First United Methodist Church
72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland FL
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Sunday, April 18
Worship on the Lawn - 8:15am
Bring a chair or blanket and join us on the front lawn for worship.
Rev. Melissa Stump
Covid Restrictions
Masks are optional
No physical contact
Social distancing observed
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9:30 and 11am Worship
9:30am - Contemporary Worship
11am - Traditional Worship
CONNECT 4 - EQUIP
Matthew 10:7-12; Ephesians 4:11-13
Rev. David McEntire
We abide by Covid Rules:
Masks must be worn
No physical contact
No congregational singing
Social Distancing observed
These services are on Livestream and Facebook.
Prepare for worship by watching a video with Rev.Melissa Stump
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Hospital
Lori Dettmer
Barbara Jackson
Bob Morton
Harm Oldenkamp
Mary Ellen Rider
Deaths
Jerry Shumate, 4/5
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Baptism
Madison Faye Freshcorn, 4/11
Daughter of Lindsey & Matt Freshcorn
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Baptism
Aria Isabella Herr, 4/11
Daughter of Sheba & Jason Herr
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Celebrate Pastor Melissa
As Pastor Melissa and her family get ready for their new phase of life in a new church, we want to honor their service to our church and the Lakeland community. A celebration of Pastor Melissa's ministry will be held in the Sanctuary at 6pm on Wednesday, April 28. Online registration will be required, and we will observe our Sunday morning safety protocols. This event will also be livestreamed online.
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Church Family Reunion and Night of Worship on the Lawn
On Sunday evening, April 25, 6-8pm we will have a time of fellowship, music, food and fun on the front lawn. We will enjoy music from our Fine Arts Department, including the eleven20 band, and will have food trucks available for you to purchase food and play some family friendly lawn games. We hope that this will be a time of fellowship, relaxation and fun as we gather to worship together. Bring your own chair or blanket. We will be observing social distancing between family groups, but masks are not required.
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For the last three years, First UMC has been part of the Creating a Culture of Calling (C3) initiative through Vibrant Faith. As the project draws to a close, we want to celebrate our callings, and invite you to join us for a special online event on Thursday April 29 at 7pm with Rick Steves, host of the popular PBS travel series. He will be sharing how we can celebrate calling as a way of Seeing the World. The event is free, but registration required. For more information, contact Warren Pattison.
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Help us show the Hospital nurses how much we appreciate them!
We are asking our members to help to show our appreciation to our hospital nurses!
Brian Hurley, Hospital Chaplain, and his team are making origami swans for an art piece with the # of patients that have been served this year. Groups from the city are helping make the swans and we have been asked to join. You can help! Pick up the instructions and material this Sunday, April 18 between 2-4pm in at the overhang of the C building (pick up your Upper Room at the same time). You may also email the bookstore and pick them up in the store. Swans are due April 30. Please help us show our nurses how much the mean to us, especially during this past year.
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Coffee with the Pastors – May 2
If you have been attending First United Methodist a while or even via Livestream or Facebook and have decided to join the church, you are encouraged to have 'Coffee with the Pastors' from 5:30pm –7:00pm on Sunday, May 2 in the Fellowship Center. We will observe Covid protocols: masks must be worn, social distancing observed, no physical contact. In this casual and informative time together, you’ll learn more about the church, get to know our pastors and review expectations regarding droppable-1618256759649membership. We will also offer this meeting through Zoom as well.
It is important you register so the link for the Zoom meeting can be sent to you along with other information and material about joining the church. Please register online. If you have any questions, email Diana.
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For more information or Zoom link, contact Cristi Moore
Preschool Pals age 2 and up - every Tuesday at 11am
Virtual Sunday School Rooms
Don’t miss out on Sunday School! You can access this any time during the week here. There are rooms for each age level that include Bible stories, activities, games, devotions and much more.
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For more information about out Youth program, contact Stephanie
Youth Group Sunday 4:30-5:30pm – in F-Building Gym
Join us Sunday evenings as the pastors lead youth through discussions around scripture, games, small group breakouts and music. All middle and high school students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Snacks will be provided! Safety protocols are in place: temperature checks, masks are required and we will be following distancing guidelines.
This Sunday, April 18 Pastor Melissa leads Youth with a lesson and scavenger hunt.
Senior Sunday this year will be May 23.
