1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - December 3, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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This Sunday: December 5, 2021 |
Second Sunday of Advent
Message: "The Scandal"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Can you believe it is already time to start ringing the Salvation Army bells? If you would join us in supporting this worthwhile organization we would greatly appreciate it! We will be ringing bells again this year at Publix on Airport Road beginning Saturday, November 27th until Christmas Eve day. If you would like to volunteer to ring the bell, please contact Janet Bell at sabellringers@whatis1st.com.
We will have a table outside of the Life Center after the services this weekend for you to sign up!
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UCW Christmas Party & Cookie Exchange |
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Come join the United Christian Women for some holiday fun at our Christmas Party and Cookie Exchange on Saturday December 11th at 11 AM in Lenox Hall. Please bring 1 to 2 dozen cookies to exchange, and a side dish to share for lunch. All women of the church are invited. |
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Important Staff Announcement |
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It is with great pleasure that the Staff Parish Relations Committee announces that we have filled the role of Director of Children's and Family Ministry with Rebecca (Becca) Tomasello. Becca and her husband, Matt will be relocating from Taunton, Massachusetts to join us here at 1st Church. They are both looking forward to enjoying the warmth of Southwest Florida. Becca has worked in Children's Ministry for the Salvation Army as well as taught English for a school in South Korea. Becca received her Masters of Arts in Children's Ministry from Dallas Baptist University and she is very passionate about bringing children and youth to Christ. Please join us in welcoming Becca to 1st Church when she begins her employment with us on Sunday, January 2nd. |
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In 2022 we will be having a special event on campus. It’s being presented by Alpha on Saturday, January 22nd and called "A LEAP OF FAITH." How long have you wanted to be a witness for Jesus Christ? Pastor Mike’s messages these past few weeks have been calling us to this important step forward. It can be a very uncomfortable moment… what do I say?
Here’s an opportunity to learn the do’s and don’ts of witnessing
This will be an all-day mentoring session on the steps to witnessing for Jesus to an individual or group. This is an opportunity to join with your fellow Christians and taking a leap of faith. Mark your calendar now… Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.
Myrt Creigh
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The teens and adult leaders of “United 4 Him” youth group would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the “1st Church Nacho Crew.” A big thank you to Sheri Anderssen, Barbara Pennington, Michael Bell, and Donnette Samons (not pictured) for their dedication to preparing and serving delicious nachos once a month to the youth group. They show us what true ministry in action looks like! |
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Just a reminder than all donations need to be into the Church Office by December 30th at noon to be counted as a 2021 Contribution.
Also, 2021 Contribution Statements will be going out by email, so if The Church Office doesn’t have your email, please call the Church Office to update your information.
THANKS!!
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1st Steps Class, January 15 |
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Whether you are new to 1st Church or you have been a part of our family for years, you are invited to join us Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10 am - 12 pm in Lenox Hall for our 1st Steps Class.
The 1st Steps class is in preparation of joining 1st United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda or to just learn about us and our core beliefs, vision and opportunities to join our small groups, bible studies and ministries. I welcome your interest and would love for you to be part of this group.
Please call the Gail in the office, (941) 639-3842, or email Kathy at admin@whatis1st.com by January 13 to let them know you are interested in joining in the fun. See you there!
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Greetings 1st Church friends,
Can you believe we are in the second week of Advent already? I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like life is flying by and picking up speed all the time! Crazy! In all sincerity, it makes me pause and feel even more thankful for each blessing, large and small, every day. I'm sure part of it is attributable to my advancing years, but even that has become a "gift". I am so grateful for each day I have health, legs that work, and enough memory to know what day it is, that I begin each morning thanking God that I can serve Him another day. Life as we know it today is hectic, fast-paced, filled with noise, traffic, machinery, computer equipment, and many other things. That's why our prayer room is such a a special haven of quiet and peace. I've feel blessed to begin each day with thanks, and somehow, no matter how difficult or traumatic the day becomes, I'm able to express thanks to God. Psalm 100.4, "Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!" End the day being thankful.
