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First United Methodist Church St. Cloud
January 2024 Newsletter
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From the Desk of Pastor Cathy | |
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Dear friends and family of FUMC SC!
Happy New Year! I look forward to 2024 and all God is calling us to do in the community and around the world! On Sunday, January 7 we will begin the year with the Baptism of Jesus. Then our new sermon series will be “The Best Ever!” and we will hear how we can be The Best Ever! Church, You, Marriage, Family and Service. In our first message, The Best Ever! Church, we will celebrate what God has done in 2023 and what God will do in 2024. We will have our 2023 Ministries PowerPoint presentation.
We have been blessed to be a part of the joys and ministries of 2023. Here are some of the highlights of our life and ministry shared together: Passionate Worship: Average worship attendance of 149 in person in two services and 82 online for a total of 231 per week; Community Easter Sunrise Service at the lakefront; Christmas Concert with 82 people; Christmas Eve services with Candlelighting and Live Nativity with 236 in worship; Children’s Church.
Radical Hospitality: 23 new members (5 baptisms; 2 Confirmands; 2 Adult Professions of Faith; and 18 transfers; 1 Reaffirmation of Faith) Quarterly Newcomer’s Luncheons; Hero Hotline Vacation Bible School with 54 children and 30 volunteers; Monthly church wide dinners with 40 people and painting classes, BINGO & BUNCO games; 105 Thanksgiving meals and 85 Christmas breakfast meals served.
Salty Service: Weekly Elmer’s Kitchen meals serving 100 meals; Weekly Bags of Love serving 150 meals; 9 people to Costa Rica on mission; Donations of food, clothing, to those in our community. Intentional Discipleship: Virtual adult Sunday School class and one in person Adult Sunday school class; Tuesday evening Bible study classes; Wednesday night Youth Group; Sunday FunDay for Children; 56 children in our Preschool!
Extravagant Generosity: 100% ($18,737) of apportionments paid. Gifts to those in need in the community estimated at $4,558; Our Christmas Eve offering for Bags of Love ministry; Donations received YTD of $373,708 (through 12/17/2023); We took 21 poinsettias to our shut-ins.
Our goals for 2024 are to 1) Start a Contemporary Worship Service in the Family Life Center. 2) Drama ministry. 3) Reach out to young adults and rework our social media. 4) We will install new electrical wiring and HVAC in the Sanctuary; We have truly been blessed this year and we thank you so much! We have an excellent staff, and I am so thankful for them! We thank you for your generous gifts and faithfulness! 2024 will be the best year yet!
I am blessed to be your Pastor!
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Back row: Rusty, Ben, Phil Christian, Bronson Christian, Collin Christian,
Bob Gray, Opal, Sadie Reiter
Front row: Caleb Reiter, Sara Reiter, Pastor Cathy, Karen Gray, Mark Reiter
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
One of "Christmas at the Movies" Sermons
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The Grinch made a special appearance to greet everyone in worship during the Christmas at the Movies Sermon Series.
He is pictured here with Julie Johnston Leverett.
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Flora Bradbury Autobiography | |
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I’m Flora Bradbury, and I serve as Office Manager alongside the office staff team at FUMC St. Cloud.
I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan whereby I spent a portion of my childhood years with my three siblings growing up on a 75-acre farm. My fondest memories of those years were at Christmas time when my dad would take me into the farm woodlands to find the perfect family Christmas tree. It was a long walk from the woodlands back to the farmhouse pulling our Christmas tree on a family made sled that my father and my brothers built. Mom was always waiting for us to return to the farmhouse where she had hot chocolate with marshmallows awaiting. Being from a small-town area, I attended a 2-room school where two grade levels were taught in each room. It was challenging at times to learn in such a small environment, but the teachers were wonderful and caring and made sure we all succeeded. It was also when I was introduced as a child to the United Methodist Church of which I continually embraced throughout my up bringing by being involved in various youth groups and church events.
I was brought up in a military family. My father served 25 years in the US Coast Guard as a Chief Petty Officer. I moved around quite a bit as a young military child but always remained active in local church activities. Some of the highlights of moving and relocating was that I experienced living in an historical lighthouse-based home overlooking Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan. Each day I would take the long walk down the pier catwalk behind our home to visit my dad who was working in the lighthouse watching over the ships in the harbor to keep them safe as they passed through the local ports. Today the lighthouse home is a maritime museum for the public to tour.
