August 5 | Service for the Life of Dan Stanley

Dan Stanley passed away peacefully in his home on July 28. We give thanks for the contributions that Dan made to our congregation over many years and pray for his family during this time of loss. A service of thanksgiving for Dan's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 5 in the sanctuary at Mandarin UMC.

August 6 | Communion Offering 

Our August 2023 communion offering is for ministries that provide back to school support and provisions to children and educators. These ministries include Crown Point Elementary, Beau Clerc Elementary, Inspire to Rise, St. John’s Homeless Coalition, and Cup of Love.

August 6 | Kick-Off Sunday

Join us August 6 for Kick-Off / Promotion Sunday! During all our services, we will be having a special Blessing of Teachers, Students, and Backpacks. Make sure to extend the invitation to your family and friends and bring your backpacks for a meaningful blessing.

Please note the schedule for the day:

• 10:00-10:55 AM: We will be hosting a Potluck Breakfast on both campuses, in lieu of Sunday classes (for this Sunday only). Don't forget to sign up here for Mandarin and here for Longleaf to share in this delicious meal together!
• 12:00-2:30 PM: For all our new 4th and 5th-grade students, the Junior Youth gathering awaits you at the Portico. It's going to be a fantastic time of fellowship and fun!
• 5:00-7:30 PM: Calling all new 6th-12th grade students to join us for an unforgettable Messy Games night! Meet us at the outside basketball court, and be prepared to have a blast.

Let's come together as a community to celebrate this special occasion and embark on a new season of growth and learning in faith. See you all on Kick-Off Sunday!

August 12 | United Methodist Men Campus Workday

All men of the church are encouraged to lend a helping hand on Saturday, August 12 from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM. We have several projects to check off our list as we continue to repair and refresh our campus. Spend as much time as you can, any help is appreciated.

August 16 | Kick Off To Wednesday Night Activities

Bring your family and friends on Wednesday, August 16th for a fun evening of dinner, games and fellowship. We will start the evening out with a pizza dinner that you can order for your family or friend group. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY WHEN REGISTERING. In Wesley Hall there will be tables where you can learn more about Children’s Choirs and new Wednesday night classes and activities.After dinner, we will break into groups for a Minute To Win It Competition. These are one minute games using every day items where you will try to complete the task in the shortest amount of time. We will break in the middle of the games for a dessert fellowship time, and then finish the last round of games, followed by the presentation of prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Invite others to this night of food and fun!! Sign up here..

August 26 | United Methodist Women’s Fall Brunch

Meet one of our own, Aida Seeraj and learn how to “Inspire to Rise”. Aida is founder and CEO of non-profit “Inspire to Rise, Inc. They are focused on holistically helping make the community a little better, happier, and healthier place. Our mission is to inspire and empower children, families, and individuals to rise, overcome, and shine through their most challenging moments in life to become their best self. The Inspire to Rise Community Center now serves as a hub for initial access, assessments, resources, partnership, and services that address an individual, child, and/or family’s mind, body, medical, and spiritual needs. Join us for brunch from 10:00 – 12:00 PM in Wesley Hall. Sign up or call Sandra Clark at 937-689-1576. You May also sign up after church services.

August 23 | New Members Class 

THIS IS THE CLASS WE ASK THOSE WHO WISH TO BECOME MEMBERS OF MUMC/LONGLEAF TO TAKE, BUT ALL ARE WELCOME WHO WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP AS UNDERSTOOD IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND MUMC/LONGLEAF SPECIFICALLY.  THERE IS NO PRESSURE TO JOIN THE CHURCH. 

Come explore how we at MUMC/Longleaf try to follow the radical Jesus.  Using Jim Harnish’s workbook, A Disciple’s Path, we will study spiritual practices and explore ways to live out faith through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness right here in our own community.  This class will be held in a small group setting with Pastors Britt Gilmore, Jeff St. Clair and Missy Hart leading as we grow together. 

If you are new to MUMC/Longleaf or just want to learn more, this class is for you!  This small group begins: 

• Wednesday, August 23 6:30-8:00PM  
• You are welcome to attend dinner in Wesley Hall before the class begins 5:30-6:30PM.  Registrations are required for dinner, which will be posted in the bulletin, Weekly Update and website. 
• 5-Week Class 
• All class materials provided 

Register Here.

