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First United Methodist Church of Lutz

Christmas celebrations vary, during COVID-19

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Some churches are issuing tickets for admission.

Many are limiting seating.

At least one is offering drive-in services, and many places of worship plan to conduct candlelight services.

And, based on internet searches, it appears the vast majority have some sort of safety protocols in place, in light of COVID-19.

Some churches have already had their Christmas services, opting to celebrate the weekend before Christmas.

And, at least one — First United Methodist Church of Dade City — has decided to drop its traditional Christmas Eve service and its Sunday service Dec. 27 because of uncertainty of crowd size, according to a posting on the church’s Facebook page.

Still, those who are seeking to attend a religious service to celebrate Christmas will have plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Beyond traditional scriptural readings, some churches will offer special music and will feature festive decorations.

Some will have services indoors and out. Many will offer remote streaming options.

Chances are, you’ve already made your plans to celebrate — after all Christmas Eve is this coming Thursday and Christmas Day, on Friday.

But, if you’re still considering your options, be sure to visit your preferred church’s website to be certain you have current information. Also, you’ll need to check ahead to guarantee you can still get tickets if you need them, and can become familiar with any precautions you’ll need to take, to comply with the church’s COVID-19 protocols.

There are literally hundreds of churches across the newspaper’s coverage area. So, here’s a sampling of some churches in our coverage area, and their Christmas plans — based on Facebook and website postings — for this year.

LUTZ

  • Christmas at Idlewild, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.: Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., face coverings recommended; Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., masks optional; Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., masks optional. Tickets are available through the church’s website.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road: Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., following guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing. The website notes: “We respectfully request everyone wear a mask while at church.”
  • First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41: Online and in-person candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. According to the website: Balcony is mask only; auditorium is mask optional.
  • Bay Hope Lakeshore Campus, 17030 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Streaming on Bay Hope TV on Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
  • St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The service will be held in the main church sanctuary, with livestreaming to the parish hall and an outside courtyard. Eucharistic ministers will distribute communion in livestream areas.
  • Crosspointe Family Church, 919 DeBuel Road: Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road: Family candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., candlelight worship on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
  • Unity North Tampa, 19530 Holly Lane: Burning Bowl Service, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. A ceremony to release what is unwanted in your life and affirm new blessings for the New Year.

LAND O’ LAKES

  • Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway: The church is following guidelines for sanitizing, social distancing and masks. There’s an outdoor mass on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., no signup is required. Other Christmas Eve masses are: 6 p.m., signup and livestream; 10 p.m., signup; midnight, signup and Life Team. On Christmas Day, the mass times are 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., which are both signup; and 11:30 a.m., which is signup and livestream.
  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., candlelight worship service with communion.

WESLEY CHAPEL

  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Christmas Eve in-car service on Dec. 24 at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. RSVP, first come, first served. Those signing up on the church’s website are asked to indicate if they are driving a car, an SUV, a truck or a van. They also are asked to indicate how many people will be receiving communion. RSVP by calling 813-973-2211.
  • Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road: Service on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m., and on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Faith Lutheran Church, 27221 Foamflower Blvd., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Cypress Creek Church (meets at North Tampa Christian Academy, 5585 County Line Road): Christmas with the Family Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. The church’s website notes: “We have the restaurant rule. You are required to wear a mask as you step on and off the church campus, but once you are at your seat you may take off your mask.” Church staff and its Dream Team will wear masks as they serve. Also, temperatures will be taken, before each person enters the building.
  • First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54: Christmas service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • Grace Community Church, 7107 Boyette Road: Candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
  • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Previously known as Wesley Chapel Episcopal), 38356 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101: Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m., with a musical prelude at 10 p.m. Masks and reservations required. Incense will be used during the service.

ZEPHYRHILLS

  • St. Joseph Catholic Church, 38710 Fifth Ave.: Dec. 24 services at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Dec. 25 services at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Its website notes that masks are required for every person at every service and social distancing is required, too.
  • ZFA Church, 36322 State Road 52: Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service.

