First United Methodist Church
72 Lake Morton Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
8:15am: Worship on the Lawn
Bring a chair and join us for worship on the front lawn.
Rev. Betty Batey will lead worship
Holy Communion will be offered
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8:15am, Sanctuary
9:30am, Fellowship Center
11am, Sanctuary
God's Provisions - Bishop Ken Carter
John 6:24-35; Exodus 16:4-7
11am, Fellowship Center
Jason Korsiak as guest speaker
Holy Communion will be offered at
all services
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Hospitalized (as of July 26)
Juliann Holman and Don Jeffares
Death
Robert Hoagland, July 5
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Embrace Hope | August 28, 8:30am-12:30pm
Are you experiencing grief because of what you've encountered throughout this pandemic? Join us for this half-day event where, through an experiential approach to healing, you will learn to name your feelings, discuss coping strategies and the healing process and most importantly, embrace hope through understanding new norms and engaging in community. Register today.
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Sing with the Chancel Choir: The Chancel Choir is now in the midst of transitioning to safe, in-person singing in worship. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the pews of the Sanctuary. We would love to welcome new voices. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, from 7:30 to 8:30pm, and take place in the Sanctuary. You may also join rehearsals virtually on Zoom from home. Contact Karen, 863-687-9856 for information about this opportunity.
Rethinking Justice is a special meeting with our District Superintendents, PEACE and other DART network affiliates in the Gulf Central District. Join us August 5, 6:30pm as we learn how to live more fully into the command to do justly and live love out loud. DART organizations (PEACE in Polk County) teach leaders in congregations how to advocate for justice on issues right where they live: transportation, mental health, diverting youth from incarceration for minor non-violent offenses. The benefit to churches is helping their leaders learn the art of engaging in the public discourse on critical issues that affect their neighbors. Learn more and register for the Zoom meeting:firstumc.org/peace.
Serving Opportunity! We’re looking for some tech-minded people to serve in our adult Sunday School ministry as tech angels. Since we have returned to our Adult Sunday classrooms, most classes are meeting in a hybrid way – both in-person and online via videoconference (Zoom or UberConference). We need tech-savvy folks who can think on their feet and address issues that might arise. Training and orientation are provided. Contact Warren for more information, 863-686-3163 x227).
Soul Reset Resources: Be sure to visit our website and social accounts for soul nourishing content on “Soul Reset.” We will be posting videos and reminders of practices to apply the lessons we’re learning. Visit for videos from Rev. Dotson (password is Dotson2021), an online course through “The Upper Room,” and additional supplemental materials. Daily prompts for the week’s spiritual practices are posted on Facebook and Instagram.
Advent Devotional: Our Advent study this year is “Christmas is not Your Birthday,” by Mike Slaughter. You are invited to write on the real meaning and significance of Christmas. Prayerfully think about contributing your story along with a scripture and short prayer by October 1. Contact Muriel Kuhn: (386) 546-7343 or email her with your questions and devotion.
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Our Giving Tree Revised hours
Due to the new Covid restrictions, Our Giving Tree has needed to go change their hours. They will be open on Sundays as usual (masks required). You may make an appointment to come in during the week by clicking here or calling (863)686-3163x248. Leave a message and someone will contact you. We are hoping this change won't need to last long.
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For information regarding any adult activities, contact Warren Pattison,
Director of Adult Ministries, wpattison@firstumc.org
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Followers of the Way: Men of all ages are invited to bring a sack lunch and join us each Wednesday at 12 noon for Bible Study and prayer in room C-204 or online via Zoom. We explore the Bible passage for the upcoming Sunday’s sermon. Contact Warren Pattison for more info or call 863-686-3163 x227.
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Sunday School for Adults
Our Adult Sunday School classes have relaunched in a hybrid format with person meetings at 9:30am with the ability to join online. Visitors are welcome to participate in any of these classes. For more information on connecting with a particular class, email Warren Pattison, Director of Adult Ministries.
