1st United Methodist Church
Punta Gorda, Florida
Seeking, Shaping and Sending
Disciples
February, 2014
I have a confession to make. I have this addiction. It is not
a bad addiction. I suspect I am not even alone in this
craving. And, it happens every year, right after the
holidays…when I should be living a lifestyle different from
what I end up living.
The addiction is for candy conversation hearts. You know what I mean? Those little heart-shaped, sugarladen candies with sayings like: “Too cute. My love. True love. Be mine. Hug me. Kiss me.”
They come out several weeks before Valentine’s Day, then disappear, not to be seen again until after
Christmas. What a pity!
I thought about them in relation to our faith. Someone has described the Bible as God’s love letter to
humanity. I know it’s pushing it a little too much to think of what Jesus would say on the candy conversation
hearts He might give to us. But, I am going to do so anyway.
I think Jesus would say, “Follow me.” In fact, He does say that. He reminds us that if we love Him, we will do
what He commands. His last words to the disciples were: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
There is something about following Jesus that calls us to do more than merely believe, or even just have this
deep emotion of love. Following Jesus calls us to do. Love that is not returned to the one who loves is just a
crush. True love, mature love, loves back, in grateful response to the one who loves.
It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about a spouse, or a Savior. True love loves back. True love does
what it is asked to do. True love does something. Bob Goff, author of Love Does, says that we are to love God,
love others, and do stuff.
Jesus simply said it like this, “Follow me.” Let’s love like that, and change the world.
Yours in the Cause of Christ,
Mike
507 W. Marion Avenue • Punta Gorda, Florida • 33950
First Church Family News
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1st Church Family News
In Gratitude
Thank you so much to all who have
supported me during this very sad time
because of the death of my husband, Jack.
The many cards, hugs and words of
kindness have been a true comfort to me.
I especially want to thank Pastor Bob
Carlson and Ina Bice for sitting with me in
the ER. Thanks to Pastor's Mike and Bob
for helping to make Jack's memorial
service so meaningful along with Bill
Robson and Dolores Smith. Thanks to
Dixie Scoville for her confident assurance
that all would go well for details of the
service and for the repast. Thanks to
Danielle for her help to me also. There are
so many others to say thank you to as
well. All of you have been a blessing to
me. I know you have prayed for me, and I
have felt that support. God Bless all of
you.
Sincerely,
Thank you for the prayers, encouraging words and
financial gifts so many of you offered when our
grandchildren were with us, and since. This note of
thanks is so long overdue, and we apologize. Those
three months our grandchildren were with us, one
month Sue was in California dealing with a difficult
situation, and for months since, we have
experienced more stress than at any time in our 41
years of marriage.
Without our church family, we couldn’t have
made it. Never before have we been showered with
so much love. The First Church Family is truly
amazing. It is the best support group on earth.
In his song, My Tribute, Andre Crouch begins,
“How can I say thanks for the things you have done
for me…” He is giving glory to God. And we do too.
But as always, God uses his people to accomplish
his work. Thank you for ministering to us in our time
of need.
Bob and Sue Carlson
Debbie Reith
In Sympathy
Memorial Service
The family of Alice Gordon, who
died December 19, invite you to a
celebration of her life
Tuesday, February 4th at 1:00 p.m.
in the 1st Church Sanctuary.
(941) 639-3842
We express our deepest sympathy to the
families who have had a recent loss of a loved
one:
Becky Ziegler, December 12
Alice Gordon, December 19
Hilda Peden, December 22
Jack Reith December 29
Amanda Hatfield, January 18
Marjorie Beam, January 22
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First Church Family News
Children’s Ministry
Kids 4 Christ
Tuesday Nights: 6:00—8:00 PM
Kasey Guthridge, Minister of Children
Join us every Sunday at 9:15 as we continue our
winter unit with “Jesus’ Ministry.” The Bible verse
for February is “We know that God has sent you to
teach us. You could not work these miracles, unless
God were with you.” John 3:2 CEB. Our Sunday
school classes will grow leaps and bounds as we
learn that God sent Jesus to teach us how to live.
Bring a friend and join us for a delicious
dinner, Bible story, singing, and tons of fun
as we learn about God’s Kingdom. We hope
to see your family here.
***If you or your small group is interested in
providing a meal for this growing Children’s
program, please contact Kasey Guthridge at
639-3842 or Email:
[email protected]
PARENT’S NIGHT OUT:
Have fun on Valentine’s Day. Take the night off and your kids are sure to have a fun filled night as well
with Kids 4 Christ on February 14th from 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
DROP IN ANYTIME: Parents are
welcome to drop off and pick up
their kids anytime between the
hours of 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. in
Lenox Hall.
