Sunday, December 8
Second Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series:
A Gift From God
Title:
Music
Rev. David McEntire to preach
8:15am, Traditional, Sanctuary
9:30am, Contemporary, Fellowship Center
11am, Traditional, Sanctuary
Rev. Melissa Stump to preach
11:20am Contemporary, Fellowship Center
Click
here
to prepare for worship this Sunday with Rev. Melissa Stump.
|
|
Hospitalized (as of December 2):
Lynn Adams, Georgia Bickmire, Kevin Lusby, Norma McCullough, Ted Swick and Grace Witmer
Baptized
Cameron Ezra & Connor Brooks Harber, December 1
Sons of Ben & Shayne Harber
Jeffrey Anak Smith, Jr., December 1
Son of Jeffrey & Ashley Smith
|
|
Sunday is our Second Sunday Gathering.
Join us in the Welcome Center from 9am - 12:15pm for refreshments and
fellowship with your church family.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas
Join us for the Sights and Sounds of Christmas this Sunday at 4 and 7pm in the Sanctuary. This concert features Children, Youth & Adult Choirs as well as the Handbell Ringers & Singers, A Cappella Praise and the Sights & Sounds Orchestra. Admission is free. Childcare provided for children PK4 and under - check in opens 15 minutes prior to each performance. Fine Arts Patrons and Sponsors will enjoy reserved seating in the front of the Sanctuary and are invited to a pre-concert reception in the Parlor before each performance.
Poinsettias
We use poinsettias in our Sanctuary and Fellowship Center during the Advent season. They may be donated in honor of or in memory of loved ones. To donate a poinsettia, return your order form by December 12 ($12/each). Forms are available
here
, in the Narthex of the Sanctuary, the Lobby of the Fellowship Center or from an usher.
2020 Fine Arts Series
Give tickets for events in our Fine Arts Series as gifts this Christmas. Purchase Sunday in the Welcome Center or
here
anytime.
- Voctave concert on Saturday, January 18 at 7pm ($15/ticket). This talented group of a cappella singers all have professional roots in Orlando-area theme park entertainment and world-wide reputations.
- Dinner Theatre and Silent Auction on Friday and Saturday, February 21 and 22 at 6:30pm ($20/ticket). In New York’s little Italy, two families have been feuding for a generation while operating competing Italian restaurants that share a common wall. When the building’s landlord is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect – from the old-world Italian grandmother to the chefs and the bumbling wait staff.
- Fanfares and Flourishes featuring Matthew H. Corl, AAGO with the Clarion Brass Quintet on Tuesday, March 17 at 7pm ($5/ticket). The fabulous Clarion Brass Quintet joins amazing organist Matthew Corl for a festive evening of music for organ and brass.
Christmas Caroling
Join your church family for Christmas caroling to our shut in members on Saturday, December 14. We’ll meet at 5pm in room F-1 and then ride church buses to visit these members. After caroling we will gather for refreshments and return to the church around 8pm.
“A Blue Christmas”
On Monday, December 16, at 7pm in the Chapel we invite you for a time of prayer, reflection and healing. This is a time for those who find the holidays challenging, stressful or a time of grief. Jeremy Hearn, Worship Leader of the 11:20am service, will provide music. Contact Andy Whitaker Smith with questions or for more information (
email here
).
JOY Luncheon
Our next JOY Luncheon (adults 55+) will be Thursday, January 9 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Center. $8/person. RSVP by January 2 to Alice Hazel (
email here
or 863-686-3163).
United Methodist Women
The December General Meeting is Monday, December 9 at 10:30am in the Fellowship Center. All women are invited to hear “Hope in our Community,” presented by the Salvation Army. $4/full lunch.
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent
We have resources to help you observe a meaningful and holy Advent
here
. Find email devotionals, the popular #pictureadvent daily photo challenge, online retreats, courses and resources for family faith formation. We pray that these resources will be a blessing to you as continue to grow in your love of God and others in this sacred season.
Advent Prayer Time
Wednesday, December 11 and 18 from 10-10:20am. Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith will offer a quiet time of prayer, Communion and music in the Sanctuary. All are welcome.
|
|
Christmas Eve Worship
Tuesday, December 24
Family Traditional Worship, 5pm, Sanctuary
Traditional Worship, 7pm, Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship, 9pm, Fellowship Center
Worship with Holy Communion, 11pm, Sanctuary
|
|
The Men’s Lunchtime Bible Study
Our study continues Wednesday, December 11 at
11:30am. All ages are invited. Register today
here
. Lunch is $8. Contact Warren Pattison for info (
email here
or 863-686-3163).
“Finding Christ in Christmas Specials”
Wednesday, December 18 at 6pm. This festive treat for the whole family is about an overworked elf who is reminded of favorite holiday movies and expectations, grace and more. Join us for singing, games and ample audience participation! Dinner service starts at 5pm with the program following at 6pm.
How can you better listen for God’s voice in your life?
Author Paula D’Arcy said, “God comes to you disguised as your life.” Often we fail to recognize God’s action in our lives in the busyness and chaos of the holiday season. The Examen helps us listen to what our lives are telling us, recognizing what brings us new life and what leads to death. Warren Pattison will lead a workshop Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30pm in Room C-201C. Discover and hone your tools for discernment and communion with God. Register
here
or call 863-686-3163.
United Methodist Business Leaders
Wednesday, December 11 at 8am in Room C-206, Join us for a conversation on effective and engaging use of social media for businesses, led by Ashley Hearn. The room will open at 7:30am for socializing and networking and remain open 30 minutes after the meeting concludes at 9am. The group is open to all who desire to better integrate their Christian faith and business practices as they live out their calling in the world. Contact Brett Vogeler for info (
email here
or 863-255-1613).
