YOUR CHURCH’S NEWSLETTER * Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Dear Church Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I am excited to share with you some important updates regarding our church staff and ministries as we continue to grow in faith and service together according to our Vision 2030 strategic plan; our core value of overinvesting in the faith of young people; and our goal of growing the faith of future generations.
First, I am pleased to announce that Amanda Green will be joining our staff as the Director of Children and Family Ministry, beginning March 3, 2025. Our Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson, Sunny Grothaus, led the search team that reviewed 25 applications, 8 screening questionnaires, and 2 extensive interviews to prayerfully make this hire. Amanda is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Florida Conference with a heart for ministry and a strong background growing the Christian faith of children, parents, and families. She has served faithfully as Preschool Director & Family Ministry Leader at St. John’s UMC in Winter Haven for close to a decade, where she developed impactful programs such as Vacation Bible School, family fellowship groups, and community outreach initiatives, including a successful Upward Sports indoor soccer program for ages 3 to 8 with a focus on sharing Christ in innovative ways through youth sports.
For the next three months, Amanda will begin serving during the week, working with our Footprints children’s program and preparing for Vacation Bible School. On Sundays, Rev. Dr. Donna Manwaring (a subject matter expert in children’s ministries) has graciously volunteered to lead our children’s programs until June 1, 2025, allowing Amanda to complete her commitment to the Bishop, Gulf Central District, and Lena Vista UMC in Auburndale, where she currently serves as pastor. Amanda’s first Wednesday leading Footprints will be March 19, 2025.
At the same time, we celebrate a new chapter for Janet Westlake, who has faithfully served as our Minister of Discipleship to adults and children for 15 years. Janet will now focus on adult discipleship, community outreach, and equipping our church for local and global missions. Her leadership has been a blessing to our children’s ministry, and we look forward to the ways she will continue to impact our church family in this expanded role.
To honor Janet’s 15 years of service, we will celebrate her in all three worship services on Sunday, March 2, 2025. A reception will follow after each service (8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM) in Sanctuary Hall, and I invite you to join us in showing our gratitude for her dedication and faithfulness.
Please join me in praying for Amanda and Janet as they step into these new roles. May God continue to bless our church as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
In Christ’s service,
Pastor David
Janet Westlake, Minister of Discipleship/Christian Education Congratulations, Janet on 15 years!
Amanda Green, Director of Children and Family Ministry
6 Decisions That will Change Your Lifeis the focus of Pastor David’s sermons during Lent and our Lenten Bible study. It was written by Rev. Tom Berlin, Bishop of the Florida Annual Conference, while he was the lead pastor at Floris UMC in Virgina. We encourage you to pick up a copy of the daily workbook in the sanctuary or the church office. You may complete it on your own beginning March 3 or with a Bible study group. Bible study options meet from March 9 to April 16. They include:
Sundays at 9:30 in the Chapel
Sundays at 9:30 in Carpenter’s classroom behind the Thrift Shoppe
Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in Friendship Hall with Pastor David Averill (new time starting March 12)
$10 suggested donation
Come Join the Choir for our Easter Season!
We welcome everyone who would like to sing beautiful and inspiring music of Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Please join us for this special season.
Our rehearsals will begin Wednesday evening, February 26th, from 6:30pm – 7:15pm in the Choir Room/Sanctuary Building, and run through Wednesday, April 16th, with our Good Friday Musical, “Who Is Jesus?” on April 18th at 7:00pm, and our Easter Sunday music on April 20th during the morning worship services.
We are excited you will be joining us! For more info, please contact Bob McLeary, Dir. of Music: 352-383-2005, x139; music@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;”>music@mtdorafumc.org
MONDAY: 09:30 AM – 02:30 PM TUUESDAY: 09:30 AM – 02:30 PM WEDNESDAY: 02:00 PM – 06:30 PM
ADDRESS: in the CHAPEL – 333 E 5TH AVE, MOUNT DORA, FL, 32757-5660
CONTACT: 352-717-4125 or click AARP above to go directly to scheduling!
Get ready to roll into the fun because tomorrow is Wonderful Wednesday!
You can join us TOMORROW from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for an evening of Bible study, worship arts, games, and crafts for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Every week is a thrilling adventure packed with fun and excitement!
Yo, Barefoot Youth, it’s time to unite, Wednesdays at 6, we’re bringing the hype. In the basement, where the cool kids chill, Middle and high school, come and get your fill.
Games and snacks, we got it all, Worship music, let the good vibes call. Bible study, deep talks too, A place for me, a place for you.
Mark your calendar, don’t be late, Barefoot Youth, it’s gonna be great! Bring a friend, let’s make it loud, Wednesdays at 6, come join the crowd.
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 PLEASE NOTE: BIBLE STUDY WILL BE IN FRIENDSHIP HALL (and on Zoom) – Book of Romans
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) – Book of Ezekiel
Our Book Club meets on Tuesday, February 18 at 2:00 pm in Sanctuary Hall. February’ book is The Seedkeepers by Diane Wilson. New readers are always welcome!
Lake Cares has a mobile distribution site on Friday, February 21 at the King Center, 803 Florida Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 7:30 to 9:30 am.
The UnitedWomenofFaith will meet Tuesday, February 25 at 1:00 pm in Friendship Hall.
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We are thrilled to announce that our Souper Bowl Chili event was a smashing success! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we collected a whopping 127 pounds of food and raised $227! 🌟
Thank you for making a difference in our community!
**** Day of Hope at Residing Hope
Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM ET Residing Hope 51 Children’s Way Enterprise, FL 32725
Formerly known as Day on Campus, our Day of Hope has been expanded to include additional breakout sessions and fun activities for young visitors. We will be carpooling and leaving our church parking lot around 8:15 AM. Contact Diane Van Cura or UWF.
The Widowed support group will meet Thursday, February 27 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
Experience ACTS of Worship at Our Early Traditional Service
March 9 – April 13
Join us for a special Lent worship experience! Our 8am service will feature ACTS worship, inspired by Rev. Dr. Richard and Mrs. Gail Williamson.
Highlights:
Holy Communion: Weekly intinction with grape juice and Biblical wine.
Rite of Anointing: Weekly anointing with oil to encourage prayer.
Why ACTS Worship? ACTS worship follows the Biblical model of regular Holy Communion and anointing with oil, moving us to a deeper spiritual encounter.
Wesleyan-Methodist Tradition:Reflecting our roots, early Methodists shared in Holy Communion weekly, as emphasized by John Wesley.
Unique Purpose:This 8am service offers a distinct and enriching worship experience.
Come and be part of this transformative journey!
Act Now! Spots will fill up fast for the Churchwide Day Retreat at the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center in Fruitland Park, Florida on SATURDAY, March 22. Register by March 7th by emailing office@mtodorafumc.org or calling 352-383-2005.
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,
Join us for an unforgettable week at Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp from June 23-27! Your child will enjoy worship, Bible studies, crafts, games, and outdoor adventures while growing in their faith and friendships.
Camp Details:
Elementary (3rd-4th grade)
Middle School (5th-7th grade)
Senior High (8th-12th grade)
Register at wwumccc.org/summer-camp. A deposit is required. Scholarships are available; please contact us for details. Active Footprints or Barefoot students receive up to $275 towards camp costs. Friends can join for $575.
Students from FUMC will be grouped together in cabins and small groups, supervised by college students and adult volunteers.
Get ready for a dose of happiness! When you exercise, your body unleashes a wave of endorphins—those magical chemicals that sweep away stress and emotional tension. It’s like giving your mood a high-five every time you move! Come 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!
