1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - February 11, 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: February 13, 2022 |
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Message: "We Have Met the Enemy"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Dear First Methodist Friends,
Wow! What a 100th Birthday celebration mine turned out to be on January 22! Your cards, gifts, presence and expressions of love and appreciation at the "drive through" in our church parking lot honored me more than I can say, and there is no way I can thank you enough.
I can only try to live up to your kind words and encouragement. With God's help that has helped me for the past 100 years plus the love of good friends like you, how can I lose?
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United Way of Charlotte County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be providing FREE income tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $66,000 or less at 1st United Methodist Church beginning February 3rd.
Tax preparation services will be held at the church every Thursday from 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm through April 7. Interested individuals and families can call 941-421-7100 to be added to the appointment list.
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2021 Contribution Statements |
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2021 Contribution Statements have been mailed to your email on file with the Church Office.
If you need a printed copy, please call the Church Office and ask for Denise, Ext. 226, OR email me at Denise@whatis1st.com with your request.
Thanks for all your contributions!!
Finance Office
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Today Matters - February 19 |
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Join us on Saturday, February 19 at 4pm to hear from our friend Rosie Young. Rosie will speak and give her testimony, "Life isn't always Rosie," sharing the trials that she has gone through and how God has been there for her always.
We know you will be blessed!
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Feed the Harbor - February 27 |
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Save the Date!! Feed the Harbor will be Sunday, February 27 from 8:30am - 3:30pm.
Our church will be serving at the Punta Gorda Crossing Publix location. (Airport Road)
Feed the Harbor is co-sponsored by several local churches in partnership with Publix Supermarkets. Charlotte County churches working together to fill Charlotte County food pantries!
20-25 volunteers are needed to make our participation a success. We will have a morning shift, and an afternoon shift. Volunteers hand out shopping flyers with the items needed, collect the food being donated, sort it into categories, then move the food to the pallets. Dress casually & wear sneakers! The local food panties come and pick up their food at the end of the day by 3pm. You can sign up to help with Feed the Harbor HERE.
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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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Happy February 1st Church --
Hard to believe, but Valentine's Day is a week away, and planning for Lent and Easter services is well underway. I've heard that the older we get, the faster time goes -- and I truly believe it! Each day is a wonderful gift, and should be treasured and enjoyed.
Several groups and Bible studies are in full swing on our campus and I hope you're taking advantage of these opportunities to learn and increase your faith. If you don't have time for a weekly commitment for a study group, don't forget about our Thursday prayer group from 12 until 1pm. You can stay for the hour or as long as you can, for a time of fellowship, sharing and prayer. Of course, if you want quiet, alone time, you can sign up for prayer time in the Prayer Room. We are blessed at 1st Church! Be sure to watch The Bridge, and our website for notices of events happening on our campus. When I prepare to write these weekly articles, I spend time in prayer, and whether I have an idea or not, God guides me to articles or books, or scripture ideas . Today I found myself looking through some books by Max Lucado, which led me back to a favorite scripture; Philippians 4:4-8; Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice ! v.4 (this doesn't mean to ignore our circumstances, but to celebrate who the Lord is and what He's done in our life.) (v.6 Ask God for help.) Let your requests be made known to God. (We shouldn't ignore our concerns, or pretend they aren't there, but we need to be honest and leave them in the hands of our Father.) The verse ends with "meditate on good things." Our minds can be powerful, either stuck on fear or on good. Prayer has helped me put aside the fear and concentrate on the good. I read this acronym in one of the books which helped me; C.A.L.M. Celebrate. Ask. Leave. Meditate. I know God doesn't want us to live a worry filled life and C.A.L.M. is easy to remember, especially during times of trauma.
Be sure and watch for info on the next Today Matters. Please plan to attend and hear my testimony in my own words.
Stay warm. 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? If you have been sitting on the side lines consider joining one of our choirs. This is a great way to serve the church, learn about music and get to know folks.
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: February 13, 2022 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Songs Of Praise – S. Geschke
Chancel Ringers and David Bellows, Director
Opening Hymn: 144 This Is My Father’s World
Offertory Anthem: I Surrender All – J. Raney
Closing Hymn: 110 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Postlude: Grand Choeur in B flat Major – T. Dubois
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Discovery Bible Study - Now on Zoom |
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The Discovery Bible Study began a new study, "The Truth Project" on January 17, 2022. Discovery Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10-11:30 am on Zoom.
"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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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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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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