1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - October 29, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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This Sunday Night is our HUGE Trunk or Treat event! |
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Halloween festivities in the city of Punta Gorda officially begin at 6pm and will continue until 9pm on Marion Ave.
Please be aware that all the side streets between Marion and W. Retta Esplanade will be closed to all vehicle traffic beginning at 5pm and last until 10pm. This includes both lanes of Marion Ave. and the Westbound lane of Retta Esplanade heading into the Isles) If you will be arriving at church after 5pm to volunteer you must use Olympia Ave. as your only entrance onto our campus.
NOTE: All those who are entering a vehicle in the Trunk or Treat portion of Halloween MUST be in place in our Marion Ave. parking lot by the Bargain Boutique by 5pm.
The Children's and Youth Departments of 1st Church would like to thank you for your generous donation of candy this year. Our final total candy count was about 71,000 pieces!! Way to go 1st Church!!
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Fifth Sunday Offering, October 31 |
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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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Operation Christmas Child |
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Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are ready for pick up in the Life Center & Lenox Hall displays. Prefer not to 'shop' ? "Build-A-Box" online! Go to: https://sampur.se/2XAeNZV, which is First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda's Goal Page for 'Build A Box' online. Want to donate money towards shipping costs? Simply write a check to "FUMC" and designate "OCC SHIPPING" in the memo line. Put your check in the Sunday Offering! Many Blessings for your help in this important ministry to Proclaim the Gospel to All the World! Deadlines for returning packed shoeboxes is Sunday, November 14. Please mark your calendars & join us for the 'Annual Shoebox Packing Party' to be held Sunday, November 7th from 5-7:00 p.m. in Lenox Hall. Pizza will be served! All are welcome (and needed!) to reach the '100' Shoebox Goal for the evening!
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Donate Blood, November 14 |
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Mark your calendars and plan to donate blood before or after worship on Sunday, November 14.
All donors will receive a $10 eGift Card, a OneBlood fleece blanket and Chick-fil-A gift card! Plus a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening!
Appointments are encouraged - make your appointment HERE. Thank you! |
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Surviving the Holidays 2021 |
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Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a loved one? No matter how long it's been, grief can make the holidays a painful time, but there is hope. Our GriefShare program is once again offering an encouraging seminar to help those dealing with grief survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. We want to encourage you to sign up for this 2 hour seminar today, and join us for the morning or evening session on Wednesday, November 17th at 10 am or 6:30 pm. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. For reservations or information, please call or text Melodie Austin at 941.661.0842 or or you may email her at melharryaustin@yahoo.com. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, November 10th.
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Today Matters, November 20 |
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Do you know someone who is dealing with domestic violence?
Do you know the signs to look for?
Join us on Saturday, November 20 at 4pm to learn about Domestic Violence Awareness from Lt. Chris Williams and other Charlotte County Sheriff representatives along with Wendy Silva, Sexual Assault Program Manager for C.A.R.E. (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies, Inc.)
Please plan to join us at 4pm on November 20, and bring a bottle of shampoo, body wash, toothpaste or soap as a donation to C.A.R.E. for the victims they support.
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Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner |
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are looking forward to our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 25. We need many donations of food to make our dinner a success and there are places for you to serve that day. Please contact Sherri O'Connell for more information: thanksgiving@whatis1st.com and click on the graphic below to learn more. |
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Have you a ‘hitch in your spiritual giddy up’? Yes? No? Maybe. I’ve had two experiences that have put a boost in my spiritual energy.
The first was a book I pray you will read—Where Do We Go From Here by David Jeremiah. Maybe it’s because I’m an octogenarian but for years now I have been fascinated with prophecy. It first started when I was teaching the books of Daniel and Revelation and discovered the prophecy was throughout the Bible. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you took the time to read it especially, if you’re concerned for our world’s future.
Next, if you have access to YouTube or ROKU, I recommend you watch a video entitled, John Wesley-The Faith That Sparked the Methodist Movement. The 2014 documentary film is well done. It really inspired a deep respect for the faith and what it took to bring it about. Did you know John Wesley almost didn’t exist that he almost died in a fire? God had a plan for him. I think you’ll find this very informative and have a deeper insight to the true meaning of the faith.
Myrt Creigh
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The Endowment Team will accept grant requests during the month of October from individuals or groups. The grants are intended to be a one time supplemental funding for "extras" beyond the regular budget. The original donors (two families in the 1990's) set up an Endowment Fund with a covenant that allows funds to be granted to specific areas of the First United Methodist Church programs. The grants are funded by a portion of the profits earned each year. The core is always maintained to have the fund be perpetually sound. In addition, 10% of it's profits are applied to the core each year. The Endowment Fund tithes too!
Please include a brief description of your program idea/ activity/ or materials you would like the Endowment Team to fund. Include goals, costs, and anticipated impact your plan will make on the participants, our church, and community. Requests must be received in the church office by October 31, 2021. It will be necessary for you to be present at the Endowment team meeting in November to explain your proposal to the team and answer any questions regarding your request. Contact Phil Huddleston (258-4540) philhuddleston@embarqmail.com for details and procedures before you apply.
Recent grants - New Choir Robes, Youth Mission trips supplement, Children's Ministry special activities, UV and air filtration system to protect us from viruses throughout the campus, upgrades to the video system, etc.
What about your legacy to the church and community? Including the Endowment Fund in your estate planning will insure your gifts will live on and touch lives for Christ.
