Find out what's happening this week in the life of First Church! | | |
Epiphany Concert
Tuesday, January 6 | 7:00pm | Main Sanctuary
Join us for a very special last concert of the season, “Journey to the Manger”, featuring local musicians from area churches. Featuring: Libby Kephart Hargrave, Mitzi Holt, Laura M. Young, Sam Waite, Ty LoVette, Heidi Branch, Jennifer DelGallo Taylor, Rick Branch with Zoe Hoffman, Neko Yotov, Vivian Simmons, and Mary Foster Leidner. With special guests Jordan Benson and Grant Schmidt. A love offering will be taken. Proceeds go to the FUMC Music Ministry.
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KidConnect (for K-5th Grade)
Wednesdays, starting January 7 | 3:00 - 5:15pm | Start in Wesley Abbey
Register Online
All children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade are invited to join us for KidConnect, our midweek connection time filled with worship, classes, and choir! Each week from 3:00–4:25pm, kids will gather for worship, enjoy their selected classes, and connect with friends. From 4:30–5:15pm, children may participate in our Elementary Choir/Music program. When registering, kids will choose from a variety of class options, with more details available during registration, including:
- Big Games
- Discovery Lab
- Crafty Corner
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Sewing (limited class; preference given to 3rd–5th graders)
- Bey Blades & Board Games
Parents may drop off children in Wesley Hall and pick up at 5:15pm in the Activities Center. Families are then invited to Family Dinner from 5:15–6:00pm. From 6:00 - 7:00pm, parents can attend classes while kids continue their fun in the gym. (See First Kids: Midweek for more details.)
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Midweek Activities
Our Midweek Activities will kick back off on Wednesday, January 7, We will have a FREE Spaghetti dinner from 5:00 - 6:00pm and activities for all ages starting at 6:00pm.
Fellowship Dinner
Wednesdays | 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. The cost of dinner will be $10/Adult, $4/child, $27/Family Max.
Pastor’s Mid-Week Lectionary Study
Wednesdays, January 7 - February 11 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | The Wright Place
Join Pastors Geoffrey, Brennan, and Emily for a six-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.
Weekly Schedule:
• January 7 – Matthew 3:13 - 17
• January 14 – John 1:29 - 42
• January 21 – Matthew 4:12 -23
• January 28 – Matthew 5:1 -12
• February 4 – Matthew 5:13 -20
• February 11 – Matthew 17:1 - 9
First Kids: MidWeek (for Preschool–5th Grade)
Wednesdays | 5:50 - 7:00pm | Gym, Ed. Building
After dinner, this Wednesday evening program is a great time of fellowship and faith building for Preschoolers and Elementary kids. Each age group will have a devotion/story and play time while parents enjoy a class and fellowship with others. Drop-off and pick-up is in the gym.
First Students: Mid-Week (for 6th – 12th Grade)
Wednesdays, Starting January 7 | 6:00 – 7:00pm | Youth Building
Students, 6th to 12th Grade, are invited to the Youth Building for fellowship, games, learning, and worship on Wednesday evenings.
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50 Forward: Lunch Out - Scenic Hills Country Club
Thursday, January 8 | 11:30am
Click HERE to Register by January 6
Join us for Lunch Out and fellowship at Scenic Hills Country Club, where tradition meets southern charm. Serving Pensacola, FL since 1958, this semi-private golf club boasts superb facilities and a warm, welcoming experience for the community. The Grille Restaurant offers a variety of savory appetizers and classic entrees.
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ICON Relaunch
Sunday, January 11 | 11:00am | The Upper Room
Celebrate the 17th anniversary of ICON as we relaunch this beloved service in its beautiful new home — The Upper Room, a newly renovated worship space featuring a night-sky mural by a local artist and modern stained-glass windows telling the story of creation.
January 11 is a meaningful moment for our entire church. For those who regularly worship at ICON, this is a long-awaited homecoming—your presence helps set the tone for worship and welcome. For others across our congregation, this relaunch is an opportunity to support ICON by inviting friends, praying for those who will attend, and helping ensure that guests and seekers have room to experience the service in a way that feels open and unhurried.
This relaunch also gives us an opportunity to practice the radical hospitality we have been exploring as a church—to go beyond being friendly by noticing those around us, making room for others, and helping everyone feel seen and included. A smile, an introduction, or a few intentional minutes with someone new can help make our church feel like home.
We invite everyone to hold this relaunch in prayer and to consider how God might use this moment—whether through presence, invitation, or hospitality—to extend Christ’s welcome in a new space and a new season.
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Silver & Gold - Washington High School Drama Club
Thursday, January 15 | 11:00am - 1:00pm | The Wright Place | $10
Click HERE to Register by January 11.
Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, lunch and entertainment with friends. It will include a delicious meal provided by Ruth’s Kitchen, along with a variety of drama performances, as we welcome back the talented students in the Washington High School Drama Club. Bring a Friend! Doors open at 10:30am.