DADE CITY

  • First Presbyterian Church of Dade City, 37412 Church Ave.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Services also available via Facebook and YouTube.

SAN ANTONIO

  • St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32885 Rhode Island Ave.: Services on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. On Dec. 25, the service will be at 10 a.m., and it will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Published December 23, 2020

Time capsule unearths memories in Lutz

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A 60-year-old time capsule unearthed at Learning Gate Community School will be a teaching moment for at least one third-grade teacher.

The battered metal box held items buried on July 18, 1948 during a ceremony to lay the cornerstone for the First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

The congregation now resides in a new church off West Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The former church site came into ownership of Learning Gate in 2014.

The time capsule came to light as workers demolished the old church building. Learning Gate plans to build new administrative offices in its place.

Linda Fuerst, a third-grade teacher at Learning Gate Community School, takes a cellphone shot of a 1948 newspaper found in a time capsule. (Kathy Steele)

Inside the box, school officials found a few, water-logged items, namely: A July 18, 1948 edition of the Tampa Sunday Tribune with full comic section, a Bible, a hymnal and a round glazed window panel.

Using the Tribune issues as a guide, Linda Fuerst foresees a timely history lesson for her third-graders.

One headline captures the connection between then and now: “New Links Found, May Aid Polio.”

In the 1940s and 1950s, polio was a crippling disease that could cause paralysis. The virus frequently attacked children, but it also affected one famous figure, President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Today, the world is battling COVID-19 and is waiting for a vaccine.

Another news item is on “meat rationing,” a part of the Depression and World War II familiar to older generations.

“I talk about my parents a lot,” said Fuerst. “They grew up in the Depression and World War II.”

Learning Gate teachers got a laugh out of one story, in particular, about teachers’ salaries being lower than that of craftsmen. Salaries ranged from a low of $2,812 to a high of $3,150.

Advertisements from Maas Brothers highlighted fashionable clothing on sale at the iconic Tampa department store. The store closed in 1991 and was torn down in 2006.

The comics and some language in the 1948 newspaper reveal some outdated views on race and women.

A brief news item notes the importance of the day for the Lutz church members – a cornerstone ceremony for the then-new church construction.

An aging hymnal from the First United Methodist Church of Lutz was found inside a 1948 time capsule.

The congregation traces its beginnings back nearly 100 years through church mergers and other church locations.

The article described a concrete block building plastered with stucco, an auditorium measuring 30-by-50 feet, and a rear addition of about the same size.

The total cost? Thirty-five thousand dollars.

When Learning Gate bought the property, the vacant church was adjacent to the campus of Learning Gate’s middle school, at 207 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.

School officials considered keeping the aging structure. But, Learning Gate Principal Michelle Mason said, “It was in a complete state of disrepair, unsalvageable. The financial cost of it was enormous.”

In addition to new offices, Learning Gate also is renovating existing school buildings to upgrade air-conditioning and to enlarge classrooms.

Work is expected to be complete by the start of the new school year.

The discovery of the time capsule was not unexpected.

“They had been told to be on the lookout,” Mason said.

Water had seeped into the box.

It took a while to dry out the newspapers and books.

Mike Reid, the worker who found the time capsule, said about 40 people stopped by to view the church before the demolition.

“A lot of people who came by were married here,” he said. “I think it was pretty cool.”

Victor Alonso remembers his wedding there, and the years he and his family attended the church.

“It was a sweet time,” he said. “It will be sad whenever we drive by and it’s gone.”

But, he added, “I feel better that it’s being acknowledged.”

Mason hopes to pass on the artifacts to church members, and has reached out to church officials.

Now that the word is out, Mason said, “I’ve had so many people reach out who want to see if they can come by and see it.”

Published June 10, 2020

Community mourns couple’s passing

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club was already grieving the death of its former president, Edwina Kraemer, when the club received word that Edwina’s husband, David, had died a day later.

