Jesus coaxed his disciples to “go across to the other side,” (Mark 4:35). Jesus had to coax me also this past week. I initially did not want to go across to the other side, to the “Leader’s Way” conference at Yale Divinity School. I felt the church I served needed me here, like the disciples who woke Jesus saying, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38) But I realized I was being too egotistical. I needed to feel the urgency to go in the vein of the Wesley hymn: “No more delay. This is the Lord’s accepted day. Come now, this moment, at his call, and live for him who died for all.”
At the conference, I was inspired by seeing ancient, biblical manuscripts like the Wycliffe New Testament, embodying the Bible passed down in the vernacular through the blood, sweat, and tears of Christian martyrs over hundreds of years. This reminds me that previous generations of the Mount Dora Methodists have worked towards building a legacy with their own blood, sweat, and tears. Just as the psalmist wrote, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Mark 4:26).
Our ancestors in the faith stepped out in bold trust, building the First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora’s sanctuary even in the midst of world wars and economic depressions. For me, this reveals that God continues dreaming big dreams for our church, even when we think “Jesus is sleeping in the boat” (Mark 4:38).
I pray our present congregation will listen for the dreams and plans God has for our church’s future, rather than just focusing on the storms and challenges around us. We must trust that just as Jesus “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’” (Mark 4:39), he can calm the storms raging in our own hearts.
In light of my own reflection, I encourage you to reflect on “If you could ask God one question, what would it be?” And to trust as the famous Gospel tune, “Because [Christ] lives, [we] can face tomorrow”.
Have faith to step out of the boat onto the “other side” with Jesus, even when the way forward is not always clear. For as the disciples marveled, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). We must move forward in that same awe-filled faith.
In the Palm of God’s Hand, Pastor David Taylor Averill
**Announcement from Matt Hill, Staff-Relations Chairperson**
Dear Church Family,
I have important information to share regarding several developments within our church community.
Firstly, I have been in discussion with Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, the East Central District Superintendent, regarding an urgent matter. On June 21, 2024, at an emergency meeting of the church’s executive committee, I requested a Charge Conference to approve changes in clergy compensation for David Averill during the remainder of 2024.
This approved Charge Conference is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 14th, following the 11 am service, starting around 12:30 pm with a Presiding Elder to be determined.
This request is necessitated by recent developments. On June 12, 2024, David Averill received a 45-day notice for mobilization by his command in the Florida Army National Guard. He will be involuntarily activated for three months (August, September, and October) to support a Title 32 federal mission at the border in Texas. This mobilization was unexpected, as another chaplain’s early return prompted David’s call-up.
Effective August 1, 2024, pending approval at the Charge Conference by July 21, 2024, David’s salary will be adjusted for the remainder of the year to the minimum for a full-time elder. Additionally, he will waive his right to receive the health insurance stipend for the rest of 2024 because of robust healthcare benefits he will receive while activated.
This proposed adjustment ensures a fair return of pastoral compensation to the church without causing a break in service for pension purposes in honoring federal labor laws for military reservists that the church is often accepted from in federal legislation.
Additionally, Rev. Dr. Donna Manwaring, a retired UMC Elder in the Florida Annual Conference, has graciously offered to serve at the privilege of the District Superintendent and Bishop as the interim/substitute Senior Pastor during David’s absence. Her compensation is also subject to approval at the Charge Conference.
Please note that her likely appointment and salary are contingent upon the Bishop and Cabinet’s willingness to appoint her and her successful completion of any requirements of the Bishop and his Cabinet for consideration of her appointment.
On June 24, 2024, an emergency meeting of the combined Trustees, Finance, and Staff-Parish Relations Committee (that we locally call “The Executive Committee) was held to discuss and approve these matters.
Furthermore, I would like to share that Rev. Dr. Austin has expressed confidence in David’s leadership. She will recommend to Bishop Tom Berlin that Pastor David is the right pastoral leader to work with us in Mount Dora to see the Vision 2030 transformation to completion if it should be God’s ultimate will.
