Potpourri of Information

Philosophy Brochure

Parking Challenge Being Addressed

A Little More Restraint, Please

Worship Services. Markham Woods Church runs three services each weekend: Church First is on Friday evening from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. First Service is on Sabbath morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Second Service is on Sabbath morning from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Sabbath School runs from 10:10 am to 11:10 am. The service times stay the same 52 weeks a year and never change.

Church Office Hours. The church office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Through to the end of 2009 the office will be closed on the following dates because of public holidays: May 25; July 6; September 7; November 26, 27; December 24, 25.

Office Staff and Other Personnel. The church staff, a number of whom are part-time, are as follows: senior pastor, Jim Coffin; youth pastor, Luis Gracia; office administrator, Karen Gardner; administrative assistant, Eunice Sarduy; Children's Ministries coordinator, Delby West; organist, Bonnie Quigley.

Notary Service. Eunice Sarduy, administrative assistant in the church office, is a notary public. Should any Markham Woods attender need to have a document notarized, Eunice is happy to do so, free of charge, during regular church-office hours.

Staff Prayer Time. Each Monday at 12:00 noon the church staff begins its weekly staff meeting by praying for any specific needs that have been passed to them by the congregation. If you have a prayer request, please contact the church office (407-862-7578) by 11:30 am on Monday.

E-mail and Web Page. Markham Woods Church's e-mail address is contact@markhamwoodschurch.org. Individual staff members may be reached at [first name of staff member]@markhamwoodschurch.org. Our web page address is http://www.markhamwoodschurch.org. The web page is still a work in progress, but a lot of progress has been made, and the page provides a lot of information.

Board Meetings. Markham Woods Church has an open board. Any church member is invited to attend, but only board members have voting privileges. The board meets the fourth Monday night of each month at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Fellowship Meals. The first Sabbath of each month Markham Woods Church hosts a Fellowship Meal after Second Service. The theme of the meal and the types of food people are requested to bring are contained in a bulletin insert the Sabbath before the meal. In April the Fellowship Meal is in the form of a picnic at Sylvan Lake Park.

Communion. Markham Woods Church conducts three communion services each year. The first is an 8:00 pm candlelight service on Good Friday. The next communion is the second weekend of July, during all three church services. The third is held the Sabbath after Thanksgiving, during all three church services. According to senior pastor Jim Coffin, communion has become a high point in the life of Markham Woods Church, and the Friday night service at Easter is especially appreciated.

Childcare. During Second Service, free childcare is available in the Nursery for children between ages 1 and 4. In addition, free childcare for a broader age range is offered between 1:00 and 5:00 pm for "Parents Time Out" two times per year. Dates through the end of 2009 are: July 19 and December 6. Free childcare is also offered from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the church for those attending the annual Valentine's Dinner.

Camp Kulaqua. The Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists owns and operates a large camp/convention facility just north of Gainesville, Florida. During the summer, Camp Kulaqua conducts an array of week-long youth camps for various age and interest groups. Brochures are available in early spring at the church Welcome Center. Or you may get details by phoning the camp directly (904-454-1351). Early application is recommended as the various programs fill up quickly.

Youth Church. A separate service for all youth in Grades 6-12 is conducted during Second Service (11:30 am to 12:30 pm) in the Youth Center on the last Sabbath of each month.

Children's Church. A separate service for children from 4 years of age to Grade 3 is conducted during Second Service (11:30 am to 12:30 pm) in the Youth Center (or on occasion at the Outdoor Chapel) on the third Sabbath of each month. Younger children are allowed only if accompanied by an adult.

Children's Sabbath SACs. Age-appropriate activity SACs (Super Activities for Children) are provided during both first and second service. The children are invited to come forward during a hymn to collect their SACs, which contain a variety of things for them to do during the service. After the service, the bags are to be left neatly right where the children were sitting, so they can be collected and restocked. The SACs are not to be removed from the Sanctuary.

