M e m b e r  N e w s

February, 2008

Pastor and Mrs. Mercer were speechless after all the good things that were said about them in the worship service in which they were given a plaque for ten years of service to the Eden Gardens Church. The Pastor was heard to say that it has been the best ten years of his life and he hopes to continue at his present post.

We wish to welcome to the family Rudy Ourednik who was baptized recently. He was heard to say that it took 70 years before he came into the family of God and he doesn’t know why he waited so long. His wife Frances prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for her husband.

Ruth Bristow traveled up to Virginia and there had a graveside service for Harvey. Kathy and Jack Thomson traveled with her to stand in the rain for that service. Kathy was heard to say Harvey would have smiled at that. Harvey will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Sue Curtis, the pastor’s sister, recently attended a seminar workshop in Tampa giving her an opportunity to spend the day with her brother and gave a presentation at prayer meeting. She then was able to attend the Sabbath services and watched her brother baptize Rudy and then saw him honored for 10 years of service. She was accompanied by Jan Wood, Dean of Students at Pacific Union College. Jan’s grandfather, Delmer P. Wood, baptized Vivienne when she was 13 years old.

Bob and Jane Baker give us some good news that his mother, Norma, is out of the hospital and back in their home.

We are so pleased that Esther Barker was not seriously injured in the recent automobile accident in which her car was totaled.

Marie Bishop spent several days in the Citrus Rehab facility but is back in her own home now. She expresses joy and appreciation for the care and support that she receives from the Eden Gardens Church members.

Jack Case gives us good news about his daughter, Janet, who has recently faced some very serious health issues. We understand she is back home and doing very well. Our prayers are for Janet to enjoy complete health.

Jerry and Jean Kleintank are again serving the church. We were so glad to hear that they survived the house fire and were able to return to Eden Gardens. We are glad you are here, folks.

Bill Thomas has started enjoying the full benefits of the Eden Gardens van ministry. Since his accident in which he broke his femur (thigh bone) he has completed the surgery and now resides in Arbor Trails along with his wife, Dottie. He expresses joy at being able to come in his wheelchair and enjoy the worship services.

Mildred Hawkins’ welcoming spirit now extends to hosting the newest “Tuesday at Ten” book reading group, second generation to the pioneer group June Pacitti and Vivienne Redmon started with Jean Oliphant at her home with the support of friends and neighbors. They’ve complete books like Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life and The Desire of Ages and enjoyed lunch together about once a month, and now both groups are studying The Great Controversy. (Where will the next “book club” be?)

“We served fourteen on Sunday. Sometimes it’s been up to twenty-one,” reports Fred Elms on the “Breakfast Club” that started several years ago when he invited Bill Thomas and Nathan McMahon over for pancakes. Now with the rest of the snowbird family and neighborhood friends there’s egg strada, strawberries and whipped cream, syrups, “whatever,” from 9:00 to as late as 11:00 “When Donna came down,” says Fred. “it really took off! It’s a way to relate to the community.” We like the way you relate, Fred and Donna!

January, 2008

Pastor Mercer has accepted an invitation to visit his sister, Sue Curtis. She is the associate vice president for student life at LaSierra University. The pastor was heard to say that they were going to go shopping for a new suit for the pastor (please see photos on following page). Have a nice vacation, pastor.

Perry Knox gives us a good report from his last surgical procedure which reattached the retina in his damaged eye. Perry tells us that he has vision back in his eye and is looking forward to a full recovery. Praise the Lord!

Mildred Shaffer spent several days in the hospital recently but is now back in her own home with her family and was heard to say it is much better being at home. She would enjoy visits and cards.

Grace Weisher has returned from spending a few days in the local hospital. She tells us that she feels better now and is looking forward to being back in church with her friends.

Bob and Jane Baker are happy that Bob’s mother is spending time with them this winter and she tells us that she always enjoys coming to church at Eden Gardens. We are also told that their son Joel is making plans to travel to Sweden for a vacation. Have a good trip, Joel.

We were saddened when we received word that Lillian Rowin went to sleep in Jesus. Her daughter, Crystal Day, tells us that Lillian loved the church and loved the Lord Jesus Christ and she was very pleased to have had the funeral service at the church so her mother could come one last time. See you in the morning!

