FAITH ALIVE
First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud
June 2021 News
From the Desk of Pastor Cathy
Dear friends!
Here comes June! When I think of the month of June, I think of the end of school, Father’s Day, summer vacations, the beach, family time and summer camps. Every year growing up we went to the Warren Willis summer camp in Leesburg! There we made new friends, slept in cabins, went hiking, enjoyed nature, went out in boats on the lake and played games like kickball and volleyball. The worship services in the chapel were amazing! I responded to an altar call one year and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior! This year, you will be invited to help a child or youth go to Camp. One week of camp costs $430.00 per child and many parents cannot afford the cost for their family. There are scholarships offered by the camp, but they do not cover the whole thing. Please consider giving to the Camp Scholarship Fund this summer. Our church week at Warren Willis camp is June 14-19th!

We will conclude our sermon series on “Words of Life” and The Ten Commandments.
June 6 - Do Not Steal
June 13 - Do Not Bear False Witness
June 20 - Do Not Covet.
We will begin a new series called “Anxious for Nothing” based on the book by Max Lucado. This past year dealing with the COVID pandemic, isolation, unemployment, food insecurities and more has led us to be very anxious. But God’s word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6(NIV)
June 27 - Rejoice in the Lord Always
July 4 - Let Your Gentleness be Known to all
July 11 Present Your Requests to God
July 18 The Peace of God will Guard Your Heart
July 25 Meditate on These Things

Our Annual Conference will be held virtually on June 11-12th where 14 people (6 women, 8 men, 4 persons of color) will be ordained! 

I know some terrific Fathers and we will celebrate them this month. Dads teach us how to use power tools, how to fish, grill, burp and give bear hugs! My Dad was a craftsman. He built stainless steel kitchen equipment and loved to hunt and fish! He worked hard to provide for our family, loved us and was so proud of us. My husband, Rusty, is a great father and now an even greater Granddaddy! Happy Father’s Day to all our Fathers! Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your Father and your Mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12(NRSV)

The Preschool will have three summer camp weeks with one camp from Jun 14-18th called “Blast off into Summer” with Miss Edith and Miss Randi where they will explore space. It’s so exciting to have the preschool children here for summer camps!

It is my greatest joy to be your Pastor!
Cathy
Caleb & Rusty (Granddaddy)
My Dad (2014)
Dads & Daughters
Beautification of the Campus

Thank you to Trustees, Don White and Bob Dixon for putting in new mulch and plants. You did a great job!
Youth News
Confirmation Retreat at Wekiwa Springs
On Saturday, May 1st the confirmands and their families enjoyed a fun day at Wekiwa Springs State Park with swimming, canoeing and lunch.
Jill and Sam Watson
Brian and Daniel Watson
Confirmands with Pastor Cathy
Confirmation Sunday
On Sunday, May 2, 2021 six of our youth were confirmed.
Olivia Siegel
Wyatt Scarlett
Bailey Rojas
Jessica Clement
Samuel Watson
Logan Smith
Confirmands with Pastor Cathy
Nancy Tarrer, Judy Schmidt, Yvonne Allen and Myrna Lee of Seasoned Souls served refreshments to the confirmands and their families at a reception following the Worship Service.
Jahkeema King was confirmed on Sunday, May 16. He participated in the confirmation classes however was unable to attend on Confirmation Sunday.
Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Jessica Clement was baptized at Wekiwa Springs on May 1st during their Confirmation Retreat.
Bailey Rojas was also baptized at Wekiwa Springs on May 1st during their Confirmation Retreat.
Ryan and Emma Williams were baptized on Saturday, May 8th. They were presented by their parents, Mark and Lauren.
Emma and Ryan Williams
Sawyer James McConnell was baptized on May 9th. He was presented by his parents, Chris and Amanda McConnell. His siblings, Logan, Brylee, Kynsley, and Adelyn were very excited to witness this glorious event.
Mother's Day
May 9
Monica Scarlett and her two sons, Wyatt and Blake
Karen Roper and Joe Waskelis
Robin Clement and her daughter, Jessica
Jaynee Yocum and Althea Lee
Ida Bergeron
Monica Scarlett and her mom
Ellen Daniels
Megan Phelps
Caleb Myers and Amy Allison
Pat Hardin
Pentecost Sunday
May 23
On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way. The story in Acts 2 describes a powerful wind and tongues of fire as the Holy Spirit was poured out on people from all over the world who came to Jerusalem to celebrate a Jewish feast. At the first Pentecost over 3000 people were baptized, creating the first church.
Red Balloons in the Sanctuary
Red Velvet Cupcakes
& Red Punch
Chancel Choir on Pentecost Sunday during 8:30 Traditional Service
Introducing Jerry Bergeron
Jerry has lived in St. Cloud since 2007. He has been a member of First Church St. Cloud for about ten years. During that time, he has been involved in the church, previously as the Trustee Chairman for four years and currently as the media technician. He’s the one who projects the Power Point presentations and videos during the worship services. He does a great job and is greatly appreciated.
He has been married to his wife, Eileen for 26 years and between them they have six grown children and five grandchildren.

