1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - April 1, 2022 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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This Sunday: April 3, 2022 |
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Message: "Your Heart-Throb?"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Lenten Service this Wednesday |
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Wednesday, April 6, 2022
12pm in the Sanctuary
Rev. Bill Grant
View our complete Lenten Worship Schedule HERE
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Youth Yard Sale is here!! |
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Sale dates are Friday, April 1st, 6pm - 8pm, and Saturday, April 2nd, 9am - 2pm
Donations can only be accepted this week Monday - Wednesday from 10am -1pm in the main room of the Life Center.
Thanks for donating your items to this yard sale to benefit our teen mission team who will be serving for 8 days in Tennessee this summer.
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“Loving All on the Journey to Holiness”
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April 2, 4:00pm at Port Charlotte UMC with Rev. Dr. David deSilva, Trustees Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary
The debate concerning the church's response to the LGBTQ+ community is often framed in terms of choosing either to love and be inclusive or to maintain the church's historic position concerning the witness of scripture. This is a false dichotomy. Join us for a presentation by the Rev. Dr. David deSilva as he explores the scriptural vision for loving all people (and "all" does indeed mean "all") in our common pursuit of the goal that God has both set before us and empowered us to attain together -- holiness.
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The 1st United Methodist Church 2021 Annual Report is now available: Download HERE
Thank you for your continued support!
If you have any questions, please contact the Finance Committee.
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Crafter's Group - Come Join Us! |
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WE NEED: Anyone who can sew on a button, crochet, knit, draw, design, or has ANY creative talent! We work together while enjoying each other's company.
We have made the following items:
*Baby blankets for Careline Pregnancy Center
*Crocheted octopus for preemie babies
*Greeting cards for our own Care Ministry team
*Walker bags for the veteran's home
*Activity mats for those suffering with Dementia and Alzheimer's donated to nursing homes locally
We meet in Room 9 every Wednesday from 1-3:30 pm.
Contact:
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The Thank You ministry completed delivery to three hospital emergency rooms this week; Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte Shore Points along with Fawcett hospital emergency room. In addition to the hospitals, we had enough bags of cookies to thank Punta Gorda Public Works and the trash collectors. This is a fun and easy way to give back to the community. Thank you to all the cookie bakers, cookie baggers and cookie deliverers. Join us next time! |
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Camping with Church Friends
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For several years campers from our church have gathered each spring to meet new friends with common interest in camping. This year our group will meet at Hardee Lakes County Park which is about 50 miles from our church. Anyone who likes to camp in a tent, RV, or trailer is encouraged to join us. We will meet on the Monday afternoon after Easter, April 18 and return home on Friday. For more information call Peter Gillen, 941-661-8367, or Tom Little, 941-769-0002. |
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The Endowment Team will accept grant requests during the month of March from individuals or groups. The grants are intended to be a one time supplemental funding for "extras" beyond the regular budget. The original donors (two families in the 1990's) set up an Endowment Fund with a covenant that allows funds to be granted to specific areas of the First United Methodist Church programs. The grants are funded by a portion of the profits earned each year. The core is always maintained to have the fund be perpetually sound. In addition, 10% of it's profits are applied to the core each year. The Endowment Fund tithes too!
Please include a brief description of your program idea/ activity/ or materials you would like the Endowment Team to fund. Include goals, costs, and anticipated impact your plan will make on the participants, our church, and community. Requests must be received in the church office by March 31, 2022.
It will be necessary for you to be present at the Endowment team meeting in April to explain your proposal to the team and answer any questions regarding your request. Contact Phil Huddleston (941-258-4540) philhuddleston@embarqmail.com for details and procedures before you apply.
Recent grants: New Choir Robes, Youth Mission trips supplement, Children's Ministry special activities, UV and air filtration system to protect us from viruses throughout the campus.
What about your legacy to the church and community? Including the Endowment Fund in your estate planning will insure your gift will live on and touch lives for Christ.
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Chad is a Sheriff’s Deputy in a large city in the Midwest, with 15 years of police and investigative experience. He works in the Criminal Investigations Division and is currently assigned to a federal task force that investigates sex trafficking and child exploitation. He is a member of the Hostage Negotiation Unit. Prior to working as a Sheriff’s Deputy, he worked at Boys Town (in Omaha, NE) in a residential treatment program that serves children and their families.
