Holy Week Schedule

March 28 – Maundy Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

March 29 – Good Friday at 7:00 PM at River of Life (2600 Race Track Rd)

March 31:

• 7:00 AM – Easter Sunrise Service at Chapel in the Woods
• 8:00 AM – Easter Continental Breakfast in Wesley Hall
• 9:00 AM – Connection Easter Service in the Worship Center
• 9:00 AM – Longleaf Church Easter Service
• 10:00 AM – Easter Breakfast in Wesley Hall
• 11:00 AM – Traditional Easter Service in the Sanctuary

Easter Sunday Flowered Crosses

It has been a tradition to have the beautiful flowered crosses on both the Longleaf and Mandarin Campuses on Easter Sunday. Many of our congregations take photos by these crosses celebrating Christ’s resurrection. It has also been a tradition for folks to bring flowers with stems to insert in the chicken wire cross. We encourage you to do this also!

March 31 | Easter Breakfast Sponsored by the UMM

On Easter Sunday the United Methodist Men will provide two breakfast opportunities. If you are attending the Easter Sunrise service at 7:00 AM there will be a continental breakfast immediately after the service in Wesley Hall. If you are attending Connection at 9:00 AM or the Traditional service at 11:00 AM, we will have delicious hot “Paula Deen” casseroles, fresh fruit, Danish, and donuts at 10:00 - 10: 55 AM in Wesley Hall. The breakfasts are free, however if you would like to make a contribution all funds received will be used for campus refurbishment projects.

April 4-7 | Sound of Music

Sandy Webb is producing The Sound of Music and several of our youth, children and adults will be performing. The performances will be on April 4- 6 at 7:00 PM. And April 7 at 4:30 PM. All performances will be in the Worship center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Please join us for a great time and supporting Sandy and our performers. Buy tickets here.

March 31 | Sound of Music Program

We are beginning to create the Sound of Music program. We are offering for businesses or anyone who would like to place an ad wishing the cast well in the program. You may purchase a full, half, third page ad or just a business card size. Prices and how to send your ad information can be obtained by calling Tom Boyko at the church office or e mailing him at office@mumc.net. All monies raised will be used to help refurbish areas of our campus. Deadline to have ads in the program is March 31.

April 1 | Church Office Closed

The church campus will be closed on April 1 in observance of Easter Monday.

April 14 l Rise Against Hunger Meal-Packing Event  

Our annual Rise Against Hunger Meal-Packing Event is coming up on April 14! We are so excited to pack meals for those in need. Rise Against Hunger is dedicated to fostering a global movement aimed at eradicating hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.  

This is a fun, churchwide event for anyone ages five and up. We will have three one-hour shifts this year with additional set-up and clean-up shifts. Click here to register or to make a donation. 

April 7 | Churchwide Bible Study

The pastors will begin a sermon series based on Bishop Tom Berlin’s new Bible study entitled “The Third Day: Living The Resurrection” on Easter Sunday. There will be an accompanying Bible study that all are encouraged to join. The majority of the Sunday School classes will be participating in the study, as well as it being offered on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning April 3 and Tuesday mornings at 9:30 AM beginning April 2. Feel free to take advantage of one of the multiple opportunities being offered to take the Sunday sermon a little deeper. 

April 3 | Wednesday Night Activities

Join us Wednesday nights on the Mandarin campus! See more information on each of the following in their ministry section:

• Dinner 5:30-6:30 PM – Adult Meal: hamburger/cheese, potato chips, coleslaw, dessert, and drink (water, soda or tea) - $6 per person. Kids Meal: hot dog, potato chips, applesauce, dessert, and drink (water, soda or tea) - $4 per person. Family Max Price (2 adults & 2 or more kids) - $20 per family. Sign up here.
• Youth Activities – 5:30-8:00 PM in the Gym.
• Youth Praise Band – 5:00-5:45 PM in the Worship space.
• Youth Choir – is on hiatus until April 10.
• Cherub Choir – 6:00-6:20 PM in FLC 830 
• Childcare Room – 6:20-8:00 PM in FLC 834
• Children’s Choir – 6:30-7:00 PM in FLC 830 
• Children’s Activities –6:30-8:00 PM in FLC 837 
• Adult Classes 6:30-8:00 PM.

Click here to learn more about Wednesday nights.

