how you can show him your appreciation for all he does. Near the bottom of the page is a letter from our FL Superintendent with several awesome suggestions for showing your support and gratitude to Pastor Greg and Kristie Freeze. 

Our Children's Director is Tonya Stout. You can find her along with an amazing volunteer team each Sunday morning in Building C at 10:30. Entry is the west door with the catwalk leading to the Sanctuary. Join us for faith-filled fun for ages 4yrs- 5^th grade.

KIDS’ CHURCH—

Our doors open at 10:15 am on Sunday. This allows time for parents to check their kids in and get to church on time. Kids church worship begins at 10:30 am and is interactive with hands-on activities, Bible Stories, songs, crafts and more.

Pick up time for your kids is immediately following the service.

Our curriculum is Bible based. We love that our children are inquisitive and enjoy engaging in conversations about the Bible, the lesson, and sometimes challenge us with some of their thought-provoking questions requiring us to dig a little deeper or even research the answers.  

FIRST TIME GUESTS:

Check your child into building A. You will be greeted when you arrive. We will collect your contact information as well as your child’s information to provide the best experience possible for your child.

After the service, you return to the same space pick-up your child.

We ask that you notify us of any allergies and/or other pertinent information we may need to know about your child.  

The Youth Ministry has a new name! "Faith 180 Youth Group"

Have a youth who has questions? Looking for a youth group with answers? Faith 180!!! Join us each Sunday Night from 5pm to 6:30pm in building A for fun and learning that ignites the soul!

Inviting all teens to join us for an hour filled with Bible teachings, food, games and Jesus. Mike Conway is our Youth Minister. Each week we begin with a fun time, usually a game of modified volleyball. Then we come together for a lesson and time for discussion. If time permits, we conclude the evening with a little more fun. We would like to encourage all of the youth from sixth grade to twelfth grade to come and join us for an evening of fun and growing in our faith, understanding, and knowledge of our Lord.

We are committed to building stronger generations of faith, hope and love through Jesus Christ. From Biblical teaching and group discussion to wild games and fun, SpringLife is the place for youth to be.

KIDS CHURCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

 SpringLife Kids ministry is dedicated to building stronger faith foundations for our children.  We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our ministry to give our kids opportunities to experience God and His love through different media.  

  There is a place for everyone…..here are just some of the places we could use your help. We are looking to expand our ministry to give our kids opportunities to experience God and His love through different media.  

1.    Sunday mornings- Volunteers to be extra hands with lessons.  Includes assisting with fun activities- no teaching involved. Commitment of 1 time per month at 10:30.

2.    Game Leader- Looking for 1-2 volunteers to lead special game 1 time a month / or every 2-3 months (flexible).   Volunteers can create their own game or we can work together.  

3.    Music – Looking for volunteers -someone who would like to lead a special music activity 1 time per month/ 3 months. This can be a hand motion song, ribbon activity, etc. 

4.    Special Crafts- Holiday/ series based/ special occasion- Volunteer/ assist with special larger scale craft a few times per year.

5.    Special Event Volunteer- Look for volunteers willing to help with extra events like Kids night out/ Advent/ Lent/ Etc. 1-3 times per year. This does not include VBS.

6.    Snack Divas- Volunteers willing to make special treats for the kids a few times per year. Can be done from home.

7.    Prep Specialist- Volunteers who are willing to cut or package materials for lessons this can be done from home.  

Contact Children's Ministry, Tonya Stout for more information.

VOLUNTEER Requirements for Children's Ministry:

·        Complete Background Check

·        Training / Orientation

Sunday Adult Class meets at 9 am, in the Sanctuary building:

Rock for All Ages in room # 2. All are welcome. We meet all year long! We meet every Sunday morning at 9:00 in Room #2. Our curriculum is Bible Studies for Life. We are a discussion group where we want everyone to feel comfortable contributing to the lessons.

Christianity Today is in classroom #4. Our study is on Dr. Jeremiah’s program called “Forward”. Come join us to deepen your faith and walk with the Lord.

Lamplighters Bible Study Tuesdays: meets at 11 am in bldg D, classroom #3. We are on a new study, Revelation: Escape The Coming Night by Dr. Jeremiah. It is in four parts. The study guide is $5 for each part. A few extra study guides have been ordered in case you are interested in joining the group.

Pastor Greg’s Wednesday Bible study is an exciting series, "The Gospels", which will run through November. The Gospel Challenge is initiated by Seedbed and the Global Methodist Church. We're challenging everyone to read one chapter of the Gospels each day. Pastor Greg's study covers each week's reading with select scriptures. We are being totally immersed in the Gospel of Jesus, understanding more, and growing closer to Him. There's a lot of erroneous information about Jesus out there. The best way to know the truth about Jesus is to study His word and see how He chose to reveal Himself.  Come join us for this in-depth study.

Thursday morning Men's Bible study, Room S#3, bldg D. Door opens around 8:30 am, study begins at 9 am and ends at 10. This Bible study is exploring the book of Daniel, which combines a historical story of Daniel's faithfulness to the Lord, with prophetic interpretations and visions. Join us at 9 AM for an Old Testament book that has lessons for Christians today and a look forward to End Times.

"Act Like Men"...Bible study normally meets the first Saturday of each month in bldg A. Next is Oct 4th. It runs from 8:30-10 AM. September 6th is their next study time. As Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We have a breakfast potluck "tradition" where each person brings something to share. Our buffet includes whatever breakfast items we bring in. Suggestions: bagels and spread, egg/sausage/ biscuits, bacon, hash browns, deviled eggs, orange juice, coffee, Guys, what would you like to bring? Come with your Bibles ready. Hope to see you there!!

NEW BIBLE study...…”The Study of Covenant” Mondays from Sept 8 through Dec. 15, presented by Karen McCleskey. Covenant is like the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle that completes the picture of our so-great-a-salvation. Deadline for registering for this class has past.

Bible study taking some time off:

Men's Tuesday Apologetic's Bible study - will resume Tuesday mornings later this year (November), and we'll meet at Panera's .

Greg's Wednesday Bible studies on line - You can view his study on Hebrews on-line at your convenience. Click the link below for the youtube page to choose to follow along with Pastor Greg.

Operation Christmas Child (O.C.C.) is our October MOM

    "The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.

    Since 1993, more than 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox.

    This month, in the boxes we pack as a church, or in the monies donated , you will start a box on a journey, potentially, to the farthest corners of the world. Besides packing a box there are several other ways you can participate in this MOM for October.

     You can go online to Samaritan’s Purse to “Build A Box on Line”-more on this later, donate via the church collection boxes-please designate "OCC Shoeboxes" or "Oct MOM” on your check, or to donate through our website button below and choose October MOM.

I am always asked this question: When do I need to return the box?

    Ideally, the last Sunday in October. As we need to deliver them to the drop-off center in early November for the next portion of their journey.

    Stop by the Mission table in the foyer to see Bryan Welch or Lorraine Rich for more information. Or, you can go to Samaritan’s Purse website, click on the “What we do,” link, then on the Operation Christmas Child link and you can find all kinds of information."

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU! The Friday Work Crew wishes to thank an anonymous donor for a gift of a much needed lawn mower. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and a blessing to us!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. A letter from our Superintendent of the FL Conference is below. It offers 31 awesome suggestions for showing your gratitude and lifting-up Pastor Greg and all he does!

The Fall Fest was a great success. We have over 200 people attend. Congratulations to our Chili Cook-off winners. First prize went to Jay Hilton - second year in a row!, God provided beautiful weather, with a nice breeze. There was fun for all ages: hay rides, limbo, guessing games, horse lasso, The kids had fun 'sweeping mini pumpkins', decorating cookies, digging for small treasures, We had two bounce houses and Axe Throwing. Free hotdogs and drinks. And there was a variety of craft vendors too.

The LifeSouth Bloodmobile is very grateful to the 11 people that stopped at the bus and donated. Your Gift of Life can save 33 people!

Foodie Tour's... where friends meet friends! Our Foodie Tours are a wonderful opportunity to get to know others from the church in a casual setting.

Foodie Lunch Tour Our next lunch will be on Nov 13, location TBD.

For the Foodie Dinner Tour we’ve chosen a local favorite, the Coyote Rojo Restaurant located at 5375 Spring Hill Dr. Sign up on the Central Hub and meet us there Thursday, Oct 16th at 6 pm .

With each, register on the Central HUB so the restaurant will know how many are attending. We will meet at the restaurant and each guest will cover their own meal.

Ladies Fun & Fellowship will next meet on Friday October 16 at 6 pm. Theme TBD. Come join your Sisters in Christ for good food, lots of fun and great fellowship!

Church Lunch... Everyone is welcome at our buffet tables. "When you're here, you're family." Next lunch is October 19 after worship. The theme is "Food and Fellowship." Our Lunch is held the third Sunday of each month in building B. We'd love to have everyone join us, but please (if you know ahead of time that you are coming) let us know you are coming and what dish you'd like to bring. Also...we could really use a few more helpers to for prep, and serve/clean up. Sign up on the Central HUB. If you can help out, please check that circle too.