Jack Case is venturing into the world of Cyberspace by setting up the computer that his grandson built for him. He has requested assistance from his neighbor Fred Freeman and from the Pastor. Happy sailing, Jack!

We are pleased to see Gerald and Dolly Porter back from their honeymoon cruise. We pray that you will have smooth sailing all the days of your life.

Shirley Shaffer led out in a special musical program on Sabbath, December 22. We were so pleased to hear choir pieces, solos, and instrumentals. What a blessing the music program is to the church.

Dick Pike continues to demonstrate the beauty of our new church organ. Dick tells us that this is a wonderful instrument and that we can anticipate many years of service from it.

The church is so pleased that Rachel and Anthony Bourque were baptized and received into church fellowship. They are demonstrating their talents by participating in the instrumental ensemble at the church. Welcome, welcome, welcome. (See photos on pg. 6)

Jean Oliphant has assumed the task of maintaining our prayer request list for prayer meeting. She has been faithful to bring to the attention of the church those who our church wants to remember in prayer. Thank you, Jean.

Jack and Kathy Thomson spent a few days on vacation recently. Hope you had a good time.

David and Phyllis Zummach and the Pastor share a common interest in the weather report about International Falls, Minnesota. The Pastor recalls from the time he lived in Wisconsin that the news often reported the coldest place in the entire nation was at International Falls. David provides an up-to-date report from time to time. Then we hear the Pastor say “I sure do miss that.”

Bill Thomas got tangled in his bike on Victory Lane and had a very bad break at the top of his right thigh. Margaret Myers came to the rescue, and soon Bill had a pin and a rod in his leg and was sharing literature from his hospital bed! Now he’s walking and recuperating at Arbor Trail, where his wife Dottie resides since her stroke. Our van drivers are chauffeuring him to church and to his doctor.

Julie Kish is recovering from surgery on her forehead and Jack Shaffer from a gall bladder attack, both recuperating at home.

Belle Hastings and Muriel Rodes both passed away Christmas week. Messages of comfort and encouragement can be sent to George Hastings at 925 Kitchen Branch Road, Greeneville, TN 37743 (phone 423-787-9094) Thank God for the blessed hope!

Ken Overmyer has moved to Avante where he can get the 24-hour care he needs. Peter Kish has returned up north to the VA hospital near his daughter Debbie. We miss both men but thank God for the fellowship of their precious wives, Virginia and Julie, and pray for their continued health and strength.

December, 2007

Philla Mae Morris starts her tenure as Editor of News and Views with this issue. The church staff wishes to relate to her their warmest welcome and pledge our greatest support.

Jim and Winnona Shepard are pleased that Mark was able to spend a few days here at the beginning of the holiday season.

Bob and Jane Baker brought around a handsome stranger, their son Joel . What a joy it is to have family at home during the holiday season.

Dewey Bidwell has gotten right back into the Eden Gardens routine even working at Community Services Thrift Store. Dewey tells us that his daughter, Star, will be staying a while. Welcome Star!

Rachel Bourque and her brother Anthony are being baptized the day that this issue of News and Views comes out. We are so pleased that they have been involved in the music program and that they are making this decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ as evidenced by their baptism.

Maurice and Carol Wyckoff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary November 25 at our Fellowship Hall. Married November 23, 1957 at the home of Elder and Mrs. Donald MacIntosh at Holly, Michigan, the Wyckoffs have lived in the Inverness area since 2001Many friends and family members were in attendance to help them celebrate including one son Tim and their daughter Patti Kendall. Also in attendance were grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A good time was had by all.

Florence Campbell, a long-time resident of Eden Gardens took Bible studies, was baptized, and became a full and very happy member of ourchurch. Then three months later, Florence went to sleep in Jesus, and is awaiting the Resurrection morning. What a joy it was to get better acquainted with Florence, to welcome her into our church fellowship, and now we are waiting for the joy of the resurrection.

Jack Case has returned to Eden Gardens from spending the summer at his Ohio home. What a sad occasion it was to leave his precious wife, Evelyn there in Ohio to await the Resurrection . Evelyn touched all of our lives in many ways and we will miss her dearly.

