The Traditional Service at Suntree

Pastor Allee sits down with Brittany Pendergrass, Lead Organizer for BRIGHT, to hear about the Nehemiah Action at Holy Trinity Episcopal Upper School auditorium at 6:30pm. All are invited to combine our voices together as we address local leaders on solutions to issues surrounding affordable housing and early education literacy. If you'd like to learn more about BRIGHT or the solutions they are proposing you can contact Brittany at brittany@thedartcenter.org.   On this episode: Rev. Allee Willcox Wood - Associate Pastor Brittany Pendergrass - Lead Organizer for BRIGHT

Annette and Allee preview our theme and plans for Lent at Suntree! On this episode: Annette Stile Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Allee Willcox Wood - Associate Pastor Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship

Our pastors sit down to discuss our 2023 theme - Joyful Living! This theme will be kicked off in worship this week. Here are some key dates mentioned in the episode: January 7th - Epiphany Campfire January 11th - Wednesday Evening Studies Begin January 12th - Women's Ministry Thursday Mornings Studies Begin You can also join a group reading and discussing "The Bible Year" but Rev. Magrey deVega. Just email Pastor Allee (alleew@suntreeumc.org) to get your copy! On this episode: Allee Willcox Wood - Associate Pastor Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship

Tanner talks to Pastor Mike and Bri Gabe about the process of writing and recording "I Believe" the first original song produced by The Suntree Worship Collective. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communication and Media Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Bri Gabe - Worship Intern

An early episode in anticipation of our Community Christmas Concert. Join us this Sunday, December 11th at 4pm for a collaboration of Christmas creativity!  On this episode: Grace Stiles Williams - Director of Outreach & Welcome Mike Makes - Pastor of Worship

Our pastors sat down a few weeks ago to capture their early feelings about the Advent transition. They discuss our worship theme, some new events, and what believing can do to make this season so special. On this episode: Allee Willcox Wood - Associate Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor

This week we dive into one of the more darker passages of scripture found in the Old Testament - Jephthah's daughter (Judges 11:34-40). Our pastors talk about how this passage can challenging to read and interpret and try to find hope within this grim story.   On this episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Grace Stiles Williams (Director of Welcome and Outreach)

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series "Making Sense of the Bible." Our pastors sat down to talk through the inspiration for this series, and how scripture has guided their lives up to now. On this episode: Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor

Pastor Mike and our Summer Worship Intern Bri Gabe discuss how they began their journeys in worship music, their favorite Christian music styles, and some unconventional takes on the current worship music scene. On this episode: Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Bri Gabe - Worship Intern

After a summer podcast hiatus, Annette and Allee sit down to talk through the book of Jeremiah, which is the subject of our next sermon series. Join us in worship on August 7th for the first of 4 weeks of this passionate and misunderstood prophet. On this episode: Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergass - Senior Pastor

Our pastors walk us through our new sermon series Resurrection Reset. We find ourselves in a similar place as the disciples following Christ's resurrection on Easter, knowing that things have changed but not sure what that means. Annette and Allee give us some insight into this series and what it means for the ministries at Suntree UMC. On this episode: Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor

Pastor Joel sits down with our Children's Ministry Director Mary to take a look at the activities coming up this spring and summer for the families, youth, and children at Suntree UMC. On this episode: Joel Lusz - Pastor of Student and Family Ministry Mary Shoemaker - Director of Children's Ministry

Pastor Annette speaks with Rev. Magrey deVega, the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park UMC and author of Savior: What the Bible says about the Cross. His book will be the inspiration for our Lent sermon series, and a special Lenten book study beginning March 9th.  On this episode: Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Magrey deVega - Senior Pastor of Hyde Park UMC

In worship on December 19th, we will hear some amazing music centered on the Advent season. In contemporary worship we will hear the Suntree Kids present "The Signs of Christmas" and in traditional worship, we will hear "The Canticle of Joy". We sat down with the people working to create these pieces to hear about the inspiration and work behind them. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media Mary Shoemaker - Director of Children's Ministry Dr. Robert Lamb - Director of Traditional Music

Pastors Annette and Mike walk us through the process of dreaming and planning our Advent sermon series. Join us as we work to simplify the holiday season, and bring our focus back to the newborn Savior. On this episode: Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media

We sat down with Rev. Dr. John Bagget to learn about the work of our Mental Health Task Force and their mission of breaking the stigma around discussing mental health wellness. Join us this Sunday in worship for Mental Health Sunday, and that afternoon for our virtual Interfaith Wisdom on Mental Health Wellness event from 2pm - 4:30pm. You can register online at SuntreeUMC.org/MentalHealth On this Episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media Rev. Dr. John Bagget - Mental Health Task Force For information on our Grief Support Group please email CarolW@Suntreeumc.org