Adult Sunday School
Visitors are always welcome to attend. Contact Warren Pattison (
email here
or 863-686-3163) with questions.
- BYKOTA Class: Preparing Our Heads, Hearts, Hands, and Hopes for the Coming of Christmas. Rev. Doug Hallman teaches. Room C-207
- Genesis Class: Christmas: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Rev. Mark Becker facilitates. Room C-202
- Homebuilders Class: A Journey to the Manger, led by Brian Tiffany. Chapel
- Koinonia Class: Let the Heavens Be Glad, led by Rev. Terry Heck. Room C-205
- Searchers Class: The Gift of the Nutcracker, led by Nina Rehberg. Room C-206
- Sendero Class: Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience. Jim Cottrell leads. Room C-204
- Storyline – The Journey. Rev. Betty Batey leads an exploration of the people of Christmas narratives. Room C-201C
- Vanguard Class: Adult Bible Studies: Promise. Dr. Tom Reuschling teaches. Room C-203
|
|
Sunday School, 9:30am
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: The class will learn about Joseph's Story using Matthew 1:18-24.
- Fifth grade: Mary's Song is this week's lesson using Luke 1:39-55.
Sunday Night
There is no programming so that families can attend the Sights & Sounds Concert together at either 4 or 7pm in the Sanctuary. Admission is free. Childcare is provided for children PK4 and under and check in opens 15 minutes before each performance.
Wednesday
Children PK3 (fully toilet trained) through fifth grade are invited to join us 6:30-7:30pm as we grow in our faith together with friends, fellowship and fun.
Saturday - Breakfast with Santa!
Join us in the Wesley Center on the second floor of the C Building from 9-11am for a free breakfast with fun activities and Bible story. All are welcome!
Sunday, December 22
A Family Christmas Live at 6pm in the Fellowship Center. Bring the whole family for an old-fashioned nativity. Children are invited to come dressed as a character from the nativity (animals included) for a live retelling of the Christmas story. We will have some costumes available for children to borrow. Make sure to bring your camera!
December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship
Family Traditional Worship, 5pm, Sanctuary
Traditional Worship, 7pm, Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship, 9pm, Fellowship Center
Worship with Holy Communion, 11pm, Sanctuary
December 29:
No programming
|
|
Youth Sunday School, 9:30am
Sixth-twelfth graders, check in to Room F-1 for Bible study and discussion.
Sunday Night
There is no programming this Sunday night. Families are encouraged to attend the Sights and Sounds of Christmas at 4 and 7pm in the Sanctuary. Admission is free.
Join us for these upcoming holiday events:
- December 15 - Youth Christmas Party
- December 22 - Family Christmas Live
Wednesday Night ReCharge
: 6:30-7:30pm in the Youth Game Room.
Come hang out!
December 29:
No programming
|
|
Ring the Salvation Army Bell
First United Methodist is ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the Grove Park Publix through Christmas Eve (except on Sunday). We are the only church ringing at this location. To sign up for a shift,
click here
or contact Lea Ellen DeWitt (
email here
or 863-686-3163).
Peace River Still in Need
Our collection for hygiene kits for our friends at Peace River came up short in a few areas. We need 225 pairs of socks, 130 combs, 100 small tubes of toothpaste and 50 individual toothbrushes. If you would like to help us reach this goal,
please bring donated items
this Sunday, December 8,
only.
We will purchase any remaining needed items on December 9 and put together gift bags on December 10.
Jewelry & Purse Sale
This Sunday, stop by the Welcome Center to shop at the United Methodist Women's Jewelry and Purse Sale from 9am-12:30pm. All proceeds benefit missions.
Give a Special, Unique Gift that Helps Others!
This Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm in the Welcome Center you will have the opportunity to buy alternative gifts from ZOE Empowers for friends/family. By purchasing Gifts That Matter, you are empowering children with the animals, seeds, tools and other items they need to leave behind a life of extreme poverty. You can honor a friend or loved one with a gift and receive a bookmark to give them describing your life-changing gift.
Early Response Team Training
First United Methodist will host Early Response Team (ERT) training on January 25 from 8:30am - 5pm. ERT’s enter a disaster zone at the invitation of local emergency management officials to offer a caring Christian presence. ERT’s are trained to provide various types of physical, emotional and spiritual assistance. ERT’s are certified and registered with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Disaster Recovery Ministry of the Florida Annual Conference. Participants learn spiritual and emotional care, roof tarping, flood clean-up, chainsaw safety and more. Space is limited - register today
here
.
Habitat for Humanity
There are upcoming opportunities to serve in Dade City January 2-4 from 8:45am-3pm. This is open to all who wish to serve age 16 and older. You do not have to serve all three days. There is paperwork to complete before the first work day. Please contact Forrest White (
email here
or 863-686-3163) for more info or to sign up.
Get Involved with our Partnership at Philip O'Brien
You are invited to get involved in our partnership with Philip O'Brien Elementary students one of three ways:
- Classroom volunteers. Even an hour or two each week can make a big difference with an overwhelmed teacher and struggling students in need of extra help. Please contact Forrest White (email here) if you will help.
- Book drive. The school librarian has worked hard with a book supplier to make it easy to donate books. Click here to donate.
- 2020 Kickoff lunch. We will provide lunch on Friday, January 3, for 60 teachers and staff members at the school. Contact Forrest White (email here) if you will help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