Those who knew Edwina describe her as capable, dynamic, organized and giving. They said she was a woman who held leadership roles in the woman’s club, was passionate about raising money for Canine Companions for Independence; was involved in her church, First United Methodist Church of Lutz; and, was devoted to her family.

David and Edwina Kraemer share a smile. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

David had been battling health problems for some time, and Edwina had been hospitalized in recent months, several sources said.

Friends were shocked that the couple died just one day apart.

The couple is survived by their son and his family, Keith, Pam and Gwen Vickery, of Brandon.

Even though Edwina was known for not calling attention to herself, she was widely known in the community because of her leadership and good works, several sources said.

She was president of the woman’s club during the years 2010 to 2012. And, she was named Lutz Guv’na in 2006, an honorary title secured by raising money to help community causes.

“Edwina was one of the most generous people you’d ever run into,” said Nancy Fisher, who has known Edwina since 2005.

She was a good friend, too.

“Anyone that was sick, down, whatever — she had a cake there. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen her take cakes to people,” Fisher said.

“She was a wonderful baker, fantastic cook. Her home was always open to have events for the woman’s club,” Fisher added.

Edwina and Fisher worked closely together to raise money for Canine Companions for Independence, a service dog organization.

“She headed DogFest for three years,” Fisher said, noting Edwina was instrumental in raising more than $130,000 for service dogs. “It would not have gone (on) without her. She put her whole heart into it.”

When the woman’s club holds a BowWow Bingo Fundraiser on Aug. 30, it also will honor Edwina, Fisher said.

“I’ve asked everyone to wear pearls. She always had pearls — a bracelet, earrings, a necklace, something,” Fisher said. “We want to remember her.”

Pat Serio, another woman’s club member, met Edwina through the club.

“I remember Edwina showing obvious signs of leadership from Day 1, and she lost no time in immediately accepting duties, club offices,” Serio said, via email.

“Family, her strong faith and service to her community meant everything to her.  We, in the club, have missed her terribly during these past 5 months of her illness and will continue to feel the void for a long while,” Serio said.

“Edwina’s beloved David survived her by only one day, and we rejoice in that they are now reunited for eternity. RIP dear friends, Edwina and David,” Serio said.

Mike Mullins, a friend of David’s since 1971, recalled that the couple met when they were supervisors in the Youth Conservation Corps program.

Both of them were science teachers, said Mullins, who met David during a teacher conference on Sanibel Island. David taught at Eisenhower Junior High School and Jefferson High School, Mullins said.

“He was the kind of guy that would go out and bring in stuff for the kids to see. He was a very interactive teacher.”

David also loved to cook out, was involved in karate, was a firearms expert and instructor, and enjoyed spending time on his lake, Mullin said.

Rick Cabot, the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Lutz, said Edwina was involved in many ways at the church.

She helped with the massive project to relocate the church from its former site on Lutz Lake Fern Road near U.S. 41, to its current location, on Lutz Lake Fern near North Dale Mabry Highway.

It was a huge undertaking, involving the acquisition of land, design of the building and scores of other details, Cabot said. Edwina also helped raise money to pay for the project, which Cabot estimated at between $5.5 million and $6 million.

Additionally, Edwina was dedicated to preparing communion for the congregation.

She was typically there by herself early on Sunday mornings, Cabot said.

“She would have the biggest smile on her face,” he said, and as she filled each communion cup “it was like she was concerned for that person that would be partaking it. She just did it with so much love.

“Edwina’s heart for people and heart for God were simply incredible,” Cabot added.

“I just can’t say enough kind things about her.

“The biggest thing is how she made people feel when she was around them: Loved and cared about, that they were important,” the pastor said.

In a previous interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Edwina said she wanted to join the woman’s club because it was genuinely determined to serve the community.

She also offered her impression of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes community.

“Lutz and Land O’ Lakes have this old town flavor,” she said. “I grew up in a little town in Brevard County (Cocoa), so it takes me back to my youth. There are a lot of great traditions in this area.”

