AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17 THE GROWING SEASON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH "The Growing Season" is upon us, and each week First Church will be focusing on one the "five visions" Worship, Christian Education, Missions & Outreach, Evangelism, and Stewardship. The Methodist Witness will include featured articles on each vision over the coming weeks.
to take shape with the help of Christian believers who process and grow in tandem with us. Each year, the Christian Education Team strives to offer a comprehensive Christian Education program that includes Bible Study classes, Faith Formation classes and Christian Living classes where you can engage in challenging conversations and explore your questions of faith with others on your journey. Dear Church Family, As Christians, we long to truly know our Creator, to deeply understand Jesus teachings and to seek and know the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We want to grow in our understanding of faith and be transformed into disciples of Christ. At First Church, we seek to provide a strong Christian Education program that encourages you to expand your knowledge, process your Christian experience and advance your faith. Christian Education is about gaining information from God s Holy Word and synthesizing our Christian experience. It is here that our knowledge begins We invite you to look at this Fall s catalog of classes offered and become active learners of the faith. There are 13 adult Sunday School classes, nine Bible Studies, six Faith Formation classes, seven Christian Living classes and various Community groups. Our prayer is that you find at least one opportunity to advance your personal Christian Education experience and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. In Him, Lisa Bond Director of Children and Family Ministries IN LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE TO The family of Betty Ann Bradley. Betty Ann died August 6, 2017. FLOWERS You may place flowers in the Main Sanctuary in honor, celebration, or memory of someone. The arrangements are $65.00 each. To reserve a date, call Ginger (432-1434). The following dates are open: August 20 1 Arrangement August 27 2 Arrangements October 1 1 Arrangement October 8 1 Arrangement October 15 2 Arrangements October 29 2 Arrangements 2 AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17
2017 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FALL Classes STARTING AUGUST 16 FEATURE At First Church we believe that growing and learning is a lifelong process. In order for us to be challenged in faith, grow in our understanding of the Bible, and become followers of Christ, we invite everyone to actively engage themselves in the Christian Education opportunities we offer. Make yourself familiar with the key below to better understand the session dates, format, type, and additional info for each class. All classes meet weekly during the session unless otherwise noted. Participants are welcome to join a class even after the start date. While registration for classes is not required, it is strongly encouraged. Please use the provided form to register and return to the church office. Registration forms are also available online. CLASS TYPE Bible Study Faith Formation Christian Living CLASS FORMAT Lecture Discussion Video Based Curriculum Activity SESSIONS Session 1 August 16 - October 2 Session 2 October 4 - November 15 t Ongoing ADDITIONAL INFO Childcare Available Fee Required SUNDAYS NEW - Intergenerational 9:30am The Wright Place, 2nd Floor, WP205 A new class for any and all ages looking for a Sunday morning group experience. This class will offer interactive discussions of the Bible and various topics of the Christian faith. NEW - Young Adult 9:30am The Wright Place, Great Hall A class is for young adults who are looking for a Sunday morning group experience. This is a class for people who want to learn more about the Bible and discuss faith issues. GriefShare Starts September 10 5:45pm Perry Home Parlor If you ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, this group can help you through this challenging time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you ve never faced before. Led by John Griffin. An Introduction to Christian Worship 6:00pm Chapel An Introduction to Christian Worship, offered as part of our focus on Worship in 2017, will provide an in-depth look at how and why we worship the way we do. Using the book An Introduction to Christian Worship by James F. White, the class will include discussion on the history of worship, how time and space impact our worship, church music, sacraments, specials seasons, and more. Led by Jeb Hunt. MONDAYS Faith and Fitness 5:30pm Front Lawn A fitness and accountability group which focuses on strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and core exercises. Led by Denise Van Atta. Revelation 6:00pm Perry Home, Parlor This in-depth study will cover the entire Book of Revelation. The class will also discuss issues in the Greco- Roman World during the time Revelation was written and discuss the meaning of prophets and prophecy in the Bible. The class will be hosted by Monday Night Bible Class. Led by Rev. Brandon Bures. FUMCPensacola.com 3
