We are a seasonal people. From the day we were born until our last minutes, our lives are marked by seasons. Just as the clock and calendar count our days, seasons segment our lives into moments and memories. Seasons help us reflect and remember. Seasons remind us to learn from the past, but look forward to the future. Nature is marked by seasons. Soon the crispness of winter will give way to the budding flowers of spring. In summer, the sun will warm the Gulf waters, until fall once again makes its way back to our sandy shores. Faith can be marked by seasons also. Some days we feel close to God. Other times God seems distant. And just like the calendar year is divided by seasons, the Christian year is divided by seasons too. Advent. Epiphany. Lent. Easter. Pentecost. There is much we can learn from watching the seasons. Join us at First Church in 2015 as we explore Seasons and spend time with God. Mark your calendars and make space for God in your life this year. Let s make 2015 a season of serving God and loving our neighbor. Let s make this a season to remember.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR EPIPHANY - EASTER First United Methodist Church of Pensacola has four Sunday morning worship services weekly in a variety of styles. These services at 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am and ICON at 11:00am each follow the Revised Common Lectionary and celebrate communion weekly. Each service features intentional liturgy, guided by the seasons of the Christian year. While every Sunday offers a unique lesson to be learned, these highlighted Sundays guide our worship and teachings through Easter. We pray that you will join us each week as we explore what it means to be a seasonal people. Epiphany Sunday January 4th, All Services, Liturgical color: White Epiphany reminds us of our responsibility to reveal Jesus as the Divine Son and Savior sent by God. As we read about the magi visiting the young Jesus, we celebrate the divinity of Christ and the revelation of Christ as Lord and King. Baptism of the Lord Sunday January 11th, All Services, Liturgical color: White On this Sunday we commemorate the baptism of Jesus. We remember our own baptisms and celebrate the transformative work of God in our lives. Transfiguration of the Lord February 15th, All Services, Liturgical color: White At his Transfiguration Christ showed his disciples the splendor of his beauty, to which he will shape and color those who are his: He will reform our lowness configured to the body of his glory St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae. Season of Lent February 18th - April 4th, Liturgical color: Purple Lent is a solemn religious observance that begins on Ash Wednesday and covers approximately six weeks (40 days, not counting Sundays) before Easter. Lent is a time of preparation and reflection through prayer, self denial and repentance. See the section Season of Lent for a list of Lenten events.
Ash Wednesday Service February 18th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary, Liturgical color: Purple Come and make a commitment to observe a holy Lent on Ash Wednesday, and receive the imposition of ashes on your forehead. This is a symbol that causes us to remember our mortality and need for repentance. Palm / Passion Sunday March 29th, All Services, Liturgical color: Purple Palm / Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time where we remember the sacrifice God made for us. As Palm Sunday begins, the crowd waves palm branches, wanting to crown Jesus as king. But as the story of the passion unfolds, their shouts of praise turn to demands for his crucifixion; he receives a crown of thorns as he is handed over to be mocked and killed. Holy Thursday April 2nd, 7:00pm, Main Sanctuary, Liturgical color: Purple Holy Thursday commemorates the last supper of Jesus with his disciples and his later betrayal. After a sermon by Dr. Wachob, we will celebrate Holy Communion and conclude the service with the stripping of the chancel and altar. Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 3rd, 7:00pm, Main Sanctuary Tenebrae is a service of darkness commemorating the crucifixion. This service includes readings from the passion narrative while candles are extinguished. The service concludes with the sanctuary in complete darkness. Easter Sunday Sunday, April 5th, Liturgical color: White Join us as we celebrate the risen Christ on Easter morning. Join us for one of our 5 Easter morning services and our delicious complimentary continental Easter Brunch. See the section Easter Sunday for a complete list of our Easter Sunday services.
CHURCH-WIDE SERVICES AND EVENTS In addition to our liturgical calendar, there are many church-wide and program area specific events this season. The five events listed below are church-wide events, with additional program, age-level and seasonal specific events following. Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm, The Wright Place Come enjoy a delicious meal in The Wright Place, our newly remodeled fellowship banquet hall. Souper Bowl Sunday Sunday, February 1st, All Services Help make a difference in our community by bringing in non-perishable food for Manna Food Pantries. Food will be collected in front of the Main Sanctuary and Wesley Abbey before each service. Scout Sunday February 8th, All Services Cub Scout Pack 99, Boy Scout Troop 495 and Girl Scout Troop 110 will help usher at each service as we recognize and honor our scouting programs at First Church. Great Day of Service February 21st, 8:00am - 12:30pm, Meet in Henry Roberts Activities Center Join us for our ninth annual volunteer outreach day and share your hearts and hands with others in need. We meet for breakfast and worship, then divide into various work projects around our community before returning for lunch and sharing together. Daniel Plan: A Lenten Study Beginning February 16th The Daniel Plan is a 40-day program that encourages people to take back their wellness by discovering foods that love you back, fitness that feels like play, and focus that renews your mind. Deepen your relationship with God while you enjoy the support and encouragement of a community of friends that help you make positive choices each day. Contact Denise Van Atta or Lisa Bond at 850-432-1434 to sign up today!
