July 2025 FRESH START

J U L Y 2 0 2 5 , V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 4
FRESH Start
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PORT CHARLOTTE SDA CHURCH
FRESH
Start

A Fresh Start
for Us All
by Ben Shurtliff, Senior Pastor
Photo credits, including cover: Rodney Grussling
I hope you were one of
the many people who
witnessed the Easter day
baptisms on the beach. If
you were there, you
shared in the excitement
of believer after believer
giving their life to Christ.
Do you remember when
you were baptized? I
remember mine. I wasn’t
baptized on a beautiful
beach on the Gulf Coast of
Florida, or a baptistry
inside a sanctuary, or a
warm pool in a lanai. I was
baptized in a freezing cold
creek on the Wasatch
Front of the Rocky
Mountains.
Baptism represents a truly
fresh start. Regardless of
age or past, an individual
is born anew. When Christ
died on our cross, He
purchased all the rights to
our life of sin. We recognize that when we are
baptized, and we receive all the benefits of His
sinless life.
All the punishment and shame associated with
our former life becomes His. And all the beauty,
glory, and joy of His sinless life becomes ours. I
am so thankful that we consistently see people of
all ages, from all over the world, say “Yes” to
Jesus.
If you haven’t been baptized, Christ’s offer is just
as much for you as for the rest of us. Matthew
28:19-20 NKJV states, “Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things
that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.” These
verses indicate that you inherit a place in the
very family of God, and you receive all the power
and love and privileges associated with the name
of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. When you
receive this fresh start and new family, you have
the privilege of going to whatever portion of the
world you touch and telling of the great things
God has done for you.
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The fresh start experience
doesn’t end on the day of
your baptism. Consider
what Lamentations 3:22-
23 NET states, “The Lord’s
loyal kindness never
ceases; his compassions
never end. They are fresh
every morning; your
faithfulness is abundant!”
When you start your
journey with Jesus you
have been given a fresh
start, and according to
Lamentations you can
enjoy a fresh start with the Lord every morning!
That is a promise I can believe in. That’s good
news for people like us who have good days and
some not-so-good ones.
The daily refresh Jesus intends for believers
makes sense considering that Matthew 28 closes
with the reminder that Jesus will take every step
of this journey with you. From the first day to the
last, He is with us to refresh us along the way. It
is a simple, yet powerful, plan. With Jesus with us
how can we fail? If you have been baptized, lean
into the truth that Jesus is ready and willing to
refresh you. If you have yet to be baptized --what
are you waiting for?
“According to Lamentations
you can enjoy a fresh start with the
Lord every morning!”

