OCALA FIRST CONNECTION
March 2021
CONGREGATION UPDATES
Our Ash Wednesday Service will be held today in the Sanctuary at 6:00 PM. We hope you will join us for this service of reflection as we begin the season of Lent.

Nursery is available for children 6 weeks to 4 years of age. Kids in VPK to 5th Grade can join Wednesday Night Treehouse Kids for the evening. Please go to Room 19 for check-in!
CAKE AUCTION AND CHILI COOK-OFF
We had a blast at the Cake Auction and Chili Cook-Off on Sunday!
Thank you to everyone who brought cakes and chili, organized and set up, and came out to the event. We ended up raising $2700 (after expenses) to send our kids and youth to Warren Willis Camp this summer!

Congrats to our Chili Cook-Off Winners!
1st Place - The Harper Family
2nd Place - The Spencer Family
3rd Place - The Caruthers Family
Pastor Anne on Renewal Leave

Pastor Anne Fuquay is on renewal leave from Tuesday, February 15 through Thursday, March 31. This time is set apart for her as an extended Sabbath time for spiritual renewal and rest. Pastor David Fuquay will continue to provide leadership at Ocala First UMC during Pastor Anne’s renewal leave. 

How to reach Pastor David:
  • By phone: (352) 622-3244, ext. 130. Please leave a message if he is not in the office as he can access his phone messages remotely.
  • By email: david@fumcocala.org
  • By text: 352.816.8312

Pastor David is in the office Tuesday through Friday. You can reach him by phone/text/email over the weekend. Monday is his Sabbath day (available for emergencies only).
Condolences to Patti Kent and family upon the death of her husband, Bob Kent on February 18, 2022. A funeral service will be held for Bob on Sunday, March 6th at 2 pm in the Sanctuary.
THE BIBLE YEAR
Upcoming Sermon Series
March Reading Calendar
(Click to download)
The Bible Year Small Groups
  • Pastor’s Bible Study on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm (in the FLC or on Zoom)
  • Friends Sunday School Class on Sundays at 10 am (Room #31)
  • Ocala FUMC The Bible Year Small Group on Facebook
Other Resources
MISSIONS AND SERVICE
BLESSING BOX MINISTRY
A Blessing Box is a love offering filled with carefully chosen
groceries and packed with Christian care and concern. It is a special blessing offered to those in need, as requested and shared by you.

March 6th is Food Collection Day!
We need your help to launch the Blessing Box Ministry! Please bring what you are able from the list above to worship on Sunday morning.
FAMILY MINISTRIES
TREEHOUSE KIDS
Check out the latest news from the Treehouse!

There will be no Treehouse Kids on Wednesday, March 16th! Enjoy your Spring Break!
ROOTED YOUTH MINISTRY
6th-12th Grades

Check out the latest news from the Youth Group!
Please pray for our Confirmands!
Please keep our confirmands in your prayers: Chase Davidson, Peter Grigas, Seth Hyde, Joel Labrador, and Megan Viscione.
OCALA FIRST PRESCHOOL
TRIKE-A-THON
Pedaling for a Purpose

Ocala First Preschool is looking for sponsors for our upcoming Trike-A-Thon! Our sponsor levels are as follows: Peddlers, Training Wheels and Unicycles ($50.00, $100.00, and $200.00 respectively). 

While our per lap/lump sum monies go directly to the classroom in the form of curriculum and furniture each year for our Trike-A-Thon, we have identified a need to raise monies specifically for our Scholarship program. OFP offers scholarships to families that are at need. Through an application process, scholarships are offered to families that may be experiencing hardships (both short and long term). Our scholarships are offered to in coming and current families alike.  

As a sponsor you will receive recognition during our event on our Winner’s Circle poster and then your family name or business name will be displayed on a large banner in our preschool courtyard.

If you would be willing to be a sponsor, please contact bderiso@fumcocala.org!
MUSIC MINISTRIES
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
Upcoming Special Music:
  • March 6 - Handbells
  • March 13 - Emily Heumann
  • March 20 - Floyd Hickman
  • March 27 - Kristine Nolasco, cello
  • April 3 - Handbell duet
FIND US ONLINE!
Visit our webpage for updates, sermon videos and more!
[352.622.3244]  [info@fumcocala.org]  [www.fumcocala.org]