First United Methodist Church
of St. Cloud
July 2021 Newsletter
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From the Desk of Pastor Cathy |
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Dear friends!
The 2021 Virtual Florida Annual Conference was held on Friday and Saturday, June 11th and 12th. We ordained 14 elders, commissioned 3 provisional deacons and 12 provisional elders and licensed 22 local pastors! Through the Fill the Table initiative, we provided 5,118,376 meals to those in need in Florida! Clergy Care scholarships provided $504,517 to 531 clergy for exercise equipment, hotel rooms, counseling sessions and time away to renew and recharge during this COVID pandemic. We approved a resolution called A Prophetic Call to White Responsibility to work to dismantle racism. We commissioned 4 global missionaries. We will have two new District Superintendents starting in January, 2022: Emily Hotho and David Allen. The Bishop’s messages for those licensed, commissioned and ordained came from John 15 and Galatians 5. He told us “to bear fruit is to glorify God.” Ruth Nye, is our Lay Delegate to Annual Conference and she will have a report for us soon.
I am very thankful that two young men, Logan Smith and Cooper Forwerck, were able to attend the United Methodist Youth Camp in Leesburg. Thank you for your gifts to provide this experience for our Youth and Children! This is a special place for United Methodists. The counselors and leaders are awesome!
Fourth of July is on Sunday and we will celebrate with our first church wide event since the beginning of COVID! It’s been over a year since we got together for food and fellowship! Larry Finch will smoke pork and provide pulled pork sandwiches. We will have hamburgers and hotdogs! Please bring a side, salad or dessert to share! Our Family Life Center will be open with physical distancing and we will prepare the meals for Elmer’s Kitchen to be distributed from 2:00-3:00PM that day!
We will continue with the 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)
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
We are blessed to live in a country where we can worship and serve God freely! We give thanks for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our freedom and for those who continue to serve in our armed forces to keep us safe.
As Christians, we have received the greatest gift of all: eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. If you have not accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, I would love to speak with you about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. For me, it has been the greatest joy of my life to know Jesus and serve Him in His church. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16(NRSV)
It is my greatest joy to be your Pastor!
Cathy
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2021 Virtual Florida Annual Conference |
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Rijean Smith and I Painting the Children's Room |
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Cooper Forwerck & Logan Smith in Front of the Cross at Camp |
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Following the 10 o'clock worship service we will be having a Fourth of July picnic in the Family Life Center. Please plan on attending and bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Meats will be prepared by Larry Finch (Smoked Pork Roast) and Rusty Thacker (Hot Dogs & Hamburgers.) Leftovers will be boxed in TO GO containers for Elmer's Kitchen distribution that afternoon. |
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Safin Karim is a very talented young man. He has been playing the keyboard and singing with the Praise Team during the 10:00 AM Blended Worship Service here at First Church St. Cloud.
Safin is a 16 year old high school student who recently received an honorable mention in the 2021 NFMC Martha Marcks Mack National Junior Vocal Award auditions to go along with his long range of impressive accomplishments.
At those auditions, he entered a program of five selections in Art Song and Musical Theater, singing in English, Italian and German.
In the Florida Federation of Music Clubs State Convention auditions, Safin won four state awards, including two solo Musically Advanced I honors, and a pair of $200 scholarships for earning the Junior Award for Musically Outstanding Male Voice; and the Florida Summer Music Camp Award.
Among Safin’s previous awards are first place in the FFMC State Male Musical Theater Vocal category, the Grace Krick Sanford Vocal Scholarship, and Osceola Arts Theater awards as Best Male Vocalist, Best Supporting Actor, Best Male Dancer and Best Male Ensemble.
His favorite roles include Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables,” Professor Callahan in “Legally Blonde,” and Zach in “A Chorus Line,” as well as roles in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
After serving as teaching assistant and music director for the Garden Theatre student camps, Safin is currently music director, coach/accompanist for Harmony High School, St. Cloud Middle School and the Osceola County School for the Arts “Arts Abound” student performance club.
He also is performing with the Osceola Rocks youth band, playing piano and singing, and is part of the “Saf and Sabrina” duo with musician Sabrina Brooks in a combination of piano, bass guitar, vocals and harp at various locations in Central Florida.
