First Connections | June/July 2021

JUNE/JULY 2021

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH- 72 LAKE MORTON DRIVE,LAKELAND, FL

TRANSITION

WORSHIP

INVITE

GROW

SERVE

first: things first!

CHANGES Changes are hard, surprising, upsetting and wonderful, but most of all they are inevitable.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought unforeseen and often incomprehensible changes.

Political leadership and direction has changed. The weather changes as does our lives. Change can be desired and it can be denied, but change will come. The question for each of us will be how we see change, how we cope with change and what will change do to us?

Last October, Sabina Laura wrote:

CONTENTS Thank You Waite and Susan ���������������������������������������������������������������3 We Will Miss Pastor Melissa ����������������������������������������������������������������4 Welcome Nicki �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� . 4 Meet Tim Harding: Director of Facilities �������������������������������������������4 Congratulations Scholarship Recipients �������������������������������������������5 News from the Children’s Department ���������������������������������������������6 The Rhythm of Drumming for Persons ���������������������������������� Living with Dementia ����������������������������������������������������������������������7 Everything I need to Know I Learned From Kid’s Musicals ������������������������������������������������������������������ 7

let autumn be proof that change is a beautiful thing even though it can be hard to see at first.

Our church has changed, our leadership has changed and our congregation has changed.

Change will continue to unfold, but one thing is unchanging and that is God. God does not change, nor does the character of God change. God is love!

The changes we have faced individually and as a church are challenging, often painful, but the unchanging One is in the midst of those changes.

I pray we can see the beauty behind that, “even though it can be hard to see at first.”

Peace and Grace, David McEntire

Praise and Prayers Births Emory Tyler Bowes, May 3 Son of Tyler and Stephanie Russell Bowes Baptisms: Madigan Alannah Cannon, May 4 Daughter of Lindsey and Matt Freshcorn Aria Isabella Herr, May 11 Daughter of Sheba and Jason Herr Leon Mae Meradith, May 25 Daughter of Mike and Lauren DeWitt Meradith Evan James Swartz, May 25 Son of John and Erin DeWitt Swartz Wedding Allison Green and Drake Short, May 1

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

Deaths Donna Jean Gilmore, February 22 Davis Holland, March 28 Norma McCullough, April 2 Jerry Shumate, April 5 Mary Lou Spencer, April 25 Bob Varney, April 27 Benjamin Davis, April 29 Chris Drash, April 19 Jean Harris, May 1 Lyle Hagerty, May 4 Ann Snuggs, May 6

Thank You Waite and Susan for 25 1/2 Years of Service!

In 1995 our church was faced with an important decision. New expressions of worship were becoming increasingly popular. The traditional forms of worship were the norm but the option of contemporary worship was being considered. Waite and Susan shared their experience with contemporary worship at Christ Church United Methodist, Ft. Lauderdale. They knew that it was time for our church to make that move.

In November 1995 the 9:40 Contemporary Worship service was launched.

One of the big challenges had been finding the right persons to lead the music. The church did not need to look far. Waite and Susan Willis had the willingness, gifts and the talent needed to help that service get off to an increasingly successful start. It wasn’t long before the Willises and their remarkable team of volunteers saw the crowds swell to overflowing.

Often Susan and Waite’s family members joined them in bringing worshippers joy and excitement. Supported by an incredibly talented band of singers and instrumentalists the 9:40 Service was a strongly attractive service for many worshippers. At one point the service was moved to 9:30 and an 11:20 contemporary service was added, simply to help with the overcrowding and parking. Young and old, year round residents and winter visitors flocked to the service. People from all walks of life have come to love the worship and to especially appreciate Waite and Susan. The service became a model for many churches who trace their own launch of contemporary worship to the service led by Susan and Waite.

Susan and Waite knew the importance of recognizing potential and gave many young musicians the opportunity to join the Praise Team. The Willises were always surrounded and supported by amazing talent but never failed to find room for one more. And, they never missed the opportunity to mentor fledgling musicians who quickly became part of the team, demonstrating remarkable gifts encouraged by the Willises.

