1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - November 12, 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: November 14, 2021 |
Message: "Persecution of the Church: Blight or Birthright"
Pastor Bob Carlson
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Donate Blood, this Sunday |
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Mark your calendars and plan to donate blood before or after worship on Sunday, November 14.
All donors will receive a $10 eGift Card, a OneBlood fleece blanket and 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. Thank you! |
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Can you believe it is already time to start ringing the Salvation Army bells? If you would join us in supporting this worthwhile organization we would greatly appreciate it! We will be ringing bells again this year at Publix on Airport Road beginning Saturday, November 27th until Christmas Eve day. If you would like to volunteer to ring the bell, please contact Janet Bell at sabellringers@whatis1st.com.
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Operation Christmas Child |
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Don't forget to return your Operation Christmas Child packed shoeboxes Sunday, November 14th! Drop Off location is the at the Gazebo, which will be open Sunday, November 14th through Monday, November 22nd from 10 am - Noon. No shoe boxes will be accepted after Noon, Monday, 11/22. Please do not leave your shoeboxes at the Gazebo if no attendant is present.
Debbie Harrington, Operation Christmas Child Project Leader, happily reports the Shoebox Packing Party was a HUGE Success Sunday evening with 98 shoeboxes packed. That is a new record! Special Thanks to Tim Buck, Bonnie Fowler, Lindsay Harrington, Jerri Powers, and Sheri Anderssen who all stepped up and provided much-appreciated help.
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HEART CONNECTION,
to begin November 16
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Calling all Ladies! We are starting a new group, "HEART CONNECTION." We will meet on the 3rd Tuesday each month at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall (partitioned half). Bring your lunch and share your joys and concerns. We will also have a short devotion time. |
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Surviving the Holidays, November 17 |
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Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a loved one? No matter how long it's been, grief can make the holidays a painful time, but there is hope. Our GriefShare program is once again offering an encouraging seminar to help those dealing with grief survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. We want to encourage you to sign up for this 2 hour seminar today, and join us for the morning or evening session on Wednesday, November 17th at 10 am or 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. For reservations or information, please call or text Melodie Austin at 941.661.0842 or or you may email her at melharryaustin@yahoo.com. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, November 10th.
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Today Matters, November 20 |
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Do you know someone who is dealing with domestic violence?
Do you know the signs to look for?
Join us on Saturday, November 20 at 4pm to learn about Domestic Violence Awareness from Lt. Chris Williams and other Charlotte County Sheriff representatives along with Wendy Silva, Sexual Assault Program Manager for C.A.R.E. (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies, Inc.)
Please plan to join us at 4pm on November 20, and bring a bottle of shampoo, body wash, toothpaste or soap as a donation to C.A.R.E. for the victims they support.
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Foster Care Christmas Luncheon |
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The Foster Care Children's Luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 4th in the Life Center. We have 137 kids registered for this event! Please help us to make this a special Christmas for these children by providing them with gifts. If you are willing to purchase a gift for under $20, please stop by the table in the Life Center on Sunday or see an usher if you attend the Praise in the Park service to pick up a card showing the age and gender for the gift to purchase. Please attach the card to the unwrapped gift and return it to Lenox Hall by November 21st.
Thank you so much for helping us bless these children.
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Medicare Seminar, November 22 |
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Do you find all of the medicare options confusing? If so, please join us as we host a medicare seminar on Monday, November 22, 2021. There are three sessions and each session is limited to 20 people. The times are 9:00-11:00, 1:00-3:00 and 3:00-5:00. Please sign up with the links below if you are interested. You will be required to provide the following information ahead of time to make your time slot most productive:
1) full name
2) zip code
3) list of your current medications
4) list of your current doctors
Sign up here:
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Thanksgiving Dinner, November 25 |
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are looking forward to our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 25. We need many donations of food to make our dinner a success and there are places for you to serve that day. Please contact Sherri O'Connell for more information: thanksgiving@whatis1st.com.
