News Archive: 2004

(Photos above: gazebo at Lake Aurora Christian Camp in Lake Wales hit by hurricane Charley in August of 2004; SCC volunteers with members of First Christian Church, Arcadia)

Thank You, "Charley's Angels."

Thanks so much to the many who have contributed volunteer labor, funds or supplies. Teams from Sarasota Christian Church have brought vanloads of assistance to Arcadia, Wauchula and Port Charlotte. Work teams have cleaned up debris at Lake Aurora Christian Camp in Lake Wales, Harborview Christian Church in Port Charlotte and several individual homes in hurricane damaged areas, and the church's missions team has distributed relief funds as well.

Hawaiian Luau a Hit

Around 120+ people enjoyed a hilarious fellowship luau on Sunday, September 19th, most wearing Hawaiian shirts and nylon frangipani. A few photos are posted below. Thanks, Randy and your team, for putting together a great time. (Contrary to rumors, neither Randy nor his father was ever seen in a grass skirt...)

New Phonetree System Keeps Us in Touch

We know how annoying recorded phone messages can be, but if you get one from SCC please don't hang up! It's our new Phonetree system, which was purchased and set up in the wake of hurricanes Charley and Frances through a generous donor. This computer based messaging system can get announcements or reminders to the entire church without tying up staff or volunteer time. If you didn't receive a message last weekend and would like to be added to the list, please e-mail us with your name and local phone number.

Neighbors in Need

On Sunday, September 26th one of the church's closest neighbors lost their home to a hurricane Jeanne related fire. They had purchased and moved into the home in May but were unable to obtain insurance, in part due to the active hurricane season. Two of the Morgan family kids, Megan (11) and Torin (14) have participated this summer and fall in Sarasota Christian Church activities including Quest youth group, VBS and canoe camp at Lake Aurora with Lee and Dan (where they were baptized on July 1st). Their mom Maureen is a believer and has visited the church on several occasions. Take a look at their home:

As a church family we're seeking to help our neighbors in as many ways as we can. We provided immediate relief through a special offering Sunday, October 3rd; nearly $3000 was given by church members wanting to assist (thanks SCC, you're the best). The youth group has raised over $600 to help the teenage children replace clothing, and many in the church have come forward to offer appliances and furniture as well. At this point Maureen continues to pursue options for immediate housing and future resources for rebuilding, and as a church we hope to find additional ways to help.

The first "Clean-up Blitz" (Saturday 10/16/04) was a success! Around 30 volunteers filled a commercial dumpster (thanks Newt!) beyond its capacity, cleared rubble to the floor, knocked out most of the drywall and trim, and assisted with sorting and storage of the few salvageable items. Many thanks to the volunteers, and to the Deiwerts for providing a delicious lunch. A few photos are below!

If you'd like to offer the Morgans any type of assistance, please contact the church and we will put you in touch with Maureen.

Volunteers from the church and community work their way down to the floor.

Newt and Donny shore up the roof as Maureen and Matthew sift through the ashes.

(Three work days have been held to clear most of the debris from the fire. The Morgans continue to seek options to rebuild their home.)

NEW: Travel the World on Our Missions Page

We've added a list of missions supported by Sarasota Christian Church, with links to explore. So go see just how far your giving goes...

Thank You!

Your church ministry staff would like you to know how much we appreciate the kind cards, gifts and encouragement we received throughout Pastor Appreciation Month! Special thanks to the Wright's Tuesday night small group for organizing the thoughtfulness. It's a joy to serve Christ with all of you at SCC! --Lee, Ryan, Randy & Dan

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

SCC's women's ministry (Sara Circle) is once again reaching out to the needy with food baskets for Thanksgiving. If you would like to help, the following items are needed and may be brought to the foyer: stuffing, green beans, french's onion's, evaporated milk, canned yams, jellied cranberries, cream of mushroom soup, pumpkin pie filling, instant milk. If you know of someone who would be in need of a basket, please give their name, address and number of people in the family to Diane Glorch, Shari Robison or Sheri Deer by October 31st.

Sarasota Holiday Parade

Thirty adults, teens and children rode the Wonderland Express to represent Sarasota Christian Church in the parade. We shared thousands of Hershey's chocolates with the crowd, along with 2400 candy canes taped to invitations to the Christmas Wonderland festival. The kids enjoyed being stars on SNN-6 news as we passed the judging area! It was a crazy, fun evening of outreach for everyone involved!