YOUR CHURCH’S NEWSLETTER * Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Dear Church Family,
As we journey through this season of faith, I am excited to share that Sunday, March 2nd, will be a very special day in the life of our church. We will celebrate Camping Sunday alongside Transfiguration Sunday at all three worship services.
Camping ministries have long been a powerful avenue for spiritual growth, discipleship, and encountering God’s presence in the beauty of creation. Whether it’s a week at summer camp, a retreat, or a mission experience, places like Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center have helped shape countless young people’s and adults’ faith. On this special Sunday, we will reflect on the transformative power of these sacred spaces, just as the disciples witnessed Christ’s transfiguration on the mountaintop.
We are honored to welcome a special guest preacher, Rev. Corey Jones, Executive Director of the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center. Rev. Jones has dedicated his ministry to helping people of all ages experience God’s grace through camp and retreat ministries, and I know his message will inspire us all.
I encourage you to come ready to celebrate and support our camping ministries. Whether you have been impacted by camp or want to help the next generation experience it, this Sunday will be a wonderful opportunity to connect and contribute to this vital ministry.
May we all be inspired by the light of Christ, just as the disciples were on the mountain, and may we continue to create opportunities for transformation in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Janet Westlake spent February 19 to 23 with 120 high school students at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. They each completed the challenge course, gave a speech and took the Walk of Courage.
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They learned about the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Students, the DiSC personality profile, and the prevention of human trafficking. It was a blessing to see how young people from four counties and over 30 high schools could bond over the five days and create relationships that will continue to shape their lives. Our future is bright!
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY IS TOMORROW!
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 SAFE and thrilling adventure packed with fun and excitement!
Pastor David’s Lenten sermons and our Bible study will focus on “6 Decisions That Will Change Your Life” by Bishop Tom Berlin. Pick up a workbook in the sanctuary or church office. Start on your own from March 3 or join a Bible study group from March 9 to April 16. They include:
Sundays at 9:30 in the chapel
Sundays at 9:30 in the Carpenter’s classroom behind the thrift shoppe
Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in Friendship Hall chapel with Pastor David Averill (new time starting March 12)
The Final Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospelsby Rev. Matt Rawle is the focus of the Wednesday morning Bible study beginning March 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the chapel. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their storytelling to Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, but each version of the Gospels isn’t quite the same. Each story is told through a different lens, sharing an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The $15 book and homework guide is available in the church office.
The Widowed support group will meet Thursday, February 27 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
Day of Hope at Residing Hope
Saturday, March 8, 2025
We’ll meet in the Grandview parking lot at 8:30 AM and carpool together! Need more information? Call the church office.
Formerly known as Day on Campus, our Day of Hope has been expanded to include additional breakout sessions and fun activities for young visitors.
Our Day of Hope will be an opportunity for you to connect with Residing Hope, learn about the impact you’re making possible, and engage with our youth. New this year are two rounds of breakout sessions as well as an Opening and Closing program with our youth that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to complete the RSVP form on the link below and include which of the expanded breakout sessions you’ll be attending.
Schedule of Events 9:30 Gates open 10:00 – 10:30 Opening program 10:45 – 11:30 First round of breakout sessions 11:45 – 12:30 Second round of breakout sessions 12:00 – 1:30 Lunch under the big tent 2:00 – 2:45 Closing program
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!
Our Book Club meets on Tuesday, March 18 at 2:00 pm in Sanctuary Hall. March’s book is The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. New readers are always welcome!
🌟 Join Us for an Unforgettable Churchwide Day Retreat! 🌟
Don’t miss out on an incredible day of fellowship, fun, and spiritual renewal at the beautiful Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center in Fruitland Park, Florida! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 22 and secure your spot today!
Come and be part of this amazing experience – we can’t wait to see you there!
Dress a Girl in Mount Dora just sent 100 dresses to Honduras.
Dress a Girl in the World meets on a new date – Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 am in room 103 on the Children’s Wing.
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.
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!
Let’s keep our bodies fit and spry, with exercise, we’ll pounce so high! Stretch like a cat, sleek and swift, Care for your body, it’s God’s great gift.
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, stretches and fitness!
🌟 A Sneak Peek at Lake Cares Food Distribution! 🌟
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at our Friday food distributions? Here is a peek from last Friday’s Lake Cares Food Distribution. Thanks to Mike Hildebrand for taking these awesome photos! Mark your calendars: The next food distribution is happening on Friday, March 21. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference and have a blast while doing it!
And a HUGEthank youto the awesome volunteers who are making a difference in our community.
