Holiday services and times, PLUS an exciting new announcement
TUESDAY TIDINGS
Dear First United Methodist Church of Mt. Dora,
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is pleased to announce that the Music Director Search Team reached a consensus to hire Bob McLeary as our Director of Worship and Music, starting January 16, 2024.
Bob McLeary’s Bio: Growing up in the United Methodist Church, Bob has served in local church ministry for over 25 years. Music has always been a strong component on his faith journey, and he has been blessed by God’s leadership in various choral and instrumental ensembles around the Southeast. Bob holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Lambuth University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Freed-Hardeman University. Originally from TN, Bob is happy to credit his musical heritage to his family, his Sunday School teachers, and his music mentors that always used the same phrase, “Let’s sing another song!”
A huge thanks to the Music Director Search Team for all their effort and diligence in finding a great addition to the FUMC Mt. Dora family. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season, and I hope to see you at one of our upcoming worship services in-person or online.
The members of the Search Team were the following:
· Ginny Glaspey, Chairperson
· Roy Hawthorne
· Louise Rottinghaus
· Patt Haddock, SPRC representative
· Ruth Ault
· Donna Manwaring
· Josh Collins, Youth Director / Contemporary Worship Leader
· Monique McCutcheon
· Mary Ann Hallowell, Organist
Blessings, Pastor David
Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Wreaths Across America. We laid 505 wreaths on the graves of veterans in Pine Forest cemetery. A huge thank you to Mike Hildebrand for these great photos!
BOXING DAY IS COMING! Box up your gently used items and bring to the Thrift Shoppe! 333 E Fifth Ave. Mount Dora FL 32757 352-383-6028 *Thursday & Friday: 10 AM – 2 PM *Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM
MIDDLE AND HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS… Come join our Barefoot youth group this Wednesday December 18th (tomorrow) for our Christmas party (with pizza!) and scavenger hunt. The fun begins at 6PM and ends at 8PM and starts in The Barefoot Basement Youth Room.
Wonderful Wednesdays for kindergarten through fifth grade meet from 6:00 to 8:00 pm each week. Worship Arts begins at 6:00 pm followed by Bible study, crafts, and games.
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
Kids’ Church will meet Sunday, December 29 during the combined worship service at 10:00 am.
THIS WEEK:
The Widowed support group will meet a week early on Thursday, December 19 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
Our Blue Christmas service is Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. It is a unique worship service designed for those who struggle during the holidays.
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.
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 – On the Way to Bethlehem (and on Zoom)
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Chapel – Book of Ezekiel (and on Zoom)
Join Pastor David Averill for an enriching 8-week Bible study on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Discover the profound truths of God’s grace, faith, and salvation as we journey through one of the most theologically rich books of the New Testament.
📅 When: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.., starting January 8th 📍 Where: In the Chapel and via Zoom at https://bit.ly/mdfumcmeetings
Whether you’re new to studying Scripture or looking to deepen your understanding, this study offers insights and practical applications for your faith journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your walk with Christ as we explore Paul’s message of hope and transformation.
All are welcome!
Volunteers are needed:
To assist with communion preparation for the first Sunday of each month.
To staff the welcome center from 9:00-9:30 or 10:30-11:00 once a month.
8:00 service participants – please plan ahead for THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21-22, 2024, as the Mount Dora Half Marathon will disrupt traffic. Maps of the marathon route will be on the usher’s tables.
ARE THOSE DELICIOUS HOLIDAY TREATS MAKING YOU FEEL PLUMP?
Don’t hibernate but come and join us!
Exercise class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am in Friendship Hall. The class does not charge a fee, and it does not include any floorwork. (Exercise classes will not meet next week – December 23, 25, 27, but will resume December 30)
