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The Bellringer: Ringing against Injustice

Friday, May 19, 2023

 

Dear friend,

Amid a backdrop of societal polarization and prejudice, we extend a welcoming hand to those who have long felt marginalized and rejected. As the world watches, we hold our ground against those who attempt to dim our light. Critics may misconstrue our actions, but we stand firm, unwavering in our mission to build a new Allendale, a place without barriers all of God’s beloved. These are some excerpts from reviews and recent responses we received after announcing our 5th Sunday Drag Gospel Worship (the next one is July 30, by the way. Mark your calendar!)—

“This is amazing to see from a church. In the church I grew up in… being queer was unacceptable. It’s nice to see that not all churches are like that.” – Diana

“I hope to see other Florida churches find creative ways to push back against the hate in our state for all parts of the LGBTQ+ community.” – Matthew

“Allendale does not spread hate. I love the social justice stance, which is just where Jesus would be. The haters use religion to spread hate. Continue to add love and acceptance to the religious narrative.” – Carolyn

“Thank you for being a Beacon of light amidst all the dark right now and sharing the true love of Jesus!” – Jamie

“[Allendale is] the first religious institution to make me feel welcome, accepted, and loved. This place accepts everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, and beliefs. I am agnostic, and they are happy to have me join the worship. If God made us, God made us as we are: straight, gay, etc.” – Summer

“I love all that you do and what you stand for!” – Cristen

We firmly believe that the 5th Sunday Drag Gospel worship is more than an event; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the unyielding power of love and acceptance in the face of adversity. As the FL government restricts our rights and liberties in the name of “freedom,” we will continue resisting evil and oppression in every form they present themselves. Blessed are the woke!

Pride at the Village

Join us on Saturday, May 20, from 2-8 PM for Pride @ the Villiage 2023. Allendale will have a tent set up at the festival in Pinellas Park at the Pinellas Arts Village, 5663 Park Blvd.

Reach out to dylan@allendaleumc.org if you’re interested in helping to run the tent.


DIGITAL BULLETIN

Download a PDF version of our weekly bulletin containing an order of worship for our Sunday service, updates on our church family including birthdays and prayer requests, and more.

DOWNLOAD BULLETIN PDF


GIFTS

Give online:  www.allendaleumc.org/give
Text-to-give:  Text amount to 727-312-0808

“You Are Enough” Spring Concert

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay will be presenting their spring concert, “You Are Enough,” at Allendale UMC on Saturday, May 20, starting at 8 PM. Tickets are $20 ($10 for students)
Get tickets online at www.allendaleumc.org/gmctb.

Vacation Bible School

Our week-long nature-filled Vacation Bible School is June 12-16, 9 AM – 12 PM! 🌿 We will explore the nature around us, explore ways to love and care for our Earth 🌎 and delight in God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things. VBS is for children ages preschool-5th grade. Adults who are interested in serving as volunteers should come to our informational session after church on May 28. Registration is now open for kids to participate in VBS at Allendale: www.allendaleumc.org/vbs. Questions? Email: children@allendaleumc.org


WEDNESDAYS

Dinner 5-6 PM ($10 or pay what you can)
RSVP for Dinner and Pay Online
Activites begin at 6 PM
Classes being offered this semester

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU

Wed May 24
Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce (Vegan Option
Available),
Italian Cut Green Beans, Sauteed
Mushrooms,
Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert

Equity & Justice Ribbon Cutting

Renovations at Allendale’s new Equity & Justice Center are almost finished. The space will be used to support equity and justice focused community non-profits. We will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new space on Wed May 24 at 9:30 AM.
Learn more about the project at: www.allendaleumc.org/justice.

STRUCTURAL RACISM STUDY GROUP

Explore the historical and modern-day impact of structural racism on the lives of Black people in St. Petersburg in this 3 week discussion-based course. Drawing from the report commissioned by the City of St. Pete, we will read and discuss highlights, and begin to identify ways to dismantle white supremacy in our community today.
Meets Sundays at 9 AM, June 18, 25 and July 9.
Co-led by Drs. Amy Mormino and Kate Pravera.


ONLINE WORSHIP

Check out last Sunday’s worship service!
Join us online every Sunday at 10:30 AM on Facebook Live or Vimeo.
Our Archive of past services can be found here.

And check out our new YouTube Channel
for Sermons and other clips.

FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS

Bring non-perishable items to Allendale for distribution to area food pantries. Collection bins are located in the Kitchen or Narthex. This is sponsored by the United Women in Faith (UMW).
Contact: Diane at dianegibson@hotmail.com.

WANT TO JOIN ALLENDALE?

Our next New Member Sunday is on June 11 at 10:30 AM
Sign up at www.allendaleumc.org/join

UPCOMING EVENTS

Visit www.allendaleumc.org/events for more details on upcoming events.

Sat May 20 2 PM – Allendale at Pride @ the Village 🏳️‍🌈
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
Sat May 20 8 PM – Gay Men’s Chorus Concert – You Are Enough 🏳️‍🌈
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
May28-Jun4 Allendale Hosting Family Promise Families
Sign up to help at www.allendaleumc.org/promise
Sun Jun 11 10:30 AM – New Member Sunday | Join Allendale!
Sign up at www.allendaleumc.org/join
Jun 12-16 Vacation Bible School: Wild Wonder Creation Care
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/vbs
Sat Jun 24 6 PM – Allendale Marching in St. Pete Pride Parade 🏳️‍🌈
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events

VIRTUAL GATHERINGS

In addition to worship being offered in-person,
we also live stream our worship on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
Watch on Facebook Live or Vimeo.
Our Archive of past services can be found here.

We also offer studies, classes, and other virtual gatherings via Zoom.
View a list of virtual events and when they occur.

YOUTH GATHERINGS

Youth (6th-12th grade) meets on Sunday nights from 5:30 PM-8 PM

If you have any questions contact Theresa Frost, our Director of Student Ministries.

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Vimeo

Copyright © 2023 Allendale United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Stock images from Unsplash
Allendale uses Enfleshed for our liturgy
CCLI# 1101995

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