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JANUARY 2021
MISSION GET TO KNOW NEW CLASSES TRANSFORM
OPPORTUNITIES Ian Lennox and how See what Anona has YOUR TOMORROW
Sock it to us kicks off! he impacted Anona to offer! It’s an incredible
and beyond opportunity!
6 14 15 2
WHAT IF YOU COULD HAVE HOPE FOR YOUR
LIFE, INCLUDING YOUR FINANCES?
What if you could live a life free of financial stress? That’s what Financial Peace University and Ramsey+ is all about—giving
you a plan and hope so you can experience financial peace. Anona United Methodist Church is providing Ramsey+ to all of
our members—at no cost to you!—so we can learn how to live and give like no one else.
Financial Peace University is a 9-week course taught by America’s most trusted financial advisor, Dave Ramsey. Dave and
his teaching team (along with Financial Peace University Coordinators at Anona United Methodist Church) will walk you
through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future, and much more. Ramsey+ is Financial Peace
University...PLUS a whole lot more. With Ramsey+, you get an entire suite of best money tools. Together, we’ll learn the
proven plan to handle money, budget what God has given us, and track our progress so we can live and give like God wants
us to.
Classes start the 4th week of January. Sign-up today at anona.
com/transformyourtomorrow.
Anona’s Financial Peace University is being offered as part of
Transform Your Tomorrow.
Transform Your Tomorrow is a community-based initiative
launched by Anona. We recognized that financial uncertainty is
a leading cause of stress for our community. In conjunction with
other churches and not for profit organizations (almost 100!)
in the Tampa Bay area, we want to help folks develop a plan to
transform their lives and experience financial peace by providing
Ramsey+ for free or at a reduced cost.
To learn more about the Transform Your Tomorrow Initiative, visit
us online at www.transformyourtomorrow.life.
4
6 12
Transform Your Tomorrow 04 Men’s Ministries 14
Letter from Rev. Richard Landon A man’s faith & service
Hope and Help 05 Grow Faith 15
Stephen Ministry at Anona | Legacy Center New classes & Financial Peace University
Sock it to Us 06 Small Groups, Activities, and Fellowship 16
Mission & service Endless opportunities to connect with your Anona family
Nursery 08 Anona Counseling Center 17
Infant/Preschool Ministry Give Yourself Permission
Anona Kids 09 Academy of the Arts 17
What is the New Theme for January? Choose from On-Campus or Virtual Lessons
Calendar 10-11 Our Members 18
Birthdays, Anniversariers, and In Memoriam
Youth 12
Christmas Successes Celebrated Our Church 19
Worship times, highlighted dates, and office hours
Anona Child Development Center 13
2021-22 Registration Our Staff 19
Pastors and staff contact information
Women’s Ministries 14
Women are connecting & growing their faith
4 | ANONA MAGAZINE how to face that fear and, with God
by our side, embrace all of the ups
Transform Your Tomorrow and downs this new year may hold.
JAN 10: YES OR NO
Not only Finances, but Faith, Family, and Friendships! (Matthew 5:33-37) Our faith is based
on a decision. A simple “yes” or “no”
to God. Those two words set the
direction for our lives. What we say
“yes” or “no” to today ultimately ends
up defining who we are and who we
will become tomorrow.
JAN 17: HOME IS WHERE THE
HEART IS (Proverbs 17:1) “Better a
dry crust in peace than a house full of
feasting and conflict”. As we look at
our lives as families in the “Transform
Your Tomorrow” series, I turn to one
For I know the plans I have for you,” for tomorrow prevails. If we get of the great proverbs of wisdom. The
declares the LORD, “plans to prosper these four things right, joy tends state of our home is more about how
you and not to harm you, plans to be a constant regardless of our we are together than is it clean, or
to give you hope and a future. - circumstances. full of food, or a mansion, or in the
Jeremiah 29:11 right neighborhood. The state of our
God does have “plans for you… soul is closely tied to the state of our
What a powerful statement from God! plans to prosper you and not to home. This Sunday we focus on the
Do we believe it? How are we to live if harm you”. Imagine if we could “transformation of our tomorrow”
we do? get these four areas aligned to from the base of our lives…our home.
God’s plans! What would your
We all want to prosper. Many times, tomorrows start to look like? The JAN 24: PENNIES, PLASTIC, AND
however, we think prosperity has answer is, Transformed! PARABLES (Matthew 25:14-30)
to do with our finances. That is not As we continue our transforming
untrue, but it is also not the entire In The Journey, your tomorrow series, this morning
truth. There is so much more to a we’ll discuss finances (well-timed,
prosperous life. Think about the Richardthe un since many of us may be facing
dreams you have, or had, for your more expenses in the new year,
life. Likely, they were not dreams expected. or maybe just received that credit
about money and finances alone. Our Join us each Sunday online at card statement from December’s
finances are key to our prosperity, but 8:15, 9:30, and 11:10 am: Christmas celebrations). We’ll
our dreams for life are much bigger live.anona.com or on the app. examine what scripture has to say
and all-encompassing than just our about money (hint: a lot), and talk
finances. about what a transformed life might
JAN 3: From “WHAT IF” to look like in what we think and do with
This month we launch our Transform “EVEN IF” (Daniel 3:14-18) As the gifts that God has provided us.
