1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - June 17, 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: June 19, 2022 |
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Message: "Better Than Jesus"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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Help Us Welcome Pastor Angela and Family |
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It has been a long-time custom to welcome the new pastor to churches, especially in the South, with a “pounding." The name “pounding” likely came from staple items which were sold by the pound. The way it works was that members would gather and thoroughly clean the house inside and out and spruce up the yard. They would have a “pounding,” stocking the shelves in the pantry with items they had canned from their garden or purchased at the store. Anything from preserves, canned goods, soap, salt, pepper, potatoes, or onions to a jar of cookies might find its way into the pastor’s kitchen. Nowadays paper goods and cleaning items are included; even a church cookbook.
Please help us gather items for Pastor Angela by bringing your donations for the pounding to the Life Center on Sunday, June 26th, and July 3rd. What a great way for our congregation to extend that “Southern Hospitality” to our new Pastor.
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The Bargain Boutique will close for the months of July and August. We will reopen on September 7.
Our Volunteers have places to go and things to do. Our 'grands' are calling, going 'back home' for family reunions and new adventures await us.
Your incredible support is appreciated. Every donation is important to us. Towels, dishes, clothing, jewelry, purses and so much more fill gaps in others' homes. You bless us with your generosity.
Our clients become friends, we hear their groans, some bring their grandchildren, and some seek counseling with Pastor Bob. And the 'thank you's are like joyful noise to us.
See you in September!
We will stop taking donations on June 24.
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Sunrise Kiwanis - Shoes for Kids Project |
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June 19 – July 24, 2022
Purpose: The Sunrise Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project collects new tennis shoes for children (pre-K, elementary, middle, and high) in the Charlotte County Public School System. The need for the 2022-2023 school year is 4100 new pairs of sneakers. So please consider helping this worthwhile project!
Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte Sunrise
Donations accepted: For more information on the project or on making a monetary donation, visit our website at www.shoesforkidsproject.org or call 941-769-0864. All monetary donations should be made payable to the clubs 501c3: Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte Sunrise Foundation Inc
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It seems that every year I am asked the same question by at least one person…Is Vacation Bible School even worth it? Every year as I face the daunting task of preparing for VBS, I consider the question. I always come up with the same answer…YES! Even if only one child accepts Jesus, VBS is worth it! There is something so magical about watching the Bible come alive to the children that attend. I can’t put into words what that is exactly, it is something that has to be experienced firsthand. Let me give you a little taste of what was experienced last week!
Our theme was “Make Waves.” The main idea behind the theme was that what you do today can change the world around you. We took a good look at the Bible in VBS starting in Genesis with the creation and ending with the fruits of the spirit. Bonnie truly made each of those lessons come alive through her storytelling and interaction with the children. A crowd favorite was when the children became part of the Bible Story of Peter walking on water. Each group of children performed an impromptu play for their leader, let’s just say, things got a little crazy in the boat! During the games rotation, Tim and Ruth reiterated the Bible lesson and daily scripture through activities. Janet came up with crafts for each age group that reminded children of the day's lesson so they could share with their families.
It was so exciting to see children recalling the stories, games, and crafts each afternoon as we closed the program. It was even more exciting as they remembered each lesson day after day. By Friday, the children were not only able to tell me the stories they learned from each day but give great detail about the stories. Friday afternoon, Peace River Wildlife Center joined us with a few of their awesome animals to tell us how we could make waves in the world to protect our wildlife. The children were very excited to get their pictures taken with Orion the owl.
But…here is where I really saw the theme taken to heart…children were told that our mission project was to collect socks and underwear for Camelot Community Care. 22 children and 8 teen leaders were able to collect nearly 1000 pairs of socks and underwear for children in foster care! During mission time with AJ, she explained a little about foster care to the kids but really focused on sharing compassion with others. The children in VBS far exceeded my expectations. Camelot Community Care was overwhelmed by the generosity.