MONDAYS CONT. Entering the Life of the Saints 6:00pm Perry Home, Room 201 This nine week class will explore more deeply the lives of seven saints. By examining their holy habits and spiritual disciplines we will discern if there is an invitation for us to grow in our spiritual practice in the example of their lives and ministries. We will practice in community a holy habit or spiritual discipline from one of the saints each week. Led by Donell Seager & David Boyd. TUESDAYS Lunch Bunch Group t 4th Tuesday 11:45am Perry Home, Coffee House This study and information group is sponsored by the United Methodist Women and participates in a variety of studies led by various speakers. A previous study included the book An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch or snack to share with the group. Led by Nettie Joseph. WEDNESDAYS Joe Harrell Men s Bible Study Starts September 6 7:00am The Wright Place The Joe Harrell Men s Bible study gathers for breakfast, followed by a devotion and presentation on a variety of topics. The Bible Breakfast has continually met for 40+ years and is always looking for new members. Led by Mike Vance. Dad s Bible Study 7:30am Panera Bread All dads are invited for a time of Bible study and Christian fellowship with other dads. This study meets at Panera Bread by Cordova Mall. Led by Bill Bond. Women at the Well t 10:30am Perry Home, Parlor This book and Bible-based discussion group for women of all ages studies a variety of topics throughout the year. Led by Cindy Smith. Bible with Brandon Starts September 6 Noon The Wright Place Rev. Brandon Bures, Associate Pastor, leads participants in a weekly in-depth discussion of the upcoming lectionary passages for Sunday. Lunch is available for purchase. Led by Rev. Brandon Bures. Senior Pastor s Bible Study Starts September 6 6:00pm Wesley Abbey Join Senior Pastor, Wesley H. Wachob, as he leads a study of Paul and Elizabeth Achtemeier s book: The Old Testament Roots of Our Faith. Come study how the Lordship of Jesus is firmly rooted in the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Led By Senior Pastor, Wesley H. Wachob. Financial Peace University Starts September 6 6:00pm Lower Sanctuary, S117 Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University presents this nine week class focusing on Biblical steps to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and more! To learn more, visit www.daveramsey.com. Led by Earl McAuley, Geoff Cook, Ricky Van Atta. Family Feud 6:00pm Lower Sanctuary, S106 There are no perfect families. Not even in the Bible! And yet family shapes us more than almost anything in the world. Join us for a sermon series by Rev. Paul Rasmussen as he takes us through several topics on the family including the purpose of the family, boundaries, problem with blame, etc. Each week we will watch the sermon together, have a brief discussion and spend time in prayer for our families. Led by Lisa Bond. Simply Christian 6:00pm Perry Home, PH101 A practical guide for parents who want to connect and grow this class is for anyone who wants to travel beyond the controversies that obscure what the Christian faith really stands for and is interested in walking through the Christian faith step-by-step. Led by Brandon Bures. Bible Talk 6:00pm Perry Home, Parlor This class is for people who want to learn more about what the Bible says about different topics. Bring your questions and participate in some interesting discussions. Led by Bill Bond. THURSDAYS Mom's Bible Study 9:30am Education Building, E207 All moms are invited to join us for our weekly Moms Bible Study. We will begin this session with Margaret Feingberg s Overcomer: A 4-week Study in Philippians Come join us for great discussions, friendship and faith building. Led by Lisa Bond. 4 AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17
THURSDAYS CONT. Study of Prayer t 1st Thursday 10:00am Perry Home, PH101 This group participates in various studies on prayer with a focus on growing in faith through prayer. This group is sponsored by the Ruth Braden and Eleanor Nichols group of the United Methodist Women. Led by Nancy Shealy. God s Stories Group t 2nd Thursday 10:00am Perry Home, Parlor This group reads and discusses short stories from Christian and secular perspectives. All are invited to this study sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Led by Janice Anderson. Weight Watchers t 5:30pm Perry Home, PH101 Our proven program is not a diet. It s about living. Your best self isn t just about a magical number on the scale. It s about seeing food as fuel for a healthy life, finding ways