First Connections | March/April 2022

FIRST CONNECTIONS MARCH - APRIL 2022

Embracing the Uncertain When I was little there were times when my family attended a family reunion. There were aunts, uncles, cousins everywhere. Occasionally my mother or father would say, “David, this is your Aunt,” or “this is your cousin”. And sometimes that newly found relative would reach out to hug me. I was hesitant as these were new people. I understood that they were family, but they were unfamiliar family and I wasn’t sure that I was ready for a hug from an unfamiliar person, family or not.

Being uncertain is not an unusual response.

We might feel uncertain about applying for a new job or committing to a relationship. There are even aspects of our faith about which you feel uncertain, or comfortable with. You might be drawn to the idea of love, but you may be less comfortable with forgiveness or obedience. Even so, these are part of Christian discipleship, which gives us integrity and strength in our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.

Lent begins on March 2 (Ash Wednesday) and we will begin a new preaching series based on the book, Embracing the Uncertain, by Rev. Magrey deVega. Through the six weeks of Lent, we will study and learn more about Faith, Forgiveness, Worry, Mortality, Surren-

der, Obedience and Resurrection. Each one of these aspects of the Christian faith may lead to uncertainty, but our Lord invites us to embrace these uncertainties. And when we do, we find help and hope for uncertain times.

As Reverend deVega writes, “Uncertainty can be uncomfortable. Many of us prefer stability and a predictable future to an unknown fate.

We are wired to want to control our destiny.

The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictable world, there are few guarantees in life.

It’s those who are willing to embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many ‘unknowns’ who will reap the greatest rewards.”

“Embracing the Uncertain invites readers this Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainties, not ignore them. The first six chapters focus on six post-Transfiguration, pre-Passion stories in the Gospels. Each of these stories are signposts in the gospel narrative, pointing down at a world filled with uncertainty, but pointing us forward to a cross that can show us how to follow Jesus with courage, hope, and obedience.”

Peace and Grace, David McEntire, Senior Pastor

What is Lent?

A Season of Preparation.

Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God.

Learn more at firstumc.org/lent We have compiled resources for you, including devotionals, individual studies, and small group listings, to help you experience a holy Lent. You’ll also find information on the groups exploring the

book Embracing the Uncertain, which aligns with our Lenten sermon series. Sign up for a group and explore the resources at firstumc.org/lent.

Shawshank: Where We Hide Andy Whitaker Smith

Several years ago, I preached a sermon series during Lent based on the film The Shawshank Redemption, a story originally written by Stephen King about a man who experiences not only being physically imprisoned but also the many inner prisons which we can find ourselves in—mentally and physically. Parallel to the disciples running away and hiding during Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, we see that it’s not just fear of arrest and persecution Jesus’ followers hid from, but a representation of what we may hide from in our own lives.

During this pandemic, I decided to take these sermon notes and flesh them out into a book that could be used as a Lenten resource, or for anyone who is a fan of the story or film. Not only is the book available on Amazon, but it will soon be available in Our Giving Tree bookstore. In addition, I will be leading a study group to go through the book Wednesday evenings beginning March 9 from 6:30 – 7:30 in Room C-207. We will discuss a chapter each week, as well as watch clips from the film. This will be available both in person and through Zoom.

WEEK 1: WHERE WE HIDE FROM THE WORLD What about the “outside” do we fear? Outside our country, outside our community, outside our home, outside our church? Some of the inmates in Shawshank are afraid of being released because the outside world seems more like a prison than the inside. How have characters in scripture perhaps felt the same, such as Israelites after Egypt, or the disciples following Jesus?

WEEK 2: WHERE WE HIDE FROM OTHER IDEAS Why do ideas different than our own worry us, agitate us, or even anger us? Are we afraid that a different perspective might change our own, or cause to wonder if we’re wrong? Are

we afraid we’ll disappoint the one who taught us our belief in the first place? Has our faith taught us that anyone who thinks differently than us is automatically our enemy?

WEEK 3: WHERE WE HIDE FROM THE BIBE How is the Bible more than just an “answer book?” Is it really the “living document” we profess it to be? Do others see that in us? Do the stories come alive and give us life—or do we read because we’re afraid of the consequences if we don’t?

WEEK 4: WHERE WE HIDE FROM DEATH As Christians who proclaim faith in the Resurrection, which we will celebrate after Easter, why does the subject of death still seem awkward and even discomforting to talk about?

