First United Methodist - 72 Lake Morton Dr - www.firstumc.org
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The Executive Committee sub-committee charged with reviewing decisions about onsite activities and worship during the pandemic has decided to pause in-house worship beginning Sunday, 1/10/21. The infections rates and ICU space in our local hospitals are now considered high risk or critical by the Polk County Health Department and CDC. Our current positive test rate was at 14.7% yesterday and climbing rapidly. This exceeds the CDC and WHO recommendations of no more than 10% for group gatherings. I will announce this in church this morning.
For the time being, we will suspend reservations and in-house gatherings (we will watch for a drop to 10% or less over a 7 day period in the positive test rate, see Covidactsnow.org, before resumption). While this is disappointing, it is the reality we have faced with this deadly virus. Last week we lost another of our congregants to this awful disease and many tested positive. The virus has now mutated to spread much faster and this mutation is now spreading in Florida. As has been our ethic from the beginning, we are not willing to put lives at risk.
And, we are fortunate to have a fall back.
We will continue lawn worship (watching carefully the numbers and holding our congregation to the current safety protocols) and live-streaming of the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Currently, there are no plans to change the other activities which have been approved by the Executive Committee, though there is always that possibility. Thank you for your patience, leadership and help in getting this word out. While we can see light on the horizon, we still have a ways to go.
However, this will end! Until then and beyond, God is with us.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 10
8:15am - Worship on the lawn
Bring a chair - wear a mask - social distance
Rev. David McEntire will preach
Emmauel: God (Still) With Us: Going With God
Exodus 33:12-14; Deuteronmony 31:1-8: Joshua 1:5-9
Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith to preach
(You can watch the service either on FaceBook at
First United Methodist Church or visit our website)
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Coffee with the Pastors – January 10
For those who have been attending First United Methodist for a while or since we have been worshiping and meeting only via Livestream or Facebook and have decided to join the church, you are welcome to have Coffee with the Pastors from 5pm – 6:30pm this Sunday, January 10. We will be meeting at church in the Fellowship Center and will observe social distancing protocols and wear masks. In this casual and informative time together, you’ll learn more about the church, get to know our pastors and review expectations regarding membership. We will also offer this meeting online through Zoom.
It is important you register so the link for the Zoom meeting can be sent to you along with other information and material about joining the church. Please register online. If you have any questions, email Diana Russell
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Our Giving Tree Bookstore and Gift Shop
We are open for safe shopping by appointment! Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 10am and 1pm and Wednesdays between 5 and 6:30 p.m.
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For an appointment (2 shoppers at a time, masks required), email or call 863-686-3163 and press *248 when the receptionist begins speaking. The message you leave on the phone will go directly to the bookstore managers at home. All proceeds go to Missions!
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Thursday Art Night at 6:30pm on Zoom
You don’t need to be an artist. Just bring a piece of paper, a pencil and something to color with and create your own masterpiece! For more information or Zoom link, contact Cristi
Preschool Pals every Tuesday at 11am
Great new opportunity for our preschool friends! Join us Tuesday mornings via Zoom at 11am for a short Bible lesson and some fun activities. For more information or Zoom link, contact Cristi
Virtual Sunday School Rooms
Join us for Sunday School. You can attend Sunday School at a time that is convenient for you. There are rooms for each age level that include Bible stories, activities, games, devotions and much more. For more information, contact Cristi Moore at Cristi.
Faith Formation
To continue our discipleship and learning during this time when we cannot meet face to face, please check our online faith formation page at Faith Formation page for available resources for you and your family.
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Sunday Youth Group Upcoming Schedule:
4:30-5:30pm in the Fountain Courtyard
January, 10 - Pastor Melissa
January, 17 - Pastor Andy
Drop off will be at the gate that leads to the fountain patio (by the entrance to the C-building into the Giving Tree Bookstore)
Pick up is at the main entrance to F (youth) building. Our safety protocols:
· Temperature checks upon arrival
· Masks required
· Social distancing
· Each person should bring their own chair
· Bring your own water bottle (refreshments will NOT be provided)
We hope to see you there!
Should you have any questions please contact Pastor Melissa
How You Can Help: Each Sunday, we need a minimum of 3 Adult Volunteers to serve alongside our pastors as we lead the youth through teachings, games, activities, and small group sessions.
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We have Bible study and faith formation resources for all ages available on our website at website. For more information on these opportunities, email Warren.
Sunday School for Adults
Many of our Sunday School classes are meeting online. Check the start times as some have shifted to accommodate in-person worship times. Visitors are welcome to participate in any of these classes. For more information on connecting with a particular class, email Warren.
BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind One To Another)
Rev. Dr. Doug Hallman will teach an Epiphany series called “Interviews from the Bible.” The January 10 lesson is Matthew 16:13-18 - “Peter, the Rock.” Meet via Conference Call to (863) 250-1152 or online (email Warren for link). NOTE MEETING TIME: Class starts at 9:00am Sundays.
Genesis
Is exploring The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel. They meet outdoors at the church, socially-distanced, in the fountain courtyard. Bring your own chair and hand sanitizer. Masks are required. NOTE MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: Class starts at 9:15am Sundays in the fountain courtyard.
