First United Methodist Church
72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801
WORSHIP
Sunday, October 20
Sermon Series: On the Road
When the Road Ends

Scriptures:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 ( click here to read )
Revelation 21:1-6 ( click here to read )


Rev. Melissa Stump will preach:
8:15am & 11am - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
9:30am - Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center

Rev. David McEntire will preach:
11:20am - Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Center

Click here for a video of Rev. Melissa Stump as she prepares us for Sunday's sermon.
Hospitalized (as of October 14)
Cindy Connors, Larry Durrence, Phyllis Reddick and Harry Russell.

Wedding
Tori Vivi and Bradley Slocum, October 11
INVITE
Trunk or Treat is Next Sunday!
From 5-7pm we will provide a warm, safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy a time of fellowship. We need you to help us minister to the community by serving at the event. We also need candy - please place donations of individually-wrapped candy in the bins outside worship areas and in the Welcome Center. Thank you!
"Our Giving Tree" Bookstore and Gift Shop Celebrates 10 Years!
Help us celebrate 10 years of serving on Sunday, November 10. We will have a 10% off sale (valid on everything except pecans)! Since opening, all store proceeds have benefited missions. Store hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Wednesday 10am until 7pm and Sunday 9am-12:30pm.
United Methodist Women's Book Club
Join us to discuss Ahisma by Supriya Keklar on October 22 at 1pm in the Parlor. Order electronic and other versions here.

United Methodist Women November Meeting
All women are invited to the November 11 meeting at 10:30am in the Fellowship Center. Program: World Thank Offering and Memorial Service. Lunch is $4/person. RSVP by November 6 to UMWreservations@firstumc.org .

Coffee with the Pastors on November 3 from 5-6:45pm
If you would like to join the church, join us for Coffee with the Pastors in the Large Conference Room of the Administrative Office. Learn more about the church, get to know our pastors and review expectations regarding membership. A light dinner will be served. Childcare is provided with advance reservation . Make a reservation by calling 863-686-3163 or click here .

Join us for the Neighborhood Ministries' 30th Anniversary Celebration!
Friday, November 15, at 5pm in the Fellowship Center, we will recognize those who paved the way for the program and celebrate growth over the years! We will have food and games and honor past Directors and others influential in the development of Neighborhood Ministries. All are invited and welcome to attend. Please let us know you're coming by contacting Stephanie Keen ( email here or 863-687-9750).

Our next JOY (Just Older Youth) Luncheon
If you are 55+ join us on Thursday, November 14, 11:30am-1pm in the Fellowship Center. Forrest White, Director of Mission Ministries, will be our speaker sharing about the many opportunities for service in our congregation, across the street and around the world. RSVP by Thursday, November 7, to Alice Hazel ( email here or 863-686-3163).


GROW
United Methodist Business Leaders
The next meeting is Wednesday, November 13 at 8am in Room C-206. The room opens at 7:30am for socializing and networking and will remain open for 30 minutes after the meeting concludes at 9am. Brett Vogeler will present the second half of “12 Biblical Principles on Which to Build a Business.” The group is open to all who are seeking to better integrate their Christian faith and business practices. Contact Brett Vogeler for info ( email here or 863-255-1613).

Wednesday PHOENIX Dinner
Meal service begins at 5pm. $6/adult, $3/child under 12 with a
$20 max/family. Classes and groups follow at 6:30pm. More information here.

Prospective college students and their families are invited to
"College: How to Get There from Here"
Sunday, October 20 from 5-7pm on the second floor of the C Building knowledgeable presenters and parents of recent high school graduates will share valuable information about being academically prepared for college, selecting the right college and utilizing grants and scholarships to minimize debt. Plan to arrive at 4:30pm so registration can be completed by 5pm.

Aging brings many changes. Discover how you can better navigate the changes of the second half of life for yourself, parents, children and loved ones. Wednesday evenings through November 20 we will offer hour-long seminars on topics of special concern to those in the second half of life. Presentations still to come include Charitable Gift Planning and Effects of 199A, Medicaid Planning, Medicare Planning and Senior Resources/Brain Fitness. This week's seminar is Charitable Gift Planning and Effects of 199A, presented by Ginny Harris at 6:30pm in Room C-207. With the exception of the October 23 seminar, seminars are offered at both 4pm and 6:30pm. More info and registration at here . Contact Warren Pattison ( email here or 863-682-1912) with questions.

A Disciple's Path
Learn more about following Jesus in the United Methodist tradition in A Disciple’s Path . Our first calling as Christians is to be disciples, followers of Jesus who are growing in our love of God and love of others. In the United Methodist Church, we make vows to live out that calling through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. This course will help you to develop spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, discern your callings and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your life, the lives of others and the world. Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30pm October 22 – December 3. Register here , email here or call 863-686-3163.

Men’s Lunchtime Bible Study
Wednesday, October 23, at 11:30am. Rev.David McEntire will lead the lesson. Men of all ages are invited for lunch, Bible study and prayer. Lunch is $8/person. RSVP here . Contact Warren Pattison for info ( email here or 863-686-3163).
Sunday School (9:30-10:30am)
Children: Nursery through PK4 check in on the ground floor of the C Building. Kindergarten through fifth grades check in on the first floor of the C Building.
  • Nursery 2 through fourth grade: Sunday the lesson is about a Community in the Wilderness from Exodus 15:22-17:7.
  • Fifth grade: Sunday the lesson is about The Tower of Babel from Genesis 11:1-9.

