First Connections | August 2021

AUGUST 2021

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Letter To Our Congregaation

Virtually Impossible

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters

WORSHIP

INVITE

GROW

SERVE

CONTENTS Resetting Our Souls by David McEntire

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Prayers and Praise �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 How Jesus Can Reset Your Soul by Beth Weldon �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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Can You Help with Congregational Care? by Nicole Wood ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Letter to Our Congregation by Waite and Susan Willis ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Resetting My Soul - Over and Over by Patty Fouts (Short) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters by Tori Lehman ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Virtually Impossible by Karen Buie ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7

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Memory Ministry by Vicky Pitner ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Come Unto Him for Rest by Susan Wuitschick ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

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

First Things First!

Resetting Our Souls For eight years I have appreciated my i-Pad. It is a quick easy way to check email, send texts, read a book, check the weather and more. Every now and then I notice that it is running slow or not responding. Typically I have opened too many apps, which are running in the background, clogging the tablet’s short term memory. The solution is to close the apps and sometimes to reboot the device. This means shutting the tablet down and restarting, which then runs smoothly.

I have found that my life is like that. There are times when I need to stop, rest and reduce the load. My calendar at those times is crammed and the days are long. By doing too much I am not doing better. Sometimes I need to ‘reset my soul.’ Prayer, rest, reading scripture, doing something fun, slowing down are some of the ways I have learned to reset. And it works.

We are continuing through August with our preaching series, Soul Reset. The series is based on the book by Rev. Junius Dotson. We chose the series because we all need to re-center, restore and reset our relationship with God. We certainly can point to many reasons why we need this reset and Dotson’s reminder to “come to Jesus” points us to the gifts of peace and rest which Jesus offers. We are asking, “How is it with your soul?”

The answer is found in the words of Jesus. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Peace and Grace, David McEntire

Prayers and Praise Births: Cohen Brooks Mathis, June 9 Son of Cory & Jessica Mathis Haley June Riforgiat, June 9 Daughter of Wil & Stacy Riforgiat Miller James Moore, June 19 Son of Jacob & Madison Moore Baptisms: Lucas Anthony Morales, June 13 Son of Raymond & Caroline Morales Natalie Michelle Morales, 6/13 Daughter of Raymond & Caroline Morales

*Madigan Alannah Cannon, May 4 Daughter of Dannielle and Kyle Cannon *Leona Mae Meradith, May 25 Daughter of Mike & Lauren DeWitt Meradith *corrections from the June/July issue Deaths: Bobbie Wasson, May 29 Rosie Hagerty, June 7 Macie Collye, June 7 Joyce Woods, June 8 Mac Tobias, June 10 Richard Skrovanek, June 15 Tom McCullough, June 19 Conrad Campbell, June 20 Bill Stephens, June 23 Walter Collins,June 27

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How Jesus Can Reset Your Soul by Beth Weldon Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV James 1:2-3) How does one live in the Light when so many dreams have been shattered?

When depression has always been a part of your DNA? It isn’t easy (that’s a huge understatement) and there are many times throughout my years where I’ve cried and cried until honestly, my entire body must have been dehydrated.

God has all of my tears.

You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book

Psalm 56:8 NLT So back to genetics - although growing up I was painfully shy, and I did suffer from what most definitely were “low periods” in my life; it wasn’t until 1995, at the age of 32, a diagnosis of bipolar was given. And — it was only then that I discovered my maternal grandmother dealt with this in the days when it was called “manic depression” and doctors weren’t sure exactly how to treat it. As my mom told me, my grandfather was instructed to take my grandmother for a trip around the world, which he did. What a prescription right?!

Nothing like that happened for me. I was treated with medication. And bad side effects come with so many meds. However for a chronic disease you must stay on them.

A trip around the world might have temporarily “cured” or dulled the pain of a depressed person but you do have to return to reality at some point. Instead, I was good and followed doctor’s orders, though the drug I was on gave me extremely dry skin; an insatiable thirst (I could never drink enough water); and made me so sleepy that I took daytime cat naps.

