The times we are living in feel like a stranger, yet they are recognizable if we look back into our past. The book “Caste—the Origins of Our Discontent” draws on a metaphor of toxins escaping a frozen tundra to give words to the emboldened vitriol we are witnessing:
An unusual heat wave struck the Siberian tundra just above the Arctic Circle, reaching an unprecedented 95 degrees, melting the frozen soil. Soon, the children of the indigenous herdsmen fell sick from a mysterious illness that many people alive had never seen and did not recognize. Scientists then identified what had afflicted the Siberian settlements—heat had exposed a toxin that had been encased since 1941, when the world was last at war—anthrax. It had killed herds of reindeer and lain hidden in the animal carcasses long since buried in the permafrost. “The anthrax, like the reactivation of the human pathogens of hatred and tribalism in this evolving century, had never died. It lay in wait, sleeping, until extreme circumstances brought it to the surface and back to life.”
Like the Russian scientists, we are faced with the dilemma of how to cure those infected with bigotry, and how to ultimately dismantle the poison, not just bury it down again. It has to be rooted out—of our communities, our churches, and yes, ourselves.
That is the work we are called to in this present time. And lest we get distracted by the hatred that has infected our neighbor, we must remember that the work starts with examining and getting well ourselves.
I am ready to continue this work alongside you. As we build a new Allendale, and uncover toxicity thought long-gone, may we be willing to press on toward Beloved Community.
Gifts
Click the picture to give online
Text-to-give: 727-312-0808
Amazon Smile: Allendale United Methodist Church
Missed Sunday’s worship service! Click the image to watch.
Allendale Trunk or treat! Fri, Oct 29 4-6PM
Costume contest every 30 minutes and Trunk contest announced at 6PM! if you are interested in decorating your trunk RSVP here
Youth/Adult Spring Break Trip to Montgomery Lynching Museum
Join us March 14 -18, 2022 for our discovery trip. We will be going to Montgomery, AL to learn the history of slavery and how it intersect with our current problem of mass incarceration. We will travel by charter bus and visit the Equal Justice Initiative Museum, the Monument of Peace and Justice, have a walking tour of the south and many more activities. This trip is in partnership with Community Tampa Bay. We hope you can make it! Fill out the application at www.allendaleumc.org/montgomery
Charge Conference is the annual business meeting of the church. Join us on zoom 11/14 at 3:30PM.
Tru’ Time Orchestra – Rehearsals Thursday at 6:30 PM
Tru’ Time affirms the worth of all composers and musicians and seeks to be an impetus for change in standard classical programing by primarily performing 20th and 21st century underrepresented works. In turning our attention to recent classical works we will elevate the music of historically overlooked orchestral composers. Tru’ Time Orchestra is committed to consistently performing the instrumental works of Female, Black, Latinx, POC, LGBTQ+, and other composers from marginalized communities. REGISTER HERE
SCHEDULE OF VIRTUAL GATHERINGS
Gatherings will be held via Zoom. Click event to join!
Click on an event at the appropriate time to join!
In-Person Youth Gatherings
Youth will meet on Sunday nights from 5:30pm-8:00pm
Debbie Duty – Oct 3
Trista Miller – Oct 3
Laurie Copeland – Oct 5
Maria Rodriguez – Oct 6
Kelly Moore – Oct 6
Andrew Fleming – Oct 6
Pastor Andy Oliver – Oct 7
Melissa Nicolas – Oct 7
Jean Hopkins – Oct 9
Cet Mohamed Moore – Oct 9
Laurie Hempel – Oct 13
Keith Glasscock – Oct 13
Brian Morrison – Oct 14
Jennine DeVore – Oct 14
Theresa Frost – Oct 18
Lynn Hawkins – Oct 19
Wendy Kolar – Oct 23
Prayer Requests
Jennine DeVore and family on the passing of her grandmother, Peggy Maynard
Diane Gibson – Stepdaughter Jenny passed away from cancer, she was young and a mother to 4 boys ages range between 7-19.
Bobbie & Don Windle – recovery of a fall of her pregnant great granddaughter-in-law, Sophie
Nina Dauzet -son Ted Jackson, Also pray for the job that will allow her to share my
James Kelchner- Guidence for work
Megan Johnson -Upcoming travels to San Diego and medical procedure
Renee Burk – for upcoming challenges and support for her