Other coming events:

Our Church Conference will be held Sunday October 19th at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary following our Church Lunch. This is where church members vote on our nominated leaders for next year. Be a voice. Please make the effort to stay after lunch and join us in the Sanctuary for the Church Conference!

Men's "WILCO" Event on Friday, October 24th from 5-9 pm in our front parking lot. Featuring Coach Joe Kennedy, an assistant coach of a football team whose inspirational story inspired the movie "Average Joe". We'll have food trucks, games, and much more set up for this Just for Men event. Fun, Food, Fellowship, Learn Share, Edify.

Trunk or Treat Friday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30pm in the front parking lot. We do not ‘celebrate’ Halloween. God can make good from any situation. Our church uses this day to invite local children and families to a trunk or treat on our campus. It’s a safe alternative to trick or treating and we get a chance to show  local neighbors (who might never have stepped foot in church) that we are warm, friendly, welcoming people who value the worth of children and families. Even the Gideons come...they gave out over 900+ Bibles last year!

We are collecting individually wrapped candies to give out. With thousands of kids last year we were kept quite busy handing out candies. Many parents expressed their gratitude for a safe place to bring their children. Perhaps you'd like to decorate your car or truck and join us as we pass out tons of candy and snacks to the more than 2,000 children and their families that come. BYW...We keep a 'candy run' for all our host vehicles. If you would like to support this event, please drop off bags of individually wrapped candy in the red bins located in the Sanctuary lobby. You can "Host a Trunk" by signing up on the Central HUB too.

Prayer Requests Ministry

45 Prayer Partners receive updates on all prayer requests via email, to pray over and intercede for requests each week. You may wish to be included as a prayer partner so call Lorenda in the office to add your email to the group. Submit prayer requests through our website or call the church office. We celebrate Praises and answers to prayer also. Prayer requests, updates and praises are shared each week as the Prayer list is updated and sent to all in the Ministry weekly either via email and on the printed copy found in the Sanctuary lobby each Sunday.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Many, many thanks to Jackie Stout for leading this ministry though she does not knit or crochet! She saw a need and knew the ministry had to continue. As leader of this ministry since 2019, she has overseen the creation and distribution of hundreds of shawls as requests come in for anyone needing the comfort and healing prayers the shawls provide in times of illness, distress, or even celebrations like a new baby!

Kudos to the ladies creating these beautiful prayer shawls and baby blankets! We know the recipients are very appreciative of your talents. Did you know last year they created colorful purses for each for the girl's Christmas Shoeboxes (Oct MOM), as well as hats for cancer patients, and more. The ladies meet the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am in building D, classroom #1. Next meeting will be October 15. We also have a supply of yarn for you to use when making the shawls.

If you like to knit or crochet, you can bring your finished shawls to the meeting or to the office for Pastor to bless. It's very important to follow the size guidelines. We have found these sizes to be best… For Baby Prayer Blankets: approximate size 29” by 29”. NO fringe please, and also solid soft colors are preferred. For Adult Prayer Shawls - please keep them to this size: 26” by 60” (no fringe), or 26” x 55” (with fringe). This adult size is very important—if they are too short, they don’t wrap around an adult comfortably. If they are too long and have extra fringe, they can get caught in the wheels of a wheelchair and create a safety hazard. ~

LIBRARY MINISTRY—Our library has a huge selection of fiction, non-fiction, devotions, biographies, Bible studies, reference books, humor, CD's DVD's, and more. Check out the web for our a vast collection of cataloged material. We recently received a donation of 4 bags of fiction and historical fiction stories. There is always something new at the library! Our books can be lent out for a month at a time to our regular church attendees. We even have a "Freebie section " as you enter to the left. These are free for the taking, for your own home library to read and to share with others.

Do you love to read and be around books, lots of them? If you are looking for a place to volunteer, but are limited in time, maybe the library is the place for you. You could serve on a rotation schedule. We will train you on the check in / check out process and feel certain you will enjoy your time serving. You can also visit with patrons as they stop in to look for specific items or just to say hello.

Volunteer Opportunities:

·       Tuesday mornings from 10 – noon, on a rotation schedule.

·       Sunday mornings 10:00 – 10:30 and 10:30 – 11:45 on a rotation schedule.

·       We can discuss additional opportunities if it better suits your schedule.

Library circulation remains active. We appreciate donations and we evaluate each one for cataloging into the library, or place them on the “free shelf”, or donate to other entities depending on condition, topic, and if the item is currently available in the library. Check out the web for our a vast collection of cataloged material.

