Wednesdays, Dec 6-20th: Advent All Ages Bible Study!

·      5:30 pm: Open-house dinner (optional)

·      6:15 pm: Age-specific Bible Studies

·      Adults & Youth: Delving into "The Journey" by Adam Hamilton

·      Kids & Youth: Exciting Advent curriculum

"The Journey" by Adam Hamilton unfolds a captivating voyage from Nazareth to Bethlehem, offering a riveting perspective on the birth of Jesus Christ. By interweaving historical insights, archaeological revelations, and a personal dive into the stories surrounding this momentous occasion, you'll find that the most extraordinary moment in history takes on new depth and resonance as you traverse this path.

From Dec 6-20th, Wednesdays are all about our Advent All Ages Bible Study!

·      5:30 pm: Open-house dinner (optional)

·      6:15 pm: Age-specific Bible Studies

·      Adults & Youth: Delving into "The Journey" by Adam Hamilton

·      Kids & Youth: Exciting Advent curriculum

Within the pages of "The Journey," Adam Hamilton takes you on a mesmerizing trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, providing a thought-provoking lens on the birth of Jesus Christ. Immerse yourself in historical accounts, archaeological evidence, and an intimate exploration of the narratives surrounding this remarkable event. As you follow this path, you'll discover a deeper and more heartfelt connection to this pivotal moment in history.

Join us every Wednesday from Dec 6-20th for our Advent All Ages Bible Study!

·      5:30 pm: Optional dinner

·      6:15 pm: Age-specific Bible Studies

·      Adults & Youth: Exploring "The Journey" by Adam Hamilton

·      Kids & Youth: Special Advent curriculum

In "The Journey," Adam Hamilton embarks on a captivating exploration from Nazareth to Bethlehem, offering a profound perspective on the birth  of Jesus Christ. By weaving historical facts, archaeological findings, and a personal dive into the stories connected to this momentous event,  you'll find that this extraordinary juncture in history comes alive,  touching your heart as you journey down this path.

As Anona continues to seek opportunities to grow in our empathy and understanding of all people, we invite you to join us for a viewing of the documentary, "Pray Away." A light pizza dinner will be provided at 5:30pm before the showing of the film begins at 6:00pm. Please RSVP online.

A little about "Pray Away": "In this Emmy-nominated documentary, former leaders of the "pray the gay away" movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma."

More about Pray Away: https://www.prayawayfilm.com

Unfortunately, this event has been postponed. We’ll post it again on our social media and website once we have a new date.

As Anona continues our efforts to better serve diverse populations in our community, we invite you to join us for a special evening of learning ways to do just that. Join us on Monday, October 16th at 6:30pm in Wesley Hall as we welcome guest speaker, Shirlene Lightsey Manuel. Shirlene is the Faith Based Community Liason at Metro Inclusive Health in St. Petersburg. Shirlene will share with us a little bit about Metro Inclusive Health and ways Anona can partner with them to support our friends and neighbors.

A little about Metro: "Established in 1993, Metro Inclusive Health is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community.

With active Health & Community Center locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, the centers provide premier comprehensive medical and social services. This includes HIV services and medical care, social activities and classes, support groups, counseling, health and wellness programs, psychiatric medication management, and more.

We strive to promote a healthy environment for all and foster diversity within the community as a whole, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or economic status."

It's that time of the year when our 5th graders start preparing for their move into middle school and youth group! Come and join us every second Sunday of the month throughout 2023. We'll be gathering during Anona Kids from 9:30 to 10:30 am, followed by enjoyable activities until 11 am. It's a great opportunity to meet Megan Trunzo, our Youth Director, and bond with other 5th-grade families!

Discover the power of the word 'if' and transform your perspective on life. Some people get caught in the trap of "if only," but we'll explore how God invites us to embrace a life filled with possibilities and a "what if" attitude. With confidence in the future, we'll delve into the profound question: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" The resounding answer: "no one." God is always on our side, every day in every way.

