Find out what's happening this week in the life of First Church! | | |
KidConnect (for K-5th Grade)
Wednesdays | 3:00 - 5:15pm | Start in Wesley Abbey
Kids in Kindergarten through 5th Grade are invited for worship, classes, choir, and connection each Wednesday.
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Midweek at First Church: Dinner & Programming
Wednesday, September 30 | 5:00 – 7:00pm
Fellowship Dinner | 5:00 - 6:00pm: This week's menu: Beef Stroganoff with Egg
Noodles, Pat’s Salad, Yeast Roll, Dessert. Kids may choose PB&J, fruit, and chips. $10/adult, $4/child, $27 family max.
Pastor's Bible Study | 6:00 - 7:00pm: Join Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Lentz for As Yourself, a seven-week study (through September 30) on loving God, neighbor, and self. Books available at the front desk or purchase on Amazon HERE.
Adult Choir Rehearsals | 6:00 - 7:30pm: All adults are welcome to rehearse with the Sanctuary Choir. No experience required.
Nursery is available for infants up to 2 years old for parents attending class and choir practice. No registration required.
First Kids Mid-Week | 5:45 - 7:00pm: Preschool and elementary children will enjoy a devotion, fellowship, and gym play. Drop-off is in the gym.
First Students Mid-Week | 6:00 - 7:00pm: Youth gather in the Youth Building for worship, games, and study.
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Game Day with Lunch
Monday, September 28 | 10:30am - 12:30pm | The Wright Place | $10
Join us for a fun-filled time of fellowship with friends. Do you enjoy playing games or want to learn how to play a new game? We are excited to begin "Game Day" in the Wright Place where you can choose from a variety of games to play such as Dominoes, Yahtzee, Chess and more! Did you know that playing games boost cognitive health, improve memory, reduce stress and foster social connections? Lunch will be provided. Feel free to bring your family and friends!
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October is Clergy Appreciation Month
Throughout October, stop by the church office to leave a card or note of appreciation for Rev. Emily Kincaid, Rev. Brennan Peacock, Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Lentz, Rev. Lauren Cowan, and Rev. Dr. Rick Branch.
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Music & Worship Arts Dedication Sunday
Sunday, October 4 | 8:30 & 11:00am Main Sanctuary and ICON at 11:00am
Join us for a celebratory Sunday as we worship together in song and dedicate the musicians of First Church to the glory of God. Our children, tween, youth, handbell, and adult choirs will share music alongside the Perdido Brass during our Main Sanctuary services, while the ICON Worship Band leads worship in ICON. Together, we’ll celebrate the many voices, instruments, and people who help lead our church in worship.
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New Young Adult Small Group
Sundays, Starting October 4 | 9:45 - 10:45am | Consulate, Room 201
Calling all college students, grad students, singles, young professionals, and married
young adults! Grab a coffee and join us on Sunday mornings, starting October 4. Whether you’re hitting the books, launching your career, or building a family, this relaxed gathering is the perfect opportunity to caffeinate and catch up with your fellow young adults. Contact Abby Lynn Kuba (850-530-3372) for more info.
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First Students: Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 4 | 5:30 - 7:30pm | Cost: $32
Click HERE to Register
In honor of the first Sunday Funday of Spooky Season, First Students are heading to History & Hauntings for their Pensacola Most Haunted Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt! Using a mobile app and directed ghost hunting equipment, students will solve clues and complete fun challenges throughout Historic Pensacola. Youth Choir will still meet at 4:30pm and youth will be fed supper in the youth building before heading to the scavenger hunt. Please sign up by Friday, October 2nd!
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Wednesday Walking Group
Wednesdays, Starting October 7 - November 4 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm
All are welcome to join this multi-generational walking group as we explore downtown Pensacola. We will meet, weather permitting, in front of the Administration building at 6:00pm. Contact Denise Van Atta (DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com) for more information.
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Pastor's Mid-Week Lectionary Study
Wednesdays, October 7 - November 4 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | The Wright Place
Mid-Week continues through October! Join Pastors Geoffrey, Brennan, and Emily for a five-week lectionary-based Bible study on Wednesday evenings. Each week, we’ll take a conversational look at the Scripture passage that will be preached the following Sunday, offering space for reflection, questions, and deeper understanding.
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Lunch Out - Cactus Cantina
Thursday, October 8 | 11:30am | 5121 N 12th Ave
Join us for our monthly lunch outing with friends at Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill. We will enjoy fellowship and fresh Mexican cuisine in a private banquet room. The menu includes a variety of Mexican dishes to choose from and includes their made fresh daily, thin and crispy chips and salsa. Feel free to bring your family and friends!
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First Church Halloween Bash
Sunday, October 25 | 5:00 - 6:00pm | Activities Center
Children and families can visit decorated tables for treats while enjoying crafts, games,
costume contests, and more at this all-ages event hosted by First Students. Pulled pork
sandwiches, hot dogs, fruit, chips, and drinks will be available for a donation.
Want to host a table? Register below. Each registration includes one 6-foot table. Hosts should provide treats, keep decorations G-rated, and arrive by 4:30pm to set up. A prize will be awarded for the best-decorated table!
