First United Methodist Church - 72 Lake Morton Dr - Lakeland, FL 33801

Sunday, July 4

WORSHIP

We begin a new series today "Soul Reset." We'll explore how self reflection and practices can keep us centered on God instead of 'burn out.' 8:15 Worship on the Front Lawn Bring a chair and enjoy worshiping outdoors Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith will lead 8:15am and 11am, Sanctuary 9:30am, Fellowship Center Rev. David McEntire  Soul Reset: How Is It With Your Soul Matthew 11:28-30

11am, Fellowship Center Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith  Soul Reset: How Is It With Your Soul Matthew 11:28-30

If you have not been vaccinated, we require that masks be worn.

Hospitalized (As of June 28) Debbie Dettmer, Lenore Foss, Eleanor Gardner and Michelle Price Deaths Bill Stephens, June 23 Walter Collins, June 27

INVITE

Church Wide BBQ Dinner Wednesday, July 14, 5:30 - 7:30pm Fellowship Center: $8/13 and up; $4/children The purpose of the dinner, which is open to all is to encourage the sharing of our faith. At 6pm, we will join a Webinar with Dr. Robert Tuttle and Bishop Ken Carter. They will be talking about a chapter from the Bishops new book, "God Will Make a Way." Reservations This story is about a genuine and nonthreatening time of sharing faith and the impact it had on a gentleman who unexpectedly joined Ken and Bob for lunch. The story, which reflects the amazing and natural witness of Bob Tuttle, will help stir and motivate our own witness to the love of God.

Coffee with the Pastors July 11, 5-6:30pm, Large Conference Room Interested in Membership? Join us for Coffee with the Pastors and a light supper to learn more about First United Methodist, our vision and how you can be part of our community. You will get to know our pastors and learn what it means to be a member of our church. We will meet in the Large Conference Room of the Administrative Building. We will also offer this gathering via zoom. Whether attending in person or via zoom, you need to register to receive information and materials about joining the church and Zoom credentials.  Registration. Questions, please email Diana

You are invited to join a Zoom-based discussion of William Paul Young’s novel The Shack, Thursdays at 6:30pm. In this work of fiction, a man is invited to spend a weekend with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. His notions of the Trinity and his preconceptions about religion and Christianity are challenged, and he begins the process of healing several traumatic emotional wounds he has sustained in his life. Together the group will explore the theological themes of the novel. For more information and the link to join the Zoom, email Warren.

GROW

For Questions and information regarding our Children's events, contact Cristi Moore Mid Summer Bash Registration Now Open for July 2 9-11am! Open to children who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 5. Time to have some fun and reconnect with each other. There will be some wacky games, snacks, crafts and more. Masks will be required and class sizes will be limited. Sign up now to ensure your spot. Visit here to register now.   Children’s 9:30 Sunday School Reservations Now Open for July 11 Classes are offered for Toddlers - Grade 5. Masks required for adults and children Kindergarten and older. weekly reservations will be required as class size will be limited for social distancing.         Never Miss Sunday School Again! Here is a great way for your child to keep up with Sunday School when they are not able to attend in person. You can access this any time during the week here.  There are rooms for each age level that include Bible stories, activities, games, devotions and much more. For more information, contact Cristi Moore.

Contact Stephanie Keen for questions and information regarding out Youth Department. No Youth Group this Sunday, July 4 Enjoy Indepence Day Please make plans to join us next Sunday, July 11 with our new Youth Director, Emily Felgenhauer