We'll unpack the promises found in Romans 8, discovering that we are more than conquerors - right now and forever. Your life's possibilities are limitless.

All Christians, from various walks of life, will find themselves set free by this inspiring and entertaining listen. Don't miss out on this transformative journey!

📅 Thursdays: 9/28 - 10/26

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Chapel Conference Room

Facilitator: Belinda Engelmann

It's that special time of year when our 5th graders embark on their journey into middle school and the youth group! Be sure to join us on the second Sunday of every month throughout 2023. We'll gather during Anona Kids from 9:30 to 10:30 am and stay for exciting activities until 11 am. Get to know Megan Trunzo, our Youth Director, and connect with fellow families of 5th graders!

Join in for an immersive study centered around Season 1 of The Chosen, a revolutionary TV series delving into the life of Jesus. This study offers an in-depth exploration of the Scriptures that have shaped each season, accompanied by script excerpts, notable quotes, visual representations from the show, and thought-provoking questions tailored for both individuals and groups. Come and engage in this enriching experience with us!

September 21, 2023 - November 16, 2023
6:30PM - 8:00PM
Room 110

Participants will need to view each week’s episode before class time.

At Anona, one of our hopes is to be a place where people from all different perspectives and life experiences can come together to worship, grow, serve, and live life together in community. That kind of relationship requires us to have real conversations- the kind where we talk about the real, sometimes hard, issues of today. The kind where we are quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19), where we share our opinions with respect, and where we seek to truly understand each other, even when we differ. As the United Methodist Church continues to prepare for the General Conference vote on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, these kind of conversations are even more necessary for our community.

To give us an environment to practice our listening and empathy skills, express our thoughts with respect, and prepare for the vote, we are offering something new that we are calling Table Talks.

Table Talks will be evenings of just that- all of us gathering around tables to talk through the real issues we are facing as a community. A main topic will surely be LGBTQIA+ inclusion, but other topics may arise as well. Our hope is that- through hearing each other's stories and learning where we are each coming from within our differing perspectives- unity, peace, justice, and understanding will flourish within our community.

To try this out, our first Table Talks gathering will be held on Monday, September 18th at 6:00pm in Wesley Hall. Our main topic of discussion will be hearing how members of our church family have been putting into practice in their day-to-day lives all we have been learning about inclusion, justice, and empathy.

All are welcome! Please RSVP online by Wednesday, September 13th, as we will be serving dinner.

Are you new to Anona and want to learn more about who we are? Have you been coming to Anona for awhile, but want to get plugged in, take your next steps, or become a member? You are invited to join us for Welcome to Anona on Wednesday, September 6th at 6:30pm in Room 110! If you have any questions and to RSVP, please contact casey@anona.com. We'd love to have you!

As Anona continues its journey towards fostering mutual understanding and open dialogue, we are excited to introduce a new educational opportunity – a class centered around the book "Unclobber."

While many of us are familiar with specific passages from Scripture that have been interpreted to exclude LGBTQIA+ individuals, "Unclobber" presents an alternative perspective on these same passages. Written by Colby Martin, a pastor and author, the book explores how one can maintain a strong commitment to both the sacred text and their faith while interpreting these Scriptures in a way that embraces and supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

Respecting the integrity of the text and valuing diverse viewpoints, "Unclobber" takes a fresh look at frequently cited biblical passages. Interspersed with Martin's personal journey towards affirming and inclusive beliefs, the book offers a well-rounded exploration.

Whether you adhere to a traditionalist stance and are curious about progressive interpretations of familiar Scriptures, or if you're seeking reconciliation between your inclusive values and specific biblical references, this class provides a safe and welcoming space. It's also suitable if you're already aligned with progressive theology and want to deepen your understanding.

We invite you to join Casey on Tuesday evenings from September 5th to October 10th, between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM in Chapel Conference Room. To participate, simply sign up online. If you require childcare assistance, feel free to reach out to Casey via email for further information. Your presence and perspective are valued here.