1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - September 3, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Please join us on Saturday, September 18 at 4pm in the Life Center to hear from our special guest, Valerie's House. The mission of Valerie's House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.
"Our vision is that no child will grieve alone."
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Donate Blood, September 19 |
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The Big Red Bus will be on our campus Sunday, September 19 from 8:30am - 1:30pm.
All donors will receive a pair of OneBlood Cancer Awareness socks, T-shirt, a $20 eGift Card & a Chick-fil-A Card for a Free Chicken Sandwich. Plus, a wellness checkup, including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.
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Charitable IRA Contributions |
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Are you 72 or older? Are you taking required minimum distributions from an IRA? Did you know that you can make contributions or special gifts to the Church through this distribution process, and you will not pay Income Tax for funds directed to the Church. If you are interested, contact your financial advisor or IRA custodian and ask about Qualified Charitable Distribution.
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Attention, all United Christian Women! On Monday, September 27, we will have a meeting in Lenox Hall at 11:00 am. The purpose of this meeting is to reflect on the past year and to discuss the future of the UCW. So, I am asking you to bring your thoughts and ideas with you.
All women are welcome to attend. You don’t need to be a church member.
Shirley Fitzcharles, UCW Coordinator
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Calling all bakers! The cupcake ministry is a really fun, simple and easy one. To participate, all you have to do is pick up your Cupcake Ministry “starter kit” from the ushers as you leave church this Sunday. The kit includes 6 small cellophane bags, 6 strands of ribbon and 6 “You are Invited” candle cards. Then, bake up some of your favorite cookies, brownies or bars. Fill your bags, tie them up, attach a candle card and figure out who you will bless with the beautiful little bags of sweet joy. The smiles that you see and the joy in the recipients will be the most rewarding thing you will do that day.
This ministry just delivered several dozen cookies to Tidewell Hospice and they were so appreciative. The school bus drivers are next, and we need 160 bags of cookies (which is about 95 dozen cookies)! If you are willing to donate your baking talents, we could sure use your help. Please contact Kathy Kresge at 941-661-1175 for additional information.
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Halloween Here at 1st Church |
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This October 31st our church campus will once again be the hub for Halloween activities in the Punta Gorda Historic District.
We have been planning for several months now along with City Officials, PGPD & FGFD to welcome 8,000 or more guests to our church property on Sunday evening, Oct. 31st.
That night we will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event to welcome our community onto our beautiful church campus. We are also enlisting the help of 12 food trucks to serve their unique menus items that evening. They will be selling a variety of food and beverages from our grassy lot on the corner of McGregor & Olympia Avenues.
To pull off an event of this magnitude, we as a church need to band together and put our best foot forward. We will need a very large team of volunteers (approximately 40 of you all) to help our staff facilitate this enormous community event. Will you join our team to help make this event a success? Our prayer is that this event will potentially draw in some new families, many with children to our church and our ministries. Prayerfully consider your role in this activity as there are many ways to help.
First, we need candy! Lots and Lots of Candy. All candy donations for this massive event can be taken to Lenox Hall and placed in the dins marked Halloween Candy. In anticipation of so many guests, we will need to collect in excess of 80,000+ pieces of candy to distribute to children and teens that evening.
We will need assistance organizing and setting up prior to the event. We will volunteers at various stations for 2-hour shifts all around our campus during the event on Oct. 31st. Following the event, we’ll need a team to clean up that same night and others to come the following morning to help us neatly return everything to its proper place on campus.
For those of you who wish to decorate and enter your vehicle in our Truck or Treat event, we would love to have you participate! Some people may choose to sign-up to enter their own car or truck and decorate it themselves. Others of you may want to enlist the help of neighbors, friends, or co-workers to decorate a vehicle as a team and hand out candy together that night. Both ways are encouraged and we will have 20 dedicated parking spaces specifically assigned for those of you who which to take part.
If you want more details about volunteering, the Trunk or Treat event, or to register a vehicle, please contact Tim Buck or AJ Rilat at the church, 941-639-3842.
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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 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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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. www.whatis1st.com
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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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Happy September Church family --
Are you like me and wonder where summer went? It seems so easy to slip back into old habits of complaining about almost anything! Too much rain, too hot (it's Florida!?), nothing to do, too busy, "everyone" is negative, things are a disaster, etc, etc. It's so easy to fall back into my weak behaviors when life circumstances are at a peak -- or -- when faced with a personal crisis, such as the recent health challenge I've been dealing with. I want to share how prayer has challenged me to let go of my inadequacies when I feel I can't go on. Turning my fears, and weaknesses over to my Savior clears all obstacles and doubts. How awesome to not have to worry constantly about my weaknesses. God is with us always and the world seems less threatening when we don't need to solve all problems by ourself. Psalm 73:23-24 "Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." We can't ever forget that God is the all-powerful ruler of all things. The best "medicine " when we're in times of crisis, is to reach out to the Holy Spirit, as I did this past week. This incredible church family put a prayer request out and before I knew it, untold numbers of people were praying. I have has some amazing experiences as a result which I hope to share with you at some future time. For now, I can only say with great humility, thank you! Still working on a solution but doing much better. I know prayer is the answer to every situation. Please sign up for the 40 for 40 Prayer Room challenge. Let's see how many situations we can improve.
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
On September 8, 2021, the Chancel Ringers will be resuming handbell rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM in the Life Center. If you have been sitting on the sidelines now is a great time to join the handbell choir. This is a wonderful group of people who enjoys their time of music-making, fellowship, and prayer. Ability to read music is necessary. Contact David Bellows for more information: david.bellows@whatis1st.com.
Chancel Ringer’s Rehearsals Resume
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:30PM (Life Center)
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: September 5, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Listen, God Is Calling – A.K. Organ
Opening Hymn: 660 God Is Here
Offertory: Ye Servants Of God Your Master Proclaim – P. Rodriguez
Closing Hymn: 467 Trust and Obey
Postlude: ‘The Little’ Fugue in G Minor, BWV 578 – J.S. Bach
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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 Study Class will begin a new study Sunday, September 19th at 10:30 am in Lenox Hall, "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?” starting Monday, September 13, at 10:00-11:00 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: September 5, 2021 |
Message: "The Biblical View of Work"
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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Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5: Kid's Connect & Youth will not meet at 4pm.
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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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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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