Your Tomorrow teaching series by we embark upon a brand new
looking at four key aspects of life year, many of us may find it JAN 31: I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU
where God desires for us to prosper. difficult to step forward with (John 15:9-15) Jesus’ disciples were
Finances are on the list, but so are the excitement and anticipation not merely followers, Jesus called
faith, family, and friendship. While that a new year usually brings. them friends. Faith and friendship are
this isn’t the “end all, be all” list of After everything we went meant to go together. It isn’t often
prosperity, these four areas of our through in 2020, we may be that we think about friendship when
lives are integral to a life lived well. worried about what unforeseen it comes to our faith but maybe it is
When we get these four things right, chaos this new year could hold. time for us to do exactly that. Who do
even if other things go wrong, hope Join us this Sunday as we learn you count among your friends?
5 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Hope and Help
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT. seems so important to her that I don’t Legacy Center
Hallmark Showcase always concludes want to make a scene about it.”
with happy endings and satisfying “We were going along just fine, and The Wilderness of Grief
solutions that mystically appear. But life then suddenly my wife got sick and
is not a Hallmark story. they can’t figure out what’s wrong. She As we begin the new year, if you find
has had several tests, but she is getting yourself in the wilderness of grief
THIS IS LIFE. weaker, and they still don’t have any and you are trying to find your way
“I did think when my son married, I firm answers. I really don’t know what through the pain and confusion,
would gain a daughter, but they hardly to do.” there is hope.
ever come over, and when they do,
she seems ready to go almost right And THIS IS STEPHEN MINISTRY. Starting in February we will begin
away. They spend plenty of time at her Amazingly, many answers to life a 12 week course in navigating the
mother’s place, but not with me. situations lie within your grasp- not “Wilderness” experience. If you have
mystically , but as you share with a experienced the loss of someone
“My husband asks me what day it is, but listener who will help you discover the in your life and you are ready to
when I tell him he argues with me. very answers you seek. THAT is what a walk with other sojourners, then I
Then ten minutes later, he asks me Stephen Minister has been trained to invite you to walk us through this
again. He admits he gets “mixed up,” but do. Why not join others in the Anona confusing time in your life.
still he always insists he is right. I try to family who have found real solutions to
be patient, but it sure is hard.” life’s problems? There will be a date and time for our
meetings and how to sign up for the
“So many of my friends have moved Stephen Ministers are here for you! journey on the website, you can also
away or died that I feel very much call the Church and we will have the
alone. It is hard for me to push myself Join us for private prayer during our information available.
into some group and I don’t know LIVE Contemporary and Traditional
how to find new friends. Everyone else Services on Sunday mornings. If you feel called to lead a grief group
seems to have friends, and I don’t want and have an interest in learning some
to butt in. People seem to resent a PRAYER CHAIN: The Anona Prayer skills in grief groups, or caregiver
‘newcomer.’” Chain is composed of church support groups, please let me know.
members who pray daily for those
“My wife seems to think I am made of requesting prayers for themselves
money. I think it is fine that she wants and others. Requests are kept Terry Collier
to dress the twins alike, but it seems like confidential unless otherwise Terry@anona.com
every day she is out shopping for outfits specified. To submit a prayer
for them. We really can’t afford it, but it request, go to anona.com/prayer.
6 | ANONA MAGAZINE
A Gift Worth Giving
Jackie Evans | jackie@anona.com | anona.com/missions
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4
‘socks’ in memo line.
5. Give online to ‘Missions’ button all
month, any Missions donations in
January will go to Clothes to Kids.
ADDITIONAL MISSION
OPPORTUNITIES:
KATHERINE T SMITH SCHOLARSHIPS
Are you a seminary student or
candidate for ministry? This scholarship
was created through the generous
estate of Ms. Smith for the primary
purpose of “providing financial support
and assistance to seminary students
and candidates for ministry.” While our
desire is to help every student funds are
limited.
SOCK IT TO US! one winter wardrobe! The organization
Every year Clothes to Kids gives out was founded by two teachers who The K.T. Smith Scholarship application
80,000 pairs of new socks. So, we are noticed first- hand how children and form for students entering or returning
kicking off the New Year by supporting teens had a higher success rate in to post-high school education (college,
this amazing mission partner. We are school, when they felt better about seminary, vocational schools) for the
going to keep some little (and big) toes themselves. Imagine not having access 2021-22 school year is now available
warm this January by collecting NEW to clean clothes or not having a change online. The deadline is January 8, 2021.
socks as well as any gently used K-12 of clothes each day! New, clean socks
clothing. Plus sized and adult sized are are such a big part of this so Anona we AMAZON SMILE
welcome as long as they are trendy are asking you to ‘SOCK IT TO US’ this Did you know that shopping on
enough for a teen to wear! month. Amazon can benefit Anona UMC?