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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. 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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The Bargain Boutique is OPEN! |
Donations are welcomed during operating hours, which are currently Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. For more information on donations or volunteering at the Boutique, please call 239-264-6533. |
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Greetings 1st Church friends;
I was in a meeting this week where the discussion turned to planning events for Advent and Christmas. I was stunned! How can it be right around the corner? I realize my life has been in a state of upheaval lately with numerous medical appointments, then surgery and a period of rest and recovery -- but really -- how does this happen?? So, my word of caution for you is watch The Bridge and announcements for upcoming events, for example Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would also ask that you pray and inquire how you can help. I am in need of volunteers, as are other leaders so feel free to talk to me and I'll try to answer your questions. Serving is a wonderful way to add blessings in your life!
I do want to thank everyone again for the continued prayers for not only my recovery, but future medical situations I am facing. As I was sitting in yet another waiting room at a clinic this week, I thought back over all the years and all the different waiting rooms I've been in. Back when I was a young adult l, I was definitely in a "poor me" place most of the time. Eventually they became a place to quietly utter a "please God- make this go away" prayer. Over time, with loving spiritual leaders, and reading scripture and prayer, those waiting times became the places that helped shape my faith. In those long quiet moments, I had time to ask lots of questions of God. Psalm 34:8 say "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Jeremiah 29:11 tells us "I know the plans I have for you, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you hope and a future." And -- in spite of what was going on with my health, and in the world around me, I began to realize that God had a purpose for my life! Crooked body and all, I know that He is with me with every (slow) step I take. I am so blessed when I get up each day and have the opportunity to thank God for another chance to serve.
I am blessed when you comment or thank me for sharing something you like. Let's all keep praying!
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Dear First Church,
Xu and I wanted to express our sincere thanks for the Baby Card Shower that was given to us last Sunday at the 11:00 o’clock service. We are both overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness, love and generosity.
Thank You!
In Christ,
David and Xu Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: October 31, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Litany on ‘Let Us Plead For Faith Alone’ – A. Fedak
Opening Hymn: 110 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Offertory Anthem: There’s A Wideness In God’s Mercy – M. Schweizer
Chancel Choir and David Bellows, Director
Jeannene Kapitan & Penny Wait, Handbells; Nancy Stearley, Handdrum
Closing Hymn: 163 Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know
Postlude: Toccata on ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’ – G. Young
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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On Sunday, October 24th the Seekers Sunday School Class will begin a new series and will study the Book of Revelation. We meet on Sundays, 9:30-10:30 am in Room 9.
Revelation is a survival guide for the suffering, a book of promises for the persecuted, a banner of hope for the beaten down and for everyone in every age including you. Each session will have approximately a 12-minute video and discussion thereafter. For more information, call Jerry Oravec at 941-256-4013.
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Wednesday Night Bible Study |
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Larry’s Bible Study on Angels
When... Where... Time?
December 1st...Room 13... 6:30pm. (always a Wednesday evening)
We will be using Dr. David Jeremiah’s Study Guide on Angels.
Who They Are and How They Help…
What the Bible Reveals.
Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible and are very intriguing and serve many functions. The first book I read on Angels was by Billy Graham and I learned how important they are to God. I was told that Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Bible; they said this, and they did that, some have names. There are good angels and bad angels, they are creatures created, but when? Do we have a guardian angel? Do they protect us, guide us, encourage us, deliver us, enlighten us, or empower us? Why they must never be worshiped.
Angels Must Be Recognized for Who They Really Are
Dr. Jeremiah gets all his information from the Bible.
Study books are available online at:
Angels, Who They Are and How They Help
Study Guide on Angels $10.00
Make sure it is the Study Guide and not just the book.
Let me know if you will be attending or have any questions. There are 10 lessons and I plan to accompany the lessons with some audio from Dr. Jeremiah. I think we will be lucky to do a lesson a week. I stop the study promptly at 8:00pm. Always bring your Bibles, God’s Word!
I will be Zooming also for those that can’t come but will need your email address for the Zoom.
Larry Keller
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Harmony Bible Study Class |
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The Harmony Bible Study Class meets on Sundays at 10:30 am in Lenox Hall. Our current study is "Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind" by Louie Giglio. We've all been in circumstances that cause our minds to spin with thoughts that are unproductive, destructive, and harmful. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder why we keep falling into the same thought patterns. We need to recognize these thoughts are not from God, but from an enemy lurking who wants to seize every opportunity to lie his way into our minds. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call Debbie Harrington 941-380-0213. |
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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?” We meet on Mondays from 10-11:00 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: October 31, 2021 |
Message: "By Grace"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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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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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Be the Answer to a Grandparent’s Prayer |
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If you read Deuteronomy 4:9, you will see that passing on our faith to our grandchildren is our Godly duty. I am a grandparent whose grandchildren do not live close by. I have limited exposure to my grandkids in nurturing their faith in Christ. So as a “long-distance” grandparent, I consistently pray that there will be godly followers of Christ at the church where my grandkids attend, who will undertake the important teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to my grandkids, in my absence. Will you be the answer to some grandparent’s prayer to be that person who teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our children here at 1st Church?
Godly followers of Christ are needed to teach Sunday school to our elementary and preschool age children on a consistent and committed basis.
To find out how you can volunteer with the Children’s Ministry team, please contact our preschool volunteer, A.J. Rilat (281-910-8594), or our elementary volunteer, Bonnie Fowler (863-604-4074).
by Bonnie Fowler
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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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