Dear friends,

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! This year’s Advent/Christmas sermon series is called “Prepare the Way for the Lord” based on the book by Pastor Adam Hamilton. Two out of four of the Advent readings in the Lectionary are devoted to John the Baptist. Advent is preparing for Christmas. Advent is from the Latin word “adventus” which means coming. We prepare for Christ’s coming: his first coming as an infant, his second coming at the end of time, and his coming here and now through His Spirit and into the world and into believers’ hearts. We will see how John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ and how we are called to prepare the way, too. The Gospel of Luke reads, “He (John) will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. He will bring many Israelites back to the Lord their God. He will go forth before the Lord, equipped with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and he will turn the disobedient to righteous patterns of thinking. He will make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:15b-17(CEB) It’s time for us to get ready for Christ and to prepare the way for Him! 

I hope you will plan to attend all the wonderful Christmas celebrations this season. Sunday, December 4^th is our Family Movie Night and we will show the movie, “The Grinch” and serve popcorn, cookies and drinks! This is a fun event for the whole family! On Wednesday, December 14^th we will have our Wednesday Night Supper with ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and delicious pies! The meal will be served from 5:15 PM- 6:00 PM. We will then sing Christmas Carols in the Family Life Center. Our Christmas Concert will be Sunday, December 18^th at 4:00 PM. The Chancel Choir members have been working on special Christmas music for you! We will have cookies and refreshments following the concert. On Wednesday, December 21st the Youth and Children will be going to assisted living facilities Christmas Caroling! Everyone is invited to come and join us! It starts at 6:00 PM.

Our Christmas Eve services will be 5:00 PM Children and Family Friendly Service with the children telling the story of Christmas and Candlelighting outside in the Family Life Center parking lot (weather permitting); 7:00 PM Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve Service with Candlelighting. Christmas day is Sunday and we will have one worship service at 9:00 AM.

I hope that you and your families have a wonderful, blessed Christmas season and remember that Christ the Lord has come! The angel said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10b-11 (NIV)

I am blessed to be your Pastor!

Pastor Cathy

Cathy and Rusty with their Family on Christmas 2021

On November 4^th, it was announced that beginning on January 1, 2023 Bishop Tom Berlin will serve as the new bishop for the Florida Conference! Bishop Tom is married to Karen and the father of four daughters. He is currently the Lead Pastor at Floris United Methodist Church in Northern Virginia where he has been working sine 1997. He is a prolific author having written many books on practical Christianity and church leadership. Bishop Tom also has served at annual, jurisdictional, and general conference levels.

Tom was raised in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and has lived in Virginia most of his life. He attended Virginia Tech and received a BS in business with a major in public administration. His Master of Divinity is from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

On Sunday, November 27^th as the Chancel Choir was about to practice for the Traditional Service smoke fumes started coming into the sanctuary from the basement. The fire department was called and those who were in the building were evacuated to outside. Everyone moved to the Family Life Center and quickly set up for the Traditional Service. Both church services were held in the Family Life Center. We are thankful that no one was hurt and we were able to continue having both church services. Praise the Lord!

(Update as of Tuesday, November 29: Pastor Cathy said that electrical repairs have been made to the wiring and the sanctuary is safe to use again.)

Evacuation from the Sanctuary

Waiting for the Fire Department

Assessing the Situation

Our Chancel Choir performed beautifully in the Family Life Center after the relocation.

The services were held in the Family Life Center after the fire.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Stamberger, a newbie to our church. Jim and his wife, Ruth have been coming to First Church for about three to four months. They are neighbors of our assistant pastor, Jim Kledis. After learning that Jim had many years of theatre experience, Pastor Kledis mentioned to Jim that the church was starting a Drama Ministry. He agreed to come and help this ministry get started.

Prior to moving to St. Cloud Jim and Ruth lived in Kansas City, Missouri where Jim worked in the Outdoor Theatre business. They moved to the area five years ago to be near their daughter, Rebeca and her family. They enjoy being close to their two granddaughter, Olivia who is twelve and Natalia who is seven.

Jim is employed at Universal Studios with a job that he said is the best pre-retirement job ever. He is a VIP Experience Guide. He has a lot of fun and it is very rewarding. He gets to take VIP guests around the Universal parks and show them a good time. Included in that role is riding all of the rides with the families. When a family purchases a VIP pass Jim is assigned to spend the day with them, taking them to the attractions and to the front of the line on the rides. He even rides the ride with them! That sounds like a great job to me!