At the age of 42 — my marriage came to a screeching halt. I had my family and friends to help me navigate the mess that ensued but Jesus was the One who rescued me. And He’s still doing it today; rescuing me from deep wounds inflicted by the very people you expect to love you the most.

I’ve learned so much through the trials I’ve been through and continue to learn through present day problems.

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How do I live in the Light?

How does Joy remain in my heart despite the pain or suffering I might be feeling? Jesus.

The Reason

There is no pain or suffering or hardship that He hasn’t been through and I am eternally grateful for His gift of peace that He left each one of us who choose to accept it.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27 (NIV)

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And from the New Living Translation: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.

And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 As a further extension of this article on resetting my soul: It helps me to know that Jesus’ family was very hurtful and damaging to Him; actually calling Him out as crazy or “out of his mind.” Mark 3:21 I love these Bible verses that help me to make sense of many of my circumstances. Jesus also said that His brother and sister and mother were those who do God’s will. (For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”)

Matthew 12:50 NIV I hope and pray that this message can help others.

So many blessings from Jesus have kept me afloat.

“Walking on water” as Peter did; but the moment I lost focus, as my mind diverted to the problems surmounting and swirling about in my head — I began drowning; only to wake up with Jesus’ presence right beside me, “drying my tears.” He is the Comforter.

As the footprints in the sand poem goes — ‘Jesus has picked me up and carried me until I was able to stand and walk again.’ Much like a rehab center, Jesus restored me. He reset my soul and He will continue to do so until His return.

These last three verses from the book of Matthew help me begin and end my days with joy: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Will You SERVE with Congregational Care? by Nicole Wood Are You Passionate About Providing Love, Comfort and Making a Difference to Those Who Are Grieving?

Over a decade ago, we organized ten wonderful groups to offer church receptions after funerals and memorial services, but we now have a growing number of receptions, and many original volunteers are no longer able to serve. We are seeking some new folks to serve with this loving ministry! Our mission is to bring comfort to grieving families and friends and to share the welcoming and loving atmosphere of our church. We need people who like to make sweet or savory finger foods, people who come in advance and arrange food on serving trays, and people who work during the reception, conversing with the guests at the food table and making sure trays are refilled when needed. The reception groups are rotated so that no group does two receptions in a row. Most volunteers give 1-3 hours of service three or four times a year. Please take this need to your heart, and if it says YES, contact Nicole Wood, Pastor’s Administrative Assistant, 863-686-3163 x 219 or nwood@firstumc.org.

Letter to our Congregation

Dear Friends, Susan and I wanted to thank all of you for the special day at the church in our honor. It was really much more than we had expected. Of course, we enjoyed greatly playing with past and present members of the Praise Band. But every aspect of what happened after that was also meaningful. The speakers, the gifts from the church, the cards and gifts, the reception all made the day very special. It all broke through our reluctance about such an event and diminished our sadness about the end of our involvement. (And since that day, we have continued to receive calls, cards, messages, gifts, and flowers of appreciation.)

We know that an event like the one honoring us does not simply happen, and so again we want to thank David McEntire and the others who planned, coordinated, and worked to create such a special day.

Beyond that day, we want to thank the church for giving us the rare, remarkable opportunity to help develop the service and then lead it for 25 years and 8 months. The 9:30 contemporary service has been a central and deeply significant aspect of our lives. Our love knows no limits for all the singers and instrumentalists, the sound and video folk, those who set up the room and greeted people, the signers, all the other volunteers, all the people in the congregation who joined in worship, and everyone who supported us through all the years. Our prayer is that the God who came to us in Jesus and works even now in the Holy Spirit will continue to call you to worship and to the service of love to others.

Grace and peace and all the best, Waite and Susan Willis

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Resetting My Soul - Over and Over by Patty Fouts (Short) As with every human, I have encountered grief throughout my life - some times expected, other times not; yet all begging for a soul reset. My earliest memorable years were spent in a little farming community in northeast Georgia, an idyllic place for a child. It was there that my early memories of Sunday School and church were formed at Center Hill Baptist Church. I can clearly envision my primary classroom where the picture of Jesus, with little children gathered at his feet, hung upon the wall. There we gathered to learn about Him, to learn that we are God’s children and that yes, Jesus loves us. It was there that in fourth grade I walked to the altar and accepted Jesus as my Savior, later being baptized at a neighboring church, as our little church did not yet have a baptismal pool. What gifts I received there - gifts I am reminded of every day!