Please understand that these recommendations are also contingent upon approval from the Committee of Clergy Relations as part of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Charge Conference approval by full, professing members of the First United Methodist Church.
Thank you for your attention and support during this time of transition with many moving parts.
Finally, it is really up to God. Soldiers are risking their lives at the Texas border who need a caring chaplain like Pastor David. Christ is counting on Pastor David during those three months to be a vessel of the Holy Spirit’s ministry of healing. Christ is counting on us to make the sacrifice to support this callup in spite of the minor inconvenience it causes our church family.
I believe it when David says (as he has told me before) that being a pastor makes David a better Chaplain for Soldiers in need, and being a military Chaplain makes David a better Pastor for this Mount Dora flock (meaning us) entrusted to him as the Good Shepherd that is Jesus Christ Our Lord. The Lord of the Church. The Lord of Mount Dora. The Lord of the Border. The Lord of the World. The Lord of All of Us. Amen.
Please reach out to me, the church office, or Pastor David if you have more questions, concerns, or desire for clarification.
Pastor David and I will work to create an FAQ with more detailed explanations soon.
Grace and Peace,
Matt Hill Staff-Relations Chairperson
Campers so excited they arrived at 12:00 and 1:15 for 2:00 registration .
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR SUCCESSFUL BLOOD DRIVE!
“By donating blood, you have provided one or more seriously ill individuals with the hope of living. Your thoughtful consideration and time have changed this world for the better. We offer our sincere thanks.”
Here are just a few of the happy faces that were in the Big Red Bus Sunday…
Thomas Taylor Donna Taylor
Me Susan Simmons
THIS WEEK!
The widowed support group meets on Thursday, June 27 at 9:30 am in the chapel. Anyone who has lost a spouse is welcome.
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
COMINGINJULY!
SIGN UP NOW!
Love to act, sing, dance, or all three? Our Intergenerational Theater Camp is from July 8 to 13.
“Christmas in Bethlehem Gulch” will be presented on Saturday, July 13 at 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora.
Children ages 4 to 11 will attend rehearsals every night Monday to Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. People ages 12 through 112 attend every night from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
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. We will put up the Christmas tree and decorate the trailer on Wednesday, July 3 at 2:00 pm. Iced hot chocolate is provided to get you in the mood!
Join FUMC’s Back-to-School Bash! 🎉
Our church is planning a back-to-school bash for 100 local students grades K-8 on Saturday, July 27 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is our goal to provide each student with a backpack containing three critical items. We also plan to offer 2 to 3 extra items that are appropriate for their grade level. Our goal is to expose FUMC to as many families as possible and to show what our church has to offer as a church home. We will also be providing hotdogs and chips, haircuts, bounce house, games, and door prizes for all students to enjoy. This event cannot be done without your financial support. Our estimate for the entire event is $2500-3000. Checks should be made to FUMC with Back to School Bash on the memo line. Volunteers are needed beginning with set-up at 9:00 am and throughout the event to serve lunch, run the carnival games, and pass out supplies. Please contact the church office with any questions or to volunteer. Thank you for your support of this mission.
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. Register children and volunteers at www.mtdorafumc.org/calendar. A VBS needs board is at the Fifth Avenue entrance. We also need:
label-free plastic containers with lids from coffee, drink mixes, etc.
partial rolls of Christmas wrapping paper and ribbon
leftover party decorations on any theme
A collection basket is at the Fifth Avenue entrance. Volunteers are still needed for science, crafts, games, and team leaders. The next training event is Tuesday, July 9 at 3:00 pm.
etcetera
COME JOIN THE FUN! Exercise class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00 AM in Sanctuary Hall.
Will meet in Friendship Hall starting Monday, July 1st.
Calling All Green Thumbs!🌱
A big shout-out to our dedicated weeders for keeping our church grounds flourishing! As the rainy season approaches, remember that every drop helps our weeds grow. If you’re scheduled for the to weed and can’t make it, or if you’re eager to join our green brigade, please contact the church office. Let’s keep our church grounds vibrant together! Also, we need mulch and sod! If you would like to donate, please contact Sandy Lazarus.
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)