Other than drama and theatre, Jim enjoys crafting, decorating, and old houses. He and Ruth have also enjoy exploring Florida, especially the Florida State Parks. Florida has many differences in nature than what he is used to in Missouri and he is grateful to learn about the environment here in Florida. He also enjoys the wildlife in his yard and loves watching all of the different bird species that visit.

Jim would like to invite anyone who has an interest in drama to come out and give it a try. The Drama Ministry is on the ground floor and in need of interested people to perform on Sunday mornings. You don’t need any experience, just a desire to perform. Allow Jim and Pastor Jim help you use your talents for the Lord with this new ministry. 

Our Nursery is Ready!

Ryan Malave and Troop 192 have been working on Ryan's Eagle Scout project. They replaced the kitchen island, will install a new electrical strip and painted the kitchen walls! It looks great; clean and fresh!

Baptism of Gatlin Maverick Smith on November 20, 2022. Gatlin is the son of Chris and Amanda McConnell and the grandson of Andy and Rijean Smith.

Baptism of Hudson Robert Smith on November 20, 2022. Hudson is the son of Chris and Amanda McConnell and the grandson of Andy and Rijean Smith.

McConnell and Smith Families & Friends

Twenty-four Blessing Bags were made by our Youth & Children for the Bags of Love program.

We have a large number of people in need who come on Tueday and Thursday mornings for Bags of Love. FUMCSC always accepts food to fill the bags! You may help supply the need of the Bags of Love lunches by bringing any of these items to the FUMC office; Vienna sausages, canned tuna or chicken, Beanie-Weanies, bags of chips, cookies, peanut butter or cheese crackers, fruit cups, pudding snacks, applesauce, bottled waters. 

Gently used clothing are also distributed on Tuesday and Thursday when those less-fortunate come for Bags of Love.

As our numbers continue to go up we thank you for helping us serve the community! Volunteers are always needed to prepare a hot meal, fill and distribute bags, and sort clothing. There are many opportunities for those who wish to help out. Please contact the church office if you are interested.

Our Bicycle Ministry provides refurbished bicycles to those in need so they are able to have much needed transportation. If you know someone who has a bike they are not using please contact the church office.

Click on the image above to go to the Bags of Love Store page directly.

Our youth served the Elmer's Kitchen meal on

the Fifth Sunday, October 30

Cold Night

As winter approaches, FUMC of St Cloud is preparing for the Cold NIght program. The community is also very involved with this effort. The Osceola County Emergency Management group donated blankets for the Cold Night program. They will be stored at the church and will be distributed to those in need when the temperature drops in the next few months.

Crabby Bill’s staff Mandy Pigeon & Susie Peeva are pictured with Bags of Love coordinator Donna Regn, Elijah & Pastor Cathy.

Crabby Bills donated 10 hams & 10 turkeys for our Thanksgiving dinner!

Thank You Crabby Bill's!

Kenansville Country Jam and Tammi Shull Madison donated food for the Thanksgiving Community Dinner.

Pictured are Pastor Cathy and Tammi.

Many of you have met this amazing woman. Born on August 29, 1921, Pat Rdd is 101 years young and remains very active! She is a veteran of the Navy WAVES (Women in the Navy.) Pat was asked to be one of the Grand Marshals of the Orlando Veteran's Day parade honoring the WAVES but could not participate because she fell and broke her kneecap the day before the parade. Pastor Cathy was able to visit her at the VA Hospital. She will need to have rehab for about two months. We pray that Pat will have a full recovery!

If you would like to send Pat a card she is at Encompass Health Rehab of Altamonte Springs, 831 South State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Join us for "coffee hour" between church services from 9:15 to 10:15 AM located in the Annex off the Sanctuary. Rhys Bibeau and Larry Dykes are your hosts each week. This is a special time to meet your church family for coffee, donuts, cookies, and other treats. Donations and volunteers are welcome! Please call (407) 908-4418 if you are interested in helping.

Monthly Church-Wide Wednesday Night Dinner

Each month on the second Wednesday of the month we hold a Church-Wide Wednesday night dinner with physical distancing followed by an activiity starting at 5:15 PM. It is a great time to get to know your church family. During the November Wednesday Night Dinner everyone enjoyed a Thanksgiving style meal prepared Larry and his crew. Due to the hurricane threat everyone went safely home after dinner.



The next Wednesday Night Dinner will be held on December 14^th. Please join us for a delicious dinner and plan to stay afterwards to sing Christmas Carols. We will also have a gift exchange. If you would like to participate please bring a wrapped gift valued at no more than $10. Those who bring a gift will be able to take a gift home.