Clipboards. Small clipboards containing scratch paper are available at the Welcome Center for those who wish to take notes during the service or for children who wish to draw. Simply leave the clipboards in the pews following the service, and they'll be collected.

Adventist Elementary and Middle School. Markham Woods Church is one of six constituent churches of Forest Lake Education Center (1975 Learning Loop, Longwood, FL 32779). However, should members of our church send their children to other Adventist schools in the area, we will pay the same percentage of subsidy they would have received had they attended FLEC. Potential Kindergarten students are invited the visit FLEC in April (watch for details) for the annual ABCs of Kindergarten. Students who are contemplating a transfer to FLEC may arrange a tour at any time. FLEC provides a preschool program. For further information, call the school directly (407-862-7688) or call the church office (407-862-7578).

Adventist High School. Forest Lake Academy (3909 Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703) offers Grades 9 to 12. Local Adventist churches, including Markham Woods, do not pay subsidy for young people to attend the academy. However, the academy has an excellent program of job procurement, ensuring that any young person can substantially reduce his or her fees by working on or off campus while studying. Eighth-graders who would like to look over the school have a chance to do so during the annual Academy Days. Phone the school directly for more details (407-862-8411).

Worthy Student Assistance. In cases in which parents can't afford the full cost of an Adventist education for their children, they may apply to the Markham Woods Church Finance Committee for additional assistance from the church. The Worthy Student Fund is not part of the Church Budget but is provided by people who have a burden to see that all young people have access to an SDA education. Contributions to this fund should be marked accordingly on a tithe envelope and placed in the offering plate. Applications for assistance are available at the church office and should be returned no later than the third Monday of July.

Care-Package Ministry. Young people from Markham Woods Church who happen to be away at a boarding school, in the military, serving as a student missionary or even working away for a short time aren't ignored by their home church. Each semester high-school or middle-school students take time during a Sabbath School or vesper program to prepare care packages for, and write letters to, those who are away. Typically the packages include a lot of individually packaged food, purchased in bulk from Costco. There may also be post-it notes, pens and pencils, writing pads, highlighters and such other office supplies as would be of use to anyone. The main purpose is to let the youth know that their home church supports them and cares. If you have a child who will be away at school or for any other reason, please contact the church office (407-862-7578) and give us your child's address.

Family Care. Markham Woods Church has a Family Care Committee that seeks to provide practical assistance to families in need. Members of the committee provide food or other practical short-term assistance when someone is hospitalized for a prolonged period. When a church member dies, the committee often caters a meal just before or after the funeral. Anyone interested in assisting in this ministry should contact the church office (407-862-7578).

Habitat for Humanity. For several years Markham Woods Church has bought the materials and provided the labor to roof a house for Habitat for Humanity. In 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002 the church joined a number of other congregations in the area to fund and construct a low-cost home for Habitat. Each time the project was labeled "The House that Faith Built." The church is planning to become involved in another such project in late 2003. Watch for more detail.

Musicians/Singers Needed. If you like to sing in a church choir or group but feel you don't have the time, Markham Woods Church has made it easy. We offer three options: a men's chorus, a women's chorus (called One Voice) and an ad hoc church choir that forms only to prepare an Easter program and/or Christmas program. Watch the bulletin for detail about a possible Christmas choir. The church also is always on the lookout for musical talent for our services. If you sing or play an instrument, please phone the church office (407-862-7578) to let us know. If you know of someone in the congregation or nearby who might sing or play an instrument for a worship service, please pass along their name.

Adult Sabbath School Classes. The church offers five adult Sabbath School classes as of the preparation of this publication. One class meets in the Sanctuary. Another Look, meets in Room 1 of the Fellowship Hall. The Open Book, meets in Room 3 of the Fellowship Hall. Adventist Heritage, meets in Room 5 of the Fellowship Hall. The Young Adult class meets in the Church Office.

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.