We caught a conversation with our pastors right after listening to Episode 54: Starting a Church. They discuss the spirit of servitude that formed the foundation of Suntree UMC, and how it is as vital now as it was then. If you are feeling a call to serve the church in a new way, go to bit.ly/ServeAtSUMC to get connected! On this Episode: Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor

We learn about our ministry of partnership with churches in Cuba, the history behind our connection, and how it is alive today.  Join us for Fun n' the Sun Goes to Cuba on Nov. 6th. You can buy tickets at SuntreeUMC.org/Cuba-Missions On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media Ulrike Gonzalez - Coordinator of Welcome & Lay Ministries Alice Matthews - Cuba Mission Team Member

Pastors Allee and Mike sit down to discuss the theology behind the sacraments that we celebrate as a church. Join us in worship over the next two weeks as we look deeper into this subject through a sermon series called Ordinary Things, Extraordinary Grace. On this episode: Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship

We sat down with some of the charter members of Suntree UMC to capture the stories of the work done to bring this church to life almost 40 years ago. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communication & Media Bob & Patty Rexrode - Charter Members Phil & Ann Sabelli - Charter Members Billie McElroy - Charter Member

Pastor Steve sits down with Rev. Pam McMillian from St. Frances Reflections Life Stage Care to discuss the importance of creating an advance directive to provide instructions to family and healthcare providers during times where end-of-life decisions are being made. On this Episode: Steve Schantz - Pastor of Visitation Pam McMillian - Chaplain & Community Engagement Coordinator

Pastor Annette is back from leave and it's not exactly the return we all planned for. She walks us through the sense of frustration and restlessness that comes with the recent upswing in COVID infections, and how we can process these feelings into something positive. On this episode: Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media

Following up on last week's sermon, we sat down with some staff and pastors to hear stories and thoughts on being welcomed. On this episode: Joel Lusz- Pastor of Student and Family Ministry Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Ulrike Gonzalez - Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media

Morgan sits down with Pastor Mike and discusses a recent article on rising attendance in mainline Protestant churches. They explore the background of Protestant and "evangelical" traditions and what this shift can mean for United Methodists and Christians everywhere. Here are the articles they discussed: Survey: White mainline Protestants outnumber white evangelicals, while ‘nones' shrink The Unlikely Rebound of Mainline Protestantism On This Episode: Morgan Wood - New Yorker Subscriber Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts

Morgan sits down with Pastor Mike to discuss the Book of Jonah, one of the Bible's most recognizable and least-understood stories. They look beyond the Sunday School version to the world-changing implications of God's call to Jonah. On this episode: Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Morgan Wood - Fish Aficionado 

Pastor Allee and Pastor Mike sit down to discuss our upcoming sermon series on the minor prophets. These easy-to-overlook books are often referenced in the fringes of advent or maybe quoted for one or two key scriptures. But much wisdom can be harvested from these holy words written in the midst of some of Isreal's most turbulent seasons. On this episode: Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship

We sat down with Grace Stiles Williams to hear about her journey to Suntree and the plans for Suntree Kids this summer. We also give her a quiz covering important kid's ministry and pop culture knowledge. Suntree Kid's Summer Dates: June 22 - Summer of Creation: Art Camp July 6 - Summer of Creation: Nature Camp July 20 - Summer of Creation: Theater Camp August 3 - Summer of Creation: Water Camp *WARNING* Spoilers for events in the Harry Potter series are mentioned in this episode On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media Grace Stiles Williams - Interim Director of Children Ministry

We sat down with some of the people who plan worship each week at Suntree to learn what that process looks like. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media Ulrike Gonzalez - Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries Mike Mayes- Pastor of Worship Ministry Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor

We sat down with Pastor Allee to discuss our upcoming group study of the book "Unafraid" by Adam Hamilton. We discussed our personal experience with anxiety and the MANY times throughout the Bible that God tells us "Do not be afraid". On this episode: Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media

Pastor Mike gives us some thoughts on gratitude and guides us through a song to help focus on the people, places, and events that God has used to bless us. If you have a message of gratitude for the people of Suntree UMC that you'd like to share, call or text our Grat-Line at 321-294-3684. On this weeks episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications and Media Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts

While recording our Stations of the Cross Audio Experience (Available this week in the Suntree Church App!), we took the chance to ask our pastors and staff to share personal stories and reflections about Holy Week. On This Episode (in order): Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts Staci Plonsky - Director of Outreach Joel Lusz - Pastor of Families and Children Rachel Kalleward - Administrative Assistant to the Pastors Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor

This week we are focusing on our March mission partner, Zoe Empowers. Suntree has committed to supporting a group of orphans living in Rwanda through a three-year cycle that will end with them achieving food security, building safe housing, and setting up one or more small businesses. We learn all about Zoe's amazing local-centric model from Molly McEntire. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communications & Media Staci Plonsky - Director of Outreach Molly McEntire - FLUMC Mission Training & Volunteer Coordinator

Pastor Mike is here to tell us about our new church app! On this episode: Mike Mayes - Pastor of Worship Arts Tanner Smith- Director of Communications and Media

Pastor Allee and Tanner walk through the ancient origins of Ash Wednesday and how it can still be impactful in our modern walk with Christ. On this episode: Tanner Smith - Director of Communication & Media Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor

We sat down with Joel and Michelle to learn hear stories from Joel's 30+ years in youth ministry and to see how this unique ministry has changed and grown over time (spoiler it's MUCH safer now). On this episode: Joel Lusz- Pastor of Student and Family Ministry Michelle Garrett- Director of Student Ministry Tanner Smith- Director of Communications & Media

Seeing that anxieties were building this week around the inauguration, our pastors wanted to repost this guided meditation from November, recorded in the middle of election week. Take a few minutes away from the news to relax and give your anxious feelings to God.

Allee forgets how to do an intro and our pastors discuss our upcoming sermon series, "The Healing Practice of Celebration". On this episode: Mike Mayes - Director of Worship Arts Joel Lusz- Pastor of Youth and Families Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass - Senior Pastor

Our pastors discuss their hope, dreams, and goals for 2021. On this Episode: Mike Mayes - Director of Worship Arts Joel Lusz- Children and Family Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass- Senior Pastor Staci Plonsky - Director of Outreach Ulrike Gonzalez - Coordinator of Welcome & Lay Ministries

In case you didn't know, the Advent gets kind of crazy in the church world!  We're taking a break from releasing new episodes for a couple of weeks, and instead are replaying older episodes from this year.  This week: Episode 12 - Devotion Practices You can find the full show notes here. If you like the podcast and have a suggestion for an episode, send an email to: communications@suntreeumc.org Have a very Merry Christmas and we'll see you next year!

Our pastors discuss the things that bring them joy throughout the Christmas season. On this Episode: Allee Willcox- Associate Pastor Joel Lusz- Children and Family Pastor Mike Mayes- Director of Worship Arts Annette Stiles Pendergrass- Senior Pastor

Our staff discusses our Blue Christmas Worship (December 9th @ 6:30pm in the sanctuary) and the unique experience of living in grief through the season of advent.  If you are interested in attending the Grief Journey Support Zoom Conversation, email rachelk@suntreeumc.org to register. On this Episode: Allee Willcox- Associate Pastor Joel Lusz- Children and Family Pastor Mike Mayes- Director of Worship Arts Annette Stiles Pendergrass- Senior Pastor  

Our staff discusses Christmas opinions and traditions and challenges us to embrace this season of waiting for the birth of Christ Featured on this week's podcast: -Allee Willcox - Associate Pastor -Joel Lusz- Pastor of Children and Families -Mike Mayes - Director of Worship Arts -Tanner Smith- Director of Communication -Annette Stiles Pendergrass- Senior Pastor

Our team has a conversation about mental health and the silence that keeps people from seeking help.   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Annette Stiles Pendegrass Pastor Joel Lusz Ulrike Gonzalez (Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries) Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) To attend our Virtual Mental Health Fair, go to SuntreeUMC.org/mentalhealth If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call 800-273-8255

With so many of our congregation feeling the stress of post-election day our pastors wanted to create something to give everyone a moment to stop, breathe, and focus on the goodness of God. Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Allee Willcox

This week our pastors discuss the tradition of All Saints Day and how we can learn from the Christians who came before us.   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Tanner Smith (Communications & Media)

This week the pastors and staff discuss spark of joy created by giving and the finer points of German pasta!   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Joel Lusz Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) Ulrike Gonzalez (Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries)

This week the pastors and staff discuss the impact that your generosity has on mission and ministries of Suntree UMC! Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) Ulrike Gonzalez (Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries)

This week the pastors and staff answer the question: how do we stay content? Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Lia Page (Director of Children’s Ministry)

This week the pastors and staff answer the question: what have we been the most grateful for during this season?   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) Tanner Smith (Director of Communication and Media)

Welcome to SUPP, the quarantine edition! This week the pastors and staff meet on zoom and breakdown the question of: why we love Suntree.   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) Ulrike Gonzalez (Coordinator of Welcome and Lay Ministries)

This week we talk all about forgiveness! Wee talk about what forgiveness means to us and how important it is to practice forgiveness.   Featured on this week’s episode: Pastor Annette Stiles Pendergrass Pastor Allee Willcox Pastor Joel Lusz Mike Mayes (Director of Worship Arts) Staci Plonksy (Director of Outreach)