Our Director of Worship and Music search team starts their work today. I am grateful for Mary Ann Hallowell, Roy Hawthorne, Louise Rottinghaus, Josh Collins, and others who are stepping up to lead our worship music at our various services as the search committee conducts their work. Ginny Glaspey is the chairperson of that committee
I committed to joining the choir through December 8th for the Christmas Music Service (one service only at 10 am). I sang in church choirs weekly from ages 14 to 22. Recently, we sang a wonderful anthem two weeks ago that I would like to share with you for inspiration. These lyrics have provided a needed boost of inspiration after an unanticipated deployment to the Southwest Border of Texas. By the way, I am very grateful for all Pastor Donna did to lead this church in the interim:
Words by Frances Ridley Havergal, Music by Elaine Hagenberg
(The “Alpha and Omega” chorus is not by Frances but was adapted from Rev. 21:5-6.)
Light after darkness, gain after loss, Strength after weakness, crown after cross; Sweet after bitter, hope after fears, Home after wandering, praise after tears.
Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end, He is making all things new. Springs of living water shall wash away each tear, He is making all things new. Sight after mystery, sun after rain, Joy after sorrow, peace after pain; Near after distant, gleam after gloom, Love after wandering, life after tomb.”
Hope to see you this Sunday in worship at 8 am, 9:30 am, or 11 am. Mark your calendars for our celebration potluck on December 1, 2024, in Friendship Hall at 12:15 pm (or shortly after the 11 am service).
Remember that Christ is making all things new!
Blessings,
Pastor David
We now have Barefoot Youth Sunday School on Sundays at 11AM in the Barefoot Youth Room Basement. Middle school and high school students are welcome. We also have Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. You will find games, snacks, worship music (praise time), Bible study and a group discussion, and a place to belong. If you’re a student – we’d love for you to join us!
What a great time Barefoot had at bowling!
If you have not yet submitted your commitment card, please pray and ask God what He is calling you to pledge this year. Submit your card by placing it in the Offering Box on Sunday, mail it to FUMC 439 E 5th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757, or bring it to our church office. You may also email your card to our office at finance@mtdorafumc.org.
Contributions/commitments can also be made through the VANCO application onlinehttps://secure.myvanco.com.
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 for kindergarten through fifth grade meet from 6:00 to 8:00 pm each week. Worship Arts begins at 6:00 pm followed by Bible study, crafts, and games.
Current Bible Studies:
Sundays at 9:30 am in the Chapel
Sundays at 9:30 am in the CEC Classroom
Sundays at 9:30 am in the Choir Room
Sundays at 11:00 am in Friendship Hall
Tuesdays at 2:00 pm in the chapel– Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the Chapel – Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Chapel – Being United Methodist Christians(and on Zoom)
Thursdays at 6:30 pm in the Chapel – Book of Ezekiel (and on Zoom)
THIS WEEK! The Widowed support group will meet a week early (due to Thanksgiving) on Thursday, November 21 at 9:30 am in the chapel.
Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home) helps children in residential care and foster care. They need $25 and $50 gift cards from any major retailer for the children for Christmas. This allows children who have very few choices in life to pick the gifts they would like. Gift cards should be placed in the offering boxes by this Sunday, November 24.
POINSETTIA TIME IS HERE!
We are excited to announce that 30 beautiful poinsettias have been ordered to adorn our sanctuary for Advent. If you would like to contribute $8.50 towards a poinsettia, which you can take home after the Christmas Eve service, please pick up an envelope from the usher’s table. Simply fill it out, include your payment, and drop it in the offering box or at the church office before December 1st.
POTLUCK!
A ‘Thank You’ Celebration Lunch Sunday, December 1st, 2024 @ 12:30 PM
For Pastor David, Pastor Donna, and You, the Congregation The Church will provide sandwiches. You can bring your favorite sides or salads. Some gluten-free & vegetarian options will be available.
Please RSVP to the Church Office by Tuesday, November 26th.
“The First Christmas Night” concert is Sunday, December 8 at 10:00 am. It features the children’s choir, the handbell choir, the Celebration choir, the praise team, and the pipe organ. Every child will receive a free gift.
Wreaths Across America is partnering with our congregation to place wreaths on the graves of 400 veterans in Pine Forest cemetery on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 am. Wreaths are $17 each or three for $34. If you would like to volunteer or sponsor wreaths, please visit the link below before December 1st.
Would you like to lead the reading and light the Advent candles during December? We need volunteers for all three services on four Sundays and Christmas eve. Contact the church office to volunteer.
The Mount Dora Christmas parade is Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 am. We will gather at 9:00 am to decorate the trailer. People may ride in the trailer or walk to pass out 2500 candy cane invitations to our Christmas events. Christmas attire or Living Love shirts please!
Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora features two special and unique Christmas services on Tuesday, December 24. The 5:30 service features contemporary music from the praise team, a live nativity acted out by the children, a message from Pastor David Averill, and candle-lighting. The 7:30 services feature a service of Lessons and Carols, traditional music from the Celebration Choir, music from our pipe organ, a message from Pastor David Averill, and candle-lighting.
Collection baskets are in the Fifth Avenue entrance for:
Non-perishable food for Lake Cares
Toiletry items for the homeless and for the battered women’s shelter
Our prayer group meets on Wednesdays at 2:00 pm in the chapel. You are invited to join the group to pray for specific requests, our congregation, and our world.
Exercise class meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 am in Friendship Hall. The class does not include any floorwork.
