Merry Christmas to you and yours! I hope to see some of you this evening at one if our Christmas Eve services at 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm.
Also, a reminder we only have one service this Sunday for December 29th at 10 am.
We will resume our regular Sunday schedule on January 5th.
I saw a quote the other day that I wanted to share with you: “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if we have room for Jesus.”
In Luke 2:7, it says there was no room in the inn for the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Thus, Jesus was born in a stable, and his bed was a manger. It is a reminder that it is often humanity that makes no space for God. Either God’s ways are too inconvenient or we ignore the stirrings of the Holy Spirit toward love and compassion.
I hope we can make room for Jesus this season.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor David
Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora features two special and unique Christmas services TONIGHT – 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.
Children on Sunday morning Kids’ Church will meet Sunday, December 29 during the combined worship service at 10:00 am.
Many of our church activities are taking a break for the holidays. Sunday School, Bible studies and Wonderful Wednesdays return the week of January 5. Enjoy the Sabbath time!
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
Back on Wednesday, January 8th!
Wonderful Wednesdays is 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.
MIDDLE AND HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS… Come join our Barefoot youth group Wednesday, January 8th. The fun begins at 6PM and ends at 8PM and starts in The Barefoot Basement Youth Room.
COMING IN JANUARY!
An orientation for Confirmation Class will occurr on January 12th at 11 am in the youth basement. Please see more details in this letter from Josh Collins and Pastor David.
Having a clearly defined estate plan will help you to ensure the management of your estate is a smooth process, eliminating one form of stress for surviving loved ones. It is also an opportunity to ensure resources from your estate are dispersed in a way that aligns with your values. Rev. Edward S. New, President and CEO of the Florida United Methodist Foundation will conduct a planned giving workshop on Sunday, January 12 at 12:15 pm in Friendship Hall. The Foundation is here to help an individual establish or improve an estate plan that incorporates gifts to your church, a favorite nonprofit or a similar organization. To attend the workshop and luncheon, please make your reservation with the church office by January 8.
NEW BIBLE STUDIES COMING IN 2025!
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!
The Letter to the Hebrews explores Jesus’ connections to the Hebrew sacrificial system. N.T. Wright’s book, Hebrews for Everyone, is the focus of the Wednesday morning Bible study beginning January 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The $15 book is available in the church office.
*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.
We are collecting over the counter medications for our sister church in Calixto, Cuba. Here is what is needed:
Multivitamins for children and adults Pre-Natal Vitamins Adult Decongestants – Mucinex/Generic Diaper Rash – Butt paste /Desitin Permethrin cream tubes for Scabies Antibiotic cream – Lotrimin/generic Calamine or Caladryl Lotion Tylenol Infant drops Tylenol for children and adults Advil / Ibuprofen Antihistamines – Claritin, Benadryl Hemorrhoid Cream Imodium Aspirin 81 mg Unisom Medications for stomach pain (Pepto Bismol). Antacids. Children’s multi-vitamins Vitamin E Vitamin D3 with calcium Vitamin v12 1000 Ibuprofen Omega 3 Anti-diarrheal Decongestants and cough medicine Triple antibiotic ointment Band-Aids, gauze, and bandages Thermometers
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 THIS week – December 23, 25, 27, but will resume December 30)