Do we feel comfortable showing outwardly the grief and mourning we experience when a loved one dies, or are we afraid of showing vulnerability and weakness?

WEEK 5: WHERE WE HIDE FROM OURSELVES Are we ok with who we are? Have we been shown it’s ok to be who we are? Do we wish we were someone else? When we are asked our name, such as Jacob when he wrestled with the mysterious being, do we feel confident answering our name? Do ever feel like we have to be someone we’re not?

WEEK 6: WHERE WE HIDE FROM GOD & WHERE WE FIND HOPE The disciples often felt confident and sure about following Jesus, and said they were willing to go where ever he did…..but not past the Garden. When are those times we cannot act upon what we professed….and how long have we been hiding from God? Are we ready when God finds us, again?

Upcoming Events For more information about all of our events, visit firstumc.org/events.

Meet Angela Everett: Church Administrative Assistant Hello! My name is Angela Everett, and I’m excited to be serving as the Church Administrative Assistant. My husband, Keith and I relocated from the Atlanta, Georgia area in December 2021.

We were members at Hillside UMC in Woodstock, GA, where I volunteered in the church office and was part of the Women’s Ministry program.

A few fun facts about myself are that I was born in Savannah, GA (where I met my husband). I’ve worked in Higher Education at several universities and have also lived outside of Nashville, TN.

We have a very spoiled Border Collie named Max that is able to get his way on just about anything. My hobbies include taking day trips to explore Central Florida, arts and crafts, decorating, and organizing. We’re currently building a house in South Lakeland and look forward to making Lakeland our new home!

I’ve had the pleasure to meet so many wonderful members at First United UMC and have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and warmth shared.

I look forward to continuing to get to know everyone and serving!

- Angela

Prayers & Praises Baptisms Lilly Starling (1/9) Daughter of Meghan Starling Nicolas Alexander Boyington (1/23) Son of Brian Boyington & Dayanna Camere

Deaths Pat Hunt (1/14) Jim Hatch (1/17) Graydon Cloud (1/20) Fred Smith (1/23) Nancy Carr (1/26)

Through Faith We Build.

In 1995, our church completed the Youth Ministries Building (Building “F”), which provided much needed space for a vibrant youth ministry. This space is used for Youth Ministries, Neighborhood Ministries and Scouting Ministries. Currently, we have more than 235 youth involved in these ministries and more than 55 volunteer leaders and staff helping ensure strong, faithful ministry to those young people. Our Youth Ministries Building is now 27 years old and is used 6-7 days a week.

The building has not undergone any major renovations since it was built. The need for renovation is significant.

The Gym was completed in 1985 and is used for recreation by children, youth and adults. Like other buildings which are heavily used the Gym is in need of some renovation.

The floor is currently in need of repair and resurfacing.

The walls are in need of new safety padding and painting.

The Sanctuary lighting system is in need of replacing.

We are experiencing increasingly common equipment failures and parts for our current system (installed 22 years ago) are no longer available. The Fellowship Center lighting system is facing similar problems and is in need of expanded lighting capabilities. By replacing the lighting systems in both locations with LED lighting technology we are able to expand our capability, replace old systems and save on energy costs.

We currently have approximately $1.5m in existing debt related to the Church office complex ($300k remaining) and the property acquisitions which allowed for parking expansion ($1.2m remaining).

Through this campaign, we hope to share the love and light of Christ with even more people in our worship services, youth ministry, Neighborhood Ministries, and beyond! These critical ministries are bringing hope and changing the lives of children, youth and adults in our community nearly every day of the week.

Visit firstumc.org/capital-campaign for more information about this exciting next season in the life of our church.

First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801 firstumc.org | 863.686.3163

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lakeland, FL Permit No. 30

SUNDAY SERVICES 8:15am Sanctuary Service: Traditional worship presented in a new way with a fresh approach to time-honored hymns and a variety of styles of music.

9:30am Fellowship Center: A more contemporary, relaxed atmosphere with worship music of today.

11am Sanctuary Service: Traditional hymns with organ accompaniment, as well as musical pieces from our various fine arts groups.

11am Fellowship Center: A unique worship experience with contemporary worship music and settings. Communion is offered each Sunday.

The purpose of First United Methodist is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We strive to accomplish this by being a worship plus three church. Worship plus three is how we define our ministries. We believe worship is of prime importance and is our foundation. In addition, we are to invite others into a relationship with God, grow in our own relationship with God and our neighbor and serve others as a continued sign of God’s work in our lives.