CONFIRMATION JANUARY 4TH - APRIL 12TH Confirmation is an important and exciting time in the life of our sixth graders. Our sixth graders participate in a series of classes designed to help them make a decision about being a follower of Christ. Classes include studies on worship, sacraments, missions, creeds, beliefs and more. Confirmation Parent/Student Meeting January 4th, 9:30am, The Wright Place Sixth grade students and parents are invited to learn more about our confirmation program at First United Methodist Church. Confirmation Retreat February 20th - 21th, First Church Campus The Confirmation Retreat is a weekend retreat on the campus of First Church, designed to build community among the confirmands. Confirmation Breakfast and Rehearsal April 11th, Time TBD, The Wright Place The confirmands are celebrated with a breakfast and presentation of sixth grade Bibles. There will also be a rehearsal of the confirmation service that will be held the following day. Confirmation Sunday April 12th, 11:00am Service, Main Sanctuary Confirmands are confirmed into the life of the church and dedicated as followers of Christ during this special service.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES First Church offers many small group Bible and book studies to nurture personal spiritual formation. Our prayer is for everyone to find a class and get involved in Christian Education. SUNDAY Sunday School Sundays, 9:30am - 10:30am, Various Locations Sunday School classes are available for all ages and interests. MONDAY Making Sense of the Bible Mondays, Beginning January 12th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Perry Home Parlor Author Adam Hamilton invites readers into an honest conversation about the Bible. Hamilton addresses misunderstood biblical themes, guiding participants into a deeper appreciation of the Bible. TUESDAY Covenant: Creating the Covenant Tuesdays, Beginning January 13th, 10:00am - 11:30am or 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Perry Home Parlor Covenant is an in-depth group Bible Study that centers around our relationships with God, with each other, and with the world. WEDNESDAY Women at the Well Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 10:30am - Noon, Perry Home Parlor Women at the Well is a small group book and Bible study led by Dr. Mary Ann Gantt. Scripture with Scott Wednesdays, Beginning January 7th, Noon - 1:00pm, The Wright Place Join Rev. Grantland for a discussion which focuses on the lectionary. Lunch available for purchase. Senior Pastor s Bible Study - Study of the Apostle Paul Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Wesley Abbey Join Dr. Wesley H. Wachob for an insightful study of the Apostle Paul.
Covenant: Creating the Covenant Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Perry Home Parlor Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University (FPU) Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Perry Home, Second Floor, 201 FPU presents biblical steps to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and more! Bonding with the Bible Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Joe Harrell Library An in-depth Bible study led by Bill Bond, which focuses on studying scripture verse by verse. Parenting Class Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Perry Home, Second Floor, 210 Instructional class for parents of children birth-12th grade Young Professionals Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, The Yard on 12th Avenue Led by Rev. Grantland, this group of 20-30 year olds meets weekly for book study and fellowship. THURSDAYS The Bible and Homosexuality Thursdays, Beginning April 9th, 6:30pm, Ike Terry Rehearsal Hall Many people read seven verses in the Bible and decide that God hates the LGBTQ community. Can a closer look at the other 31,095 verses help us to see that God loves them, and we should too? All are invited to join Rev. Rick Branch for an in-depth study of this important social issue. FORUM Forum on Childhood Anxiety: Equipping Families to Find Peace Sunday, March 8th, 9:15am - 10:15am, Wesley Abbey Michelle Smith, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Maggie Posie, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, from Finding Peace Counseling Service, will present information about anxiety in children and youth and provide strategies to manage stress with healthy coping skills.
SEASON OF LENT FEBRUARY 18th - APRIL 4th Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner February 17th, 5:00pm, The Wright Place Come join us for a fun pancake supper as we prepare for the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday Service February 18th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary Make a commitment to observe a holy Lent on Ash Wednesday. Receive the imposition of ashes on your forehead, a symbol that causes us to remember our mortality and need for repentance. John Wesley s Service for Evening Prayer February 25th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary Based from our Anglican roots, this service of prayer and singing follows the order of evening worship that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, gave to the Methodist church in 1783. Old Fashioned Hymn Sing March 4th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary Rev. Branch will lead this service of song, inviting the congregation to pick their favorite hymns. Vespers March 11th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary This Lenten service celebrates the night and anticipates the dawn, based on the monastic practices of the Benedictine Order. Sacred Harp Sing March 18th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary Sacred Harp singing is an old America folk tradition that involves a community coming together to sing in 4-part harmony from a book called The Sacred Harp. Easter Egg Hunt March 22nd, 12 Noon, Alabama Square in North Hill Families are invited to attend this annual celebration that includes lunch, great fellowship time and an egg hunt for toddlers through 4th grade.