A twinkling mistletoe filled "thank you " to everyone who helped decorate and make our Life Center, Sanctuary and two gazebos beautiful and bright. I watched great fellowship at work and it shows in the results. Bless you!
Please let me know if you are able to help out with the Advent candle lighting or reading on Christmas Eve, or call Gail in the church office. We appreciate our volunteers! I also need additional help during Christmas Eve services, especially at 6 and 8pm.
For anyone interested in becoming a member or getting more information about 1st Church, there will be a 1st Steps Class on January 15th. Call Gail in the church office to sign up, or for information. Numerous events happening on our campus; please watch for announcements or check the Bridge!
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
The Christmas Harp Concert this Friday is sold out.
This Friday we are blessed to have Barbara Moses presenting a Christmas Harp Concert in the Historic Sanctuary. A free ticket is required to get into the concert.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: December 5, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Prepare The Royal Highway – C. Moklebust
Chancel Ringers and David Bellows, Director
Sandy Forbes, Flute
Opening Hymn: 196 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Offertory: Advent Processional – A. L. Page
Nancy Stearley and Penny Wait, Handbells
Closing Hymn: 240 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Postlude: Variations on Comfort, Comfort Ye, My People – J. Reuss
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GriefShare Support Ministry |
Our 2022 GriefShare groups will be starting on January 4th at 6:30pm or January 5th at 10:00am in Room 13. If you have lost a love one and are struggling through this journey or know someone who is, please let them know about our 13-week GriefShare program. For more information about or to register, please contact Melodie Austin, 941-661-0842 or melharryaustin@yahoo.com.
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Our new prayer challenge is up and running, and there is still time to sign up! We need 40 people to sign up for one hour of prayer weekly to achieve our goal of 40 hours.
We believe God is urging us to pray. The Lord wants us to keep our prayer momentum going with strong efforts for our church, our community, and our country..
Sign up by clicking the button below to reserve your time and be part of this important prayer revolution!
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The Bargain Boutique is OPEN! |
Donations are welcomed during operating hours, which are currently Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. For more information on donations or volunteering at the Boutique, please call 239-264-6533. |
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Join Pastor Earl Smith this December |
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Pastor Earl will offer a 4 session Bible study on Wednesdays beginning December 1. It will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-11am. The study will use the resource “The Case for Christmas” by Lee Strobel. We will observe all COVID protocols. If there is enough interest he will seek to offer the study as a Zoom meeting also. If you would be interested in that please let him know by emailing him at revearl@hotmail.com. Because of COVID, class size needs to be limited to 25 students. So if you are interested in attending in the classroom please email him also. |
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Wednesday Night Bible Study |
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Larry’s Bible Study on Angels
When... Where... Time?
December 1st...Room 13... 6:30pm. (always a Wednesday evening)
We will be using Dr. David Jeremiah’s Study Guide on Angels.
Who They Are and How They Help…
What the Bible Reveals.
Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible and are very intriguing and serve many functions. The first book I read on Angels was by Billy Graham and I learned how important they are to God. I was told that Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible; they said this, and they did that, some have names. There are good angels and bad angels, they are creatures created, but when? Do we have a guardian angel? Do they protect us, guide us, encourage us, deliver us, enlighten us, or empower us? Why they must never be worshiped.
Angels Must Be Recognized for Who They Really Are
Dr. Jeremiah gets all his information from the Bible.
Study books are available online at:
Angels, Who They Are and How They Help
Study Guide on Angels $10.00
Make sure it is the Study Guide and not just the book.
Let me know if you will be attending or have any questions. There are 10 lessons and I plan to accompany the lessons with some audio from Dr. Jeremiah. I think we will be lucky to do a lesson a week. I stop the study promptly at 8:00pm. Always bring your Bibles, God’s Word!
I will be Zooming also for those that can’t come but will need your email address for the Zoom.