Fred Freeman also is a part of this church family that has experienced a significance loss. We share Fred’s sorrow in losing his wife, Sheron, and also his sister, Wendy. Being a part of a loving, caring church family helps, but being a member of God’s family gives us the assurance of victory over death. We are so glad that Fred is back with us participating in our activities here at the church.

Lee Glotzback tells us that since the real estate bubble seems to have burst that they are having difficulty in selling their home in Michigan. Janie spent most of the summer there doing all that was possible to prepare the house for sale. Let’s all pray that the house will sell soon.

Elizabeth Greene called recently and tells us that even though she had suffered broken bones, she is looking forward to coming down as soon as possible.

Jack and Neda Harrison had their daughter and her family over the holidays, with Morgan, Megan and Robin providing music for church and vespers. It seems like these kids are growing up fast and are becoming attractive, mature individuals.

Perry Knox suffered a terrible eye injury while securing a load on a trailer with a bungy cord. Perry has had several surgeries on his eye and we are pleased to hear that his sight is returning.We are so happy for you, Perry.

Julie Kish tells us that Peter has returned to a nursing facility up north and she continues to solicit our prayers on his behalf.

Ken and Virginia Overmyer, long time residents of Eden Gardens and friends to all here, have made a decision to be a part of God’s remnant church and have joined by Profession of Faith. Welcome to the family!

Kay Pallett recently completed the editing of the 2008 Directory. Thanks so much for your good work!

Dick and June Pacitti were pleased to have their granddaughter, Jessica, for a few days over the holiday. She has returned to the Academy where she is completing her senior year. Keep up the good work.

Meda Tate is pleased to have her mother with her now during the winter season. She tells us that she is an encouragement and is pleasant to have her here.

Lacy and Ellen Taylor were rejoicing to have their daughter and her doctor husband (noted health lecturer Dr. Collins) with them over the Thanksgiving holiday. Come again real soon.

Laurea Smead sends word that her chemotherapy treatments have been underway for some time and are going very well. Our prayers are with you, Laurea.

Mildred Shaffer recently celebrated her 99th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mildred!

Tom and Vivienne Redmon took a trip to Richmond, Virginia, to visit friends and hopefully enjoy the glories of the autumn leaves. But, Vivienne reports, they seemed destined for disappointment until

they reached their friends’ home, where a huge maple tree filled the front yard with beautiful leaves for shuffling.

Here at the church we have observed that Pastor Mercer has been making considerable progress on his self-improvement program. His wife Sandra, tells us that he has lost 118 lbs. Way to go, Pastor!

Lois and Bill Hawkes celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary at the annual church Thanksgiving banquet. Congratulations, you two!

Dolly Lillian Silva married Gerald Gene Porter of Riverside, California, here in Eden Gardens on November 18.  Gerald is a retired biochemist from Loma Linda who has come to visit several times since meeting Dolly two years ago in California. Welcome to the family, Gerald! 

It was a pleasure seeing Dolly’s granddaughter Teresa McGintey again, and her children Rebecca, Katherine and Jimmy, as they assisted in the wedding ceremony performed by Pastor Mercer.  The couple honeymooned in the Caribbean on the Carnival cruise ship, Victory, stopping at Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Martin.

Summer, 2007

We remained stunned over the loss of the sparkling eyes and upbeat, down to earth ways of Evelyn Case. Jack, be assured that you are uplifted in prayer throughout the course of every day. What a blessed hope we have, that our Savior has promised a reunion, with stronger bodies, very soon!

To Donna, and the rest of the family of Helen Peterson that we were privileged to meet at Hooper’s Funeral Home, we want you to know that you are in our prayers as well. It is so important at this time in our lives and this time in earth’s history for us to draw closer together, to each other and to God, in preparation for the great days ahead of us.

How sweet it is to hear the sound of children around the church! We want to thank every “parent” (often it’s a grandparent!) who makes that special effort on Sabbath mornings to bring the little ones to brighten our lives and meet with Jesus in His house. Thank you, Bourques and Gonzales-Tabares’s and Ostranders and Robbins for letting us watch your treasures grow!

Jane Baker and the Sabbath School departments want to remind us that 13^th Sabbath is approaching! Let’s all continue preparing our special offering for West Africa, and also continue praying especially for the children as they prepare a special program for that day.