Taize Service March 25th, 6:00pm, Main Sanctuary This service includes simple chant-like songs that have been included in every major hymnal, including our own. The Taize movement began in France and is one of the largest renewal movements in recent history. Palm Sunday Parade March 29th, 9:30am - 10:30am, Meet in Education Building Children will parade throughout our campus to remember how Jesus came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. After the parade, we will gather in The Wright Place to celebrate the coming of Easter. EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 5th - 5 SERVICES Easter Sunrise Service 6:30am Join us for an inspiring Sunrise Service on the lawn in front of the Main Sanctuary. Don t forget to bring fresh flowers to decorate the cross in front of the Main Sanctuary. Continental Easter Brunch 7:00am - 11:00am Everyone is invited to visit the Henry Roberts Activities Center for a delicious complimentary continental Easter brunch on Easter Sunday. 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am (Main Sanctuary) and ICON (11:00am, Wesley Abbey) On Easter morning, in addition to the Sunrise Service, First Church will also have all four of our regularly scheduled Sunday services. The 8:00am, 9:30am and 11:00am services (Main Sanctuary) and ICON (11:00am, Wesley Abbey) will all include special Easter music and liturgy. The 8:00am service will feature music by our 50+ member youth choir and an inspirational sermon by Senior Pastor, Dr. Wesley H. Wachob. The 9:30am and 11:00am services, also led by Dr. Wachob, will feature music by the Perdido Brass and the talented Sanctuary Choir under the direction of Rick and Heidi Branch. Rev. Scott Grantland will lead the ICON service at 11:00am in Wesley Abbey. This service is a combination of traditional liturgy with modern music led by Jeb Hunt and BANNER.
PROGRAM MINISTRIES FOR EVERYONE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Worshiping with your Children Sunday, January 11th, 9:15am - 10:15am, Wesley Abbey Parents and their children are invited to join us as we explore ways to make the worship experience most beneficial for both children and parents. Joyful Noise for Preschool Families Wednesdays, January 28th - April 22nd, 4:30pm - 5:10pm, Location TBD This class, which includes song, music and movement, is for children who have not yet entered kindergarten and is designed to be experienced with a parent. Worship Arts Children s Choir, Inc. (WACCI) Wednesdays, January 28th - April 22nd, 2:30pm - 5:15pm, Various Locations All children, K - 5th grade are invited to participate in our weekly worship arts program. WACCI includes worship time, choir, worship arts classes, recreation and snacks. Chill Time for 4th Graders Mondays, Beginning February 2nd, 2:15pm - 3:15pm, TCBY on Bayou Boulevard Fourth graders meet weekly for Bible study and frozen yogurt. Mom s Bible Study Thursdays, Beginning February 5th, 9:30am, 2nd Floor of Education Building All moms are invited to join together for a new Bible study using Max Lucado s book 3:16. Winter Retreat for 3rd and 4th Graders February 6th - 8th, Blue Lake Methodist Camp in Andalusia, Alabama Our third and fourth graders from First Church will join with their peers from other churches as they sing around the campfire, make crafts, play games, listen to a great speaker and worship. Ruby Ring for 2nd - 4th Grade Girls 2nd Friday of the month, Beginning February 13th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, 2nd Floor Education Building All 2nd - 4th grade girls are invited for girl talk, Bible time, mission projects, crafts and games.
Palm Sunday Parade March 29th, 9:30am - 10:30am, Meet in Education Building Children will parade throughout campus to remember how Jesus came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. After the parade, we will gather in The Wright Place to celebrate the coming of Easter. TWEENS Club 56 Sundays, Beginning January 11th, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, 2nd Floor Education Building Our Tweens (5th and 6th grade) meet and discuss topical issues pertaining to middle schoolers. After the lesson, the tweens play gaga ball and have some recreation time before heading to choir. Tween Parent Meetings First Sunday of the month, Beginning February 1st, 4:30pm, Gov. Perry Home Parents of fifth and sixth graders gather for fellowship to discuss topics unique to parents of tweens. YOUTH Senior High Youth Bagelheads Bible Study Mondays, Beginning January 12th, 7:15am, Bagelheads, East Gregory Street Senior High students (9th - 12th grade) take turns discussing topics that are relevant to them. Mid High Panera Bread Bible Study Thursdays, Beginning January 15th, 7:45am, Panera Bread, North 9th Avenue Mid High students (7th - 8th grade) meet for breakfast and fellowship before school as we explore the parables of Jesus. 6th Grade and Youth Bagelheads Bible Study Fridays, Beginning January 16th, 6:30am, Bagelheads, East Gregory Street Students (6th - 12th grade) enjoy bagels and each others company as we study the parables of Jesus. Senior High Afternoon Bible Study Mondays after school, Beginning January 12th, Various Locations Senior High Students (9th - 12th grade) meet at various locations immediately following school on Mondays and talk about how God is appearing in their lives and how they can be disciples of Christ. Contact Denise Van Atta at 850-432-1434 to learn more.
