1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - July 9, 2021 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Our Website has a NEW Look! |
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The NEW 1st Church website has been launched! We are still in the progress of updating current information, so patience while it is under construction is very much appreciated.
Be sure to check it out!
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Food Pantry coming to 1st Church! |
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Bountiful Blessings of Charlotte County Food Pantry will be partnering with 1st Church each Friday beginning July 16th from 11:00-1:00 to hand out food in our parking lot. They currently feed about 100 families each week and they are excited to be able to use our church parking lot to reach more families. All of the food is provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Please help us spread the word to those that may have a need. |
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We are collecting donations for the tragedy at Surfside for the families and those who have been displaced from their homes.
If you would like to make a donation, please send a check to the church and indicate "Surfside" in the memo line and we will make sure all donations get to the Conference for the Surfside Disaster Fund.
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Children's Ministry Update |
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The 1st Church Connect Program on Sunday nights from 4-6pm will not be meeting during the month of July.
We will have Sunday school at 9:15am every Sunday morning in July. Newborns to Pre-K students are welcome to have fun in the nursery during the 9:15 and 11am services. Other kiddos in kindergarten through 5th grade should join us upstairs for Sunday school at 9:15 (morning snack provided).
Come to our Big Event (Bring Your Own Backpack) Sunday, July 18th at 9:00am for Blessings of the Backpacks, Bounce House, Crafts, Reading of The Kissing Hand and free school supplies to fill up your backpack.
Jordan Flick
Director of Children's Ministries
jordan@whatis1st.com
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We are excited to serve this summer as a collection site for the Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project! The Sunrise Kiwanis Shoes for Kids project collects new tennis shoes for children (pre-K, elementary, middle, and high) in the Charlotte County Public School System. The need for the 2021-2022 school year is 4500 new pairs of sneakers. So please consider helping this worthwhile project!
The collection boxes are located in Lenox Hall. The shoe drive will run from June 20 to July 25. Let's fill those collection boxes with new shoes for Charlotte County students!!
Monetary donations can be mailed to:
Sunrise Kiwanis of Port Charlotte, 1489 Market Circle Unit #308, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
More information about Shoes for Kids can be found HERE.
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Bargain Boutique, July Vacation |
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The Bargain Boutique will be closed for the month of July. Summer activities abound for our volunteers at the Bargain Boutique. We are ready to go on long awaited family reunions, catching up with old friends back home, that trip we had to cancel is just around the corner. Tickets are purchased, bags are packed and the Bargain Boutique is going on vacation! We will re-open August 2 and begin accepting donations July 26. |
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It was an amazing 24/10 prayer time at 1st Church. The blessings from the time with God moved so many people who were fortunate to get a slot for praying. We will now continue our prayer room with "Pray until..." We are extending the opportunity for this prayer room experience, to watch God do amazing things.
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Hey everyone --
Well, July certainly began with a bang; a wonderful 4th with family, friends and fireworks; followed by a tropical storm with almost Noah's ark proportions of rain! Truly, we had little ducks swimming in our front yard on Wednesday morning! Seriously, I pray that all of you came through it safely.
I have only a couple of reminders: in the event of bad weather, or any other unusual situations, please watch for message alerts on the 1st Church website. In the event of office closings for example, an e-blast will be sent out to you. Also, don't forget that there is no Today Matters program in July. We will return to our normal 3rd Saturday of each month in August. Watch for information on upcoming events.
The following Celebrations of Life are scheduled for:
Shirley Busse on Saturday, 7/10/21 @ 1pm in our sanctuary.
Charlie Singmaster on Thursday, 7/15/21 @ 11 o'clock, also in the sanctuary.
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with prayer needs for not just myself but for so many others, it's easy to feel discouraged. Feeling that frustration this past week, I turned to another favorite scripture from Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." This verse has helped me get through many situations. To know that we aren't alone, reminds me that God is always with us and will show us the way . Praise God! My prayer is to remember that I don't need to be afraid or discouraged!
