Dear Friends in the Faith,I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. This Sunday, July 21st I will preach my last sermon until mid-November 2024 (3 months away).

I am writing to remind you of an important development in my ministry and personal journey. In addition to my ministry with you, I have served as a part-time Army chaplain in the Florida Army National Guard for over 6 years. On short notice, I was activated due to another chaplain being sent home. I will be deployed for the next three months, starting July 24, 2024, and ending November 2, 2024, to the Southwest Border of Texas. This is a significant and honorable commitment, and I am both humbled and proud to have the opportunity to support our brave service members for the sake of God and Country.

During my absence, I want to assure you that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure that all pastoral and administrative duties are covered:

1. Interim Pastor: Rev. Dr. Donna Manwaring will be stepping in to handle pastoral duties, including preaching, counseling, and leading services. I have complete confidence in their abilities and am grateful for their willingness to serve in this capacity. Bishop Tom Berlin formally appointed her to this role, beginning August 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024, We will also have some special guest preachers that will give us a variety of voices and perspectives. I look forward to connecting online in worship via Facebook or YouTube. I will also share short greetings in worship by video. You can reach Donna through the Church Office at 352-383-2005 or

office@mtdorafumc.org.2. Pastoral Care: Our dedicated pastoral care team will be available to support you. For any pastoral care needs or emergencies, please contact Rosemary Plummer, Minister of Visitation through the Church Office at 352-383-2005.

3. Church Activities: All church activities, programs, and events will continue as scheduled. I encourage you to participate and stay engaged during this period. For any questions related to specific events or programs, please reach out to Janet Westlake Minister of Discipleship at

janet@mtdorafumc.org.I understand that my presence will be greatly missed during this time, but I am confident that this experience will allow me to grow and serve in new ways. I am excited to return with fresh perspectives and renewed energy to continue our journey together. I know you will also take good care of my family, my wife Alesia, and children, Daniel and Amelia, who will remain in Mt. Dora as your parsonage family.

I ask for your prayers during this deployment, both for my service and for the leadership team and the entire church community as we navigate this period together.

I will remain in contact and connected to the church as the mission permits.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Meria Echavaria in the Church Office at

office@mtdorafumc.org or by calling 352-383-2005May God hold you in the Palm of God’s hand,

David T. Averill
Senior Pastor
First United Methodist Church of Mt. Dora
Email:

david@mtdorafumc.org

• Sundays at 9:30 am in the chapel – Book of Ezra
• Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC classroom – New Testament scriptures
• Sundays at 9:30 am in the choir room – Chronological study of the Bible
• Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall – Connecting the sermon to life!
• Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the chapel – I AM statements of Jesus
• Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) – The Book of Isaiah

“Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch” is an “Old West” children’s musical that tells the story of a group of kids who arrive at Bethlehem Gulch for their annual Christmas party, only to discover they are on a sheep ranch instead of a horse and cattle ranch. Through a series of humorous and touching events, the children learn the true meaning of Christmas.