Pastors have come and gone in these 25 years, but the familiar voices of Waite and Susan have been a consistent, inspiring and comforting gift to this church. The Willises will always be synonymous with contemporary worship at our church, so it is hard to imagine that they are retiring as our 9:30 Contemporary Worship leaders. June 13 will be their last Sunday leading the service, but their legacy is strong. For 25.5 years we have been blessed by their voices, incredible piano and guitar playing. They are remarkably talented and have served as an expression of their own heartfelt faith.

Don’t miss the opportunity to let Susan and Waite know how your faith has been strengthened, how your life has been changed and how you have been blessed by their ministry. On June 13 there will be an opportunity for you to share your thanks with them, but don’t wait until then. Our worship, our church and this ministry have been profoundly blessed by them.

Now it is our time to bless them.

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We Will Miss Pastor Melissa

As was announced on April 25, Rev. Melissa Stump is moving to serve as the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. Melissa has been an effective, faithful and inspiring pastor at our church for five years. Though we will miss Melissa, we understand the call where needed. First Winter Garden is a vital church located in a thriving downtown. As the current Senior Pastor is retiring it was important to place and effective and inspiring leader to lead that church. It comes as no surprise that Melissa was appointed to serve there. Thank you Melissa, David, Kaley and Faith for serving faithfully among us, for loving us, encouraging and challenging us. You will be surrounded by prayer as you begin ministry in a new setting and you will always be part of our church family.

Welcome Nicki

On July 1, Rev. Nicki Taylor will become our new Associate Pastor. We are excited about the gifts and ideas which Nicki brings to our church.

Make sure you extend that welcome to Nicki, Travis and Wyatt. Once Hello! My name is Nicki Taylor and I am excited to begin serving as your new associate pastor in July! I am originally from Western Kentucky, and attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green where I double majored in Agriculture and Mass Communications.

I met my husband, Travis Taylor, during college and we married in 2014. In 2015, we both graduated and made Lakeland our home. My husband worked at Valencia College in Orlando until 2018, and now works at the University of South Florida as an academic advisor.

I attended seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando, and graduated with my Master of Divinity in 2019.

From 2015-2020, I served on staff and primarily attended Hyde Park United Methodist in Tampa, Florida, first as their Communications Specialist and second as their Director of Small Group Ministries. During that time, however, my husband and I did attend a First Lakeland small group with Jeremy Hearn and other young adults from the congregation.

I was commissioned as a Provisional Elder on June 6, 2020, and served my first church, United Methodist Temple here in Lakeland, from July 2020 to June 2021 as their Senior Pastor.

My husband and I still live in Lakeland with our one-year-old son, Wyatt. We also have two dogs, a pug named Henry and a Golden Retriever named Millie. We both love running (we completed the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2019), cooking and theme parks (we are annual passholders of Disney World).

I am excited to serve you at First, and am prayerfully eager to see what God has in store for us as we engage in ministry together.

Blessings, Nicki Taylor

Meet Tim Harding: Director of Facilities

Tim Harding comes to us with 17 year of facilities experience with the last 10 years of it being in the management position at “Summer Bay Orlando” by Exploria resorts. He was fully in charge of making sure all outside areas of the resort from landscaping/irrigation, to the upkeep of the buildings themselves, were well maintain at all times for the guests vacation experience. He is a husband of 15 years and has 2 sons ,15 and 6 years old.

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Tim, is an amazing person to be around and we can really see the passion that he puts into everything that he does. We are thankful that Tim has made the decision to join the Facilities team at First church.

Congratulisf2pehRc01S

Congratulation Class of 2021 Scholarship Recipients

First United Methodist Church has a long history of encouraging and supporting Higher Education. Thousands of young people have been part of this ministry through Sunday School, children’s and youth programming. These young people have learned about the love of God, that God has a purpose for every life, even as they learned while attending school. To encourage the continuation of learning and growing in faith, scholarships are offered to graduating high school seniors and returning college students who are members of the church. This year 26 scholarships were awarded to students, providing nearly $34,000 in support. The scholarship committee reviewed each applicant and were proud to offer these wonderful students a scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Please join us in congratulating the following students: Student:

