THE INCOMING TIDE

Weekly News & Updates

 

October 30th, 2026

November 2026 - Week 1

 

We Need To Clean Up the Patch on Sunday November 1st.


Please come back or stay after church next Sunday, November 1st to help clean up the Pumpkin Patch. The City of Port Orange is insisting that we remove all structures/fence/and decorations on that day to be in compliance of the permit. We’ll order pizza/salad for all that stay to help. 

 
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Order Your Holiday Pumpkin Bread



This is your final opportunity to order your Pumpkin Bread for the holidays. Order in the lobby, visit firstchurchpo.org or Click the Button Below. . You have until Nov. 11th to order. Pick up is Nov. 15th at church services only!

 

Christine's Blankets Christmas Blanket Drive


Give the gift of comfort this Christmas season to families and individuals suffering from homelessness. Donate a new Christmas themed or colored blanket. For more info and a list of drop off locations, hit the button below.

Dinner Church is Back Again


It’s time again for dinner church! November, a time of thanksgiving, is just around the corner. We are thankful for everyone who has participated each month this year! Please plan to attend Tuesday November 3rd, and bring your family and friends to Chili’s off Dunlawton for a time of food, fun & fellowship. Let’s come together and give thanks for all the Lord’s blessings!

Check out the Thrift Boutique for your Thanksgiving and Christmas entertainment and decorating needs! Switch out your old décor and bring home something new to you! And, while you’re there, take a look at the furniture and refresh your wardrobe.

Shoe Drive Results



The Changemaker$ Ministry has received the final figures and payment for our Shoe Drive held over the summer. Our original goal was to collect 100 bags of shoes (2500 pairs) to receive free shipping and $1000.00. Our final count was 171 bags (4275 pairs) totaling 4316 pounds of shoes. Shoes given new life and kept out of our landfill. We received $2158 for the shoes plus another $100 donation from an individual who did not have shoes to donate but wanted to give. Our grand total was $2258 for an event that required no Church funding! We want to extend our gratitude to all who participated and helped us surpass our goal. God Bless!

 
 

Mission I'm Possible Update


Mission Update: While your generosity has been fueling our mission and the church bus is getting closer to the other side of the lake, we need you to finish the mission strong.

 

Friendsgiving Potluck


We are so thankful for our First Church friends and family (“framily”). Please join us at 4p on Sunday, November 15th for our annual Friendsgiving Feast! Bring a dish to share or let Ms. Suzi know if you’d like to be on the “Turkey Team”.

 

You're Invited to our All-Church Town Hall Meeting


Exciting things are happening at First Church, and we want you to be part of the conversation! Join us on Tuesday, November 10, from 7:00-8:30 PM in Hanstine Hall for an inspiring evening of vision, updates, and celebration as we share important news about upcoming ministry plans and the next steps in our Vision140 Journey.


This is more than an update. It's an opportunity to see how God is moving in and through our church, learn where He is leading us next, and unite together around the mission He has called us to fulfill. Whether you've been here for years or are new to First Church, your presence matters.

Come be informed. Come be encouraged. Come be inspired by all that God is doing among us. We can't wait to gather together as one church family and look ahead to an exciting future!


Mark your calendar and join us for this special evening! Email Linda at the button below.

 

The Food Pantry Thanks You First Church


As of Oct. 28th, our food pantry has assisted 108 people, (69 Adults, 39 children)! We could not have done that without your generosity! Helping that many people, our food pantry is running a bit low. The food pantry can always use peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, pasta, ramen noodles, canned spaghetti and sauce, tuna, shelf sustainable milk, crackers, and cereal. Thank you to everyone who has generously supplied items for the food pantry. Our food pantry patrons greatly appreciate it!

 

Get Ready for The Volusia Basket Brigade


First Church has committed to filling 20 boxes for the Volusia Basket Brigade. Empty Boxes can be picked up at the First Church Office, ReMax Signature, Axiom Bank, Space Coast Credit Union, LaBosco’s Jewelry Castle, and any Publix. Drop off locations will be Space Coast Credit Union, LaBosco’s Jewelry Castle, McKenna’s Port Orange, the Tax Collector’s office and Gary Yeoman’s Ford starting Nov. 12, 2026.