Fellowship Circle

The Fellowship Circle (formerly Seasoned Souls) serves God and our church by doing tasks and chores as needed or requested. They strive to get to know each other better and thus enrich their lives, support each other and have fun. They meet twice a month on the first and third Mondays of the month through May 15 taking a break during the summer months. Please contact Myrna Lee at myrocket@juno.com to learn more about the Fellowship Circle.

Circle of Light

Another group of women who meet at the church is the Circle of Light led by Renda Collins. They meet on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month. Their primary goal is to mail out cards to the homebound (shut-ins) of our congregation. They are looking for other ways to serve our church. You may contact Renda at

 rccollins10618@gmail.com to learn more about this group. 

Here at First Chirch St. Cloud there are several opportunities to study God's word.

Smooth Stone Bible Study recently began a new study on the book of Hebrews. They are so pleased to have some new members and are looking forward to learning more from the Bible and from each other. Smooth Stones Bible Study meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Vivian Kravitz leads this group and can be reached by email at vkravitz@aol.com.

Every Tuesday evening Pastor Cathy leads an in-depth study of the Sermon series which will be preached on the following Sunday. This study involves much discussion about the topic at hand. Please join her and others from your computer, tablet or smartphone at 7:00 PM.

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464

Passcode 623978

On Sunday mornings the Serendipity Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 AM in the classroom attached to the Sanctuary as a hybred format; some in person and others over the phone led by Kevin Knox.  For more information contact the church office.

The Genesis Sunday School Classs also meets on Sunday morning at 9:15 AM in the FLC. Currently they are studying from the book, More Parables from the Backside by J Ellsworth Kalas. Larry Finch leads this study and can be reached by email at   Lfinch4945@aol.com.

The Power Hour Prayer Group meets each Monday morning at 8:30 AM for prayer and to lift up the prayer requests from the congregation. You are invited to join this lively group of prayer warriors each week. If you are interested you may contact the church office.

New to the Power Hour Prayer Group: Lou Murray is going to start a Healing Prayers time during the Power Hour Prayer time on Mondays 8:30-10:00 for those who are interested in prayers, anointing, and healing. 

by Lou Murray, Music Director

It's almost here! Our second annual Christmas concert will take place Sunday, December 18^th at 4 PM. Pastor Jim has agreed to be Master of Ceremonies.

Our choir will perform Christmas Standards, with group and solo numbers. The handbell choir will be featured, and our wonderful praise band, led by Scott Weyrauch, will provide more contemporary Christmas songs.

We plan light refreshments in the Family Life Center afterward.

Everybody had a great time last year, and the public is invited, so bring a friend.

Chancel Choir at the Traditional Service under the Leadership of

Lou Murray.

Handbell Musicians under the Leadership of Diana Walls

Praise Team at the Blended Service under the Leadership of

Scott Weyrauch

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

Season of Advent November 27 - December 24

December 4 - Family Movie Night ~ 6:00 - 8:00

December 14 - Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner ~ 5:15 PM

December 18 - Christmas Concert ~ 4:00 PM

December 19 - Youth Christmas Party

December 21 - Christmas Caroling at Nursing Homes

December 24 - Christmas Eve Services ~ 5 PM and 7 PM

December 25 - Christmas Day ~ Only one service at 9:00 AM

Regular Meetings

Sunday

• Traditional Worship Service ~ 8:15 - 9:15 AM
• Hybred Serendipity Sunday School Class ~ 9:00 - 10:00 AM
• Genesis Sunday School Class ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM (FLC)
• Coffee Hour (Annex off the Sanctuary) ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM
• Blended Worship Service ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
• Newcomer's Luncheon ~ 3rd Sunday Quarterly, 11:30 AM
• Elmer's Kitchen ~ 2:00 - 3:00 PM (FUMCSC - 5th Sunday)
• Children's program ~ 6:00 - 7:00 PM - (New Day)
• Youth Group ~ 6:00 - 7:00 PM - (New Day)

Monday

• Power Hour Prayer Group ~ 8:30 AM
• Fellowship Circle (Formerly Seasoned Souls) ~ 1st & 3rd Monday, 10:00 AM (Resumes October 17)
• Smooth Stones Bible Study ~ 2nd & 4th Monday, 10:00 AM 
• Boy Scouts ~ 7:00 PM)

Tuesday

• Bags of Love ~ 9 - 11 AM (Hot Breakfast to Go)
• Online Bible Study with Pastor Cathy - 7:00 PM; Please join using your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464 use passcode: 623978
• Cub Scouts ~ 7:00 PM

Wednesday

• Circle of Light - Women's Group - 2nd Wedesday of each month 10:00 AM
• Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner - 2nd Wednesday ~ starting at 5:15 PM
• Adult Choir Rehearsal ~ 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Thursday 

• Bags of Love ~ 9:00 - 11:00 AM
• Handbell Rehearsal ~ 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Please Note: Our Church Services can be viewed on

FACEBOOK LIVE on our FB page or later on our YouTube

Channel. Click on the links at the bottom of this newsletter to

find these videos.