He holds a master’s degree in criminology with a specialization in counseling from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He was Deputy of the Year in 2021 for investigations that led to the federal indictment of multiple suspects enticing minors 15 years old and younger for sexual acts. He was awarded Deputy of the Quarter in March of 2019 for investigative and undercover work in a national sex trafficking investigation resulting in multiple federal indictments and the seizure of over 3 million dollars in cash and assets. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and Deputy of the Year in 2016 for his response in a deadly force incident when a DUI suspect exited their vehicle brandishing a handgun and firing at him from point blank range. He earned the Outstanding Academic Award, Outstanding Physical Fitness Award, and Outstanding Performance Award during his time at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Academy.
Since 2015 he has traveled internationally with a non-government organization (NGO) assisting with sex trafficking investigations that have led to the rescue of trafficking victims. During his international travel, he works in an undercover role acquiring covert footage of the negotiation to purchase underage girls and boys for sex.
He is married with a son and three daughters, one who is a Staff Sgt. in the Air Force, two who work in nursing, and one who is pursuing his degree in data science. His wife worked for seven years in child welfare and is currently a long-term care coordinator for vulnerable individuals. He currently lives in rural Iowa enjoying open space and spending time with his English Mastiffs.
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Scholarship Recipient - Jennifer Peters |
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Volunteers needed for Crossroad Academy |
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Every 3rd Saturday of each month volunteers from 1st Church cook food and take it to Crossroads Hope Academy to bless the young men who are residents there. We desperately need more volunteers to either cook food and/or help deliver the meal to Crossroads. We meet in the Church parking lot every month at 11:30 and load the food and go together to Crossroads. This ministry truly is a blessing to those we serve. If interested, please call Gail LaGro at 941-613-1745. |
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The major fund raiser for Young Life in Charlotte County is the annual GALA which will be this year on Monday April 4. The teens from WyldLife in our middle schools and Young Life from our high schools will tell how accepting Jesus has changed their lives. About 100 teens have come to Jesus this school year mostly through the efforts of their friends. It will be a good evening sharing a table with church friends, enjoying a good meal, and hearing good joyful music led by a professional musician. Young Life needs your prays, energy and financial assistance to support the Lord work among Charlotte Harbor teens. In order to attend, contact Walt Howell, 843-816-7970, walthowl@aol.com, or Tom Little, 941-769-0002, kalani@comcast.net. |
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The Children's Ministry Easter plans are underway and we need your help!
Needed the Monday before Easter (4/11):
Egg Stuffers and Bag Stuffers.
Needed Easter Sunday at Gilchrist Park:
Arts & Crafts leaders, Game leaders, Raffle Table help, People to Pass out Flyers & Engage with Parents.
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Receive Texts from 1st Church |
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1st Church Family... We are trying to improve our communication within the congregation and also looking for a way to keep everyone seeking devotionals each day. If you would like to receive daily devotionals from 1st Church or receive important communications, please sign up by calling the church office 941-639-3842. This will allow us to text you these messages and make it easy for you to receive them. |
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Greetings 1st Church friends--
Here we are, in another day, it will be April! I used to laugh when I heard my parents talk with friends about time seeming to go faster, the older they were. I now have to admit that whether it's fact or fallacy -- it certainly feels true. At least for me, I can't seem to complete as many things on my "to do" list as I used to; and the need for an afternoon nap is moving up on my priority list. I'm being lighthearted about it but in truth, that was starting to cause me some anxiety. Funny how things work, but the more my prayer life has grown, the more purpose driven goals I want to accomplish. And of course, when anxiety creeps in, we tend to slack off a little-- big mistake -- and thankfully with a little nudge from God, it's back to the basics for me!. Of course, our God is an awesome God and we only have to reach out and ask for His help and He always answers. Always! Whether asking for a miracle healing, forgiveness or for encouragement in your faith journey, God always answers. Philippians 4:4-8 tells us to let our requests be made known to God. We're told to celebrate God's goodness-- "Rejoice in the Lord always ". Celebrate His faithfulness and forgiveness. These things are always true no matter what we are going through. We shouldn't ignore our concerns or pretend they're not there. Then meditate on the good things worthy of praise. Recently I had a situation of needing prayer for the newest medical crisis. I am sharing this because so many of you have been asking me about it. I had injections in my neck which is the standard treatment for the cervical condition I have, and within a few hours I experienced some very disturbing and frightening symptoms which I knew were not typical. Of course I was praying for a "miracle " and unlike my usual" it'll get better- I'll get extra rest" -- God directed me to call the doctor now! Turns out I had developed a partially collapsed lung. Sometimes our "miracles " are making the right decisions at the right time. Thanks to all who have been praying, and things continue to resolve.
