Fun in the Sun: Opportunities to enjoy summer with your church family
In this issue:
Pastor David Averill gives a recap of the past month’s accomplishments and an overview of what’s ahead.
New study on Wesleyan grace begins June 15.
Meet our pastoral summer interns.
Volunteer opportunities: Lake Cares Mobile Distribution, Vacation Bible School, and Fifth Avenue Thrift Shoppe.
Summer fun nights: Select Wednesday evenings are full of fun for kids and families.
Letter from the Pastor
I cannot thank you enough for your support while I was away for Annual Training for the National Guard. I consider this outreach just as much yours as it is mine. Together, we provided religious support to close to 300 Soldiers during this exercise. Some of the more significant things I did include a casualty notification operation (notifying next of kin that their loved one died while in the service) and briefing on moral leadership. During Annual Training, I also provided daily Bible studies on the 7 Habits, and worship services on Sundays.
Speaking of which, I will continue my series on the 7 Habits of Fruitful Christians on June 19th. My plan is also to have an online devotional series weekly during the summer on a book called “The Five Means of Grace” by Elaine Heath. Heath’s book explores practices that lead us into a closer relationship with God and neighbor such as reading scripture, receiving communion, meeting with other believers, fasting, and prayer.
I consider this outreach just as much yours as it is mine. Together, we provided religious support to close to 300 soldiers during this exercise.
During this month, you can anticipate upgrades to our sound system online and in the sanctuary to begin. Though Scott Spradlin, our Director of Music and Worship, ordered the sound board several months ago, supply chain disruptions have slowed our progress. I thank you for your patience.
I also want to encourage you to celebrate the birthday of the Church called Pentecost on June 5th. What I mean by the birthday of the Church is the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection (which we observe on Easter Sunday). One contemporary tradition to observe the birthday of the church is to wear red. Red is the color of commemoration during the church year, and it also represents the fire of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 tells us that tongues of fire were above the head of each believer who received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
After our Sunday services on June 5th, we will have a Pentecost picnic. In this way, we can celebrate in Friendship Hall in a way that we have not in more than two years. I hope to see many of you there.
With Joy on the Journey,
Pastor David Averill
New Bible Study
Dr. Elaine A. Heath helps people discover the power prayer, scripture, communion, fasting, and Christian conferencing in Five Means of Grace: Experience God’s Love the Wesleyan Way. Janet Westlake, Minister of Discipleship will lead a video study on the Five Means of Grace on June 15, June 22, July 6, July 13, and July 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the chapel. If you prefer, the book is available for $10 in the church office.
Meet our Summer Pastoral Interns
The Office of Clergy Excellence, a Connectional Ministry of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, sponsors and partially funds the Summer Pastoral Ministry Internship Program. This program is for young adults who are interested in exploring ordained ministry through 10-week summer internships. These internships seek to provide a holistic, hands-on experience in pastoral ministry within a variety of areas of responsibility and under the guidance of a pastor.
This summer, we have four pastoral interns serving in our congregation:
- Sam Hyland – concentrating on youth and audiovisual ministries
- Dylan Reed – concentrating on youth and young adult ministries
- Victoria Spradlin – concentrating on young adult and outreach ministries
- Jessa Talton – concentrating on children’s ministry
Lake Cares Mobile Distribution
On June 3 and 17, our congregation will distribute food to 48 families at the King Center, 803 Florida Avenue in Mount Dora. We need additional volunteers to pull wagons for the clients. Lake Cares provides special food for children during the summer months as well as the regular food they provide. If you can help on the first or third Fridays, please arrive at the King Center between 7:30 and 8:00 am. We finish by 9:30 or 10:00 am. Community service hours are available to students. Children are welcome with their parents.
VBS Volunteer Training
If you are planning to be a Tribe or Center Leader, join Janet in Sanctuary Hall at one of these times:
- Wed., June 22, 4:30-6pm
- Thu., June 23, 10-11:30am
- Wed., July 6, 4:30-6pm
How else to contribute
- Loan Tools. We are in need of needle-nose pliers, hammers, and pop-up awnings. Please write your name on each item.
- Donate. VBS costs an average of $33 per child.
- Pray. We are planting seeds of faith in young lives that will have a Kingdom impact.
Summer Fun Nights
Kids are invited to join us for an evening of fun on select Wednesday nights from 6-8pm. Parents are encouraged to participate with the children!
Wednesday, June 15: Dr. Orff Meets Water World
Wear clothing that can get wet and bring a towel!
Wednesday, June 22: Masterchef Junior
Come hungry dressed to cook, no experience required
Wednesday, July 6: Spies Unite
Dress like a spy with shoes that allow you to move.
Wednesday, July 13: Praying in the Dark
A time for worship and prayer followed by a hide-n-seek championship