Children's Sabbath Schools. Because of the large number of children at Markham Woods Church, Sabbath School classes are broken into the following age increments (rather than the groupings often employed elsewhere in the Seventh-day Adventist Church). The breakdown is as follows: Birth-Age 2; Ages 3-4; Age 5-Grade Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8. Delby West is the Children's Ministries coordinator, and inquiries and comments concerning Children's Sabbath School may be directed to her (407-862-7578).

Children's Sabbath School Council. Children's Sabbath School Councils are conducted periodically in the Grades 5-6 Sabbath School room during second service. During 2009 the dates are June 27 and September 26. "We want to promote cooperation and communication between departments and within departments," says Delby West, Children's Ministries coordinator. "The councils provide a good opportunity for us to make certain that procedures are established that ensure the smooth running of all programs." All Sabbath School personnel from Birth to Grade 8 are encouraged to attend.

Orlando Street Ministry. The first Monday night of each month members and friends of Markham Woods Church take responsibility for feeding the homeless at the Orlando Coalition for the Homeless. Volunteers are needed both for food preparation and serving. For details, phone the church (407-862-7578).

Small Groups Encouraged. If you want to find others to join you in your favorite hobby or pastime, call the church office (407-862-7578) and we'll advertise for others with similar interests. You can start a small group, make new friends and reach out to those who have no church home.

Youth Recognition. Each year on the last Sabbath of April Markham Woods Church honors all who are graduating from eighth grade, high school or college, or who have attained other degrees or certifications. If you know of anyone in one of these categories, please contact the church office (407-862-7578) to ensure that they are included on the list of honorees.

Thanksgiving Baskets. Each November Markham Woods Church collects the ingredients for Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in the Orlando area. Members bring the food to the church, where it is organized and passed on to the Christian Sharing Center for distribution to recipient families. As we near Thanksgiving, a bulletin insert will outline what products to bring.

Christmas Angel Gifts. Each December Markham Woods attenders provide Christmas gifts for some 130 children who might otherwise not have a real Christmas. The "Christmas Angel Tree" is placed in the Foyer, bearing the names and Christmas wishes of needy children in the Orlando area.

Bloodmobile Visits. Each year Markham Woods members and attenders are invited to give blood four times, and the bloodmobile comes right to the church door, making it easy. Blood drives always coincide with Fellowship Meals so that potential donors are on the grounds for a longer period. Over the past several years church donors have given more than 100 units annually. Dates for 2009 are September 5 and December 5.

Super Bowl Festivities. Each year the Fellowship Hall is open during the Super Bowl (from 6:00 pm until the end of the game) for activities that include pool, table tennis, foosball, air hockey, TV/video, Rook and any table games attenders care to bring. The football-committed watch the entire game on the big-screen. Others just watch the commercials and the reruns of the big plays. Still others use the game as a time for recreation with friends. But everyone is welcome, and the snacks are on the house. Children under Grade 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Annual Canoe Expedition. Young and old, married and single, male and female-all are invited to participate once a year in a Sabbath afternoon canoe expedition. The church's 20 canoes are given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Go for a short excursion or a long one. Definitely don't miss this cost-free chance to be out in nature on a lovely, gentle river. Phone the church (407-862-7578) for details.

Annual Bike Ride. Biking enthusiasts and anyone else who likes outdoor adventure and physical exercise will not want to miss the church's annual bike ride on Sabbath afternoon, September 19. (You must furnish your own bike and transportation to and from the starting point.) Whether you want to ride at a leisurely pace for a short distance or set distance and speed records, it's a chance to get better acquainted with fellow members while participating in something you already like to do. Phone the church (407-862-7578) and watch the bulletin for more details.

Annual Doctor/Dentist Social. Nearly 35 doctors and dentists attend Markham Woods Church. However, according to senior pastor Jim Coffin, "They often have such hectic schedules of weekend call that they don't know many of the others in the congregation with whom they might have a lot in common. So in an effort to help them get acquainted, we host an annual social event."

