Ocala First Connection
May 5, 2020
Dear Ocala First Church Family,

We have some wonderful opportunities to connect and contribute as a church family over the next few weeks.

1 - Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12:00 pm, get online and share in a panel discussion on " Grief and Covid-19 ." Led by Jessica McCune of Hospice of Marion County and Steve Tweedle of Hiers-Baxley (along with Pastor Anne), the discussion will focus on how our community is grieving over isolation, missed family events, and the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19.

2 - Also on Wednesday, at 7:00 pm, we invite you to worship with us for our short mid-week time of singing and prayer: Evensong.

3 - This coming Sunday is Mother's Day and we are planning a special tribute video to all our mothers. See the graphic below about how you can participate!

4 - On Sunday, May 17, will will celebrate graduation Sunday with a special video tribute to all our seniors.

5 - Also on Sunday, May 17, we are holding a "Diaper Drive" for Interfaith. Volunteers will be waiting for you at the portico on the east side of the Family Life Center for your drop-off between 1 - 3 pm.

A few other notes:

  • Our Church's Pandemic Survey will close on Thursday at 12:00 pm. CLICK HERE to offer your feedback today.

  • The Florida Conference has formed a task force to work on guidelines for how to safely reopen and re-launch United Methodist churches in Florida. As you know the Bishop’s current guidelines are to have no public worship through May 15th and they anticipate offering another update this week. The task force wants to get some input from you (not sure when the survey closes). CLICK HERE to offer your feedback to the Conference-Wide Task Force.

  • Our Church Council is meeting this coming Thursday evening to discuss how and when to begin opening our campus back up again for in-person ministries. We will likely form our own task force to put together recommendations in response to the guidance we receive from the Annual Conference. We appreciate your continued prayers and patience as we move deliberately and cautiously through a complex set of discussions, guidelines and decisions.
 
We love you! We miss you! If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Blessings!
Pastors Anne and David Fuquay
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ONLINE STUDIES AND RESOURCES
FROM REV. RON MCCREARY

Through the Wilderness of COVID-19 with Jesus


Sitting with Job during COVID-19
FINANCIAL GIVING

We know that some in our congregation are experiencing illness. Others are dealing with job losses and lost income. We love you. We want to support you in every way possible. Please reach out if you need help. We will get through this pandemic together!

We know that just as some need to step back from financial giving in this time, others are able to step up their financial commitment. As you do so, we hope you discover the true joy of giving that makes a difference. Thank you!

During this time when we cannot gather in person, your offerings can be made online and though the mail. Your generosity helps sustain and strengthen the work and witness of our church!

Gifts can be mailed to the church office.
(1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, 34470)

You can also give online at any time!
PASTORAL CARE

If you need prayer or need to speak with our pastors or a member of our Care Team, please call the church office.

In-Person visitation is suspended for most care facilities, and we are all trying to practice social distancing to protect those most at risk from serious illness from Covid-19.

We will keep our prayer list updated. Our Pastors and Care Team will reach out with phone calls and notes.

We will provide in-person visits in an emergency.

All members are encouraged to check-in with one another regularly, particularly with those older members who are not online and may feel more isolated during this time.
LOOKING AHEAD

Given how rapidly things can change during a pandemic, our leadership and staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and adapt our plans as needed. We will keep you informed each step of the way.

Updates on our website:

Updates from the Florida Conference Website:
Visit our webpage for updates, sermon videos and more!
[352.622.3244]  [[email protected]]  [www.fumcocala.org]