This Week at First Church

Find out what's happening this week in the life of First Church!

FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Sunday, November 9, we celebrated the culmination of our HEART Stewardship season—a time to reflect on what it means to live generously and to invest our hearts in the mission of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.

As we look toward 2026, our Founders’ Year, we ask: What is God calling you to give to First Church in 2026? That gift might be your time, your energy, your creativity, or your financial support. Every offering helps us share God’s love throughout Pensacola.

If you were unable to join us in worship today or have not yet completed an Estimate of Giving card, please take a moment to do so by clicking HERE.

Your giving makes all our ministry possible—from serving young families and supporting outreach programs to nurturing the faith and care of our congregation.

You can automate or modify your weekly or monthly online giving HERE. Please contact Finance@FUMCPensacola.com with any questions.

Estimate of Giving Card

Midweek Fellowship Dinner

Wednesday, November 12 | 5:00 - 6:00pm | The Wright Place

Join us for a time of fellowship and delicious food, reconnect with old friends, and meet some new ones.This Week's Menu: Chicken Stew, Cornbread Biscuit, Salad, and Dessert. The cost of dinner is $10/Adult, $4/child, $27/Family Max.

Midweek Session 2
Wednesdays, through November 19

Join us as we kick-off session 2 of our Midweek classes. We will have two opportunities for study as well as programing for kids and students.

Reading Through Nehemiah

taught by Alex Brown

Wednesdays, through November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Room WP 233

Join me for a 7-week journey through the first half of Nehemiah! Each week, we’ll dive into one chapter, uncovering powerful truths and practical lessons from one of the Old Testament’s most inspiring leaders. Together, we’ll explore how Nehemiah’s story speaks to our lives today—and how we can live out those truths in meaningful ways. It’s going to be a rich, thought-provoking study.

A Study of Christian Art through the Lectionary

taught by Rev. Emily Kincaid and Rev. Brennan Peacock

Wednesdays, through November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Conference Room

Join us as we study scripture and how artists have interpreted God’s word through artistic expression throughout history. No book required.

Wednesday Walking Group

Wednesdays, through November 19 | 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.

Family Fun Night

Monday, November 10 | 5:00 - 7:00pm | Calverts in the Heights

Hey Families! Let's all gather for dinner together at Calverts in the Heights for fun and fellowship.

Church Office - Closed

Tuesday, November 11
The Church Office will be closed November 11 for Veteran’s Day.

Lunch Out: The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria – 4801 N 9th Ave

Thursday, November 13 | Please arrive @ 11:00am

Click HERE to Register

Join us for our monthly lunch outing with friends at The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria, owned by First Church members Ted & Deanna Lamarche. "Visiting Our Restaurant Will Fill You With Warmth And Put You In Food Heaven''. This unique and cozy pizza restaurant features a 2-ton, 500-degree, hardwood-fired oven made of brick, pumice and clay shipped straight from Italy. Register online or call the church office by November 11.

Coffee with the Pastors

Sunday, November 16 | 9:45am | Hospitality Suite, Lower Sanctuary

This small gathering is a chance for all those interested in joining First Church to get to know each other, ask questions of our clergy, and to find out more about the missions and ministries of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. Contact Lacey Adair at LAdair@FUMCPensacola.com for more information.

Student Sunday in Icon

Sunday, November 16 | 11:00am

Our youth will be taking over the Icon service on November 16! Everything aside from communion will be led by our youth. To sign up for a role, please sign-up here. The sermon will be brought to you by Jack McAuley.

Safe Sanctuaries Training
Sunday, November 16 | 12:00 - 2:00pm The Wright Place, Great Hall
Click HERE to Register

FUMC is offering a Safe Sanctuary training for all who volunteer in our children, youth, Serve the Hungry, Respite, Congregational Care, Disaster Relief teams and other ministries. Lunch will be provided. All volunteers are required to attend this session, unless their ministry coordinator has already trained them within the last year. Check with the staff person related to your ministry area if you have questions.

