I hope this message finds you well. For my first update, I am writing to you from Fort Bliss, Texas where I am in processing for my 90-day deployment to a Southwest Border Mission. This kind of deployment is typically called a “DSCA mission”. DSCA stands for Defense Support of Civil Authorities. In this case, my unit supports Customs and Border Patrol (CBT). On Sunday at Ft. Bliss, I had the privilege of worshipping at Center Chapel 1, a historical building that was constructed in 1924. Over the years, it has undergone renovations, including being converted into a post-theater at one point. Today, it stands restored, serving as a place of worship and reflection.
During the service at 10 a.m., I had the opportunity to participate in singing hymns such as “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” and receiving Holy Communion. While I dearly miss being with all of you, being present at the service was a comforting reminder of our spiritual connection. Additionally, I joined the online services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to stay connected with the congregation. I want you to know that I am keeping every one of you in my prayers. This week’s message centered around the concept of holiness. While we often associate holiness with sacred spaces like churches, we must also remember that holiness can be found all around us—in God’s creation, in moments dedicated to the Lord, and in our acts of service.
As we continue on our journeys, let us seek out the Holy in all aspects of our lives. Remember that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to reuniting with you all soon. I want to thank Janet Westlake, Minister of Discipleship, and the Back-to-School Bash Team for a wonderful outreach event they put on last Saturday, July 27th to get children and families ready for the school year. We were grateful to have the support of several community partners including the North Lake County Region of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, led by Rev. Bobby Rowe. Many of you gave of your time, talents, and treasure for this event as a holy offering to the Lord. Thank you. You are a “holy” example of what Jesus meant to be “salt and light” to the world, seasoning Mount Dora with your “salt” and reflecting the “light” of Christ’s love to families getting ready for the challenges of a new school year.
In the palm of God’s hand,
Pastor David
Services for Elizabeth “Betty” Schneider Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 10:30 AM First United Methodist Church Mount Dora
Dear Josh and Praise Team Members, I just finished watching our contemporary service online and was so moved by the music and the flow of the service. Back in 2006, Pastor Gary asked our congregation to step out on faith and begin a contemporary service, and God has been faithful to it ever since. We have been through a wide variety of leadership styles, artistic choices, and creative ways to help lead worship and keep our focus on praising Jesus. Since my pancreatic cancer diagnosis in Oct. 2022, I have been watching church online when I can and struggling moment to moment with this earthly body and my purpose here on earth. I am by profession, a teacher, and therefore an encourager, and felt compelled this morning to write and encourage each of you. Friends, I felt God’s presence in this morning’s service, and I believe your hard work, preparation, and faithfulness had a great deal to do with that. Truly, thank you. Authenticity of worship seems rare, yet I could see on each of your faces reverence, faith, and the reflection of our God’s great love. So, for what it’s worth, thank you for showing up, for being willing to follow the call I believe God has on each of your lives, and for leading our service this morning. You blessed me, and I am so grateful. Sincerely, Wendy Simpson
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
Meeting ID: 858 1169 9705 Passcode: 831923 — One tap mobile +13052241968,,85811699705#,,,,*831923# US
CONTINUES TOMORROW!
*Retired Pastor Jeanne Icenhour’s book and journal set are available at the church office for just $10.
FUMC’S FIRST BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH WAS A SUCCESS! Thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, and worked so hard to make this happen.
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
Wonderful Wednesday meets tomorrow, Wednesday, July 31 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for Footprints and Barefoot students. We will return to our regular weekly schedule on August 21!
The wreath sale ends July 31! 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 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. Make sure to pick up your magnet in the church office!
THIS IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER!
The United Women in Faith will be serving breakfast to the staff of Mount Dora Middle School on Tuesday, August 6. If you would like to help, please contact the church office.
The Blessing of the Students will be on Sunday, August 11 at the 9:30 service.
Join our Wednesday evening Bible study starting on AUGUST 14th! We’ll explore the captivating books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. These living documents offer timeless wisdom to navigate life’s twists and turns. Discover how God’s purposes remain steadfast, even when believers seem absent. Nehemiah’s story assures us that God equips us for specific tasks, and Esther’s tale inspires faithful living in a secular world.
Our Lake Cares food distribution is Friday, August 16 in our Friendship Hall. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 7:30 to 9:30 am. Please park in the Fifth Avenue lot.
The widowed support group will meet Thursday, August 22 at 9:30 AM in the Chapel. Anyone who has lost a spouse is welcome.
TWO BIBLICAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES COMING IN 2025 Make plans now to join one or both of these exciting adventures!
Join Paul Lane & Mount Dora FUMC on a Wonders of Egypt tour starting at $5,146* from Orlando on February 24, 2025. You will see Cairo, Saqqara, the Stepped Pyramid of Djoser, Serapeum Necropolis, the Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel, Elephantine Island, Granite Quarry, Temple Complex of Philae, Nubian Museum, Dinner in Aswan on the Nile, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Karnack Temple Complex, Valley of the Kings, Great Egyptian Museum, Sphinx, Giza Plateau and its Pyramids and much more!
Register Early and Save $75 Register by June 24, 2024 $50 Register by July 24, 2024 $25 Register by August 24, 2024 Full deposit required. Savings are deducted from the balance.
OR
ITALY
November 2025!
Italy, where the Roman Empire once reigned, offers a unique blend of biblical history, preserved ruins, and exquisite cuisine. Explore hidden gems in Rome and Campania, from Pompeii to Paestum, and discover the backdrop for the Gospel drama. Join us for an unforgettable journey!
