Hello Friends!

      This month, February 14^th, is our Wednesday night dinner, Valentine’s Day, and Ash Wednesday all in one day! Our meal will be Lasagna, Salad and Garlic Bread and dessert! Our Ash Wednesday service will help us to remember that “We are dust and from dust we will return.” We will also have a Drive Thru Ashes at noon on Ash Wednesday in the 10^th Street parking lot. Please join us for a delicious dinner and a meaningful service as we enter Lent.  

           Lent is a time of preparation. We prepare our hearts for Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lent literally means “Spring” and it’s the time when we do some “spring cleaning” in our souls. We are not where we once were, but we are not yet where we need to be in our walk with Jesus. Lent is the time when we “fast” from a favorite food (like chocolate) or an unhealthy habit like criticism or comparison. Also, I have been asked if we will once again do “The Daniel Plan” for the 40 days in Lent. So, yes, please join me starting Sunday, February 18^th immediately following the 10:15 AM service for The Daniel Plan. Our goal is to prepare for the Resurrection of Jesus! Joel 2:12-13 says, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning; Rend your hearts and not your clothing.” Joel 2:12-13(NRSV) This is what Lent is all about.

           Our Lenten series will be “The Chosen 2” as we hear messages based on the live streaming series (and in theaters) by Dallas Jenkins about the life of Jesus. We will hear messages, see video clips, and have Bible study based on Seasons 1-3 of The Chosen series. Season 4 will be out February 1^st, so hopefully we will also have a sermon or two from Season 4. With over 200 million viewers, The Chosen is one of the most-watched shows in the world. The series is consistently a top performer across streaming platforms. Started as a crowd-funded project, it has now garnered over 770 million views and more than 12 million social media followers. Please join us in our Lenten series!

            Once again, we will be presenting a Living Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, March 28^th and on Good Friday, March 29^th at 7:30 PM in the Family Life Center. If you saw this last year, you know that it was one of the highlights of the year. If you would like to be a part of this production, please contact Jim Stamberger at (816) 564-8180 or email RFmaestro@comcast.net.



I am blessed to by your Pastor!

January fun with Sadie & Caleb in Virginia

Staff Christmas Dinner at the Pettitt's Home

On Monday night January 22^nd Bishop Berlin held one of his four Regional Conferences at Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Florida. This church is an old, historical church in downtown Tampa with a tremendous ministry to those in need in the community, those experiencing homelessness, etc. Sound familiar? I was surprised to see the Contemporary Worship space in the Fellowship Hall. And I was joyful to see so many Pastor friends and laity! This season has been one of feeling disconnected with our brothers and sisters in Christ in other UMCs.

Bishop Berlin began with three words from Richard Rohr: Orientation; Disorientation and Reorientation to describe the UMC in the past few years. Orientation is where everything is “humming”, good and there is growth. We experienced this kind of ministry in the 90’s. People were looking for a church. We were growing. “It was sooooo good!” He said.

Disorientation is where we have been this past year as 35% of the Florida Conference Churches have disaffiliated. This is where everything falls apart.

Reorientation is where we discover things about ourselves and go deeper with God. Resurrection, he said, is reorientation. Prior to the resurrection, Jesus was Rabbi. After the resurrection, He is Lord and Savior.

Our General Conference, held every four years (but postponed several times due to COVID), will be held in May, 2024.

Next, Bishop Berlin gave us a picture of the Florida Conference in this period of Disorientation.

1)   Age of our congregations. Our churches are aging. We need more young people and more diversity.

2)   Change is coming. If you want reorientation, better come together. People don’t trust us (churches) anymore.

3)   Increased volume and intensity of storms. The damages and costs of hurricanes will continue to grow.

4)   Love of nostalgia. Nostalgia is a sign of a stagnant community. “Remember the 90’s? They were sooooo good!” We must ask questions. We must do deep learning. His example was the Warren Willis Camp in Leesburg. The question was asked, “How do we reach children and youth?” That’s our mission.

