1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - July 30, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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In 2021, 1st Church has received $56,000 less than needed for the first 6 months of the year. Giving to our operating budget (1st Church Support) is down by $35,000 compared to last year, while returning to many of our ministries post-Covid has created expenses that are $21,000 greater than 2020.
Yes, $56,000 less for worship, Bible studies, utilities, and salaries. That is $56,000 less for the foundational ministries of your church.
Your generosity, plus the government’s PPP loan (which became a grant), helped us survive 2020. Yet, while we have reduced expenses, cut the number of staff, and reduced the hours of other staff, it is not enough for this year. This must change before it affects the foundational ministries of our church!
Would you pray—then reach a little deeper—to increase your giving to 1st Church Support? Might God lead you to give a 2nd mile gift this summer in addition to your regular giving to the operating budget? In addition, would it be impossible for you to consider increasing your giving for the second half of 2021?
We know that there are many demands on your pocketbook these days. Please place the work of your church high on the list of your priorities.
We thank you for the generosity you have already displayed, and all you do for Christ and His work through us! Pray with us that God will continue to use us and make us faithful.
Your 1st Church Finance Team
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Renewal Leave for Pastor Mike |
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Pastor Mike will be unavailable by phone or email until he returns to the office on September 7th. Thank you for honoring this time for Mike to rest and renew.
In addition to leading us in worship, Pastor Bob will be available for pastoral needs. Administrative issues can be addressed by Kathy Butgereit.
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It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Jordan Flick will be resigning her position as Director of Children's Ministry effective September 1st. Jordan has blessed this ministry with much enthusiasm and organizational skills needed to navigate the uncharted waters we have experienced over the past 1.5 years. She has been working full-time at a position that meets her career goals for the past several months and she has received a much-deserved promotion and additional responsibilities. Please join us in wishing Jordan the absolute best wishes for her future endeavors. |
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The Staff Parish Relations Committee is accepting applications for the position of Director of Children's & Family Ministry. If you would like additional information regarding this position or to see the job responsibilities, please visit our website at whatis1st.com and click on the "what is 1st" at the top, and scroll down to "Staff." At the bottom, you will find the link to the job description. If interested, please submit a resume' and cover letter to admin@whatis1st.com by August 13th.
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Our Website has a NEW Look |
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The NEW 1st Church website has been launched! We are still in the progress of updating current information, so patience while it is under construction is very much appreciated.
Be sure to check it out!
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The Christian Foundation of America’s Political Philosophy
Was America founded by Christians? If so, what was the role of the teachings of Christianity in establishing the core principles upon which this nation would function? One of the members of our Church, Peter Bell, will be teaching a class on the Christian Foundation of America’s Political Philosophy. It consists of two 9 week long classes (with one week off in between) which will trace the founding of this Nation starting in the Garden of Eden and coming forward through the Middle ages, the settlement of England, through the colonization of America, its struggle for independence and then forward to the Nation as we find ourselves today. These classes will be taught Friday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting August 13th. The classes will be at the Southwest Florida Bible Institute located at the corner of Highway 41 and Toledo Blade in Port Charlotte. There is no charge for the class itself. The textbook for the class is $10.00. Anyone interested can sign up by going to the school’s website, SWFBI.org. Questions can be e-mailed to the school using the “Contact Us” feature on the website.
"We both took this class and found it very enjoyable. " Lindsey and Debbie Harrington
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Our next Cancer Support Ministry meeting will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Room 9 at 6:30 pm. Our meetings consist of a devotion, caring and sharing time, resource sharing, celebration time, prayer concerns, and often a guest speaker from our church or community. All adult cancer supporters and caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend regardless of their cancer type and/or religious affiliation. Please contact the church office or Jane Sheppard (janesheppard@rocketmail.com) with questions or for more information.
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Just a reminder that Today Matters Mental Health Ministry is not meeting in July. Please join us back on August 21 for our special guest, Tina Levene. She will be signing books at 3 pm and the program will begin at 4 pm.
Tina Levene is a speaker, radio and TV host, and author. Her personal story is nothing short of miraculous healing from abuse and addictions. She brings humor, energy, and laughter with relevant content that can be used to transform lives.
Tina’s Best Selling books include: Let Your Lessons Become Blessings, Let Your Forgiveness Become Freedom, Little Book, Big Truths!, Preventing Burn-Out, and Heartbeat of a Leader.
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Dear Church FAMILY,
Words cannot express the outpouring of support we, the United Christian Women, have received from out Church FAMILY for our June Bakeless Bake Sale. The over $1,650 in donations brought joy to our hearts. This level of generosity contributed to support of many of the charitable organizations we have helped in the past, which include Crossroads, Jesus Loves You, Young Life, Meals on Wheels, Homeless Coalition, Center for Abuse (C.A.R.E.), just to name a few.
Just think of the number of calories, burnt fingers and time we have saved you so that you may help others!
