OCALA FIRST CONNECTION
February 2021
CONGREGATION UPDATES
Thank You for Your Generosity!
A Message from Mark and Rebecca Babalian
Stewardship Chairpersons
 
Back in May 2021, we communicated that Ocala First’s 2021 Operating Fund was projected to have a $170,000 deficit. In response, many of you renewed or increased your giving. Others made special gifts over and above their pledges. And new members joined our church family throughout the year, making new financial commitments. Your giving made a difference! Your 2021 contributions exceeded our earlier projections by $174,000

We truly appreciate your generosity and commitment.
 
Over the course of the next several weeks, your Finance Committee (Phillip Bledsoe, Chair) will be reviewing the 2022 Operating Fund Budget and evaluating Revenue and Expense projections. 2022 will be a critical year and we truly appreciate your continued financial support. If you have not yet made or renewed your pledge for 2022, we invite you to do so by contacting Megan Brobst, our Church Business and Financial Manager (352.622.3244; megan@fumcocala.org).
 
Despite the challenges due to the Pandemic, Ocala First continues to see growth in our Family Ministries programs with children and youth, and to launch new initiatives through our Tuesday Ministries Outreach (TMO) and through our partnership with Wyomina Park Elementary. We are also beginning to see worship attendance return both in-person and on our livestream. Maintaining and growing such programs would not be possible without our members and friends offering their generous gifts and talents.
 
Back in October, the sermon series was based on Ephesians 4:11-13: Building Up the Body of Christ through our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. Throughout 2021, we showed that through maintaining the unity of faith, we could accomplish so much more together! Let us recommit ourselves to that unity in 2022 and beyond!
Pastor Anne on Renewal Leave

Pastor Anne Fuquay will be on renewal leave from Tuesday, February 15 through Thursday, March 31. This time will be set apart for her as an extended Sabbath time for spiritual renewal and rest. Her renewal leave was a approved by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Executive Committee, and our District Superintendent, The Rev. Dr. David Allen.

Pastor David Fuquay will continue to provide leadership at Ocala First UMC during Pastor Anne's renewal leave. He is available and on-call for all pastoral care concerns, in addition to his regular pastoral duties in worship, preaching, and discipleship.

How to reach Pastor David:
  • By phone: (352) 622-3244, ext. 130. Please leave a message if he is not in the office as he can access his phone messages remotely.
  • By email: david@fumcocala.org
  • By text: 352.816.8312

Pastor David is in the office Tuesday through Friday. You can reach him by phone/text/email over the weekend. Monday is his Sabbath day (available for emergencies only).

What is renewal leave?
"Throughout their careers, clergy shall engage in continuing education for ministry, professional development, and spiritual formation and growth in order to lead the church in fulfilling the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ . . . These practices embody the Wesleyan emphasis on life-long growth in faith, fostered by personal spiritual practices and participation in covenant communities." (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Churchy Par. 350.1)

Renewal leave is one of primary ways clergy find renewal and growth and is strongly encouraged throughout their careers. Specifically in The Book of Discipline Par. 350.3 - “A clergy member may request a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church. Such leaves are available to clergy members who have held full-time appointments for at least six years.”

Pastor Anne initially requested renewal leave in early 2020, but withdrew the request at that time due to the emerging Pandemic. This renewal leave is her first in 24 years of professional ministry.  
THE BIBLE YEAR
Current Sermon Series

February Reading Calendar
(Click to download)
The Bible Year Small Groups
  • Pastor’s Bible Study on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm (in the FLC or on Zoom)
  • Friends Sunday School Class on Sundays at 10 am (Room #31)
  • Ocala FUMC The Bible Year Small Group on Facebook
Other Resources
UPCOMING EVENTS
MISSIONS AND SERVICE
FAMILY MINISTRIES
TREEHOUSE KIDS
If you would like to receive updates from our Family Ministries' Team, contact Shannon Vianello. (352.622.3244) or shannon.vianello@gmail.com.



ROOTED YOUTH MINISTRY
6th-12th Grades

Check out the latest news from the Youth Group!

FIND US ONLINE!
Visit our webpage for updates, sermon videos and more!
[352.622.3244]  [info@fumcocala.org]  [www.fumcocala.org]