Safin is studying voice and piano with Victoria Lynn Schultz, who taught piano, voice and harp at UCF, Rollins and Valencia colleges.
As you can see Safin Karim is a very talented young man and we are very blessed to have him working with the Praise Team here at First Church St. Cloud.
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Here at First Church St. Cloud there are many volunteer opportunities to serve the Lord, our church and the community. Please consider volunteering with one of these ministries. |
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The Bags of Love Ministry
This ministry serves bag lunches, hot breakfast to-go, or hot burritos to-go to the unemployed, underemployed, or homeless population of our community on Tuesday & Thursday from 9 am until 11am. Volunteers prepare sack lunches with ready-to-eat non-perishable food items. Service opportunities include bag preparation, and donations of drink boxes or pouches, snack crackers, easy-open ready to eat meals (pasta, beans and franks, Vienna sausages, etc.) Feel free to contact our Church Office for more information or you may bring your donations during Church office hours Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 1 PM.
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Elmer’s Meal Kitchen
First Church St. Cloud serves as the host site of Elmer’s Meal Kitchen, partnering with the St. Cloud Ministerial Association. Each Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Family Life Center, a free nutritious meal is served to the unemployed or underemployed by a different church or local group. First United Methodist Church of St Cloud serves every fifth Sunday of the month. Our Boy Scout Troops serves on the 2nd Sunday.
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Tom and Pastor Dave of Christ the Savior Church serving at Elmer's Kitchen |
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St. Cloud Food Pantry Volunteers |
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First Church helps out the community by supporting and helping along with other churches and nonprofit organizations at the St. Cloud Food Pantry. |
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Service to Our Country, Community and Church |
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Osceola County Heath Department administered Covid-19 Vaccines at our church for members and the community. |
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Juan Santiago preparing for vaccine. |
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Chris Jarvis is serving our church by working on his Eagle Scout project; building cabinets for our kitchen's renovation. |
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Pat Rudd on Memorial Day Pat Served in the Navy during WWII from 1943-1945 |
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Volunteer Recognition Sunday, June 27 |
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Volunteers recognized at the 8:30 Traditional Service |
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More volunteers recognized at the 8:30 Traditional Service |
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Volunteers recognized at the 10:00 Blended Service |
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On Father's Day all of the fathers present were given a pin and refreshments after the services. We want all of the fathers of our church to know that you are greatly appreciated. |
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Fathers having Refreshments |
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Mackenzie and her Parents |
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Father and Son,
Jack and Ted Miller
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Upcoming Events
July 1 - Trustees Meeting - 7 PM
July 4 - Fourth of July Picnic after worship ~ 11 - 12:30 PM
July 12-16 - Preschool Camp - Mornings in the Preschool Bldg.
July 12-16 - Vacation Bible School (VBS) ~ 6:00 - 8:30 PM
July 22 - Church Council Meeting ~ 7 PM
July 26 - 30 - Preschool Camp with Ms. Barbara & Ms. Sue
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 (FUMCSC - 5th Sunday)
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)
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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
- Youth Group ~ 6:00 - 7:00 PM
- 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)
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.
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Our children “Blasted off into Summer” during our first camp held June 14-18th. Each day, 13 children were treated to activities and science explorations of space. Activities included space sensory bins, slimy moon sand, sand art rocket ships, and moon & stars mobiles. A variety of experiences enabled many hours of imaginative play. The children were excited to come back each day to see what new explorations would take place!
The preschool will also be having two more summer day camps this in July.
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
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Playing with Slimy Moon Sand |
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Our Preschool children watched the rocket launch
during their Space Camp.
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Our music isn't slowing down for the summer. We've recently added saxophonist Randy White to the choral group at the 8:30 traditional service. Although some of our singers will be on vacation at various times, we're filling the gaps. It's a pleasure to welcome Dennis Tripp, who not only has a fine voice, but also is able to give us a little percussion when needed. We are looking to add a couple more singers, so don't be hesitant about volunteering. For our 8:30 traditional service on the Fourth of July, Lucy Knowles will perform God Bless America, and other special music will be in the works.
