Greetings to you from Camp Blanding in Starke, Florida. Despite being physically distant for two weeks during my annual summer commitment in the military reserves, my heart and prayers are with each one of you as we continue our journey of faith together. Over the next three months, while I am deployed to Texas, I will continue to update you in Tuesday Tidings to keep us connected in spirit.
I want to inform you that I have two more Sundays to preach with you before my departure to Texas on July 24th for 3 months. I will be in the pulpit on July 14th for our Christmas in July celebration at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m., and on July 21st as well. I look forward to these opportunities to worship and pray together as we navigate this season of change and transition.
Some of you may already be aware that I have been mobilized to Texas. For those who would like more information, please refer to the link provided in this email for further details about my involuntary mobilization to the Southwest Texas Border for August, September, and October.
I would like to share a recent God-sighting from my own life. Last week, amidst a flat tire and a long wait for assistance, I was reminded of God’s presence and provision even in the midst of life’s storms. As a seasoned sergeant came to my aid and fixed the tire, the sun broke through the clouds, serving as a powerful reminder that God’s light can shine through even in our darkest moments.
As we journey through uncertainties and challenges, may we hold on to the promises of God and the hope that comes with the light of Christ shining in our lives.
I look forward to our time together in the coming weeks and covet your prayers for a safe, fruitful deployment, and subsequent return to you as your Senior Pastor
In the Palm of God’s Hand,
Pastor David
Please click below to read important information from Matt Hill (Staff-Relations Chairperson) and a letter from Pastor David.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our “S.A.Y. It with Love” (Send A Youth) camp campaign. First UMC had 25 students attend who made great memories, learned about the Games of Life, and grew in their faith.
We will put up the Christmas tree and decorate the trailer tomorrow, Wednesday, July 3 at 2:00 pm. Iced hot chocolate is provided to get you in the mood!
Mount Dora’s Parade is on Thursday, July 4 at 10:00 am! We will gather in the parking lot at 9:00 am to head to line up. Our theme is Christmas in July so wear your Christmas T-shirt or we will give you a red Living Love T-shirt.
Join a Bible Study!
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
COMING SOON!
What the Bible Has to Say About…
Facing Loss and Experiencing Grief
An Online Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, Starting July 10th to July 31st
Join Pastor David Averill and retired Pastor Jeanne Icenhour in a 4-week online-only Bible Study experience. We will explore together five, common responses to grief from a Biblical perspective.
July 10 Denial and Depression Psalm 6 – King David’s Depression Luke 22:54-62 – Peter’s Denial
July 17 Anger Jesus shows healthy ways to express anger. Mark 3:1-6 Mark 11:15-18
July 24 Bargaining Hannah, Who Longed for a Baby (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
July 31 Acceptance Paul’s Acceptance Psalm 139 Romans 5:1-11
Christmas in Bethlehem Gulch” will be presented on Saturday, July 13, at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora. After the performance, join us for a social time with Christmas cookies and cocoa.
Christmas in July worship services are Sunday, July 14 at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00.
Celebrate the Savior Vacation Bible School is July 15 to 18 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for ages 3 through fifth grade. Youth and adults are encouraged to volunteer. The next training event is Tuesday, July 9 at 3:00 pm. Register children and volunteers at www.mtdorafumc.org.
Our Starting Point session meets in the Chapel on Sunday, July 21 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. It will cover what it means to be a Christian, a United Methodist, and a member of this congregation. It concludes with a tour of our church campus. Please get in touch with the church office to reserve your place.
Join FUMC’s Back-to-School Bash! 🎉
Our Back to School Bash is Saturday, July 27 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It involves backpacks full of school supplies for local students, lunch, haircuts, inflatables, carnival games, and door prizes. Financial donations and volunteers are needed. Contact the church office with any questions or to volunteer.
First UMC has committed to support the Umuhuza “Mediator” Mukindo Empowerment Group in Rwanda. It includes 25 households and a total of 90 youth and children. A prayer card is available at the Fifth Avenue entrance so you can pray for a Zoe household by name.
Wreaths Across America is Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 am. FUMC has committed to placing wreaths on the graves of 500 veterans at Pine Forest Cemetery. For every $500 worth of wreaths that we purchase in July, we are entered into a drawing to win 100 free wreaths. Each wreath is $17. If you would like to donate toward this effort, put “Wreaths Across America” in the memo line of your check to FUMC.
COME JOIN THE FUN! Exercise class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00 AM in Friendship Hall.
Children –
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
Wonderful Wednesdays meet weekly from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Footprints is for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Barefoot is for students in sixth through twelfth grade. Adult Bible study meets at 6:30 pm. (August through May)
