Vol. 27 | Iss. 09 |Sept. 2023
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WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMS IN SUN CITY
By Makenzie Atkins Noel
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Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Faith & Footprints: News From The Wire:
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Spend an evening worshiping ment in the world. and learning with children from The choir raises money across the world while supporting through performance to those in need. support the lives of the The Watoto Children’s Choir children in the Watoto from Uganda is visiting Sun City Village in Uganda. The to perform at the United Methodmoney is used for things ist Church of Sun City Center. The like, education, medical children choir will be performing needs, sports, worship, at the church at 7 p.m. on Friday, discipleship, and sustainSeptember 15, 2023. ability. While there will be an optional The Watoto Village is The Watoto Children’s Choir performs all over the world to raise awareoffering during the concert, this a place where children ness for the village and the unwavering love of God. event is free for all to attend. can find loving homes and The Choir is based in Kampala, gain the support they need Uganda at the Watoto Church and to succeed. In each home is composed of sixteen children who in the village you will find tour internationally. a family with one mothThe Watoto Church began in 1984 er who is raising eight orduring a time of civil war and have phaned children. since been rescuing orphaned and While the children have abandoned children as well as vulbeen all over the world and nerable women, equipping them met such prominent people, with skills and empowering them to they cherish the moments be who God has called them to be. where they have met orThe children’s choir tours to raise dinary people and helped funds as well as awareness for the them through pain to see Watoto orphanages in Kampala and how Jesus heals. for the vulnerable women and chilFor more information dren in Uganda and South Sudan. about this event, please conThe children from Uganda find homes and families at the Watoto Village and are given the support they need to succeed through The children’s choir has traveled all tact Larry Hirchak, Concert education, worship and love. over the world sharing, through their Series Coordinator, at (646) song, the unfailing love of god. In the 831-4008 or visit www. past 25 years, 100 Watoto children sccumc.com to learn more choirs have performed for some of about the United Methodist the most famous figures. The choirs Church of Sun City Center. To have met the former Queen Elizalearn more about the Watoto beth of England, performed for the Children’s choir, please visit President of the United States and the website at https://www. visited almost every major parliawatoto.com/choir/.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY LADIES TEA PARTY
Staff Report
St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) Ladies Tea Party is returning for its 20th anniversary. This annual event brings together mothers and daughters, sisters and friends for a charming and delicious tea party. The table hostesses design and set their tables with a variety of creative themes that you really have to see to believe. New co-chairmen Christie Lemar and Amy Metz, who are sisters, said, “We have enjoyed attending the tea party for years and are excited to lead the event for its 20th anniversary. Thanks to the support of the committee members, and other parishioners, all food and supplies are donated so all of the proceeds from the event can be used to help families in need.” Last year, the SVdP Council of St. Stephen Catholic Church helped over 2,100 families, which included 7,600 people; distributed 120,000 lbs. of food; and paid out $129,000 (34 percent increase over last year) in financial aid for rent and utilities. In recent months, there has been a 20 percent increase month over month of families coming for assistance. Over 6,000 volunteer hours made this possible. The majority of Tea chairs Christie Lemar and Amy Metz.
also be some special fun in store for school-age young ladies. You can be a hostess for a table and set it with your own dishes or paper products. Choose a theme for your table if you wish and invite all your friends to join you, or join someone else’s table and meet new ladies. The menu includes delicious tea, traditional scones, tea sandwiches and desserts served as a buffet with each person selecting their items that will be served to them. Younger ladies may choose from an optional menu of PB&J sandwiches, juice and desserts. What’s more, there are door prizes, which are a 43-inch Samsung Smart TV and a special Tea Pot Surprise. All money from ticket sales and donations go to the Society of SVdP to assist those in need. Additional monetary donations would be greatly accepted. Bring a laundry detergent donation for the SVdP household and food pantry. For table hostess information, contact Amy its funds are given generous parishioners. The Ladies Tea Party is its Metz amyjometz@gmail.com or 813-957-7179. To purchase tickets, which cost $25, or make a donaonly fundraiser. For SVdP’s 20th anniversary, it is tion, visit https://svdpriverviewfl.org/. RSVP by bringing back the popular fashion Thursday, September 28. The tea party will be on show. This year’s event is hosted by Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Family Posh Trading Co. in Lithia and Lily Life Center of St. Stephen Church Catholic Church, Bet’s Children’s Boutique. There will located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview.