YOUR CHURCH’S NEWSLETTER * Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Dear First United Methodist Church,
First UMC of Mt. Dora is partnering with the Florida United Methodist Foundation to offer a Legacy Planning luncheon on January 12, 2025, at 12 pm in Friendship Hall. FUMF President and CEO, Rev. Ed New will lead this interactive seminar. Lunch and workshop materials are provided at no cost to those who will attend.
I am looking forward to attending. I hope you are too.
We believe in preparing for God’s promise of everlasting life. Many Christians, however, may not adequately plan for their transition from earthly life with community to eternal life with Him. One crucial consideration of each person is: What will be my legacy for Christ on earth? This extends to how we responsibly return God’s gifts of time and treasure when called to our eternal home.
This legacy planning seminar will address this question practically and spiritually. Legacy Planning Seminar participants gain insights into estate planning, financial stewardship, funeral and burial planning, and the impactful role of charitable planned gifts in serving God and the future of our Church.
Please RSVP by contacting the church office at 352-383-2005 or emailing
office@mtdorafumc.org” style=”mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;”>office@mtdorafumc.org by tomorrow, January 8th.
Also, even though it is 2025, we still would welcome your stewardship commitment for 2025. Please consider downloading the form in this email, and making a commitment by emailing our Financial Secretary, Kathy Tanner,
First UMC of Mt. Dora is partnering with the Florida United Methodist Foundation to offer a Legacy Planning luncheon on January 12, 2025, at 12 pm in Friendship Hall. FUMF President and CEO, Rev. Ed New will lead this interactive seminar. Lunch and workshop materials are provided at no cost to those who will attend.
We believe in preparing for God’s promise of everlasting life. Many Christians, however, may not adequately plan for their transition from earthly life with community to eternal life with Him. One crucial consideration of each person is: What will be my legacy for Christ on earth? This extends to how we responsibly return God’s gifts of time and treasure when called to our eternal home.
This legacy planning seminar will address this question practically and spiritually. Legacy Planning Seminar participants gain insights into estate planning, financial stewardship, funeral and burial planning, and the impactful role of charitable planned gifts in serving God and the future of our Church.
CALL NOW! Please RSVP by contacting the church office at 352-383-2005 or emailing office@mtdorafumc.org” style=”mso-line-height-rule: exactly;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;color: #007C89;font-weight: normal;text-decoration: underline;”>office@mtdorafumc.org
. . .
The best resolution you can make for 2025 is to read the Bible!
It offers the words of God and His promises, and also brings peace, comfort, guidance, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. Don’t know where to start? Want to embark on a new experience? Check out the apps below or stop by the office for a copy.
. . .
MOUNT DORA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COVENANT
Click on the heart to download the Covenant
We’ve received 71 commitment cards, just 13 shy of last year’s total at this time. Will you be one of the 13 to help us reach our goal? Your support makes all the difference. Submit your card today!
On behalf of the entire staff, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your overwhelming generosity and kindness through the love offering.
Your support and thoughtfulness have touched our hearts profoundly. It is truly a blessing to be part of such a caring and compassionate church.
Thank you for your unwavering support, your prayers, and your generosity. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and continue to guide us all in love and unity.
With heartfelt thanks,
Vann Camp and Evan Hartney of Scout Troop 19 of the VFW Post 8087 volunteered with Wreaths Across America in 2023. They helped place wreaths on the graves of the 466 veterans in Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora. They were so inspired by the project that they went back, walked the cemetery and mapped the graves of the veterans. They then created new maps of the cemetery using computer-aided design techniques that they learned about Mount Dora High School.
Evan and Vann led Troop 19 in cleaning the graves of the veterans. They placed flag markers in front of each veteran’s grave to make it easier for volunteers during Wreaths Across America 2024 to find the veterans and place the wreaths. Their maps and lists will make it easier for future WAA events. In addition, they created a permanent veterans memorial at the flagpole in the cemetery. The memorial was funded from private donations. For more information about Troop 19 or Wreaths Across America, contact First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora at www.mtdorafumc.org.
IT’S BACK!
Wonderful Wednesdays offer Bible study, worship arts, games and crafts for children in kindergarten through fifth grade from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Barefoot Youth meet in the Barefoot Youth Room Basement on Wednesdays at 6 PM! Middle and high school students are welcome. Enjoy games, snacks, worship music, Bible study, and group discussions. See you there!
Consider donating your gently used items to our THRIFT SHOPPE. Your contributions help impact our community and world!
Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the chapel – Book of Hebrews
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) – Book of Romans
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) – Book of Ezekiel
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.
Hey everyone!
Get ready for an awesome Confirmation Class orientation on January 12th at 11 AM in the youth basement! Join us for all the exciting details from Josh Collins and Pastor David. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a blast!
We’ll see you there!
P.S. Click the red heart above to check out the official letter for more info!
Dress a Girl in the World meets on Tuesday, January 14 at 10:00 am in room 103 on the Children’s Wing.
Lake Cares has partnered with our congregation to offer a mobile food distribution site in northeast Mount Dora for many years. We support the efforts of the main pantry through our food drives. You are encouraged to take home a grocery bag, fill it with non-perishable food, and return it by January 26. If you would prefer, you can give on-line or by writing Lake Cares on your donation envelope. Many households in north Lake County survive because of our work with Lake Cares.
Lake Cares has a mobile distribution site on Friday, January 17 at the King Center, 803 Florida Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 7:30 to 9:30 am.
Forward Paths Foundation helps young people who have aged out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. There is a need for people who are willing to be a mentor, to form a one-on-one relationship with a young person, to be someone who can spend some time with them, be available to answer questions or give guidance when needed or even just go out to lunch together or include them in a family event.
If you would be willing to be that person who shines the light of Christ in a young life, go to the website forwardpaths.org and fill out the form under Contact Us or call the phone number listed for Denise Burry, Executive Director.
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
Want to serve God? Our SHAPE profile helps you understand your spiritual gifts, your heart, your abilities, your personality, and your experience. Together, these five factors help you find the place where God wants you to serve. Join us on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 pm in the chapel as we explore our SHAPE profiles.
The Widowed support group will meet a week later on Thursday, January 30 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
Starting Point meets on Sunday, January 26 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in the chapel. If you want to know more about what it means to be a Christian, a United Methodist, or a member of this congregation, contact the church office to reserve your place.
During the Art Festival on February 1 and 2, we need volunteers to welcome people into our sanctuary and to sit outside inviting them to come in. To volunteer, please contact Janet Westlake, Minister of Discipleship atjanet@mtdorafumc.org. it is a great way to Love God while Loving Others.
Flower Calendar 2025
We invite you to celebrate someone or something special by donating flowers that will adorn the sanctuary on the Sunday that you choose. Simply sign your name next to your chosen date on the calendar located at the back of the sanctuary, near the ushers’ table. You order the flowers, and our office will reach out to you for the bulletin announcement details.