5)   Lack of excitement about Jesus. He then challenged us to talk with someone NOT in church, our Sunday school class or family members about Jesus. He gave a great example of talking with his new barber about his relationship with his girlfriend. “Do you have a spiritual relationship?” He asked him. “Do you pray together?” And that led to discussion about his barber needing to have a relationship with God. Bishop Berlin then purchased a book about a relationship with God to give his barber for Christmas. (If our busy Bishop can take time out to have conversations about Jesus with people he encounters, then I think we can, too.)

6)   Diminished Income. 35% of our Florida Conference churches have left. We will reduce our districts from 8 districts to 6 districts to keep from adding costs to our remaining churches. Good news is that 65% of churches stayed.

Success stories.

1.   Compassion UMC, Ocala. Was closed but is now a Non-profit Women’s 12 Step Help and Counseling Center.

2.   Inspire Leadership Academy. Helping diverse young leaders in the church.

3.   Institute of Preaching. We have received a $1.25 Million grant from the Lilly Foundation. Did you know Eli Lilly was a Methodist?

4.   Anti-racism focus.

5.   New Church Development.

6.   Fresh Expressions.

The Bishop has asked all clergy to take 3-5 days of personal retreat this year. The Conference will provide the literature and materials for the time away. Then he is asking us to prepare and preach a 4-6 week sermon series on Wesleyan rooted spiritual practices.

How do we share Jesus?

     Faith and Works.

     Gospel and Law.

     Both/And.

Allow the Holy Spirit to break your heart with people who are not like you.

Learn how to share your faith in Jesus. When people come to church, pay more attention to them than your friends.

Planting new churches.

Will the path of UMC remain in line with love not hate?

May want the Bishop to have a road map and he has a compass.

Regarding General Conference: In Africa, Philippines, and Europe, we have what he calls an adaptable Book of Discipline. He sees that there will be adaptable BOD for the United States as well which will allow us to remove the restrictive language regarding LGBTQ persons in the BOD.

We are to respect each other.

60% of the Cabinet Development Fund is going to Black/Hispanic/Latino resources.

Stewardship will be another focus. He has written books on stewardship and when you lose the love of possessions, you gain the love of God.



If you’ve got a loneliness problem, you’ve got to reorient.

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Bishop: “He’s serious!) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NRSV)

Pastor Cathy’s note: I was greatly encouraged to hear his message and I have tremendous hope for the future of the United Methodist Church.

God bless you!

Pastor Cathy

Rich and Ashby Pack

Flora Bradbury

Larry & Lynn Dykes

 Giovanni Luna & Barbara Hampton

Gary & Vicki Sexton

Alysia Catton & Fallon

Rich and Ashby Pack Joined at the 8:15 AM Traditional Service

Remaining New Members Joining at the 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service

Brian, Elise, Granddad, & Beth Pettitt

Tesslyn, Elise, & Pastor Cathy

Elise & Marlee

Custodial Work, Cleaning, Maintenance, etc.

We need help with cleaning the Sanctuary, bathrooms, vacuuming the floors, light maintenance work, etc. This is a paid position.

Alice In Wonderland: The Tea Party – February 23^rd-24^th.

·      Baking Cookies (including gluten-free)

·      Decorating and party planning

·      Help in the kitchen making sandwiches, etc.



Sunday, Funday Children’s Ministry

We are looking for volunteers to help wit the Children’s Ministry on Sundays immediately after worship; helping with crafts, teaching and snacks. You will need to complete the Child/Youth Protection Check. Please contact Caileigh Croft if interested. (386) 688-6659.

Accountant

Chuck McLendon will be moving soon. We are looking for someone to take care of the Shepherd’s Staff accounting system for the church and Preschool. This is a paid position for 15-16 hours per week. Please contact Flora Bradbury if interested. (407) 301-2325.

