As we enter the second week of October, we wanted to draw a couple new opportunities to your attention.

The first is a new Zoom study group beginning October 22, facilitated by The Rev. Ron McCreary:

The subject of privilege and lack of privilege has arisen in our American society. Privilege is not simply a social or political issue - it is also a faith issue. The Bible speaks often of privilege and its effects. The purpose of this short-term Zoom group is to help participants assess their privilege in light of their faith in a non-judgmental setting and in light of Scripture. The sessions are intended as a tool for awareness and growth. The only book needed is a Bible.

The second is a Grief Support Zoom Group beginning on October 20. The 6-month (and counting) global pandemic gives us an entirely new dimension of grief. We invite you to join this short-term Zoom group to recognize and name the various losses in your life. We will also learn together how to navigate through our grief and to experience joy in the midst of loss.

Finally, we look forward to sharing worship with you again this Sunday! We will be sharing online worship with you live at 9 am and 11 am, and we look forward to our NEW outdoor service at 6:00 pm on Sunday night! (see details below).

We are also beginning a new series this coming Sunday:

We are continuing to track the Covid-19 numbers in Marion County. We will share more about our future plans next week!

Be encouraged! Be in prayer for one another! Stay connected!

Pastors Anne and David

(in case of rain, join us online)

For those coming to the 6:00 pm Outdoor service, we ask that you follow our Covenant outlined below. Here is what you need to know:

Our Pastor's Bible Study meets each Wednesday at 6:00 pm on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82538661057)

This ongoing study does not require advance sign-up or the purchase of a book. All are welcome any time!

We want to encourage you with study and inspiration, and help you stay committed to your faith journey in an increasingly busy and distracted world.

Check out Amplify Media, available on the web, as well as apps for your smart phone, tablet and TV (search for Amplify Media in the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Roku Channel Store).

In the graphic below, you will see the steps you need to take to access for free our church channel on Amplify Media. In addition to all the great resources, you will find our recent worship services and sermon series!

Channel URL: https://my.amplifymedia.com/ocalafirstumcocalafl

Congregation Access Code: SHXKDM

This year's theme for Family Ministries is "Partnering with Parents". We are here to support you, encourage you and help you guide your children through this great big world of faith. We know your life is busy and sometimes it all seems too much. So going forward this year, we are here for you and will continue to support your faith and your child's faith. 

Each week we send out a newsletter from Treehouse Kids and Treehouse Kids Jr. If you would like to receive the weekly news from our Family Ministries' Team, contact Shannon Vianello. (352.622.3244) or shannon.vianello@gmail.com.

Check out the latest news from Rooted Youth Ministry online!

You can stay up to date with what's happening at Youth Group by opting in for our text updates! Text @rootedymm for Middle School or @rootedymh for High School to 81010 to get our Remind alerts!⁠

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!

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