Jerry is retired but worked most recently for Lowe’s as one of their flooring salesmen. He has many interests including walking, reading, and doing all kinds of creative activities.
50th Anniversary & Renewal of Vows
On Saturday, May 22, DeVon and Mary Benton celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with lunch and renewal of their wedding vows! 
Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events
June 11-12 - Florida Annual Conference (Virtual) 8:30 AM
June 13 - FUMCSC Serves at Elmer's Kitchen
June 14-19 - Preschool “Blast Off into Summer!” Camp
June 14-19 - Youth Week @ Warren Willis Camp, Leesburg
June 20 - Father's Day

July 12-16 - Vacation Bible School (VBS) 6 PM - 8 PM

Regular Meetings
Sunday
  • Traditional Worship Service - 8:30 AM
  • Serendipity Sunday School Class - 9:00 AM
  • Youth Sunday School - 9:15 AM
  • Blended Worship Service -10:00 AM
  • Elmer's Kitchen - 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Monday
  • Power Hour Prayer Group - 8:30 AM
  • Seasoned Souls - 1st & 3rd Monday, 10:00 AM
  • Smooth Stones Bible Study - 2nd & 4th Monday, 10:00 AM (no meetings in July and August)
  • Boy Scouts - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
  • Bags of Love - 9 to 11 AM (Hot Breakfast to Go)
  • Online Bible Study with Pastor Cathy - 7:00 PM; Please join using your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4346020464 with passcode 623978
  • Cub Scouts - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
  • Children's Choir Rehearsal - 6:30 PM
  • Adult Choir Rehearsal - 7:00 PM
Thursday:
  • Bags of Love - 9 to 11 AM (Hot Burritos to Go)
  • Venture Crew (Scouts) - 7:00 PM

Please Note: Our Church Services can be viewed on
FACEBOOK LIVE on our FB page or later on our YouTube
Channel. Click on the links at the bottom of this newsletter to
find these videos.
 
News from the Director
We have just completed another successful school year! We are so thankful for every student that God provided to love, nurture and educate. Our Preschoolers participated in a Moving-Up Ceremony and Parade. Most will join us next year for VPK Pre-K. Our VPK Pre-K students participated in a Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony and Parade. Every student was given a children’s Bible so that they could continue to grow in God’s word.

Several Summer camps will be offered this year. Thirteen students have signed up to attend our “Blast Off into Summer!” camp the second week of June. The children will explore Space with fun science and age-appropriate activities. Little Astronauts will make a star and moon mobile, rockets and decorate telescopes. Space sensory bins, starry sky paintings and space sand art will all contribute to an out-of-this-world experience for the campers.

