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

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This Week

KidConnect (for K-5th Grade)

Wednesdays | 3:00 - 5:15pm | Start in Wesley Abbey

All children, Kindergarten to 5th Grade, are invited to join us for KidConnect our midweek connection time including worship, classes, and choir! Kids will have the opportunity to choose from an array of classes upon registration (starting August 2). Each week, from 3:00 - 4:25pm, kids will meet for worship, enjoy classes, and connect with friends. Afterwards, from 4:30 to 5:15pm, they can join our Elementary Choir/Music program. Parents can drop off in the Wesley Hall and pick up at 5:15pm in the Activities Center. Families are then invited to Family dinner from 5:15 to 6:00pm. Then from 6-7pm, parents can attend classes while kids continue their fun starting in the gym. (See First Kids:Midweek)

Midweek at First Church: Dinner & Programming

Wednesday, September 2 | 5:00 – 7:00pm

Fellowship Dinner: Join us for a time of fellowship and delicious food! This week's

menu: Meatloaf, Scallop Potato, Lima Beans, Yeast Roll, Dessert. Kids may also now

choose a special meal option of PB&J sandwich with fruit and chips. The cost of dinner

will be $10/Adult, $4/child, $27/Family Max.


Pastor's Bible Study: Adults can join Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Lentz from 6:00 - 7:00pm in

The Wright Place for a seven week study on his new book, As Yourself: The Surprising

Holiness of Loving Yourself. Each week we will learn more about why Jesus included

loving ourselves in the two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor

as yourself. Books will be available for purchase at the front desk or purchase on Amazon HERE. 


Adult Choir Rehearsal: The Adult Sanctuary Choir is open to all adults and sings

on Sunday mornings alternating between the 8:30 and 11:00am Main Sanctuary

worship services each week. Practice takes place on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to

7:30pm in the choir room. No experience is needed.


Nursery is available for infants up to 2 years old for parents attending class and choir

practice. No registration required.


First Kids Mid-Week: Preschool & Elementary aged children can join us from

5:30 - 7:00pm! They will have an opportunity for fellowship and faith building with a

devotion/story and play time in the gym. Drop-off is in the gym.


First Students Mid-Week: Youth will gather in the Youth Building from 6:00 -

7:00pm for worship time; singing praise songs, playing games, and study. If you have a

student that is interested in helping lead music, contact Rev. Lauren at (334) 315 -0398.

Women at the Well

Resumes Tuesday, September 1 | 10:00am–12:00pm | Wright Place, Room 203

Women at the Well is a welcoming group for women of all ages who gather for fellowship, laughter, prayer, encouragement, and growing together as followers of Christ. This semester, the group will use John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, exploring what it means to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do as Jesus did. The group will also incorporate a video series as part of its time together. New faces are always welcome! Come connect, learn, pray, and build lasting friendships. For more information, contact Cindy Smith at 850-982-6056.

First Students: Sunday Funday | Sky Zone Trip

Sunday, September 6 | Drop off at 3:30pm, Pickup at 7:00pm from Youth Building

Click HERE to Register

Get your student signed up for a special Labor Day Weekend trip to Sky Zone Trampoline Park! We will meet at the Youth Building at 3:30pm with a two hour jumping reservation going from 4-6pm. Afterwards, we will go to Cordova Mall Food Court for supper, so please make sure to send your child with money for dinner! Pickup will be at 7:00pm from the Youth Building. Cost: $25

Upcoming Events

Joe Harrell Men’s Lunch

Wednesdays, September 9 & September 23 | 12:00 – 1:00pm | The Wright Place | $10

The Joe Harrell Men’s Lunch meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month for lunch, fellowship, and conversation. All men are welcome to join us! Please RSVP to Tim Price-Williams at 850-572-6516.

Lunch Out - Mission BBQ

Thursday, September 10 | 11:30am

Click HERE to Register by September 8.