INFANTS
AND
TODDLERS
WELCOME: We will have the
Toddler room and Nursery open
with age appropriate activities.
February
14th
6—9 PM
WHAT TO EXPECT: Your kids will have
a blast at this fun filled evening!
Activities will include age-appropriate
games PLUS a movie on the big screen.
We will have Pizza, drinks, and an ice
cream sundae bar. Children Pre-k thru
5th grade are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
INVITE ANOTHER FAMILY! Please feel free to invite your
friends and other families you think would benefit from
this fun event.
IMPORTANT: in order to adequately staff this event with the right ratio of kids to volunteers, we
need to know who is attending and how many kids will be joining us. All families who plan to attend
are required to RSVP to Kasey Guthridge ([email protected]) with the parent’s
name and phone number.
(941) 639-3842
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First Church Family News
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Care Ministry News
Want to be Blessed by
Giving Back?
Cancer Support Ministry
Hope for the Journey: Coping with Cancer through Faith
February 5 • 6:30-8:30 pm • Room 9
“The one who blesses others is
abundantly blessed, those who help
others are helped.” Proverbs 11:25
The CareMinistry is always looking for
those who are willing to give back to
others, even in a small way.
• Would you be willing to deliver a
cooked meal to someone who needs
assistance?
• Would you be willing to drive
someone to a local doctor’s
appointment?
• Would you be willing to drive
someone to church each week?
• Are you interested in becoming a
CareMinister?
Contact
Beverly
Martin
at
[email protected] or 941-625-2213. You
will benefit greatly from giving your gift
of time.
Chemo Caps Still Needed!
The “Caps for Chemo”
ministry is still looking
for crocheters and
knitters to make caps
for
chemotherapy
patients. Free yarn and patterns are
available.
Contact Beverly Martin at
[email protected] or 941-625-2213
for supplies and information.
(941) 639-3842
TOPIC: Diet Guidelines to help Prevent
Cancer and Cancer Recurrences
(Joining us will be a Registered Dietician from
Fawcett Memorial Hospital)
The 1st Church Faith based cancer
support group is open to all adult cancer
survivors and their caregivers from our
church and community.
Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of
each month. New participants are always
welcome and encouraged to attend.
Contact Jane or Brian Sheppard at 5754647 or [email protected]
with questions.
Reflecting on the
2013 Christmas Season:
50 members participated in the Christmas
Cross
⇒ Christmas gifts were delivered to 24 Care
Receivers in assisted living facilities
⇒ 20 gift cards were purchased for Crossroads
Kids
⇒ Two church families were sponsored for
Christmas
⇒ 54 carolers delivered the Christmas
message in song to 13 homes and 3 assisted
living facilities.
Thanks to all who participated in these events
by generously sharing your Christian Spirit.
⇒
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First Church Family News
Marriage Covenant Renewal Service
February 9th
If you will have an anniversary in 2014
that is a multiple of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc.),
or you are celebrating 50 years of marriage
or more, we invite you to participate in a
Marriage Covenant Renewal service in any
one of the 3 worship services on Sunday,
February 9th.
During worship there will be a time for
couples to renew their vows “before God
and this congregation.” Following worship,
there will be a light reception with cake and
punch.
Please contact the Church Office @ 6393842 to participate.
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Team Christmas
Spreading Christmas Cheer
Gift cards, toys, and a credit to be used
at our Bargain Boutique (resale store)
were among the gifts given to families
in need on December 21st. As the
families arrived, children were greeted
by clowns, hugs, candy canes and
balloons. This year 30 families were
assisted by TEAM Christmas.
Team Christmas would like to thank
the 1st Church Small Groups and
Circles who made this effort possible
by their generosity.
“Working Overtime to do God’s Work.”
Morning Coffee with the Word
Friday, February 7
9:00-10:00am • Room 4/Library
•
•
Come and be surprised! We read from Scripture and spiritual poetry.
(941) 639-3842
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First Church Family News
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United Christian Women
United Methodist Men
Anne Simpson, UCW Correspondent
Larry Keller, President, United Methodist Men
Ladies Gathering
Tuesday, February 11
11:30am
Fellowship Hall
Program:
“Care Ministry, Christian Love in Action!”
Bring a dish to share as you fellowship
with others for lunch and an inspirational
program. All ladies of the church are
invited (You do not need to be a UCW
member).