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BYKOTA (Be Ye Kind One To Another) in person in room C-207. You may also join online (email Warren for link) or via Conference Call to (863) 250-1152. We welcome Rev. Doug Hallman to the lectern to teach his lesson series “David: From Kid to King” during August. The August 1 lesson is “David Honor His Enemy” based on 2 Samuel 1-7.
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Genesis in person in room C-202 and via Zoom. Email Diana for the Zoom link. In conjunction with the sermon series, they are currently journeying through the book Soul Reset by Junius Dotson. All who desire a deeper relationship with God in Christian community are welcome to join us!
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Homebuilders in person in room C-201B. You may also join online (email Warren for link) or via Conference Call to (863) 250-1141. This is our longest-running Sunday school class, having started in the 1940s. Rev. Brian Tiffany teaches from the Standard Lesson Series Bible study. The current theme is “Faith and Salvation” with the August 1 lesson “Salvation Available for All” based on Romans 10:5-17.
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Koinonia in person in room C-205 and via Zoom (email Warren for link). The class welcomes all who desire to grow in their love of God and neighbor. This week, August 1, we continue our study of world religions as we look at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Rev. Terry Heck teaches.
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Searchers in person in room C-206 and via Zoom (email Warren for link). The Searchers class is open to all who are searching for Christian community. They are studying the book of Acts, with Roy Cannon facilitating. Videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media.
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Sendero in person in room C-204 and via Zoom. Email Warren for the Zoom link. The class is studying Adam Hamilton’s book The Walk, with Charles Marsh and Bob Hughes facilitating.
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Vanguard in person in room C-207, via Conference Call to (863) 250-1038 or online (email Warren for link). This class uses the Adult Bible Studies series. August’s theme is “The Five Stages of Job” exploring the theme of suffering and our response to it. Bible texts come from Job and selected Pslams. Kathy Plowman is teaching. Supplemental videos for the lessons are available on Amplify Media.
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For information regarding Children's events,
contact Cristi Moore,
Director of Children’s Ministries, cmoore@firstumc.org.
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Back to School Bash: August 8, 5-7pm on the Front Lawn
Come enjoy some fun in the sun as we kick off the school year with water slides, activities, and free food. This will be an amazing opportunity for families to join together and have some fun to start the school year off right! So suit up in something you don’t mind getting wet, grab some chairs so you have a comfy place to sit and bring a towel to dry off with and you will be all set! Register today at firstumc.org/events.
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Family Fall Kick Off: August 15, 5-7pm in the Fellowship Center
Children’s 9:30 Sunday School Reservations Now Open for August 1
Classes are offered for Toddlers - Grade 5. Masks required for adults and children Kindergarten and older. Weekly reservations are required as class size will be limited for social distancing.
Never Miss Sunday School Again!
Here is a great way for your child to keep up with Sunday School when they are not able to attend in person. You can access this any time during the week at firstumc.org/children/childrens-sunday-school/. There are rooms for each age level that include Bible stories, activities, games, devotions and much more.
August 8 is PROMOTION SUNDAY
Children’s 9:30 Sunday School Reservations Now Open for August 8 – Promotion Sunday Classes are offered for Toddlers - Grade 5. Masks required for adults and children Kindergarten and older. Weekly reservations will be required as class size will be limited for social distancing. They can now register for their new grade level!
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For information regarding our Youth Ministry events, contact Emily Felgenhauer, Director of Youth Ministries: Efelgenhauer@firstumc.org
Youth Group this Sunday, 5-7pm in F1
Dinner, games, worship and group activity. Make sure to check the Youth Enews for planned activities and ways to get more involved.
Back to School Bash: August 8, 5-7pm on the Front Lawn
Come enjoy some fun in the sun as we kick off the school year with water slides, activities, and free food. This will be an amazing opportunity for families to join together and have some fun to start the school year off right! So suit up in something you don’t mind getting wet, grab some chairs so you have a comfy place to sit and bring a towel to dry off with and you will be all set! Register today at firstumc.org/events.
