YOUR CHURCH’S NEWSLETTER * Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Dear First United Methodist Church,
I wanted to share a brief update on my recent sermon titled “A Decision to Mature.” The focus was on spiritual growth as an intentional, Spirit-led journey rather than something that happens by accident. I introduced the concept of a Rule of Life as a framework for sustained maturity in Christ.
We explored how a Rule of Life helps us arrange our lives around practices that form us into Christlikeness through prayer, worship, and service. I emphasized that this isn’t about legalism or rigid routines, but about choosing the kind of person we want to become in Christ.
To model this, I am sharing my own current Rule of Life, which includes:
+Seeing God more clearly. +Loving God more dearly. +Following God more nearly. +Day by day.
I based it on a song from the 1970s musical, “Godspell”. Later, I found out the song was based on a medieval prayer that is found in the United Methodist Hymnal #493:
Three Things We Pray, Thanks be to You, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which You have given us; for all the pains and insults which You have borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, for Your own sake. Amen. by Richard of Chichester
Several people expressed interest afterward in creating their own Rule of Life. I didn’t offer a handout on Sunday, but I’m attaching one to this letter that can help anyone begin crafting a personal Rule of Life. Please feel free to review it and share it as you see fit.
I also want to thank those who came out for our church retreat. It was a wonderful experience. I hope we can offer it again, and you might be able to attend when we do.
Grace and Peace, Pastor David
CHURCH RETREAT 2025
FUMC Mount Dora wishes Pastor David and Alesia a very happy Anniversary! ❤️
Would you like to learn how to work the Sanctuary Audio & Visual equipment and assist with our Online resources?
We are offering the opportunity to be professionally trained on our state-of-the-art, complete sound, lighting and projection system. Bill Nelson, our talented A/V Tech, will be offering training and instruction to interested persons on any or all components in our A/V booth located in the Sanctuary balcony. Come learn about which mic is used for speakers or musicians, why the sound volume changes during a service, how the projection slides are prepared, and what makes the lights turn on and off – plus, you’ll have the best seat in the house.
We are planning to have a list of A/V Volunteers who will be able to help during special worship services and programs in the Sanctuary, as well be a strategic partner as we continue to grow our A/V resources in the Chapel and in Friendship Hall. Contact Bob McLeary, Director of Music & Worship, to volunteer or to find out more info about the upcoming training opportunities. music@mtdorafumc.org
Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime – EGYPT 2026!
Discover the wonders of Egypt and the unforgettable experiences awaiting you. Join us for an inspiring presentation on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM in Friendship Hall. Dive into the details of this incredible journey and learn how you can be part of it! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the land of ancient mysteries and timeless treasures.
Get Ready for an Inspiring Community Service Day!
April 12 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a day of service, fellowship, and fun as we come together to make a difference in our community! Choose from these exciting projects:
Prayer Walk & Holy Week Invitations: Prayer Walk and hanging Holy Week invitations on doors in our neighborhood
Ice Cream Social & Sing-Along: Brighten the day of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities with sweet treats and joyful songs.
Cookie Baking & Delivery: Bake delicious cookies at the church and spread kindness by delivering them to downtown merchants.
Landscaping at a Local School: Beautify a local school with landscaping projects.
Cooking Lunch: Help prepare a delicious lunch for all participants!
Schedule:
· 9:00 AM: Meet in Friendship Hall to receive your worksite assignment.
· 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Serve at your chosen project.
· 12:00 PM: Gather for a shared lunch in Friendship Hall.
Every participant will receive a FREE T-SHIRT as a token of appreciation! Can’t join us? You can still make an impact by contributing financially—please write “Missions” on the memo line.
Let’s make this day unforgettable by sharing our time, talents, and love with the community. See you there! Click below for registration form.
Barefoot: The Ultimate Midweek Adventure for Grades 6–12!
Bring your adventurous spirit and join us every Wednesday from 6:00–8:00 pm for Barefoot, where the fun never stops! Get ready for worship that moves your heart, singing that lifts your spirits, exciting games that keep you on your toes, and all-out Bible lesson adventures that will keep you thinking.
It’s a night of connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments—perfect for sixth to twelfth graders looking for a midweek boost. Don’t miss it!
Join our Children’s & Family Ministries for Christ-centered fun! From Wonderful Wednesdays to Children’s Worship on Sundays and the exciting Vacation Bible School (VBS), there’s something for everyone in every family.
Are you looking for a way to reach out to your neighbors during Lent this year? Pick up a “Love Your Neighbor” kit at the Fifth Avenue entrance. It contains resources to help you have meaningful faith encounters with the people in your life.