We Invite You to Join a Circle:
Barb Bryant Circle:
2nd Thursday @ 9:30 AM
Freddie Rigell Circle
3rd Monday @ 11:00 AM
Guthrie Stinson Circle
3rd Wednesday @ 7:00 PM
Julie McCartney Circle
4th Monday @ 11:30 Am (bring sack
lunch)
All Circles meet at the Church in Room 9
unless otherwise noted.
(941) 639-3842
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, February 8
8-10am
Bryant Life Center
The cost is by donation and there will
be plenty of food for everyone including
scrambled eggs, sausage patties,
pancakes, coffee and orange juice.
Be sure to come visit and invite a friend.
It’s a great way to start off the weekend!
Men’s Fellowship
Dinner
Monday, February 17
6:00pm
Bryant Life Center
Cost: $8
Program by: Robert McMillan
Bob McMillan has given talks and
presentations over a wide variety of
topics that include domestic and
international issues .
Look for more information on this
interesting speaker on the next page.
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The United Methodist Men
Fellowship Dinner
February 17
6:00 PM
Dinner Cost: $8
Bryant Life Center
Guest Speaker:
Robert McMillan
Former Chairman of the Panama Canal Commission, Robert McMillan, offers a
fascinating Power Point insider’s look at the history - and the future—of Panama and the
Panama Canal.
Starting with the continuing efforts of Christopher Columbus to find a shorter path to
the Orient, adventures and explorers came to Panama’s shores as early as 1502. They were
the gold seekers who developed Panama city so that by 1671 it had a population of 30,000
people! McMillan will discuss the efforts by France to construct a canal across the Isthmus
and why it was doomed to failure. After the French effort, he goes on to cover the
construction of the canal under Teddy Roosevelt.
Panama and the canal have been an important part of America’s heritage. The Panama
Canal plays a vital role in U.S. Naval and Maritime assets, all of which are absolutely
essential for free world security.
Today, almost 70% of the traffic through the Canal is to or from the Untied States., but
15% of the world’s merchant ships cannot pass through the Canal locks. Simply because
they are too large. In order for Panama to still operate as a major global crossing, the canal
needs to be enlarged—a project which is currently underway.
Listen to what role China plays in the Panama Canal. This is a fascinating chronicle of the
Canal’s history and of McMillan’s personal involvement.
McMillan outlines the historical and strategic importance of the canal. He also supplies
fascinating details about the role of dictator Manual Noriega and his forced removal in
“Operation Just Cause.” And finally, McMillan covers the transformation of Panama
through over 18 years of democracy, while looking forward to the future of one of the
most important global passages in the world’s economy.
You will find more information on Bob McMillan’s web page: www.bobmcmillan.net
Please R.S.V.P. Your reservations to: Larry Keller @ [email protected]
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First Church Family News
Mission Updates:
Kris & Rebecca Hodges
are planning for
the winter Passion Conference. They ask for
prayers that students come to this potentially
life changing experience . They have been
busy mobilizing student leaders to ministry.
This has involved everything from leading
community groups and ministry teams to
getting out on campus doing evangelism and
starting to disciple younger students.
Frank & Shawn Dvorak:
The Vernacular
Media Team was able to record portions of
Scripture in 11 new languages. Most of these
recordings were the Gospel of Luke, so now
there are 11 people groups who will have
access to the story of Jesus in their language.
The VMS Team also held a two-week audio
recording workshop for five teams that will be
working among their own language groups.
Shortly, that training will be followed with
each team doing a Scripture recording project
in their language.
Nick Koinis
has concluded his time in
Nepal and North Africa. While there he wrote
“I have worked with a local trekking
company and have taken several journeys to
share the good news of the Lord Jesus in a
number of unreached villages that dot these
steep and beautiful mountains. Hiking on
foot, we travel from village to village. In
some places, we did not know anyone and
relied on the hospitality of Berbers who
invited us into their homes. In other places,
the ministry has established friendships and
we were warmly welcomed back. Please
pray with us that the Lord would continue to
bring more Berber families into his kingdom!
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Ruthe Howell
is planning her return to
China in late Spring and there are several
new volunteers interested in joining her.
Pray that as they plan together, they will
discover how to best utilize their various
skills.
Ruthe asks for prayer that new property is
obtained for their expansion of the Open
Door English Training Center. A sizable down
payment is required to qualify for a bank
mortgage. She asks that you pray with her
for God to lay it on the hearts of folks to
consider “investing” in the future of the
many children and adults who will benefit
from the Training Center.
Galcom Executive Director to
Speak at Pot Luck
February 24 @ 6:00 PM
(Bryant Life Center)
500 years after the Reformation, and 500
years after the Spanish Conquest, it is
amazing to find that across Mexico, there
are 120 language groups and tribes of
people who cannot read Spanish and learn
only orally. They have never been exposed
to the Gospel.