Have a blessed week. I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
Greetings Everyone,
I hope everyone made it through the storm “Elsa” okay. Wednesday morning, I woke up early to find an alarming amount of water starting to gather in my backyard and at the end of my driveway. On Sunday, the home-owners association in an exuberance of patriotism had stuck an American flag in everyone’s yard and the water had risen all the way up to the bottom of the flag. There was enough water at the end of the driveway that it would have been extremely risky to even back the car out of the garage if I needed to leave. Thankfully the water stopped rising and eventually receded that morning, but it was still unnerving and there was nothing for me to do but pray.
In the chaotic moments of life (and this year has had its moments), help us to remember we are never alone when Jesus, who walked on water and calmed the ocean is our captain.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass came from thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
As a mother stills her child, thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey thy will, when thou sayest to them, “Be Still!”
Wondrous sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
UPDATE REGARDING SINGING AND CHORAL PROGRAM
- Congregational singing officially returned to all services July 4, 2021.
- The CDC has recently updated their guidance saying that it is safe for fully vaccinated people to sing in an indoor chorus. My hope is that choral activities will resume in some form or another this fall. Once all the logistics have been worked out we will announce the date of our first choir rehearsal. As we chart our course back to the normal rhythms of life don’t forget to be kind, patient and respectful with those who might be feeling anxious about plunging back into activities. When we return to choir things might be different, but I am confident and hopeful for the future music ministry of First United Methodist Church and you should be too. Grace and peace to you all.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: July 11, 2021 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Our Great Savior – J.Linn; Sandy Forbes, Flute
Opening Hymn: 526 What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Offertory: God And God Alone – D. Winkler; Sandy Forbes, Flute
Closing Hymn: 578 God Of Love And God Of Power
Postlude: Pièce d’ Orgue, BWV 572 – J.S. Bach
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Worship Service Information |
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Join us for Worship this Sunday! |
If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:
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Masks are now optional for those that are fully vaccinated.
- Social distancing is still encouraged. Families may sit together, but please leave three seats between you and others not in your family.
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If you are feverish or not feeling well, we ask that you stay home and join us online on our Facebook and YouTube channels.
At this time, you may only enter the Life Center through the main entrance facing the Fellowship Hall courtyard. All other exterior doors will be locked. We'll see you Sunday!
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Join us this Sunday at 8 am for Praise in the Park! Open to everyone, this is your opportunity to join us for "in person" worship as we enjoy God's scenery from the lawn of the beautiful Gilchrist Park Pavilion, weather permitting of course. Rainy season is here! If it is, or has been raining, Praise in the Park will relocate to our historic Sanctuary. Time may not always be sufficient to get the word out, so in case of inclement weather, please proceed to the Sanctuary.
Please plan to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, and, yes, we will be asking you to practice social distancing. Don't forget to join our "Praise in the Park" group on our Church App! As a reminder, our outside services are always subject to change due to the weather. Please make sure you are connected with us through the app, our email list or social media to receive our updates concerning schedule changes. See you Sunday for Praise in the Park!
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July 18 Backpack Event, Volunteers Needed! |
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Volunteers are needed for our "Blessing of the Backpacks" event on Sunday, July 18 at 9:15am.
- Meet & Greet
- Bounce House Monitors
- Art & Craft Helpers
- Hydration Station
- Snack area Monitors
We are also in need of school supply donations:
- Pencils
- Scissors
- Erasers
- Crayons
- Glue Sticks
- Pencil Bags
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Supply Boxes
Contact AJ Rilat (281) 910-8594 or the church office (941) 639-3842 to volunteer.
Thank you!
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Online Worship Hosts Needed |
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Do you have a smart phone or computer?
We are in need of volunteers to serve as hosts during our online Sunday Worship Services. Hosts are responsible to greet our viewers, answer questions and provide information about our church app, online giving and prayer team in the chat area -- both on our Facebook broadcast and YouTube channel. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please call Gail at 941-639-3842.
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2021 Bible Reading Schedules |
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Reading calendars are available for download and printing on our website, whatis1st.com/bible2021, and hard copies are available in the Life Center. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
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