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Night of the Classics
Friday, January 23 at 6:00pm & Saturday, January 24 at 5:00pm | Consulate, Upper Room
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets Online
Night of the Classics returns this January—and this time, we’re excited to welcome guests into the newly renovated Upper Room. This special evening will be both a beloved fundraiser and a first opportunity for many to experience one of First Church’s newest and most beautiful gathering spaces.
Guests will enjoy a three-course meal while our “classic” acts take the stage in full costume, performing favorite hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. With live music, laughter, and nostalgia throughout the night, Night of the Classics is a wonderful date night or friends’ night out—all while supporting the Church in Tanzania. Musicians will be members and friends of First United Methodist Church.
Show dates and times:
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Friday, January 23 | 6:00pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)
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Saturday, January 24 | 5:00pm (doors open at 4:30 pm)
Shows last between 2 and 2.5 hours. Saturday’s earlier start time is ideal for families and those who prefer an earlier evening, and childcare will be available on Saturday only. Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner and the show.
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Unplugged: Women’s Retreat
February 27 - 28 | Embassy Suites, Destin | $85 Registration Fee + Cost of Lodging
Click HERE to Register
Join us for Unplugged, 2026 Women’s Retreat, February 27 – 28. Step away from the noise and reconnect with what matters most. Unplugged is a refreshing, 24 hour, women’s retreat hosted by First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, offering space to rest, reflect, and renew your heart through intentional time with God. We welcome, guest speaker, Reverend Lynn Kilbourne.
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Night to Shine 2026
First Church is honored to host Night to Shine, a prom night experience celebrating people with special needs, on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This unforgettable evening is only possible because of the generosity of our sponsors and donors who help create a night filled with joy, dignity, and celebration for every honored guest. If you feel called to support this meaningful event, we invite you to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved.
Learn more and support Night to Shine HERE. Questions? Email PensacolaNTS@gmail.com.
Formal Dress Donations Needed
First United Methodist Church is collecting formal dresses for our Night to Shine guests. We are especially in need of larger sizes.
Please Note: To help streamline sorting and preparation, we ask that all dress donations be brought directly to one of the drop-off locations listed below rather than to FUMC.
Dress Requirements
• Must be formal
• Must be clean
• Must be on a hanger
We are unable to accept casual dresses.
Please drop off donations at any of the following locations before January 4:
PENSACOLA
• Essentially Fit – 6707 Plantation Rd
• Everyday Nutrition – 4421 Bayou Blvd
• Big Brothers Big Sisters – 1320 Creighton Rd
• Bombshell Blowout Bar – 5555 N Davis Hwy, Ste D
• Bridal Suite – 1340 E 9 Mile Rd
• Key Nutrition – 10437 Sorrento Rd #204
• The Pink Pineapple Boutique – 2475 E 9 Mile Rd
GULF BREEZE
• Coastal Fitness Training – 6057 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
• Jen's Designer Deals – 360 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
MILTON/PACE
• Nixon’s – 4847 W Spencer Field Rd
All donated dresses will be provided to the nonprofit 4EVR Dez so our guests can select a dress at no cost.
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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).
January 4: Given in loving memory of Ben Paramore given by Susan.
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Three Weekly Worship Services
8:30 & 11:00am Traditional Services | Main Sanctuary
11:00am ICON Service (Modern) | 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
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MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES
No Dinner or Activities on December 24 & 31
Winter Session: January 7 - February 11
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KidConnect (for K-5th Grade)
Wednesdays, starting January 7 | 3:00 - 5:15pm | Start in Wesley Abbey
Register Online
Mid-Week Fellowship Dinner
Wednesdays (January 7 - February 11) | 5:00 - 6:00pm | The Wright Place
January 7 (FREE): Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert
January 14:Teriyaki Chicken, Fried Rice, Salad, Yeast Rolls, Dessert
January 21: Baked Pork Chops, Green Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Cornbread. Dessert
January 28: Chili, Grilled Cheese, Salad, Dessert
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays, Starting January 7 | 6:00 - 7:30pm | Choir Room
Pastor’s Mid-Week Lectionary Study
Wednesdays, Starting January 7 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | The Wright Place
First Kids: MidWeek (for Preschool – 5th Grade)
Wednesdays, Starting January 7 | 5:50 - 7:00pm | Gym, Ed. Building
First Students: Mid-Week (for 6th – 12th Grade)
Wednesdays, Starting January 7 | 6:00 – 7:00pm | Youth Building
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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 1. Read the Bible each week. It will be a blessing.
January 4 - 10
Eve of Epiphany: Psalm 29, 98; Isa. 66:18-23; Rom. 15:7-13
Epiphany: Psalm 96, 100; Isa. 52:7-10; Rev. 21:22-27; Matt. 12:14-21
Jan. 7: Psalm 114, 115; Isa. 52:3-6; Rev. 2:1-7; John 2:1-11
Jan 8: Psalm 12, 113; Isa. 59:15-21; Rev. 2:8-17; John 4:46-54
Jan. 9: Psalm 131, 132; Isa. 63:1-5; Rev. 2:18-29; John 5:1-15
Jan. 10: Psalm 147; Isa. 65:1-9; Rev. 3:1-6; John 6:1-14
Next Sunday's Scriptures (January 11):
Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
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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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