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Yes, VBS is a lot of work. There is a lot of preparation and time that goes into the event. There may have only been 22 children in attendance, but there were 40 of us that were blessed by the experience. To see a child ask pertinent questions to the leaders, or a child who struggles with behaviors, make a 180 and show complete compassion for an injured group mate, or have a child ASK for a Bible and seek out the memory verse…all these actions, that’s the magic of VBS. That is what makes VBS worth it. |
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A part-time nursery worker is needed to work every Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. If interested, please contact Becca, becca@whatis1st.com.
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We Need Sunday School Teachers! |
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Our Children's Ministry is in need of elementary Sunday School teachers. If you are willing to serve, please contact Becca: becca@whatis1st.com
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Our Youth had a great time at The Escape Room on June 14th as they tackled puzzles, deciphered clues, and discovered patterns, together as a team. |
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Will you pray for one of our youth as they serve as missionaries this summer?
Okay, Great! Now that you have said "yes", you can select the name of a teen missionary to pray for specifically. Students have printed their names on key chain tags which are available for you to take home this beginning Sunday. These colorful tags have the name of one student or adult volunteer who is part of our youth summer missions team. So, the next time you are at church, you can grab a key tag and add it to your set of keys. Then each time you see the key tag remember to say a prayer for the individual who will be serving in Tennessee this July 15th to 22nd.
Key Tags are available in the Life Center Foyer the mission table in Lenox Hall.
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16 NLT
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Greetings Church family --
What a week it was! If you were on campus any day between 10 and 2, you couldn't help but notice that the Life Center had been transformed into a beach scene. The Children's Ministry staff and volunteers did a great job decorating. I have no idea how many beach balls and other beach toys were blown up for this big transformation. The sound of children singing, playing games, dancing, and doing relay races was a delight to hear. Great job Ms. Becca and helpers!
It was also a week of dedicated prayer as we awaited Annual Conference and the decision to approve our disaffiliation request. For our prayer warriors, it was a reminder to have faith over fear and trust beyond doubts. As you know, Pastor Mike announced that the vote to allow us to disaffiliate was passed.
I was unable to attend church this past Sunday when a planned weekend off was derailed by an unexpected bout of vertigo. Since I had been thinking so much about the importance of having hope, I was disappointed to have allowed my old demon of self-doubt to creep back in. And then... after a very lengthy and exhausting doctor appointment today, I did what my ritual is when I attempt to write this article and haven't got a single thought. I spent time in prayer and gathered a few devotionals. The first book fell open to Lamentations 3:21-23, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." We made it. Because of God's love we were not consumed. Today will end and tomorrow brings a new day with a fresh start and God's faithful love will see us through it all. No matter what we've faced this day, this week, or even this year, tomorrow is full of new mercies. Let's remember that a new day is coming, and God promises to give us that gift of a new day and a new life in Christ. Let's pray that our hearts feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to welcome whatever tomorrow brings.
Remember our special Celebration Service and help us welcome new Assistant Pastor Angela Hinchman on Sunday, July 3rd at 10 am in the Life Center. Dress in casual attire for the picnic and outdoor activities following worship.
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 Chancel Ringers will be going on Summer vacation from June 16 to September 7.
Regular rehearsals will resume on September 7.
The Chancel Choir will continue to rehearse and sing through the Summer. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Choir Room and sings Sundays at the 11:00AM Service.
Please contact David Bellows for more information or questions.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday's Music - June 19, 2022 - 11:00 AM Service
Prelude: This Is My Father’s World – L. Shackley
Opening Hymn: 710 Faith Of Our Fathers
Offertory Anthem: Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me – K. Lee Scott
Closing Hymn: 465 Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
Postlude: Tuba Tune in D Major – C. S. Lang
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of adult bible studies, care & support, children, youth, and other groups at 1st Church HERE. |
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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!
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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
Sign up to receive text messages & daily devotions by calling the church office.
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All past issues of The Bridge are available on our website HERE.
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