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Unplugged Women's Retreat
Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27, 2027 | Destin Beach, FL
Step away from the noise and reconnect with what matters most. Unplugged is a refreshing women’s retreat, at the Embassy Suites in Destin Beach, hosted by First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. This retreat offers a space to rest, reflect, and renew your heart through intentional time with God. We welcome, guest speaker, Rev. Jennifer Precht. Jennifer serves as Pastor of Spring Hill Avenue United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL. Additionally, she serves as one of six New Ministry Cultivators working to plant and revitalize churches within the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. Jennifer is married to Rev. Michael Precht, Senior Pastor of Fairhope United Methodist Church, and they have three children at home.
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Serve Together
Serve Together is how we live out our calling at First Church — by using our gifts to serve God, one another, and our community. Throughout the year, opportunities are available both inside our church and beyond our walls, and we regularly share an updated Immediate Needs list highlighting where help is most needed right now. Serving is not a one-time event but an ongoing part of life at First Church. Whether you’re already serving or looking for a place to begin, there is a next step for you in this season.
Next Steps:
• Review the Immediate Needs List and Ongoing Opportunities Booklet
• Choose a role that fits your availability and gifts
• Reach out to the ministry leader listed to get connected
The most current opportunities are always available at FUMCPensacola.com/Serve.
Featured Immediate Needs:
RESPITE VOLUNTEER
Need: Three volunteers to serve on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 9:30am–2:00pm.
Why It Matters: Help us welcome new participants from our waitlist and spark joy through art, music, games, movement, and friendship. You’ll enjoy laughter, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose along the way.
Contact: Kirstin Gartner | KGartner@FUMCPensacola.com
THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEER
Need: 2 Volunteers (Wednesdays, 12:00 – 5:00pm; 2-hour shifts)
Why It Matters: Volunteers help meet practical needs in our community and support the church’s mission by sorting, organizing, stocking donations, and assisting customers.
Contact: Dani Russell | DRussell@fumcpensacola.com
SERVING THE HUNGRY VOLUNTEER
Need: 3 Kitchen Volunteers (Mondays and/or Thursdays, 8:00 – 10:30am and/or 10:30am -12:30pm)
Why It Matters: These volunteers prepare hot meals that allow us to serve those in need in our community.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
PRESCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPER
Need: Volunteers to serve once or twice a month, 9:30 – 10:45am
Why It Matters: Help our funny, energetic 3- and 4-year-olds feel welcomed, loved, and at home in their church.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
UNITED MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER
Need: Volunteers to serve off campus at United Ministries, a ministry partner of First Church, assisting with phone calls and helping older adults complete applications for assistance.
Why It Matters: United Ministries helps local families facing financial crises with rent, mortgage, and utility bills. As more older adults seek help, your patience and guidance can make the application process less overwhelming and help neighbors pursue assistance that supports safe housing and stability.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@FUMCPensacola.com
BRIGHT BRIDGE MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER
Need: Two volunteers to prepare and serve lunch off campus at Bright Bridge Ministries, a ministry partner of First Church, on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:30am –12:30pm.
Why It Matters: Bright Bridge Ministries provides meals, housing support, and recovery resources for neighbors experiencing hunger, homelessness, and other hardships. Your help offers guests a nourishing meal, a warm welcome, and personal connection while putting our church’s commitment to loving our neighbors into action.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@FUMCPensacola.com
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If you would like to add an announcement or purchase flowers, please contact: Ginger Raines at GRaines@FUMCPensacola.com. NOTICE: The cost for our Sunday Flower arrangements has increased from $130.00 to $165.00 ($82.50 each).
FLOWERS
September 27: Given in celebration of Hank and Karen's 46th wedding anniversary on September 27/
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Four Weekly Worship Services
8:30 & 11:00am Traditional Services | Main Sanctuary
11:00am ICON Service (Modern) | The Upper Room
9:00am Beulah Service (Modern) | 6200 West Nine Mile Road
Online Worship
8:30, 9:00am (Beulah),11:00am, and ICON at 11:00am
Facebook & FUMCPensacola.com
Nursery
8:30am – Noon | 1st Floor, Education Building
Available for Infant - 4 years old. Click HERE for more info.
Adult Sunday School
9:45 – 10:45am | Click HERE for more info.
First Students: Sunday School (6th to 12th grade)
9:45 – 10:45am | Youth Building
First Kids: Sunday School (Preschool to 5th Grade)
9:45 – 10:45am | Education Building
The Consulate Café
9:00 – 11:00am | The Consulate
Youth Choir & Youth Group
4:30 - 7:00pm
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Commit this season to reading scripture each day. It's good practice. If you don’t already have a daily devotion, the scriptures below are designed to expand the range of biblical reading in worship and personal devotion. You can find them in the bulletin each week. The Daily Readings are taken from “The Daily Office Lectionary” in The Book of Common Prayer, Year 2. Read the Bible each week. It will be a blessing.
Proper 21
September 27 - October 3
Monday: Psalm 89:1-18; Hosea 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11
Tuesday: Psalm 97, 99, [100]; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26
Wednesday: Psalm 101, 109:1-30; Hosea 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39
Thursday: Psalm 105:1-22; Hosea 5:8--6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11
Friday: Psalm 102; Hosea 10:1-15; Acts 21:37--22:16; Luke 6:12-26
Saturday: Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-13; Hosea 11:1-9; Acts 22:17-29; Luke 6:27-38
Next Sunday's Scriptures (October 4):
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
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First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.
FUMCPensacola.com
850-432-1434 | 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
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