EConnections from First United Methodist Church

WORSHIP

Worship This Sunday, January 13

Gifts of the Spirit: Guiding Gifts

I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11 and Romans 12:8

8:15 and 11am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

Rev. Melissa Stump will preach.

9:30am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center

Rev. Melissa Stump will preach.

11:20am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center

Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith will preach.

This Sunday is the Second Sunday Gathering.

Join your church family for fellowship and refreshments in the

Welcome Center from 9am-12:15pm.

Worship plus three is how we define

our ministries. We believe worship is

of prime importance and is our foundation. In addition, we are to invite others into a relationship with God, grow in our own relationship with God and our neighbor and serve others as a continued sign of God's work in our lives.

INVITE

Church Directory Final Portrait Sessions

Sign up tables will be available this Sunday outside our worship areas and in the Welcome Center. We hope that everyone connected to First United Methodist, whether a member or not, will get their picture taken for our directory. The final portrait sessions begin Tuesday, January 29 and end Saturday, February 9. Times are filling up quickly so get yours now. You may also sign up online here.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

We will be participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Saturday, January 12, with other Methodist churches in our area. Please contact Rev. Melissa Stump if you are interested ( email here or 863-686-3163).

Do you suspect a hearing loss?

You can find out for sure with a free screening at PHOENIX on Wednesday, January 16, from 5-6:15pm. Central Florida Speech and Hearing will be here to provide free screenings as well as information on hearing aids, phones and devices. Depending on income, those with hearing loss may be eligible for free hearing aids.

Holy Yoga

Holy Yoga’s mission statement is to create a space for people to experience God’s love through Yoga. Adults age 18 and older who have completed high school are invited on Tuesday evenings to Room E-22 from 5:30-6:30pm. The cost is $25/person for 16 sessions. To register, click here .

United Methodist Women

All women are invited to the UMW General Meeting January 14 at 10:30am in the Fellowship Center. The program is "Sisterhood for Human Flourishing" will be led by Lois Polstra and Judith Rose.

Westminster Concert Bell Choir

Tuesday, January 22 at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Don't miss this renowned ensemble perform on the largest range of handbells in the world. This group has appeared on several holiday broadcasts of the Today show as well as Mister Rogers' Neighborhood . Under the direction of Kathleeen Ebling Shaw, they continue to amaze and excite audiences all over the United States. Tickets are $5/person, available in "Our Giving Tree" bookstore or at the door.

JOY (Just Older Youth) 55+ Luncheon

Join us on Thursday, February 14, at 11:30am in the Fellowship Center for a lunch with a special musical program celebrating love. $10/person. RSVP by February 7 to Gloria Jenney ( email here or 863-686-3163).

Men’s Chili and Games

Men, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 16, and get those chili recipes ready to go. Start forming your teams now. For more info and registration, contact Warren Pattison ( email here or 863-686-3163).

GROW

Sunday School at 9:30am:

Nursery 2 through fourth grade: Jesus heals a young girl. Mark 5:41-42
Fifth grade: Jesus relies on God. Luke 4:1-2a

Sunday Evening: PK3 - fifth grade students, join us from 5-7pm for fun, dinner and a program about how "You are Gifted." $3/dinner/child.

Pray and Play will resume in February.

Wednesday evenings: From 6:30 - 7:30pm we have children's classes. Childcare is available 6:30-7:30pm for children six weeks through PK2 for families participating in events on campus. Reservations are required - please click here to register.

Early Connections will resume in February.

Contact Cristi Moore with questions ( email here or 863-682-1912).

Sunday Morning Bible Study (sixth-twelfth grades) at 9:30am in F-1: Join us for in-depth study and discussion.

Sunday Evenings: Join us from 5-7pm in F-1 for Youth Group. We will have a meal, recreation, worship, music, small groups and lots of fun.

Wednesday Evening RECHARGE: 6-7:30pm in the Youth Game Room. Join us for snacks, fellowship and a dynamic discussion on our callings.

Confirmation Registration: All students seventh grade and above may register now for Confirmation. Classes will meet on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm starting January 30. Register by January 20 here . $95 includes all classes, material and the retreat at Warren Willis Camp. Contact Stephanie in the Youth Office with questions ( email here or 863-687-9750).

Talbot House Ministry: One United Youth will meet at Talbot House from 5:15-6:30pm on January 17 to serve. You are invited!

Questions? Contact Stephanie in the Youth Office ( email here or 863-687-9750) or call/text Brett at 904-910-5565.

Adult Sunday School

Classes are from 9:30-10:30am. We welcome visitors to any class. For more information, contact Warren Pattison ( email here or 863-682-1912).

You can also call and listen live to Rev. Brian Tiffany’s lesson with the Homebuilders Class - dial 863-225-0968 at 9:30am.

The BYKOTA Class is led by Rev. Dr. Doug Hallman. All are welcome - God's love excludes no one. Room C-207
The Genesis Class welcomes you as they explore faith and life. Room C-202
The Homebuilders Class is taught by Rev. Brian Tiffany. They follow the Adult Bible Studies curriculum. The January theme is “Loving God by Trusting Christ.” Chapel
The Koinonia Class welcomes all who desire to grow in their love of God and neighbor. They are exploring the Gospel of Matthew, with Rev. Terry Knight leading. Room C-205
The Searchers Class continues their study of Adam Hamilton’s book Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times. Dr. Tom Reuschling leads. Room C-206
The Sendero Class is studying Adam Hamilton’s book Creed: What Christians Believe and Why. Diane Curtis leads. Room C-204
Storyline: Jason Rogers leads this intergenerational class for young adults and other adults. Room C-201C
The Vanguard Class: During January they are exploring the theme “Loving God by Trusting Christ.” Rev. Jose Bove is teaching. Room C-203

PHOENIX Dinner

Dinner service begins at 5pm in the Fellowship Center. Dinner is $6/adults and $3/child 12 and under, with a family max of $20.