Family Fall Kick Off: August 15, 5-7pm in the Fellowship Center
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For information regarding any of our Mission opportunities, contact Forrest White, Director of Mission Ministries, fwhite@firstumc.org
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Our monthly Food Collection is THIS SUNDAY! We have moved it to the first Sunday each month and shortening the collection time to 1-3pm at the Missions Depot on the Vistabula Street side of the church. We will collect food for our migrant ministry partners and for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE). You may also drop donations in the blue collection bins on campus during regular office hours or on Sunday mornings. Volunteers at First United will sort donations.
Please provide only the requested items and NO GLASS JARS!
Mulberry UMC and Called to Serve Farmworkers:
rice (maximum 12 pd bag), dried beans (Pinto and black, maximum 12 pd bags (no cans) Maseca flour, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter canned tuna and chicken, Vienna sausage, canned veggies (especially corn), cornbread mix, breakfast cereal
VISTE:
Pasta, instant or scalloped potatoes, cake mixes, muffin mixes, crackers (Saltines and Ritz) oatmeal and breakfast cereals.
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Salvation Army Paint Day
On Saturday, August 14, we will paint the interior of one or more triplex units at the Salvation Army complex on Kathleen Road. Work will begin at 8:30am and continue until about 1pm. We would like to have about 12 painters for the day. The Salvation Army asks that everyone be at least 16 years old. To sign up, please email Forrest White (fwhite@firstumc.org), Director of Mission Ministries. You will receive more details upon registering. Painting supplies will be furnished.
Going Back to School
We anticipate returning to the Philip O’Brien Elementary School campus for the 2021-2022 school year as classroom, media center and office volunteers!!! We had a strong core of First United Methodist servants at the school when the pandemic began and want to return with an even stronger presence. We anticipate beginning a couple of weeks into the school year. Polk County Schools require a background check for all volunteers. If you have questions or want to commit to serving alongside teachers and staff members and make a difference in the lives of students, please email Forrest White (fwhite@firstumc.org), Director of Missions.
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Telling Your Grandchildren about Dementia
Children are resilient. They are also curious, honest, and observant and often family members think that a grandchild won’t notice dementia in a grandparent. Trying to cover up for Grandpa’s change in behavior by responding that “Grandpa is just joking around,” or blaming it on old age, experts say, that without direct answers, children reach their own conclusion which can be frightening to them. When a child is seeing one thing and being told another, the results can often cause anxiety in the child.
Understanding dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as a child or adolescent can be difficult, but having open communication will help the child feel a sense of security and overall well-being. Below are tips on helping children understand dementia and suggestions that can teach the child patience and empathy and minimize any fears the child may have.
- Explaining to the child that Grandpa has an illness in his brain and cannot remember things and that makes it hard for Grandpa to do some things he used to do, may help the child understand.
- Assure the child he/she cannot “catch” the illness and that they can still play with his/her grandparent.
- Explain what is happening when the child sees something that Grandpa does or says. Grandpa may have confused words when asking for something,
- Be truthful with age-appropriate answers and help the child find activities to continue being connected with Grandpa. Explaining to a 14 year old grandchild why Grandpa needs someone to help him bathe, or helping a 5 year old grandchild understand why Grandpa cannot make his famous cookies anymore can be explained in terms that they can understand.
- Be creative and develop a list of activities for them to do together so you are not caught off guard and can intervene with a fun experience at a moment’s notice to minimize anxiety for both.
- Activities for them to do together can include singing, reading to each other, watch animal video’s, play musical instruments together or watch the birds on the feeders while enjoying a snack.
- Visit your library and find books that explains dementia. There are many to choose from that are appropriate for younger children, and chapter books that adolescents can learn from.
- Most importantly, reinforce that no matter how confused Grandpa is, and that Grandpa may not even remember your name sometimes, “he always loves you very much.”
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about our Memory Ministry, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org
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