Larry Keller
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Harmony Bible Study Class |
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The Harmony Class began a new study, "Who Needs Christmas" with Andy Stanley which will continue in Lenox Hall at 10:30 am with the last class on Sunday, December 19th. It is not necessary to come to all of the 4 classes, so join us when you can. All are welcome! |
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Beth Moore Study - Begins Jan. 6 |
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WE WILL BEGIN THE STUDY “BELOVED DISCIPLE.” THIS IS THE STORY OF THE BELOVED DISCIPLE JOHN.
John witnessed more miracles than he could count. He was with Jesus all the years of His ministry. He saw more displays of power than he could comprehend and experienced more love than he could comprehend.
This 11 week personal interactive study will tell us about his life with Jesus and his writings of the Risen Lord’s glorious revelation of victory and hope.
Join us in this study which begins Thursday, January 6 at 9:00 am and will go until March 17. You must register by Dec. 20 to attend as we have to order books. The cost is $20.00 paid on first day. You can register HERE or pick up a registration blank on tables outside Life Center and in Lenox Hall. If you have questions, please call Karen Grant 941-815-2929. Hope to see you in January. |
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The Discovery Bible Study will begin a new study, "The Truth Project" on January 17, 2022. Discovery Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10-11:30 am in Room 13.
"The Truth Project is a ground-breaking small group curriculum on the Biblical worldview. This video-based Bible study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Join Dr. Del Tackett, as he takes you through 13 engaging video lessons on the relevance and importance of living the Biblical worldview in daily life, featuring insights from biblical experts like R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness and Gordon Pennington."
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Supernatural - Begins Jan. 11 |
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Supernatural by Carolyn Moore officiated by Pastor Mike will begin January 11th in the Life Center
There’s no substitute for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Maybe you’ve grown dissatisfied with the weak distractions offered both by our culture and, oftentimes, our churches. When it all sinks in, spirituality and ministry without the Holy Spirit is hollow.
Join Carolyn Moore in rediscovering the supernatural! With a biblical basis and practical application, you’ll learn how to work alongside the Spirit, and you’ll become watchful for the powerful in-breakings of God’s kingdom all around you.
Moore takes us through Luke 9, examining Jesus’ commission to his disciples to cast out demons, cure diseases, proclaim the kingdom, and heal the sick. With down-to-earth language, she unpacks tricky topics, including:
- Praying for healing
- Experiencing miracles
- Encountering demons
- Sighting moments of glory
- Fighting unholy hesitation
With a journaling prompt after each of the forty readings, you’ll process what God’s supernatural ministry looks like for your life, and maybe even experience a spiritual awakening. Before you know it, you might just start to see the Spirit break in around you, advancing the deep wholeness that only God’s kingdom can bring.
The cost of the Supernatural book is $15. Sign up for Supernatural HERE.
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The Seekers Sunday School Class meets on Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am in Room 9. We are currently studying the Book of Revelation.
Revelation is a survival guide for the suffering, a book of promises for the persecuted, a banner of hope for the beaten down and for everyone in every age including you. Each session will have approximately a 12-minute video and discussion thereafter. For more information, call Jerry Oravec at 941-256-4013.
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Every Thursday at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall and by Zoom. |
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2021 Bible Reading Schedules |
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Reading calendars are available for download and printing on our website, whatis1st.com/bible2021, and hard copies are available in the Life Center. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
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Worship Service Information |
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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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Just a reminder of what 1st Church is doing to help you stay safe during the pandemic:
- State of the art air purification systems have been installed in our buildings.
- We strongly encourage social distancing with the rise of cases. This does not include members of your own household.
- Hand sanitizer stations can be found at the entrance to the Life Center.
- Masks are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable in doing so. Masks are available on the table at the entrance to the Life Center.
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If you are not feeling well, please stay home and watch our services from the comfort of your home.
- We are still offering the 8:00 Praise in the Park outdoor service (weather permitting) if you are more comfortable in an outdoor setting.
- The 9:15 and 11:00 services are available each Sunday on Facebook and YouTube for your convenience and safety during this pandemic.
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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. The rainy season is here! If it is or has been raining, 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!
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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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