Visit smile.amazon.com and be sure
Clothes to Kids is a non-profit Lots of donation options that you are ‘supporting’ Anona
organization that provides new and United Methodist Church. That’s it,
quality used clothing to low income 1. Deliver socks all month during enjoy shopping and a portion of your
or in crisis families free of charge. Each office hours, we have a large purchases will come back to Anona
Child or teen receives five pairs of new laundry cart right outside the front Missions. Thank you for your support!
socks and 5 pairs of underwear when door.
they shop for their five outfits. Why 2. 2.Drop them off during Sunday
five? This guarantees five school days morning if you reserve and attend Make sure you continue to
of clean clothes, as many families do in person. follow us online, on the app, or
not have washing machines at their 3. Drive through and ‘Sock it to us’ on Facebook as we announce
disposal and going to laundry mat is Monday January 25th 4pm to 7pm ways to get involved.
easier at the weekend! The children 4. Make a monetary donation write
can shop twice a year, one summer and checks to Anona UMC and put
7 | ANONA MAGAZINE
FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST
CHILDREN’S HOME
Habitat plans to turn the keys over to
35 new homeowners during January Anona Simply
Thank you Anona!!! Your generous
donations of bedding during
- June, including 5-6 in the Ridgecrest
Area. Worship
November’s Sweet Dreams Collection
were delivered to the Children’s Home As soon as COVID subsides, a bit, During these times of COVID-19
on December 21st. The kids ready to Habitat is looking forward to having it’s we truly miss the intimate worship
snuggle under the covers, while waiting FAVORITE VOLUNTEER TEAM (ANONA experience that Simply Worship offers
for Santa’s arrival!!! UMC) return. in the historic Anona Chapel. In the
meantime, we are worshipping online
Remember to put Saturday, March 27th Habitat & Anona - looking forward to an live by Zoom on Sunday mornings at
on your calendar, and sign up for our awesome 2021!!! 10:45. We connect virtually for quiet
next trip to the Annual Day on Campus worship, acoustic music, and prayer.
Tour at the Children’s Home. (if COVID We are always eager to welcome
loosens it’s grip enough). newcomers. Questions? Contact Bert or
Judy Crossman at 727-282-8535 or bert.
We’ll leave Anona about 7:30 AM , crossman@tampabay.rr.com so that we
returning about 5:30 PM. You’ll enjoy can send you a link to worship with us.
a great day of fun, food, and fabulous
skits, plays, singing, and awards. Tour
the Campus, visiting the children’s
cottages, meet kids, house parents,
staff. The newly remodeled Chapel will
be a highlight as well.
You will get to witness the impact the
gifts Anona and all Florida churches SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY!
make, in the lives of the 100+ children More details to come, but as you shop
who live at FUMCH. in January, please be on the look out for We also miss our mission outreach at to
BOGO of high protein and pantry food Lealman’s Adopt-A-Block and the
items. RCS food pantry is always in need Florida Dream Center on which would
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of quality food and February is a great
Habitat has forged ahead, despite the normally meet monthly. During this
time for them to restock shelves. time when we cannot be physically
Pandemic, providing 25 homes for our
Homeowner Candidates, who take present, we encourage those of you
Your humanity and service to the who want to help to visit:
homeownership classes and put in community is abundant. Thank you!
on-line Sweat Equity hours to earn thier https://floridadreamcenter.org/
new homes. Two of those homes were give/support-financially?mc_
in our own backyard in Ridgecrest. A big thank you to all who cid=22a9edf4dd&mc_eid=c9aa203bbd
generously donated to the This is the only way we can help these
On Thanksgiving Eve, Habitat, in Anona Giving Tree. Each year, folks during these difficult times.
partnership with Feeding Tampa you step up in big ways, and this
Bay, distributed 120 Turkey meals to year was no different. It’s always Please be in prayer for all residents at
residents of the Ridgecrest area, as well touching to see how much Indian Oaks Assisted Living. We haven’t
as doing some general neighborhood generosity pours out of our been able to lead worship on our
clean up, in partnership with Lowes.. congregation. Thank you, thank normal first Sundays due to COVID-19.
Habitat’s new partnership with Feeding you for all your involvement in If you are interested in joining us to lead
Tampa Bay (FTB), includes FTB filling the Anona Missions! worship service when the restrictions of
refrigerator and pantry for each new Have a Merry Christmas! COVID-19 are lifted, please contact Bert
Habitat Homeowner. or Judy Crossman at 727-282-8535.
Anona Simply Worship
8 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Nursery
Shawn Seward | nursery@anona.com | anona.com/infantandpreschool
INFANT PRESCHOOL MONTHLY THEME: OUT OF THIS WORLD
The world, well the universe, is filled with amazing things, but nothing will
ever be more amazing than the One who created it all. Jesus is amazing,
and we want our preschoolers to know it! This month our children will learn
how amazing He is through His teachings, healing, power, and miracles.