When I was not quite ten, a devastating fire on our farm led to my family’s move to Lakeland. Though most of my mother’s family were here, and there was some excitement about living near my grandparents and cousins, the sadness of leaving a place that still resonates as the happiest time of my childhood was great.

As I look back, I realize this was my first encounter with grief. Soon after, my illusion of our perfect family was shattered, when at the age of twelve I learned my parents were divorcing. The world as I knew it had ended.

It was devastating. I was sad, I was scared, I was even embarrassed.

In times of despair, I often think of the allegorical poem, “Footprints in the Sand.” I particularly lean on the words spoken by the Lord, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints is when I carried you.” I know that in my grief as a child, Jesus carried me. In my grief as an adolescent, Jesus carried me. And in my adulthood, Jesus has carried me through grief over and over.

As a young mother, Jesus carried me when my mother suffered a stroke at the age of fifty-seven, two weeks before the birth of my second child, her first granddaughter. He was still carrying me when she passed away ten months later. The woman who

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had adopted me at birth and loved me so unconditionally had died.

My heart was broken. But Jesus heals hearts that are broken.

Ironically, thirty-two years later, I would lose my husband, George, at the age of fifty-eight, as well.

Retiring in June of 2009 after teaching thirty-six years at Lime Street/Philip O’Brien Elementary School, I never imagined that five months later my husband would die.

How does one move forward from ending a life-long career to widowhood in such a short time? Through God’s provisions. He provided family, caring friends, a grief support group who understood my pain, and motivation to get up every day to tend a business I’d inherited. I couldn’t do it on my own - but I could do it with Him. On days that were especially hard, he sent reminders of his love that I could not ignore. One afternoon, after a particularly hard day, Paul Dickinson, a visiting minister from First United Methodist, showed up at my front door. He didn’t know me and I didn’t know him; in fact, he was actually looking for my neighbor’s home. He had mistakenly come to the wrong house, but there was no doubt he was really at the right house, sent to me by God - not a coincidence, but a small miracle.

As life moved forward and God provided so many blessings in my life, it suddenly came to a standstill in March of 2020. Just before COVID changed the world, my world was changed by the death of my son, Jason.

Matthew 5:14 says: “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” It doesn’t say we won’t cry ceaselessly or have overwhelming despair. It doesn’t say that there will be no more days of sorrow. But it does say we will be comforted. There is a quote that resonates with me: “God can take your pain, but you have to let it go.” I know this to be true. Jesus heals broken hearts. If you let Him, He can reset your soul.

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters... by Tori Lehman When I was asked to write an article for First Connections corresponding with the theme of the upcoming sermon series, Soul Reset, I wasn’t quite sure where to start. After some thought, I thought I would revisit a recent bible study I led with some individuals at work.

We spent several weeks diving deeper into the passage found in Psalm 23 through a bible study from Jennifer Rothschild. This has always been one of my favorite passages, but it brought on a whole new meaning after taking it verse by verse.

Looking back, I can clearly see God’s plan with this study. I wanted to lead a study at work but wasn’t quite sure I had the courage to do it. I spent time praying and eventually listened to what God was saying and pulled our group together. Ironically, we started this study back in January of 2020. Little did we know how much we would come to benefit from spending time in this passage as the events of 2020 unfolded. The time we spent together studying this passage helped us face 2020 and all the changes it brought.

Throughout the study, we spent a week studying each verse and what it meant. One thing that made a difference to many of us was to write down Psalm 23, substituting our own name wherever the verse would reference “my” or “I.” For example, it would read, “The Lord is Tori’s shepherd, Tori will not want. He makes Tori lie down in green pastures; He leads Tori to beside still waters.” Once I went through this exercise for all the verses, it made this passage much more personal. It also made me realize the guidance that this passage offers.

It really is full of messages that we probably all need at one point in time in our lives, especially in trying times.

