First Connections | November/December 2021

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A Season of Celebration

WORSHIP

INVITE

GROW

SERVE

CONTENTS The Character of Faith by David McEntire

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The Character of Faith by Alice Ray Overstreet ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 Prayer & Praise �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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Help Us Help Others! ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Fine Arts Concert Series ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5-6 Memorials ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Children’s Holiday Activities ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Youth Opportunities ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Apricot Bars by Amy Tyner ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

a publication of First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-686-3163 • firstumc.org #1stLKLD

First Things First!

The Character of Faith: 2022 Budget This month you will receive an abbreviated copy of the proposed 2022 Church Budget, along with a pledge card. As is our custom, we send a proposed budget to each family in the church and ask that you return your 2022 Pledge Card on Sunday, November 21 (or mail it in if you are unable to bring it to church). This is immensely helpful in determining our budget for 2022.

The budget was built on several principles, including our core values of Worship +3 (Invite, Grow, Serve). These values represent our love of God, inviting others to know God’s love, growing in our understanding of God’s love and serving as an expression of God’s love. When we give, it is also an outward expression of our character, revealing the attributes which point to our relationship with God. Jesus calls this fruit, that which Paul calls the Fruit of the Spirit.

In November, we will be looking at three of the nine attributes, (from Paul’s listing of the Fruit of the Spirit) which are clear expressions of our faith. We will begin with Faithfulness, then turn to Generosity and conclude with Love.

When we give, we are expressing our faith, keeping to the scriptural reminder that it is a blessing to give. When we give generously, we remove giving as an obligation or duty and giving then becomes a thankful response.

When we give as an expression of love lives are changed, both for the giver and for those blessed by the gift.

My wife and I have joined you in 14 previous stewardship campaigns, making our pledge toward the well thought out and prayerfully considered ministries and mission of our church. For us, giving is an expression of our faith and the character of our faith. I pray you will join us in taking that step once again as we move into another year of faithful, generous and loving giving.

Peace and Grace, W. David McEntire

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.

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The Character of Faith by Alice Ray Overstreet Faith is...

As a teenager, I experienced disappointments for things I wanted to do that taught me not to “count my chickens before they hatch.” I applied for and was not accepted to attend a national Girl Scout camp. I tried out for the high school powder puff football team and was not selected. I applied for jobs and wasn’t hired. Disappointment became a great motivator for depending on my faith in God because I was not in charge. In each instance, my mom provided solace and reminded me of our family’s beliefs and the faith I had been learning ever since I was in the Methodist church nursery. Faith would carry me through the future disappointments of one type or another that would always be in my path. Faith has given me the strength to avoid spending much time in “worry mode.” It has also allowed me to provide comfort and care for those around me who tend to worry. God will take care of them, too.

Faith is not works. We work because God works in us, not to prove our faith. Our faith allows us to experience God’s love in its fullest form, and His grace strengthens our faith. We choose to use our faith for His good in the works we perform.

Faith exemplifies strength. Recently I talked with a family member of immigrants who flew to Miami from Nicaragua in August with entry papers allowing them to come into the US. Speaking no English, they had no job prospects; they arrived with faith that family and others here would help them, and they did. They plan to travel to New Jersey, where the wife’s father owns his own company and will give them work. Their faith is sure and solid, and their assurance gives them the strength to continue on. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is honest and giving. When we share what we have with others we are showing our love and faith as the widow did when she gave her small coins at the temple.

Faith expressed in even small ways is how we give of ourselves for God’s use. When we give from our hearts, we give honestly. Mark 12:44 “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

Faith is for doubters. We have all probably doubted God at the worst of times. The disciples experienced it and so have we. When we find calm, our faith returns and we experience God’s grace. God works in us, and we become strong again in the knowledge that we have salvation through Jesus Christ.

Faith sustains us. Faith is the knowledge that God listens and cares about us. We don’t know which of our prayers God will answer, but faith allows us to accept His answers.