Y’all are Awesome! May you be Blessed, as you have Blessed others.
2 Corinthians 9:11, NIV: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”…And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”
With Heartfelt Appreciation,
United Christian Women
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Friday Food Pantry at 1st Church |
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Bountiful Blessings of the Charlotte County Food Pantry is partnering with 1st Church each Friday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm to distribute food in our parking lot. They currently feed about 100 families each week and they are excited to be able to use our church parking lot to reach more families. All of the food is provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Please help us spread the word to those that may have a need. |
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The Bargain Boutique is re-opening on August 2nd. Their hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
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It was an amazing 24/10 prayer time at 1st Church. The blessings from the time with God moved so many people who were fortunate to get a slot for praying. We will now continue our prayer room with "Pray until..." We are extending the opportunity for this prayer room experience, to watch God do amazing things.
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Dear 1st Church family and friends,
I don't know about anyone else, but it seems like July came and went in the blink of an eye. It reminds me that I need to thank God for the gift of each day for the blessing that it is.
We've had a lot of rain the past few weeks, so remember to check for weather alerts regarding the 8 o'clock Praise in the Park service. If weather conditions prohibit us from a service in the Park, it will take place in our sanctuary. We now have bulletins for that Park worship only. We're doing this so you can have access to the words of the hymns for that day, as well as an opportunity to provide the office with your email address so you will receive notification any cancellations. This Sunday, 8/1/21 at the 8 o'clock Park service we have the joy and blessing to celebrate the Baptism of Lena Jo Smith, daughter of Jeff and Rachel Smith. Please lift this family in prayer as we welcome this beautiful baby into our church family.
As I struggled to come up with a topic to write about this week, God led me, as He always seems to, to verses on prayer. When health problems flare up and pain increases, the tendency is to feel that it's our responsibility to resolve these difficulties on our own, or seek earthly assistance rather than take our troubles to Him. But Jeremiah 32:37 says, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?" There is absolutely nothing too challenging for Him to overcome! We are blessed to have our wonderful Prayer Room where we can experience that oneness with Him away from distractions. Have you had an opportunity to visit and pray, or read, or listen recently? Please watch for information and announcements regarding a new prayer challenge which will begin August 9, 2021. As we fellowship with Him in prayer, He fills us with His strength, and clears away obstacles for us. Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?" Watch for more details!
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
Last Sunday was the Chancel Ringers last time to play for church before going on a well-deserved vacation. I would like to publicly express my gratitude and thanks for their faithfulness, hard work, good humor, and willingness to pray for each other. Under normal circumstances most handbell choirs would have gone on break immediately following Pentecost Sunday, but our Chancel Ringers went above and beyond, when asked they willingly extended the number of weekly rehearsals and produced twice as much music for our worship services.
Thank You Chancel Ringers!!!
The Rehearsal Calendar is now officially up and running on the Music Ministry webpage. Not sure when rehearsals are… now you can check the rehearsal schedule online anytime!
Important Dates:
- September 8, 2021 – 6:30PM Chancel Ringers rehearsals resume in Life Center
- September 9, 2021 – 6:30PM Chancel Choir rehearsals resume in Sanctuary
- September 12, 2021 – 11:00AM First Sunday Chancel Choir is back singing
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: August 1, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Blessed Jesus, We Are Here – J.S. Bach
Opening Hymn: 384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Offertory: Revive Us Again – M. Hayes
Closing Hymn: 354 I Surrender All
Postlude: Praeludium in C Major – J.C. Kellner
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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The Harmony Class will not meet this Sunday, August 1st, but will resume on Sunday, August 8 at 10:30 am in Lenox Hall. |
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Seekers Sunday School Class |
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The Seekers Sunday School class will begin a new 8-week Bible study on Sunday, July 25. This study will explore “A FIRM FOUNDATION,” a resourceful text focusing on Methodism and what the future holds for the United Methodist Church. You are all welcome to join us at our new time, 9:30 -10:30 am in Room 9. Books can be purchased for $10 at the church office or in the Life Center on Sunday. |
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We welcome all who would like to participate in the study “Is Genesis History”, starting Monday, September 13, at 9:45-11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, Room 13. At the end of the study, it is hopeful that you will better understand what the first few chapters of the Bible have to do with God’s plan for salvation. The study book can be purchased thru Amazon for $10. You will only need the book, no DVD. Contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@msn.com for any questions.
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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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This Sunday: August 1, 2021 |
Message: "The Healing Power of Forgiving One Another"
Pastor Bob Carlson
8:00 am Praise in the Park | 9:15 am Contemporary | 11:00 am Traditional
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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. 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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Online Worship Hosts Needed |
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Do you have a smart phone or computer?
We are in need of volunteers to serve as hosts during our online Sunday Worship Services. Hosts are responsible to greet our viewers, answer questions and provide information about our church app, online giving and prayer team in the chat area -- both on our Facebook broadcast and YouTube channel. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please call Gail at 941-639-3842.
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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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