By: Tony Ridge

Fall is here, well fall has arrived in some parts of the country. Here in Florida we just pretend with all our pumpkin flavored everything. There are a lot of fall activities going on, high school football, pumpkin patch fun and lots of other fun times you can get out and spend some quality time with your family.

Here at the church we are getting our Annual Nativity Scene in the works. We will also have a float in the Winter Fest parade. The parade will be December 8th at 6 pm. If you are interested in helping with either of these great projects, please let me know. No matter what your talents or skills are we can put them to work to glorify God.

The youth spent a great weekend of fun at Rock the Universe, Universal Studios. We had a great turn out and everyone had a fun time! And what a blessing I received watching some of the youth that had never been to an event like this, enjoy the park with all the rides, sites and entertainment. Most of all to watch these children worship our Lord at the concerts was the greatest blessing. I would like to thank everyone who participated in making this event take place, from those who donated funds to the youth department to those who unselfishly sacrificed the entire weekend to chaperone. Without each one of you this event would not have happened. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God bless you all.

I am looking for someone with some ideas/talent to possibly do a Christmas play with the youth. If you have any ideas, suggestions, etc. please see me.

Please continue to come out on Sunday’s to Beef O’Bradys – Davenport and The Grille at Cypresswood – Winter Haven on Friday evenings for our Spirit Day’s!  This is a fantastic way to have a nice evening out and support the youth! We want to thank Duncan and Mary Ann Owen so graciously setting up these Spirit Day’s!

We are always looking for more volunteers and/or chaperones to assist with the youth department. If this is something God has laid on your heart, please contact me – God is doing remarkable things in this area of His church. We would love to have you be a part of it!

By: Randy Robinson

Why does worship occupy such an important place in our lives? I’m glad you asked! The answer is because of what takes place during worship.

We often speak of worship in terms of giving and receiving. We receive mercy, grace, kindness, peace, love, truth and joy from God in corporate worship. We also give to God in worship. We give Him adoration, praise, confession, love and service. And though this is true, neither is giving the essence of worship. Corporate worship, rather than primarily consisting of receiving or giving, is simply about being.  Above all else, worship is an encounter with the living, true, holy, sovereign, triune God of the universe. He chooses to meet with us by His word and Spirit, and there is nothing as meaningful, rich and glorious on earth as the church gathered together with it’s Lord and Savior in worship! For in that moment, we are enjoying a foretaste of Heaven to come! The greatest longing our soul! And the very purpose of our creation!

What a blessing it is to gather together and worship HIM!