Vesper Concerts. The Markham Woods congregation isn't noted for its attendance at "after-hours" services. But some of the members definitely appreciate the chance to come to at least the occasional vesper concert. Thus, a couple of times each year the church sponsors a 45-minute vesper concert. Watch the bulletin, note the signs in the Foyer and listen for announcements in church concerning when and where these programs will be conducted.

Youth Baptismal Classes. If you're interested in being baptized, please contact one of the pastors to arrange for baptismal preparation (407-862-7578).

Pathfinder Councils. The Pathfinder staff meets periodically to make plans and solve problems. Councils are conducted at 2:00 pm following Fellowship Meals unless otherwise specified. Council dates through 2009 are: TBA

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 2003 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.

Fellowship Hall Usage. 1. If a member of Markham Woods Church wishes to use the Fellowship Hall in conjunction with a spiritual activity (i.e. for the extended family to have lunch together following a baptism or dedication at the church) it may be used free of charge, subject to availability and proper arrangements having been made. A $100 deposit must be left with the church office, which is refunded in full, provided the hall is left clean and there is no damage. 2. The hall may be used free of charge (but with a $100 deposit) for alumni meetings or other gatherings to promote and update interested parties about Adventist colleges and other church institutions, provided a Markham Woods member assumes responsibility for oversight of the facility. 3. Member use of the hall that is not associated with a spiritual activity or that is not promoting some Adventist entity is at the rate of $50 per hour, with a $100 deposit. If the recreational equipment is used, the hourly rate increases to $75, and the deposit is $500. 4. The non-member usage charge is $150 for the first hour and $50 for each subsequent hour, with a deposit of $500. 5. Usage for weddings is according to the wedding policy, which is available upon request from the church office (407-862-7578).

Dedications and Baptisms. The pastoral staff try to cooperate concerning dates for baptisms and baby dedications. Only on rare occasions are we unable to accommodate a requested date. Should there be a family member or friend who is a pastor, members should feel free to invite that person to officiate. Or the pastors are happy to officiate. The certificates that we use for dedications require the name of the parents, the name of the child, the date of birth and the place of birth. So please provide that information when booking a dedication, irrespective of who's officiating (phone 407-862-7578).

Church Floral Arrangements. If you would like to sponsor the Sanctuary flowers to commemorate some special event, contact the church office (407-862-7578) for details. A note will be put into the church bulletin acknowledging the sponsors and the event being commemorated.

"Souper Wednesdays." A soup-supper program has been operating since the mid 1990s to coincide with Pathfinder, Adventurer and Eager Beaver meetings. Guaranteed-excellent soup will be served free of charge from 6:00 to 6:45 pm in our "Soup du Jour Cafe." At 7:00 pm the Pathfinder, Adventurer and Eager Beaver programs begin. Dates through the balance of 2003 are: September 10, 24; October 8, 22; November 5, 19. People are invited to come along for food and fellowship even if they aren't involved in the Wednesday night youth/children's ministries or don't have children who are.

Women's Ministries. Markham Woods Church's Women's Ministries hosts four major events a year. Dates for these activities in 2003 are: Summer event, July 13; Fall event, October 19. In 2004 the dates are: Winter event, January 18; Spring event, April 18; Summer event, July 18; Fall event, October 17. In addition to these four 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.

Friendship Evangelism. "The single most important component of any outreach is friendship," says senior pastor Jim Coffin. "If we don't befriend people, most of our effort to reach out is wasted. We need a congregation that feels comfortable inviting family, friends and neighbors to every aspect of our church program÷social activities, church services, youth activities, Pathfinders, you name it. Then, as individuals and as a congregation, we need to make them feel welcome and a part of our fellowship. And, who knows? Someday they just might decide to join."

Working With Children and Youth. Markham Woods Church is blessed with a large number of children and youth, and they come from families who represent the entire disciplinary spectrum. What to some parents is innocuous discipline is seen as cruel and unusual punishment to others. As the church ministers to its children and youth, it's important to maintain order while respecting the disciplinary sensitivities of parents. Thus a set of guidelines has been prepared to help in this area. The guidelines, which will be given to all volunteers who work with children and youth, are available from the church office upon request (407-862-7578).

