We offer three Bible-based devotions on Facebook each week; viewing all three recordings constitutes a Lectionary Bible Study for the upcoming Sunday’s readings. Monday features the first reading (usually from the Old Testament); Tuesday, the second reading (usually from one of the “letters” in the New Testament); Wednesday, the Gospel reading.
LUTHERANISM 101
LUTHERANISM 101
Each edition of “Cross Walk” (our monthly newsletter) features one of more articles written by our pastor. Sometimes we review one of “the basics” (such as the upcoming liturgical season). Sometimes we answer a theological question that our pastor recently received.
NOOMA
NOOMA
It’s a funny word and the name of a new-to-us Bible study for 2026. “Nooma” is the phonetic spelling of a word that means “wind” or “breath” or “spirit” in Greek (the original written language of the New Testament). Each time we meet, there will be some questions to think about, a short video to watch (15 minutes or less), and group discussion (answers to those questions and wherever the Holy Spirit takes us in response to the video).
REFORMATION INFORMATION
REFORMATION INFORMATION
Once a month (the “first Sunday” of the month), join us in the conference room after worship. “Reformation Information” is an informal opportunity to “stump” the pastor with a theological question, inquire about becoming a member of the congregation, or arrange specialized education (such as preparation for baptism).
See also: Evangelism (“Lunch & Learn”).
Evangelism
COMMISSION CARE
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
LUNCH & LEARN
COMMISSION CARE
COMMISSION CARE
This is probably what you think of when you hear the word “evangelism.” If there was no “commission care” the church would be an exclusive club for existing followers of Jesus. Instead, we want to make it clear that all are welcome (and wanted). We maintain a website (our online “front door”) and a Facebook page (our online “back door”). We have a greeter at each worship service who welcomes people, answers their questions, and introduces them to others. We send notes, emails, or other follow-up messages to first-time visitors. We engage with returning visitors, encouraging them to participate in the life of the congregation before they consider becoming an official member of the congregation. See also: Education (“Reformation Information”) and “Lunch & Learn” (next tab).
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Another name for this is “pastoral care” but the pastor is definitely not the only one doing it! Our pastor sometimes refers to it as “re-evangelism” because our goal is to “be Christ” to others. Congregational care is not limited to visits to shut-ins, including taking communion to people unable to attend worship in-person. Our committee keeps our “eyes and ears open” to identify members and friends of the congregation who need someone to talk with or access to practical support. Is someone in need of prayer? We will pray with them and, if they want, offer them a prayer shawl or add them to the prayer list that is read out-loud during worship. Is someone grieving? We offer “Journeying through Grief” (a series of booklets developed by the ecumenical Stephen Ministries organization) and can connect them to others who are farther along in the journey (or to our pastor for spiritual counseling). Is someone in need of medical supplies? We have a “lending library” of wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices. Is someone in dire need of groceries or gas? We have a supply of gift cards. Is someone celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary? We will send them a card! There is a reason we are called the “God’s work, Our hands” people!
LUNCH & LEARN
LUNCH & LEARN
This will be a new-to-us effort in 2026. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from our synod (regional office for our denomination), we are starting a series of events which offer a combination of educational seminars, free midday meals, and optional alternative worship. The seminars will initially cover topics of interest to senior citizens and their caretakers. The free meals will initially be catered by local restaurants. As the meal continues at the conclusion of each seminar, participants will be invited to stay for an optional “Dinner Church” (an informal sharing of “Jesus stories” between participants). Lunch & Learn is “commission care” in that it will serve people who are not able to get to church on a Sunday morning or who are not interested in traditional worship. Lunch & Learn is “congregational care” in that we will help serve the educational, fellowship, and nutritional needs of current church members and friends. Our hope is that Lunch & Learn will “give birth” to two endeavors: an annual series of seminars and a fresh expression of the church that reclaims the meal-focused, relationship-building, organic experience intended by Jesus and his original apostles.
Fellowship
COFFEE HOUR
LUNCH BUNCH
GUYS GROUP
COFFEE HOUR
COFFEE HOUR
Once or twice a month, wander over to the fellowship hall after worship and enjoy a beverage, some treats, and conversation. Sometimes there is a theme or special activity, depending on the host. If you are not the host, be sure to “feed the chicken” (drop a buck-buck-buck into the basket to help cover the cost of supplies).
