1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

November 2014
Mid-Monthly Ministry
To Offer New Life in Jesus Christ by Seeking, Shaping and Sending Disciples
Thanksgiving Dinner at 1st Church
A Tradition Continues
Come join us for a Thanksgiving Turkey with
all the trimmings
November 27th from Noon-3 pm
In the Life Center—Completely Free
Meal carry-out and delivery will be available
If you are interested in helping this year
We would sure appreciate it
The Gift of Helping others is the most wonderful
feeling in the world.
If you are interested please contact
Chris Wilkins 624-6097 or Gail Sexton 639-3842
www.whatis1st.com
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IT’S BROWN BAG SUNDAY—November 23rd. Time to bring
a bag filled with non-perishable grocery items to the Church.
Items collected will go to local food pantries and shelters in
Charlotte County to assist with the increased need during the
holiday season. Thank you!!
JOURNEY INTO LIVING WISELY IN A FOOLISH WORLD
Paradigm Bible Class presents a new study on November 23rd. God has given us a book
filled with wisdom about money, marriage, work, anger, stress, health, parenting, making
friends, etc. It is called the book of Proverbs.
Lesson titles in this 13-lesson study of selected proverbs include: Becoming Wise, Help
for Hotheads, Mastering Your Mouth, Finding Fantastic Friends, The Worst of All Sins,
Leaving Laziness, Getting Out of Debt, Eliminating Envy, Wisdom for Better Health,
Stifling Stress, Improving Your Marriage, Positive Parenting Principles, etc.
The Class will meet Sunday mornings at 9:15 in room 13 beginning November 23rd
Holiday Gala to Honor Pastor Bob Carlson
First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and Macedonia Human
Services, Inc. invite you to the 3rd Annual Holiday Gala on Saturday
December 6th beginning at 5:00 pm. For information, contact Melody
Washington at (941) 637-7743.
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Christmas Cross Project
Did you get coal in your Christmas stocking? Maybe you are too young to
know about coal in your stocking...but it wasn’t good. We still hang stockings
and hope for nice surprises today. It is a Christmas tradition. Here at 1st
Church we want to bring happy surprises to people who are unable to have a
Christmas stocking to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
We will be erecting a Christmas Cross next to the parking lot by the Life
Center on November 30 and December 7th. The tree will be decorated with
small stockings holding a Christmas wish from those who need some special
Christmas cheer. Please choose a stocking that will bring Christmas joy to a
special person. The tree will be available after each service.
O’ Come All Ye Faithful
O’ Come All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant! What beautiful words for a Christmas Carol. The sound of
the words make you swell with love for the new born Christ. Do you want to know how you can be
joyful and triumphant? You can raise your voice in joy as a Caroler on December 21. You can take the
joy to others who may not be able to be so joyful, but who still treasure the sounds of the season.
Carolers will meet at the Church at 3 p.m. on December 21. Caroling will be from 3 – 5 pm, visiting
homebound members and care facilities to spread the Christmas spirit. Afterwards we will regroup at
the Church for a pot luck supper…celebrating the contribution to the joy of Christ’s birthday. Won’t
you think about joining this group? The more people, the stronger the message goes out. “O Come All
Ye Faithful.”
If you have questions, call or email the CareMinistry Carol Coordinator, Linda Rines: Email:
Lrines2@yahoo.com Phone: 941-637-8769. Watch for more information in the December
Chimes.
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Invite Your Friends and Family
Come Join as we Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Christmas Eve Services
1st United Methodist Church
4 pm, 7 pm, and 10 pm
Music Department Christmas Concert
Make plans to attend our annual Christmas Concert!
Sunday, December 7th
3:00 pm
Sanctuary
The concert will feature selections from our Chancel Choir, Children’s
Music Department and our wonderful Church musicians.
This is a free event and open to the public
Notice:
1st Church Council Meeting on Monday, December 8th
7pm in the Fellowship Hall. Open for all church members to attend.
The Church office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and
Friday, November 28th to allow church staff time with family.