The new Rodgers organ continues to fill our worship hours with the smooth beauty of its sound. We are so blessed with the generous talents of Dick Pike and the researching tenacity of Bob Baker and Dick in finding us such an instrument. As we continue to support this purchase with our offerings, ultimately we will each have a part in this beautiful way of thanking God for His perfect Gift of love to us.

What a joy it was to see the family of Mildred Hawkins on the occasion of her recent birthday! Keep ‘em coming, Mildred!

Many thanks to all of you who visit the shut-ins during the week, help with grocery shopping and doctor visits, bring food and personal care, and make sure there’s spiritual comfort with human fellowship, too, on Sabbath. This is a church where just about everyone is quietly active in ministry to the old or to the young. God bless us, every one!

The van continues to run every week. Doug Robbins faithfully drives, plans the trip and visits the riders. A back-up team supports the project with personal care of the riders and maintenance of the van. The community is noticing how we take care of our members. God bless you, each worker and each rider, for your faithful witness!

Anita Ramsey rides in on the van nearly every week and has become an inspiration to the rest. Lillian Rowan accomplished a great mission by riding in from the Arbor Trails care facility and telling us she enjoyed everything but couldn’t hear much. That inspired Al Allard and Bob Baker from our sound crew to acquire headphones and a special amp so effective you can actually hear the services down the street! Now Augusta Scott, the founder of our community, is back “with us” again, listening right from her own home!

Spanish is for Fun is back in business on Tuesday nights, 6 p.m. For some of us gringos it’s fun just thinking about that! Thank you for an interesting outreach activity, Gerald and Esther Barker!

Fred Freeman is back! It just isn’t Eden Gardens without some Freemans around!

Peter Kish is back, too, and it’s good to see him (Have we said that yet, in the news?)

For weeks we missed Jean Oliphant, who just came back from her annual jaunt visiting friends in Tennessee. But first, she and Margaret Myers went to Wildwood for a week of healthiness and came back looking wonderful!

We’re thankful for everyone who traveled and returned safely this summer: the Shepards, the Porters… And we understand Joel Baker is in Sweden right this minute. Wonder why? ? ? grin

Bob Jackson’s looking a lot better, after his triple bypass heart operation and recovery at the Life Care Center. Peter Hladik is recovering nicely at home from his quadrupal bypass, and probably writing another great holiday program script with Judy. At Avante they say Nathan McMahon is delighting everyone while he stays there with Armentia and recovers from his pacemaker installation.

Harvey Bristow, our hospital-rehab “frequent flier,” has returned home from his stay at Arbor Trails while Ruth was visiting family “up north” in “the Old South.”

Howard Pallett and Vivienne Redmon seem to be recovering well from their back surgeries. (Haven’t talked for awhile, have we? That was months ago! But you know backs… and we still care!)

We thank God for all the recoveries we’ve seen in previous months. Jack Gandy’s nose. Knees for Jim and Al Wyckoff.

Ernie Porter‘s recovering nicely from his eye surgery. Meanwhile, we’re praying for Elmer and Lucy Allard in regard to their eyes.

We’re glad to see Dick Pacitti’s back in church. But he says he doesn’t feel well enough to sing just yet!

Florence Campbell is back in chemotherapy and extremely uncomfortable. Let’s keep her in our prayers. What a glorious day, recently, when she followed her Lord in baptism! What a glorious day it will be, soon, when He comes and makes our bodies new!

Sandra Mercer, the pastor’s wife, is back teaching 5^th and 6^th Grade in a “new” classroom at East Pasco Adventist Academy in Dade City. Shirley Shaffer teaches music lessons there one day a week (flute, voice, and violin) and says these are the most enthusiastic students she’s had since college, and that it’s undoubtedly due to the inspiration of Mrs. Mercer!

Our pastor is losing! Under a physician’s supervision. PASTOR MERCER has been losing weight and now the count is 93 pounds! When the snowbirds return, we may have to introduce you to this handsome stranger!

Legal issues tend to challenge all of us at one time or another in our lives. Let us especially pray for our members, our neighbors and our families in these closing hours of earth’s history. We can support each other with our prayers. We can encourage each other with our love.

Requests for the “good old” News and Views keep coming on. Volunteers are needed if we intend to send it out as hard copy. Can you hear an echo in your heart?