December was such a fun month getting to share the Christmas story with
the children through our activity bags and videos. If you haven’t had a
chance, check out our videos that you can watch at Anona.com/nursery-
online. They are also available on Facebook and Instagram if you follow us.
Our activity bags are available each month in the church office or we would
be more than happy to deliver them to you. The bags contain everything
you need to follow along with our video that you can do anytime!
If you have any questions please email us at nursery@anona.com.
“EVERYONE WHO HEARD HIM Also, check us out on Facebook at Anona Discover or Instagram at
WAS AMAZED.” – LUKE 2:47 AnonaDiscover.
VOLUNTEER & BIRTHDAY DELIVERIES
This month we did some surprise deliveries of a sweet treat thank you to some of our volunteers who have
helped us out in the past to let them know we are thinking of them and miss them! We are still looking for small
group leaders for the nursery as well as the 2-year-old and 3-5-year-old classes. Please prayerfully consider
stepping in and being part of the foundation of faith for our youngest members. I would love to talk to you
more about how you can be part of our team!
Since we still are not meeting in person we will be delivering a birthday gift to those who have birthdays this
month. If your child does not get one please let us know so we can update our records.
Please email Shawn Seward at
nursery@anona.com if you have
questions about our program or
would like to be added to our
weekly email list.
9 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Kids
Bonnie Barrow | bonnie@anona.com | anona.com/elementary
HAPPY NEW YEAR ANONA KIDS!
SOCK IT TO US
We are so excited to jump into 2021!
We hope you and your kids will join
us this month in this crazy game
called Life, as we explore January’s
Big Idea - Responsibility - showing
you can be trusted with what is
expected of you.
Each week’s Bible story and Bottom
Line will help kids learn how to make
responsibility a part of their daily
lives. Check out below to see what
we will be learning about each week
Remember this: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be in Anona Kids and how we can apply
trusted with much!” - Luke 16:10 these rules to our lives!
Week One: The Story of the Greatest Commandment, from
Matthew 22:36-40. Love God. Love others!
Week Two: The Parable of the Rich Fool, from Luke 12:16-21. Share what
you have!
Week Three: The Ants Go Marching, from Proverbs 6:6-8. Work hard!
Week Four: The Parable of the Bags of Gold, from Matthew 25:14-30. Make
the Most of What you’ve been given!
Week Five: Using words to build others up, from Ephesians 4:29. Use your words wisely.
God wants us to remember these important Rules for Life, because when we can be trusted with just a little bit,
no matter what it is, it means we can show others that we can be trusted with even more! We can share, we can
work hard, we can love others, and I think, that means we can be ready for whatever this new year throws at us!
January will be a super fun month to reconnect as we work to help our kids establish some important Rules for
Life! Please join us for our fun, interactive LIVE Kids’ Service on Sunday mornings at 9:30 via Zoom. Look for your
Anona Kids email at the end of every week for some extra resources for the upcoming week, as well as the Zoom
link. If you do not receive the Anona Kids weekly email and would like to, please email our Director of Children’s
Ministry, Bonnie Barrow, at bonnie@anona.com (check your junk/spam folder to make sure it doesn’t get lost).
SOCK IT TO US! Anona Kids Mission Challenge!
This month, we challenge our Anona Kids families to bring in NEW kids/teen socks for Clothes to Kids, as well as
new or gently used child’s clothing. We challenge YOU to pick out a few outgrown items from your closet and
bring it to the church to donate to kids in our community! For more details, check out page 6.
10 | ANONA MAGAZINE
JANUAR11 | ANONA MAGAZINE RY 2021
12 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Youth
anona.com/youth
Megan Trunzo megan@anona.com
In December we celebrated Christmas
in many ways. There was hot chocolate,
bonfires, very ugly Christmas sweaters,
and lots of fun parties… But my favorite
thing we did was participate in a 21-day
devotional challenge online with our
middle and high schoolers! What started
out as a fun way to connect with our
students throughout the week, turned
into a beautiful reminder of the hope and
anticipation of Jesus’ birth on Christmas
and that our students are so incredibly wise
beyond their years.
One of the days, our middle school devotional talked about how much God truly loves us—how He sent His Son, Jesus, to
Earth to rescue us. This devo wanted us to remember that Jesus’ life is the ultimate example of God’s unfailing love for us, and
that is certainly something to celebrate on Christmas. At the end of each day, we get asked what’s one thing we think God is
saying to us from the devotional and then have a chance to all comment together. This is what one of our middle schoolers
said, “What I got from this reading is that God is saying to us that he loves us by sending Jesus to the world. Which is probably
why Jesus is sometimes referred to as the word, because Jesus is all God wanted to say to us.” Because Jesus is all God
wanted to say to us. That sentence, from one of our middle school students, is why I do youth ministry. Isn’t that just the most
beautiful and simple way to explain the culmination of the Gospel? All God wanted to say was summed up in the life and
resurrection of Christ. Now this is my prayer for our ministry and everyone this year… When Covid continues into this year,
when things may still be hard, when we try to find small joys in the midst of unknowns, let us remember that Jesus is all God
wanted to say to us. My prayer is that we remember and come back to that truth over and over throughout the year of 2021.