We will recognize those graduating from High School in worship at the 9:30 and 11:00 services. More info will be provided about registration and submitting information in the coming weeks.
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We have Bible study and faith formation resources for all ages available on our website. For more information on these opportunities, email Warren.
Sunday School for Adults
Many of our Sunday School classes are meeting online. Check the start times as some have shifted to accommodate in-person worship times. Visitors are welcome to participate in any of these classes. For more information on connecting with a particular class, email Warren.
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BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind One To Another) welcomes Rev. Dr. Doug Hallman to teach in April. The lesson for April 18 is Luke the physician, with a focus on Acts 9:1-22. Meets via Conference Call to (863) 250-1152 or online (email Warren for link). NOTE MEETING TIME: Class starts at 9:00am Sundays.
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Genesis is studying He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. Videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media. The class is meeting in person, with the option to join via Zoom. Masks are required. NOTE MEETING TIME AND LOCATION: Class starts at 9:15am Sundays in the choir room, E-2. Email Warren for the Zoom link.
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Homebuilders is our longest-running Sunday school class, having started in the 1940s. Rev. Brian Tiffany teaches from the Standard Lesson Series Bible study. April’s theme is “Prophets of Restoration” with the April 18 lesson on Nehemiah 2:11-20. Meets via Conference Call to (863) 250-1141 or online (email Warren for link). Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
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Koinonia welcomes all who desire to grow in their love of God and neighbor. The class does Bible study based on the Lectionary scripture readings and church calendar. Rev. Terry Heck teaches. Meets via Zoom. Contact Warren for Zoom link and more information. Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
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Searchers class is open to all who are searching for Christian community. Meets via Zoom. Contact Warren for Zoom link and more information. NOTE MEETING TIME- Class starts at 9:15am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:05am.
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Sendero class is studying the Minor Prophets, using the Genesis to Revelation resource facilitated by Mark Van Cleave. Delve into the special message of each prophet. Some of the ideas explored are: wrath and compassion, justice and righteousness, God's reign of peace, and visions of restoration. The class meets via Zoom. Contact Warren for login information. Class starts at 9:30am Sundays.
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Vanguard class uses the Adult Bible Studies series. April’s theme is “New in Christ” and explores the new life available to all in the resurrected Christ. Bishop Bob Fannin is teaching.Supplemental videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media. Meets via Conference Call to (863) 250-1038 or online (email Warren for link and for access to Amplify Media). Class starts at 9:30am Sundays, call is open starting at 9:20am.
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Neighborhood Ministries
The mission of Neighborhood Ministries is to share the love of Jesus Christ with the community by providing a safe, recreational and spiritual experience for students. Our programs are free of charge to participants.
We are looking for staff and volunteers.
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Volunteers: Adults with a Florida Driver’s license and between the ages of 21-70, we would love to have you volunteer with us. We are in need of drivers Monday – Friday available from 2:15pm – 4:00pm to pick up our students from school. If you are available but not wanting to drive, we also need riders/chaperones for afterschool pickup.
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Staff: We are looking for NHM staff to join our after school and summer programs. Our after school program serves students K-12th grade. Our summer program serves students K-5th grade. Join us to serve as a mentor to students in our community and be a part of our ministry.
If you are interested in being a part of Neighborhood Ministries please contact Stephanie
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Dining Out with Someone Living
with Memory Loss
As vaccines are more available to slow the spread of COVID-19, and spring is in the air, people are starting to venture out and experience dining out again, especially out-door dining. Dining with someone living with dementia or memory loss can be challenging due to the crowded spaces, confusing menus, and generally navigating wait times or delays with your order. The following are some tips to consider when dining out with someone with memory loss to minimize challenges and embarrassing moments for your loved one.
- Choose a familiar restaurant or a restaurant that has open spaces and is not known for its large crowds. Choosing a familiar restaurant will be comforting and possibly offer the chance to see friends.
- Plan to go for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. Often people with dementia can become more confused and anxious as the sun is setting and shadows are present.
- Looking at menus can be overwhelming for you loved one. Check out the menu on-line before you go and choose your meals. Often people experiencing confusion and memory loss will just give up looking at the menu and order “what she is having” to avoid embarrassment.
- Make reservations when possible and eat out doors if the weather permits to avoid crowds. Go early and avoid the rush.