to move more each day, and developing the skills to unlock your inner strength so you can make healthy choices for life. Yes, you will lose weight. But with Weight Watchers, you ll also gain a whole new perspective on getting and staying healthy. Led by Paula McDuffy. CHILDREN, TWEENS, & YOUTH Make sure to check out the small groups, classes, & studies offered throughout the week just for children, tweens, & youth. Information is provided in the Church Office and online at FUMCPensacola.com. Lisa Bond Director of Children & Families LBond@FUMCPensacola.com Denise Van Atta Director of Tween & Youth DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com 6:00-7:00pm Wesley Abbey Light snacks and drinks provided. This series of classes, hosted by First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, is designed for adults of any age who are interested in preparing and planning for the future. Adult children will also find this information useful when it comes to making decisions that affect their parents or family members. Planning Ahead // August 21 End of Life Issues / Advanced Directives Dr. Donna Jacobi Pruett, MD Eldercare Law/Legal Guidance for Issues of Aging Nicholas R. Medley / Medley Law Firm Future Home Planning // September 25 What to do when you can no longer stay in your home? Medicare / Medicaid Questions Answered Assisted Living /Long Term Care Jennifer Colley / Wesley Haven Villas Memory Care Diane Mallon / The Waterford at Creekside Final Plans // October 30 Pre-Planning Funeral Arrangements Tanner Morris / Harper Morris Funeral Home Hospice Care John Griffin / Regency Hospice Sign up for this series with the attached registration form or online. Contact Debra Tallman // DTallman@FUMCPensacola.com for more information. FUMCPensacola.com 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS WHAT'S HAPPENING FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BLOOD DRIVE BLOOD DRIVE August 20 8:00-12:30pm On Campus Share your story. Share your power. Save lives. Get on the big red bus and give blood during the OneBlood blood drive. All those that are able are encouraged to donate. ID required. Visit OneBlood. org to schedule an appointment. CHILDREN & FAMILY Contact: Lisa Bond LBond@FUMCPensacola.com MOM'S BIBLE STUDY 9:30am Education Building, E207 Starts August 17 All moms are invited to join us for our weekly Moms Bible Study. We will begin this session with Margaret Feingberg s Overcomer: A 4-week Study in Philippians Come join us for great discussions, friendship and faith building. Led by Lisa Bond. Sign up online or in the Church Office. DAD S BIBLE STUDY 7:30am Panera Bread Starts August 16 All dads are invited for a time of Bible study and Christian fellowship with other dads. This study meets at Panera Bread by Cordova Mall. Led by Bill Bond. Sign up online or in the Church Office. KID CONNECT Starts September 14 Registration begins September 1 Transportation is first come, first serve. Kindergarteners must be 6 years old as of September 13 to be eligible for transportation. KINDERGARTEN SUNDAY August 27 10:15am Big Room All Kindergarteners and their parents are invited to join us for a reception where we will talk about the Kindergarten year and then attend the ICON service together. All Kindergarteners will receive their Storybook Bible. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Contact: Lisa Bond LBond@FUMCPensacola.com WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY ACTIVITIES 5:00pm - Beginning August 16 Wednesday nights are for everyone! Come join us for dinner from 5:00-5:45, then all children are invited for some gym time at 5:45 while parents attend classes. Register online and in the Church Office. NEW - INTERGENERATIONAL CLASS Sundays 9:30 WP205 Beginning August 20 A new class for any and all ages looking for a Sunday morning group experience. This class will offer interactive discussions of the Bible and various topics of the Christian faith. HOME IMPROVEMENT CLASS NEW LOCATION Sundays 9:30am Perry Home, 201 Come join a class with a great bible study and discussions! COMMUNITY GROUP LAUNCH September 19 Come find a group you can connect with. You will spend 8 weeks meeting together, making new friends and growing in your faith. More information to come. CHURCH-WIDE BLUE LAKE - CHURCH -WIDE RETREAT October 13-15 Blue Lake, Andalusia Join for this annual church-wide retreat as we worship, learn, and fellowship together. Activities include pumpkin carving, canoing, hayrides, roasting marshmallows, with guest speaker Mark Miller. Registration forms can be found in the church office. Registration deadline is September 16. FIFTY FORWARD Contact: Debra Tallman DTallman@FUMCPensacola.com LUNCH OUT September 14 11:30am BJ's Brewhouse At Cordova Mall All are invited to join the Fifty Forward ministry for this time of fellowship and food. SUMMER BREAK June, July, & August Silver & Gold and Friday Night at the Wright Place will