"Free for All" Philosophy. Many organizations "nickel and dime" their members nearly to death. Markham Woods Church is an exception. The philosophy of senior pastor Jim Coffin is to make as much free as possible, for three reasons. "First, it's a pain to always be collecting money at social and recreational events," he says. "Second, we don't want to exclude the `have nots' from participation. Third, it's more efficient to give money to the Church Budget than to pay for goods and services from the church÷because money given to the church is tax-deductible. We certainly hope people will appreciate the services provided and give generously to the Church Budget. But it has made life a lot more pleasant not always having to collect their money at the door."

Sharing Center. Markham Woods Church doesn't run its own Community Services program but joins some 50 other area congregations of all denominations in supporting the Christian Sharing Center. The center and its "Values Reborn" thrift shop are located at Fairmont Plaza, 600 North Hwy 17-92, Suite 158, Longwood, FL 32750. The phone number for the center is 407-260-9155 and for the thrift store is 407-332-0925. The church guarantees the center a financial contribution of $100 per month, and twice a year sponsors a drive for non-perishable food items, which are then distributed by the center. The drives are held during February and August. Fortunately, the church's contributions far outpace our agreed-upon commitment, and every year we give hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the guaranteed monthly commitment.

Nature-Lovers Paradise. Beginning at the edge of the church's retention pond near Markham Woods Road, and running up to the corner of the church's property nearest Interstate 4, the church has constructed a nature trail. Along the nature trail, 11 of the trees and plants have been identified by attractive green signs, with the name written in English and its "Latin." About one hundred feet from the start of the trail are two large picnic tables÷just waiting for church members who want to take advantage of good weather to stay after church for a picnic! We also have an outdoor chapel that seats approximately 180 people and is available for any church group who wishes to meet outside during good weather.

Philosophy Brochure. Copies of the Markham Woods Church philosophy brochure "A Good Family To Belong To" are available at the Welcome Center and at each of the church's doors where church bulletins are handed out. Or simply click here. The brochure outlines the church's general approach and includes its Mission, Philosophy and General Goals. The brochure was drafted by Pastor Coffin, adjusted and refined by the Church Board, and designed by Ani Holdsworth. Some 4,000 copies were printed for distribution to visitors and others who express an interest. "Feedback has been positive," says Pastor Coffin. "I believe it helps to articulate what our vision is and what we view as our mission."

Book your space. If you want to use the Fellowship Hall, a Sabbath School classroom, the Sanctuary or any other area of the church for anything÷whether private or for the church÷phone the church office (407-862-7578) to make a reservation. The goal isn't to make life complicated. Rather, it's to ensure that no one wastes time or is disappointed. As our membership and church usage grows, space allocation becomes more of a challenge. Booking works to everyone's advantage.

Open Dialogue Preferred. "All members of the church staff like to think that we're caring, reasonable and approachable," says senior pastor Jim Coffin. "So we prefer totally open dialogue rather than anonymous complaints or suggestions. And we feel there are good reasons for this. First, when we know who has the concern, we can seek clarification. Then we can brainstorm together to try to find a solution. The exchange often proves highly productive. Second, there may be a good rationale for something we're doing even if the execution hasn't been perfect. We'd like to at least be able to share that rationale. Third, there may be mitigating circumstances that, while not removing the problem, put it in quite a different light. Finally, it's a huge compliment when we as church employees are approached with an air of certainty that we'll be open and receptive to suggestions and that we'll give a fair hearing. Unfortunately, when we have no idea who has the concern, all of these highly beneficial possibilities are lost. Our goal is to serve the Markham Woods congregation well. And we feel we can serve it better when we all operate in an open and direct manner."

Parking Challenge Being Addressed

A Little More Restraint, Please