December 2022 CHURCH NEWSLETTER

November was a short month! The classrooms were busy with Thanksgiving preparations and very thankful students and teachers.  The children collected food and clothing items for the Bags of Love Ministry as part of being thankful.

December is upon us, and our focus has switched to festive songs about Christmas and plenty of lists. Jesus is the reason for the season! The children are learning about His birth and the importance of the Christmas holiday. They will be performing a LIVE Christmas program on Tuesday, December 13^th at 7:00 PM. We will also be hosting our Annual Basket Bingo (yes, it’s back!!) immediately following the program. All are welcome to attend. School will be closed for Christmas Break, 12/14-1/3. Classes resume on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

On behalf of the students, parents, and staff, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and safe New Year. God Bless us Every One!

Follow us on Facebook to see day to day activities and happenings around the school. Www.facebook.com/firstumcpreschoolstcloud.

Smiles,

Ms. Denise

The children of First Church meet on Sunday mornings during the 10:00 AM Blended Worship Service after the Children's Moment and also on Sunday evenings from 6 to 7 PM.

BeExcitedAboutCelebratingHim

The Children's Ministries led by Rijean Smith recently changed the day of the week when they meet. Instead of meeting on Wednesdays they now meet on Sunday evenings. The Children's Sunday evening program is called the B.E.A.C.H. Club (Be Excited About Celebrating Him.) Each week from 6:00 until 7:00 PM they enjoy learning about Jesus, making crafts, learning about each other, playing games, and having a delicious snack. If you know of a child who would enjoy our children's program, please contact Rijean Smith at rijeansmith@yahoo.com.

Important Dates for Children's Ministry

Dec. 4 - 6:00-8:00 PM ~ Children and youth movie night,

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Dec. 11 - Children's Christmas Party ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Dec. 18 - NO Kids Program

Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Services - 5:00 PM (Children and Family

Friendly Service)

Dec. 25 - Christmas - NO Youth Group

Jan. 1 - New Year's Day - NO Kids Program

Jan. 8 - Kid's Program Resumes

Our Children and Youth on Sunday, Novembeer 13^th

Our Youth Group meets each week on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. 

The youth at our church, led by Amber Smith (assisted by Monica Scarlett) are very active with many of the events that we host. They also are involved with the Children's Ministry and help out where needed. About once a month they have fun activities outside of the regular meeting. If you know of a teen who would like to get involved in our church's youth program, please contact Amber Smith at amber.10golf@gmail.com.

Important Dates for the Youth

Dec. 4 - 6:00-8:00 PM ~ Children and youth movie night,

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Dec. 11 - NO Youth Group

Dec. 19 - Youth Christmas Party (More info coming)

Dec. 21 - Christmas Caroling at Nursing Homes

Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Services 5:00 and 7:00 PM

Dec. 25 - Christmas - NO Youth Group

Jan. 1 - New Year's Day - NO Youth Group

Jan. 8 - Youth Group Resumes

December 17 – Vern & Carol Dorsey

December 20 – Kevin & Dana Knox

December 31 – Nelson & Jessica Wisky

The Word of Our Lord

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:6-7

Staff Members & Email Addresses



Pastor: Cathy C. Thacker - cathycthacker@gmail.com

Assistant Pastor: Jim Kledis -  revjameskledis@gmail.com

Office: Joyce Perkins - treasurer@firstchurchstcloud.org

Admin. Asst.: James Wise - admin@firstchurchstcloud.org

Accountant: Chuck McLendon - clmclendon@aol.com

Youth Leader: Amber Smith - amber.10golf@gmail.com

Children's Ministry Director: Rijean Smith - rijeansmith@yahoo.com

Preschool Director: Denise Dunn - director.firstumcpreschool@gmail.com

Sound Technician: Emma Mavell

Music Director: Lou Murray - musicalou@inbox.com

Blended Serv. Worship Leader: Scott Weyrauch - sweyrauch@mac.com

Mercy Ministries Coordinator: Donna Regn - turtleregn@gmail.com

Custodian: Al Rivera - alburs1960@gmail.com

Security: Juan Santiago - lovehohos@aol.com