Now Hiring – Now Hiring Nursery & Preschool Team Workers

This is a part-time, hourly-paid position for Sunday mornings. Hours on Wednesday evenings are also available. Time commitment is variable, as needed. We specifically are in need of workers for Sunday mornings who can work at our Mandarin campus and sometimes at our St. Johns County, 210 area campus. Wednesday evenings are on our Mandarin campus. Click here to learn more

Adult Discipleship | New Program Descriptors

Adult Discipleship Programs explores our Mission Statement in three distinct ways:

1. Reach Up - Get to know God's love together
2. Reach In - Grow in God's love together
3. Reach Out - Go in God's love together

With emphasis on the following:

• Prayer Filled Life
• How to Hear God
• Life Application
• Knowing the Bible
• Exploring our Christian/Methodist Roots
• Missions and Social Justice

August | True Beauty Book Club

There are no meetings in June or July and the book club will resume in August to discuss The Wonder by Emma Donoghue. Meeting dates will be: 

• Thursday, August 17 at 6:00 PM - Sign Up Here
• Friday, August 18 at 12:00 PM- Sign Up Here

August 23 | St. Johns Small Group

St. Johns Small Group Opportunity! Join Scott and Dawn Ahrendt at Starbucks (359 Harper Ln. St. Johns, FL 32259 Corner of Racetrack and St. Johns Parkway) at 6:30 PM for a time of building community. All are welcome to join.

August 23 | Empty Nest Bible Study

A Life Application bible study that will help you Grow in God’s Love Together. Join Renee Vrtikapa as she facilitates the 6-week Bible study Preparing, Adjusting and Loving The Empty Nest by Michelle Howe on Wednesdays at 6:30PM. Michelle Howe provides practical tips and spiritual wisdom in a three-part primer to help parents in this transitional time of life—helping them look to the future with hope as empty nesters.Books will be available in the classroom for $8 each. Sign up here.

August 23 | The Gift of Empathy Study

A Life Application bible study that will help you Grow and then Go in God’s Love Together.Join Elaine Goleski and Tom Boyko as they facilitate the 6-week study The Gift of Empathy: Helping Others Feel Valued, Cared For, and Understood by Joel P. Bretscher and Kenneth C. Haugk on Wednesdays at 6:30PM.This study takes a fresh look at this important skill, examining what empathy is and isn’t, offering practical guidance for empathizing well, and showing how to respond with empathy in all kinds of situations and settings. By putting the ideas in this book into action and sharing the gift of empathy, you can enjoy more meaningful connections in all areas of your life. Books will be available in the classroom for $12 each. Sign up here.

August 23 | The Faith of a Mockingbird Study

A Missions and Life Application bible study that will help you Grow and then Go in God’s Love Together. Join Linda Armstrong as she facilitates the 6-week study The Faith of a Mockingbird by Matt Rawle. The movie, To Kill a Mockingbird will be show during the first session.Based on Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, this study uses Lee’s beloved characters to explore our place in the world and God’s story, as well as what it means to live out a hopeful faith in a broken world.Books will be available in the classroom for $12 each. Sign up here.

Weekly | Classes Updates

Check out what we're studying in some of our classes.

• New Community Sunday School – The New Community Sunday School is discussing the Bible Study Job in the Life Guide Series. Why do faithful people suffer? Job wanted to know. So he demanded an answer from God. The class meets from 9:50-10:50 AM in Room 852 upstairs in the Family Life Center. All are welcome!  
• Longleaf Sunday School – Longleaf Adult Sunday School Class is discussing a series “Called” by Susan Robb, facilitated by Drs. John Russell and Rusty Hedges., following worship (10:15 – 11:00 AM) and online via Skype. Contact John Russell.
• Crusaders Sunday School – The Crusaders Sunday School will begin the bible study Grace by Max Lucado on Sunday, July 9 at 9:45 AM. We often talk as though we know what grace means. But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? The Crusaders Sunday School class meets in Room 304 in the Bence Wing from 9:45-10:45 AM. All are welcome! 
• ReNewed Sunday School  - The ReNewed Sunday School class will begin the bible study God’s Messy Family: Finding Your Place When Life Isn’t Perfect by Jacob Armstrong. This study will explore the patterns in the families from Genesis and how they often mirror our own lives. Learn how God has a plan for us that is greater than our mistakes, and how each of us has a place at the table as part of the family of God. The ReNewed class meets at 10:15 AM in Room 854 in the Family Life Center. All are welcome! 

August 6 | Back-to-School National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer at the Schools will be held on August 6, at 2:00 PM. This year Longleaf Church will be the host for Freedom Crossing Academy. During the event, we will be praying for the teachers, students and FCA families, who are all invited to attend. Our congregation is invited to help show support for our partner school. 