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I C a re M i n i s t e r s S p re a d t h e H a r v e s t
You have been hearing about the CareMinistry’s new outreach,
the Meal Ministry. Sometimes we read or hear about something
but then quit thinking about it. We may be too busy or too
distracted to give it much thought. After all it isn’t “my”
responsibility to help and “I am sure they have enough people
helping.” But, the CareMinistry does need your help. Become an ICare Minister and
enrich fellow member’s lives by providing a meal when they most need it. Read the
following quotes from people who have received a meal to see how much this service
means.
“What a blessing to come home from the hospital and find a wonderful home-cooked meal.”
“Such a wonderful way to realize I have good friends in my church.”
“Thanks for taking time to love us through giving us this special meal.”
“Our church really cares. Every meal brought was the best! And a visit was an added blessing.”
Doesn’t it make you feel good to see how much this program serves the Lord and adds
to our Church fellowship? You can be part of this new outreach. Email or call
Coordinators for more information.
Shirley Bussee, hsbusse@gmail.com or 941-637-5791
Joyce Tilden, jltilden@comcast.net or 941-575-1568
Florida United Methodist Children’s Home
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Mid-Monthly Ministry
The Alpha Course is Returning
to the community of 1st
United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda as well as to Charlotte
County and Southwest Florida. As many people have
experienced, the Holy Spirit has been working very successfully
through the Alpha course to answer some of our deepest
questions about the meaning of life.
The Alpha Course is designed to help people better understand
their faith and grow in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Hosting the
Alpha course will bring all the best of our church to the community through hospitality,
fellowship, worship, learning and exploring together what this new life with Jesus Christ
can truly look like. Each gathering begins with a meal and refreshments—a chance to
get to know others and then a short period of gathering music. Following this, a short
video will address different aspects of the Christian faith. Small groups will gather for a
time of discussion and everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask
questions. People usually remain in the same small group for the duration of the course
so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The
emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.
Our God-given vision to “Offer New Life in Jesus Christ by Seeking, Shaping and
Sending Disciples” is on our hearts. Each of us is in the middle of a great story.
The question is—how is God seeking, shaping and sending you at a time such as
this? Let Him woo you into a deeper and fuller relationship with Him by engaging
in the Alpha course.
Coming to you January 8, 2015 on Thursday nights from 6-8 pm. Meals and
childcare will be provided. No fee to attend. Plan to be there and bring a
neighbor or friend.
Over 12 Weeks, the Alpha Course will address questions such as:
 Is there more to life than this?
 Who is Jesus?
 Why did Jesus die?
 How can we have faith?
 Why and how do I pray?
 Why and how should I read the bible?
 How does God guide us?
 Who is the Holy Spirit?
 What does the Holy Spirit do?
 How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
 How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
 How can I resist evil?
 Why and how should we tell others?
 Does God heal today?
 What about the Church?
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2015 Sessions Begin Tuesday Evenings, January 6th from 6:30-8:30 pm
or Wednesday Mornings, January 7th from 10am to noon (Room 13)
Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend
Grief Share is a support group that meets weekly for 13 weeks. You’ll find it to be a
warm, caring environment and will come to see your group as an “oasis” on your
long journey through grief. There are three key parts to your GriefShare
experience:
Video Seminar
Encouraging, information-packed videos
Featuring leading grief recovery experts
Support Group
Small group discussion about the weekly
Video content
Workbook
Journaling and personal study exercises
That reinforce the weekly session topics.
Your Journey From Mourning to JOY
Is This Normal?
The Journey of Grief—part one
The Journey of Grief—part two
Grief and Your Relationships
Why?
Guilt and Anger
Complicating Factors
Stuck
Lessons of Grief—part one
Lessons of Grief—part two
Heaven
What Do I Live for Now?
To register contact Melodie Austin 941-639-4402 or melharryaustin@yahool.com
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Spaghetti Dinner
December 11
Life Center
Begins at 5:00 pm
Suggested donation
$5.00
Florida Conference Women’s Retreats: The Florida Conference has put together another fabulous program for
the 2015 Women’s Retreat. This year’s theme: BELIEVE.
Friday January 30, 2015 – Sunday February 1, 2015, at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg, Florida
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Rwth Ann Fuguay. Along with Pastor Fuguay, a team of gifted women to provide spiritual
enrichment in so many ways---music, hymn sing, nutrition & wellness, chalk drawing, cardio fitness and so much more.