Upon moving from Michigan my father was deployed to Oahu, Hawaii for 3 years. During my time in Hawaii, I began to learn, appreciate, and experience diversity of cultures. I made many new friends, loved going to school each day, learned to make beautiful leis of flowers, and even learned to dance the hula. Back then, going to church on Sunday’s was mostly outdoors and going barefoot.
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Once my father was deployed back to mainland US my family home was based in Framingham, Massachusetts and then eventually to beautiful Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where I continued my education through junior grades and high school. My family was very actively involved within the Osterville United Methodist church on Cape Cod.
I relocated to Florida in the 1980’s whereby I continued my career path in office management administration and then eventually Human Resources Management working for regional start-up companies such as Sub-Zero Inc., and Merlin Entertainments.
I have been a resident of Saint Cloud for many years. In March 2023 I was introduced to FUMCSC as a volunteer for Bags of Love. In September 2023 I assisted as needed in the church office and in mid-November 2023 I became an employee of the church office team.
In my spare time I enjoy taking walks on the beach and at local lakes as well as pursuing hobbies in interior design and home gardening.
My upbringing in the Methodist church along with my rewarding career has taught me the meaning of understanding, caring for others, and serving the community. I am blessed to be a part of the FUMC mission in serving God and loving others.
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Welcome Dylan Barnes
We are very happy to announce that Dylan Barnes will be joining our staff as Communications Director. Dylan is married to Carly. They have two children, Kyton and Tesslynn. Dylan has worked at the Holy Land Experience and is currently the Communications Coordinator at Discovery Church. He will also be on staff at First Church St. Cloud as a part-time staff member.
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Jim Stamberger Joins Our Staff
We are pleased to announce that Jim Stamberger will be coming onboard as a staff member. He has been working with our drama team for over a year. Jim is married to Ruth and they have one daughter, Rebecca and two granddaughters. He will be retiring from Universal Studios in January of 2024.
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On December 10th Elvin and Alyssa Montalvo's two children, Marlee and Grayson were baptised at FUMCCSC. Marlee is a student in our preschool. Abigail Calderon was also baptised with Marlee and Grayson. | |
Montalvo and Calderon Family | |
FUMC Preschool Director, Denise Dunn with Marlee and Grayson | |
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Serving Others with
Our Mercy Ministries
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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.
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Once Again Crabby Bill's Donated Hams and Turkeys | |
We are very thankful for Crabby Bill's Restaurant and their generosity. We were able to give several less fortunate families in our community a turkey or ham for their holiday meal. | |
Community Christmas Breakfast | |
It was a wonderful breakfast with Jesus! Thanks for all the volunteers that came in. Ten turkeys and four hams were given out, plus boxes of food. The breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage, biscuit, ham and hash browns with juice and milk plus coffee . We'd like to give a special thanks to Dave Daniels who cooked this wonderful meal. Dave is a great man of this ministry who has been working throughout the 7 years. A big thanks to all of the other ladies and gentlemen who volunteered. | |
Our guests were very appreciative! | |
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. | |
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Elmer's Kitchen
FUMC of St Cloud serves as the host site of Elmer’s Meal Kitchen, partnering with the St. Cloud Ministerial Association. Each Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Family Life Center, a free nutritious meal is distributed to the unemployed or underemployed by a different church or local group as a to-go meal.
First Sunday of month: First Presbyterian Church of St. Cloud
Second Sunday of month: Alternating
Boy Scout Troop #192 & St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Third Sunday of month: Soul City Church
Fourth Sunday of month: FUMC of St. Cloud
Fifth Sunday of month: FUMC of St. Cloud Youth & Adults
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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!
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There have been serveral upgrades to the campus of First Church. | |
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Volunteers helped out during Trustee Work Day.
They planted new shrubs and laid new mulch.