Join a Sunday Bible study!
Bible Explorers – Sundays at 9:30 am in the chapel –6 Decisions
Carpenter’s class – Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC classroom –6 Decisions
Upper Room – Sundays at 9:30 am in the choir room – Chronological study of the Bible
11:00 Bible study – Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall – 6 Decisions
Join a mid-week Bible study!
Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the chapel with Janet Westlake – The Final Days: A Lenten Journey Through the Gospels
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in Friendship Hall (and on Zoom) with Pastor David Averill – 6 Decisions That will Change Your Life
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the chapel (and on Zoom) with Paul Lane – The Book of Daniel
Your church has provided you with this service to get access to recommended Bible studies, and more for the first 100 households in the church.! There are Bible study videos for ALL ages!
Click on image for login information.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Class Leader: Pastor David Averill Meeting Time: Sundays, 7 – 8 PM Meeting Place via Zoom: https://bit.ly/mdfumcmeetings Join TheologyU! Deepen your faith with videos, influential writings, and discussions led by Pastor David. No books needed—just bring your curiosity. Each session stands alone, so join anytime!
Experience ACTS of Worship at Our Early Traditional Service
March 9 – April 13
Our 8am service will feature ACTS worship with:
Holy Communion: Weekly intinction with grape juice and Biblical wine.
Rite of Anointing: Weekly anointing with oil to encourage prayer.
Anointing during Lent through April 13th is every Sunday at 8am only. Anointing in May will be Sunday, May 4th at 11am only. Anointing in June will be Sunday, June 1st at 9:30 am only.
The Widowed support group will meet Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UMCOR SUNDAY – MARCH 30, 2025! This Special Sunday is an opportunity to strengthen our connection to global ministries that provide disaster relief, aid for refugees, sustainable agriculture, and more. Every gift makes a life-changing impact.
Ginny and Hank Glaspey are serving as our Zoe Empowers ambassadors by visiting our Umuhuza “Mediator” empowerment group in Mukindo, Rwanda in June 2025. They will return with stories, photos and videos of what our group is accomplishing. You are invited to contribute to this effort by writing “Missions” on the memo line of your check or donating on-line to “missions.”
Join us for Light Into Darkness: A Service of Holy Communion with the Ritual of Handwashing on Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. This meaningful and contemplative experience offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual connection. We warmly invite you to be a part of this sacred gathering.
Discover “Who Is Jesus?”—a captivating musical worship journey that follows Jesus’ final path—on Friday, April 18, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. This heartfelt experience showcases the talents of the Celebration Choir of FUMC, the Barron String Quartet from Stetson University, and liturgical dancer Alecia Devereaux from Merritt Island. Childcare will be provided for your convenience. We warmly invite you to join us for this inspiring evening of reflection and worship.
Celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday with us on April 20. Begin this special day with a sunrise service on the front lawn at 6:30 am. Services will be held at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am in the sanctuary. Worshipers are also invited to bring fresh flowers to adorn the resurrection cross on the lawn before the services. Let us come together to honor the miracle of resurrection and embrace the promise of new life. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Our Book Club meets on Tuesday, April 15 at 2:00 pm in Sanctuary Hall. April’s book is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. New readers are always welcome!
IT’S EASTER LILY TIME!
Exciting news—Easter Lilies are on their way! If you’d like to contribute $10 toward a lily, you’ll find special envelopes waiting for you at the ushers’ table. You can dedicate your lily in honor or memory of someone dear to your heart. Simply drop your envelope, along with your payment, in the offering box or at the church office. Let’s make this Easter bloom with love and beauty!
Click the picture to download the 2025 LENT DEVOTIONAL. Prefer a hard copy? You can pick one up in the office or the Sancturary.
DATE & TIME:
MONDAY: 09:30 AM – 02:30 PM TUUESDAY: 09:30 AM – 02:30 PM WEDNESDAY: 02:00 PM – 06:30 PM
ADDRESS: in the CHAPEL – 333 E 5TH AVE, MOUNT DORA, FL, 32757-5660
CONTACT: 352-717-4125 or click AARP above to go directly to scheduling!
Sitting for 10+ hours a day isn’t just a snooze fest—it can hike your chances of dementia, mess with your mood, and invite depression and anxiety. Plus, it’s a risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, blood clots, and even some cancers. Time to get moving!
Come get moving with us and join our exercise class which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am in Friendship Hall. No fees, no floorwork—just FUN, and fitness!
