Overcoming Worry
Discover more about putting your worries to work for you, rather than allowing them to consume you as you read these 5 reflections from
Our Daily Bread.
Part 1
Read:
We were excited about moving for my husband’s job. But the unknowns and challenges left me feeling anxious. Thoughts of sorting and packing up belongings. Looking for a place to live. My finding a new job too. Making my way around a new city, and getting settled. It was all . . . unsettling. As I thought about my “to-do” list, words written by the apostle Paul echoed in my mind: Don’t worry, but pray (Phil. 4:6–7)..
If anyone could have been anxious about unknowns and challenges, it would have been Paul. He was shipwrecked. He was beaten. He was jailed. In his letter to the Philippian church, he encouraged his friends who also were facing unknowns, telling them, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (v. 6).
Paul’s words encourage me. Life is not without uncertainties—whether they come in the form of a major life transition, family issues, health scares, or financial trouble. What I continue to learn is that God cares. He invites us to let go of our fears of the unknown by giving them to Him. When we do, He, who knows all things, promises that His peace, “which transcends all understanding, will guard” our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (v. 7).
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You may have heard something about the United Methodist Church in the news recently. For more information read “
A Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation”
sent out by Florida Bishop Ken Carter. It can be read by clicking on:
PROTOCOL.
Or for up to date news, go to:
Pastor Clark will be holding a special Informational Meeting on Sunday, January 26th.
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The
Carlisle Inn Sarasota
is happy to offer this special rate to the church community; therefore, the below highlighted information can be freely shared.
The Promo Code:
church
offers the ticket at $19.00.
Promo code:
church
(all lowercase, hit apply afterward)
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From the Worship Team...
Monday, Jan. 13th we would love to have assistance undecorating.
We will start at 9 AM.
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United Methodist Women
monthly meeting is Monday, Jan 13 at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The featured speaker will be Lindsey May, director of programs at All Star's Sarasota “Campus of Hope and Healing”, a place where children can heal from the trauma of child abuse. They serve foster children in the region's foster care system. Come hear about this vital service. Bring a dish for the potluck lunch.
The UMW Board will meet prior to the unit meeting at 10:00 am in the Parlor.
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Join us for lunch on Tuesday, January 14 at 12:00 Noon in Fellowship Hall. The cost is only $8 for a delicious, hot, catered meal. Reservations are necessary so please call Bev Clapper 756 9091, Church Office 747 4406 or mark the pew pad you are coming. Following lunch you will find out what Habitat for Humanity is doing in Manatee County. This is a time of Christian Fellowship, so join the fun.
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Wednesday Fellowship Dinner
$7.00 per person, $18.00 for family of 3 or more
Come, eat, fellowship, stay for bible study or
choir practice.
Salty Service:
serving through church ministries to the community for a least one hour.
We are all volunteers, you can help on Wednesdays, anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 PM.
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New Bible Study - The Book of Philippians
Led by Jim Pressler
When- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Location- Church Parlor
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Sarasota Opera Singers Studio Artists
Sunday,
January 19, 2020
4:00 PM
One of our most popular concerts! We showcase these singers up close and personal. They are the opera stars of tomorrow – spectacular singers all – in a concert of exciting arias and show tunes. Treat yourself to the beauty of the human voice.
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SUNDAY, February 9th
Our choir’s annual VALENTINE dinner and Cabaret is not to be missed! Beautiful singing, old time comedy skits and costumed actors all combine for a riotous evening.
Seven scenes of First UMC messages, production numbers and tons of schtick also add to the fun.
Tickets are $20. Sandy Barton will be selling tickets by the elevator after each worship service starting this Sunday.
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Walk. Give. Change the world.
Manatee County Crop Walk
Sunday, February 23
Location:
First United Methodist Church Palmetto
330 11th Ave W, Palmetto
Palmetto, FL 34221
Sign In Time:
1:30 p.m.
Walk Time:
2:00 p.m.
CROP Hunger Walks are community-based walk events held in cities and towns across the United States raising funds to support the global mission of
Church World Service
, a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. Twenty five percent of the funds raised are returned to the host community to support local hunger fighting efforts Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world.
This walk includes churches from Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, and Lakewood Ranch, but you do not have to be part of a church to participate. You simply need to be a person who wants to raise money to help people whose resources are more limited than yours.
Arrive in time to hear or play in the drum circle. Wear your t-shirt or get one when you arrive. Walk with us across the Manatee River and back, or take a shorter walk along the river. Water bottles and orange slices are available, along with the smiles of others who are helping hungry people, locally, nationally, and worldwide. Pets on leashes are welcome.
Together, we can raise funds, walk together and help end hunger in our community and around the world!
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It's time to update our
Church Community Directory
Tuesday, February 25th
You will receive a FREE 8 x 10 print and a FREE updated directory.
Sign up on Sundays in the ground floor/elevator entrance beginning Jan. 19th or
(If we do not have 25 appointments the directory update will be canceled.) Please sign up as soon as possible.
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SunCoast Emmaus
Walk
is open to members of any Christian denomination. Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who are members of a local church and have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives.
You will enjoy 3 days of singing, learning, laughing, worship, reflection, praying and participating in small groups. Discussions center around 15 talks presented by both laity and clergy.
You are invited to have a closer walk with Christ for the rest of your life; this is called the Fourth Day. You are encouraged to become a more active disciple for Christ in service to the world and your circles of influence.
Upcoming SPRING WALKS
SunCoast Emmaus
needs Twelve (12) confirmed Pilgrims,
61 days before the Walk start date or else the Walk will have to be cancelled. Here is the current status:
Men's Walk #93:
- Walk dates: 4/16/2020 thru 4/19/2020
- Deadline for 12 confirmed Pilgrims: 2/15/2020
- Current count of confirmed Pilgrims: 3
Women's Walk #94:
- Walk dates: 4/30/2020 thru 5/3/2020
- Deadline for 12 confirmed Pilgrims: 2/29/2020
- Current count of confirmed Pilgrims: 2
Time to step up!
Walks are held at Dayspring Retreat Center in Parrish. To sign up or for more information click on:
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From the Mission & Outreach Team:
REMINDER: We are unable to take donations at this time. Please take all clothing and shoe donations to
Hope Chest Thrift Store
(the purple building across the street) or to another donation store. Every week we give out free clothing vouchers to people in need to get one outfit and a pair of shoes from
Hope Chest
.
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Would you like to receive professional counseling in a Christian context at affordable fees?
Our church provides this ministry to its members (& non-members) with licensed counselors Richard Vantrease and Grisille Feisthammer on Mondays from 8 am - 5 pm here at First. For details or an appointment, contact Richard at 941-926-2959 or 813-331-7395.
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First United Methodist Church of Bradenton
603 11th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-747-4406
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