1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - October 8, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Annual Charge Conference, this Sunday |
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Our annual Charge Conference will be held on Sunday at 3 pm. It is a virtual event and we will meet in Lenox Hall to watch it virtually together. |
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Today Matters, October 16 |
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Today Matter’s Mental Health Ministries will welcome Jennifer Tracy on October 16 at 4pm.
Jennifer battled suicidal thoughts…
– a tragic family car crash that buried her husband and daughter… forgave the man who killed them…
– a life-threatening brain malformation…
FIND OUT WHAT KEPT HER GOING.
Learn more about Jennifer HERE. |
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Methodist Men's Dinner, October 19 |
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There will be a Men’s dinner on Tuesday, October 19th at 5:00pm in the Life Center. We are honored to have Pastor Mike Loomis as our guest speaker. He will discuss the future of our Church. Each man may invite one guest (male or female). We will seat four to a table. Cost for the dinner is $12.00 per person. To make a reservation: Please call Peter Gillen at 941-661-8367 or email him at gooddecision@msn.com by October 15, 2021.
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1st Church Family-
David Bellows, our Director of Music Ministries, and his wife Xu Wei are expecting their first child in November! We are celebrating their new arrival with a card shower. We ask that the congregation mail a card to the church office and we will collect them and give them to David and Xu on Sunday, October 24th. If you would like to include a gift card or some other small token of thoughtfulness, we know they would appreciate it. Please send all cards to the church office no later than Thursday, October 21st.
Thank you for helping us celebrate with them for this joyous occasion!
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Operation Christmas Child |
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Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes will be available Sunday, October 10th for you to pick up in the Life Center. If you prefer not to 'shop' please "Build-A-Box" online! Visit: https://sampur.se/2XAeNZV, which is 1st Church's Goal Page for 'Build A Box' online. It's easy, fast, and you can do this at home! Want to donate money towards shipping costs? Simply write a check to "FUMC" and designate "OCC SHIPPING" in the memo line. Put your check in the Sunday Offering! Many Blessings for your help in this important ministry to Proclaim the Gospel to All the World!
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The Endowment Team will accept grant requests during the month of October from individuals or groups. The grants are intended to be a one time supplemental funding for "extras" beyond the regular budget. The original donors (two families in the 1990's) set up an Endowment Fund with a covenant that allows funds to be granted to specific areas of the First United Methodist Church programs. The grants are funded by a portion of the profits earned each year. The core is always maintained to have the fund be perpetually sound. In addition, 10% of it's profits are applied to the core each year. The Endowment Fund tithes too!
Please include a brief description of your program idea/ activity/ or materials you would like the Endowment Team to fund. Include goals, costs, and anticipated impact your plan will make on the participants, our church, and community. Requests must be received in the church office by October 31, 2021. It will be necessary for you to be present at the Endowment team meeting in November to explain your proposal to the team and answer any questions regarding your request. Contact Phil Huddleston (258-4540) philhuddleston@embarqmail.com for details and procedures before you apply.
Recent grants - New Choir Robes, Youth Mission trips supplement, Children's Ministry special activities, UV and air filtration system to protect us from viruses throughout the campus, upgrades to the video system, etc.
What about your legacy to the church and community? Including the Endowment Fund in your estate planning will insure your gifts will live on and touch lives for Christ.
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Surviving the Holidays 2021 |
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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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A part-time Nursery Attendant position is available during the hours of
8:30am - 12:30pm every Sunday. View the complete job description HERE.
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Halloween Here at 1st Church |
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As you know, this October 31st our church campus will be the center of attraction for the many Halloween activities in the Punta Gorda Historic District.
There are still several tangible ways you can help:
1st Pray
That the night will be safe for all of our children an families, our volunteers, and the PGPD who will be directing traffic.
2nd Candy
We need to collect an additional 60,000+ pieces to help reach our goal of 80,000+ pieces of candy.
3rd Parking lot attendants needed
Help guide guests to an open parking space while being on the lookout for pedestrians as cars pull on and off our church property. These volunteers can literally be a life saver!
4th Clean-up following the event
We need a team of volunteers to help us immediately following the Trunk or Treat event at 9pm that night to help put away valuable church property that shouldn't be left outdoors overnight. We will need another team the following morning from 9am to about 11am to help dismantle the remainder of the decorations, fencing, and supplies, then help us organize and sort everything back into its proper place around campus.
