As we journey deeper into Lent, we come to a powerful turning point in our six-week series, Six Decisions That Will Change Your Life. This Sunday, April 6, we’ll focus on The Decision to Persevere, based on Philippians 3:4b-14.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul speaks of pressing on, forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead. He reminds us that perseverance is not about perfection, but about direction. It’s about staying focused on the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, even when life gets hard, discouraging, or uncertain.
Perseverance is especially important in this season of Lent. As we draw nearer to Holy Week and the cross, we remember that Jesus Himself chose to persevere for our sake. His faithfulness invites us to keep going, even when the path is steep.
We all face moments when we’re tempted to quit. But God calls us to press on, to keep our eyes on Jesus, and to trust that He is not finished with us yet.
This Sunday, we’ll explore how to make that decision again and again, and how that daily choice can change the trajectory of our lives.
I hope you’ll join us in worship, in person or online, as we press on together.
Grace and peace, Pastor David
Register today!
Get Ready for an Inspiring Community Service Day!
April 12 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a day of service, fellowship, and fun as we come together to make a difference in our community! Choose from these exciting projects:
Prayer Walk & Holy Week Invitations: Prayer Walk and hanging Holy Week invitations on doors in our neighborhood
Ice Cream Social & Sing-Along: Brighten the day of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities with sweet treats and joyful songs.
Cookie Baking & Delivery: Bake delicious cookies at the church and spread kindness by delivering them to downtown merchants.
Landscaping at a Local School: Beautify a local school with landscaping projects.
Cooking Lunch: Help prepare a delicious lunch for all participants!
Schedule:
· 9:00 AM: Meet in Friendship Hall to receive your worksite assignment.
· 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Serve at your chosen project.
· 12:00 PM: Gather for a shared lunch in Friendship Hall.
Every participant will receive a FREE T-SHIRT as a token of appreciation! Can’t join us? You can still make an impact by contributing financially—please write “Missions” on the memo line.
Let’s make this day unforgettable by sharing our time, talents, and love with the community. See you there! Click below for registration form.
Would you like to learn how to work the Sanctuary Audio & Visual equipment and assist with our Online resources?
Join our A/V team and get professional training on our cutting-edge sound, lighting, and projection system! Learn from Bill Nelson, our expert A/V Tech, and discover the ins and outs of our A/V booth in the Sanctuary balcony.
We’re looking for volunteers to support special services and programs. Be a key part of our growing A/V team in the Chapel and Friendship Hall. Contact Bob McLeary at music@mtdorafumc.org to volunteer or learn more.
ITALY
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Pastor David on the Biblical Backgrounds in Italy pilgrimage, November 1-11, 2025! For more details about this incredible experience, email Pastor David at david@mtdorafumc.orgor call the church office.
———————————
Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime – EGYPT 2026!
Discover the wonders of Egypt and the unforgettable experiences awaiting you. Join us for an inspiring presentation on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM in Friendship Hall. Dive into the details of this incredible journey and learn how you can be part of it! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the land of ancient mysteries and timeless treasures.
Join our Children’s & Family Ministries for Christ-centered fun! From Wonderful Wednesdays to Children’s Worship on Sundays and the exciting Vacation Bible School (VBS), there’s something for everyone in every family.
Are you looking for a way to reach out to your neighbors during Lent this year? Pick up a “Love Your Neighbor” kit at the Fifth Avenue entrance. It contains resources to help you have meaningful faith encounters with the people in your life.
Join a Sunday Bible study!
Bible Explorers – Sundays at 9:30 am in the chapel – 6 Decisions
Carpenter’s class – Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC classroom – 6 Decisions
Upper Room – Sundays at 9:30 am in the choir room – Chronological study of the Bible
11:00 Bible study – Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall – 6 Decisions
Join a mid-week Bible study!
Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the chapel with Janet Westlake – The Final Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospels
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in Friendship Hall (and on Zoom) with Pastor David Averill – 6 Decisions That will Change Your Life
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) with Paul Lane – The Book of Daniel
First John, one of the shortest books in the Bible, may pack one of the biggest punches as it unveils the unconventional movements of the supernatural love of God in Jesus Christ and their uncanny implications. Join this Bible study on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the chapel beginning April 23. The $15 book, I John, by J.D. Walt is available in the church office.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Take advantage of these amazing opportunities!
AMPLIFY BIBLE STUDY VIDEOS
Your church has provided you with this service to get access to recommended Bible studies, and more for the first 100 households in the church.! There are Bible study videos for ALL ages!
Click on image for login information.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
THEOLOGYU – SUNDAYS WITH PASTOR DAVID
Class Leader: Pastor David Averill Meeting Time: Sundays, 7 – 8 PM Meeting Place via Zoom: https://bit.ly/mdfumcmeetings Join TheologyU! Deepen your faith with videos, influential writings, and discussions led by Pastor David. No books needed—just bring your curiosity. Each session stands alone, so join anytime!
Experience ACTS of Worship at Our Early Traditional Service
Through April 13
Our 8am service will feature ACTS worship with:
Holy Communion: Weekly intinction with grape juice and Biblical wine.
Rite of Anointing: Weekly anointing with oil to encourage prayer.
Anointing during Lent through April 13th is every Sunday at 8am only. Anointing in May will be Sunday, May 4th at 11am only. Anointing in June will be Sunday, June 1st at 9:30 am only.
Ginny and Hank Glaspey, our Zoe Empowers ambassadors, as they visit the Umuhuza “Mediator” group in Mukindo, Rwanda this June. They’ll bring back inspiring stories, photos, and videos showcasing our group’s achievements. Support their mission by writing “Missions” on your check memo line or donating online to “missions.”
Dress a Girl in the World meets on Tuesday, April 8 at 10:00 am in room 103 on the Children’s Wing.
Our Book Club meets on Tuesday, April 15 at 2:00 pm in Sanctuary Hall. April’s book is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. New readers are always welcome!
Lake Cares has a mobile distribution site on Friday, April 18 at the King Center, 803 Florida Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 7:30 to 10:30 am.
Did you know that our Widowed support group:
Involves 12-15 people each month
Includes men and women
Also gathers for lunch monthly
Introduces people from the community to our congregation
Provides much needed support for people after the loss of a spouse
Is led by Ruth Ault, a dedicated member of our congregation
Meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 9:30 am in the chapel
Join us for Light Into Darkness: A Service of Holy Communion with the Ritual of Handwashing on Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. This meaningful and contemplative experience offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual connection. We warmly invite you to be a part of this sacred gathering.
Discover “Who Is Jesus?”—a captivating musical worship journey that follows Jesus’ final path—on Friday, April 18, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. This heartfelt experience showcases the talents of the Celebration Choir of FUMC, the Barron String Quartet from Stetson University, and liturgical dancer Alecia Devereaux from Merritt Island. Childcare will be provided for your convenience. We warmly invite you to join us for this inspiring evening of reflection and worship.
Celebrate the joy of Easter Sundaywith us on April 20. Begin this special day with a sunrise service on the front lawn at 6:30 am. Services will be held at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am in the sanctuary. Worshipers are also invited to bring fresh flowers to adorn the resurrection cross on the lawn before the services. Let us come together to honor the miracle of resurrection and embrace the promise of new life. We look forward to celebrating with you!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
ORDER YOUR EASTER LILIES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! If you’d like to contribute $10 toward a lily, you’ll find special envelopes waiting for you at the ushers’ table. You can dedicate your lily in honor or memory of someone dear to your heart. Simply drop your envelope, along with your payment, in the offering box or at the church office. Let’s make this Easter bloom with love and beauty!
Come, get moving with us! Join our exercise class which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am in Friendship Hall. No fees, no floorwork—just FUN, and fitness! Spread the word!