Welcome to the Family!
by Don Byard
Noah Molina and his
family searched for a
church with children he
and his brother could
grow up with. They
found a home in Port
Charlotte SDA Church.
Noah was baptized at
Manasota Beach with
others in celebration of
Easter on April 20, 2025.
Noah finds pleasure riding his bike in his community. He also likes video
games, ping pong, Uno, and Dominos.
Angelina Cravet was
part of the group that was
baptized at Manasota
Beach on April 20, 2025.
She has been attending
the PCSDA Church with
her parents and recently
decided to become a part
of the church through
membership. Her
interests include playing
volleyball and soccer.
Photo credits: Rodney Grussling
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Welcome to the Family!
Stan Fina made his
membership into the SDA
Church official through
his baptism on April 20,
2025 after attending
church for several years.
Through the influence of
his late mother-in-law,
Jaqueline Deturk who
talked to him about the
benefits of living in Christ
and Christian education for their children, he and his wife Alexis sent their
children, Kevin, Goldie, and CJ, to Camp Kalaqua and enrolled them in
th
church school after moving to this area. CJ completed 8 grade at PCAS
and is now headed to Georgia-Cumberland Academy.
The graduation of his step-son, Kevin Messina, from Andrews University
with a Masters in Divinity was also inspirational in Stan making the decision
to his commitment to fully serving God.
Stan enjoys playing guitar and has a passion for Motorcycles.
Photo credit: Rodney Grussling
members in
our church family
joined us in
the past
12 months
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Welcome to the Family!
These young people gave their lives to God through baptism
on April 20, 2025 at Manasota Beach.
Photo credits: Rodney Grussling
Dylan McCord
Alonya Kosovska
Natalia Matsiuk
Victoria Poperechnyy
Photo credits: Rodney Grussling
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Welcome to the Family!
Johannah Long grew
up in the Port
Charlotte SDA Church,
attending regularly all
her life. She recently
demonstrated her
commitment to follow
Jesus through her
baptism at Manasota
Beach on May 10,
2025.
Johannah loves to sing and play her instruments.
Cooking and reading are also enjoyable activities
for her. She also finds pleasure in traveling and
exploring new places.
Chris Gadway was
baptized in his pool on
4/18/25.
Photo credits: Ted Stringer
"Water washed the
past away, grace
opened a brandnew
day."
Photo submitted by: Ben Shurtliff
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Welcome to the Family!
Hanna Pak and Victor Trykur transferred
their membership from First Russian SDA
Church, Brooklyn, NY to PCSDA Church on
April 5, 2025. They are worshiping with the
Slavic group that is part of our church
family.
Oleh Kulinich joined PCSDA Church by
Profession of Faith on April 26, 2025. He
was forced to leave his country due to the
war and settled in Florida. Following a
lengthy search for a church community,
he was pleased to find that PCSDA Church
included a Slavic group where he can
study Scripture in his native language and
participate in the life of the church at
large.
Photo credits: Rodney Grussling
Oleh’s hobbies include collecting coins of
different countries along with computer
technology and all that it includes. He also
enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and
witnessing for God.
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Welcome to the Family!
Mikey Stringer was
baptized on 4/19/25.
Mikey was baptized
because he believes
the Bible says that to
spread the Word you
need to be baptized.
His hobbies are
photography. His
interests include
video gaming.
Amy Stringer loves kittens. Her
hobbies include photographing
kittens. She loves playing games,
including board games and video
games.
Photo credits: Ted Stringer
Amy has been wanting to be
baptized since she was five years
old. She asked when Colin was
baptized. She asked again when
Mikey was baptized. She asked a
third time at Camp Kulaqua and at
this point her parents just couldn’t
say no. Amy officially joined our
family on June 21.
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Welcome to the Family!
Almina DeMercado was born into an
SDA family and was involved in church
life for many years, both in Miami and
Port Charlotte, until pancreatic cancer
interfered with her ability to attend
church. During that time Pastor Ben,
whom she knew from his previous
pastorate in Port Charlotte, visited
and kept in touch with her. Art and
Susan Brooks delivered communion
to her during this time. Since being a
cancer survivor, she is happy to return
to church. She felt the desire to be
rebaptized on May 3, 2025 as she
integrates back into church life.
Photo credit: Laura Dancek
Almina enjoyed sharing literature at her work in the nursing home and
inviting others to revival and evangelistic meetings.
Mike Exantus comes to us from
Haiti and joined the PCSDA Church
on June 21, 2025 through Profession
of Faith. He was searching for a
church where he could grow
spiritually, connect with a supportive
community and deepen his
relationship with God. He met some
wonderful church members after
attending a few services and felt
Photo credit: Ted Stringer
PCSDA Church was home for him.
During his free time, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors and being
involved in community activities.
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Welcome to the Family!
Roman & Oksana Surynets and
Roman Shevchuk were voted into
membership on 6/14/25.
Melody Merkle committed her
life to Christ through baptism on
May 17. She was voted in as an
official member of the PCSDA
Church.
Jack Levi Maize was dedicated
by his parents Savannah and
Jesse Maize on June 21, 2025.
His extended family attended
his special occasion.
Photo credits: Ted Stringer
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Upcoming Events
FFaamii lly y ssaabbbbaatth
July 26
10:00-10:45 Kids’ J.A.M. (Jesus and Me)
Music, video and “Live Animal Encounters”
11:00 Children’s Church
Music and more “Live Animal Encounters” (including snakes) will be
presented by Keith and Andrea Nelson and Krystina Cotton from
Camp Kulaqua, High Springs, Florida.
Lunch
Haystacks will be provided for lunch for everyone, not only families,
following the worship service. Drawings for family giveaways will take
place at lunch.
Please note:
This is a “Family” event. Parental involvement required. This is not
a drop off and pick you up later event.
Kids’ J.A.M. and Children’s Church will be in the church sanctuary.
Lunch will be in the Grande Hall.
There will be special seating area for families with children so they
can see the animals closer.
A “Rain Forest Family Photo Opportunity” will be available.