- Stay up to date on your loved ones food preferences. People in later stages of dementia may experience a loss of smell or taste of some foods. Be mindful of what your loved one currently enjoys rather than food he/she may be avoiding.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has “help cards” the size of a credit card that you can that subtly handed to the hostess or wait staff that will inform them your loved one has Alzheimer’s and to please be patient (optional). The Alzheimer’s Association also has many free resources. You can check out their website at https://act.alz.org.
- Ask to be seated close to the restrooms if toileting is a concern.
- Bring helpful eating or bathroom items such as special utensils or a cup.
- Ask to sit in a quiet area and perhaps have your loved ones back to room to minimize distractions.
- Keeping the outing short will minimize tiredness. Skip the appetizer and take the dessert home.
- Be mindful of your loved ones need for independence and have he/she order their meal, choose the table, or choose the dessert being cautious about always speaking for him/her.
- Most importantly, continue to wear your masks when appropriate and social distance as needed.
Connections, the respite program in our memory ministry supports individuals and their families living with memory challenges provide opportunities for self-expression and connecting friends, family and faith. Although we are not able to meet at the church, due to the health and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created a Connections Zoom group on Monday mornings and are able to share music, prayer, poetry, and wonderful adventures.
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about Connections Zoom group, please contact Vicky
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Monthly Food Collection
Our next collection for our migrant ministry partners - Mulberry UMC Food Pantry and Called to Serve Farmworkers - will be May 16 from 1-4 pm at the Missions Depot, where we will have volunteers waiting to take donations. Please note: This is a change from our regular second Sunday collection. We pushed it back for May only to avoid Mother's Day. Please purchase only dried black or pinto beans (no cans) and please limit bags of rice and beans to a maximum of 12 pounds. Also please provide only requested items listed below and NO glass jars.
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Rice (maximum 12-pound bags)
Dried Beans (pinto and black, maximum 12-pound bags)
Maseca flour
Spaghetti sauce
Peanut butter
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Canned tuna and chicken
Vienna sausage
Canned veggies (especially corn)
Jiffy Cornbread mix
Breakfast cereal
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Costa Rica Missions
Please join us May 11-13 for a virtual mission trip with Costa Rica Mission Projects (CRMP). The virtual mission trip will be conducted via Zoom from 6-7:30PM nightly beginning that Tuesday as we join a local prayer service. Wil Bailey, CRMP founder and director, asks that we commit to being present each night of the virtual mission trip, as though we were actually on a journey to Costa Rica. Wil has led several virtual trips during the pandemic and has lots to share. There will be reading to do in advance. First United sent a team to serve with CRMP during the summer of 2019. We had two mission trips scheduled with them during 2020, both of which were cancelled because of Covid-19. We have another scheduled for January 2022. However, this is a great opportunity to find out more about a ministry we support and to encourage its leader, whether you eventually go on a mission trip to Costa Rica or not. To register for the virtual mission trip, email Forrest. You’ll receive the Zoom credentials in early May.
Glean with SoSA
We will have lots of chances to glean fresh produce with Society of St. Andrew this spring. Register at https://endhunger.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=46852. Once registered, you'll enter your email address and name on subsequent visits and go straight to the Florida gleaning calendar to sign up for specific events. SoSA requires all volunteers to sign up through this system. Keep an eye on the gleaning calendar. Events are added frequently. Children are welcome to serve with their parents!
Mobile Food Pantries
Feeding Tampa Bay (FTB) Polk Mega Pantry – On Monday afternoons, we help with this distribution at the Lakes Church (1010 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801). Arrival time is 3:05 pm. Should be done by 6 pm. Minimum age is 13. Masks required. Enter Lakes Church off Memorial. Go left. Continue toward the back of the church. You'll see FTB trucks as the road curves right and volunteer parking is straight ahead. Link to sign up: https://volunteer.feedingtampabay.org/opportunity/a19f4000000oHzeAAE
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM) – Second and last Tuesday, from 10:30 am-2:30 pm. 600 W Peachtree St, Lakeland, 33815.
Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) – Second and fourth Wednesday from 4-6:30 pm at 4441 Academy Drive, Mulberry, 33860. Please contact Anaberta Soto (asoto@cfhconline.org) to sign up or to be adding to the email list.
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