published: Friday, November 28, 2008

Faith Chat

n Heart House Ministries has started the fifth annual toy collection for children whose parents are incarcerated throughout the south Lake County area. Boxes have been distributed to businesses such as Barnie's Coffee & Tea, Kim's Cabbage Patch, Nelson Dry Cleaners, Green Valley Country Club and Haley's House Thrift Store. Please make it a point to visit one of these businesses and make a donation of an unwrapped toy to brighten the Christmas of a child who is without one or both parents. For more information, call 243-7505.

n Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, has begun an ongoing food drive and is accepting donations every Sunday for the private, non-profit service agency, the West Orange Christian Service Center. This organization provides many programs to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of so many people that are hurting. Donations can be left at the church, 10710 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere, before and after services on Sunday. Services are at 9 a.m. for the traditional service and 11:15 a.m. for the contemporary service. For more information, call 407-656-6678.

n Relative Caregivers Raising Children Support Group has scheduled a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in the education building of the First United Methodist Church of Clermont, 950 7th St. Clermont. If you are raising a relative's child and need support or encouragement please plan to attend, child care will be provided. To make reservations or for more information, call 394-2412.

n Hallelujah Acres monthly support group has scheduled a meeting at 10:30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month, the next meeting will be Dec. 1. Hallelujah Acres is a faith based ministry teaching the principles of healthy eating and wholesome lifestyle from a biblical perspective. For more information or to make lunch reservations, call 394-7702.

n Edge Memorial United Methodist Church has scheduled "Wednesday Connection" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hill building. The public is invited for dinner and Bible study. The children and youth will have arts and crafts, stories and DVD movies.

At 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal will begin and new voices are always welcome. The choir performs at the 9:30 a.m. Worship Service every Sunday.

n Edge Memorial United Methodist Church has scheduled Sunday Worship at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship time at 10:30 a.m. and Adult Sunday School at 11 a.m. At Edge Memorial UMC you will find our hearts, minds and doors are open to everyone.

n Edge Memorial United Methodist Church's Sonshine Early Learning Center offers quality preschool education and care for newborns through Pre-K (VPK and CCCS accepted) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. "Beyond Centers" and "Circle Time" are used as the framework curriculum, along with center selected themes and teacher-created activities to enhance learning and prepare children for Kindergarten. For more information, call 429-5980. Edge Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 441 South Main Ave., Groveland.

n Edge Memorial United Methodist Church is preparing to celebrate its 100th year in 2009. Both the church and community are experiencing difficult times. The church's food pantry is in desperate need of restocking as more families in need are being served during these uncertain times. The church is asking for all the people and businesses of South Lake to help continue their community outreach by showing support of the following fundraisers:

The "Heritage Cookbook" includes 300 favorite recipes from our members over the past 100 years. Price is only $9.50.

The "Heritage Apron" is white with black lettering, has two front pockets with adjustable straps to fit most anyone. The price is only $12.50.

Both the cookbook and the apron would make great gifts that would last for years. Quantities are limited, call Marie Roberts at 429-3324, Gwen Puryear at 429-2513 or the Church office at 429-2572. The cookbook and apron may also be purchased by visiting the Church office from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday at 441 South Main Ave., Groveland.

n Edge's Discount Card with local businesses is a great way to save; the size of a credit card, it contains 15 local businesses in Groveland and Clermont which have agreed to offer discounts and/or free food when you visit them. This is a great way to support your local businesses while saving money. In addition, the card is valid for 13 months and doesn't expire until 12/31/09. The cost of the card is only $15 and makes a great gift. The cards are available from our church members, the church office, several local businesses or call Debra Woodard at 406-6916.