1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - August 20, 2021
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
Pray for Haiti
We are asking that our congregation continue to keep Haiti in prayer from the devastation of the recent earthquake. We will be taking up a special offering this Sunday, August 22 that will go to UMCOR to help financially support this urgent crisis. If you would like to make a donation, please include UMCOR on the memo line of your check or on your envelope. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office.  
 
We claim these promises. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46). And Jesus is with us in the midst of the storm (Mark 4). May we draw near to God and to one another in a spirit of generosity toward our neighbors in a moment of crisis and with faith that God will provide.
Fifth Sunday Offering
A new school year has begun for our children at the Florida United Methodist Children’s Homes in Enterprise and Madison Ranch Florida. Every 5th Sunday during the year, we take up a special offering to help support this mission. Won’t you consider giving a gift to help with school supplies and day to day needs for our kids there? We will have special envelopes for you in the Life Center or you may mail your check to the church office or give online through the church app or on our website, whatis1st.com.  Thank you for being such an important part of these children’s lives through your support.
Cancer Support
Our September Cancer support Ministry Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in Room 9 at 6:30pm. Our guest speaker will be Darlene Colt who is a Patient Navigator for the Oncology department at Fawcett Memorial Hospital. We invite and encourage all adult cancer survivors and caregivers to attend this meeting regardless of their cancer type or religious affiliation. Please contact the church office or Jane Sheppard (Jane sheppard@rocketmail.com) with questions or more details.
Cupcake Ministry
Calling all bakers! The cupcake ministry is a really fun, simple and easy one. To participate, all you have to do is pick up your Cupcake Ministry “starter kit” from the ushers as you leave church this Sunday. The kit includes 6 small cellophane bags, 6 strands of ribbon and 6 “You are Invited” candle cards. Then, bake up some of your favorite cookies, brownies or bars. Fill your bags, tie them up, attach a candle card and figure out who you will bless with the beautiful little bags of sweet joy. The smiles that you see and the joy in the recipients will be the most rewarding thing you will do that day.
 
This ministry just delivered several dozen cookies to Tidewell Hospice and they were so appreciative. The school bus drivers are next, and we need 160 bags of cookies (which is about 95 dozen cookies)! If you are willing to donate your baking talents, we could sure use your help. Please contact Kathy Kresge at 941-661-1175 for additional information.
40 for 40 Prayer Vigil
Our new prayer challenge is up and running, and there is still time to sign up! We need 40 people to sign up for one hour of prayer weekly to achieve our goal of 40 hours. Of course, additional hours are welcome! Here is the weekly schedule: Mon-Wed-Fri: 8am -- 4pm; Tue-Thur: 1pm -- 9pm
As you see, no overnight stints are required!

We believe God is urging us to pray, and what better time to pray for Pastor Mike and Debbie than during their time away, and Pastor Bob during this busy time. I believe the Lord wants us to keep our prayer momentum going with strong efforts for our church, our community, and our country..

Sign up by clicking the button below to reserve your time and be part of this important prayer revolution!
Operation Christmas Child
Is it Operation Christmas Child Shoebox packing season already?
Well almost. It will be here before you know it! So to help our church be fully prepared when the time comes to pack those 100+ shoeboxes, we are asking our congregation to buy some needed supplies while all the back-to-school sales are still going on.

Our current needs include but are not limited to:
  • Colored pencils
  • Markers
  • Colored pens
  • Play-doh
  • Colorful Hair Ties and Bows
  • Additionally, each box we pack this year must include one WOW item (Small things like a Lego Set, Barbie Doll or inflatable ball with a pump) to go along with the other school supplies and trinkets we are collecting.

Consider shopping online or at your favorite store for a few of these items while discounts are available to stretch your buck a little further.

*Please remember we cannot pack any items that are liquid-based like Elmer's glue or even toothpaste. We also cannot send things that could melt like stick glue, food of any kind or things that can be used as a weapon like scissors or a pocket knife.

Operation Christmas Child Collection bins for your donations will be located in Lenox Hall by the missions bulletin board throughout the month of August for these donations.

Thanks again for partnering with us and this amazing Christmas Shoebox project to reach the far ends of the earth with the Gospel of Christ.
Our Website has a NEW Look
The NEW 1st Church website has been launched! We are still in the progress of updating current information, so patience while it is under construction is very much appreciated.

Be sure to check it out!
Today Matters
Please join us on August 21 for our special guest, Tina Levene. She will be signing books at 3 pm and the program will begin at 4 pm.

Tina Levene is a speaker, radio and TV host, and author. Her personal story is nothing short of miraculous healing from abuse and addictions. She brings humor, energy, and laughter with relevant content that can be used to transform lives.