Registration: On-line web site www.flumc2.org search & click ‘Florida Conference Women’s Retreats’.
Cost: Commuter w/no meals $87 or Weekend Guest w/room & all meals $177 (double occupancy).
Carpooling can be arranged. All women can attend. Bring a friend or neighbor!
B E L I E V E…
Contact: Linda Gillen, 941-661-9988 or email at gooddecision@msn.com
Spiritual Enrichment Chair, UCW
DID YOU KNOW?
Our CareMinisters were busy in October. 151 visits were made to see over 75 people in
nursing homes, the hospitals and those who are homebound. God has blessed First Church with these
caring representatives of God’s love. If you know of someone who needs special care, please contact
Lin Kraus, kykats@comcast.net, 941-505-1496 or Beverly Martin, martibl.fumcare@gmail.com 941-625-2213.
We wish to thank everyone in our amazing church family for their love, prayers, care,
concern and generosity shown to us this past year during the course of Brian’s surgeries and treatments. May God bless you all!
-
Brian and Jane Sheppard
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Game Day was held on November 1st with a wonderful
turnout and lots of fun. Pictured are Dixie Scoville presenting
the grand prize to Barbara Durham. Congrats Barb!
New Study Begins!
What Is Home Builders? Home Builders is a small group
whose intent is to help build a biblically strong foundation,
whether that be spiritually, financially or relationally with our
spouse, children and grandchildren.
We are beginning a new Lee Stobel study on Tuesdays from
6-7:30 pm in room 13.
November 11th
"The Case For Christ”
November 18th
“The Case For Faith"
December 2nd
"The Case For A Creator"
Please call Elise Gowan (941-286-3943) if you plan on
attending so that we have enough seating.
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Microsoft
TEAM CHRISTMAS is graciously gifting Crossroads for Kids with the $1,300 funds remaining
from their missionary.
John Davidson, representing Crossroads, commented the money will be used to purchase a
large gift that all of the kids can enjoy, such as a big TV.
A big thank you to Team Christmas for all the wonderful Christmases you have made possible
for kids the last five years. It won’t be the same. Merry Christmas Charlie Brox, Ken Fish,
Mitzie Kohrman, Michelle Kemps, Dick Ouimet, and Frank Robinson from your church family.
You may begin registering now at:
www.whatis1st.com
Or
Call the Church Office 941-639-3842
Or
Fill out the Let’s Connect portion of your church bulletin,
check the membership box and drop in the offering plate
1st Class Art Show 2015 is seeking artists for their next
display in our Life Center Halls. All artists who would like to
participate in 1st Class Art Shows for January, February, March and
April 2015, please contact Ralph LaGro at rlagro1@yahoo.com or call
586-491-0072.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS AT 1ST CHURCH
More information will be added as available
Email administrator@whatis1st.com to place your event on this calendar
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
Sunday
Thursday
Saturday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
5
6
6
7
11
13
13
14
21
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
Garden Club Tour, 11am—4pm
Garden Club Tour , 11am—4 pm
Punta Gorda Parade
Christmas Concert, 3-5pm
Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner 5:00 pm
Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am
Cookie Walk, 8-11am
Southport Square Concert (Choir) 2:00 pm
Christmas Caroling– 3 pm
6
7
7
8
8
14
GriefShare
GriefShare
1st Steps
Beth Moore
Alpha Starts
1st Steps
6:30 pm—8:30 pm, Room 13
10:00 am—noon, Room 13
6:00 pm—8:00 pm, Room 9
9:00 am—11:15 am, Life Center
6:00 pm—8:00 pm, Life Center
6:00 pm—8:00 pm, Room 9
2015 Offering Envelopes Available
Offering envelopes will be available for pickup in Fellowship Hall (Lenox) beginning Sunday,
November 9th. If you currently do not have envelopes and would like them for your 2015
offering, please contact the Church Office at 639-3842 or email joyce.tilden@whatis1st.com.
If you would prefer to make your offerings through Automatic Deposit from your bank we can
arrange that also. Automatic Deposits are made on either the 10th or 25th of each month.