Galcom USA Executive Director, Tom
Blackstone, has just returned from a
mission trip to those Aztec tribes, taking
with him 80 audio New Testaments in 7
different languages.
Plan to attend the February potluck. You
won’t be disappointed with this exciting
presentation. Bring a covered dish….. Or
just bring yourself!
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First Church Family News
United
Tim Buck, Minister of Youth
4
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HIM
Summer Camp Kickoff Event
Sunday, February 2
4:00-5:30 PM
Hear all the exciting details about camp
this coming summer and play camp
games, have a camp snack, win one of
several camp themed prizes or one of 4
partial camp scholarships.
Details on camp costs, fundraising
options, scholarship deadlines and the
online registration process will be
discussed. All necessary paperwork for
summer camp will be available at this
Kickoff event. The Camp dates we will be
attending (camp week #2) is June 16th 21st.)
Summer Camp (and this Kickoff Event)
are open to all students currently in
grades 3-12.
(941) 639-3842
Teen Leadership in full swing!
Students have been gathering on Tuesday
nights for a meal and social time before their
Bible Study.
Following the study, students plan future
youth events and mission projects. Some of
the projects have included writing letters to
Missionaries, Veterans, Shut-ins and
wounded Warriors. Once a month students
pack goody bags for some or our area's
homeless population.
Each Tuesday night brings something new
to participate in and allows the students to
see the difference a group of committed
friends can have on our world.
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First Church Family News
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Confirmation Class
to Begin February 16
Our Media Team Needs You
An Opportunity for all Middle and High
School Students to discover their Faith
An 8-wk Confirmation Class is being offered to
Middle and High School students February 16 April 6. The class will culminate with a special
recognition of the Confirmation Students during
church on Palm Sunday (April 13) .
The class format and overview will be shared
the first week (February 16) with a combined
Middle and High School introductory class.
Weeks 2-8 will be divided into several topics and
spiritual disciplines. Students will be challenged
to solidify their Christian faith and become
further rooted in their beliefs. There will be a
separate class for both Middle and High School
students.
Confirmation is the process by which students
in grades 6-12 become members of our church.
Parents are strongly urged to discuss this
opportunity with their student and consider
enrolling them in this year’s class.
(941) 639-3842
Are you tech-savvy? Enjoy taking
pictures? Like talking? We have
numerous positions available on
our Church Media Team. These
include audio, visual, promotional,
photography/video, and computer
work. If you are looking for an area
where you can serve with your
talents or if you are eager to learn
something new, please call the
church office ASAP. We will be
doing a training session soon so
come and learn about church
media and what we can do to
better facilitate worship.
There are two
weeks left in
February to have
your picture
taken. It’s easy
to schedule your
session online by going to our
website: www.whatis1st.com.
If you do not have a computer or
would like help with scheduling your
photo session, call the church office
@ 639-3842 and we will be happy to
assist you.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
507 West Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, Fl 33950
Phone: 941.639.3842 • Website: www.whatis1st.com • E-mail: [email protected]
Offering New Life In Jesus Christ by
Seeking, Shaping, and Sending disciples
FIRST CHURCH
Servant Leaders
Sunday Worship
8:00 am Worship Celebration
Traditional Worship
Rev. Michael Loomis, Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Pastor John Bryant……....Pastor Emeritus
[email protected]
Don Knoepfle……...Business Administrator
[email protected]
Tim Buck…………………...Minister of Youth
[email protected]
Shawn Marren… Director of Music Ministry
[email protected]
Pastor Bob Carlson……....Assistant Pastor
[email protected]
Sara Minton…Minister of Children’s Music
[email protected]
John Cooper….....Grounds & Maintenance
[email protected]
Gail Sexton……..………………………...Secretary
[email protected]
Articles and submissions are due the 6th
of the month prior to printing. All articles
are subject to editing for space and/or
content.
Danielle Crawfis …..Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Kenny Sparks……………………….…..Custodian
[email protected]
First United Methodist Church
Joseph DePetro…Custodian/Kitchen Coordinator
[email protected]
Joyce Tilden…………....….Financial Assistant
[email protected]
Pastor Bill Grant…… Minister of Teaching
[email protected]
Christa Villarose……..….Media Coordinator
Christa. [email protected]
Kasey Guthridge…..… Minister of Children
[email protected]
Lou Yaklin…………………………….….Custodian
[email protected]
9:15 am Worship Celebration
Contemporary Service
11:00 am Worship Celebration
Traditional Worship
507 West Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-3842
www.whatis1st.com
Danielle Crawfis, Editor