August 6+13 | Back-to-School National Day of Prayer

August 6 and 13, we are collecting hand soap that will be donated to our partner schools: Learning Ladders and Crown Point Elementary School. Both campuses are invited to participate. Please place items at the Missions Table or at the Welcome Table. 

August 11 | Back-to-School Lunch for Crown Point Teachers

We are in need of volunteers to both serve lunch and bring a dish to share at our Back-to-School Lunch at Crown Point Elementary School. The church will provide Chick-fil-A sandwiches and volunteers will provide the sides for the teachers and staff to enjoy. We will set up in the CPE cafeteria at 11:30 AM and serve lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Sign-up here.

Thank You | Music Camp

Thank you to our Music Campers for collecting children’s socks and underwear that will be donated to Crown Point Elementary School.

Baby Bottle Boomerang

Thank you for supporting our Baby Bottle Boomerang for First Coast Women’s Services between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. This year we raised $777.85. The money raised allows FCWS to continue to serve and support women in our community facing an unplanned pregnancy and empower them to choose life. 

Thank You | Donation Drop-Off

Thank you to everyone for supporting our Donation Drop-Off, during the month of July. This collection will help feed those in need who seek services from the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County and the Mandarin Food Bank.  

Inspire to Rise

Last week, we were able to donate backpacks and other supplies to non-profit Inspire to Rise for their annual back-to-school event. Your generous donations help us give back to the community in ways like this. Thank you for your continued support of our Missions Ministry. 

Youth Mission Trip

Last week, our youth traveled to Ft. Meyers for a mission trip. They helped to do some repairs on Faith UMC, which was damaged during Hurricane Ian last year. Thank you to all of the youth and adults who went on the trip. 

Upcoming Events

• August 6 | Back-to-School National Day of Prayer at Freedom Crossing Academy; 2:00 PM 
• August 6 + 13 | Back-to-School Collection 
• August 11 | Back-to-School Lunch for Crown Point Teachers
• August 26 | Saturday Service: Cup of Love

Fall | Upward Soccer - Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the fall soccer season at MUMC! The fee is $130 and practices start September 5. Learn more here or register for soccer here.

Weekly | Facilities Recreation Schedule

Pickleball – join us in the gym: 

• Sundays: 1:00-3:00 PM
• Tuesdays: 5:00-7:30 PM
• Thursdays: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Children's Choir Practice Resumes

The Cherub and Children’s Choirs will resume practice on August 23rd, led by Elizabeth Clayton in the FLC room 830

• Cherub Choir (3 yrs. old as of 9/1/23 to Kindergarten) 6:00-6:20 PM
• Children’s Choir (1st-5th grade) 6:30-7:00 PM.

  For more information about Cherub and Children’s choirs, please contact Elizabeth ([email protected])

Join us August 16th for dinner and family fun activities, along with a chance to meet with Elizabeth and get more information on each choir. See the Get Connected section for link to register for dinner.

Youth Choirs will begin at a later date

Adult Choir Practice Resumes

The Chancel Ringers and Adult Choir will resume practice on August 24th, led by Adam Stich.

• Chancel Ringers 6:00-7:00 PM
• Chancel Choir 7:00-8:00 PM.

For more information about Adult choirs, please contact Adam Stich ([email protected]).

Mission Trip

A huge thank you to the 22 youth and adults who went on the mission trip. I was so proud of each of them.

From the Disaster Relief Volunteer Coordinator of Disaster Relief Recovery:

"I want to sincerely thank each one of your team members for giving your time to come down July 23-28th to serve those affected by Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. The work you and your team did throughout Faith Church was greatly appreciated and will leave a lasting impact on those you served. You all did amazing work, and we are grateful that your team came in and served the community. The church has commented repeatedly that you all did such great work and are so appreciative of your help which will enable them to begin using the areas sooner!"

Summer Interns

We have been so thankful this summer for our three youth interns. They have done a great job and we have loved them being with us this summer. Thank you, Sam Gilbert, Whitney Wheeler and Quaid Jones for such meaningful sermons last week. You did an amazing job at each of our three services. We are so proud of each of these wonderful young adults.

Youth Sunday School

Join us each week as we dive deeper into the scripture shared at the 9 AM and 11 AM services. Come join us for doughnuts and juice between services this week during the Sunday school hour. Please sign up here to help lead a class or two this summer.

