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First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud
November 2023 Newsletter
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From the Desk of Pastor Cathy | |
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Dear friends!
This month we focus on Gratitude and Thanksgiving and we are right around the corner to Advent! We have much to be thankful for! Our Annual Charge Conference was held on Saturday, October 22nd where we celebrated 24 new members including 2 Confirmands and 4 baptisms! We are making progress on the electrical and AC work bids for the Sanctuary. This past year we have hired new staff members, had 54 children for Hero Hotline Vacation Bible School, have wonderful Wednesday night dinners & activities, have an excellent preschool with 54 students, went to St. Simon’s Island for Confirmation Retreat, had average worship attendance of 138 in person and 100 online, and served an average of 200 meals per week to those in need in our community through Bags of Love and Elmer’s Kitchen! We also sent a mission team to Costa Rica!
Our Stewardship series will be Gratitude on November 5th and November 12th. Our Commitment Sunday will be November 12th where we will receive our pledges to support the mission and ministries of our church for 2024 and Time and Talent Commitment Sheets. Our Stewardship theme is “Magnify the Mission”. Each person will receive a special gift when you come! Please prayerfully consider your part in God’s vision for our church.
Our leadership and staff spent time with Rev. Dr. Gary Spencer in September and arrived at the following items for our 2024 Vision/Planning: 1) Sanctuary remodel, 2)Contemporary Worship Services/Drama Ministries/Communications, 3)Youth and Children’s Ministries. 2024 will be a great year as we reach new folks with the good news of Jesus Christ!
So, thank you for all you do! It is a joy and blessing to serve with you as we follow Jesus Christ! We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful to be your Pastor!
Cathy
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Thanksgiving 2022
Mark, Rusty, Sara, Pastor Cathy, Opal,
Sadie & Caleb
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Pastor Cathy on the Journeys of Paul Cruise
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Visiting sights in Thessaloniki | | |
Pastor Cathy and friends in Istanbul | |
Adam Hamilton Speaking in Philippi | | |
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Pastor Cathy and Pastor Adam Hamilton | |
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We are still looking for a group of people who enjoy taking pictures and videos. We would like to use pictures and videos to promote our church. If God is calling you to this ministry, please contact
Pastor Jim - revjameskledis@gmail.com or call 407-979-3012.
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Dear Faithful Followers of Christ,
I wish to thank you for your kindness this past October for Pastor's Appreciation Month. It is a joy to serve Jesus with Pastor Cathy and all of you. You have made me feel a part of your family.
Peace,
Pastor Jim
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First Church membership is growing! | | |
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Kevin & Sheree Kitzmiller | |
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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 on Tuesday 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. A hot meal-to-go is served.
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.
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A Message From Donna Regn | |
Bags of love is working hard to help those in need. There are several items that are needed at this time. Men’s pants and shorts sizes 32-34. (Not dress pants, but every day wear.) Also, T-shirts, socks, and underwear for men and women are needed. Women’s clothing is usually donated but recently we are not getting much. Deodorant, bug spray, small size shampoos, conditioners and lotions are also in demand. Other churches and organizations help by donating to Bags of Love also. The Moose Lodge always provides toothpaste, toothbrushes and other toiletries. All donations are greatly appreciated! God has been faithful in providing the things we need. Thank you so much for all that you as a church do for this ministry. The people we serve are extremely grateful! | |
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. | |
Click on the image above to go directly to the Bags of Love Store page. | |
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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: Jehovah Jireh Community Church
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. We are thankful for Flo Shrum our Cold Night Shelter Coordinator. As the temperature cools we will be preparing for the 2023/2024 Cold Night Season.
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Thanksgiving Community Meal
First Church St. Cloud is a caring church! Once again we will be serving the community with a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. To make this happen we need donations of food and volunteers to prepare the meal and serve the less-fortunate. If you are interested in helping please contact the church office. We are in need of 10 turkeys (thawed), 5 hams, instant mashed potatoes (big boxes), milk, I can't Believe it's Not Butter, No 10 cans of green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Monetary donation are also accepted and greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your generosity!
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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 alter. 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 October 11th we enjoyed a delicious meal followed by an exciting game of Bunco.
Our next Wednesday Night Dinner will be held on November 8th . Our menu will be a traditional Holiday Turkey Dinner. Please make plans to join us for a delicious meal followed by a game of "Thanksgiving Bingo," which is a twist on traditional Bingo.
Also, we'll share in the opportunity to make Christmas ornaments for the clients of the Council on Aging Daycare program. On November 8th you may pick up a kit to make a manger scene ornament at the dinner or later in the church office. This is a "do at home project" and you will bring your finished ornament to the December Wednesday Night Dinner on December 13th.
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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.
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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 at rccollins10618@gmail.com to learn more about this small group.