Let's continue to pray; for our own needs, for others, for our church and for the world situation. What better time than this season of Lent? We have been freshening up the Prayer Room in preparation for our 24-7 Prayer challenge. We have a fresh Wailing Wall available for your messages and a prayer box to leave prayer requests to be prayed over. Sign up now for your hour(s) of prayer time. We will have sign up sheets available at church or you can sign up on line, to lock in your time. Last time we filled the time slots so quickly, that people were bargaining to exchange time slots so they could experience what others were sharing. So don't wait, -- sign up soon. The challenge begins on Palm Sunday, 4/10/22. Don't forget to sign the attendance book when you enter. There are lap blankets available if it's chilly, and the coffee bar is always available. Bibles and hymnals are in the bookcase for your use as well as a journal on top of the bookcase to share prayer room experiences if you'd like. My prayer is that you enjoy this very special opportunity. If you have questions, feel free to contact me.
We have much to pray for and I know we'll all be blessed for this effort.
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
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Greetings Everyone,
Are you musical? Consider joining one of our groups. This is a great way to serve the church, learn about music and get to know folks.
The Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center and plays on Sundays at the 11:00AM Service. Ability to ready music is necessary.
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Historic Sanctuary and sings Sundays at the 11:00AM Service.
Please contact David Bellows for more information or questions.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday's Music - April 3, 2022 - 11:00 AM Service
Prelude: Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 65, II. Adagio – F. Mendelssohn
Opening Hymn: 479 Jesus, Lover Of My Soul
Offertory Anthem: What Does The Lord Require – E. Nelson
Closing Hymn: 287 O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done
Postlude: Variations on “Amazing Grace”- D. Bédard
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Wednesday Revelation Study |
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Join Larry Keller in Room 13 on Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm (and on Zoom). They will begin a new study on the book of Revelation March 16 using Revelation Unveiled by Tim Lahaye, Answers Bible Study from Answers in Genesis, and mostly The Bible.
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New Study - Just for Moms! |
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Want to be set free from the pressures of being "MOM?" Join us for the Mom Set Free Bible Study! The study will begin April 13th and meet for 8 weeks in Room 13, 12:30 - 2pm.
The cost of the book is $15. If you are in need of child care, please register your children, with their ages HERE! |
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A gathering of men who seek a more complete Christian understanding of the teaching of Jesus. Men of Faith meet in Lenox Hall on Thursdays from 9-10:30am under the leadership of Pastor Bill Grant. The group uses the daily study guide, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, as a start for each weeks' discussion. The daily study guide is available free at the gathering. Many of the group come from other churches, so invite your friends. |
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2022 Bible Reading Schedules |
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
Download the 2022 reading guide HERE.
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Worship Service Information |
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View our Lenten Worship Schedule HERE
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If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:
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Masks are now optional for those that are fully vaccinated.
- Social distancing is still encouraged. Families may sit together, but please leave three seats between you and others not in your family.
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If you are feverish or not feeling well, we ask that you stay home and join us online on our Facebook and YouTube channels.
At this time, you may only enter the Life Center through the main entrance facing the Fellowship Hall courtyard. All other exterior doors will be locked. We'll see you Sunday!
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Join us this Sunday at 8 am for Praise in the Park! Open to everyone, this is your opportunity to join us for "in-person" worship as we enjoy God's scenery from the lawn of the beautiful Gilchrist Park Pavilion, weather permitting of course. If it is or has been raining (or is too cold), Praise in the Park will relocate to our historic Sanctuary. Time may not always be sufficient to get the word out, so in case of inclement weather, please proceed to the Sanctuary.
Please plan to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, and, yes, we will be asking you to practice social distancing. Don't forget to join our "Praise in the Park" group on our Church App! As a reminder, our outside services are always subject to change due to the weather. Please make sure you are connected with us through the app, our email list, or social media to receive our updates concerning schedule changes. See you Sunday for Praise in the Park!
Praise in the Park is currently scheduled to continue meeting at Gilchrist Park through Easter 2022.
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
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