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Workers installing the new lettering on the Family Life Center Buiding | |
Finished Lettering on the Side Entrace to the Family Life Center | |
A New Directional Sign Was Erected | |
A New Desk For the Sound Room in the Balcony Was Installed | |
Coffee Hour on Sunday Mornings in the Welcome Center | |
Join us for "coffee hour" between church services from 9:15 to 10 AM located 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. Rhys Bibeau and Larry Dykes are your hosts each week. 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 from 5:15 to 6:00 PM followed by a fun activity.
On December 13th we enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner of ham and all the fixings. The choir shared a holiday program and sing-along, while those who prefered to be artistic went upstairs in the children's room to paint a nativity scene picture. Everyone had a festive time whether they sang-along to the music or demonstrated their artistic talent.
Our next Wednesday Night Church-Wide Dinner will be on January 10th. Please join us for a delicious meal and fun activity.
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Lou Murray, Jim Stamberger, & Pastor Jim | |
Flora, Chuck, Kellie, & a neighbor | |
Mark, Terry, Myrna, Roger, & Veranna | |
Ron, Joyce, Marcie, & Ron | |
Ruth, Cathy, Cherile, Holly, & Kevin | |
Caleb, Karla, John, Donna, & Cherile | |
Painting a Nativity Scene | |
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 1st and 3rd 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.
Fellowship Circle coordinated the decorating of the sactuary for the Advent season. Several volunteers joined the group.
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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 2nd 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.
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Circle of Light Luncheon at Village Inn | |
Ladies Group Christmas Party | |
The ladies of First Church St. Cloud got together for a group Christmas Party. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time. | |
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. | |
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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
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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. | |
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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).
During the first two Sundays in December the class explored the "Star of Bethlem" led by Beth & Brian Petitt.
Beginning on January 7th the Genesis Sunday School Class will be studying a new book, Half Truths by Adam Hamilton.
Everyone is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Larry Finch at Lfinch4945@aol.com or Pastor Jim.
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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. | |
Healing Service on January 14 | |
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This month's healing service will take place on January 14th, 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.
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First Church has an active Drama Ministry that performs during the Worship Services and on special occasions.
During Advent the Drama Team shared stories during the lighting of the Advent Candles.
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Above: Dylan and Rebecca presented the candle of Joy on December 17th
Side top: Jennifer Rojas presented the canle of Hope on December 3rd
Side middle: Jim Stamberger presenting the candle of Peace on December 10th
Side lower: Mason Ash Presenting the candle of Love on December 24th
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On Chistmas Eve First Church had three services. During the 8:15 AM service Mason Ash presented Love and lit the last Advent candle.
During the 5:00 PM Family Friendly Candle Lighting Service our children enacted the story of Jesus' birth. At the end of the service the congregation exited the sanctuay singing Joy to the World with lit candles to view the live nativity that the children presented outdoors.
During the 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service a scene of Mary and Jesus as an adult was acted out by Caileigh Croft and Jimmy Clement. Following the Candle Lighting Sevice the congregation exited the sancturay with lit candles to view the Drama Team presentation of a live nativity with Caileigh Croft and J.P. Clement portraying Mary and Joseph.
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Beautiful Candle Lit Sanctuary | |
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The First United Methodist Drama team is going to have an evening of Entertainment in a Tea Setting. We will be presenting this on Friday, January 26th and Saturday, 27th at 7:00 PM. Join us for a fun filled experience as you watch scenes from Alice in Wonderland, presented in between traditional tea servings. This is open to the public so if you know someone who might enjoy this event, please share this with them. Proceeds will support the Drama Team's Ministry. Please watch our Website, the Sunday Bulletins, and our Social Media Accounts for more information or contact Jim Stamberger, Drama Director.
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by Lou Murray, Choir Director
We welcome back Joyce Perkins, who is singing with us again after an extended absence.
In December your choir not only provided music for the traditional Sunday services, but also did
performances at Council on Aging, Kissimmee Health and Rehab, and the December 13th fellowship supper in the Family Life Center.
Many thanks to Diana Walls and Rob Morgan, who accented our choral music in December with some handbell parts. We received compliments on that, and I plan to do some special arrangements in
future to include the bells from time to time.
We look forward to representing First UMC by performing at community facilities and events in 2024. 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!
