WORSHIP

Sunday, March 17 The Second Sunday of Lent One Faithful Promise: Compose Your Spirit Romans 12:1-5 and Matthew 7:24-25 8:15 and 11am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary Rev. Melissa Stump will preach. 9:30am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center Rev. Melissa Stump will preach. 11:20am Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith will preach.

Worship plus three is how we define our ministries. We believe worship is of prime importance and is our foundation. In addition, we are to invite others into a relationship with God, grow in our own relationship with God and our neighbor and serve others as a continued sign of God's work in our lives.

Time of Prayer & Communion: The Sanctuary will be open for a time of Prayer and Communion each Wednesday during Lent from 10-10:20am. All are invited for a come-and-go time of prayer, reflection through music and Communion. Contact Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith with any questions ( email here or 863-686-3163).

Hospitalized (as of March 11) Charles Carlton, UK Custred, Caroline Kent, Barbara Moseler, Kelly Norton, David Shinn and David Williams. Wedding Kaitie Loy and Lake Sprenkle, March 9 In Memoriam Betty Brodbeck, March 4 Rev. Clancy LeMasters, March 11

Called Charge Conference: There will be a called meeting of the Charge Conference on March 31 at 12:30pm in the Large Conference Room of the Administrative Offices for the purpose of receiving a recommendation from the Staff Parish Relations Committee to approve Jason Rogers as a candidate for ordained ministry. All elected officials of our church are invited and encouraged to attend.

Summer Music Camp proudly presents Faith News . Camp dates are July 29 – August 2 from 9am – 3pm and the performance will be on Friday, August 2 at 6pm. For more information and to register, visit firstumc.org/music/smc/ .

INVITE

Join us for our Spring Fling Picnic at the Higgenbotham Rocking H Ranch on Saturday, March 30, from 10am – 2pm. There will be games for all ages, hayrides, delicious food including a baking contest. $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12 with a family max of $20. For more information visit firstumc.org/fling2019 .

GROW

PHOENIX Dinner: Dinner service begins at 5pm in the Fellowship Center. Dinner is $6/adults and $3/child 12 and under, with a family max of $20.

How are you experiencing One Faithful Promise ? Our worship series on the book about Covenant Renewal in the Wesleyan tradition is underway. Maximize its power in your life by engaging the study in a Community Group. The group experience will strengthen your faith as you prepare to renew your promise to follow Christ fully. A list of groups is available at the desk in the Welcome Center. If your schedule prevents you from participating in a group, an online course option is also available. Group lists and course registration available at firstumc.org/lent . Parents: Register your camper(s) for summer camp at Warren W. Willis as soon as possible since weeks fill up quickly. First United Methodist staff is going July 15-20. The church has funds available to help families who, due to limited financial resources, may otherwise be unable to participate. Due to the number of requests we receive, we encourage you to also apply for a scholarship directly from the camp by April 1. Visit firstumc.org/camp fo r registration links and more information. April General Meeting of the United Methodist Women: All ladies are invited to our next monthly meeting on April 8 at 10:30am in the Fellowship Center. Our program is "How to Have a Great Time Impacting 30 Missions." Carol Marsh will give an in-depth look into missions supported by "Our Giving Tree" Bookstore and Gift Shop. Lunch is $4/person - RSVP by April 3 via email to UMWReservations@firstumc.org . UMW Book Club: Ladies, join the discussion on March 26 at 1pm in the Church Parlor. Our book is When Did Everyone Else Get So Old? by Jennifer Grant. This book is in the Nurturing for Community category. Order the book, Kindle and other versions here .

Learn more and RSVP on Facebook

Sunday School at 9:30am Nursery 2 through fourth grade: "The Two Debtors," based on Luke 7:41-42 Fifth grade: "Jesus Enters Jerusalem," based on John 12:13 Sunday Night: PK3 - fifth grade students, join us from 5-7pm for fun, dinner and a program. $3/dinner/child. PK3 & PK4: B-I-B-L-E: God Gave Us Rules to Live By K - fifth grade: Be Happy Monday: Pray and Play from 10am - 11:30am. Contact Ivelisse Arman ( email here or 863-686-3163) for info. Wednesday Night: Join us from 6:30 - 7:30pm for children's classes. Childcare is available 6:30-7:30pm for children six weeks through PK2 for families participating in events on campus. Advance registration is required. Click here . Thursday : Early Connections 9-10:30am. Contact Ivelisse Arman ( email here or 863-686-3163) for info. Our Children's Department needs donations of candy and eggs for the Easter-ific Celebration on Saturday, April 13. Please bring bags of individually-wrapped candy to the Children's Check In Desk on the first floor of the C Building. Thank you! Registration is open for our Mission to Mars & Beyond Vacation Bible School June 24-28 from 8:45am-noon. Join us on a galactic adventure to experience the wonder of God! Children who have completed VPK through fifth grade are invited as participants. The cost is just $25/child (with a maximum of $50/per family). Scholarship funds are available. Register here - don’t wait as classes can fill up quickly. Registration closes May 13. Students who have completed sixth grade and above are invited to help and may be eligible to earn Community Service hours. Adult volunteers are a vital part of our mission, too! To register as a youth helper, click here. To register as an adult volunteer, click here. Families, don't miss these important dates! April 13: Easter-ific Celebration June 24-28: VBS - registration is now open July 15-20: Warren Willis Camp - visit firstumc.org/camp for links to registration and information about scholarships. First United Methodist staff will be attending July 15-20 - this is later than usual. Questions? Contact Cristi Moore ( cmoore@firstumc.org or 863-686-3163) for information.