I’d love to meet you!
If we haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet, I’m Megan Trunzo (formerly Rutherford).
For over four years now, I have been called to serve in the church with middle and
high school students—which started right here at Anona as a student myself! After
receiving my BA in Religion with an emphasis in Youth Ministry last December, I have
been working at Anona under Casey with our youth. This year, I am excited to take on
the role of Student Ministry Director. A little about me: other than loving to hang with
students, I love hiking, watching sunsets, reading, watching romcoms, dancing
when there’s no music and eating all the food. I also love sitting down over coffee
or lunch to get to know people if you ever want to stop by!
Staying Connected With Us!
Like us on Facebook: Anona Student Ministry or Instagram: AnonaYouth13 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Anona Child Development Center
Marion Denton, Director | Suzie Crosslin, Asst. Director 727-593-KIDS
The holidays are over, the decorations The contribution needs to be voluntary,
are packed away and we are looking not coerced, to release those feel-good REGISTER
forward to a safe, happy, and bright, brain chemicals.
new year. As humans, we are genetically for 2021-2022 in January
wired to seek out connection and Anona Child Development Center has
contribute to each other’s wellbeing. been faithful and optimistic through Don’t miss our church member
The bonds between us have defined these last 9 months. We have taken priority registration for ACDC
our families and communities since every measure to instill that our center 2021-22 School Year: Jan 11-15!
the beginning of time. With the is safe and that we are following all the
COVID-19 virus shutting down not just CDC health guidelines. Safety, which is We offer a quality, Conscious
communities, but entire countries, we our most basic need, is at the forefront Discipline based program
are tasked with finding new ways to of our programs. Knowing our parents developed to empower lifelong
connect and contribute. Children don’t feel secure having their children in our learners. We offer preschool
say, “I’m having difficulty in my daily care is incredibly rewarding. Enrollment classes for ages 2 - VPK and
life. I don’t fully understand what’s is important, and we are hearing provide transportation to and
happening, I miss my friends, I’m afraid from old and new families alike. Our from Anona, Bauder, Oakhurst
someone I know is going to die and reputation is strong, and safety is our and Ridgecrest Elementary
it feels like life will never be normal priority during this time of uncertainty. Schools for before and after care.
again.” Instead, they throw tantrums,
become clingy, sulk, backtalk, refuse to Our program does have openings if We are also excited at the
do anything you ask, wet the bed, pick you are interested in enrolling your prospect of opening a 1-year old
fights with siblings, and suddenly forget child or know of a family looking for an room in the nursery. It is a new
how to do basic tasks they mastered accredited and faith-based preschool. endeavor, and we are working on
years ago. We have availability in our 2’s, 3’s, VPK its completion!
and elementary before and aftercare
Safety is the brain’s most basic need, programs. We are a gold seal quality Please give us a call for more
followed closely by connection. When approved childcare program. We information - 727.593.5437.
we feel unsafe or disconnected, our offer half day and full day options for We look forward to serving our
brains downshift from the higher families. Registration for enrollment is church family!
centers responsible for learning currently ongoing for this school year
and problem solving, to the lower and we begin enrollment for the 2021-
reactionary centers. That is why 2022 school year beginning January
all those challenging behaviors 4th, for currently enrolled families and
are popping up, and why a minor January 11th through 15th for church
frustration is now Titanic in size. members and siblings of currently
Contribution lights up the reward enrolled families. Please call and we
centers of the brain and releases feel- will be happy to introduce you to our
good chemicals like dopamine and Conscious Disciple® based program and
serotonin. Verbally highlight the way give you a virtual tour of our school.
your family is helping your community Our phone number is 727-593-5437 or
and hospitals by staying home. Draw send an e-mail to acdc@anona.com. We
pictures and make cards to mail, leave look forward to partnering with your
on friends’ and neighbors’ doorsteps, family as we seek to Reach and Raise
or drop off at a nursing home. Adults the Next Generation…Together. Stay
need to provide lots of little ways for safe!
children to be helpful at home and offer www.anona.com/acdc
authentic praise for their helpfulness. 727.593.KIDS14 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Men’s Ministries
Among the knowledge and experience he into organizing a new adult Sunday
the men acquired up north, Ian began working School class with Phil Marshall and
involved with Pastor Jack Stephenson in setting eventually a Monday night Men’s Bible
in Anona up the Fresh Start program involving Study.
ministries mentoring men and women caught
there is up in Pinellas County’s Jail System. Like many other of Anona’s men who
one who People on probation who had a desire came and went before Ian, almost
stands out to get a fresh start with their families, every ministry at Anona that involves
as a leader, mentor, and faithful servant jobs, and community, now had an the life of the men at Anona has Ian’s
of Jesus Christ. In just about every ability to get a mentor to help them fingerprint on it, directly or indirectly.
