Mark your calendars now so you'll be free to attend the church socials that have been planned right through December 2008. Specific details will be forthcoming as soon as final plans are confirmed. But the information here will at least let you get a jump on your scheduling. All activities are free of charge. (See "Free for All Philosophy," page 29.) The activities and dates are as follows:

January 26. "Barn" Party at the Pooles' Farm, at Howe-in-the Hills. Come and enjoy food, fellowship, hayrides and lots of fun and socializing. Great for the whole family--whether is a family of one person or 10! A bus will run from Markham Woods Church for those who prefer not to drive. Maps will be provided in the church bulletin. Don't miss out!

February 3. Super Bowl Party, 6:00 pm. Come to the Fellowship Hall to watch the game on the big screen. And if you want to watch out of one eye only, you can be playing pool, table tennis, air hockey, video games while the game is on. There'll be plenty of "nibblies" with appropriate libation to accompanied. Join the Fun! Cheer for the better team! (Children under grade 7 must be accompanied by an adult)

February 24. Sweethearts Banquet, Sunday at 6:00 pm. This event is for everyone-single, married, divorced, widowed, just-smitten--you name it! So come regardless of your status. The event will be at Heathrow Country Club and, in keeping with our church's "Free for All" philosophy, there's no charge for anyone. However, Reservation is required. It will be a great evening of good food, good entertainment and lots of socializing. Free childcare (by reservation only) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

April 27. PICNIC in the PARKing lot... What better way to celebrate Spring  than with a party in the PARKing lot!  We'll definitively have some explaining to do ah? Well, Veterans of the last five year's "Water Mania Markham Woods Style" (sometimes called "Water Wars") will be back for sure. Those who haven't yet experienced the thrill of the soap slide or the sliminess of the Yuk Pool should plan to be there. And those who have experienced it will definitely be there. It's a night to remember whether you're a young-at-heart adult, a college student or a little kid. It's wet and it's wild! Oh, by the way, the refreshments will be you guessed it watermelon! And for the fainthearted there will be a no-water zone! It's the best value for no money in the whole of Orlando. Guaranteed! Well, we will, except that you have to wait a little longer until we get it all figured out. Watch for more!

June 28. Once again we'll head to New Smyrna for our annual Beach Vespers and Corn-and-Watermelon Fest. Plan to arrive any time you like and just enjoy the beach. Supper will be served at 6:30 pm, with vespers at 8:00. (Speaker for vespers to be announced).

August 23. Concert and Games Night. What better way to celebrate summer  than with a vesper concert. So come at 5:00 pm to enjoy good music (singers to be announced). Then move on to the Fellowship Hall for a "Games Night With a Difference." We'll have the old stand-bys-foosball, air hockey, pool, table tennis, Play-stations and XBoxes, but we're also getting seriously into some table games. We're inviting people with a passion for a particular game to act as host to teach others how to play. So if you have a passion for some game-be it Balderdash or Dominoes, Sorry or Risk, Monopoly or Checkers, why not volunteer to be a host/instructor? Young or old, plan to join the fun. (No child under Grade 6 should attend without a parent.) Lots of complimentary food will be served.

December 13. If you still like sheep, donkeys, cows, goats and camels, then you won't want to miss the annual Live Nativity in the Outdoor Chapel. Arrive at 5:30 pm. Bring a lawn chair if you find benches too uncomfortable. By the way, hot chocolate and cookies will be served afterward.

Adult Sabbath School. The first Sabbath of each month adults meet in the Sanctuary at 10:10 am for an opening program for Sabbath School, featuring the Mission Spotlight video. The other three or four Sabbaths, those attending proceed to their classes for lesson study, which begins at 10:10. There is no opening program on those Sabbaths. Anyone interested in serving as a teacher or substitute teacher in an adult Sabbath School class is requested to contact the church office (407-862-7578).

Adult Sabbath School Classes. The church offers five adult Sabbath School classes every Sabbath, from 10:10 am to 11:10 am. The Lesson meets in the Sanctuary. Sola Scriptura meets in Room 5 of the Fellowship Hall. Another Look meets in Room 1 of the Fellowship Hall. Jesus and the Gospel meets in Room 2 of the Fellowship Hall. The Collegiate/Young Adult class meets in the Church Office Board Room. All Invited!

Adult Sabbath School Quarterlies. Both Adult and Collegiate Quarterlies are available at the Welcome Center about three weeks before the start of each quarter. If the quarterly supply is depleted, please alert the church office (407-862-7578) and more will be procured.

Women's Ministries. Markham Woods Church's Women's Ministries hosts three major events a year. Dates for these activities in 2008 are: Spring Tea, April 6; Summer Event, July 20; Fall event, October 5. In addition to these three main annual events, women are encouraged to participate in Florida Conference's women's retreats. Women may also choose to participate in a variety of other programs and activities sponsored by the church and Florida Conference. One of the major goals of Women's Ministries is to help women become better acquainted so friendships and mutual support will deepen and grow. For further detail, phone 407-862-7578.

Men's Ministries. Men's Ministries has made a big impact by hosting annual Christmas and Mother's Day breakfasts for the entire congregation. In addition, the leaders seek to help men find a closer walk with God and a niche in which to minister to others. The breakfast dates for 2008 are: May 10 and December 20. Men's Ministries also invites all men of the church and their friends to a "Manly Breakfast" the first Friday of each month at Panera, near the intersection of SR 434 and SR 436.