LUNCH BUNCH
LUNCH BUNCH
This activity is “ladies only” (sorry, guys). Feel free to bring a female friend or family member. We meet at, or carpool to, a different restaurant each month. Lunch Bunch is active September through May on the 3rd or 4th Thursday (avoiding holidays).
GUYS GROUP
GUYS GROUP
We had one in the past, and we would like to get it going again in 2026. Shall we gather to eat like the ladies, or do you want to do something different?
Outreach
COMMUNITY
MERCY
JUSTICE
COMMUNITY
Volunteers Using Their Hands for God’s Work
COMMUNITY
Reformation welcomes compatible use of the buildings and property that God has entrusted to our care. Community uses currently include: worship and other church activities for Iglesia Oasis de Esperanza (our Spanish-speaking siblings in Christ), tax clinic provided by AARP, Medicare counseling offered by SHINE (through the Senior Connection Center, our area agency on aging), and annual meetings for several homeowner associations. Although an outreach function, scheduling of compatible community uses is accomplished through the church office.
MERCY
MERCY
Our outreach committee coordinates several projects each year. Every month, we sponsor a “food barrel” (currently supporting the clients of VISTE, a local non-profit organization that serves low-income senior citizens) and pack lunches for people in local homeless encampments. Every summer, we collect supplies for students at Padgett Elementary School (where some of us also volunteer as “Reading Pal” tutors). Here is a list of what we were “up to” during 2025:
Project
Monetary Value (2025)
Monthly Food Barrel (for clients of VISTE)
$2,903
Monthly Lunches(for North Lakeland Homeless)
$751
Harvest Sunday(food for VISTE)
$707
Christmas Gifts(for TASSEL & Be a Santa to a Senior)
$3,151
Reverse Advent Calendar (food for VISTE)
$1,359
Lenten Projects (CA Wildfires & food for VISTE
$2,884
School Supplies(for Padgett Elementary students)
$2,039
God’s Work Our Hands - Bottle Kits(for local homeless and Padgett families)
$902
Other Miscellaneous(TX Flood & Peace River Thrift Shoppe)
$1,294
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
Reformation participates in two local justice-oriented groups. PEACE (Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment) focuses on interacting with local officials to make progress on one or two issues each year. In 2026, the issues are access to in-home care for low-income senior citizens and gaps in community-based mental health services. The ICPC (Interfaith Coalition of Polk County) was formed in 2023 in response to local neo-Nazi (anti-Jewish and anti-LGBTQ+) activity and has transformed into a group that offers symposiums, potlucks, and other events to support religious diversity and promote mutual understanding. Reformation hosted ICPC’s 2025 Thanksgiving Prayer Service.
Worship & Music
ASSEMBLY
CHIMES
CHOIR
ORGAN & PIANO
SOLOISTS
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY
We value congregational singing. Most worship services feature at least three hymns that are sung by everyone (“the assembly”). Come, make a joyful noise!
CHIMES
CHIMES
Our chimes group, currently a quartet, provides special music during select worship services. The quartet is sometimes accompanied by someone on the piano. Our most skilled players also solo with piano accompaniment.
CHOIR
CHOIR
The choir is growing and “always” looking for more people who enjoy singing. They provide special music during select worship services, especially during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
ORGAN & PIANO
ORGAN & PIANO
Our director of music uses her musical talents to lead congregational signing and the sung portions of our liturgy (the pattern of worship). She also provides instrumental music, and schedules others to provide music leadership and instrumental music in her absence.
SOLOISTS
SOLOISTS
There are choir members (and others) who occasionally share their individual musical talents. We have a few professionally-trained vocalists and a guy who might make you think Elvis is in the house!
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
The word “liturgy” means “work of the people” (not just the pastor and musicians). Members and friends of the congregation fill these roles to make worship happen: Altar Guild (especially communion clean-up), Assisting Minister, Camera Operator, Lector, Usher, and Video. There is also a Greeter (who is technically part of our evangelism efforts) and an Office Volunteer (who works with the pastor to prepare the bulletin for each service).
NOTE:The major headings on this page are also the names of most of our standing committees (volunteer groups). There are actually two more standing committees: Property (taking care of the buildings and land entrusted to us by God) and Stewardship (promoting wise use of the time, talent, and treasure of our members and friends to support the congregation’s ministries).