The library is open whenever the church is open. If the librarian, or volunteer, are not available, you can check out books by writing your name and the complete date on the card and leaving the card on the desk. You will find the card in the back of the book, CD, or DVD. If you can only make it during the week, the office will be happy to let you into the library to "check out" our material.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in the SpringLife Church Library.   ~Lois Johnson, Librarian

Congregational Care Report- Monthly Report

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Care Companions

We currently have 7 active Care Companions.

We have seen some recent changes in need and could benefit from a couple of NEW Care Companions who could call on our members. 

Tuesday night dinners. You need to register on-line for this dinner each week. We offer dine in only. Max seating is 70. Our Purpose: We serve in Jesus’ Name to share and fellowship all He has set before us, providing food for the body and spiritual support for the soul. We give a devotion, offer prayers, and share Christ through the dine-in experience. We can always use a few more volunteers. ~ Jan Griffioen 

The drive-thru Pantry opens every Wednesday at 9 am in the back parking lot, and is closed by 2 pm.

Thank you for your monetary donations . With your help, we are able to purchase items in quantity and at a lower cost than what is displayed on grocery shelves and fliers. Your generous contributions are quickly turned into food for our clients. The products received from Farm Share have decreased due to their funding which in turn has caused our expenses to increase. God Bless , ~Larry & Rose Milks

Important Food Pantry donations info: The most beneficial way you can donate and help us assist the needy in the community is through second-mile donations, marked for the Food Pantry. However if you really want to contribute specific food items, cereals are preferred over canned goods. We never have enough cereals to give out. PLEASE be sure to check the expiration date before giving. Please only donate foods you would be willing to serve your family. And as always, thank you so much for your continued support helping us serve the community.

You can help us recycle...

Aluminum Cans Drop-off location bin is located on the east side of the building B kitchen door by courtyard. Please clean, and crush if you ‘can’. The Friday Lawn Crew takes these to the recycle center for cash that's goes into our general fund.

Aluminum Pop-Tabs from cans. This is a state-sponsored project that benefits seriously ill children at the Ronald McDonald House. The proceeds help support the housing for families to stay with their child during hospital stays.

Glasses for the needy. Your old glasses will be given to the Lion’s club for their “Recycle for Sight” Program.

The Bible on Video

Some of the most beautiful passages of the Bible can be found in Psalms, and the first four books in the New Testament, which are filed with the spoken words of Jesus. Many of our SpringLife members and guests have recorded chapters and whole books for your listening enjoyment. All New Testament books are available, as well as many of the Old Testament favorites. Accessing them is easy - go to the home web page and click "Watch" at the top, then click Video Bible Readings. From there you will have your choice of Books to watch, and even chapters. We would love volunteers willing to help us finish recording the Old Testament books (filled with challenging names). If you are up to the challenge, call the office. We'd love to complete the Bible. As Pastor Greg says You may not know how to pronounce the names, but as Pastor Greg says, “Be bold and no one will know the difference.” Be bold for Christ. Sign up to read Bible chapters.

9.30.25 FL Conference…

Dear Florida GMC Family,

            As we enter the month of October, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month—a special time set aside to honor the dedicated men and women who serve our congregations with faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Pastors are the spiritual heart of our churches, guiding, teaching, and supporting us through every season of life.

This October, I encourage you and your congregations to find meaningful ways to show your appreciation for your pastor. A simple word of thanks, a heartfelt note, or a small act of kindness can go a long way in affirming their calling and uplifting their spirit.

           If your church is blessed with paid staff members, I also urge you to consider extending this spirit of appreciation to them. Staff members work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that ministries run smoothly and that the church remains a beacon of Jesus’ salvation in the community. Their contributions are invaluable, and a gesture of thanks will remind them that their efforts are noticed and cherished.

           To help spark your creativity, I asked AI to compile a list of 31 creative ideas for appreciating your pastor and/or staff. There’s one for each day! Please feel free to share these with your congregation, adapt them to fit your church’s unique culture, and use them as inspiration throughout Pastor Appreciation Month:

1.    Handwritten Letter Campaign: Encourage congregation members to write personal thank-you notes expressing gratitude for the pastor’s leadership and impact.

2.    Prayer Chain: Organize a month-long prayer chain where members sign up for time slots to pray for the pastor and their family.

3.    Gift Basket of Favorites: Create a basket filled with the pastor’s favorite snacks, books, or hobbies (e.g., coffee, chocolates, or a gift card to their favorite store).