August | Youth @ Homes

During the summer months we change our Sunday night programs to include meetings at homes and with pools. We are so lucky to have these three families/homes for this month. Youth @ Homes times are from 5:00 - 7:30 PM and we meet at and pick up from each of these homes. Youth are asked to bring $5 to help with dinner and to wear their swimsuits and bring a towel. I am so thankful for each of these households.

• August 13 – Wallis Household 

August 5 | Ichetucknee Springs

Mark your calendar for August 5 as we will be headed to the springs with all incoming 6th-8th graders for a day of tubing. Recent high school graduates or incoming 11th & 12th grades are invited to join us to help with the day. We will meet at 7:30 AM and head to the springs for a day of tubing. Youth will need to pack a lunch. Tubing cost is $30 for the day.

Summer | Mark Your Calendar

• August 5 – Ichetucknee Springs (incoming 6th-8th grade
• August 6 – Youth Kick Off / Messy Games
• August 13 – Youth @ Homes – Wallis 
• August 20 – Regular Youth activities – Scavenger Hunt 
• August 27 – Pumpkin Patch Parent Meeting

Children's Ministry Updates

All of the Children’s Ministry’s information has been moved to our website. Click here for the Children’s Ministry events page. 

Children's Ministry Schedule 

• August 6 – Kick Off Sunday –New 4th & 5th grade students – Meet at Portico (sign up under Jr. Youth below) 
• August 27 – Acolyte Training (3rd grade and up) 
• Longleaf - 10:00 AM, Worship Room, 
• Mandarin - 12:00 PM, Wesley Hall 
• September 10 – Bible Presentation (2nd grade and up) We always start the new school year with Bibles for children 2nd grade and up that for those that were not here in 2nd grade

August 6 | Kick Off / Promotion Sunday

On August 6 we will “Kick Off” the new school year! Our children will be “promoted” to their next grade, meaning children may move from the Childcare Center to Elementary or from Children's Ministry to Youth Ministry, or joining in on 4th and 5th grade Junior Youth activities. This can be a big change for you and your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angie. You will receive an email in July about these changes and what to expect.Check the Weekly Update for more information on the fun planned for Kick Off Sunday.

Weekly | Sunday Morning Activities

Babies through Preschool | Childcare and Preschool Sunday School lesson offered during all service/class times, in the Childcare Center.  



Elementary | Bible Story and Activity Time is offered during all worship services for elementary-aged children. Children start worship with you, then will be dismissed prior to the sermon. Children will return to you before the end of service.

Sunday School for all ages is offered from 10:00-10:55 AM at Mandarin. This hour allows us to dig deeper into their lesson.  



Click here to volunteer: Mandarin or Longleaf

August 6 | Junior Youth

Our 4th and 5th grade students enjoy Sunday lunch together ($6), and play games, have great discussions, and build lasting friendships. We will have occasional service projects and trips. Details of any trip will be sent out in email prior to the event. A release form is required for each student and is available at each hangout.  

We meet at 12:00 PM on Mandarin campus under Portico on South side of Family Life Center (near the church bus). Pick up is at same location at 2:30 PM. We hope you will come out and try it. Parents are welcome to stay anytime. Sign up here starting next week.

August 27 | Acolyte Training

We invite 3rd grade and up to learn more about our Acolyte program on August 27 10:00 AM Longleaf campus and 12:00 PM Mandarin Campus (with lunch $6). Parent participation is needed for acolytes and are to participate in the learning and training session. Acolytes will begin again on September 10 on both campuses. For more information contact Angie (Longleaf acolytes) or Courtney Rankin (Mandarin Acolytes). See sign up here.

August 8 | Young Adult Bible Study Resumes

We are taking the month of July off due to youth trips. We will resume on August 1 for dinner at Tijuana Flats on San Jose Blvd at 6:30 PM. On August 15, we will head back to the Jones' house for devotion and board games. Please reach out to Paula if you have any questions. 

January 3-5 | Passion Conference

We have purchased 16 spots for the Passion Conference in Atlanta, GA. This conference is for high school seniors through those who are 25 yrs. of age. We will spend 3 days in Atlanta hearing about God’s plan for our lives. Please sign up here if you are interested in attending. Cost is $300 and will include entry ticket, transportation, 2 meals and a hotel room. This event will sell out so tell your friends and plan to join us in Atlanta as we celebrate the start of 2024 studying God’s word and worshiping together with other believers. Sign up here.

Now Hiring

We are adding some rungs to our ladder! We are hiring! Please go to our website www.learningladderspreschool.com for details!

Registration for 2023-2024 is Open

Enrolling for the 2023-2024 School Year! Please go to our website www.learningladderspreschool.com to enroll!