April 4 | Young At Heart

The Young at Heart meet the first Thursday of every month. Our next meeting is April 4 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in Wesley Hall. Anyone 50 + is welcome to attend, there are no dues to attend just bring your favorite lunch dish to share (potluck). If you aren’t a cook just bring something prepared from the grocery store or restaurant. We have plenty of food, no one leaves hungry. We fellowship with one another while we eat and then we have a guest speaker share information that is helpful to us. We have had several great speakers thus far some examples are:

• Hospice
• The Police Department
• American Red Cross
• Mike Groos on Ministry

Also, we have had entertainment such as Sandy Webb and John Lokenberg playing the Steel Drums and a pianist, Sheila Strouse playing Christmas carols.

Our guest speaker this month is Janson Kinsley who is a retired airline pilot. On May 2 the Red Cross will be speaking on life saving techniques. Please join us for a fun time of food and fellowship. For more information contact Matt Boley at 904-524-8604.

CaringBridge Site for Paula Coker-Jones

I wanted to share an update with each of you and ask for your prayers in the coming weeks. You may have heard by now that I have been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. My surgery is today, March 29, and I will have follow up care beginning mid-April. I have made a CaringBridge for updating information as we have it. The link is below and available to those who would like to know our next steps. Please continue to pray for my family as we continue to journey down this road. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your families. Visit Paula’s CaringBridge Here.

April 7 | Blood Drive

On Sunday, April 7, the One Blood organization will have the Blood Mobile available for donations at the Mandarin Campus from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood according to the One Blood organization. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Appointments are encouraged for that day and you can make an appointment on this website: oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 31175. With every donation, as a thank you One Blood will provide a $20 gift card to either Amazon, Walmart, Target or others, an insulated tote bag, and a wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

April 15 | Coral Making Party – VBS Decorations

Join us for a fun, social, coral making party and use your creative skills to make large coral reefs that will be used to decorate the stage/campus for Vacation Bible School. The children participating in VBS are always thrilled when they see the effort put into decorating the campus and now you can be a part of that! Taylor Mathis will guide the group to work together to create coral from various supplies and then combine them into beautiful coral reefs.

There will be jobs for all skill sets, including painting, cutting, designing, and assembling. We will have jobs for those that want to get creative and design, as well as jobs for those who prefer step-by-step instructions.

There is no charge, however if you would like to donate any of the following supplies, please bring them to the church office before April 15, or with you to the Coral Making Party:

• pool noodles (all sizes, bright colors)
• loofahs (bright colors)
• tissue paper (bright colors)
• wide wired mesh ribbon (bright colored)
• cupcake liners
• spray paint (bright colored)
• spray foam
• hot glue
• wooden dowels

Light snacks will be provided. If you would like to bring something to share that would be great! Register Here

April 11 + 12 | True Beauty Book Club

The True Beauty book club will meet in April after having read the book Before I Saw You by Amy K. Sorrells for a discussion. Upon registration, the location will be emailed to you the week of the meeting. Meeting dates will be:     

• Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 PM - Sign Up Here
• Friday, April 12 at 12:00 PM - Sign Up Here

Weekly | Adult Bible Study

Check out what we're studying in some of our classes. To learn more about classes and see what we're studying, click here. 

• St. Johns Small Group – Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Starbucks (Harpers Ln). They discuss the sermon from the previous Sunday.
• Questions Jesus Asked – Thursdays beginning April 4 at 10:00 AM in Room 842 in the FLC. A How to Hear God Bible study that will help you Grow and Go in God’s Love Together. Apr. 4 - May 9. Register Here.
• AHA – Wednesdays beginning April 3 at 6:30 PM in Room 854 in the FLC. A Life Application Bible study that will help you Go in God’s Love Together. Apr. 3 –May 8. Register Here.
• The Third Day – Wednesdays beginning April 3rd at 6:30PM in Room 854 in the FLC. A Life Application Bible study that will help you Go in God’s Love Together. Apr. 3 –May 8. Register Here.
• Young Adult Bible Study – Join us on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM for dinner and devotion. Next meeting is March 7th at One Night Taco Stand on San Jose. We are reading the book You Are More Than You've Been Told by Hosanna Wong. Please see Paula for a copy of this book and come ready for discussion and fellowship.
• Men’s 210 Scripture & Coffee Fellowship – Join in with other men for fellowship time, coffee and devotion at Dunkin on CR 210, 1620 County Rd 210, Saint Johns, FL 32259. Contact Jim Clark for more information at 937-572-0736.
• Acts: Catching Up With The Spirit – Beginning Tuesday, March 12 at 9:30 AM in Room 842 in the FLC, the Bible study, Acts: Catching Up With The Spirit by Matthew L. Skinner will start. In this 6-week study, Matthew Skinner explores six key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian message, the work of God’s people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world. Books are available for $7 each in the church office and will also be available in the classroom. Register Here.

