Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church will Celebrate Our 50th Anniversary on September 6-7, 2008!

On Saturday, September 6, a “potluck” international dinner will be held at 6 pm in the Fellowship Center followed by a wonderful time of merriment, memories and music in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm.

On Sunday, September 7, our celebratory worship service at 10:30 am, will include more wonderful music and wisdom from former ministers.  (A dinner will follow in the Fellowship Center.  Reservations were due Aug. 24.)

Come and join the festivities as we celebrate the goodness of God in our church and community!

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church
20740 Old Cutler Rd - Cutler Bay, FL 33189 [Click for MAP]

Nicole Kaplan and her husband, wounded hero Preston Kaplan, are so grateful to receive the adaptive clothing from Sew Much Comfort for Preston. They have many challenges ahead, and these items will not only make Preston’s daily activities easier, but also helped them realize how much support is available for our wounded heroes and that there are many dedicated Americans working to help make their lives a little brighter.  Thank you to the church ladies who participate in this special ministry.  Please call Jean Welsh at 305-235-0561 if you would like to become involved with Sew Much Comfort or donate clothing to be modified.

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL

Dear Friends,

Wow!  September is full of great things happening in our congregation!  First and foremost we are celebrating 50 years of ministry in our community on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th.  The details of that celebration are outlined in this newsletter.  As we gather for worship on that Sunday, it will be exactly 50 years since the first worship service, led by Rev. Mario J. Alfonso in the parsonage on Marlin Road.  What a fun time of fellowship, music, memories and sharing this will be!

We are participating in our first Summit of ReFocus on Saturday,  September 20.  This important process, which was begun over a year ago, will culminate in three Summits, which are described elsewhere in this newsletter.  As important as the 50th celebration is for our past, these Summits are important for our future.

The first Summit is followed quickly by our Flea Market on September 26th and 27th.  I know some are feeling stressed at all these events plus all our normal activities piling up in September.  Let’s take a deep breath.  I know we can plan, prepare and participate in each event as it comes with the serenity that comes in Christ.  Remember the teaching of Jesus—focus on today—one day at a time.   I write this for all of you involved in all these things and more, for all you who are stressed over having too much to do, and specifically for the guy I see in the mirror each morning.

Sam

Download the entire newsletter: The Holy Post - Sep 08 [PDF]

- Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL

SEPTEMBER 08 – IMPORTANT DATES

2 - Worship Committee, 7 pm (Annex)
6 -  50th Anniversary Potluck Dinner, 6 pm
7 -  50th Anniversary Worship & Luncheon
20 - ReFocus Summit #1, 9:30 am—1 pm
21- Preschool Board, 7 pm (Annex)
22 - Trustees, 7 pm (Annex)
23 - ReFocus Team Meeting, 7 pm (Annex)
26-27 Flea Market (Fellowship Center)

Complete Calendar - Sep. 08 [PDF]

Perrine-Peters United Methodist Church is having Vacation Bible School this week, Aug. 11-15 ‘08 from 6pm to 8:45pm. Children ages 4 through students going into 6th grade are invited to attend.

Perrine-Peters U.M.C. is located at 18301 S. Dixie Highway (US 1) between McDonals and Big Lots.

Parents may call 305-235-2309 for more information.

Due to the massive flooding in the Midwest, the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) Sager Brown Depot has nearly depleted its supply of flood buckets. This low inventory is a serious concern with the hurricane season.

We are urged to send completed buckets, bulk materials or contributions to purchase supplies. A check can be written to the church with a note in the memo: Flood Buckets. A Gift of $45 will enable UMCOR to purchase needed reliefs supplies. (Any amount is appreciated.)

For additional information, please call: 1-800-282-8011 EXT: 149 or connect to: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL

AUGUST 08 – IMPORTANT DATES

3 - Preschool Board, 7 pm (Annex)

5 - ReFocus Team Meeting, 7 pm (Annex)

11 - Church Council, 7 pm (Fellowship Center)

16 - ReFocus Team Training, 9 am (Hollywood Hills)

18 - ReFocus Team Meeting, 7 pm (Annex)

25 - Trustees, 7 pm (Annex)

Complete Calendar - Aug. 08 [PDF]

Dear Friends,

Last week we celebrated Yvonne’s brother and sister’s birthdays at Vanderbilt Beach. I dared not put all the requisite candles on the cake. Yet even with only enough for a third of their combined ages, we nearly set off the smoke alarm. Of course, when they blew them out they were supposed to wish for something. Because I had put some trick candles that would not go out on the cake, I think they both wished for a new brother-in-law.

Birthday candles. Next month we celebrate the 50th birthday of Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church. We are making final preparations. As we commemorate the highlights of 50 years of ministry, let’s remember the people and events that have made it possible for us to be following Christ in this community today. We stand on their shoulders. Our remembering the past will extend beyond the weekend of September 6th & 7th. In fact, we will gather in the Fellowship Center for our first Summit of ReFocus on September 20th with the primary task of remembering where we have been.

Birthday wishes. I hope you also make some birthday wishes for our church. It’s natural as we celebrate the past to wonder about the future. As we reflect on past glories, we can dream of what can be for our church on the horizon. We are going to project a path for ministry at out second Summit on October 18. Together we will answer the question: Where are we going?

It’s an exciting time, as birthdays tend to be. I hope in our birthday remembering and our birthday wishes that there will be lots of laughter and fellowship as we join in the party that God has for us. And the life of the party? That’s Jesus Christ, who never passed up an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of God with his friends.

Sam

Download the entire newsletter: The Holy Post - Aug 08 [PDF]

- Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL

Ekaete Ekwere graduated from the AP Academy at Miami Southridge Senior High School with a 5.195 GPA.  She ranked eighth in her class.  She was a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and the Vice President of Essence of Sisterhood.  Ekaete was awarded the Presidential Scholarship from FIU, Rotary Club Scholarship, PTSA Student Scholarship, and AP Calculus Student of the Year.  She will be attending Florida International University in the fall as a member of the Honor’s College and will major in Civil Engineering.

Feleighsha Jones graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School’s International Baccalaureate Program with a 5.871 GPA.  She was in the top 7% of her class of 656.  Feleighsha was a member of the Math Honor Society, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.  She was Coral Reef’s Silver Knight nominee in Mathematics, as well.  Feleighsha plans to pursue her Doctorate of Pharmacy.

Rebekah Joy Verzi graduated with her Associate in Arts degree in Exceptional Student Education from Miami Dade College on May 3.  She was nominated for Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.  She will major in Exceptional Student Education and minor in Psychology at Florida International University.

As the economy worsens more people are requesting food assistance.  We appreciate any donations of nonperishable food.  Staples we can always use include: peanut butter, jelly, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, canned: meats, soups, vegetables, and fruits.  You may also donate Publix gift cards ($10 max each) or mark your check “Food Pantry” and someone will purchase food for you.

Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church
20740 Old Cutler Rd - Cutler Bay, FL 33189 [Click for MAP]

Phone: (305)235-6651