Parents:

College:

Ian Anderson

Ira and Alisa Anderson

South FL State College

Emily Aqui

Loy and Cynthia Aqui

Stetson

Grace Aqui

Loy and Cynthia Aqui

University of FL

Sean Canady

Jennifer Canady

Polk State

Kaley Delker

Melissa and David Stump

Loyola University New Orleans

Brendan Dorman

Bryan and Melinda Dorman

U.S. Naval Academy

Coryell Dreyer

Dale and Susan Dreyer

University of FL

Alexandra Eady

Mark and Johnna Eady

University of FL

Grace Ellis

Howard and Mandy Ellis

University of FL

Grant Gable

Arlene and Doug Gable

University of FL

Liam Gainer

Linda Gainer

Florida Southern College

Ashton Hutchings

Mike and Emily Hutchings

University of FL

Sheila Johnson

Karen Kinney

University of FL

Joshua Kurrack

Tom and Angie Kurrack

University of FL

Caitlin Moran

Mike and Beth Moran

University of FL

Isabelle Moylan

Jane and Tom McCloskey

Auburn University Southeastern University

Shaq Odongo Abby Petterson

Brian and Wendy Petterson

University of Alabama

Logan Rogers

Julie and Brett Rogers

Polk State

Emma Scott

Derek and Kim Scott

FL Polytechnic

Peter Spoto

Keith and Tracie Spoto

University of FL

Ronald Spoto

Keith and Tracie Spoto

Unknown at this time

Spencer Waghorne

Jacqueline Waghorne

University of Central FL

Evan West

Mia and Don West

Florida Southern College

Ethan Wuitschick

Susan and Scott Wuitschick

University of South FL

Baylee Zimmerman

Marc and Stephanie Zimmerman

Flagler College

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News from the Children’s Department!

We are planning a Mid Summer Bash on July 2 at the church for children who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 5. Lots of volunteers are needed to make this a fun filled, in person summer event to reconnect with our children and build relationships.

Registration will be determined by the number of volunteers we have available and should open for children in early June.

To sign up to help visit http://firstumc.org/mid-summerbash or contact Cristi: cmoore@fistumc.org

Sunday School Opening Information We are looking forward to seeing you soon at Sunday School!

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Classes offered for Toddlers through Grade 5 Weekly reservations required Class sizes limited for social distancing Check in will open at 9:15am Temperature checks at check in Masks are required for Kindergarten through Grade 5

*We are currently not able to offer infant care or childcare for the 8:15 or 11am services. We are working to open those areas as soon as possible.

Do you love children?

Are you hearing a call to serve with children?

We need YOU! There are many ways you can be a part of Children’s Ministries. Contact Cristi Moore if you want to explore how you might be able to use your gifts and talents to share Jesus and His great love with our children. Opportunities can range from weekly to once a month or even occasionally. Pray about how you can serve through the Children’s Department and where you can use your gifts!

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Needed NOW: • Greeters on Sunday morning curriculum preparations during the week • teachers and assistants • substitutes • and more.

The Rhythm of Drumming for Persons Living with Dementia Rhythm is a powerful tool to globally stimulate the brain. Vision and speech are in two different areas of the brain, but feeling rhythm and listening to music uses the whole brain, reaching different pathways. For people in general and especially those living with dementia, people who play a musical instrument regularly have healthier immune systems and are better able to fight off colds, flues, and viruses.

Drumming is a perfect instrument to integrate into the daily schedule of your loved one living with dementia. There is no experience necessary to play a drum as it would be for a piano, guitar or violin and small (bongos, Djembe) or stand up drums (bongo’s or larger Djembe’s can be purchased to use in the home). Other types of drums to consider are tom-tom drums, drum pads with drum sticks or mallets (can use headphones and not disturb the household), snare drums, or frame and hand drums.

Percussions instruments are also great and easy to play and can be packed away when you travel to have on hand for a stress reducer.

Maraca’s, shakers, and small Cajon drums are perfect to bring to family events and share the joy of music making. The tongue drum and ocean drum are other easy to play instruments that will bring a sense of calmness and mindfulness, and reduce anxiety.