waking moment of his life, this man achieve a successful reconnection. Even beyond Anona, Ian has left his
dedicated his life to his Lord starting Herb Schluderberg was chaplain for the mark with the Gulf Central District
back when he was a teenager in a Pinellas Jail System who worked with United Methodist Men serving churches
youth group near Houghton College. Ian to get this ministry off to a flying from Crystal River to Braden River. Ian
start. Now Herb has made this ministry served as vice-president and secretary
This man, Ian Lennox, came to Florida his full time career, thanks to Ian’s on the District board for a time and
with his wife Charmaine in 2004 and prompting and mentoring skills. helped organize some of the men
they both found Anona to be their from Anona to attend UMM retreats.
home church. He brought with him In 1952, Ian Lennox married Charmaine Many people’s lives in New York,
time, talent, and the experience Lemmon at a Baptist church in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida are
he acquired from 1962-1994 while Hamburg, New York. They had five better off because of their exposure to
living in Pennsylvania and organizing children. They moved to Maryland the groundwork laid by Ian and his wife
community programs such as where both studied to become Stephen Charmaine of 68 years. And God and his
Neighborhood Watch and Citizens Ministers. Upon coming to Anona, Ian angels are smiling because of him.
Crime Prevention outreach for as many collaborated with the counselor and the
as 4 counties around Philadelphia. late Jim Noble on developing a Stephen For information about the programs
With some military police training, Ministry program at Anona. Once that mentioned above, contact Ian Lennox
he developed programs that helped ministry took off under Charmaine and at 727-242-4520 or the church office
reduce crime and save lives. Utilizing others such as Larry Cottrell, Ian settled 727-595-2581.
Women’s Ministries
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Ready for a closer walk with God? Join Women’s Bible Study this month for a unique and fresh look at PRAYER not as an
emergency “go to,” but as a daily conversation with the One who loves you the most! Share with us Tuesday evenings 7-8:15 or
Thursday morning from 10-11:15. If you are looking for warm fellowship as well as to grow in your faith, why not give WBS a try?
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
During this pandemic time in 2020, the Anona United Methodist Women (UMW) have worked hard to help meet the needs
of the global, national, and local missions. Through the church’s generous support and nut orders, we have been able to
financially support the following missions:
1. Global & National Level: $ 2,217.36 toward Gulf Central District, UMW and United Methodist Committee on Relief
2. Local Missions: $2,700
a. Church Women United b. Miracles Outreach c. Bethel Mission
d. Cornerstone Family Ministries e. Farm Workers Self-Help f. Good Samaritan Mission
g. Meals on Wheels h. Metropolitan Ministries i. Sheriffs Youth Ranch
The Anona UMW meets the third Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in Room 110. All women are welcome to join and as we
gain spiritual enrichment and social issues awareness as well as provide support for mission programs.15 | ANONA MAGAZINE
GrowFaith
Gary Thomas, Director of Pastoral Care | gary@anona.com | (727) 585-2581
ONLINE CLASSES & GROUP GATHERINGS
Currently small groups are meeting online. Once dates are set for the return of small groups, we will provide the
safety protocols and class information. In the meantime, we invite you to grow your faith online using ZOOM.
METHODIST MUST CHALLENGE RACISM
Do you wonder why the Methodist Church is concerned
with the black lives matter movement? We have a
study for YOU! This six-week study combines Methodist
principles with the Guided Conversations about Race
in Holding Up Your Corner (written by a Pastor from
Ferguson, Missouri). Christians shouldn’t be silent while
neighbors are suffering. Christians’ failure to confront
racism corrupts our witness faithful to society. The
subject of racism can be overwhelming, but this study
will help you understand it and begin challenging
injustice in your community. Sundays, Jan. 10-Feb. 14,
6:00-7:30 pm, via Zoom. RSVP online or on the app to
receive the Zoom link and book information.
More information to come but be on the look out for a new class: Being the Bridge. This class is a follow up to the
Stand Up Anona and the study of White Fragility. For questions, contact Gary@anona.com.