When the woman’s club was celebrating its 50th anniversary, Edwina, then president, described the group as purposeful, empowered women. She said she was attracted to the club because of its focus on service.

“I was raised with the idea that you are not a burden to your society and that you give back,” she said.

Apparently, those lessons stuck.

A dual Celebration of Life service is planned for the couple on Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Published August 29, 2018

Region offers Easter festivities

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Easter events are scheduled across the region this week, offering ways for families to have affordable fun, and opportunities for spiritual reflection and celebration.

The Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance at various events during Easter weekend. He was at the Jelly Bean Fling last year at the Pioneer Florida Village & Museum. (File)

There are also a number of Passover events scheduled, which are included in an accompanying story.

Many churches offer Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday services, which is March 29 this year, as well as Good Friday services on March 30, Easter vigil services on March 31 and Easter services on April 1.

This list is just a sampling of the events and services being offered in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Please check local church websites for more details.

LUTZ

  • All Saints Lutheran, 5315 Van Dyke Road, will have Maundy Thursday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Easter Vigil at 7:30 p.m.; and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., and an egg hunt at 9 a.m.
  • Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Road, will have a new Good Friday Experience, which invites families to walk with Jesus during his final hours. The experience lasts about 30 minutes, and is offered between noon and 2 p.m., and 5 and 7 p.m., on Good Friday. Services will be on March 31 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on Easter at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Crosspointe Church at 919 Debuel Road is hosting egg hunts for pre-kindergarten and elementary age children on March 31 at 5:30 p.m., and on Easter, which is April 1, at 10 a.m. There also will be opportunities to meet and greet the Easter Bunny at this free event.
  • First Baptist of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 N., will have Good Friday services at 7 p.m.; and Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz will present a Good Friday reenactment in downtown Tampa, beginning at Tampa City Hall steps at noon. It will present another reenactment in the church sanctuary, at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in the evening, at 7 p.m. Other events on the church’s Holy Week schedule include a Seder meal and Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the guarding of the tomb, from Good Friday until Easter; and Easter services at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. There also will be a Jelly Bean Jamboree on March 31, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, will have Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.; Good Friday at noon and 7 p.m., and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., will have an Easter family festival from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 31. That will include services at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., a barbecue, bounce houses, a giant slide and an egg drop, scheduled for 5 p.m. There will be an outdoor sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., and other services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, will host Good Friday services, 7 p.m.; Easter services, 8:30 and 11 a.m.; Easter breakfast, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; and an Easter egg hunt at 10:15 a.m.
  • NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive, has Easter services at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 Sunset Lane, has an Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m., and other Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Land O’ Lakes

  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Community Easter Egg Hunt, March 31, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (bounce house, face painting, refreshments, a goody bag for each child), Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., and other Easter services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Parkway: Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish); Easter Vigil, 7:45 p.m., and sunrise on Easter Sunday at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual). There also will be a blessing of Easter foods from noon to 1 p.m., on March 31.

Wesley Chapel

  • Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive: Easter egg hunt, face painting, food trucks, bounce park, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The egg hunt is at 11 a.m.
  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.; Good Friday service, 7 p.m.; Easter sunrise service, 7:15 a.m.; other Easter services, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Zephyrhills

  • The Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association will have its traditional Good Friday Walk of the Cross beginning at 5:30 p.m., outside of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5316 11th St., Zephyrhills. Those who participate will take a pilgrimage with a cross through the streets of Zephyrhills marking the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Along the way, there will be seven stops at local churches to reflect on the last Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross. The evening concludes about 6:45 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave.
  • Community Easter sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, on the front lawn of the hospital at 7050 Gall Blvd. This service, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is presented by the hospital and the Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket because seating is limited. The service will include music, a special Easter message, and a dove release at the conclusion of the service.

DADE CITY

  • The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is hosting its second annual Jelly Bean Fling on March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and free for children under age 5. Parking is free. Admission includes rock painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, a petting zoo, an Easter bonnet parade with Mr. Tommy and other activities. For more information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published March 28, 2018