Sunday Night
5-7pm, $3/person for dinner. Children PK3 (fully toilet trained) through third grades are invited to join us for a Game Night. Fourth and fifth grades will sign in as usual, then head over to the youth for a surprise joint activity.

Wednesday Night
Children PK3 (fully toilet trained) through fifth grade are invited to join us for classes from 6:30-7:30pm about Practical Bible Exploration with hands-on activities.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Mission Gathering
Friday, October 25 from 6-8pm, join us for an evening of fun with dinner provided at no cost. All we ask is that you show up with a servant's heart and ready help us prep for Trunk or Treat. Register by October 23 here . Please note: each participant must have a current Medical, Permission and Photo Release Form to participate.

Trunk or Treat
Come join the fun on Sunday, October 27, from 5-7pm. Family-friendly costumes are welcome.
Sunday Morning,
Sixth-twelfth grades - join us in Room F-1 for Bible study and discussion at 9:30am.


Sunday Night
We will split for the evening programming from 5-7pm. High school students will attend "College: How to Get There from Here" and our middle school students will participate in an "Amazing Race."

Next Sunday, October 27
Join us for Trunk or Treat from 5-7pm. Serve our community by passing out candy - family-friendly costumes are welcome. 

Wednesday Night ReCharge:
Come hang out from 6:30-7:30pm in the Youth Game Room.

Serve with One United Youth at Talbot House
Meet us at Talbot House each Thursday at 5:15pm to serve. For more information, contact Brett Foster ( email here or 863-687-9750).
Work the Pumpkin Patch
Shifts are available to work by signing up online ( click here , or contacting Stephanie Keen email here or 863-687-9750). The patch is open every day with one-hour shifts. Sign up for as many as you want to earn credit towards upcoming retreats, outings, camp and any other youth activity.
Adults
Visitors are always welcome to attend any of our Sunday School groups. Contact Warren Pattison ( email here or 863-682-1912) with questions.

  • The BYKOTA Class welcomes you to join them for Bible study, fellowship and friendship and is delighted to welcome Rev. Riley Short as guest teacher. Room C-207
  • The Genesis Class is currently journeying through Elizabeth Higgs’ series Bad Girls of the Bible. Theresa Reiter leads. Room C-202
  • The Homebuilders Class is taught by Rev. Brian Tiffany and follows the Adult Bible Studies curriculum. This month’s theme is “In God’s Image.” Chapel
  • The Koinonia Class invites you to join them in life application Bible study using passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, led by Rev. Terry Heck. Room C-205
  • The Searchers Class is exploring the many callings we have using Kathleen Cahalan’s book The Stories We Live. Karl Olexa leads. Room C-206
  • The Sendero Class welcomes you as they begin Adam Hamilton’s book Simon Peter, led by John Naser. Room C-204
  • Storyline: This intergenerational class for adults continues On the Road, the study that accompanies our sermon series. Room C-201C
  • The Vanguard Class invites you to join them as Robert Thorn teaches on the theme of “In God’s Image.” Room C-203
SERVE
The United Methodist Women
The UMW is holding a jewelry and purse sale, Sunday, December 8. You may drop off donations at the Mission Depot each Monday from 10am - 2pm or the Church Administrative Office. Contact Carol Meyer for more information (863-665-0482).

Fall Gleaning Opportunity
We have an opportunity to help the Society of St. Andrew harvest and share healthy food. On November 9 we will glean corn in the Orlando area and, if possible, bring it back to Lakeland for distribution. This is open to all ages - all children need to be accompanied by a parent. Contact Forrest White ( email here or 863-686-3163).

Help a family build a house to make their home!
Anyone age 16 and older can work on a Habitat House in Dade City on these days:
  • November 5 (Election Day), 8am-3pm. You’ll have plenty of time to vote after you elect to serve.
  • January 2-4, 8:45am-3pm. Note: you do not have to work all three days to participate.
Contact Forrest White ( email here or 863-686-3163) to sign up.

Salvation Army
We have tremendous opportunities to serve with the Salvation Army as they prepare for the holidays! Please contact Forrest White ( email here or 863-686-3163) to sign up for any of the following:
  • Thanksgiving Boxes: November 19, 4-6pm – Filling food boxes for families to pick up before the holiday. Must be at least 12 years old to participate. Request: 10-15 servants.
  • Elf Day: December 7, noon-4pm – Assembling bicycles. Request: 10-15 servants with at least minimal skills in bicycle assembly.
  • Angel Tree Shoppers: December 9, 8am-noon – Putting together gift bags for children who were not chosen by a family.
  • Angel Tree Distribution: December 13, 9am-noon – Interacting with Angel Tree recipient families and helping with distribution of gift bags.

Help Neighborhood Ministries
Neighborhood Ministries is collecting food, to provide local families in need over the Holidays. In the Narthex and Fellowship Center you will find shopping lists and reusable shopping bags. Please use the lists to fill the bags, and return them in the coming weeks. Thank you for partnering with us to help feed families.