As we continue our journey toward fulfilling the goals of Vision 2030, we are excited to share some important staff realignments that will help us better live into our mission and core values. These adjustments focus specifically on two critical areas: nurturing the next generation and expanding our outreach locally and globally.
One of the cornerstones of our Vision 2030 strategic plan is the “Grow” goal, which aligns with our core value of “overinvesting in the young.” To support this focus, we are thrilled to announce the creation of a new staff position: Director of Children and Family. This role will allow us to place dedicated attention on the spiritual development of our youngest members and strengthen the connection between families and the life of the church. The Director of Children and Family will lead initiatives to grow our children’s ministry, provide resources for parents, and create spaces where families can thrive together in faith.
Another pivotal goal in Vision 2030 is “serving locally and globally.” To better achieve this, Janet Westlake will transition into a newly focused role as Director of Missions and Community Outreach, effective February 1, 2025. Janet’s passion for discipleship and service will be a tremendous asset as she leads efforts to deepen our impact in the local community and expand our global mission partnerships. This realignment ensures that our church continues to be a beacon of Christ’s love both here at home and around the world.
These realignments are more than just title changes—they are strategic steps to live into God’s calling for our church. By equipping staff to concentrate on specific areas of ministry, we can better address the unique needs of children, families, and the wider community. Our Vision 2030 plan challenges us to be intentional about where we invest our resources, and these shifts represent a commitment to doing just that.
We ask for your prayers as we move forward with these changes. Please also pray for those stepping into these new and redefined roles, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit as they serve. Together, we can continue building a church that grows disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Grace and Peace, Pastor David Averill
If you haven’t submitted your Commitment Card for 2025, it’s not too late!
COME JOIN THE FUN!!! AllMiddle school and high school students are welcome. Sunday School on Sundays at 11AM in the Barefoot Youth Room Basement. We also have Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. You will find games, snacks, worship music (praise time), Bible study and a group discussion, and a place to belong. If you’re a student – we’d love for you to join us!
Vision India is giving cold weather blankets to unreached people groups. Your $15 donation purchases a blanket. See Myra Johnson for more information. Mark Vision India Blanket on your check/envelope. One blanket will be given per family in selected villages in India. The blankets are wool, and an entire family covers with one blanket. They normally use vegetable sacks to cover with because it is very cold there in the winter.
A MESSAGE FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE BISHOP TOM BERLIN…
CHILDREN ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
Childcare – Available from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm
Kids’ Church – Children begin in worship at 9:30 and then depart for Kids’ Church
Bible Fun – Available during the 11:00 traditional service
WHERE’S WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY?
Wonderful Wednesdays for kindergarten through fifth grade will meet again, not tomorrow, but next week, December 4th!
Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Current Bible Studies:
Sundays at 9:30 am in the Chapel
Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC Classroom- Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience
Sundays at 9:30 am in the Choir Room
Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall
Tuesdays at 2:00 pm in the chapel– Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the Chapel – Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Chapel – Being United Methodist Christians(and on Zoom)
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Chapel – Book of Ezekiel (and on Zoom)
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR POINSETTIA! SUNDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER!
If you would like to contribute $8.50 towards a poinsettia, which you can take home after the Christmas Eve service, please pick up an envelope from the usher’s table. Simply fill it out, include your payment, and drop it in the offering box or at the church office before December 1st.
POTLUCK!
A ‘Thank You’ Celebration Lunch Sunday, December 1st, 2024 @ 12:30 PM
For Pastor David, Pastor Donna, and You, the Congregation The Church will provide sandwiches. You can bring your favorite sides or salads. Some gluten-free & vegetarian options will be available.
Please RSVP to the Church Office by Tuesday, November 26th.
“The First Christmas Night” concert is Sunday, December 8 at 10:00 am. It features the children’s choir, the handbell choir, the Celebration choir, the praise team, and the pipe organ. Every child will receive a free gift.
Would you like to lead the reading and light the Advent candles during December? We need volunteers for all three services on four Sundays and Christmas eve. Contact the church office to volunteer.
The Mount Dora Christmas parade is Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 am. We will gather at 9:00 am to decorate the trailer. People may ride in the trailer or walk to pass out 2500 candy cane invitations to our Christmas events. Christmas attire or Living Love shirts please!
Dress a Girl in the World meets on Tuesday, December 10 at 10:00 am in room 103 on the Children’s Wing. .
Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora features two special and unique Christmas services on Tuesday, December 24. The 5:30 service features contemporary music from the praise team, a live nativity acted out by the children, a message from Pastor David Averill, and candle-lighting. The 7:30 services feature a service of Lessons and Carols, traditional music from the Celebration Choir, music from our pipe organ, a message from Pastor David Averill, and candle-lighting.
ONE WEEK EARLY – Lake Cares has a mobile distribution site on Friday, December 13 at the King Center, 803 Florida Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 7:30 to 9:30 am.
Exercise class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am in Friendship Hall. The class does not include any floorwork.
HELPFUL GIVING TIPS FROM KATHY; Multiple special offerings can be combined in one envelope with cash or check. Please list the accounts and amounts. We want to be sure we record it for you correctly. (Account examples: Children’s Home, Sister Church in Cuba, Lake Cares, Children or Youth Ministries, SAY, Pastor’s Discretionary, etc)
