SHARE:  
1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - June 24, 2022
FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
This Sunday: June 26, 2022
Message: "The Gospel According to Pastor Bob"
Pastor Bob Carlson
Important Message from the Finance Office
Effective July 1st, please make your checks payable to New Life in Christ Church. If you pay your tithe by bill pay, please remember to change the name of the church in your bill pay set up at your financial institution.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the church office.
Help Us Welcome Pastor Angela and Family
It has been a long-time custom to welcome the new pastor to churches, especially in the South, with a “pounding." The name “pounding” likely came from staple items which were sold by the pound. The way it works was that members would gather and thoroughly clean the house inside and out and spruce up the yard. They would have a “pounding,” stocking the shelves in the pantry with items they had canned from their garden or purchased at the store. Anything from preserves, canned goods, soap, salt, pepper, potatoes, or onions to a jar of cookies might find its way into the pastor’s kitchen. Nowadays paper goods and cleaning items are included; even a church cookbook.

Please help us gather items for Pastor Angela by bringing your donations for the pounding to the Life Center on Sunday, June 26th, and July 3rd. What a great way for our congregation to extend that “Southern Hospitality” to our new Pastor. 
Bargain Boutique
The Bargain Boutique will close for the months of July and August. We will reopen on September 7.

Our Volunteers have places to go and things to do. Our 'grands' are calling, going 'back home' for family reunions and new adventures await us.

Your incredible support is appreciated. Every donation is important to us. Towels, dishes, clothing, jewelry, purses and so much more fill gaps in others' homes. You bless us with your generosity.

Our clients become friends, we hear their groans, some bring their grandchildren, and some seek counseling with Pastor Bob. And the 'thank you's are like joyful noise to us.

See you in September!

We will stop taking donations on June 24.
Children's Ministry News
Vacation Bible School
It seems that every year I am asked the same question by at least one person…Is Vacation Bible School even worth it?  Every year as I face the daunting task of preparing for VBS, I consider the question.  I always come up with the same answer…YES!  Even if only one child accepts Jesus, VBS is worth it!  There is something so magical about watching the Bible come alive to the children that attend.  I can’t put into words what that is exactly, it is something that has to be experienced firsthand.  Let me give you a little taste of what was experienced last week!

Our theme was “Make Waves.”  The main idea behind the theme was that what you do today can change the world around you.  We took a good look at the Bible in VBS starting in Genesis with the creation and ending with the fruits of the spirit.  Bonnie truly made each of those lessons come alive through her storytelling and interaction with the children.  A crowd favorite was when the children became part of the Bible Story of Peter walking on water.  Each group of children performed an impromptu play for their leader, let’s just say, things got a little crazy in the boat!  During the games rotation, Tim and Ruth reiterated the Bible lesson and daily scripture through activities.  Janet came up with crafts for each age group that reminded children of the day's lesson so they could share with their families.  

It was so exciting to see children recalling the stories, games, and crafts each afternoon as we closed the program.  It was even more exciting as they remembered each lesson day after day.  By Friday, the children were not only able to tell me the stories they learned from each day but give great detail about the stories.  Friday afternoon, Peace River Wildlife Center joined us with a few of their awesome animals to tell us how we could make waves in the world to protect our wildlife.  The children were very excited to get their pictures taken with Orion the owl.

But…here is where I really saw the theme taken to heart…children were told that our mission project was to collect socks and underwear for Camelot Community Care.  22 children and 8 teen leaders were able to collect nearly 1000 pairs of socks and underwear for children in foster care!  During mission time with AJ, she explained a little about foster care to the kids but really focused on sharing compassion with others.  The children in VBS far exceeded my expectations. Camelot Community Care was overwhelmed by the generosity.  
Yes, VBS is a lot of work. There is a lot of preparation and time that goes into the event.  There may have only been 22 children in attendance, but there were 40 of us that were blessed by the experience.  To see a child ask pertinent questions to the leaders, or a child who struggles with behaviors, make a 180 and show complete compassion for an injured group mate, or have a child ASK for a Bible and seek out the memory verse…all these actions, that’s the magic of VBS.  That is what makes VBS worth it.
Youth Ministry News
Our Youth had a great time at The Escape Room on June 14th as they tackled puzzles, deciphered clues, and discovered patterns, together as a team.
Summer Mission Trip
Will you pray for one of our youth as they serve as missionaries this summer?  

Okay, Great! Now that you have said "yes", you can select the name of a teen missionary to pray for specifically. Students have printed their names on key chain tags which are available for you to take home this beginning Sunday. These colorful tags have the name of one student or adult volunteer who is part of our youth summer missions team. So, the next time you are at church, you can grab a key tag and add it to your set of keys. Then each time you see the key tag remember to say a prayer for the individual who will be serving in Tennessee this July 15th to 22nd. 
Key Tags are available in the Life Center Foyer the mission table in Lenox Hall. 

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16 NLT 
A Word from Worship
Hey Church family --

Happy summer! Even though it's been hot for some time it's now official.  Unfortunately, we've missed a few services at the Park due to weather situations, but remember, all are welcome to attend the 8oclock service in our sanctuary, in those circumstances.  Be sure to watch for Park cancelation notices when the weather is a problem.

This Saturday, 6/25/22 @ 11oclock we will have a Celebration of Life service in the sanctuary for members, Bob and Jinx Carlson. There will be a reception of light snacks following the memorial service. 