For more information, Links or Zoom Credentials, contact Warren, Director of Adult Education (863)696-3163x227. BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind One To Another) 9:30am in room C-207. You may also join online or via Conference Call to (863) 250-1152. We welcome Rev. doug Hallman during the month of July. Genesis: 9:30am in room C-202 and via Zoom. Email Diana for the Zoom link. Homebuilders: 9:30am via Conference Call to (863) 250-1141 or online (email Warren for link). The call opens at 9:15am. Rev. Brian Tiffany teaches from the Standard Lesson Series Bible study. July 4 is "Attitude of Gratitude." Koinonia: 9:30am in room C-205 and via Zoom. The class welcomes all who desire to grow in their love of God and neighbor. July 4 the class will explore the Hindu faith and practices. Rev. Terry Heck teaches. Searchers: 9:30am in room C-206 and via Zoom. The Searchers class is open to all who are searching for Christian community. They are exploring the book Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith by Tom Berlin. Dr. Linda Comer is leading. Videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media. Sendero: 9:30am in room C-204 and via Zoom.The class is studying Renegade Gospel, a book by pastor Mike Slaughter, with Jim Cottrell facilitating. Vanguard: 9:30am in room C-207, via Conference Call to (863) 250-1038 or online. This class uses the Adult Bible Studies series. July’s theme is “The People Next Door” exploring the theme of neighbor. Bible texts come from Proverbs, Leviticus, Ruth, the Gospels and Acts. Rev. Charles Polstra is teaching. Supplemental videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media.

SERVE

For information on Mission opportunities or questions, contact Forrest, Director of Mission Ministries

Costa Rica Info Session July 11 (after the 11am worship service) Fellowship Center Come find out more about our January 8-15, 2022, mission team to serve with Costa Rica Mission Projects. This team is open to anyone age 16 and older. We expect to be doing light construction work and working with children at the CRMP child development center.

Our Next Monthly Food Collection Sunday, July 11, from 1-4PM Missions Depot on the Vistabula Street We collect food monthly for our migrant ministry partners and for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). Note: After the July 11 collection we will move to 1-4pm on the first Sunday each month to coincide once again with communion Sunday. You may also drop donations in the blue collection bins on campus during regular office hours or on Sunday mornings. Volunteers at First United will sort donations. You do not need to separate items. VISTE requests the boxed foods donations only: Pasta, Instant or scalloped potatoes, Cake Mixes, Muffin mixes, Crackers (Saltines, Ritz), Oatmeal and Breakfast cereals. Mulberry UMC and Called to Serve Farmworkers request: provide only requested items and NO glass jars. Rice (maximum 12-pound bags), Dried Beans (pinto and black, maximum 12-pound bags, no cans), Maseca flour, Spaghetti sauce, Peanut butter, Canned tuna and chicken, Vienna sausage, Canned veggies (especially corn), Jiffy Cornbread mix and Breakfast cereals

Spiritual Connections: Supporting People Living with Dementia and Their Families at First United Methodist Church Tips for Celebrating the Fourth of July with Your Loved One Living with Dementia   Without a doubt, the loudest holiday of the year is fast approaching. As we celebrate Independence Day on Sunday, families will gather for reunions, parades, pool parties, backyard bar-b-ques, picnics, baseball, apple pie and the traditional display of fireworks. This year, due to the preventative measures necessary last year due to COVID19, gatherings for this year’s Fourth of July celebration are expected to be “bigger and better.” Below are tips to keep the holiday safe and fun as your family plans the day and how to include your loved one living with dementia by modifying activities. Maintain your daily routine as much as possible to minimize confusion and anxiety for your loved one. Have your loved one help with decorations, table setting or any other task that would be meaningful.  Avoid large functions and loud fireworks. Dress in light cotton, wear a hat, and have sunblock if you do outdoor activities.  If you do attend a public function, stay close to your family member. Even if he/she has never wandered, the noise and unfamiliar setting may trigger a need for your family member to leave the event and walk home. Stay hydrated! Have plenty of water on hand. Place a lawn chair in the shade for your loved one if you plan family gathers. Have family members visit your loved one rather than having your loved one walk around and socialize. Also, having the “visiting spot” near the house for easier access to the bathroom may be helpful. Plan functions during the best part of the day for your loved one. If he/she experiences more anxiety late in the day, schedule a noon day event rather than a late afternoon. Plan a traditional July 4th meal. This will be more familiar to your loved one and have your family member help with meal prep as much as possible. Brief family members with tips on engaging with your family member. If it has been a while since the family has been together, there may be some significant changes in your loved one that will concern them.  Encourage your family members to include your loved one in activities with support. Remind your family member and friends that your loved one cannot be expected to remember past events. Have realistic expectations to avoid disappointments. Stay in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the holiday together.   If you would like to learn more about dementia, need support as a caregiver or interested in learning how you can be a part of our Memory Ministry, please contact Vicky

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