Faith is love. Charles H. Spurgeon wrote a recipe for character, which sums up our reliance on the faith that travels with us through both good and bad times. When we practice our faith, we show our love for others. “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”

Faith grows. As we mature, we see faith in action among family, friends and community. We become more sure, more rooted. Our faith becomes less shaken and we become doers of the Word, not just listeners.

Faith makes us who we are. Faith leads to optimism, and optimism leads to hope. When we hold onto God’s promises and live out our faith, we become the best we can be. That’s what God wants for us.

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Prayers and Praise Baptism: Emory Tyler Bowes, August 22 Son of Tyler and Stephanie Bowes Jaelyn Marie Jones, August 22 Daughter of Mario & Heather Jones Colin Patrick Dammer, September 26 Son of Mike & Missy Dammer Births: Lilly Grace Starling, August 16 Daughter of Meghan Starling Evelyn Anne Walters, August 27 Daughter of Boomer & Elizabeth Walters Harper Lyn Yarbrough, October 8 Daughter of Nicole and Ryan Yarbrough

Deaths: Bill Mosholder,July 23 Bernice Doyl, August 4 Rita Eady, August 4 Mae Sumner, August 6 Willma Taylor, August 10 Les LeValley, August 10 Lloyd Flessner, September 1 Mark Capron, September 3 Frances Yeilding, September 3 Zelma Daigle, September 13 Doris Ann Wolfe-Foland, September 16 Virginia Askew, September 20 Jason Crosby, September 21 Charles Courtoy, October 3 Jane Blankenship, October 11

Help Us Help Others!

Every year towards the end of October, Neighborhood Ministries shifts our focus to the Holiday season. We celebrate with our students... hosting theme parties and celebrations and hosting meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas that our families can attend. Behind the scenes, NHM focuses on assisting those who need a little extra help during the holidays. Our Holiday Assistance program is a great way for us to continue reaching out to those in our community and immediately impacting those families, near and dear to our hearts.

Through our Holiday Assistance program, we offer food bags and Christmas gift-giving. Holiday assistance is a great opportunity for members of our church to support students in our ministry and their families in our community. We collect food throughout October, November, and December (as needed) to fill bags with all the essentials to create a holiday meal. We even provide an opportunity for them to receive gift cards to grocery stores to purchase the fresh items needed for that perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner so that their families can gather around the table together and share a delicious meal with all the fixings! Shopping lists and bags are left outside the worship areas for our members to pick up and return to support our program.

Additionally, we offer holiday gift-giving assistance. NHM provides families with children who risk having little or no Christmas gifts the opportunity to be sponsored and gifts provided. Every year we have handfuls of families apply for assistance, and we always need volunteers to work with us providing gifts for families. Our ministry has been blessed for so many years to provide an opportunity to connect the families of NHM, the community and our congregation in such a special way.

Please help us with this Neighborhood project!

For more information on supporting Neighborhood Ministries through Holiday Assistance contact Stephanie Keen: skeen@firstumc.org 863-686-0855

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Memorials: July - September, 2021 Gifts to First United Methodist may be given in memory of a deceased loved one. A Memorial gift shows thoughtful support for a ministry that was important to your family or friend. When giving a memorial gift, the remembered person’s family will receive a written acknowledgement of your gift.

Paul Alley Russ & Buff Rhoads Virginia Askew Gloria Bundy David & Polly Caldwell Brian & Ruth Gardner Kathryn Harrison Bob & Sherry Harter Charles & Carol Marsh John & Anne Powell Kimberly Spurlock Denise Thomas Linda Weaver Alma Boileau Carole Delafield Jose Bove Tom & Jerri Baroody Russ & Buff Rhoads

Zelma Daigle David & Polly Caldwell Patricia Couturier U K Custred Heidi Holcomb Dumont Anita Holcomb Mark Matlock Jim & Ann Parham Michael Dionisi Greg & Sandi Olusczak Don & Ann Skellenger Barry Zimmerman Rita Eady Ted & Marlene Swick Lloyd Flessner Jim & Ann Parham Melanie Harden Duane & Judy Hopkins