Tina’s Best Selling books include: Let Your Lessons Become Blessings, Let Your Forgiveness Become Freedom, Little Book, Big Truths!, Preventing Burn-Out, and Heartbeat of a Leader.
Friday Food Pantry at 1st Church
Bountiful Blessings of the Charlotte County Food Pantry is partnering with 1st Church each Friday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm to distribute food in our parking lot. They currently feed about 100 families each week and they are excited to be able to use our church parking lot to reach more families. All of the food is provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Please help us spread the word to those that may have a need. 
A Word from Worship
Hey, 1st Church friends and family -

It's hard to believe that we're in mid-August already. Instead of "lazy summer days", life has again become filled with anxiety, and a sense of confusion. Weather-related events, increasing Covid cases, troubling world situations, and our own personal problems can cause us to feel disheartened, perplexed, or overwhelmed. While it's such a difficult time, I am grateful that God has blessed us with the peace-giving gift of prayer.  Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. For me, that is a huge gift. In the past, a not-so-encouraging doctor visit would send me into a panic-filled period of sleepless nights, etc., and a half-hearted attempt at prayers of " let's make a deal"! Our opportunities in the prayer room have filled me with peaceful prayer with an internal sense of harmony and confidence in this walk with God. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this precious gift by signing up for weekly prayer time. He knows exactly what we need in any situation we're facing and how to get us to that destination. 
   
In spite of the rise in Covid cases, we remain mask optional. Please continue to social distance, and wear masks if you're more comfortable. Please, stay home and watch online if you are not feeling well.  We will update you if things change. Please check the Bridge for information on upcoming events. Stay safe!


I'm praying for you!

Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute!
Greetings Everyone,
 
A word of thanks to Dolly Smith for donating her beautiful Yamaha Grand Piano to First United Methodist Church. This instrument will be a blessing to the church for years to come. Thank You Dolly!

Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
 
This Sunday’s Music: August 22, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Blessed Assurance – M. Hayes
Opening Hymn: 599 Break Thou The Bread Of Life
Offertory: The Bible Stands – H. Lillenas
Closing Hymn: 529 How Firm A Foundation
Postlude: Prelude in a Classic Style – G. Young
Discipleship Opportunities
View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
Discovery Bible Class - Now on ZOOM
We welcome all who would like to participate in the study “Is Genesis History?” starting Monday, September 13, at 10:00-11:00 am on ZOOM. At the end of the study, it is hopeful that you will better understand what the first few chapters of the Bible have to do with God’s plan for salvation. The study book can be purchased thru Amazon for $10. You will only need the book, no DVD. Please Contact Cathy Smith at cmsmith8@msn.com so that we have your email you to send you the ZOOM meeting link. If you are new to ZOOM, we can help!
2021 Bible Reading Schedules
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Reading calendars are available for download and printing on our website, whatis1st.com/bible2021, and hard copies are available in the Life Center. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
Worship Service Information
This Sunday: August 22, 2021
Message: "How We Got Our Bible"
Pastor Bob Carlson

8:00 am Praise in the Park | 9:15 am Contemporary | 11:00 am Traditional
If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:

  • Masks are now optional for those that are fully vaccinated.
  • Social distancing is still encouraged. Families may sit together, but please leave three seats between you and others not in your family.
  • If you are feverish or not feeling well, we ask that you stay home and join us online on our Facebook and YouTube channels.

At this time, you may only enter the Life Center through the main entrance facing the Fellowship Hall courtyard. All other exterior doors will be locked. We'll see you Sunday!
COVID-19 Update
Just a reminder of what 1st Church is doing to help you stay safe during the pandemic:
  • State of the art air purification systems have been installed in our buildings. 
  • We strongly encourage social distancing with the rise of cases. This does not include members of your own household. 
  • Hand sanitizer stations can be found at the entrance to the Life Center.
  • Masks are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable in doing so. Masks are available on the table at the entrance to the Life Center. 
  •  If you are not feeling well, please stay home and watch our services from the comfort of your home. 
  • We are still offering the 8:00 Praise in the Park outdoor service (weather permitting) if you are more comfortable in an outdoor setting. 
  • The 9:15 and 11:00 services are available each Sunday on Facebook and YouTube for your convenience and safety during this pandemic.   
Praise in the Park
Join us this Sunday at 8 am for Praise in the Park! Open to everyone, this is your opportunity to join us for "in-person" worship as we enjoy God's scenery from the lawn of the beautiful Gilchrist Park Pavilion, weather permitting of course. The rainy season is here! If it is or has been raining, Praise in the Park will relocate to our historic Sanctuary. Time may not always be sufficient to get the word out, so in case of inclement weather, please proceed to the Sanctuary.

Please plan to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, and, yes, we will be asking you to practice social distancing. Don't forget to join our "Praise in the Park" group on our Church App! As a reminder, our outside services are always subject to change due to the weather. Please make sure you are connected with us through the app, our email list, or social media to receive our updates concerning schedule changes. See you Sunday for Praise in the Park!
Volunteer Opportunities
Online Worship Hosts Needed
Do you have a smart phone or computer?
We are in need of volunteers to serve as hosts during our online Sunday Worship Services. Hosts are responsible to greet our viewers, answer questions and provide information about our church app, online giving and prayer team in the chat area -- both on our Facebook broadcast and YouTube channel. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please call Gail at 941-639-3842.
Pray until...
Sign up for time in our Prayer Room: August 8-29, August 30-September 20
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
(941) 639-3842 | www.whatis1st.com