Enrollment is now open for the 2021-2022 school year. We offer a Preschool class for children who are age 3 by September 1st and completely potty-trained. Our VPK Pre-K class is offered for children who are age 4 by September 1st and is free with the Certificate of Eligibility. Additional information regarding our programs can be found on our website at www.firstumcpreschoolstcloud.com. For the latest happenings and photos, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstumcpreschoolstcloud.

Smiles,

Ms. Denise
Preschool Moving-Up Parade
Moving-up Day in Preschool
We did it!
Music Ministries
Handbell Choir Adds to Service Music
by Lou Murray, Music Director
Special thanks to Diana Walls for organizing and leading a handbell choir, which we have not had for several years. The handbell group has already performed a couple of times, lending a fresh note to our worship services.

Special thanks also to Dennis Tripp for his valuable efforts toward the polishing and restoration of the handbells.
 
We have three kids enthusiastically singing in the new Children's Choir, at the 10:00 service, and have room for a few more in the group.
 
Now that we are doing two Sunday services, some of our choir members have opted to join the praise band to sing contemporary music at the 10:00 service. This leaves an opening for a couple of new people in the traditional choir, so if you've been waiting for an opportunity to sing, here's your chance. We rehearse at 7 Wednesday evenings in the sanctuary.
 
I'm always open to comments or suggestions about the music. Thanks for listening!
Our mission: To praise the Lord with joyous music every Sunday.
Dianna Walls
Children's Choir led by Lou Murray
Praise Team Leads Music at Blended 10:00 Service
Soloist - Chuck McLendon
Keyboardist - Safin Karem
Praise Team
Children's Moment
Each Sunday the our children meet with Rijean Smith, Children's Ministries Directory during the 10:00 AM Blended Worship Service. Afterwards they go to their Sunday School Class in the Family Life Center.
Summer Camp
The week of June 14th - 19th as been reserved as the week the children from First Church St. Cloud will attend Warren Willis Summer Camp in Leesburg. Our church would like to offer scholarships to our children. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the children should contact Rijean Smith or call the church office.
Your safety is our No. 1 concern!
We will are continuing to monitor the latest guidance from the CDC and the Bishop of our Conference. The guidelines have been updated as follows:
  • Masks or cloth face coverings are no longer required for those who have been fully vaccinated but are optional.
  • If you have not been fully vaccinated please continue to wear a mask.
  • Please continue to maintain at least six feet of social distance. Family units may sit together.
  • Monitor your symptoms - Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Every other pew will be closed.
  • No congregational singing at this time.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals may sing in a choral group.
  • No passing of the offering.
  • There will be no meet and greet.
  • Deposit your attendance sheet and offering in the basket by the door when you leave.
  • Please dispose of your bulletin as you leave or take it with you to reference upcoming events.
  • The Sanctuary is sanitized after every worship service.
June Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays
June 1 - Vicki Mauro
June 6 - Scott Weyrauch
June 7 - Jrue King
June 13 - Michelle Carroll
June 14 - Kye Walther
June 20 - Jerry Bergeron
June 21 - June Buckner
June 30 - Eileen Perez
Anniversaries
June 1 - Karla and Bob Loper
June 2 - Jane and Brian Demeulenaere
June 14 - Rijean and Andy Smith
June 16 - Jaynee and John Yocum
The Word of Our Lord
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4
Staff Members & Email Addresses

Pastor: Cathy C. Thacker - cathycthacker@gmail.com
Music Director: Lou Murray - musicalou@inbox.com
Office: Joyce Perkins - treasurer@firstchurchstcloud.org
Admin. Asst.: James Wise - admin@firstchurchstcloud.org
Youth Pastors: Joe & Amy Allison - amymallison@msn.com
Children's Director: Rijean Smith - rijeansmith@yahoo.com
Preschool Director: Denise Dunn - director.firstumcpreschool@gmail.com
Lay Leader & Sound Engineer: Bob Nye - 44robt@gmail.com
Blended Service Worship Leader: Scott Weyrauch - sweyrauch@mac.com
First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud
1000 Ohio Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769
407.892.3128
Our services are posted online using Facebook Live (during services) or on YouTube (later)