Don’t’ have a drum? Try implementing rhythm activities through drumming: • Table taps. After lunch, start a rhythm and have your loved one join in. Sing a song to the rhythm or play a familiar song and tap it out.

• Use pencils as drum sticks and bring out the pots and pans (turning upside down of course!).

• Variations can include a “call and response” activity. You play a rhythm and your loved one repeats. Take turns “calling and responding.”

• Take turns play solos.

Don’t be afraid to be creative. Drumming can give a sense of personal power and can bring the person into the present and can be very grounding. For individuals who have difficulty expressing feelings verbally, drumming encourages opportunities to release emotions and experience a means of self-expression. The benefits of music making with drums may just be the key for communicating with those who no longer feel they have a voice.

Drumming is enjoyed by our Connections participants, family members, and our volunteers on a regular basis. We have even held two outdoor drum circles in the last few months at the church. Self- expression through drumming not only provides an activity for success, but allows for self-expression and promotes success and creates an overall feeling of well-being.

Connections, a respite and recreation program in our memory ministry, supports individuals and their families living with memory challenges. Connections provides opportunities for self-expression by connecting friends, family and faith. Although we are not able to meet at the church due to the health and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created a Connections Zoom group on Monday mornings and are able to share music, prayer, poetry, and wonderful adventures. If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about Connections Zoom group, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@fumc.org

Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Kid’s Musicals

By Matthew H. Corl, Interim Co Director of Music & Fine Arts

Through the years many of you have participated in the Music Ministry here at First United Methodist Church.

Maybe you grew up singing at another church, or you sang in chorus in school or college. Whatever your experience, I hope you’ll read this.

Each May Kids PRAISE, our choir for children at First United Methodist, performs a musical based on a story from the Bible, like the story of Noah or Jonah, or Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace.

One of my favorites is “Malice In The Palace” the story of Esther. In the musical Esther is the winner of a beauty contest held by the king to find a new queen. When her uncle finds out about a plot to kill all the Israelites, he urges Esther to speak to the king. Because the king will

punish anyone who speaks to him, Esther is reluctant to speak. However, and this is the crux of the story, Esther’s uncle tells her “perhaps you were called for such a time as this.”

As we return to on campus worship and in person singing we have the opportunity to grow the Music Ministry, in particular the Chancel Choir. In the words of Esther’s uncle “perhaps you were called for such a time as this.” I hope you will consider where God is calling you to share your gifts in worship this year.

For more information about how to get involved in the Music Ministry at First United Methodist, contact Karen Buie: kbuie@firstumc.org or 863-687-9856.

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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. Melissa Stump Associate Pastor Rev. Andy Whitaker Smith Associate Pastor Matthew H. Corl Interim Co Director of Music & Fine Arts Karen Buie Interim Co Director of Music & Fine Arts Dr. Waite Willis 9:30 Worship Leader Susan Willis 9:30 Asst Worship Leader Jeremy Hearn 11:20 Worship Leader Cindy Cleveland 11:20 Asst Worship Leader Diana Russell Kids PRAISE Coordinator Nicole Wood Pastors’ Administrator Assistant

Worship Services

Please watch for changes to our worship opportunities. Both the 9:30 and 11am are on Facebook and livestreamed at: www.firstumc.org/worship-now/

INVITE TEAM Diana Russell

Director of Newcomer Ministries

GROW TEAM

Warren Pattison Director of Adult Ministries Cristi Moore Director of Children Ministries Cherry McClellan Director of Preschool 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

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 Mike Stasiak Kitchen Manager

First United Methodist Church: www.firstumc.org Worship Now: www.firstumc.org/worship-now/ Online Giving: www.firstumc.org/give Recent Bulletins: www.firstumc.org/bulletin News: www.firstumc.org/news Preparation:https://www.firstumc/worshipprep/

Tom Kelly Kitchen Worker Tim Harding Director of Facilities Angela Bowne Facilities Administrative Assistant Carol Chastain Custodian Mwidimisi Munnisi Custodian Renise Charles Custodian Daniel King

Kitchen Support/Facilities Support