Dates: Wednesdays, 8 classes meeting every other week, Jan 13 – April 21
Time: 6:30 – 8pm By Zoom
Facilitator: April Maitner
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Transform Your Tomorrow is
a community-based initiative
launched by Anona. We recognize
that financial uncertainty is a
leading cause of stress for our
community. In conjunction with
churches and not-for-profit
organizations (our goal is 100
partners!) in the Tampa Bay area, we
want to help folks develop a plan to
transform their lives and experience
financial peace by providing
Financial Peace University for free
or at a reduced cost. Together, we’ll
learn the proven plan to handle
Beginning in January, Anona is providing Financial Peace University AND money, budget what God has given
Ramsey+ for FREE! To learn more about Transform Your Tomorrow, visit us, and track our progress so we can
www.anona.com/transformyourtomorrow live and give like God wants us to.16 | ANONA MAGAZINE Small Groups, Activities, and Fellowship Groups are beginning to meet on-campus while others are continuing to meet online. Contact the group leader to find out how you can get involved. COMPASS, 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS OF EACH MONTH, 7:30 PM—Are you between the ages of 18 to 23 and newly transitioned from high school to college or career? If so, Anona has something just for you! Compass is a young adult ministry we invite you to explore. As you embark on your new journey in life, you don’t have to navigate the waters of life alone. Whether you live locally or are just visiting during school break, email youngadults@anona.com to find out how you can get involved. BOOK CLUB, DECEMBER 13, 6:30 PM - ZOOM: The Anona Book Club’s January meeting will be held on Zoom on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 6:30 PM with a discussion of The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton, a story of two strangers, victims of an economic depression, a deadly storm, and threatening events. Please join us in a read that promises to stimulate great interest in a locale so familiar. All are welcome to join us; just reach out to Deanna Comingore (deannacom@att.net) prior to the Jan 24th meeting date. BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, SUNDAYS, 9:30 AM: An adult group that seeks to understand God’s Word and apply it in practical ways to everyday experiences. Focus is on study of books of Scripture for sharing and discussion. Leaders to Contact: Phil Marshall & Ian Lennox T’AI CHI QI GONG, WEDNESDAYS 9:30 AM IN WORSHIP CENTER This mind-body practice has value in prevention or treating of various health problems. GET STARTED EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN SHAPE, LOW-IMPACT, SLOW MOTION EXERCISE. FAST CROWD, SUNDAYS 10:30 AM ON ZOOM: A large class that enjoys fellowship and Bible study using a wide variety of curriculum to bring faith to life in light of today’s world. Class largely includes individuals and couples in their forties up to retirees but all are welcome. You can visit our webpage for zoom details: www.anona.com/adultgroups. MEN’S BIBLE STUDY, MONDAYS 7-8 PM ON ZOOM All men are welcome to this group as we study the Bible, prophets, scripture, and more. HOPE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, 6:30 PM, 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAYS: No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help. Caregivers are also welcome. Contact Teresa Elder: eldergators@gmail.com; 727-458-6843 or Jackie Gerald, nanakca@ hotmail.com. We are continuing to find ways to connect, please don’t hesitate to contact the leaders of this group to learn more about Hope Cancer Support at Anona.
17 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Give Yourself Permission ACADEMY OF ARTS
Dina Meitner, LCSW | Anona Counseling Center Director Sandy Ross
OPEN ENROLLMENT: The Academy
offers individual music lessons to
children, youth and adults of all ages
on piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, violin,
and music theory. Register online
at anona.com/academy or contact
Director Sandy Ross. Beginning to
advanced students welcome.
LESSONS RESUME IN JANUARY:
I hope you all had a wonderful
Christmas Break, with sweet
memories and family time! Lessons
What are you lacking? After 2020, They don’t see possibility. They think resume Monday, January 4, 2021.
that list may be long … and we’re not they are not entitled or good enough. Can’t wait to hear how you’ve grown
finished with precautions that create Not true. I say, not true! Hear me – YOU over the break!
more lack in the name of safety. Are you are entitled to a beautiful life. YOU are
feeling a little down? more than good enough. YOU are YES, VIRTUAL LESSONS AVAILABLE: Virtual
worthy. lessons on Zoom are available If you
Last month’s article was about the Four would prefer virtual lessons instead
Advent Candles: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace. I will ask you now to give. Give of your of in person lessons at the church,
I mentioned how these endeavors heart, your mind, your time. Give your Zoom is easy to download and use
can benefit mental health. What did heart permission to love yourself. Give
you DO after you read that article and your mind permission to think about IS YOUR STUDENT’S SPORTS ON
experienced the church services around possibility. Give yourself the time you PAUSE? Consider enrolling them in
those pillars? Key word: “DO.” need to heal, grow and live. Only the music lessons through the Anona
person who has – can give to others. Academy of Arts. It has been
I didn’t ask what you thought about. I Happy new year – happy new scientifically proven that students
asked what did you DO? possibilities and permissions. As always, who study music do better in all
know that your Counseling Center, other subjects, and have increased
The struggle for most people is in Stephen Ministers and Pastors can help focus and concentration skills.
allowing. Our church will explore the if you need a nudge.
concept of Transform Your Tomorrow, DONATIONS: Contact Sandy Ross if
which for the most part centers on you have a donation to the academy.
financial peace, but I want to encourage In Transformation, We accept sheet music, instruments,
you to expand on that concept for your and more. Tax donation forms
emotional well-being. Dina Meitner, LCSW available upon request.
