1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - August 27, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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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.
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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. |
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Charitable IRA Contributions |
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Are you 72 or older? Are you taking required minimum distributions from an IRA? Did you know that you can make contributions or special gifts to the Church through this distribution process, and you will not pay Income Tax for funds directed to the Church. If you are interested, contact your financial advisor or IRA custodian and ask about Qualified Charitable Distribution.
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Our September Cancer support Ministry Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in Room 9 at 6:30pm. 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. |
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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.
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Attention, all United Christian Women! On Monday, September 27, we will have a meeting in Lenox Hall at 11:00 am. The purpose of this meeting is to reflect on the past year and to discuss the future of the UCW. So, I am asking you to bring your thoughts and ideas with you.
All women are welcome to attend. You don’t need to be a church member.
Shirley Fitzcharles, UCW Coordinator
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Youth Mission Trip Update |
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Several students gave testimonies this past Sunday to update the congregation on our recent Summer mission trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin. If you missed any of our services this past weekend (8/22) you can still get caught up and hear from our student missionaries. Two students shared at the 9:15 service which was recorded and available for you to watch on our church Facebook page and on our Church YouTube channel.
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First, I want to thank First United Methodist Church for giving the youth of our church such a great opportunity to allow all of us to serve on this year's mission trip.
I did not only get to experience a once in a lifetime chance at having fun, making new friendships, and getting to take an adventure to a place in the world I've never been to with such an amazing group of individuals, but most importantly, I got to take a BIG step and really connect with God the Father.
If it wasn’t for the people in this church who care, I don’t believe I would have gotten to live in the moment I was in. So, thank you for supporting us and praying for us.
Lastly, I want to thank my mission teammates for being the best they could be and get to see the smiles they put on the people of Kenosha.
I had a spectacular experience on my 1st mission trip and hope to do another trip soon and make another set of amazing memories and new friends.
Thank You,
Payton W.
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Halloween Here at 1st Church |
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This October 31st our church campus will once again be the hub for Halloween activities in the Punta Gorda Historic District.
We have been planning for several months now along with City Officials, PGPD & FGFD to welcome 8,000 or more guests to our church property on Sunday evening, Oct. 31st.
That night we will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event to welcome our community onto our beautiful church campus. We are also enlisting the help of 12 food trucks to serve their unique menus items that evening. They will be selling a variety of food and beverages from our grassy lot on the corner of McGregor & Olympia Avenues.
To pull off an event of this magnitude, we as a church need to band together and put our best foot forward. We will need a very large team of volunteers (approximately 40 of you all) to help our staff facilitate this enormous community event. Will you join our team to help make this event a success? Our prayer is that this event will potentially draw in some new families, many with children to our church and our ministries. Prayerfully consider your role in this activity as there are many ways to help.
First, we need candy! Lots and Lots of Candy. All candy donations for this massive event can be taken to Lenox Hall and placed in the dins marked Halloween Candy. In anticipation of so many guests, we will need to collect in excess of 80,000+ pieces of candy to distribute to children and teens that evening.
We will need assistance organizing and setting up prior to the event. We will volunteers at various stations for 2-hour shifts all around our campus during the event on Oct. 31st. Following the event, we’ll need a team to clean up that same night and others to come the following morning to help us neatly return everything to its proper place on campus.
For those of you who wish to decorate and enter your vehicle in our Truck or Treat event, we would love to have you participate! Some people may choose to sign-up to enter their own car or truck and decorate it themselves. Others of you may want to enlist the help of neighbors, friends, or co-workers to decorate a vehicle as a team and hand out candy together that night. Both ways are encouraged and we will have 20 dedicated parking spaces specifically assigned for those of you who which to take part.
If you want more details about volunteering, the Trunk or Treat event, or to register a vehicle, please contact Tim Buck or AJ Rilat at the church, 941-639-3842.
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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!
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Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Bargain Boutique must close at this time. As soon as we are able to get the air-conditioner fixed we will open again. |
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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. www.whatis1st.com
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Please join us on Saturday, September 18 at 4pm in the Life Center to hear from our special guest, Valerie's House. The mission of Valerie's House is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.
"Our vision is that no child will grieve alone."
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Friday Food Pantry at 1st Church |
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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. |
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Greetings 1st Church friends --
As we approach the end of August, it's been a quiet week on our campus, at least for me. When I spend time cleaning cabinets, you know things are calm and quiet. Just when I say that, prayer requests start pouring in. I realize that the need for prayer never slows. So many opportunities to reach out to God due to changing health concerns, situational issues, and troubling world events remind me that the need to reach out to God in prayer never slows down. How grateful I am that when any or all of these challenges come at us, we can get on our knees as often as we need. We are in the midst of our prayer challenge "40 for 40." The first week we had 21 people sign up for one hour each toward our goal of 40 hours. Please continue to sign up each week. It's easy to sign up on our website or call Gail in the office if you need help. We are blessed to have a dedicated prayer room, which is a place of wonderful peace and security for me. I've been learning to depend on God not only when life is stormy but also when life is calm and peaceful when it's easier to slack off on prayer time. Help us to reach our 40 hours of prayer each week!
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
On September 8, 2021 the Chancel Ringers will be resuming handbell rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM in the Life Center. If you have been sitting on the sidelines now is a great time to join the handbell choir. This is a wonderful group of people who enjoys their time of music-making, fellowship, and prayer. Ability to read music is necessary. Contact David Bellows for more information: david.bellows@whatis1st.com
Chancel Ringer’s Rehearsals Resume
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:30PM (Life Center)
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: August 29, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – A. Fedak
Opening Hymn: 384 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Offertory: Pastorale in F Major, I mvt, BWV 590 – J.S. Bach
Closing Hymn: 399 Take My Life And Let It Be
Postlude: Festive Trumpet Tune – D. German
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Discovery Bible Class - Now on ZOOM |
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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!
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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!
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Worship Service Information |
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This Sunday: August 29, 2021 |
Message: "Be a Builder!"
Rev. Jay Mumper
8:00 am Praise in the Park | 9:15 am Contemporary | 11:00 am Traditional
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If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:
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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.
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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!
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Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5: Kid's Connect & Youth will not meet at 4pm. |
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Online Worship Hosts Needed |
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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.
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
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