Mark your calendars now so you'll be free to attend the church socials that have been planned right through 2003. 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:

April 19. Concert and Games Night. What better way to celebrate Easter weekend than with a vesper concert. So come at 6:00 pm to hear the unique music of Forever Praise, the men's quartet that sang at our Church Retreat in 2002. (An offering will be taken.) 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, Playstations 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.

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. Gilda Roddy, a chaplain at Florida Hospital and an attender at Markham Woods Church, will be our guest speaker for vespers.

August 16. 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, the glee of the water-balloon throwing 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!

October 18. Talent Show. If you've been hiding your light under a bushel, to quote the Bible, now is the time to let it shine in full glory. We need talent. We need spectators. We need to have a great time. So mark this date on your calendar and watch the church bulletins for details. If you have questions, phone the church office (407-862-7578).

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.

Help Needed. Finding adequate personnel for the social committee has been a challenge. So, as in the past, the plan is to have two or three people plan one event only. We have no social committee per se, just planners of specific activities. Anyone willing to help with any of the events listed is asked to phone the church office (407-862-7578).

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 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 as of the preparation of this publication. One class meets in the Sanctuary. Another in the room directly behind the baptistery. Sola Scriptura meets in Room 5 of the Fellowship Hall. A bible basics class, The Next Level, meets in Room 1 of the Fellowship Hall. The Collegiate/Young Adult class meets in Room 3 of the Fellowship Hall. Other adult classes are being considered, so watch the bulletin and listen for announcements.

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 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.

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.