1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - November 19, 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 21, 2021 |
Message: "King of Kings"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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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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The Medicare Seminar scheduled for November 22 has been cancelled
due to lack of interest.
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Community Thanksgiving Dinner |
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Thanksgiving is just 6 days away, but is not too late to find a place to serve!
We are in need of drivers for shut in deliveries. Please contact Sherri O'Connell if you are willing to serve: 941-916-4050 or thanksgiving@whatis1st.com. We are also in need of all food items, especially cooked turkeys. If you plan to cook a turkey please call the church office to let us know, 941-639-3842.
A list of all Thanksgiving Dinner needs can be found on our website. Happy Thanksgiving!! |
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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.
We will have a table outside of the Life Center after the services this weekend for you to sign up!
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Foster Care Christmas Luncheon |
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Just a reminder that if you picked up a card to buy a gift for a foster child, the gifts need to be brought to the church by this Sunday, November 21st. There is a box in Lenox Hall for the gifts and we ask that you please attach the card with the gender and age to your gift.
Thank you for making this Christmas special for 141 foster kids!
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Do you enjoy wrapping Christmas gifts? |
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We need a dozen or more volunteers to skillfully wrap over 200 gifts we have collected for our foster children. We plan to have a BIG gift wrapping “party” on Tuesday, November 30th in the Life Center. No RSVP is necessary, simply come when you can, and leave when you must between the hours of 9 am and 12 noon.
We will provide all of the colorful wrapping paper, scotch tape, bows, and ribbons. You are merely asked to bring a joyful spirit and your favorite pair of scissors. Your help wrapping all these Christmas gifts will help bring joy to 45 foster families, comprised of 141 children, this holiday season.
If you have questions about this special project Foster Care Christmas project, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Tim Buck, by emailing him Tim@whatis1st.com or call him at church 941-639-3842 extension 221.
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In 2022 we will be having a special event on campus. It’s being presented by Alpha on Saturday, January 22nd and called "A LEAP OF FAITH." How long have you wanted to be a witness for Jesus Christ? Pastor Mike’s messages these past few weeks have been calling us to this important step forward. It can be a very uncomfortable moment… what do I say?
Here’s an opportunity to learn the do’s and don’ts of witnessing
This will be an all-day mentoring session on the steps to witnessing for Jesus to an individual or group. This is an opportunity to join with your fellow Christians and taking a leap of faith. Mark your calendar now… Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.
Myrt Creigh
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Greetings 1st Church,
Happy Thanksgiving! I pray for a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and wonderful blessings. A special "thank you " to all who helped with food or monetary donations, and those volunteers who help make this ministry happen. This is a huge event and special thanks to Sherri O'Connell for her leadership. For those who are unable to physically help, we thank you for your prayers.
A huge thank you to everyone who has signed up to help decorate our campus next Tuesday, 11/23 . I still need more people to sign up to help put wreathes on the doors, trim the trees and hang garland. With enough bodies, the earlier we'll be finished. If you can give me a couple hours please join us on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. We will meet in the Life Center for information and instructions. It will be a time of good fellowship and fun and you'll help make our worship areas bright and beautiful for Advent and Christmas.
Please watch the Bridge for upcoming event information. It's so important for you to know when events are scheduled and there's a lot happening during December!
This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about gratitude and giving thanks. In my early days of prayer and praise and giving thanks to God, I was recovering from a 12 hour surgery to reconstruct my spine, followed by a life threatening infection of long( almost 2 years) duration. I mention this, not for sympathy but to explain how our heavenly Father guided me in prayerful praise during a truly traumatic time. Believe me, I was in a major attitude of "poor me -- how can this be happening to me " etc. etc. First I was lead to keep a gratitude journal -- which was very helpful in getting over my complaints and pitiful attitude. When you make yourself acknowledge 5 things each day that you're thankful for, and write them down, you begin to have a change of attitude! Many days my list consisted of 1- air to breathe; 2-- I'm alive; 3-- sunshine. The gift was that Journaling positive things each day, lead to prayers of praise. I began to feel peace and hope during the most difficult months and times of my life. I believe that gratitude leaves us looking for God and away from our dread. Now, several years later, I can testify that time after time, in the most difficult moments of pain and grief, God has blessed me so vividly that all I can do is praise Him. He is my strength in my weakest moments. I read once that no matter how huge our problems are, our God is always bigger! It's true! I'm praying that you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
Happy Thanksgiving AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday the last day of the Christian Church Year. Christ the King Sunday is a celebration of the coming reign of Jesus Christ and the completion of creation. It is also the culmination of long period of time called “ordinary time” or in Methodist circles “Kingdomtide” starting on Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost) up to the last Sunday before the season of Advent. The liturgical color for the season is green, except for special days like Trinity Sunday, All Saints Sunday, and Christ the King Sunday which are white.
Rejoice the Lord is King!
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: November 21, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: With Hearts And Hands And Voices – D. Wagner; Chancel Ringers and David Bellows, Director
Opening Hymn: 694 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Offertory: Sing To The Lord Of Harvest – H. Willan
Closing Hymn: 715 Rejoice, The Lord Is King
Postlude: March Triumphal on ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ – S. Karg-Elert
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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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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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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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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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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, December 5th at 10:30 am 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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Beth Moore Study - Begins Jan. 6 |
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WE WILL BEGIN THE STUDY “BELOVED DISCIPLE.” THIS IS THE STORY OF THE BELOVED DISCIPLE JOHN.
John witnessed more miracles than he could count. He was with Jesus all the years of His ministry. He saw more displays of power than he could comprehend and experienced more love than he could comprehend.
This 11 week personal interactive study will tell us about his life with Jesus and his writings of the Risen Lord’s glorious revelation of victory and hope.
Join us in this study which begins Thursday, January 6 at 9:00 am and will go until March 17. You must register by Dec. 20 to attend as we have to order books. The cost is $20.00 paid on first day. You can register HERE or pick up a registration blank on tables outside Life Center and in Lenox Hall. If you have questions, please call Karen Grant 941-815-2929. Hope to see you in January. |
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The Discovery Bible Study will begin a new study, "The Truth Project" on January 17, 2022. Discovery Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10-11:30 am in Room 13.
"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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Supernatural - Begins Jan. 11 |
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Supernatural by Carolyn Moore officiated by Pastor Mike will begin January 11th in the Life Center
There’s no substitute for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Maybe you’ve grown dissatisfied with the weak distractions offered both by our culture and, oftentimes, our churches. When it all sinks in, spirituality and ministry without the Holy Spirit is hollow.
Join Carolyn Moore in rediscovering the supernatural! With a biblical basis and practical application, you’ll learn how to work alongside the Spirit, and you’ll become watchful for the powerful in-breakings of God’s kingdom all around you.
Moore takes us through Luke 9, examining Jesus’ commission to his disciples to cast out demons, cure diseases, proclaim the kingdom, and heal the sick. With down-to-earth language, she unpacks tricky topics, including:
- Praying for healing
- Experiencing miracles
- Encountering demons
- Sighting moments of glory
- Fighting unholy hesitation
With a journaling prompt after each of the forty readings, you’ll process what God’s supernatural ministry looks like for your life, and maybe even experience a spiritual awakening. Before you know it, you might just start to see the Spirit break in around you, advancing the deep wholeness that only God’s kingdom can bring.
The cost of the Supernatural book is $15. Sign up for Supernatural HERE.
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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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Every Thursday at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall and by Zoom. |
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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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