 

The Next Musical Theater Outing is Coming.


We have 38 people going to the 2:00 matinee of Fiddler on the Roof at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Nov 8. Our group tickets have all been purchased, but you can still book directly with the Center. If you'd like to pack a light lunch, we can eat together in the hall before leaving, but we will board the bus at 1:15. If you're driving yourself, make sure you have your ticket….see you there!

 

Lay Servant Class Information Below


The next LAY SERVANT CLASS will be via Zoom on 6 consecutive Saturday's starting 11/7 and concluding on 12/12. The Class is entitled, LIVING OUR BELIEFS. Cost if $5 plus purchase of the text book, "The United Methodist Way: Living our Beliefs" available through Amazon. A brochure with detailed information is in the information pocket along the foyer church wall on the right as you come into the church, OR, you can call Hank Lunsford at 941 284 3241 for more detailed information.

 

Sing Noel: A Christmas Cantata on December 6th


Join us on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM for Sing Noel, an extraordinary holiday performance presented jointly by the combined choirs of First Church PO and Coronado United Methodist Church, accompanied by a live orchestra. 


Reimagining the beloved tradition of the Service of Lessons and Carols, this special evening replaces traditional scriptural lessons with centuries of sacred English poetry. Together, music and verse will intertwine, pairing rich hymn texts with some of the most radiant literary gems of the Christmas season. 


Come experience the warmth, wonder, and majesty of the holidays through choral harmony, orchestral beauty, and timeless poetic reflection. All are welcome to join us for this captivating celebration!

 

High School Seniors Scholarships Available


Applications for the 2027 Florida Lions District 35-PO Youth Exchange Scholarships are now available. The scholarship has increased to $1,500 for 10 students. Scholarships are available for seniors in public, private, and home school in the counties listed on the application. Scholarships may be for Academic or Vocational training. Application form is at: https://www.district35o.com/yestf-scholarship or see Hank Lunsford.

 

NEW HIGHER INTEREST RATES

See Below

Benefit from a High-Yield Savings By Investing with the Foundation.


The Florida United Methodist Foundation’s Development Fund is a savings and loan fund established by the foundation in 1976. Its mission is to help Florida United Methodist churches and faith-based agencies and nonprofits have a reliable, readily available and affordable source of loan funds for renovation projects, new construction and loan refinancing.


ANY individual, church, school, business or agency can invest in the Development Fund with a minimum investment of $100. The foundation uses the fund’s accumulated assets to offer low-interest loans for new construction, expansion and maintenance. At the same time, investors earn a competitive annual interest rate.


Since its launch, the foundation has loaned hundreds of millions of dollars to churches and agencies across Florida with no defaults.

 

Planned Giving with the Florida United Methodist Foundation


Planned giving is a way to continue a lifetime of generosity and support vital ministries for years to come. Donors can arrange to give an asset now or sometime in the future, often receiving immediate financial benefits. At the same time, donors are able to make a lasting impact on the ministries they value most.

The Florida United Methodist Foundation is available to help you determine the gift options that are best for you and establish your planned gifts. It also administers funds for Florida Conference churches and agencies.

 

VISITOR PARKING SPACES:



Remember, if you’re able, please leave the green visitor parking spaces near the church doors for first time visitors.

 

Get the Incoming Tide in your email every Friday!

SUNDAY WORSHIP IS

OFFERED ONLINE

9:00AM TRADITIONAL & 11:00AM CONTEMPORARY.

Click a button below to watch our Sunday morning Services at 9am or 11am.

Keep The Dates:

PATCH CLEAN UP: November 1, 2026



2027 IMPORTANT DATES

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2027: June 7-11, 2027

WARREN WILLIS SUMMER CAMP 2027: June 14-19, 2027

APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT 2027: June 26-July 3, 2027

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