Weekly | Classes Updates

Check out what we're studying in some of our classes. To learn more about classes and see what we're studying, click here. 

• New Community Sunday School – The New Community Sunday School will begin discussing the book The Third Day: Living the Resurrection by Tom Berlin on Sunday, April 7. The class meets from 9:50-10:50 AM in Room 852 upstairs in the Family Life Center. All are welcome!
• Longleaf Sunday School – The Longleaf Sunday School Class will begin the Bible study The Third Day: Living The Resurrection by Tom Berlin on Sunday, April 7.  Contact John Russell. All are welcome! 
• Crusaders Sunday School –The Crusaders Sunday School Class will begin the Bible study The Third Day: Living The Resurrection by Tom Berlin on Sunday, April 7.  This class meets in Room 304 in the Bence Wing from 9:45-10:45 AM. All are welcome!
• ReNewed Sunday School – The ReNewed Sunday School class will begin the Bible study The Third Day: Living The Resurrection by Tom Berlin on Sunday, April 7. This class meets at 10:15 AM in Room 854 in the Family Life Center. All are welcome!
• Women’s Sunday School – The Women’s Sunday School class is discussing the NOOMA videos by Rob Bell. This class meets in Room 843 in the FLC from 10:00 - 10:50 AM. Women of all ages are welcome! 

Upcoming Ways to Serve

• March 30 | Saturday Service: Cup of Love 
• April 14 | Rise Against Hunger Meal-Packing Event

April | Soccer Update

The Spring Soccer season is around the corner! Games will be starting on April 6. We can always use help coaching, in the concession stand, or with gameday activities (set up, pregame prayers, or clean up). If you are interested in participating, please contact Chris Rogers at crogers@mumc.net.

Weekly | Facilities Recreation Schedule

Pickleball:

• Sundays: 1:00-3:00 PM
• Tuesdays: 5:00-7:30 PM
• Thursdays: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Weekly | Choir

Have you ever thought about joining the choir but thought you weren't ready? Well... now is a great time to join for a couple of reasons: 1) you always were ready! 2) We are having a special guest voice instructor over the next 7 weeks who is going to be working with the choir in a group lessons setting, helping us all improve our voices.

By working with this professional you will learn some basics of good singing technique and improve your vocal tone and breath management! And of course, you will get the added benefit of being around all of us cool choir folks.

If you are curious about this or want more information, please reach out to Adam Stich at (803) 979-2805.

Wednesdays | Children + Youth Choir  

The Cherub and Children’s Choirs practice in FLC room 830 led by Elizabeth Clayton 

• Cherub Choir (3 yrs. old and potty-trained to kindergarten) 6:00-6:20 PM  
• Children’s Choir (1st-5th grade) 6:30-7:00 PM.  

Youth Choir practice in Choir Room led by Sandy Webb 

• Youth Choir (6th – 12th grade) 5:45 - 6:30 PM  

For more information about Cherub and Children’s choirs, please contact Elizabeth Clayton. Contact Paula for more information on Youth Choir.

April 19-21 | Created By God Weekend

Parents of 5th and 6th graders, join us for "Created By God", a program about human sexuality in a faith-based setting. April 19-21. Cost: $110 per participant. Bond with your child and learn about this important topic in a safe environment.

Summer Events – Click to Learn More

• May 28-31 – VBS Set up 
• May 29 – VBS Volunteer Training/Refresher
• June 3-7 – VBS
• June 3-7 – Arts, Crafts, and Fun Camp
• June 3-7 – Basketball Camp
• June 3-7 – Delta Summer Camp Preview
• June 10-July 19 – Delta Summer Camp
• June 24-29 – Warren Willis Summer Camp (see below) 
• July 8-12 – Passion Camp (rising 7th - seniors) 
• July 21-27 – Youth Mission Trip (rising 7th - 12th grade) 
• August 3 – Ichetucknee Springs Tubing (Middle School)
• August 4 – Promotion Sunday at Church 

Summer | MUMC Delta Summer Camp

We are excited to share we will be offering 7 weeks of Summer Camp. Click here for more information and to register – Learn more.