Sunday Morning Bible Study (sixth-twelfth grades) at 9:30am in F-1: Join us for in-depth study and discussion. Sunday Night : Come share in our student-lead ministry as we enjoy a meal, music and worship together from 5-7pm in F-1. Wednesday Night: RECHARGE from 6-7:30pm in the Youth Game Room. Hang out as we enjoy fun, snacks, fellowship and share in devotionals and character studies of some of the Bible's prominent figures. Stock Sales are here! Youth: Sign up online or contact Stephanie Keen (skeen@firstumc.org) for your shift to sell. Stock sales are a great way to earn money towards youth missions and allow our church family to take stock in your call to serve. The congregation will also have an opportunity to purchase stock at tables on April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5. Talbot House Ministries: One United students are encouraged to serve and fellowship at Talbot House the first and third Thursday of each month from 5:15 - 6:30pm. Our next opportunity is March 21. Questions? Contact Stephanie Keen in the Youth Office ( email here or 863-687-9750) or call/text Brett at 904-910-5565.

Adult Sunday School classes are 9:30-10:30am. We welcome visitors to any class. For more info, contact Warren Pattison ( wpattison@firstumc.org or 863-682-1912). Can’t make it to Sunday School? Call and listen live to Rev. Brian Tiffany’s lesson with the Homebuilders Class. Call 863-225-0968 during 9:30-10:30am Sunday mornings. The BYKOTA Class is led by Rev. Dr. Doug Hallman. They are exploring Adam Hamilton’s book Creed: What Christians Believe and Why. The study explores the Apostles’ Creed and foundational Christian beliefs. Room C-207 The Genesis Class welcomes you as they explore faith and life. Rev. Jose Bove is leading a study of the gospel of John during Lent. Room C-202 The Homebuilders Class started in 1945 and is taught by Rev. Brian Tiffany. They follow the Adult Bible Studies curriculum. March’s theme is “Call to Discipleship,” with a focus on the gospel of Luke. Chapel The Vanguard Class is always eager to welcome visitors. During March, Rev. Dr. David Brazelton will teach from the Adult Bible Studies on the theme “Call to Discipleship.” Bible texts are focused on the gospel of Luke. Room C-203 The following classes are studying One Faithful Promise , an examination of the Wesley Covenant Prayer, by Magrey de Vega. The Koinonia Sunday School Class is led by Rev. Terry Knight. Room C-205 The Searchers Class is led by Dion Koch. Room C-206 The Sendero Class is led by Nina Rehberg. Room C-204 Storyline is led by Jason Rogers. Room C-201C

SERVE

This Sunday you can taste premium infused olive oils from a bay area olive store that are sold in “Our Giving Tree” Bookstore and Gift Shop. Stop by 9am-12:30pm for a taste. Shop Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm, Wednesday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 9am-12:30pm. All proceeds benefit missions. PEACE   – The Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment (PEACE) has its 19th annual Nehemiah Action on Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30 pm at Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland. PEACE members will ask public officials to commit to addressing issues related to homelessness and the lack of access to affordable m ental health care. For additional information contact Angie Pattison ( email here ).   kidsPACK: Meal assembly for April deliveries will be on Wednesday,   April 3, in the Welcome Center. Set up is at 9am with packing of the food cells at 4pm. First timers or seasoned volunteers are encouraged to join.   Contact Nelson Kimball ( email here )   or Skip Stevenson (email here) with questions. Hope to see you there. Also, during March   kidsPACK   has a chance to raise money to feed more children by staffing the Kids Zone at all home games for the Detroit Tigers. Volunteers must be 16 or older and all additional information and registration can be found at this link. Did you miss out on our Jewelry, Scarf and Purse Sale? Our United Methodist Women are offering another chance to shop on Sunday, March 24, from 9am-12:30pm in the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, contact Carol (863-665-0482) or Pat (863-859-3339). Pecan Sale: Buy two bags of chocolate or halved pecans and get one free. Sponsored by the UMW, all proceeds benefit missions. Purchase in “Our Giving Tree” Bookstore and Gift Shop (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm, Wednesday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 9am-12:30pm) or contact Pat Bradford ( pbrad65024@aol.com or 863-859-3339).   Home Town Mission Team: During Holy Week 2019, we will spend five days serving Hurricane Irma survivors, right here in our backyard: April 13 (Saturday, a shift from our usual third Saturday of service), April 15, April 16, April 17 and April 18. We will finish in plenty of time on April 18 for you to attend the Maundy Thursday worship service. You do not have to sign up for the entire week. Just pick a day or two to help. Also, you do not have to be a carpenter to participate. Willing helpers are always welcome! More information coming soon.

A group from First United Methodist will tour the Salvation Army on March 28 at 10am. We will visit the emergency shelter, warehouse and daycare and learn more about the forthcoming triplex facility. If you would like to take the tour, please meet a few minutes before 10am at 3800 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, 33810.

firstumc.org Worship Now Online Giving Recent Bulletins