Conrad Campbell Doris Trohn Weebo Watkins

Arthur Hornburg Laura Schneiders Hornberg

Robert Casiter Ann Miller

Shirley Utzman U K Custred

Walter Collins Bob & Nancy Breen Maggie Halleman Greg & Sandi Olusczak

Joyce Woods Robert & Frances Wilson

To give a Memorial Gift, you may send a check with memorial gift to (the person’s name) on the memo, you may give a gift online or email Carol: CChristensen@firstumc.org

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Children’s Holiday Activities

*Abundant Blessings

Tis the Season to count your blessings!

Sunday, November 14, 5-7pm Kindergarten - grade 5 are invited to join us for a fun filled evening where we can focus on our blessings and how we can bless others.

There will be some hands on activities that are sure to bless!

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 4, 9-11am Families are invited to join us for breakfast and a morning filled with holiday fun featuring a photo-op with Santa himself!

*Parent’s Night Out

Friday, December 9, 5:30 – 8:30pm Need to get your shopping or wrapping done? Here is your opportunity.

Open to children 6 months – grade 5 Cost is $5/per child which will include dinner and some special gifts that will be made for loved ones during the event. *Registration is required for this event and space is limited.

To find out more about these events, or to make reservations, visit firstumc.org/children

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Youth Opportunities Serve Retreat November 12 – 14 Our youth are headed to Warren Willis Camp for a weekend to explore our call to “Serve” in our communities and beyond. As Christians, our impact in the world can’t stop at the church door. We are called to exit our sanctuaries to feed, clothe and heal our fellow brothers and sisters. We will explore our relationships with our neighbors, seek the best way to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, and how we can partner with United Methodist Church initiatives to serve our community at large.

High School Alaska Mission Trip Deposit Due December 1 Our High School Youth are headed to Anchorage, Alaska in June 2022 for a mission trip. The initial deposit for the trip is due on December 1. They plan to serve the Anchorage community by providing morning VBS to the local community and work on a construction project in the afternoons. For their free day the plan is to go hiking and see some of the Glaciers that are left in Alaska. For more information about how to register go to firstumc.org/events/alaska-mission-trip-hs-youth/

Confirmation Service On Sunday December 5 we are having our 2021 Confirmation Class confirmed in the Sanctuary at 5pm.

We have a wonderful group of students who are being confirmed in their faith and we’d like to invite the whole congregation to participate in their vows of becoming members of our church. There will be a light reception afterwards in the Wesley Center.

Youth Christmas Parties On Sunday December 19 we are celebrating Jesus’ Birthday with our Christmas parties.

Our middle school students will be celebrating from 5-7pm in the F building together with a $5 white elephant gift exchange, some games and dinner together.

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Our high school youth will be having a progressive dinner the same night from 5-8pm.

We will travel between three homes for Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert & Gift Exchange.

Youth need to have a medical form on file to drive with us on the buses.

We look forward to having wonderful Youth Christmas Parties.

Apricot Bars by Amy Tyner I’ll admit it…I’m a sucker for traditions. As someone who craves predictability and who gets anxious about change, traditions give me a warm sense of comfort. So many of our family traditions tie back to memories of special people who are no longer with us. For me, one of those is making apricot bars.

My great, great Aunt Peg was a fun and wonderful lady. She was a nurse by profession and lived in the old family farmhouse a few miles from the farm where I lived for a big chunk of my childhood. Since she never married, she really adopted all of us as her children, and we loved including her in our family birthday parties and holidays. She was one of those “church ladies” who was always at our family church volunteering, and I loved sitting with her during worship because she just loved having us with her, and she also always had butterscotch candies in her purse. Every Christmas Eve, we would stop at her house after the Christmas Eve service, and she would have a buffet of homemade goodies for us to enjoy. One of those treats was apricot bars. To be honest, I didn’t even really like them, but my family sure did. Aunt Peg knew that, and when we moved away to Florida, she would ship some down to my parents each year.