be breaking for the months of June, July, and August. JOB OPENINGS METHODIST CHILDREN'S ACADEMY The MCA has job openings at three different positions. We are seeking a qualified director to run the preschool, full-time teachers, and part-time afternoon teachers. We are looking for applicants who are dedicated, reliable, and love working with children. Interested applicants should email a resume to jobs@fumcpensacola.com. MISSIONS Contact: Rev. Brandon Bures BBures@FUMCPensacola.com UNITED MINISTRIES CELEBRATES 30 YEARS September 14 5:30pm Gym United Ministries Presents Shane Claiborne and a Farm-to-Table Meal. Help them celebrate 30 Years of community compassion in the prevention of homelessness. Find out more info and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.com. SERVING THE HUNGRY Serving the Hungry is in need of men's shorts sizes 36 and 38, men's pants sizes 28-34, casual shoes, belts in all sizes, and backpacks. 6 AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17
SERVICE TIMES MUSIC Contact: Dr. Rick Branch RBranch@FUMCPensacola.com SUNDAY 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am & ICON AT 11:00am RUTH S KITCHEN Contact: Susie Schmidt SSchmidt@FUMCPensacola.com stay connected WOMEN Contact: Nancy Shealy nfs3@bellsouth.net fumcpensacola ANNOUNCEMENTS SANCTUARY CHOIR August 13 Sing at 8:00am August 20 Sign at 11:00am Wednesdays 6:15-7:45pm Back to weekly Wednesday rehearsals. CHRISTMAS MUSIC RETREAT September 8, 6:30-8:30pm September 9, 9:30am - 2:00pm Choir Room Sing in our Adult Choir Christmas Concert! We are having our annual Christmas Music Retreat in September and this is a great opportunity to join the choir and sing with us for the Christmas Concert. ALL REHEARSALS RESUME KINDERGARTEN, 1ST, & 2ND 4TH CHOIRS Begins September 13 3:00pm CLUB 56 CHOIR (5TH & 6TH GRADES) Begins September 24 6:00pm MID HIGH AND SENIOR HIGH CHOIRS Begins August 20 4:30pm MID HIGHS August 27 4:30pm SENIOR HIGHS August 27 6:30pm HANDBELL CHOIR September 25 4:15p Regular rehearsals begin. WEDNESDAY MEALS August 16 Meatloaf, Roasted Potatoes, Field Peas, Cornbread, Salad, & Pineapple Upside Down Cake August 23 Cuban Roast Pork, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, Green Salad, Corn Bread, & Coconut Cake. TWEEN Contact: Denise Van Atta DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com MORNING BIBLE STUDIES Begins Week of August 20 5TH GRADE Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm Panera 6TH GRADE Thursdays 8:00am Panera Transportation to Workman is provided. 6TH GRADE Fridays 6:45am Bagelheads Transportation to EDS is provided. Limited transportation to other schools may be provided. FEAR FACTOR September 10 4:30-6:30pm All 5th and 6th graders are invited to come join us for our Fall Club 56 kick off as we test our bravery with some gross and disgusting challenges. You won't want to miss this! PARENTS OF TWEEN & YOUTH MEETING August 13 9:00am Youth Building Come find out what is happening this year in the Tween and Youth programs and where you and your child can plug in. ANNUAL DESIGNING WOMEN'S EVENT & LUNCHEON August 26 9:00am - 12:30pm $25 Tickets on sale through August 20 All women (and men too!) are invited to this wonderful event, which raises money for various community missions, includes a silent auction, special guest speaker Kim Gravel (kimgravel.com), and a delicious catered lunch served at beautifully decorated tables. Tickets are on sale through August 20th and can be purchased in the church office or at tables set up on Sunday mornings. YOUTH Contact: Denise Van Atta DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com MORNING BIBLE STUDIES Begins Week of August 20 SENIOR HIGH Mondays 7:15am Panera Studying the Book of Ruth. Tuesdays 7:30am Bagelheads Topic based and student led. MID HIGH Thursdays 8:00am Panera Transportation to Workman is provided. Fridays 6:45am Bagelheads Transportation to EDS is provided. Limited transportation to other schools may be provided. EGGSTRAVAGANZA August 20 4:30pm Join us for our Youth Fall Kick Off! It will be a night full of singing, food, music, and messy egg competitions. Do you have what it takes to be this year's Eggstravaganza champion? Make sure to wear clothes that can get messy and bring your friends! FUMCPensacola.com 7
Six East Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501 850.432.1434 (office) 850.432.5749 (fax) Info@FUMCPensacola.com inside this edition... The Methodist Witness is a biweekly newsletter published by First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. If you have information to be included in an upcoming edition, or you have any questions or comments regarding The Methodist Witness Please contact the editor. Please Note: all information to be included is subject to approval and must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines. Kelsey Seager Editor of The Methodist Witness KSeager@FUMCPensacola.com...and more.
