1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - January 21, 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: January 23, 2022 |
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Message: "The Gospel of Welcome"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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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. Registration deadline: February 5 |
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Help for ALPHA is needed!
Alpha is in dire need of volunteers. We are holding Alpha Feb. 9th through March 30th and need table hosts and kitchen help. Without these volunteers we’ll not be able to proceed with Alpha, an important outreach program to nominal Christians and unbelievers. Please contact Myrt Creigh at 941-661-8059 or email fumcpgmc@gmail.com now.
Joyfully His, Myrt
I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength. Phil. 4:13
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Despite last Sunday's weather, we had a great turnout to donate blood. We wanted to share this letter of thanks from OneBlood. Thank you to all who donated!
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Dear Pastor Bob,
Thank you for hosting a blood drive and sharing your power to save lives! What a wonderful turnout Sunday! Attached is the Honor Roll of everyone who participated in the blood drive.
We value our partnership with First United Methodist Church and thank you for all you do as the chairperson to help make the blood drive a success.
We are pleased to share with you that the recent blood drive resulted in 21 units of blood. Remember, each donation can save up to three lives so that means 63 patients could benefit from the lifesaving efforts of blood donors at First United Methodist Church.
The blood donated at your blood drive will likely be transfused into a patient within 48 to 72 hours. The turnaround is that fast and is that constant.
An enthusiastic, dependable blood drive chairperson is one of the keys to a blood drive's success and we want to take this opportunity to thank you for helping with coordinating the drive and saving lives in our community.
We have your next blood drive scheduled on Sunday, March 20th from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm., and thank you for your dedication and commitment to our lifesaving mission.
Lori O'Brien, OneBlood
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Mark your calendar for the Town Hall meeting opportunity - Sunday, February 6th from 2pm - 3:30pm in the Sanctuary. Join Pastor Mike and Craig Holcomb for a short presentation and discussion on the future of the United Methodist Church. |
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A Leap of Faith, Canceled |
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Due to the Covid increase, the Leap of Faith meeting is canceled for Saturday, January 22 at 9:30. |
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The Crafter's Group on January 26 is canceled. They will resume meeting on February 2. |
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Twelve Months of Christmas |
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The "Twelve Months of Christmas" Operation Christmas Child begins today! To prepare for our November 2022 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing Party, we will be collecting different items each month beginning this month! Please drop off your donations in the Operation Christmas Child collection box located in Lenox Hall. January: children's toothbrushes, combs, hairbrushes, hair accessories. (new & unused only, please) Thank you for your support!
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Dear 1st Church Members and Friends,
We want to thank you for your generous gifts that we received this Christmas!
We are grateful for your expressions of love and thoughtfulness.
And, we look forward to serving and loving Jesus alongside you in 2022.
Yours in Christ,
Your 1st Church Staff
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With the rise of Covid cases, the United Christian Women is cancelling our January meeting which would have been held on January 24th. Our next meeting will be February 28th at 11 AM in Lenox Hall. |
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We are one of 10 churches working with Habitat for Humanity to build a home in Port Charlotte for Josh & Courtney Fontenot and their 4 children. They are very excited to be moving from their 2 bedroom home with their growing family.
Our commitment is to provide volunteers and to raise $5,000 to help with costs. On January 16th and 23rd please stop between services at our table by Lenox Hall and write a blessing on 2x4s which will be used for the interior walls. 1st Church volunteers will be working on the home Saturday, January 29th. Donations are welcome. Please indicate ‘Apostles Build’ on your offering. For more information, call Wayne Sharp at 612-867-3017 or sharpww@me.com.
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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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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 --
I pray that everyone came through our stormy Sunday last week safely. We certainly have been in prayer for those areas that experienced tornadoes that morning. Times like these are always a reminder to me that there are situations that we have no control over, no matter how tough, smart or strong we are. People may think that we might be the most proficient problem solver, but a chaotic weather emergency is a rapid reminder that we aren't in control. The darkness that morning made me think of the dark days of turmoil we all go through at some times in our lives. Whether health issues, problems at home or work, a disagreement with a friend, failure to reach a goal, or something huge like the loss of a loved one, we are blessed to know where to turn. I think of that song, Don't Worry, Be Happy; I like to think " don't worry be hopeful ". I used to worry about everything! I was shy, insecure and had little confidence in myself, until real life traumas began to happen. And then, God touched my life, and showed me how to turn my problems into a purpose. There are many passages in scripture about being hopeful that have helped me when moments of worry creep in. A couple of my favorites: Philippians 4:6 -- Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. I now turn to Him about everything- big and small. When pain wakes me up , we have long talks during the darkness of night! I love when Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today".
Exodus 14:13 .
The flowers this week are given by Mercedes Triana in memory of her sweet friend, Anne Simpson's birthday. Please remember, you can contact me if you'd like to purchase altar flowers for a loved one.
We want to keep everyone safe so please follow Covid protocol; social distancing, hand sanitizer, and masks (not mandatory but encouraged), and take advantage of online worship if you have cold or flu symptoms. Have a blessed week.
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,
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 rehearse on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center. The ability to read music is necessary.
The Chancel Choir rehearse 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 23, 2022 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Here I Am, Lord – D. Wagner
Chancel Ringers and David Bellows, Director
Opening Hymn: 398 Jesus Calls Us
Offertory Anthem: There Is A Balm In Gilead – H. Helvey
Closing Hymn: 354 I Surrender All
Postlude: Festive Trumpet Tune – D. German
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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 February 3, 9am |
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You are invited to join us for our Beth Moore Study. It will begin February 3rd and end March 17th. 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.
The books are $20.00 which will be collected at the first session. You may register below or look for an application at the entrance of the Life Center or in Lenox Hall and drop off in office.
Please contact Karen Grant 941-815-2929 with any questions.
Look forward to seeing you there!
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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, 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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