A few verses hit home to me in a way that I had not interpreted in the past. First, I was really taking a look at what it means that the Lord is my shepherd. I had never really thought all that much about him being my

The Kind-

shepherd and what that meant. However, when I stop and look at myself as a “sheep” of Jesus, I realize all that He is willing to do for me, just as a shepherd would tend to his sheep; he tends to all my needs. All throughout the Bible, there are references to Jesus as a shepherd. It talks about how he leads His sheep, sacrifices for his sheep, protects his sheep, and most importantly, He knows each of his sheep. He does all these things for each of us. I think this is something that I need to remember every day. That whatever I need, God will take care of me. I need to sit back and let Him take care of me, that He is in charge, and I need to trust Him. For those of you who know me, probably like most of you, I tend to try to be “in charge” of what is going on in my life. One of these days, I will realize that I am not in charge, that I need to take time to listen to God, and He will show me his plans for me.

The concept of taking time to listen to God, to slow down, and sit quietly in prayer leads right into my favorite “revelation” about studying Psalm 23. In verse 2, it reads, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.” I mean, what does that even mean. I can remember reading that in the past and sort of just going right past it as I didn’t really get it. Then it hit me…first of all, as a sheep, I have one responsibility: to follow my shepherd. That is all I have to do. I don’t have to plan the future. I don’t have to worry about what will come tomorrow. I just need to follow Jesus. Then, the part of about leads me beside still waters. This is where I learned something about sheep, and now this verse means so much more! If you take sheep to fast-moving waters, they won’t drink, they won’t receive the refreshment they need. Sheep will only drink from still water. This is why He leads us to still waters. This really resonated with me. I see this as a message that I have to be still to hear what God is trying to tell me. If I get too caught up in the “busyness of life,” I will not have what I need to handle life. That I have to be still and listen to God. I urge you to go to Psalm 23, but this time read it with your name, personalize it and take it as your own. This is what God wants us to do!

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“Virtually Impossible”by Karen Buie

Last year was a little depressing. There’s really no other way of saying it. The pandemic brought on many feelings of isolation due to the realization that we needed to distance ourselves and remain physically separated in order to stay safe. It was especially difficult for anyone who likes to sing, as it became clear that singing was one of the easiest ways to spread the virus. I distinctly remember that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized that it would be a long time before singing in any group setting would be safe again.

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During that difficult time, our Music & Fine Arts Ministry team here at First United Methodist wanted to find ways to safely provide music in our worship services online. So we featured instrumentalists and solo vocalists. It was a safe and effective alternative, but we knew it was not a permanent solution. Last summer Jeremy Hearn and Matthew Corl each began researching and exploring how to use technology to put together virtual presentations for our worship services. They spent many hours learning how to take individual videos, synchronize them, and combine them together to produce a single group performance. Once they experimented with it and figured it all out, the next step was to explain the whole process to the musical participants, who would then record themselves and submit their individual recordings for the virtual presentations. In the beginning, there were many questions,

much confusion, and lots of anxiety among the musicians. “You mean I have to record myself singing ALONE??”

Another question often asked was, “I need to use two different recording devices – how does that even work??”

And finally, the never-ending issue of “Once I record my individual video, how will I get it to you? The file is too large to send in an email!”

There were many challenges and setbacks along the way, but we powered through it. Eventually, it got easier each time we began working on a new virtual presentation. In the beginning, it seemed “virtually impossible” that anything like that could be done. It was frustrating not being able to sing together with the rest of the group. It was exasperating to use technology with which we were not familiar with (and the technology did not always cooperate)! And it was grueling to do it for a long period of time, not knowing when we would be able to be back together in person again.

But guess what? It wasn’t impossible at all.

We did it! Using the editing skills of Jeremy, Matthew & Casey Cleveland (and the amazing ASL expertise of Sarah Hester), the Eleven20 Worship, Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, Kids Praise and Youth Praise Band were all able to offer virtual presentations in the worship services throughout the pandemic. Looking back, it was amazing how everyone overcame obstacles and worked together to create music at a time when we needed it the most.

