1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - February 18, 2022
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
This Sunday: February 20, 2022
Message: "Not Yet"
Pastor Mike Loomis
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Jerry DePetro,
Thursday, February 24 at 11:00 am
Followed by a light lunch
1st United Methodist Church, Historic Sanctuary

Gerald Robert DePetro, 78, went home to be with his Lord on February 1, 2022, in Port Charlotte.
 
Jerry was born December 15, 1943 in Detroit, MI and grew up in St. Claire Shores, graduating from Lake Shore High School in 1961. He served in the United States Navy.
 
Jerry worked as a draftsman for Chrysler for 14 years. After moving to Charlotte County in 1979, he and Patti opened La Bodega II (a wine and cheese shop) at Fishermen’s Village. He then worked as an engineering consultant, including time at Lockheed Martin. Jerry took up cabinet making and fine carpentry in retirement. When renovations were made to our Historic Sanctuary, Jerry made the altar that graces the sanctuary today.
 
Jerry has served as an usher, a member of the Board of Trustees, including time as Chair, as well as on the church’s Steering Committee. He was a longtime member of both the United Methodist Men, helping with pancake breakfasts, and part of the Men of Faith along with a number of other Bible Studies at 1st Church.
 
Jerry is survived by his wife, Patti, and their two sons, Chris and Joe. In addition, Jerry had two grandchildren, Ryan and Rachele.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the American Heart Association or First United Methodist Church.  
United Christian Women - February 28
The United Christian Women will be meeting on Monday, February 28th at 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Our program will include Heart Connection and our Annual Pledge Program. Please bring a bag lunch if you like. All women are invited.
FREE Tax Preparation
United Way of Charlotte County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be providing FREE income tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $66,000 or less at 1st United Methodist Church beginning February 3rd.
 
Tax preparation services will be held at the church every Thursday from 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm through April 7. Interested individuals and families can call 941-421-7100 to be added to the appointment list.
Operation Christmas Child
The Operation Christmas Child Team is asking for donations in February of:
  • Bars of soap
  • Washcloths
  • Nail kits
Please leave them in the Operation Christmas Child collection box located in Lenox Hall. God bless everyone for helping with this important outreach ministry project!
Cancer Support Group - March 9
Due to Ash Wednesday falling on the first Wednesday of March, the Cancer Support Group has moved our meeting to the second Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30pm in Room 9. Our guest speaker will be Kim Spencer, Sales Manager, from Brookdale Senior Living in Port Charlotte. Kim will be sharing information on all aspects of senior living, including housing options, care options, and financial assistance. We know there are many in our congregation are looking at alternative living, and we welcome everyone whether or not you participate in the cancer support ministry.
Feed the Harbor - Canceled
The Feed the Harbor planned for Sunday, February 27 has been canceled.
Receive Texts from 1st Church
1st Church Family... We are trying to improve our communication within the congregation and also looking for a way to keep everyone seeking devotionals each day. If you would like to receive daily devotionals from 1st Church or receive important communications, please sign up by calling the church office 941-639-3842. This will allow us to text you these messages and make it easy for you to receive them.
2021 Contribution Statements
2021 Contribution Statements have been mailed to your email on file with the Church Office. If you need a printed copy, please call the Church Office and ask for Denise, Ext. 226, OR email me at Denise@whatis1st.com with your request.
 
Thanks for all your contributions!!
Finance Office
A Word from Worship
Greetings 1st Church, 
  
What a beautiful day it is today, a touch of spring. Before we know, it will be warmer than we want! I hope everyone called people they love or care about on Valentine's Day. 
  
We have been busy planning events and schedules for the Lenten season and Easter Sunday. We will have Wednesday noon services in the sanctuary. Watch the Bridge for events and times. Also, please let me know if you are available to help usher or greet at any of the services. 
  
I have been busy trying to prepare for sharing my testimony at the Today Matters service on Saturday, February 19th at 4 pm.  I do love sharing my prayer and faith journey, although I'm a little nervous about doing it on such a big stage! Please come and support me. It's because all of you have been so encouraging and supportive, that I was asked to do it. I know many of you have extraordinary testimonies to share also! It's so amazing as I look back on this journey, just what a priceless gift prayer really is. A book on prayer by Charles Stanley talks about Psalm 33:9 which tells us "When He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command ". Prayer for me is a priceless gift. I have learned to listen to God -- He wants us to hear Him. Deuteronomy 4:29-31 promises, "You will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress... return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice. The Lord your God is a compassionate God. He will not fail you." As you know, I have many challenges, but I don't face the future with fear any longer, but with joy and anticipation because of this gift of prayer. I have been truly blessed. 
   
On Thursday, February 24th, we will celebrate the Life of Jerry DePetro in our historic sanctuary.  A light lunch will follow the service in the Life Center. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given in his name to the American Heart Association or 1st United Methodist Church. 

SPECIAL NOTE:
Rosie's Prayer Group (RPM) will not meet on Thursday 2/24.
On Sunday 2/20/22 a representative will be available in Lenox Hall between services with the altar flower calendar. You can sign up for altar flowers during the year in memory or to honor a loved one for a cost of $60. Any questions contact Rosie, 941-661-4156.
 
See you on Saturday. I'm praying for you!

Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute!
Greetings Everyone,
 
Do you love music, but have a crippling fear of long-term commitments? Did you it is possible to join the choir for a short-term like Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Consider joining our Chancel Choir! This is a great way to serve the church, learn about music and get to know folks.
 
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Historic Sanctuary and sings Sundays at the 11:00AM Service.
 
Please contact David Bellows for more information or questions.

Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
 
This Sunday’s Music: February 20, 2022 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: I Am Thine, O Lord – L. Larson
Opening Hymn: 419 I Am Thine, O Lord
Offertory Anthem: With Grateful Heart – M. Schweizer
Closing Hymn: 529 How Firm A Foundation
Postlude: March – F. Mendelssohn
Discipleship Opportunities
View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
Discovery Bible Study - Now on Zoom
The Discovery Bible Study began a new study, "The Truth Project" on January 17, 2022. Discovery Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10-11:30 am on Zoom.

"The Truth Project is a ground-breaking small group curriculum on the Biblical worldview. This video-based Bible study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Join Dr. Del Tackett, as he takes you through 13 engaging video lessons on the relevance and importance of living the Biblical worldview in daily life, featuring insights from biblical experts like R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness and Gordon Pennington."
Men of Faith
A gathering of men who seek a more complete Christian understanding of the teaching of Jesus. Men of Faith meet in Lenox Hall on Thursdays from 9-10:30am under the leadership of Pastor Bill Grant. The group uses the daily study guide, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, as a start for each weeks' discussion. The daily study guide is available free at the gathering. Many of the group come from other churches, so invite your friends.
2022 Bible Reading Schedules
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!

Download the 2022 reading guide HERE.
Worship Service Information
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!
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. If it is or has been raining (or is too cold), 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!

Praise in the Park is currently scheduled to continue meeting at Gilchrist Park through Easter 2022.
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