Please label all food donations "THANKSGIVING" and deliver them to Lenox Hall or the Life Center. ALL cooked turkeys should be delivered the MORNING of Thanksgiving, 8-10:30am to Lenox Hall for carving. Please call the church office (941-639-3842) and let us know if you are cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving.
Download and print a flyer HERE to share with your neighbors, friends, post on a local bulletin board, etc. Help us spread the word so those most in need can join us for Thanksgiving this year!
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Fully Cooked Turkeys (50 needed)
Green Beans, Large Can
Yams, Large Can
Turkey Stuffing, Large Box
Mashed Potatoes, Large Box
Gravy, Large Jars
Pumpkin Pies
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Have you a ‘hitch in your spiritual giddy up’? Yes? No? Maybe. I’ve had two experiences that have put a boost in my spiritual energy.
The first was a book I pray you will read—Where Do We Go From Here by David Jeremiah. Maybe it’s because I’m an octogenarian but for years now I have been fascinated with prophecy. It first started when I was teaching the books of Daniel and Revelation and discovered the prophecy was throughout the Bible. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you took the time to read it especially, if you’re concerned for our world’s future.
Next, if you have access to YouTube or ROKU, I recommend you watch a video entitled, John Wesley-The Faith That Sparked the Methodist Movement. The 2014 documentary film is well done. It really inspired a deep respect for the faith and what it took to bring it about. Did you know John Wesley almost didn’t exist that he almost died in a fire? God had a plan for him. I think you’ll find this very informative and have a deeper insight to the true meaning of the faith.
Myrt Creigh
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Our new prayer challenge is up and running, and there is still time to sign up! We need 40 people to sign up for one hour of prayer weekly to achieve our goal of 40 hours.
We believe God is urging us to pray. The Lord wants us to keep our prayer momentum going with strong efforts for our church, our community, and our country..
Sign up by clicking the button below to reserve your time and be part of this important prayer revolution!
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The Bargain Boutique is OPEN! |
Donations are welcomed during operating hours, which are currently Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. For more information on donations or volunteering at the Boutique, please call 239-264-6533. |
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Greetings 1st Church;
I have a couple reminders for us. Please remember to wear nametags. People are returning and if you're like me, it's nice to have help with names! If you need a name tag, let me know or contact the church office to place an order. In the meantime, there are disposable name tags at each entrance.
Don't forget to pick up a Thanksgiving grocery shopping list from a greeter or usher. The big turkey day is right around the corner, and we need turkeys and all the fixings. Thanks for your help.
This year, 1st Church attendees have the opportunity to help decorate our campus for Christmas. In years past, the Garden Club members have done a beautiful job of making our buildings twinkle with tall trees filled with sparkling lights etc. This year I need your help! I need many volunteers to trim the trees, hang the garland, and place the wreathes on all the doors! Watch for the blast with info to help. Many elves will make this Christmas ministry happen in short order. I love making our campus look beautiful and bright as we prepare to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. Please let me know if you are able to help us the morning of Tuesday, 11/23/21, beginning at 9:30am. You can email me (listed below) or call me : 941 661 4156. Thank you in advance for blessing me with your help.
People often ask me why I do "so many things " since I have many physical problems. My answer, since I try to live a life of prayer, is; these problems are turned into blessings. I know it sounds strange but I read a comment from Gloria Gaither that said "prayer is like an unlocked door with a sign saying, -- welcome, feel free to take whatever you need". The greater the challenge I have, the more I'm encouraged to give it to God. He doesn't want us to struggle alone, and He encourages us to make prayer not only an occasional event, but a part of our daily lives, like breathing and thinking and talking. A beautiful blessing for sure.
Please share my blessing and sign up to decorate for Christmas! I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
There are only a handful of tickets left if you are interested in attending the concert.
Please see me after the 8AM or 11AM services to get your free tickets.
A CHRISTMAS HARP CONCERT
Barbara Moses, Harpist
December 3, 2021 at 7:00PM (Historic Sanctuary)
Due to limited seating – a free ticket is required for admission.
Concert tickets are first come, first served until gone.