WHAT'S HAPPENING FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 10th Sunday after Pentecost The Growing Season Week Focus: Christian Education 7:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Childcare Available EB 8:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:00 AM - Perry Home Coffee Bar PH 9:30 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:30 AM - Ministries of First Church PH101 9:30 AM - Parent Meet and Greet GH 9:30 AM - Sunday School Various Locations 11:00 AM - ICON Worship Service WA 11:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 4:30 PM - Feeding at Loaves and Fishes Canceled MONDAY, 14 AUGUST 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 5:15 PM - PPRC Committee Meeting JHL 5:30 PM - Cub Scout Pack 99 YMC 5:30 PM - Fitness and Faith Group Front Lawn 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 495 YMC THURSDAY, 17 AUGUST 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 11:30 AM - Florida Public Relations Luncheon GH 11:30 AM - Pensacola Heritage Lunch and Lecture DH 1:00 PM - Heather Mitchell Art Class PH 5:30 PM - Weight Watchers PH 101 FRIDAY, 18 AUGUST SATURDAY, 19 AUGUST CALENDAR TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 9:30 AM - Bridge Group PHCB 10:00 AM - Prayer Shawl Ministry PH101 5:30 PM - Five Flags Dog Training Club FB 6:00 PM - Milk & Honey Board Meeting PH102 WEDNESDAY, 16 AUGUST 7:30 AM - Dad s Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 10:30 AM - Women at the Well PHP 4:00 PM - 50 Forward Council Meeting S117 5:00 PM - Fellowship Dinner WP 5:30 PM - Five Flags Dog Training Club FB 5:45 PM - Kids Gym & Childcare Available HRAC 6:00 PM - Christian Education Classes Begin 6:00 PM - History of Worship Main Sanctuary 6:00 PM - Simply Christian PH201 6:00 PM - Bible Talk PHP 6:15 PM - Adult Sanctuary Choir ITRH AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17 FUMCPensacola.com INSERT
SUNDAY, 20 AUGUST 11th Sunday after Pentecost The Growing Season, Weekly Focus: Mission 7:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Childcare Available EB 8:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:00 AM - Perry Home Coffee Bar PH 9:30 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:30 AM - Serving at First Church PH101 9:30 AM - Sunday School Various Locations 11:00 AM - ICON Worship Service WA 11:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary MONDAY, 21 AUGUST 9:00 AM - Sewing Ministry FB 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 5:30 PM - Cub Scout Pack 99 YMC 5:30 PM - Fitness and Faith Group Front Lawn 6:00 PM - 50 Forward Life Plan Series Planning Ahead WA 6:00 PM - Emerald Coast Bead Society Meeting DH 6:00 PM - Revelation Bible Study PHP 6:00 PM - Entering the Life of the Saints PH201 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 495 YMC THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST 10:30 AM - Mom s Bible Study EB203 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 1:00 PM - Heather Mitchell Art Class PH201 5:30 PM - Weight Watchers PH101 FRIDAY, 25 AUGUST SATURDAY, 26 AUGUST 8:00 AM - Designing Women HRAC & WP TUESDAY, 22 AUGUST 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 9:30 AM - Bridge Group PHCB 10:00 AM - Prayer Shawl Ministry PH101 11:45 AM - UMW Lunch Bunch PHP 5:30 PM - Five Flags Dog Training Club FB WEDNESDAY, 23 AUGUST 7:30 AM - Dad s Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 10:30 AM - Women at the Well PHP 5:00 PM - Fellowship Dinner WP 5:30 PM - Five Flags Dog Training Club FB 5:45 PM - Kids Gym & Childcare Available HRAC 6:00 PM - History of Worship Main Sanctuary 6:00 PM - Simply Christian PH201 6:00 PM - Bible Talk PHP 6:15 PM - Adult Sanctuary Choir ITRH S - Basement of Sanctuary EB - Education Building FB - Franklin Building HRAC - Henry Roberts Activities Center ITRH - Ike Terry Rehearsal Hall LEGEND JHL - Joe Harrell Library OB - Outreach Building PH - Perry Home PHCH - Coffee House WP - The Wright Place DH - Wright Place Dining Hall GH - Wright Place Great Hall WA - Wesley Abbey YB - Youth Building MBP- Miss Barbara's Place AUGUST 13-26 2017 VOLUME 197 ISSUE 17 FUMCPensacola.com INSERT