Upcoming Events
Port Charlotte Seventh-day Adventist
V E S P E R S B Y T H E L A K E
A U G U S T 9 , 2 0 2 5
Join us for an evening of worship and fun
4 2 1 4 7 L A K E T I M B E R D R , P U N T A
G O R D A , F L 3 3 9 8 2
4 : 0 0 P M - 1 0 ; 0 0 P M
Bring swim suits, pool towels, lawn chairs,
and food to share!

Love in Action
The children in the Primary
Sabbath School class made
Easter cards and four baskets
of personal items for people
residing in an assisted living
facility in Port Charlotte. An
additional basket was donated
by a student.
"It is more
blessed to give
than to receive."
Acts 20:35
Photo credits: Ted Stringer

Kids’ J.A.M.
April 26
Shining Jesus’ Light
Photo credits: Rodney Grussling

17

Health Ministry Happenings
by Brenda Gonzalez
Dr. Rodriguez Martin, Dr. Silvestre, Mr. Harry Selent and the Health
Ministry team have been delighted to serve our church and community.
They presented several seminars related to creation life principles. The
health team has provided cooking classes, seminars and healthy living tips.
The Health Ministry team is looking forward to continue to serve the Lord
bringing knowledge, seminars and a diversity of professionals and
resources to our community. If you are interested to be part of the health
ministry , please let them know.
Photo submitted by Brenda Gonzalez
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Photo by Kevin Goode
Photo by Brenda Gonzalez
Photo by Kevin Goode
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Pathfinder & Adventurer
Investiture
Photo credits: Ted Stringer
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PCAS 8th Grade Graduation
May 22, 2025
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Photo credits: Audrey Wainwright
The Grand Hall was nearly as beautiful as the women who filled it on
May 18. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Women’s Ministry team—
led by Audrey Wainwright—the event was both well-attended and warmly
received. The food, the setting, and the fellowship all reflected the care and
creativity that went into every detail.
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Go There4 Evangelism
Photo credits: Wave Williams
Go There4 presented a
week-long series from April
12-19. The meetings were
held in the evenings, except
on Sabbath morning.
Many volunteers provided
meals for attendees to
encourage
their
participation and make it
easier to come right after
work.
Volunteers also helped with
greeting, and other duties to
make the series run
smoothly.
The Go There4 team has
been partnering with our
church for two years, and
this was their last event.
These young men have won
our hearts and will be
missed.
Please continue to pray for
Tanner, Kani, and Rodney as
they share their talents
elsewhere to minister to
others and fulfill the great
commission.
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Thank you for all who have supported Go There4 with
your attendance, volunteering, and donations.
941-629-1333
2036 Loveland Blvd.
Pt. Charlotte, FL 33952
www.pcsda.net
FRESH Start Team:
Photographers:
Rodney Grussling
Ted Stringer
Wave Williams
Has your address, phone or email changed?
Send your updates to churchoffice@pcsda.net
Pray for those on our prayer list. Available in
the emailed announcements from the church
office and on the church directory app.
The official GC app for Sabbath School is a
wonderful tool to use on your smart phone
and tablets. It is free and saves the church
money.
Writers:
Don Byard
Laura Dancek
Ben Shurtliff
Editor:
Laura Dancek
Contact:
pcsdalaura@gmail.com