Coffee Hour

Everyone enjoys our Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings after the 8:15 AM and 10:15 AM services. We are looking for someone to help make the coffee and bring donuts at 7:00 AM every other Sunday. Please contact Lary Finch if you are interested. (407) 466-8103.

Serving Others with

Our Mercy Ministries

We have a large number of people in need who come to the Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for Bags of Love. A hot breakfast/lunch, bags of food items and gently used clothing are distributed on Tuesday and Thursday when those less-fortunate come for Bags of Love.

Our supply of gently used clothing is running low. There are several items that are in need at this time. Men’s casual pants and shorts sizes 32-34. Also, T-shirts, socks, and underwear for men and women are needed. Women’s clothing is always welcome as well as toiletries. All donations are greatly appreciated!

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 in helping or for a list of food items needed.

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.

Seeds of Hope is an organized group of churches and non-profit organizations in the St. Cloud community. First Church is a part of this group which works together providing services in the area.

Cold Night

FUMC of St Cloud houses the cold night shelter program during the winter. This is a community effort assisted by serveral local agencies.

When the temperature forecast is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for four hours, our church opens its doors to provide a nighttime refuge from the cold. We work with Osceola County Emergency Management Services, other county agencies and local churches to coordinate our Cold Night Program. Many volunteers are needed to set up, stay overnight with guests, cook breakfeast, and clean up.

We are thankful for Flo Shrum our Cold Night Shelter Coordinator. Please let us know if you can help this winter season!

Special thanks goes to Mitzi Graber Wynn for donating a "ton" of blankets for our friends in need and Cold Night program! Mitzi invites her neighbors over and asks them to bring blankets for those less fortunate.

What a blessing!

Join us for "Coffee Hour" between church services from 9:15 AM to 10 AM and after the 10:15 AM worship service in the Welcome Center. Our Welcome Center is located in the Annex at the front of the sanctuary to the left of the altar. Beverages and baked goods are served. It is a good time to get know your church family. It has become a very popular place to gather as more people participate. This is also where new visitors can get information about First Church St. Cloud and receive a first time gift. Donations and volunteers are welcome! Please contact the church office 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 in the Family Life Center from 5:15 to 6:00 PM followed by a fun activity.

Larry Finch has been regularly preparing wonderful meals for our church-wide Wednesday night dinner. Larry is highly involved with the sanctuary construction projects and has stepped away from the stove for a bit. We will miss his delicious meals and his cooking expertise.  

On January 10^th we enjoyed a delicious meal and played a lively game of Bingo or Bean-go. Our activity morphed into a game of Bean-go, yes Bean-go. Needing more markers, Myra opened a bag of beans and announced our game of Bean-go. Fun prizes were awarded at the shout of Bean-go. 

Our next Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner will be on February 14^th. Not only is this Valentine's Day but it is also Ash Wednesday. Please join us for a delicious meal of Lasagna, Ceasar Salad, French bread, Dessert and Coffee. The evening will be very inspirational with music from our choir. The Good News Ambassadors will share from their February repertoire which includes some favorite love songs. Pastors Cathy Thacker and Jim Kledis will give us a short recap of the tradition of observing Ash Wednesday and Lent. Hopefully we will have time to win some Valentine's Bingo prizes before dismissing to the sanctuary for the Ash Wednesday service @ 7:00 PM. 

Our amazing kitchen crew!

Marcia and Ron Adams

Lou, Pamella and Bobby,

Gary and Vicki Sexton

Fellowship Circle

The Fellowship Circle  (formerly Seasoned Souls) is a small group which 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 on the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of each month.

You may contact Myrna Lee at myrocket@juno.com for more information about how you can be a part of this ministry.

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. We welcome new members.



You may contact Renda Collins at rccollins10618@gmail.com to learn more about this small group.  

Circle of Light Luncheon at Village Inn

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

Smooth Stone Bible Study  is a bible study that meets in the Family Life Center (FLC) at 10:00 AM They are looking forward to learning more from the Bible and from each other. Smooth Stones Bible Study meets on the second and fourth Monday 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. This class is led by Kevin Knox.  For more information contact the church office.

