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The Bellringer: Ringing against Injustice

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Dear friend,

IMAGO DEI [ih-MAH-go DAY-ee] (Latin) noun
“Image of God” proclaiming the sacred worth of all people—no exceptions. No legislation, no hate, no fear can erase the divine imprint we all bear.

This shirt design (and message on our marquee) is inspired by the prophetic call of Jeremiah, who spoke against corrupt leadership and systemic injustice, reminding the people that political powers do not dictate God’s justice and love. Just as Jeremiah warned that institutions built on oppression would crumble, this message affirms that no law, no decree, and no campaign of fear can erase the divine worth of every person—Black, brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant, or marginalized.

In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, this message serves as both a statement of faith and an act of defiance. Our sacred identity cannot be legislated away, erased from history, or suppressed by those in power. Imago Dei is not a policy—it is a divine reality. We stand with the prophets among us: the artists, the organizers, the caregivers, and the truth-tellers who refuse to be silenced. It is a reminder that God’s justice is eternal, and no political rollback can undo what has already been written by the Creator.

Browse all of Allendale’s shirt designs here.

No Hate Radio

Our podcast hosted by Don Windle called “No Hate Radio” is now available! Listen on your favorite podcast app by searching for No Hate Radio or visit www.nohateradio.com.

THIS WEEK AT ALLENDALE:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU

Wed Feb 12
Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Potato Wedges, Applesauce,
Salad, Bread, Dessert Dish, Vegetarian Option

Doing Theology at Allendale

Join Dr. Kate Pravera and Dylan Dames for “Doing Theology at Allendale: An Irreverently Serious Exploration of Living Our Faith in 2025.” Meeting on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, February 12, 19, and 26, following our 5 PM community dinner. Together, we’ll explore what it means to “do theology” in today’s world, where spirituality is inseparable from the fight for justice. Grounded in the legacy of liberation theology, this class will unpack how dismantling systems of white supremacy, patriarchy, and other injustices intersect with faith practice, especially within our community.

Each session builds on rich theological traditions and lived experiences. From understanding theology as a transformative practice to engaging voices from marginalized communities, participants will reflect on topics like intersectionality, Black and queer theologies, and the challenges of doing liberation theology in a community like Allendale. The class culminates in a collaborative project that reflects our shared journey and context. No prior theological background is required—just a willingness to learn, wrestle, and grow together.

Anti-Death Penalty Vigil Thursday Feb 13

We will hold a vigil in protest of Florida’s execution of James Ford on Thu, Feb 13, from 5-6 PM near the Pinellas County Jail and Courthouse (49th St N & Ulmerton Rd). Join us in solidarity during the hour leading up to his scheduled execution.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Thu Feb 13 5 PM – Anti-Death Penalty Vigil (49th St N and Ulmerton)
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
Sat Feb 22 9:30 AM – Leadership Retreat (Sanctuary)
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
Sat Mar 1 11 AM – Racial Wealth Gap Learning Sim. (Mt. Zion UMC)
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
Wed Mar 5 6 PM – Ash Wednesday Service (Sanctuary)
Learn more at www.allendaleumc.org/events
Sun Mar 9 10:30 AM – New Member Sunday | Join Allendale!
Sign up at www.allendaleumc.org/join

WANT TO JOIN ALLENDALE?

Our next New Member Sunday is on Mar 9 at 10:30 AM
Sign up at www.allendaleumc.org/join

Cooking Class with Pankaj Dutta

Join Pankaj Dutta for two hands-on cooking classes:

Thursday, Feb 20, from 11 AM-2 PM – demystifying spices, lentils, beans, and rice.

And Friday, Feb 28, from 3-6 PM – Exploring Curries, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.

Classes will be held in the kitchen, with a shared meal afterward. Don’t miss this delicious learning experience!

Contact the Church Office to RSVP: 727-527-6694.

Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation

As part of the Black History Month celebration, Mt. Zion, First UMC Clearwater, and First UMC Pinellas Park are putting together a Racial Wealth Learning Simulation. The simulation helps illustrate the connections among racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth. This event is at Mt. Zion UMC, 2751 Sunset Point, Clearwater at 11 AM on March 1. You’re Invited!

Support the youth and get donuts

The youth are having a friendly competition to raise money for the youth ministry. They are selling donuts for $16 a dozen. Pre-Order donuts here: www.allendaleumc.org/donuts

When you order donuts, you will have the option to select a youth to support. Once you order, and the youth leaders have a chance to process your order, you will then be sent a code to redeem for a dozen donuts.

Refresh Your Space, Refresh Your Mind!

Join Zola Zula Solutions for an interactive experience in learning techniques on creating a healthier environment in your space, organizing your space, gaining confidence in maintaining a tidy home, and brainstorming on different ways to keep cleaning sacred.
Saturday, Feb 22 from 12-3 PM in the Hybrid Room at Allendale.

Reserve Your Spot Here.


GIFTS

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

Ongoing Classes

Grief Support Group – Every other Sun at 9 AM
Next Meeting on Feb 23

Scripture Class on Zoom – Mon at 6 PM
Join via Zoom: www.allendaleumc.org/online

Wednesday Night Classes – Wednesdays
Dinner at 5 PM | Classes at 6 PM


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

Church Council

Allendale’s church council meets every other month and is an open meeting. If you wish to attend this meeting, sign up below to get emailed meeting reminders.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING ACCESS


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 YouTube Channel
for Sermons and other clips.

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.

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Vimeo

Copyright © 2025 Allendale United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
Stock images from Unsplash
Allendale uses Enfleshed for our liturgy
CCLI# 1101995

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