If today holds any discontent for you, The Anona Family Life Counseling
a tomorrow of much the same leads to Center is an Outreach Ministry of CONTACT INFORMATION:
hopelessness. Hope propels us forward Anona UMC and is pleased to offer Director Sandy Ross
with possibility. But what must you DO? confidential professional counseling caseychev@aol.com
services as well as educational and 727-430-1316
Allow. Not so easy, is it? I talk to people personal growth classes, groups and anona.com/academy
every day who suffer because they do seminars on a variety of topics on a fee
not allow. They tuck their dreams and for service basis. Contact us at 727-
desires into a box with a tight-fitting lid. 422-9654.Our Members
If your birthday is not listed, please call the church office at 727-595-2581
Anniversaries 25th and Above Birthdays 80th and Above
01/01 Rodney & Shelly Wilt 27 yrs. 01/01 John Lundahl
01/05 Greg & Pat Brittain 30 yrs. Earl Smith
01/07 Phillip & Cheryl McGee 44 yrs. 01/03 Christine Jensen
01/17 Tom & Pat Blandford 40 yrs. Linda Thompson
01/23 Jerry & Becky Boucher 33 yrs. 01/04 Phil Phelps
01/24 Claude & JoAnne Sullivan 62 yrs. 01/05 Alan Raun
01/25 Joe & Jane Madden 73 yrs. Joan Swartz
01/26 Henry & Cynthia Holland 56 yrs. 01/06 Audrey Spencer
01/27 Fred & Marcia Gibbs 53 yrs. 01/09 Ron Cinnamon
01/30 Jeff & Sue Wilson 50 yrs. 01/10 Linda Murphy
01/11 Virginia Thomas
01/12 Pat Haacke
Mary Leslie
01/13 Chuck Beard
Deanna Simon
01/14 Hurst Mitten
01/15 Betty Harper
Cathy Hass
01/17 Helen Hudson
01/18 Bob Kildow
01/22 Lois Spirtos
Beverly Timpf
01/23 Kitty Watts
01/24 Lella Lee Billups
01/25 Sharon Hesselton
01/26 Jeanne Koshler
01/27 Terry Dowd
01/28 Linda Holliday
01/30 Dottie Sutcliffe
Please be in prayer for:
Lawrence (Ray) Goodwin William D (Bill) Allen
James (Jim) Pigg Ken Weaver
Betty Jane (B.J.) Knox Betty Scrimshaw
An In Memoriam page is on the Anona website (anona.com/inmemoriam) so that we can remember those of our
church family that has died in the last two months and support the families and friends left behind. Losing a loved
one is one of the hardest things many of us will ever face. Your expressions of concern for the family, weeks and
months past the time of a loved one’s death, shows you care and that their loved one is not forgotten. Please keep
these families in your prayers during their journey of grief. The In Memoriam page will be updated weekly.19 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Our Church
ANONA SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE IMPORTANT DATES
8:15 AM: Traditional in Traditional Sanctuary
WORSHIP REOPENING
9:30 AM: Contemporary in Worship Center As of November 29, we have reopened our campus for
worship. You must preregister online and agree to the
9:30 AM: KidsMin ZOOM on-campus protocol. The RSVP form will be active
Monday-Thursday for the week prior to that Sunday’s
11:10 AM: Traditional in Traditional Sanctuary service. www.anona.com/welcomehome
Youth Small Group NEW YEAR OFFICE HOURS
4:30 PM Middle School & 7:00 PM High School The church office will be closing at noon on
December 31 and closed on January 1.
JOIN US FOR ONLINE SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
8:15, 9:30, 11:10
LIVE.ANONA.COM OFFICE HOURS/PHONE
Monday-Thursday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Our Staff Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
727-595-2581 anona.com
PASTORS
Jack Stephenson Co-Senior Minister jack@anona.com 224
Richard Landon Co-Senior Minister richard@anona.com 243
Jeremy Herrington Executive Minister jeremy@anona.com 236
Gary Thomas St. Mark’s Minister gary@anona.com 225
Casey McKinney Student Minister casey@anona.com 298
STAFF
Jean Berry Office Admin Assistant jeanb@anona.com 288
Terry Collier Anona Christian Counselor terry@anona.com 284
Janice Dean Financial Secretary (Giving) janice@anona.com 223
Jonathan Dennison Director of Technological Arts jonathan@anona.com 226
Marion Denton Dir of Anona Child Dev Center dentonm@anona.com 249
Jackie Evans Director of Missions jackie@anona.com 409
Penny Kolba Admin Assistant-Worship Arts penny@anona.com 237
Scott Magness Director of Facilities, Health and Safety scott@anona.com 227
Megan Trunzo Director of Student Ministry megan@anona.com 300
Erin Padgett Director of Communications erin@anona.com 244
Alisa Rushing Church Administrator alisa@anona.com 229
Bonnie Barrow Director of Kids Ministry bonnie@anona.com 230
Lesley Thompson Director of Marketing and Discipleship lesley@anona.com 228
Shawn Seward Director of Infant & Preschool Ministry nursery@anona.com20 | ANONA MAGAZINE
Non-Profit Org
ANONA UNITED U.S. Postage
PAID
METHODIST CHURCH Permit #4000
St. Petersburg, FL
A MULTI-SITE Community
13233 Indian Rocks Rd.
Largo, FL 33774
VOLUME 2021
ISSUE 1
JANUARYYou can also read