Be sure to mark your calendars for our Celebration service on Sunday, July 3rd.  There will be one service that Sunday at 10 am in the Life Center. Following the service, there will be fellowship and food, as well as activities for the kids. And because it is summer and hot, please dress casually. 

I'm sure I'm not alone when I have times of feeling overwhelmed. Life itself can feel like too much sometimes! There's too much to do, grief is too deep to manage, and our mountains are too tall to climb. Our tendency is to worry, be afraid, and become preoccupied trying to figure out solutions. If we look at these problems as nothing more than hassles or hurts, we become bitter or angry. But if we see these problems as opportunities to trust God for His ability to help us do the impossible. He demonstrated that on the mountainside when He fed the masses when the disciples worried over their "empty baskets". When we're in the midst of problems, we only need to give God what is in our "empty basket ". If all we have is a wimpy prayer, give it. If we only have a meager skill, use it. If we only have the strength for one small step, take it. I believe God can take our small things and make a big thing. The next time we feel overwhelmed, please remember that we are not alone.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us;
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."

I'm praying for you!

Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute!
Greetings Everyone,
 
Don’t miss the 11:00AM service this week! We will have two guest musicians joining our worship service Angela Massey, Flutist and Kris Marshall, Trumpeter. Below are their bios.
 
Angela Massey maintains an active career as a solo artist, chamber artist, orchestral musician, and instructor. Her debut album, The Elements, has been described as “beautiful and enchanting, the performances on this CD are magical!” by Jeanne Baxtresser, former principal flute of the New York Philharmonic. As a soloist, she has performed at venues including the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City, Legacy Hall at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, National Flute Association Convention, and been invited to perform a Vivaldi Piccolo Concerto with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. She has been a featured guest artist for the Tryon Concert Association, Aiken Performing Arts Group, Covenant Concert Series, Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation, SOA Columbia County Music Series, and Tuesday’s Music Live. Outside of the United States, she has performed in England, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Switzerland. Ms. Massey was awarded prizes in the Alexander and Buono International Competition, Frank Bowen Competition, Myrna Brown Competition, and certificate in the Gheorghe Dima International Music Competition in Romania. In regard to chamber music, she serves as Artistic Director of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble arranging and performing numerous recitals each year. Maintaining an interest in new music, she has commissioned many new works for the instrument and worked with notable composers including Daniel Dorff, Moritz Eggert, Karel Husa, Pierre Jalbert, Jim Stephenson, Michael Torke, and Eric Whitacre. New compositions have been dedicated to her by Grigor Arakelian, Alexander Boostrom, Daniel Dorff, Lance Hulme, Nathan Hudson, and Andrey Rubtsov. Ms. Massey holds a flute positions with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the Venice Symphony, and performs regularly with the Sarasota Orchestra. She has also performed with The Florida Orchestra, guest principal flute with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (FL), Choral Society of the Hamptons (NY), Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (SC), South Carolina Philharmonic, Savannah Philharmonic, and Symphony Orchestra Augusta. As an instructor, she has served as flute instructor at Presbyterian College and held active teaching studios in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and New York. Ms. Massey received a certificate in Advanced Flute Studies from Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her instructors have been Alberto Almarza, Jeanne Baxtresser, Martha Kitterman, Jack Wellbaum, and Brooks de Wetter-Smith. She has performed in masterclasses and completed additional study with Randy Bowman, Linda Chesis, James Galway, Stefán Höskuldsson, Eleanor Lawrence, and Jim Walker.Angela Massey plays on a Brannen flute with a Lafin headjoint and piccolo built by Jim Keefe.  
 
Kris Marshall is principal trumpet with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and has built an active career performing with multiple orchestras across the state of Florida, including the Jacksonville Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Venice Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, and The Florida Orchestra. Marshall has been a featured soloist with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra on many occasions and with the Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra in Naples, Florida. As a founding member of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble, he presents several chamber recital tours each year and participates in commission projects to increase the chamber repertoire for trumpet. He won first prize in the Florida Orchestra Young Artist Competition and was later selected to attend the Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Festival where he studied with Chuck Berginc, principal trumpet with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Other significant instructors include Robert Smith, principal trumpet with The Florida Orchestra, and Ed Cord, former principal trumpet with the Israel Philharmonic and Utah Symphony. Marshall pursued degrees in trumpet performance at Florida State University, Indiana University, and the University of South Florida.


The Chancel Ringers are on Summer vacation until the Fall. Regular rehearsals will resume on September 7
 
The Chancel Choir will continue to rehearse and sing through the Summer. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Choir Room 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 - June 26, 2022 - 11:00 AM Service
Prelude: Deux Interludes, Andante Espressivo, I mvt – J. Ibert
Opening Hymn: 454 Open My Eyes, That I May See
Special Music: Drei russische Lieder, I mvt – M. Glinka
Offertory Anthem: Assurance – J.Ness Beck
Closing Hymn: Make Me A Blessing
Postlude: Concerto in C Major, RV 537 – A. Vivaldi
Discipleship Opportunities
View a complete list of Adult Bible Studies, Care & Support, Children, Youth, and other groups at 1st Church HERE.
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!
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
Sign up to receive text messages & daily devotions by calling the church office.
All past issues of The Bridge are available on our website HERE.