4.    Sermon Break: Arrange for a guest speaker to preach one Sunday, giving the pastor a week off from sermon preparation.

5.    Family Appreciation Day: Host a special event to honor the pastor’s family, recognizing their sacrifices and support, with activities like a picnic or game night.

6.    Video Montage: Collect short video messages from congregation members sharing how the pastor has touched their lives, and present it during a service.

7.    Sabbath Retreat: Gift the pastor a weekend retreat or a day at a local spa for rest and rejuvenation.

8.    Customized Artwork: Commission a piece of art, such as a painting or calligraphy of a meaningful Bible verse, tailored to the pastor’s taste.

9.    Church-Wide Potluck: Host a potluck dinner in the pastor’s honor, with everyone bringing a dish to share and celebrate together.

10. Memory Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook filled with photos, memories, and notes from the congregation about the pastor’s ministry.

11. Gift Card Shower: Collect gift cards for restaurants, bookstores, or entertainment venues and present them in a creative way, like a “gift card tree.”

12. Public Recognition Service: Dedicate a Sunday service to honor the pastor with testimonies, special music, and a small gift from the church.

13. Home Maintenance Help: Organize a team to help with yard work, painting, or minor home repairs at the pastor’s residence.

14. Personalized Sermon Playlist: Compile a playlist of the pastor’s most impactful sermons, converted to audio files, and share it with the congregation.

15. Date Night Package: Gift the pastor and their spouse a date night package, including dinner reservations and babysitting if needed.

16. Ministry Milestone Celebration: Highlight and celebrate significant milestones in the pastor’s tenure, such as years of service or key accomplishments.

17. Customized Bible: Present a high-quality Bible engraved with the pastor’s name or a special message from the congregation.

18. Community Thank-You: Partner with local businesses to offer discounts or free services (e.g., car wash, coffee shop) to the pastor as a community gesture.

19. Pastor’s Appreciation Wall: Set up a board in the church where members can post notes, drawings, or photos expressing gratitude.

20. Tech Upgrade: Gift a new tablet, laptop, or software to help with sermon preparation or church administration.

21. Surprise Care Package Delivery: Organize weekly deliveries of small care packages (e.g., baked goods, devotionals, or self-care items) throughout October.

22. Mentorship Recognition: If the pastor mentors others, honor their investment by recognizing the mentees’ growth during a service.

23. Themed Gift Box: Create a themed gift box based on the pastor’s interests, like a “movie night” box with popcorn, DVDs, and cozy blankets.

24. Church Volunteer Takeover: Have volunteers take over the pastor’s administrative or pastoral duties for a day to give them a break.

25. Legacy Project: Start a church project in the pastor’s honor, like a community outreach program or a scholarship fund, reflecting their vision.

26. Flash Mob Praise: Organize a fun flash mob in the church parking lot or community space, singing a song of thanks dedicated to the pastor.

27. Office Upgrade: If the pastor’s office hasn’t been upgraded in a while, consider getting a new desk chair, desk, or comfortable place to sit.

28. Donation Drive: Collect donations for a ministry close to the pastor’s heart, presenting it as a collective act of appreciation.

29. Subscription Box Surprise: Sign them up for a monthly box of books, snacks, or other items that align with their tastes.

30. Custom Sermon Illustration: Create or commission an illustrated version of one of the pastor’s memorable sermons as a keepsake.

31. Adventure Outing: Gift tickets to a local adventure, like a hike or museum visit, to encourage relaxation and new experiences.

           Let us make this October a memorable time of gratitude and encouragement for those who serve our churches so faithfully. Your leadership in championing this appreciation will inspire others and strengthen the bonds within your church family.

           Thank you for all that you do in leading your congregations and supporting your pastors and staff. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

All God’s love,

Jay Therrell

Superintendent

6/26/25

It's summertime and almost time for VBS. We're trying a one-day approach this year and it will still take a lot of volunteer power. Come jump in and say "Yee Haw". We have our July 4th themed picnic on Sunday with the church providing the main meat. After service, we'll all gather in Bldg B for a great time together.

Finance Update thru May

Operating Expenses: $379,165

Operating Income: $334,790

Mortgage Expenses: $29,376

Mortgage Giving: $26,198

5/8/25

It's been a whirlwind of an Easter season, but there are many celebrations to thank God for. I hope you had a chance to participate in something along the way to gain a sense of Lent and Easter.

12/1/24

It's our privilege to serve this congregation and be a part of what God is doing in the lives of His people here and we look look forward to seeing where He moves in 2025.