The Genesis Sunday School Classes also meets on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:15 AM until 10:00 AM in the Family Life Center (FLC).

The Genesis Sunday School Class will soon be finishing up the study of the book, Half Truths by Adam Hamilton. Beginning on February 11^th the class will study and discuss several episodes of Season 3 of The Chosen.

Everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Larry Finch at Lfinch4945@aol.com or Pastor Jim.

Youth Sunday School led by Caileigh Croft is held on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 10 AM (Between Worship Services) in the youth room upstairs of the FLC.

Our youth meets at Starbucks for Coffee with Jesus every Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 PM.

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.

Plan ahead and sign up for Financial Peace!

Each Sunday FUMC of St. Cloud has two Worship Services. The Traditional Worship Service begins at 8:15 AM and the Blended Worship Service starts at 10:15 AM.

Mason Ash, Acolyte

This month's healing service will take place on February 11^th, at 11:30 AM in the Centennial Room (sanctuary annex, next to the Welcome Center.) Anyone who feels a need for physical or emotional healing is invited to come for personal prayer and anointing.

Your healing team also prays for absent healing requests. Anyone who wishes to be part of the healing team may call the church office. There are a couple of training sessions, which may be offered later if anyone is interested.

First Church has an active Drama Ministry that performs during the Worship Services and on special occasions.

The Drama Team recently shared a performance of the Wise Men (Magi) gifting the the young Jesus based on the story in the book of Matthew Chapter 2.

Come one, come all!

If you love performing, or are looking for a place to start, we are still looking for the following roles for our Alice in Wonderland event:

• King of Hearts
• Card Servers

Rehearsals are:

• Sunday, Feb. 4^th - 6:30 PM
• Monday, Feb. 5^th - 7:00 PM
• Friday, Feb. 9^th - 7:00 PM
• Monday, Feb.12^th - 7:00 PM
• Friday, Feb.16^th - 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Feb. 17^th - 7:00 PM
• Monday, Feb. 19^th - 7:00 PM
• Thursday, Feb. 22^nd - 7:00 PM

Performances are:

• Friday, Feb. 23^rd - 6:00 PM (cast call)/7:30 PM (start)
• Saturday, Feb. 24^th - 6:00 PM (cast call)/7:30 PM (start)

Contact Jim Stamberger at rfmaestro@comcast.net to be a part of our production!

All roles are volunteer based. Thanks!



PS-If you don't like to act but love to buy/bake, we are in need of freshly baked and/or Pepperidge Farm cookies!

We are also in need of non-heirloom tea cups and saucers. If you have any that we can borrow please let Jim know.

Volunteers are also needed as servers for the tea!

by Lou Murray, Choir Director

February brings Valentine's Day. Your choir will be taking the opportunity to sing some special love songs this month. We'll be performing your favorites at the church fellowship supper on February 14, so be prepared to sing along.

January was eventful for us, with outreach performances at three different community facilities.

We will be branding the choir as the Good News Ambassadors, spreading the joy beyond the doors of the church.

We welcome new members for the choir. Joining is easy: just show up at 7 PM on Wednesday night. We practice in the sanctuary.

I'm always open to comments and suggestions about the music.

Thanks for listening!

