YOUR CHURCH’S NEWSLETTER * Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Dear Friends in the Faith,
I pray that this message finds you well, holding on to the hope and peace that God offers us each day. In the wake of the recent presidential inauguration, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the wide range of emotions many of us may be feeling. Moments like these can stir up both hope and concern, excitement and uncertainty. Whatever you may be feeling today, I want to remind you that we are not alone in these emotions — we walk through them together as a community bound by faith.
As a nation transitions in leadership, we are invited to reflect on both the responsibilities and the opportunities before us. It’s a time for us, as followers of Jesus, to think about the values we hold dear — justice, mercy, and peace — and to pray earnestly for wisdom, compassion, and guidance for those now in positions of leadership. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges us to “pray for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I believe this is a call to prayer for all, regardless of our political affiliations, and a reminder that God’s heart is for the well-being of everyone.
I know that for some, change can bring anxiety, and for others, it can bring hope. Wherever you find yourself in this moment, I want to offer you space to share your thoughts, your fears, and your hopes. As a community, we are here to listen, to pray, and to support one another through the challenges we face as individuals and as a nation.
This is also a time to remember our shared calling as a church — to be a light in the world, to embody the love and grace of Christ in all that we do. We are called to be peacemakers, to extend compassion to the hurting, and to seek justice for the marginalized. This isn’t always easy, but it is the path we are called to walk together.
Please know that I am here for you — to listen, to pray with you, and to walk alongside you as we journey through this season. If you need a listening ear or would like to share any prayer requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
With gratitude for you all, Grace and peace,
Pastor David
Discover Your Unique SHAPE for Serving God!
Are you looking to serve God in a way that truly aligns with who you are? Our SHAPE profile helps you uncover your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences. These five factors will guide you to the perfect place where God wants you to serve.
Join us on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 pm in the chapel for an inspiring session where we will explore our SHAPE profiles together. Connect with others, gain deeper insights about yourself, and find your unique path to serving God.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow and serve in a meaningful way!
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!
Starting Point meets 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.
The Widowed support group will meet a week later on Thursday, January 30 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
All God’s Creatures Got A Place In The Choir! The Celebration Choir of First UMC, known for its rich harmonies and spiritual upliftment, invites you to join our dedicated and loving ensemble. With rehearsals each Wednesday evening at 7 PM, our community of singers fosters an atmosphere of creativity and fellowship, enhancing the worship experience at weekly Sunday 11 am worship services. All ages and all levels of experience are welcome, from seasoned vocalists to those new to choral singing, providing an excellent opportunity for growth and participation in church music events, such as the upcoming season of Lent and Easter. Childcare is available upon request. Discover the joy of sharing your voice in a supportive environment that celebrates faith and artistry, joining together in praise and worship. Contact Bob McLeary, Director of Music & Worship for more info – Can’t wait to sing with you soon! Do you play an instrument? Have you always wanted to be part of a church music ensemble? Is drama your thing? Or maybe you like to help behind the scenes. Well, we have just the spot for you! Connect with Bob and let’s talk about your God-given talents!
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 at janet@mtdorafumc.org. it is a great way to Love God while Loving Others.
Lent is the forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is a time to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are looking for writers of all ages and ability to write a 200-250 word devotional on a scripture of your choosing. The submission deadline is January 31. Writing guidelines are available in the church office or by emailingjanet@mtdorafumc.org.
Scout Sunday is February 9 at all three services. We will honor Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 4-H participants, and Campfire Boys and Girls.
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
Join a Sunday Bible study!
Bible Explorers – Sundays at 9:30 am in the chapel
Carpenter’s class – Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC classroom
Upper Room – Sundays at 9:30 am in the choir room
11:00 Bible study – Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall
Join a mid-week Bible study!
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
YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED! Our congregation has partnered with Lake Cares for years to provide a mobile food distribution site in northeast Mount Dora. If you haven’t done so already, please take a grocery bag, fill it with non-perishable food, and return it by January 26. You can also donate online or by writing “Lake Cares” on your donation envelope. Thank you for your generosity!
COMING SOON…
Mark your calendars for February 1st! We’re hosting a delightful cookie sale in front of the chapel, starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until every last cookie is gone.
Homemade Cookies: Just $1 per bag (two cookies per bag). Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat to share!
Dog Biscuits: Specially baked for your furry friends, so they can enjoy a treat too!
CALLING ALL BAKERS! We need your help to make this event a success. If you’re interested in baking, please bring your delicious cookies and/or dog biscuits to the chapel on Friday, January 31st between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Let’s make this cookie sale a sweet success!
Join us for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 9!
Bring non-perishable items or a cash donation for Lake Cares in exchange for a bowl of delicious chili! Chili will be served after each service. Let’s come together for a great cause and enjoy a bowl of some souper tasty food!
Join Us for an Exclusive Educational Luncheon!
Discover the captivating details of our upcoming journey toITALYat an educational luncheon onSunday, February 16th at 12:30 PM. Find out all the details to plan your next exciting adventure!
Reserve your spot today by calling our office at 352-383-2005. Hurry, the deadline for reservations isFriday, February 7th!
Our Hometown Nazareth Vacation Bible School: Where Jesus was a kid is June 9-13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. New for 2025 is Stay & Play after VBS. For $125, children can stay after VBS from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. The time will include games, crafts, and movies. Families should book early as Stay & Play will fill quickly. To be a part of all the excitement at Hometown Nazareth VBS and Stay & Play, register at www.mtdorafumc.org/families.
Dear families,
Warren W. Willis United Methodist camp offers a high-energy, life-changing week at overnight camp. This will be a unique opportunity for your student to grow in their relationships with others, with God, and with the world. Camp is designed to give campers a powerful place to meet and grow closer to Christ away from the distractions of everyday life. Camp involves worship, small group Bible studies, crafts, games, and outdoor adventures.
Many of our children and youth will attend camp from June 23 to June 27. Current third and fourth grade students attend Elementary camp. Current fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students attend Middle School camp. Current eighth through twelfth grade students attend Senior High camp. The camp is in Fruitland Park and includes students from all over the state of Florida. More details about the camp are at https://wwumccc.org/summer-camps.
Registration this year is being handled through the camp website. You will need to go towwumccc.org/programs/summer-camp and complete the form. A deposit must be paid on their website when you register your student. Enrollment is based on space available when you register. If you need a partial scholarship to help with the deposit, please talk with me. The deposit can be paid from student account funds if you end the registration process before the payment is due. Notify the office and we can make that deposit payment.
As a result of a congregation-wide fundraising campaign called “S.A.Y. it with love,” every student active in Footprints or Barefoot will receive as much as $275 toward the cost of camp. The camp will send you an invoice in May for the balance due. It will be paid through the camp website. If your family has student account money to apply to the balance due, please let us know. Friends of your students from outside our church may attend camp at Warren Willis as well if they are willing to pay the $575 camp fee.
The students from FUMC in each age group are assigned to a cabin with the others attending from our church if they list one of our students as a roommate request. They are divided among various small groups during the day so they meet other students. The cabins and small groups are staffed by college students hired by Warren Willis camp. Several adult volunteers and staff from our congregation will serve as adult volunteers at camp.