Tijuana Flats: Youth Choir Spirit Night

Monday, November 17 | 5:00 - 7:30pm | Tijuana Flats

Join us as we all gather at Tijuana Flats for an evening of fun and fundraising. Come anytime that evening, eat, visit and mention FUMC Youth Choir and Tijuana Flats will donate money.

GriefShare - Surviving the Holidays

Sunday, November 23 | 3:00 - 5:00pm | The Wright Place - Dining Hall

Click HERE to Register

For people grieving the loss of a loved one, the holiday season can feel hurtful and sad. They are faced with social gatherings, holiday cheer, and special traditions that have always involved their loved one. Whether the loss was recent or years ago, this season is a painful reminder that their loved one is no longer here to celebrate. While the holidays can intensify grief, GriefShare’s “Surviving the Holidays” will bring reassurance, practical advice, and a way forward through the season. Register online or with the church office by November 19.

Poinsettia Orders Open!

Click HERE to place order

You may honor, celebrate, or memorialize individuals or events by purchasing poinsettias for $14 each this Advent Season. Please register online no later than Sunday, December 14. Email Sarah Bullock Head (SHead@FUMCPensacola.com) with any questions.

WAYS TO GIVE & SERVE

Give & Serve this Advent Season

We invite you to explore the many opportunities we have to give and serve those in our community this season. All items below will be collected in the Activities Center through Sunday, December 7.

STARTING NOW!

Weekend Feeding Kids - Food Drive

Each year we have a food drive to support those experience food scarcity in our community. This year we will be collecting food for Weekend Feeding Kids. This FUMC ministry serves hungry children in our local schools. Each age group is asked to bring in the listed non-perishable items below by Sunday, December 7. We will prepare bags at our Breakfast with Santa event on December7. We will have designated drop-off bins at the GIVING CENTER in the Activities Center. Monetary donations are also appreciated and are used to purchase any items we don’t collect. Checks can be made payable to FUMC with the memo: Weekend Feeding Kids and turned in to the front office.

MCA Preschool: Packets of Ramen (No Cups), Box Mac-N-Cheese

Children: Cans of Soup (No Single Serve or Family Size), Canned Ravioli

Youth: Single Portion Snacks (Granola Bars, Crackers, Popcorn, Pretzels, Animal Crackers, Nuts)

Adults: Single Serve Packets of Grits and Oatmeal, Breakfast Bars

Serving the Hungry – Shoe Drive

Our Serving the Hungry Ministry provides hot meals twice a week to community members experiencing food insecurity. We also offer clothing and toiletries to help meet essential needs. As the winter months approach, we are collecting new or gently used men’s shoes (sizes 6-12) — no sandals, please — to help keep our friends warm and comfortable. Please bring your donations to the GIVING CENTER in the Activities Center by Sunday, December 7. Thank you for your generosity and compassion!

STARTING NOVEMBER 16!

Angel Tree

Click HERE to Sign Up Online

The Angel Tree returns on Sunday, November 16! Children from N.B. Cook, Milk and Honey, and some of the most needy children in our local area are included on our tree this year. Each child will have two angels placed on the tree: one for their clothing needs and one for their interests, likes, and toys. The tree will be set up in the church office starting Sunday, November 16. You can pick your own angel from the tree (no need to register online), OR you can register online and one will be chosen for you. All angels must be signed out and returned with unwrapped gifts to the GIVING CENTER in the Activities Center, no later than Sunday, December 7. The difference our congregation makes in the lives of our Angel Tree participants each year is extraordinary, and we are thrilled to set up the tree again! Please get in touch with Sarah Bullock-Head in the church office with any questions. SHead@FUMCPensacola.com (850) 432-1434

“Be a Santa to a Senior” Tree

Click HERE to Sign Up Online

The “Be a Santa to a Senior” Tree returns on Sunday, November 16! For many seniors, the holiday season can be a difficult time of year marked by loneliness and depression. Home Instead leads this annual program by partnering with community organizations that work with seniors. They identify the needs of seniors who may not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. For the fifth year, First Church is hosting a tree with bulbs that include gift needs and wishes from seniors in the Pensacola area. Last year we supported 150 seniors in our area, and were the largest host in Pensacola for this annual national program! The “Be a Santa to a Senior” Tree will be set up in the church office starting on Sunday, November 16. You can pick your own bulb from the tree (no need to register online), OR you can register online and one will be chosen for you. All bulbs must be signed out and returned with unwrapped gifts to the GIVING CENTER in the Activities Center, no later than Sunday, December 7. Please contact Sarah Bullock-Head in the church office with any questions. SHead@FUMCPensacola.com (850) 432-1434.

