1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - December 31, 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: January 2, 2022 |
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Message: "Sincere Love"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting funds to help the recent tornado victims. If you would like to make a donation, please note "UMCOR" in the memo line of your check. Thank you! |
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Youth Sunday School & Youth Group will not meet on January 2. Youth will resume all activities on January 9, 2022. |
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Merry Christmas from the Bargain Boutique |
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Before the holidays we want to thank our friends who shop here, and our donors. In the last 12 months we have donated a bit under $20,000 to the following all who serve those in need. In addition we donate in kind goods to many others.
- Macedonia First Baptist Church
- Crossroads Hope Academy
- Jesus Loves You
- Young Life
- Homeless Coalition
- Veterans Gift Cards
- Valerie's House
- Meals on Wheels
- Cuba RX meds
We are grateful to those who donate to us. Your clothing, household items are good examples of your generosity. To our shoppers, thank you. What you do goes a long way to helping others. It is not all about the Bargain Boutique. The three of us are a team. We provide the space, you donate, others shop here. Quoting "what more can be said than He hath said'*, "Love one another"*. That is what we do here at the Bargain Boutique.
Holiday Schedule: We will close on December 23 and reopen December 27; will close December 31 and reopen January 3, 2022.
Our Staff of Volunteers wish all of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
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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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Mark your calendar for 2 Town Hall meeting opportunities - Sunday, January 9 or 16 at 2pm - 3:30pm in the Sanctuary. Join Pastor Mike for a short presentation and discussion on the future of the United Methodist Church. |
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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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Supernatural, Begins January 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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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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Mark your calendars and plan to donate blood before or after worship on Sunday, January 16, 8:30am - 1:30pm.
All donors will receive a $10 eGift Card, a OneBlood long sleeve t-shirt and a Chick-fil-A gift card! Plus a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening!
Appointments are encouraged - make your appointment HERE. (sponsor code #10245) Thank you!
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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 a morning 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 - 12:00 pm.
Myrt Creigh
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Happy New Year 1st Church friends and family --
I hope that everyone had a blessed time over the Christmas holiday. I realize that it's not always "merry " for some. Life situations, or certainly the loss of loved ones, can make this a very difficult time, but my prayer is that the ever present love of our Lord , and friends and family helped to surround you with a sense of comfort, peace and love. This is a perfect time to reach out to someone who is hurting or alone.
We had a wonderful Christmas week this year. Though 4 services on Christmas Eve made for a very busy week, it is always a gift to see so many friends come together to worship. This year was especially beautiful for our family, as we witnessed Pastor Mike baptize our wonderful great granddaughter Marley Elizabeth. Welcome to our church family sweet Marley!.
I am grateful for the volunteers who greeted and ushered, as well as everyone who prayed for Christmas services. Special thanks to everyone who took part in the reading and lighting of the Advent candles each week during Advent.
As we look ahead to a new year, I have a couple reminders and requests. I've had several people talk to me about concerns over Covid cases increasing. At this time our mask policy is optional. Please feel free to wear your mask if you are more comfortable. I try to have disposable masks available at the main entrance if you need one. Please remember to wear your name tags, or take advantage of the disposable ones at each entrance.
We need your help to take down and pack up the garland, wreathes and tree decorations. Please help us on Tuesday, 1/4/22 at 9am. Please check in with me in the Life Center for instructions. I will need some strong guys to move all the packed crates and boxes to their storage area. Please email or call me at 941-661-4156 with questions. Thank you.
Looking back over the past year, I know for a fact that God is in control of everything, and only He can protect and guide me. Having studied scripture more this year than ever before, has taught me to never cease praising and thanking God, even during appalling circumstances. He has blessed me so abundantly, and I know I can always count on His love, and He will never leave me. Psalm118:28 "You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You." We are blessed!
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
Happy New Year! Have you made your resolution yet?!?! The beginning of the new year is a great time to consider joining the Handbell Choir and Chancel Choir. We are always looking for new talent.
The Chancel Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center. The ability to read music is necessary.
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Historic Sanctuary.
Please contact David Bellows for more information.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: January 2, 2021 - 11:00am Service
Prelude: What Child Is This? – R. Purvis
Opening Hymn: 254 We Three Kings
Offertory Anthem: Christmas Joy – M. Schweizer
Closing Hymn: 606 Come, Let Us Use The Grace Divine
Postlude: Variations on ‘How Brightly Shines The Morningstar’ – B. Matter
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Beth Moore Study - Begins Jan. 13 |
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THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE SINCE THE LAST BRIDGE CAME OUT.
To all Ladies, you are invited to join with us for our Beth Moore Study. It will begin January 13th and end February 24th. This year it will be only a 7 week study. We will be studying a Beth Moore Study “STEPPIN UP” which is a study of the Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134. This study is shorter than ones in the past, so those who don't want to tie up 11 weeks, may like the 7 week study.
These Psalms were essential for worship and praise in the Old Testament times. We hope to come to a place of greater intimacy with God who delights in our praise and worship with Him.
Join us in this study which begins Thursday, January 13 at 9:00 am and will go until February 24. 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 and drop off in the office. If you have questions, please call Karen Grant 941-815-2929. Look forward to seeing you there. |
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The Harmony Bible Class will begin a new 10-week study on Sunday, January 2nd, "Where Do We Go From Here?" (How Tomorrow's Prophecies Foreshadow Today's Problems) by Dr. David Jeremiah. In this study, Dr. Jeremiah takes us on a tour of today's major issues, showing us where we are, what they mean, and what we should do now. We will look at ten major issues, threading our way through the problems Jesus predicted- and finding the solutions Jesus endorsed. Even as the world collapses, the Lord is building His Church. We can say something, do something, pray something, preach something, and live by the convictions of Christ. All are welcome to join us at 10:30 January 2nd in Lenox Hall. Study outlines will be provided. Books can be purchased online but are not required. If you are currently not a regular member of the Harmony Class, please call Debbie Harrington 941.380.0213. to reserve your seat! |
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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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Every Thursday at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall and by Zoom. |
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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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Save The Date... ALPHA is coming in February! |
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ALPHA will be starting a new class on February 9th that will meet each Wednesday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm in Lenox Hall. This class will run until April 20th. There will be dinner, a video and discussion each week. Watch for more details to follow and we hope you will plan to join us. For more information, please contact Myrt Creigh at fumcpgmc@gmail.com. |
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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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NOTE: Youth Sunday School & Youth Group will not meet on January 2. Youth will resume all activities on January 9, 2022.
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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, 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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