Chancel Choir - 8:15 AM Traditional Worship Service

Directed by Lou Murray

Worship Team - 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service

Directed by Scott Weyrauch

Handbell Choir

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

February 4 - Confirmation Classes begin

February 14 - Valentine's Day

February 14 - Ash Wednesday

February 14 - Wednesday Church-Wide Dinner ~ 5:15 PM

February 18 - Begin Daniel Plan - meeting following 10:15 Service

February 25 - Elmer's Kitchen - FUMCSC ~ 2:00 PM

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)
• Youth Sunday School ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM
• Coffee Hour (Annex off the Sanctuary) ~ 9:15 - 10:00 AM
• Blended Worship Service ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
• Healing Service - 2nd Sunday ~ 11:30 AM (Centennial Room)
• Newcomer's Luncheon ~ 3rd Sunday Quarterly, 11:30 AM
• Elmer's Kitchen ~ 2:00 - 3:00 PM (FUMCSC - 4th & 5th Sunday)
• Children's Ministry Funday Sunday ~ 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Monday

• Power Hour Prayer Group ~ 8:30 AM
• Fellowship Circle ~ 1st & 3rd Monday of the month ~ 10 AM
• Smooth Stones Bible Study ~ 2nd & 4th Monday of the month ~ 10:00 AM
• Trustees - 1st Monday of month - 7 PM
• 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 

Wednesday

• Circle of Light - Women's Group - 2nd Wednesday of each month 10:00 AM
• Coffee with Jesus for Youth ~ 2:15 PM @ Starbucks
• Youth Fellowship ~ 6:00 - 7:30 PM
• Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner ~ Beginning 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 : The Live Streaming of our Worship services is on YouTube. You can Subscribe to the First Church Saint Cloud on YouTube and will get regular notifications when we are live. Then, they are posted to the Church's FB page and to the Website. To view these online services use this link.

ttps://www.youtube.com/@FirstChurchStCloud/streams

You can easily access this from your computer, tablet, or Phone by using any Web Browser. Give it a try today!

www.firstchurchstcloud.org

February 2024 CHURCH NEWSLETTER

The children of FUMC of St. Cloud meet on Sunday mornings during the 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service after the Children's Moment for Children's Church. They also meet on Sundays at 11:30 AM for Sunday Funday. If you know of any children who would be interested in our children's program please contact Caileigh Croft, our Children's/Youth Ministry Director.

Our Youth Group meets each week on Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 PM at Starbuck's for Coffee with Jesus.

The Youth Fellowship meets on Wednesdays at 6 - 7:30 PM. If you know of a youth who would like to join this active group please contact our Children's/Youth Ministry Director, Caileigh Croft.

Wednesday Night Youth Fellowship

Our youth had a great time at Rock the Universe at Universal Studios. They attended both evenings Friday and Saturday on January 26^th and 27^th.

Youth at Rock the Universe on Friday, January 26^th

Youth at Rock the Universe on Saturday, January 27^th

Feb. 26 – Larry and Celia Finch

Note: We are working hard to keep our information accurate and regret if we have missed your birthday or anniversary. If you know of someone whom we have missed in this birthday or anniversary list please notify the Church Office.

The Word of Our Lord

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Staff Members & Email Addresses



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

Assistant Pastor: Jim Kledis - revjameskledis@gmail.com

Office/treasury: Joyce Perkins - treasurer@firstchurchstcloud.org

Office Manager: Flora Bradbury - admin@firstchurchstcloud.org

Streaming Technician: Ethan Bozzacca - lit10905@gmail.com

Communications Director: Dylan Barnes - dylan@firstchurchstcloud.org

Accountant: Chuck McLendon - clmclendon@aol.com

Children's/Youth Ministry Director: Caileigh Croft - croftcs02@gmail.com

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

Sound Technician: Emma Manvell - emma.manvell@gmail.com

Choir Director: Lou Murray - musicalou@inbox.com

Worship/Music Director: Scott Weyrauch - sweyrauch@mac.com

Blended Service Pianist: Leland Bailey - lelandbobailey@gmail.com

Drama Ministry Director: Jim Stamberger - onedapperguy@outlook.com

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

Case Manager: Flo Shrum - floshrum@gmail.com

Custodian: Al Rivera - alburs1960@gmail.com

Security: Juan Santiago - lovehohos@aol.com

Nursery Caregiver: Natalia Soto - natsoto825@gmail.com

First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud

1000 Ohio Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769

407.892.3128

www.FirstChurchStCloud.org