Now l Warren Willis Summer Camp Sign Up

Mandarin UMC & Longleaf Church will be taking children and youth (going into 4th grade to just graduated High School) to Warren Willis Summer Camp in Fruitland Park, Florida, June 24-29, which is Week #2 under Warren Willis Overnight Summer Camp registration. If your student is going to WWSC, you MUST FIRST register them at Summer Camp – Warren Willis Camp + Conference Center to secure your child/youth’s spot for camp. It fills up fast. If you have any questions about camp, please contact Angie.  Read more here.

Youth Times

Our One10 Youth times are listed below. Please reach out to Paula if you have any questions.

• Wednesday – 5:30 - 8:00 PM
• Sundays – 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Mandarin campus
• Sundays – 5:00 - 7:30 PM

*If a youth member is dropped off early or outside of these program hours, A parent or guardian must wait with the youth member until the youth staff is available. This is in accordance with our Child/Youth Protection Policy.

Now - May 5 | Confirmation Class

This week, Confirmation is off due to Easter. We hope you have a wonderful day with your family. We will return in April.

Youth Hoodies Available

Youth Hoodies are available for purchase. We currently have them in black (a mix-up at the printer) and forest green. We want to thank Izzy for designing these great hoodies. Those who attended the ski trip got one as part of their trip fee. These are available for $25. We currently have all sizes (S-XXL) available. UPDATE – Green Hoodies is out of Medium.

Let me know if you would like one at pcokerjones@mumc.net.

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of youth ministry volunteers. Below are areas you can serve in this department. We ask that those with youth members in this program consider volunteering for one item a month. If you have any questions, please contact Paula.

• Youth Sunday Night Meals – Sign up here.
• Youth Sunday School Teachers – Sign up here

What are the Children Learning in March?

Visit our website to find out what your children are learning this month! Click here.

April | Mommy & Me Book Club

Mommy & Me Book Club meets in the Children’s Wing of Mandarin UMC Tuesday, April 2  9:00-11:00 AM. Moms and grandmas with kids aged 0-5 years are welcome to join! We start with free play, followed by a themed book and craft starting at about 9:30, and end with more free play. Snacks for the kids and coffee for the moms will be provided in abundance! Please sign up here and email Taylor Mathis if you have any questions or would like to join our Facebook group.

Now | Warren Willis Summer Camp Sign Up

Warren Willis sign up has begun! See the Children & Youth Ministry section above or our website for our summer dates! 

Summer Dates

See Children & Youth Ministry section above or our website for our summer dates and registration.

Acolytes

Our acolytes (3rd grade and older) serve in the traditional services each week. If your child is interested contact Courtney Rankin for Mandarin or Angie for Longleaf. Click below to sign your acolyte up for a Sunday:

• Mandarin Acolytes
• Longleaf Acolytes

As a reminder, acolytes who serve monthly will be invited to our yearly Acolyte Recognition Party.

Weekly | Sunday Morning Activities

Babies through Preschool | Childcare and Preschool Sunday School lessons offered during all service/class times, in the Childcare Rooms (FLC 834 at MUMC).  



Elementary | Bible Story and Activity Time is offered during all worship services, children start/end worship with you.

Sunday School Class is offered from 9:55-10:55 AM at Mandarin in FLC 837. This hour allows us to dig deeper into their lesson. 



Do you want a parent's night out? Serve once a month or equivalent and receive a night out in January and August 2024. Click here to volunteer: Mandarin or Longleaf

Weekly | Junior Youth

Our 4th and 5th grade students enjoy Sunday lunch together ($6), and play games, have great discussions, and build lasting friendships. We will have occasional service projects and trips. Details of any trip will be sent out in email prior to the event. A release form is required for each student and is available at each hangout.  

We meet at 12:00 PM on Mandarin campus under Portico on South side of Family Life Center (near the church bus). Pick up is at same location at 2:30 PM. We hope you will come out and try it. Parents are welcome to stay anytime. Sign up here. Sign up here.

2024-2025 Open Enrollment for Learning Ladders families 

It’s that time of year again when families are planning for the next school year. Current Learning Ladders families will receive a link in their Brightwheel account. If new to Learning Ladders, to register, email info@learningladderspreschool.com and request a link for 2024-2025 Enrollment