I hope this message finds you well and filled with the joy and peace that only our Savior can bring. As we continue in the month of July, a time typically associated with summer fun and outdoor activities, I am excited to share with you a special initiative that we are undertaking as a community this Sunday – Christmas in July!
The idea behind Christmas in July is not just about bringing out the decorations and playing holiday music. It is about embodying the spirit of giving, love, and hope that we associate with the Christmas season and extending it to the middle of the year when it is needed just as much.
Throughout this week, we will be focusing on ways in which we can spread kindness, generosity, and compassion to those around us through our Theater Camp. The theater camp will culminate on Saturday, July 13th at 3 pm with the showing of “Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch” in our Sanctuary.
Let’s come together as a church family to be the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.
May this Christmas in July celebration on Saturday and Sunday be a time of renewal, hope, and blessings for all of us. Let’s make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
In His service, Pastor David
The Executive Committee has approved the recommended hire of Joshua Collins as Director Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Youth Director Search Team reviewed close to 80 applications; conducted 20 video interviews; and hosted two onsite interviews during their prayerful and comprehensive two-month process. Josh comes to us with 12 years of experience in student and worship ministries.
In following best practices in conducting searches for ministry professionals, Pastor David reached out to a network of ministry professionals and associates to help the search team. One of those contacts included Rev. Ben Collins, a fellow United Methodist Elder in the Florida Conference who lives in DeLand. Ben recommended his younger brother Josh. Pastor David had not met Josh prior to inviting him to apply for the Youth Director position and interim worship leader for the praise band in June.
Josh and his two older brothers are each involved in vocational ministry. One is a Presbyterian pastor in North Carolina, and another is a United Methodist pastor in Florida.
Josh shares these words about his call to ministry:
“My passion is to see the ‘Great Commission’ come to life. No matter where God calls me, He calls me to make disciples…”
“My skills in music and my joy for spending time with students have both been the ‘looking glass’ through which the ‘Great Commission’ has been visible in my life of ministry.”
While Josh has served as an interim worship leader the last month, he officially begins his role as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries on July 22, 2024. On July 28, 2024, we will recognize the start of his ministry with young people in worship at all three services.
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
STARTS TOMORROW:
*You can purchase the companion book and journal set at the church office for just $10.
While not required for the Bible Study course, they make a valuable addition.
Theater Camp is off to a great start! You won’t want to miss this Saturday’s live performance!
Christmas in Bethlehem Gulch” will be presented on this 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.
PleaseprayforCelebratetheSaviorVacationBibleSchoolnextweek.You are invited to help set up on Sunday, July 14th at 2:00 pm and pray for the students by name at 3:00 pm. Pick up a green armband and pray for a student all week for the impact of VBS on their faith journey.
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 on Sunday, July 21 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in the chapel. 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 contact 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.
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.
TOO HOT TO EXERCISE? Come join the air-conditioned Exercise Class here at FUMC! The classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00 AM in Friendship Hall.