What New Year’s Resolutions are you called to? We have groups, studies and classes to help you reach your goals in the New Year! Click here for more information on these opportunities.

Discover your gifts and make a difference through service. Serving From the Heart is a great companion to our sermon series. You will complete a profile of your unique traits, all adding up to an enhanced capacity to serve God and neighbor. Participate in a group study on Sunday evenings beginning January 13 from 5-7pm in Room C-201C. Register here .

Live with a heart of peace in fractured and contentious times . In a polarized and often angry world, Anatomy of Peace shows us how we can change the world around us in a way which brings people together rather than causing more division. Participate in an informal conversation session on January 13 from 5:15-6:45pm in Room C-206. Then, participate in a group study on Sunday evenings beginning January 27 from 5:15-6:45pm in Room C-206. Register here .

Start or deepen your prayer practice. Participate in a group study of The Way of Prayer on Sunday evenings beginning January 13 from 5-7pm in Room C-202. You will e xperience different forms of prayer practices and various dimensions of God’s grace and love. Prayer is explored through a variety of modes like music, dance, gazing, silence or acts of service. Register here .

Follow Jesus more closely by learning about Simon Peter. Study Adam Hamilton’s new book about an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts, talents, and abilities that God can use to make a difference today.

Participate in a group study on Wednesday evenings beginning January 16 from 6:30-7:30pm in Room C-201C. Register here.

Be healthier in body, mind and spirit with The Daniel Plan . Learn simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into your life on a daily basis. Areas explored are faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. Participate in a group study on Wednesday evenings beginning January 23 from 6:15-7:30pm in the Parlor. If you would like more information, join us for a no obligation information session on January 16 from 6:15-7:30pm in the Parlor. Come check it out! Register here.

Dive into the Word and learn basic themes, histories, personalities and meanings of the Bible as you discover tools and resources to deepen your understanding of Scripture. Bible Basics – New Testament will meet on Sundays at 5:15pm starting January 20. Register here.

Be in control of your money with Dave Ramsey’s popular and practical course. Financial Peace University shows you baby steps to take to be in control of your money and your future. Wednesdays at 6pm starting February 10. Register here.

A Disciple’s Path : Learn about Methodism through spiritual practices designed to help you better love God and others. Participate in a group study on Sunday evenings starting February 10 from 5:15-6:45pm in Room C-205. Register here .

Point of View (POV): We invite you to join us for a conversation on human sexuality and the United Methodist Church. POV is a one day experience that makes space for engaging difficult conversations through the lens of empathy, context and mission. It’s a space where you can bring your thoughts, questions, emotions and heart without the fear of being judged or coerced.

This experience has been designed to help prepare for the ongoing work and conversation around the Way Forward in anticipation of the Called Session of General Conference this February. You can learn more about the Way Forward here . Our POV experience is Saturday, January 19, from 9am to 3pm in Room C-201A. You can register here .

Click here for more information on these opportunities.

SERVE

One Blood Mobile

The Blood Mobile will be here this Sunday, January 13 from 8:15am-noon parked on Walnut Street. Please make plans to give the gift of life.

Donations are needed for the UMW purse, scarf and purse sale on March 2. This fundraiser replaces the annual Odds n’ Ends sale for this year. All proceeds benefit mission activities, so bring costume (or authentic) jewelry, scarves and purses to the Mission Depot (on the side of the E Building that faces the Sorosis Building) on Mondays from 10-2pm. You may contact Carol Myer (863-665-0482) or Pat Bradford (863-859-3339) to arrange to donate outside these hours.

Giving life to missions is the mission statement of “Our Giving Tree” Bookstore and Gift Shop . Shop Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-5:30pm, Wednesday from 10am-7pm, Friday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 9am-12:30pm.

College Students and Young Adults

Our church will send a team to serve with Costa Rica Mission Projects ( click here ) June 15-22. Contact Forrest White for information (email here or 863-686-3163).

Mission Fair

Mark your calendar for February 10 to attend the Missions Fair on the second floor of the Welcome Center from 9am - 1pm. Representatives from some of our key mission ministries will there to tell you more about hands-on opportunities to serve. Contact Forrest White for information (email here or 863-686-3163).

Volunteers In Service to the Elderly (VISTE )

Drivers are needed to deliver hot meals to clients unable to prepare food themselves. Pick up a meal and address at First Presbyterian Church from 10-11am, Tuesday and/or Thursday. Visit the VISTE website to complete an application ( click here ) Y ou may make a trial run with Forrest on his Tuesday route. Contact Forrest White for information (email here or 863-686-3163).

Our Three Year Fundraising Project!

Our Church Council voted to commit to a three year fundraising project to support ministries in Lakeland, Cuba and Haiti.

The Lakeland project is a partnership with several churches to build a new triplex at the Lakeland Salvation Army Center of Hope. Our portion is $25,000.
In Cuba we want to finish the Education Building for our sister church, Tabernáculo de la Unción in Camaguey, and the goal is $25,000.
In Haiti we have a goal of $12,500 for clean water wells, solar batteries for New Hope Hospital and funding for 10-20 Micro Credit Loans in Cap-Haïtien.

You will find small white churches in the entry areas each Sunday where you can share your gift towards these projects.