Youth Choir Rehearses on Sunday Afternoons, Beginning January 11th, Ike Terry Rehearsal Hall Open to youth in grades 7th - 12th, this choir performs throughout the year and tours each summer. Additional choirs and ensembles are available for children, tweens and adults. Sunday Night Youth Sundays, Beginning January 11th, 4:30pm - 7:30pm, The Youth Building All youth (7th - 12th grade) are invited to join together for food, fellowship, worship and maybe a game of gaga ball. Topics will include Purple a series about guys, girls, sex and dating on January 11th February 8th and a study of James on February 15th - March 22nd. Exodus Last Sunday of the month, Beginning January 25th, Various Locations Graduating seniors (12th grade) are invited to learn how to gracefully exit the youth program and begin their journey into young adulthood while maintaining their faith and growing in their relationship with God. Meltdown Retreat January 30th - February 1st A conference-wide youth retreat held in Panama City for 7th - 12th graders. Youth from around the conference come together to enjoy music, a keynote speaker and fellowship. Bahamas Methodist Habitat Mission Trip March 29th - April 4th First Church youth will travel to the island of Eleuthera to work alongside Bahamas Methodist Habitat to provide assistance to those in need. MEN AND WOMEN S MINISTRIES Joe Harrell Men s Bible Breakfast Wednesdays, Beginning January 14th, 7:00am, The Wright Place Joe Harrell Men s Bible Breakfast is a men s Bible study and fellowship where you can meet other men on their Christian journey. The Bible breakfast has continually met for 40+ years.
Renewal and Repair Wednesdays, Beginning January 7th, 9:00am - Noon, Garages Renewal and Repair (R + R) is a group that isn t afraid to get their hands dirty. Each Wednesday they help repair or construct needed items all around the church campus. If you like working with tools and enjoy good productive work and great friendships, consider becoming a part of R + R. Sanctuary Choir Rehearses on Wednesdays, Beginning January 7th, 6:15pm, Ike Terry Rehearsal Hall The Sanctuary Choir is open to all adults and sings at either the 8:00am or 11:00am worship services most weeks. The Handbell Choir Rehearses on Mondays, Beginning January 26th, 4:15pm, Bell Room The handbell choir is open to all adults and performs throughout the year. The 2nd Annual Women s Retreat February 27th - 28th, Embassy Suites in Miramar Beach (Destin) All women of the church are invited to the second annual Women s Retreat in Destin, Florida. Back by popular demand, interior designer, author, storyteller and speaker Ann Platz will inspire us with her stories and bless us with her unyielding faith. Prayer Shawl Ministry Tuesdays, Beginning January 13th, 10:00am, Joe Harrell Library The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of women who love to knit, crochet and more importantly desire to encourage fellow church members in hard times. In addition to knitting, a sewing ministry is also available at First Church. United Methodist Women First Church has a very active chapter of the United Methodist Women. Many small groups meet monthly at various times and locations. To learn more about the United Methodist Women, call the church office at 850-432-1434.
50 FORWARD Fifty Forward Lunch Out January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, and May 14, Various Times and Locations Once a month 50 Forward meets together at a popular local restaurant and enjoys good food and fellowship around the table. All are invited. No reservations required. Call the church office to learn specific locations and times. Friday Night at The Wright Place January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, and May 15, 6:00pm, The Wright Place Friday Night at The Wright Place is an evening of food and quality Christian fellowship with others. Designed for adults 50+, the gatherings are open to church members and the community and offer a wide range of musical talent, often from our own church members. Reservations required. Silver and Gold January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, and May 28 4th Thursday of the Month, 10:30am, The Wright Place A monthly luncheon and program for Senior Adults in our church and community. The luncheon features delicious food, fellowship and a variety of entertainment. Reservations are recommended. Blue Lake Conference-Wide Inspirit Retreat April 9th - 11th Join us for a conference-wide retreat at Blue Lake Camp in Andalusia, Alabama. Missy Buchanan will be the guest speaker at this retreat designed especially for adults 50 and older. Fifty Forward Celebration Week May 3rd - 7th Annual week-long celebration of the lives and ministries of the older adults in our church. The celebration includes special guest speakers, luncheons, dinners, entertainment and more. These are just a few of the many ministries of First United Methodist Church. We pray you find a ministry in which you can become involved. For a comprehensive list of all our ministries, please visit FUMCPensacola.com.