Handbells are silent for the summer, but we anticipate starting back in September with that. Scott Weyrauch's ensemble at the 10:00 blended service just keeps getting better and better. Of note: pianist Safin Karim, who plays keyboard for the group, just received an award from his school for being the outstanding drama student of the year. Way to go, Safin! (See Introducing Safin Karim in separate article.)
Children's Choir has been doing a good job introducing the Children's Moment at the 10:00 service. We'd love to have a couple more kids – practice is Wednesday evening at 6:30.
by Lou Murray, Music Director
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Our mission: To praise the Lord with joyous music every Sunday. |
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Chancel Choir Leads Music at 8:30 Traditional Service |
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Percussionist Dennis Tripp and Vocalist John Fry |
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Children's Choir led by Lou Murray at 10:00 Blended Service |
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Praise Team Leads Music at 10:00 Blended Service |
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Our Praise Team is growing! |
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Children's Moment & Children's Church |
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Each Sunday the our children meet with Rijean Smith, Children's Ministry Director during the 10:00 AM Blended Worship Service for the Children's Moment. Then they go to their Children's Church Classroom in the Family Life Center where they learn Bible Stories, color, make crafts, and play games. |
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Come Join Us This SUMMER at VBS
At Discovery on Adventure Island VBS, the children will enjoy an interactive, energizing, Bible-based good time on their quest for God’s great light. They will make their way through the Bible Story Station, Craft Station, Music Station, Science Station, Recreation Station, and Snack Station while discovering how God’s light shines on them and how they can reflect that light as they live each day.
Who? Children ages Pre-K3 through 5th Grade
Where? First United Methodist Church, St. Cloud
When? July 12 -16, 2021
What time? 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Children who have completed the 6th and up are invited to be youth helpers. We are also looking for adult volunteers.
All volunteers will be required to attend a training and have a background screening done.
For information call the church office at 407-892-3128
or
Rijean Smith – 407-908-4686
or
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Summer Camp at Warren Willis Camp, Leesburg |
Logan Smith and his buddy Cooper Forwerck attended the United Methodist Youth Camp Warren Willis Camp in Leesburg, FL. They had a great time staying in Barnett Lodge.
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The youth have started meeting on Wednesdays, and we average about 14 every week! The youth typically have dinner together before a bible lesson, and then the night is ended with a fun game! It’s exciting to see all the youth coming every week and enjoying themselves, and hopefully we can get some new youth involved!
Amber Smith
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Youth playing Noodle War
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We had a generous gift for the Youth Room remodel and so far we have painted, purchased new vinyl flooring, and our new ping pong table is ready to use. Logan Smith and his grandma Rijean are testing it out. |
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Shiplap for the focal wall and a Foosball table will be coming soon!
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The second floor of the Family Life Center has received a fresh coat of paint. The youth and children's rooms are looking great! |
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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 indoors and outdoors.
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Please continue to maintain at least six feet of social distance. Family units may sit together.
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Monitor your symptoms - Stay home if you feel sick.
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Every other pew will be closed.
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No congregational singing at this time.
- Fully vaccinated individuals may sing in a choral group.
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No passing of the offering.
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There will be no meet and greet.
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Deposit your attendance sheet and offering in the basket by the door when you leave.
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Please dispose of your bulletin as you leave or take it with you to reference upcoming events.
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The Sanctuary is sanitized after every worship service.
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July Birthdays and Anniversaries |
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July 3 - Michael Morris
July 3 - Sarah Harris
July 4 - Mariyn Cornish
July 10 - Karla Loper
July 11 - Brylee McConnell
July 12 - Jahkeema King
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July 23 - Sivinti Dyals
July 26 - Ruth Nye
July 27 - Randy White
July 28 - Barbara Watson
July 29 - Pat Brack
July 31 - Dana Knox
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July 11 - Joe & Amy Allison
July 15 - Jerry Bergeron & Eileen Perez
July 23 - Ed & Judy Kochur
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The Word of Our Lord
Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Please memorize this passage which is part of our new sermon series based on the book, Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado.)
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Staff Members & Email Addresses
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First United Methodist Church of St. Cloud
1000 Ohio Ave., St. Cloud, FL 34769
407.892.3128
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Our services are posted online using Facebook Live (during services) or on YouTube (later) |
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