Congratulations to Karen Nordstrom the latest recipient of the CMW Awards.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: November 14, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Down To The River To Pray – M. McDonald
Opening Hymn: 131 We Gather Together; Vocal Solo: God Bless The U.S.A. – L. Greenwood, Briyin Butgeriet, Soloist
Offertory Anthem: This Little Light Of Mine – G. Mabry
Chancel Choir and David Bellows, Director
Closing Hymn: 504 The Old Rugged Cross
Postlude: Trumpet Tune in D Major – D. Johnson
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Harmony Bible Study Class |
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The Harmony Bible Class invites you to participate in a new study, "Who Needs Christmas" by Andy Stanley, well-known author, and pastor of North Point Ministries in Atlanta. The four-session study will begin Sunday, November 21st at 10:30am in Lenox Hall. Andy explains how the remarkable details of the Christmas story are what make it so believable. And he tells us why, after so many years, it took something unexpected to get people's attention. No books are required. For more information contact Debbie Harrington, 941-380-0213. |
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Join Pastor Earl Smith this December |
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Pastor Earl will offer a 4 session Bible study on Wednesdays beginning December 1. It will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-11am. The study will use the resource “The Case for Christmas” by Lee Strobel. We will observe all COVID protocols. If there is enough interest he will seek to offer the study as a Zoom meeting also. If you would be interested in that please let him know by emailing him at revearl@hotmail.com. Because of COVID, class size needs to be limited to 25 students. So if you are interested in attending in the classroom please email him also. |
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Every Thursday at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall and by Zoom. |
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The Seekers Sunday School Class meets on Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am in Room 9. We are currently studying the Book of Revelation.
Revelation is a survival guide for the suffering, a book of promises for the persecuted, a banner of hope for the beaten down and for everyone in every age including you. Each session will have approximately a 12-minute video and discussion thereafter. For more information, call Jerry Oravec at 941-256-4013.
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Wednesday Night Bible Study |
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Larry’s Bible Study on Angels
When... Where... Time?
December 1st...Room 13... 6:30pm. (always a Wednesday evening)
We will be using Dr. David Jeremiah’s Study Guide on Angels.
Who They Are and How They Help…
What the Bible Reveals.
Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible and are very intriguing and serve many functions. The first book I read on Angels was by Billy Graham and I learned how important they are to God. I was told that Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible; they said this, and they did that, some have names. There are good angels and bad angels, they are creatures created, but when? Do we have a guardian angel? Do they protect us, guide us, encourage us, deliver us, enlighten us, or empower us? Why they must never be worshiped.
Angels Must Be Recognized for Who They Really Are
Dr. Jeremiah gets all his information from the Bible.
Study books are available online at:
Angels, Who They Are and How They Help
Study Guide on Angels $10.00
Make sure it is the Study Guide and not just the book.
Let me know if you will be attending or have any questions. There are 10 lessons and I plan to accompany the lessons with some audio from Dr. Jeremiah. I think we will be lucky to do a lesson a week. I stop the study promptly at 8:00pm. Always bring your Bibles, God’s Word!
I will be Zooming also for those that can’t come but will need your email address for the Zoom.
Larry Keller
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Discovery Bible Class - Now on ZOOM |
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We welcome all who would like to participate in the study “Is Genesis History?” We meet on Mondays from 10-11:00 am on ZOOM. 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. Please Contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@msn.com so that we have your email you to send you the ZOOM meeting link. If you are new to ZOOM, we can help!
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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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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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Just a reminder of what 1st Church is doing to help you stay safe during the pandemic:
- State of the art air purification systems have been installed in our buildings.
- We strongly encourage social distancing with the rise of cases. This does not include members of your own household.
- Hand sanitizer stations can be found at the entrance to the Life Center.
- Masks are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable in doing so. Masks are available on the table at the entrance to the Life Center.
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If you are not feeling well, please stay home and watch our services from the comfort of your home.
- We are still offering the 8:00 Praise in the Park outdoor service (weather permitting) if you are more comfortable in an outdoor setting.
- The 9:15 and 11:00 services are available each Sunday on Facebook and YouTube for your convenience and safety during this pandemic.
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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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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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