January 2025 Edition A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM SKIDAWAY ISLAND METHODIST CHURCH Let’s THRIVE in ‘25 A Note from Rev. Hale Bishop As we prepare to step into 2025, our church family at Skidaway Island Methodist Church is embracing a vision to thrive—not just survive. This coming year is a call to dig deeper into God’s Word, draw closer in our relationship with Christ, and reach out to share His love with others. One of the ways we will grow together is by reading, preaching, and teaching through the One Year Bible. This intentional journey will guide us through Scripture day by day, helping us build a firm foundation of faith rooted in God’s living Word. Imagine what God can do as we immerse ourselves in His truth together! Beyond Bible reading, we will put our faith into action. In 2025, we are expanding opportunities for missions, outreach, and witnessing. From serving our neighbors locally to extending hospitality and kindness to those seeking hope, we will boldly live out the call to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). But this is not a journey for us alone. We invite you—and those you love—to “come and see” what God is doing here. The psalmist reminds us: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). There is room for everyone at Skidaway Island Methodist Church, and together we will grow stronger in faith, deeper in love, and wider in mission. Let’s thrive in 2025! This year will be an exciting chapter for our church, and it begins with a simple step: dig in, draw close, and invite others to discover the goodness of God. All are welcome here. Let’s share the journey together. Blessings, Rev. Hale Bishop
We’ll be sending out college care packages at the start of the New Year! If you know a student who will be away at school, be sure to submit their information by scanning the QR code and completing the form. January Wednesday Night Dinner Wednesday, January 22nd at 5:45 pm Our Mission Team will be back from Honduras to share of their experience with us while we all enjoy a delicious meal of Salisbury steak with caramelized onions, whipped potatoes, green beans with pecans, salad, and dessert. To sign up for this dinner, scan the QR Code or visit our website. Save the date: our Febuary Dinners will take place on Feb 5 and 19. Theme and menu TBA. Ladies’ Book Club Wednesday, January 22 at 11:00 am Our January Ladies’ Book Club will read “Shelterwood” by Lisa Wingate. Set in the small town of Shelterwood, people find solace and redemption in unexpected ways. The story follows the journey of a woman named Avery, who is trying to move past a painful chapter in her life. She returns to Shelterwood, a place tied to her past, seeking healing. As Avery reconnects with old friends and family, she uncovers long-buried secrets and learns about the importance of forgiveness and second chances. Themes of love, loss, and personal growth are central to this emotional narrative. Sounds of Joy - Children’s Choir Wednesdays beginning January 8 from 5:15 - 5:45 pm January 2025 Youth Nights Join us for Youth Nights on Sunday, January 12th and 26th! Enjoy fun activities, music, and meaningful conversations. It’s a great chance to connect with friends and make new ones. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars! New Exercise Class - Strong as Ever Join our fitness classes designed for adults of all ages, now with the addition of a new class called “Strong as Ever.” This class, beginning on January 6, focuses on strength and endurance, will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 am in Bailey Hall. Whether you’re looking to build endurance or simply stay active, our expert instructor, Taylor Reese, will guide you through a series of engaging routines. In addition, we offer Pilates, which focuses on increasing muscular endurance, stability, and flexibility, and Sit Fit, designed for those with limited movement capacity to build full-body endurance. • Strong as Ever from 8:00-8:45 am Mon, Wed, Fri • Pilates from 9:00-9:45 am Mon, Wed, Fri • Sit Fit from 10:00-10:45 am Mon, Wed, Fri Your first class is free, and after that, they are just $7 per session or $65 for the month. No registration is required—simply show up! Embrace a healthier lifestyle this new year in a supportive environment and feel the difference with every session. Come be a part of the Sounds of Joy Children’s Choir! We welcome children from 1st to 5th grade to join us in making music and having fun. Practices will start on January 8 in Gidden’s Chapel each Wednesday from 5:15 to 5:45 pm until the end of May. We hope that the children will share their God-given talents at the 10:00 am Service once per month. It’s a wonderful opportunity to feel a part of the SIMC community and express joy through song. Please contact Carrie Kitchen for more information at carrie@skidawaymethodist.org or 912-484-4150.
Our 2025 Mission Team is traveling to Honduras on January 8th and will spend a week working and serving in the community of Caracol. The team will construct two simple homes for two families in the community. The team will also begin work on a community area adjacent to the soccer field by adding picnic tables and benches. The highlight of their trip will be hosting a community day where they will provide a meal for the residents of Caracol and have the opportunity to share the message of God’s love. Thank you to all who made financial contributions to support the work of our team. Please pray for the members of our team as they travel and serve: Thank You Families! Children’s Church Thank you to everyone who made this Christmas season so special and meaningful! God has truly blessed us at SIMC. We have an awesome group of children who are extremely kind and talented. It is truly a pleasure and honor for me to help the children to grow in their knowledge of God and to spread His love throughout the community and world. Love, Susan Rev. Hale Bishop Dianne Cornwell Cathey Cuttino Rev. Michelle Johnson Anna Maria Mills Mark Mills Bettie Negley Glenn Sweigert Wendy Vespa Dru Williams Lynne Williams In January, kids will hear about John the Baptist’s special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John’s story will help kids to say: “I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God’s words are true.”
A Note from Rev. Michelle Johnson As we step into 2025, we pray for fresh hope, renewed strength, and a deeper understanding of God’s word. Here are a few verses to guide us on our journey as we commit together to read through the Bible in the coming year. Trust in God’s Plans for You: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the God’s Presence Will Go With You: Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a “And behold, I am with you always, to the future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11 end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20 In 2025, trust that God’s plans for your life are good. As you walk through 2025, know that God As you read the Bible, let it be a source of hope and is always with you. In every season, God’s a reminder of God’s promises. presence will guide you, and His word will God Will Equip You: be a lamp to your feet. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for A Heart of Thankfulness: teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Timothy 3:16-17 Make 2025 a year of gratitude, knowing As you commit to reading the Bible, know that that God’s will for you is to live with a God’s word will equip you for every challenge thankful heart, trusting in His goodness, and good work in the year ahead. God’s word will no matter what. strengthen you for the journey. Seek God’s Wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5 In 2025, seek God’s wisdom in every decision. As you read and meditate on God’s word, trust that God will reveal guidance for your life. Persevere in Faith: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 Renew Your Mind Daily: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” — Romans 12:2 As you read the Bible, allow it to renew your mind. Let God’s word transform you and guide you into God’s perfect will in the new year. Commit yourself to daily reading, reflection, Commit to reading the Bible with perseverance, and prayer. Allow each verse you encounter and remember that God will give you the strength in 2025 to deepen your relationship with to continue. No matter the challenges you face, God, and trust that His word will strengthen God’s strength will sustain you. and sustain you in every season ahead.
54 Diamond Causeway Savannah, Georgia 31411 (912) 598-8460 www.skidawaymethodist.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Rev. Hale Bishop Senior Pastor hale@skidawaymethodist.org Emma Johnston Youth & Program Director emma@skidawaymethodist.org Melissa Gillenwater Communications Coordinator publish@skidawaymethodist.org Rev. Michelle Johnson Executive Pastor michelle@skidawaymethodist.org Susan Donovan Director of Children Ministries susan@skidawaymethodist.org Ashley Saprrito Controller asaporito@lacpa.net Paul Chant Director of Music Ministries paul@skidawaymethodist.org Debbie Platt Office Manager office@skidawaymethodist.org
Fleepit Digital © 2021