Eventually, the 9:30 and 11:20 Praise Teams and the Handbell Ringers & Singers were able to begin coming together in physically distanced small groups to pre-record music for the services. Soon after, with the introduction of the COVID vaccine, small groups could sing in live worship. Now we are finally able to have vaccinated members of the congregation share in singing. It has been an interesting journey with many challenges along the way, but what I have learned is that ALL things are possible through Jesus Christ. He will always provide, even when we think it is “virtually impossible”!

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Memory Ministry: Connecting with Those Living with Dementia In late 2018, a vision began to come to life. Pastor David McEntire wanted to create a ministry that would serve and support adults in our congregation, the community who are living with memory loss, and their families through a spiritual and emotional connection.

This ministry would meet the individual needs of the person, and provide respite opportunities as well as education and awareness trainings for the families and friends. Pastor David knew the importance of inclusion of these families to help with the overwhelming range of emotions a diagnoses of dementia can bring: fear, shame, anger, frustration and sadness.

In early 2019, the vision came to fruition. Because of the support and commitment of the staff, pastors and volunteers, “Connections” opened its doors and began connecting friends, family and faith. Today, our Memory Ministry continues to expand services and support to our families. Our collaboration with Florida Southern College Exercise Science department has provided the exercise sessions focusing on balance, strength and flexibility from our beginnings. The intergenerational programming has been a win-win partnership.

During the pandemic in 2020, the on-site Connections program evolved into weekly Zoom sessions with the families. The volunteers continued with their commitment and although it was not the perfect solution to staying connected, a virtual group did the job. We were able to do some on-site drum circles and widen our support to include assisting families with resources and specialized trainings.

Facing the stigma of a dementia diagnoses is difficult for the individual and the family. Myths and misconceptions of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, as well as ineffective interventions in the past to “manage” the challenges and changes dementia can cause in someone, people most often view the person as “suffering from dementia.” Our Memory Ministry is dedicated to dispelling that assumption and see the person as “living with dementia, with a purpose.” By utilizing a holistic and person-centered approach to wellness, our Memory Ministry’s mission improves the quality of life for the whole family through meeting the spiritual, social, physical, expressive, and cognitive needs.

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Below are responses to a survey from families who support the needs and success of the ministry: How has our Memory Ministry been helpful to your family?

• “By meeting us where we are in the dementia and caregiving journey, whatever form that may take.”

• “Caregiver trainings and workshops helps us feel less alone in our caregiving.”

• “The coaching and problem solving sessions gives us insight for us to evaluate our family members care.”

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“The Zoom program was an excellent program!

Much work on the part of the facilitators and much benefit from the participants. Great social contact with of group of fun and supportive people.”

• “Overall, the Memory Ministry has been a blessing for my loved one as well as our family.”

• “The coaching Vicky provided was invaluable in helping us frame the experience for ourselves when we needed a transition to a permanent placement for our family member.”

• “The Connections Zoom program provided my family member with the only social life outside of us during the pandemic. Monday mornings became a touchstone for her, and often us, to the outside world.”

How has our Memory Ministry helped your family member?

• “The best thing about being a part of the Memory Ministry is that it keeps my loved one social, interested and active.”

• “My family member really enjoys the socialization and the cognitive and physical activities. It gave her something to look forward to.”

• “The pleasure of seeing my loved one happy and social.”

• “Drum circles were educational as well as fun!”

• “My dad talks about the program at home. He just seems happier.”

• “My mom is talking more at home, and even told one of her friends back in North Carolina she finally had made friends.

Comments from participants about Connections: • “People ask me what we do here. And I tell them, we have fun!”

• “The leadership here is wonderful. You put a lot of thought and planning to everyday we are here.”

• “Do you know what I like about being here? The people.”

• “I have a lot of friends now. I moved here and I did not have any friends. Just my son and daughter-inlaw. Now I have a bunch.”

• “What do I like here? Every day is different. This is a very nice church.”

The Memory Ministry offers education, support, resources, coaching, caregiver trainings and spiritual guidance. Vicky Pitner, CTRS, CDP, the coordinator of Connections and the Memory Ministry is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who offers assistance with families in planning meaningful activities and addressing safety issues in the home, as well as tips on creating cooperation with activities of daily living. She writes a weekly article for Caregivers Corner in the weekly E-Connections. For more information on the Memory Ministry or how to subscribe to receive the weekly newsletter, contact Vicky Pitner: vpitner@fumc.org.

