Luncheon Honors Volunteers of United Methodist Church

"Honor God with Your Service"
Luncheon Honors Volunteers of United Methodist Church

The Rev. Dr. Florence Howell urges volunteers to find and develop their gifts for the Kingdom of God during a luncheon Tuesday. On her right is the Rev. Marian Everett, pastor of Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Tampa. See more photos on page 19.

By Linda Fudala-Tucker

A large cake with the words, "God Bless Our Volunteers" greeted some 30 ladies Tuesday at PJ's Seagrille. That number only represented about a third of the volunteers honored for their service for the United Methodist Church. Staff members, Carlene Waceken and Kathy O'Connell, organized the event, now in its fifth year.

Guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Florence Howell, senior pastor of Northeast United Methodist Church of Tampa, encouraged the audience to use their "gifts for the common good of the church family and for the kingdom of God."

"It's been a remarkable year for volunteers for the office and for so many projects," said.

Pastor Brian Brightly. "We had 170 volunteers for the strawberry festival and there were so many volunteers for the 'support the troops project.' We are thankful for all the time and effort put into these projects."

Dr. Howell spoke of giving the gifts of time and a smile. "The time you give in service is a gift to honor God and a smile on your face that comes from the heart is evidence of the love of God abiding in you. It can be one of the greatest gifts you share with others."

On Sunday, missionaries Mitch and Debbie Martinez shared stories and food from La Vega, Dominican Republic, where the cou-

ple and their five children have called home for 14 years. In those years with the help of people and churches from around the country and especially Boca Grande, the couple has worked to build a school, and most recently a television station and Bible Institute.

"Fourteen years ago we went to the Dominican Republic as interpreters for a pastor and the Lord touched our hearts," said Mitch Martinez. "God just led us."

Debra is the daughter of island artist, Wini

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Smart whose church, the United Methodist, has been a contributor to the Martinez missions over the years. The church has also sent teams of volunteers. Volunteer, Al Williams described the experience in 2004 as "just wonderful." A photo on the missionaries' website

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Mitch Martinez stands before a display relating to the mission work he and wife, Debbie do in Dominican Republic. See more photos on page 19.