After she died, the apricot bars were missed. My mom had the recipe written in Aunt Peg’s distinctive handwriting, and one year, as my family’s baker, I decided to tackle them. The recipe is, of course, oldschool, and they are kind of a pain to make. There are a bunch of steps, and in the end, you have to dip them in powdered sugar and wrap them up individually, so the kitchen and the baker get thoroughly sticky. But, for me…it’s an act of love and a tribute to Aunt Peg and all she meant to us. Each Christmas, I make them, and seeing my parents smile as they unwrap and eat one makes it all worthwhile. It’s tradition at its best!

Not all traditions work for our good, though. Sometimes we cling to things that we “have always done that way” long after it’s the way we should be doing it. For me, one positive thing that has come out of an awful pandemic has been the opportunity to look at activities that I was forced to stop doing for a time and reevaluate whether they needed to return to my calendar as things opened up again.

I see that same thing happening in our church, too. Our worship service times and styles have been tweaked to fit the needs of our congregation, and we have the option to attend meetings and learning opportunities virtually, which makes what we do open to so many more people both locally and far away. There are some church traditions that we need to keep and some that need to be let go of or adapted.

My prayer for you this holiday season is that you will re-evaluate your traditions. Take this opportunity to toss aside those that aren’t fun or that take time away from what really matters but cling tightly to those that bring you joy and that connect you to special people you miss. Personally, I highly recommend baking an old family recipe and if you need a taste-tester, let me know!

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

Published monthly by First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801, 863-686-3163

PASTORAL AND WORSHIP TEAM

Rev. David McEntire Senior Pastor Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith Associate Pastor Rev. Nicki Taylor Associate Pastor Matthew Corl, AAGO Co-Director of Music & Fine Arts Karen Buie Co-Director of Music & Fine Arts Jeremy Hearn Director of Contemporary Worship Cindy Cleveland Assistant Contemporary Worship Leader Diana Russell Kids PRAISE Coordinator Nicole Wood Pastors’ Administrator Assistant

INVITE TEAM Diana Russell

Director of Newcomer Ministries

GROW TEAM

Warren Pattison Director of Adult Ministries Cristi Moore Director of Children’s Ministries Cherry McClellan Director of Preschool Ministries Emily Felgenhauer Director of Youth Ministries Amy McLaughlin Associate Director of Preschool Ministries Stephanie Keen Youth/Neighborhood Administrative Assistant Sharon Diaz Adult Ministries Assistant Ivelisse Arman Children’s Ministries Assistant

SERVE TEAM

Sean Hults Forrest White Rev. Betty Batey Rev. Dale Golden Vicky Pitner

Director of Neighborhood Ministries Director of Mission Ministries Minister of Visitation Minister of Visitation Connections Ministry Coordinator

MINISTRY SUPPORT TEAM

Harriet S Mayes Church Administrator Vesta Foster Financial Services Carole Christensen Financial Services Justin Long Creative/Communications Director Maggie Trask Communications Assistant Shawn Joyner Media Coordinator Lea Ellen DeWitt Church Administrative Assistant Mike Stasiak Kitchen Manager Tom Kelly Kitchen Worker

WORSHIP SERVICES 8:15 am- Service on the Front Lawn (bring a chair) *8:15am - Traditional Worship, Sanctuary *9:30am - Contemporary Worship, Fellowship Center *11am - Contemporary Worship, Fellowship Center *11am - Traditional Worship, Sanctuary *livestreamed at: firstumc.org/worship-now (Masks must be worn at all inside services)

First United Methodist Church: firstumc.org Worship Now: firstumc.org/worship-now/ Online Giving: firstumc.org/give Events: firstumc.org/events

Tim Harding Director of Facilities Shane Tindale Facilities Administrative Assistant Chalcin Charles Maintenance Techician Carol Chastain Custodian Mwidimisi Munnisi Custodian Renise Charles Custodian Daniel King

Kitchen Support/Facilities Support