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Reaching New People, in New Places, in New Ways | |
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.) The Genesis Sunday School class is currently studying Adam Hamilton's book, " When Christians Get It Wrong."
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. | |
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 November 8 | |
This month's healing service will be November 12, at 11:30 AM, in the Centennial Room (Sanctuary Annex, next to the Welcome Center.) Anyone in need of physical or emotional healing is welcome to come for personal prayer and anointing. Anyone who wishes to join the healing team may contact the church office for more information. | | |
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First Church has an active Drama Ministry that performs during the Worship Services and on special occasions.
Several members of the drama team recently performed a skit about the stoning of the women caught in adultery.
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by Lou Murray, Choir Director
Decades ago, I watched an episode of “60 Minutes” featuring an interview with Bobby McFerrin (the “Don't Worry – Be Happy” guy, in case you're not familiar.) The interviewer asked, “Bobby, what motivates you? Why do you do your music?” He gave the most simple, most beautiful answer I've ever heard:
“I'm a born-again Christian, and I just want to share my joy.”
Your choir shares the joy every Sunday morning at first service.
In addition, we've started going out to share the joy with the
community. Pictured here is the choir performing for an
enthusiastic crowd at the Council on Aging, October 13. Don't
think those elderly people don't know how to clap – and sing
along!
Many thanks to Elise Pettitt for videotaping part of the
performance. I hope to do some more recording and produce a
video that church staff can post to Youtube and feature on the
church website. Who knows, it might motivate a couple of other
singers to join us. (And Elise is looking to sing a solo at one of
our services in November, so prepare to be blessed!)
We'll be singing a different song list in November, as we go out
to perform at various gatherings. We're also working on a half
hour presentation of Christmas music for December, which we'll
sing at the monthly dinner at church, as well as performing for
outside gatherings.
We're always looking for more singers and vocal or instrumental
guest soloists. It's easy to participate: join us at 7pm Wednesday
evenings for choir practice in the sanctuary.
I'm always open to comments or suggestions regarding the
music.
Thanks for listening!
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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
November 8 - Wednesday Church-Wide Dinner ~ 5:15 PM
November 12 - Commitment Sunday
November 23 - Thanksgiving Day (Church Office Closed)
November 23 - Thanksgiving Community Meal
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 - 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 using any Web Browser. Give it a try today!
www.firstchurchstcloud.org
or scan the QR Code
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NOTE: Rob Morgan has been working very hard on updating the Church Website. The pilot is looking very good and it will be live very soon. | |
In our visioning and leadership planning session Social Media Outreach was one of the top four concerns by both staff and leaders. As a result of that meeting, Rob Morgan, Pastor Jim Kledis, and Elise Pettitt are now on the Social Media Team. We hope to have more of a presence on Instagram. Young people will first look online before they attend a church in person. We are very excited about communicating in this way. | |
November 2023 CHURCH NEWSLETTER | |
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October was a busy month at the preschool with Fire Safety and Community helpers. November will be busy too! This month the children will be learning about being thankful and giving unto others. We will be collecting food items for our Bags of Love Ministry, which feeds those who are homeless or in need.
The children ended the month of October celebrating “harvest” by parading around the campus as their favorite Storybook character on 10/30. Jim and Eileen Zetwo donated treat bags for all the children. The Zetwo’s have adopted our school children and they provide special treats for them for every holiday. We love Jim and Eileen and are very thankful for their donations and love. Photos of this event can be seen next month! 😊
School will be closed for Thanksgiving break 11/20 – 11/23. Classes will resume on Monday, 11/27. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families!
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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Kloud Gusching 2nd Birthday Party Invitation
All parents and children are invited to Kloud's second birthday celebration at Cannery Park in St. Cloud. Please RSVP if you are planning on attending.
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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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Friendsgiving
A Friendsgiving is being planned for the youth to be held on Wednesday, November 15th from 6:00-8:00PM to celebrate everything we are thankful for!
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Children and Youth Having Fun at the Third
Annual Trunk or Treat
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On October 25th we had Trunk or Treat for our church and the community. It was a HUGE success! We had over 200 people throughout the 2 hours and at least 100 kids! It was truly joy! | |
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Nov. 2 - Sonny Dorsey
Nov. 2 - Pastor Cathy Thacker
Nov. 3 - Steven Kirsch
Nov. 8 - Vincent Kirsch
Nov. 9 – Audrey Fisk
Nov. 9 – Sabrina Brooks
Nov. 10 - Kloud Gusching
Nov. 15 - Carol Teyssier
Nov. 16 – Diana Walls
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Nov. 19 – Ace Morgan
Nov. 20 - Bob Dixon
Nov. 22 - Betty Driskell
Nov. 23 - Chuck Perkins
Nov. 25 – Dianne Schoolfield
Nov. 25 – Sophia Spivey
Nov. 26 - Megan Phelps
Nov. 29 – Brooke Flaherty
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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
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4
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