Night to Shine 2026

FUMC is hosting Night to Shine Saturday, February 7, 2026. Volunteers are needed. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation. It's a night centered on sharing love with people ages 14 and older with special needs. Volunteers are needed to serve as a guest's buddy, members of the red carpet paparazzi, hype crew to keep the enthusiasm up on the dance floor and to serve food, there is something for everyone. To volunteer at Night to Shine, please register and complete our form for a background check. Click HERE to sign up to volunteer. If you have any questions, email PensacolaNTSVolunteer@gmail.com.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

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).

IN MEMORIAM

Loved ones who have died:

We offer our christian love and sympathy to:

Denise Russell on the death of her father George Russell. George died October 31, 2025 in Virginia.

CELEBRATIONS

We would like to extend our love to Whitney Heer as she moves to Japan. Whitney serves in the Navy and has been stationed here in Pensacola twice. She is excited to explore someplace else besides Florida!

SUNDAYS AT FIRST CHURCH

Three Weekly Worship Services

8:30 & 11:00am Traditional Services | Main Sanctuary

11:00am ICON Service (Contemporary) | Wesley Abbey

Online Worship

8:30, 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 & Sunday Evening Youth

Sundays | 4:30 - 7:00pm | Choir Room & Youth Building

MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES

Session 2: October 8 - November 19

KidConnect (for K–5th Grade)

Wednesdays | 3:00–5:15pm | Starts in Wesley Abbey | Register Online

Mid-Week Dinner

Wednesdays | 5:00 – 6:00pm | The Wright Place

November 5: Chili, Grilled Cheese, Green Salad, and Dessert

November 12; Chicken Stew, Cornbread Biscuit, Salad, and Dessert

November 19: Roasted turkey with BBQ Glaze, Carrot Souffle, Yeast Roll, Peas and Pearl Onions, and Dessert

November 26: No Dinner due to Thanksgiving Break

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays | 6:00 - 7:30pm | Choir Room

Nursery

Wednesdays | 5:30-7:00pm | Education Building

Reading Through Nehemiah

Wednesdays, October 8 - November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Room WP 233

Wednesday Walking Group

Wednesdays, October 8 - November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm

A Study of Christian Art through the Lectionary

Wednesdays, October 8 - November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Conference Room

First Kids: Midweek (for Preschool - 5th Grade)

Wednesdays | 5:50 - 7:00pm | Gym, Education Building

First Students: Midweek (for 6th - 12th Grade)

Wednesdays | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Youth Building

DAILY READINGS

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 1. Read the Bible each week. It will be a blessing.

November 10 - 15

Monday: Psalm 80; Neh. 9:1-15(16-25); Rev. 18:1-8; Matt. 15:1-20

Tuesday: Psalm 78:1-39; Neh. 9:26-38; Rev. 18:9-20; Matt. 15:21-28

Wednesday: Psalm 119:97-120; Neh. 7:73b--8:3, 5-18; Rev. 18:21-24; Matt. 15:29-39

Thursday:: Psalm [83] or 23, 27; 1 Macc. 1:1-28; Rev. 19:1-10; Matt. 16:1-12

Friday: Psalm 88; 1 Macc. 1:41-63; Rev. 19:11-16; Matt. 16:13-20

Saturday: Psalm 87, 90; 1 Macc. 2:1-28; Rev. 20:1-6; Matt. 16:21-28

Next Sunday's Scriptures (November 16):

Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19