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Our choirs performed a Christmas Concert on December 17th. | |
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Chancel Choir - 8:15 AM Traditional Worship Service
Directed by Lou Murray
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Worship Team - 10:15 AM Blended Worship Service
Directed by Scott Weyrauch
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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
January 1 - New Year's Day
Janurary 8 - Trustee's Meeting (Virtual/In person @ 23 Adams Ave., Kissimmee) ~ 7:00 PM
January 8 - Staff Meeting (Dinner served @ 930 Oak Shore Dr., St. Cloud) ~ 6:00 PM
January 10 - Church-Wide Dinner (FLC) ~ 5:15 PM
January 11 - SPRC Meeting ~ 7:00 PM
January 15 - Martin Luther King Day
January 18 - Finance Committee Meeting ~ 7:00 PM
January 21 - Newcomer's Luncheon (FLC)~ 11:30 AM
January 25 - Church Council Meeting ~ 7:00 PM
January 26 & 27 - Alice in Wonderland Tea ~ 7:00 PM
January 28 - 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
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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
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We have a Revised Design for our Church Website!
We have updated the design to improve access and provide even more information. You’ll find details like:
- Information for someone new
- Church staff, history, membership, and contact information
- Children, Youth, and Adult ministries and education opportunities
- Our Service and outreach ministries like “Bags of Love”
- Music, Drama, Congregational care
- Recent news, newsletters, and upcoming events
- Links to Livestreams, Giving & Preschool websites
- And a new feature: submit private or public Prayer requests
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You can easily access this from your computer, tablet, or Phone by using any Web Browser. Give it a try today!
www.firstchurchstcloud.org
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January 2024 CHURCH NEWSLETTER | |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Only four months left of school! This school year is moving too quickly!! December brought Jesus’ birthday, bright lights, glitter, handmade gifts, and tons of singing and laughter to our classrooms! The children and teachers were blessed with goodies and gifts from Jim and Eileen Zetwo. We are so very thankful for them.
I am so proud of the tremendous job the children did singing at our Christmas program! They worked extremely hard, and I am proud of all of them. Our hearts were full of everything Christ’s birth brings—Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope. Our Basket Bingo raised $1000! Santa Claus came to visit for some milk and muffins! You may recognize him… 😊
This month, the children will be learning about Winter and Polar Animals. The Bible story is Joseph and His Colorful Coat. Our Bible verse is Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the Highest.” We will begin Open Registration for the 2024-2025 school year with an Open House on January 18th.
Follow us on Facebook to see day to day activities and happenings around the school.
www.facebook.com/firstumcpreschoolstcloud
Smiles,
Ms. Denise
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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 5 - 6:30 PM for Funday Sunday. If you know of any children who would be interested in our Children's Ministry please let Elise Pettitt, our Children's Ministry Director know. | |
Elise Pettitt, Our Children's Ministry Director Leading the Children's Moment at the Blended Worship Service | |
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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 Youth Ministry Director, Caileigh Croft.
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Our youth celebrated Christmas with a party on Wednesday, December 6th. Everyone had a great time making gingerbread houses. They also had fun playing games and decorating each other. | |
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January 1 - Annalise Olson
January 3 - Cole Allison
January 3 – Katie Dixon
January 3 – Donna Regn
January 3 - Joseph Ortiz
January 7 – Ron Walls
January 9 – Bob Nye
January 10 – Christopher Donis
January 10 – Carol Dorsey
January 10 – Judith Schmidt
January 10 – Dorothy McIntosh
January 13 – Karen Roper
January 15 – Mackenzie Stott
January 17 – Brianna Lovejoy
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January 18 – Chuck McLendon
January 18 – Althea Lee
January 18 – Ruth Mosher
January 20 – Joe Alison
January 20 – James Dunn
January 21 – Nancy Tarrer
January 21 – Drew Smith
January 21 – Melissa Sherman
January 21 – Nancy Tarrer
January 25 – Gillian Biggers
January 26 – Caleb Miller
January 27 – Lou Murray
January 29 – David Ochs
January 31 – Rijean Smith
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Jan. 3 – Bob and Ruth Nye
Jan. 12 - Richard and Carol Fortner
Jan. 19 – Rob and Janice Mogan
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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. | |
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The Word of Our Lord
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
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