Come Unto Him For Rest by Susan Wuitschick When I was a student at Stetson, part of my vocal studies included singing ‘Come Unto Him’ from Handel’s Messiah. I remember thinking how beautiful it and the entire Messiah was. The message of the piece is one of encouragement. The words from Matthew 11:2829 are ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’.

In that season of life, the most pressing concerns I had were studying for classes, hanging out with friends, and contemplating what the future held. I needed rest, but I couldn’t appreciate what it really meant to be weary and to need the peace found by leaning on God. A few years later, Scott and I met, were married at First Methodist, and were each commuting to jobs an hour away and attending evening classes. Life was busy, but we had the weekends to recharge physically and spiritually. In November 1999, we bought our first home and began to start our family. Ethan was born in October 2000, then Elizabeth in February 2003. During those years with a young family and careers, I began to understand fatigue.

I am, by nature, someone who will go and do until I can’t. I ruminate over things and exhaust myself instead of turning them over to God. I worry. I want control. I don’t seek balance. Our third child, Emma, was born in 2007. We had experienced three pregnancy losses before her birth, so when she was born, we were overjoyed. Our family was complete, and we enjoyed watching our children grow and mature. There were times of laughter and fun and tears and anger and all the ‘stuff’ families go through. We were beyond blessed.

And at the end of many days, we were tired. Our life

was full. Looking back, I see that when we took family vacations, we allowed ourselves to rest and enjoy the chance to slow down and reconnect with one another, nature, and God. We came home restored.

When my parents moved back to Lakeland in 2013, we realized my dad’s health was declining, and he was having memory issues. My dad was fun and loving and strong and hardworking and not supposed to be sick.

He was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and we watched him rapidly lose his cognitive and physical abilities. He asked me if Scott and I had gotten married.

He became difficult at times. He forgot the homes they used to live in. It was heartbreaking. A few months after they moved, it was determined that my mother could no longer safely care for my dad in their home. He went to a nursing home and 6 weeks later went to be with the Lord. He wasn’t supposed to be gone so fast, but he was whole. I wonder if losing a parent might be the same or different for everyone. For me, thinking about it would bring a wave of panic. It was overwhelming. I didn’t get to say goodbye. I had to lean on the Lord to process my grief, and He brought me peace. Peace in knowing that my dad didn’t live for years on end with memory loss in a nursing home where he would have never been happy with his memory intact. Peace in knowing he was rejoicing in Heaven with those who had gone before. Peace in knowing I would see him again.

Through all of my life, I can look back and see God’s faithfulness. I see how He has walked with my family and me through good and bad times. Preparing us and comforting us. I see how he has blessed Scott and me in so many ways. I still try to be in control. I try to take the lead. I struggle to see the big picture. I need to get out of His way. Recently I have realized that my life is lacking balance, and my family is suffering.

Life has been running us. I’m stretched too thin.

Two of our three children will be in college in the fall, and our youngest starts high school. Time is fleeting. Change is hard for me, and as I work through these changes, I know I need to draw my strength from the Lord. I know Jesus is there with me. I feel it when I talk with Him and ask for his guidance. One of my favorite hymns is ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow,’ which says, ‘I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me’. I pray as you find yourself weary and needing rest that you lean on Jesus and know He is watching over you and will give you rest.

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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 Direct of Music & Fine Arts Karen Buie Co Direct 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 Alice Hazel Christian Education Administrative Assistant Stephanie Keen Youth/Neighborhood Administrative 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

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 - Contermporary Worship, Fellowship Center *11am - Traditional Worship, Sanctuary *livestreamed at: firstumc.org/worship-now (If you have NOT been vaccinated, we request that you wear a mask) First United Methodist Church: firstumc.org Worship Now: firstumc.org/worship-now/ Online Giving: firstumc.org/give Recent Bulletins: firstumc.org/bulletin News: firstumc.org/news

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

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

Kitchen Support/Facilities Support