5th Blankets
We are in need of about 10 more blankets to be donated for our Halloween event. These blankets we will be used as part of our "seating area" for families in the Food Trucks area during our Huge Halloween event. (*Note: These blankets will not be returned but kept for future events and activities with our Children and Youth Ministries).
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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. Of course, additional hours are welcome! Here is the weekly schedule: Mon-Wed-Fri: 8am -- 4pm; Tue-Thur: 1pm -- 9pm
As you see, no overnight stints are required!
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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Happy October church family --
October is a great month. It cools off a tiny bit, people begin returning to their Florida homes, and this year, Don and I are blessed to be awaiting the arrival of our great grand baby any day now!
I've been sharing some of my experiences with my prayer journey over the past several years with you. I decided to write a little about this because several of you have been asking me about it. I am blessed by your support and love. I know each of you have a faith journey; each one is different but equally as important in each of our walks with Christ. I always tell people I must be a slow learner! How wonderful that our Lord never gives up on us, even when we occasionally give up on ourselves. I have prayed many times asking God to teach me to accept the reality of my life. I pray that one day I will be healed, whether in this life or the next -- but for now, give me strength to work with what I have right now. I pray for help to focus on all I still have, rather than my distorted body, weak legs, or inability to hold my head up. (I'm a mess!) I also pray not to shut myself off from others, so I may still be useful to His Kingdom. If you read my last article, I told about the new complications that had developed and the amazing response from this church family and friends ' prayers! Talk about power! The troubling symptoms lessened and some are completely gone. God is great! A week ago I had my follow up visit with my doctor who was very concerned about my condition. Those who know me realize that I'm quiet, and wasn't sure how I should even tell him why I hadn't started the new treatment he had prescribed. With an extra silent prayer, I began by saying " Dr._____, my church asked for prayer for me and I'm not only better, most new symptoms are gone". I hinted that he might question that-- but he stopped me and started sharing faith and prayer testimony with us. I boldly told him that I pray for both him and me before each visit. He began crying, and we shared many prayer experiences. In all my years of working with medical professionals and especially in a doctor/patient relationship, I've never been blessed to share tears and conversations about God in a 15 minute visit that stretched to almost an hour. Before he left the room, he told Don and me "Thanks, these were good tears".
Life is an amazing journey when we stop and listen. I know we all suffer from something painful, whether physical, emotional life or world situations. I also know we we can always turn to Him, the One who understands what you're going through. We can turn the "pain" into purpose -- with prayer all things are possible.
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
Fall is a great time to join one of our music ensembles!
The Chancel Choir has resumed rehearsals on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Sanctuary. This group will be voluntarily masking and socially distanced as we return to choral activities. Please contact David Bellows if you are interested in joining the choir.
The Chancel Ringers are learning new music and there are still extra bells available to ring. The group rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center. Ability to read music is necessary. Please contact David Bellows to learn more about joining this group.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: October 10, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Fanfare and Alleluia – D. Wagner; Chancel Ringers and David Bellows, Director
Opening Hymn: 155 All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name
Offertory: Amazing Grace – C. Courtney; Karen Nordstrom, Soloist
Closing Hymn: 571 Go, Make Of All Disciples
Postlude: March of the Priests – F. Mendelssohn
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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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 Study Class meets on Sundays at 10:30 am in Lenox Hall. Our current study is "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind" by Louie Giglio. We've all been in circumstances that cause our minds to spin with thoughts that are unproductive, destructive, and harmful. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder why we keep falling into the same thought patterns. We need to recognize these thoughts are not from God, but from an enemy lurking who wants to seize every opportunity to lie his way into our minds. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call Debbie Harrington 941-380-0213. |
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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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This Sunday: October 10, 2021 |
Message: "Christ"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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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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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Show & Share How Much You Care! |
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The Children’s Ministry team was inspired by Pastor Mike’s sermon, as always! The team would like to ask, “Will you show us how much you care about helping to bring children to the knowledge and acceptance of Christ as their Lord and Savior by becoming a volunteer for children’s ministry?”
The ministry team is looking for six (6) volunteers to teach elementary age Sunday school. The volunteers would only need to commit to teach one Sunday a month on a regular basis. The Orange curriculum is used which includes prepared lesson plans and online video Bible stories to go with the lesson.
Caring adult volunteers are also needed to teach Sunday school to our preschool age children on a consistent and committed basis.
To find out how you can volunteer with the Children’s Ministry team, please contact our preschool volunteer, A.J. Rilat (281-910-8594) or our elementary volunteer, Bonnie Fowler (863-604-4074).
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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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