Homebuilders
This our longest-running Sunday school class, having started in the 1940s. Rev. Brian Tiffany teaches from the Standard Lesson Series Bible study. January’s theme is “Jesus and Calls in His Ministry” with study texts from Luke, Mark, and John. Meets via Conference Call to (863) 250-1141 or online (email Warren for link). Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
Koinonia
The class welcomes all who desire to grow in their love of God and neighbor. You are invited to join them for life application Bible study using the lectionary scripture texts and the Feasting on the Word curriculum. Rev. Terry Heck leads. Meets via Zoom. Contact Warren for Zoom link and more information. Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
Searchers
What do Christians believe? Why does it matter? These are some of the questions the Searchers will explore as they study The Apostles’ Creed in Adam Hamilton’s book Creed. Martha Lou Luce leads the study. Videos are available through Amplify Media. Meets via Zoom. Contact Warren for Zoom link and more information. NOTE MEETING TIME- Class starts at 9:15am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:05am.
Sendero
Join in a study of the fourth Gospel with John for Everyone by N.T. Wright, led by John Curtis. The class meets online. Contact Warren for more information. Class starts at 9:30am Sundays.
Storyline
The Storyline class is exploring the book of Revelation, led by Jill Corbett. No book is required other than your Bible. Contact Warren for more information. Class meets on Sunday January 10 at 1:30pm in the Fountain Courtyard.
Vanguard
This class uses the Adult Bible Studies series. January’s theme is “The Good News” and explores the theme of Hope with lessons taught by Rev. Dr. David Brazelton. Study passages come from Isaiah, Luke, I Thessalonians, Romans, and Revelation. Supplemental videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media. Meets via Conference Call to (863) 250-1038 or online (email Warren for link). Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
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For information on Mission opportunities listed below or to sign up, contact Forrest, Director of Mission Ministries
Our next food collection for our Migrant Ministry Partners - Mulberry UMC Food Pantry and Called to Serve Farmworkers - is this Sunday, January 10, from 1-4 pm at the Missions Depot. Please provide only requested items and NO glass jars:
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rice
beans (pinto and black)
Maseca flour
spaghetti sauce
peanut butter
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canned tuna and chicken
Vienna sausage
canned vegetables
Jiffy Cornbread mix
breakfast cereal
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Our Children's Clothes Closet is asking for help with the following. They may be brought along with your food donations this Sunday, from 1-4 at the Missions Depot. All donations are appreciated,but they especially need jackets, sweatshirts, jeans and pants for boys and girls ages 6-16.
Gleaning in 2021
Our friends with Society of St. Andrew have begun adding gleaning opportunities for 2021. click here to register. After you are registered, you'll enter your email address and name on subsequent visits and go straight to the Florida gleaning calendar. You will also receive emails when gleaning events are added. SoSA requires all volunteers to sign up through this system. Please let Forrest know whenever you sign up to glean in case there is a last-minute change in plans. Gleaning is a great way to serve for people of all ages. Children are welcome to serve with their parents! In 2020, SoSA Florida gleaned and moved more than 10.5 million pounds of food.
Mobile Food Pantries
Feeding Tampa Bay (FTB) Polk Mega Pantry – On Monday afternoons, we help with this distribution at the Lakes Church (1010 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801). Arrival time is 3:05pm and we should be done by 6pm. Minimum age is 13. Masks required. Enter Lakes Church off Memorial. Go left. Continue toward the back of the church. You'll see FTB trucks as the road curves right and volunteer parking is straight ahead. FTB feeds about 900 families each week through this distribution. Sign up here
Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine (LVIM) – Second and last Tuesday of each month from 10:30am-1pm, 600 W Peachtree St, Lakeland, 33815. Next opportunity to serve is Tuesday, January 12.
Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) – Second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-6:30pm at 4441 Academy Drive, Mulberry, 33860. First opportunity to serve in 2021 is Wednesday, January 13
Salvation Army Lakeland – First and third Thursday, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. First opportunity to serve in 2021 is Thursday, January 21.
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Shower Solutions for Caregivers
When caring for loved ones with memory challenges, many tasks can become increasingly challenging. One common activity that many caregivers experience an increased resistance to is the participation in shower or bathing routines. There can be various reasons for the disinterest of bathing, and someone with dementia may have a difficult time expressing exactly why. Below are some strategies to make showering/bathing more pleasant for your loved one.
- Cold temperatures can be a major cause for someone not wanting to disrobe for showers. It can be helpful to turn on the shower ahead of time with the bathroom door closed in order to create a warmer and more comfortable environment. Warm up towels in the drier for before and after bathing.
- As the day goes on, many people with dementia may experience increased confusion and sometimes agitation. If this is the case, taking showers earlier in the day should go over more smoothly. Be mindful to respect the person’s routine. If a man has always shaved before his shower, adhere to that or is will be confusing.
- It is always important to keep one’s integrity and modesty in mind when helping with showers. Use draping materials such as towels or washcloths, to help maintain as much privacy as possible while assisting with a shower. This will help the individual feel more comfortable and thus, improve cooperation.
- Some individuals will be more agreeable to a doctor’s request for scheduled showers, versus a family member. In this case, keeping a prescription for showers written by their physician will come in handy.
- Engaging in an activity such as walking or gardening prior to taking a bath or shower provides a great rationale for caregivers. Using a phrase like, “Wow, that was a lot of work, we better go get cleaned up,” can be a non-threatening way of making the transition.
- Consider mixing up the language and swap the word “shower” with the word “spa.” This word may sound more pleasing, especially to a female.
- Check the pressure of the showerhead. If it is too powerful, it can actually be painful for someone with dementia. Change to a more gentle pressure setting or replace with a new one if necessary.
- As with any caregiving activity, allow your loved one to be as independent as possible in helping with their self-care. When an individual feels involved and useful self-esteem and feelings of success are able to emerge. Their involvement will also help to lighten the caregiver’s load.
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about our Memory Ministry or our Connections Zoom group, please contact Vicky
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