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of fellowship and lunch at Mission BBQ. Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose opened their doors for business on September 11, 2011, ten years after our world changed forever. They strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes. They believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve Our Communities and Our Country. They do what they do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders—all our loved ones in service. Every day they strive to serve you authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients, and serve it to you in a patriotic dining room filled with tributes to those who’ve made Our Country great, given to us by the people who earned them. Feel free to bring your family and friends! 

Adult Choir Christmas Concert Music Retreat

Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12

This year will mark Rick and Heidi’s final time leading our Adult Choir Christmas concert.

If you have ever considered joining the Adult Choir for this special tradition, we invite

you to take part and share in one final season of Christmas music under their direction.

Please contact Rick for additional information (RBranch@FUMCPensacola.com).

Coffee with the Pastors

Sunday, September 13 | 8:15am; Beulah Chapel 

9:45am; Hospitality Suite, Lower Sanctuary

Interested in joining First Church? Join us for Coffee with the Pastors! This small gathering is an opportunity to meet our pastors, ask questions, and learn more about the missions and ministries of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. For more information, contact Lacey Adair (LAdair@FUMCPensacola.com).

Grandparent’s Day Celebration

Sunday, September 13 | 9:30 - 10:45am | The Wright Place, Great Hall

We invite all grandparents to a special Grandparents Day, hosted by the kids and students of First Church! Come celebrate with us, whether your grandchildren are present or not, for food, fellowship, and activities. Parents, please note that this celebration is for grandparents and grandchildren only. Parents, we ask that you take this time to attend a Sunday class and allow the kids to honor all grandparents.

First Students: Sunday Funday | Football Spirit Night

Sunday, September 13 | 5:30 - 7:00pm, Youth Building

Following Youth Choir practice, students will gather for a time of football fun! Come decked out supporting your favorite team (could be college, NFL, your school, whatever makes you happy!) and we will play various football-themed games and challenges. 

Grief Support Group

Mondays, Beginning September 14 - November 9 | 4:00 - 5:30pm | Consulate, 1st Floor, Room 102

Facilitated by Donell Seager & Dana O'Keefe

Click HERE to Register

We know that losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and sometimes the best comfort comes from being with others who understand the depth of that loss. This group is designed to be a safe, sacred space where we can share, listen, and find encouragement together. Whether your loss was recent or long ago, you are welcome here. There is no cost to attend. If you have any questions or would like to talk before attending, please reach out to Donell Seager via phone at (850) 723-5781 or via email at dseager@centerforsacredspace.org

Church-Wide Blue Lake Retreat: Registration Now Open!

October 16 - 18

The weekend will include break out sessions, pumpkin carving, canoeing, roasting marshmallows, playing games, and fellowshipping! Our retreat speaker will be Rev. Amy Persons. All are welcome!

SERVE TOGETHER

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

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). 

FLOWERS

August 30: Given in loving memory of Rev. Norman G. Williams by Mrs. Rebecca Williams and family.

NEW MEMBERS

Sue Hopkins
(August 23)
Abigail & Mac Jones
(August 23)

SUNDAYS AT FIRST CHURCH

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

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


Proper 17



August 31 - September 5

Monday: Psalm 25; Job 12:1-6, 13-25; Acts 11:19-30; John 8:21-32

Tuesday: Psalm 26, 28; Job 12:1; 13:3-17, 21-27; Acts 12:1-17; John 8:33-47

Wednesday: Psalm 38; Job 12:1; 14:1-22; Acts 12:18-25; John 8:47-59

Thursday: Psalm 37:1-18; Job 16:16-22; 17:1, 13-16; Acts 13:1-12; John 9:1-17

Friday: Psalm 31; Job 19:1-7, 14-27; Acts 13:13-25; John 9:18-41

Saturday: Psalm 30, 32; Job 22:1-4, 21--23:7; Acts 13:26-43; John 10:1-18

  

Next Sunday's Scriptures (September 6):

Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

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FUMCPensacola.com

850-432-1434 | 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 4:00pm