Month: January 2019

Thank you to our Vibrant Family Members and their guests who were willing to take a gently used candle and holder.  For the first time members of our community were offered a choice of being good stewards of the God’s creation by being willing to re-use candles and holders during the Christmas Eve services.

This re-use/re-cycle endeavor involved some effort on the part of many volunteers.  The candles had to be moved at the end of the services at the lakefront, sanctuary, and Mathias Family Life Center in garbage bags and sorted and re-stacked to be ready for the following services.

A few days following Christmas, another volunteer team sorted used candles and holders and determined which could be used next year.  Candles and holders were separated for storage.  Team members wiped each used holder with alcohol to remove the smoke and some of the wax from the inside of the holders.  The SSTs separated the new candles and holders.  There are 19 boxes of candles and holders that will be stored for next year’s candlelight services.

A total of 3000 new candles and holders were purchased for the 2018 Christmas eve services.  Half of the candles and holders were not used, thus leading us to believe that at least 1000 people took a gently used candle.  Next year we hope that more family members will take a previously used candle demonstrating our care of the environment and financial stewardship as well.

• 1,030 pairs of socks
• 556 pairs of undies
• 2,300 diapers
• 52 sweatshirts & hoodies

Dear Church Family,

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says to those gathered, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

With that scripture in mind, I’m excited to lead the Passionate Seekers pillar in 2019, supporting the ministries of New Members, Kinfolk, Connect Groups, and Discipleship. One thing I love about being a United Methodist is our focus on living out the greatest commandment, that we love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. We know that it’s important to use all three; heart, mind, and soul working together.

Since joining FUMCWP 16 years ago I’ve learned to ask questions, to seek God, and to wrestle with the Scriptures. I’ve found that when we do, we transform our lives so we become Christ-like people who live Jesus’ way of life. That way of life, of course, is the way of love. I’ve also learned that following Jesus can sometimes be difficult, because the second greatest command is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t always come naturally to me! Fortunately, there’s a question I’ve learned to apply as I approach the workday, family time, or any part of life. It’s simply, “What does love require of me?” When I answer that question honestly and sincerely, I know what to do.

No matter where any of us are on our faith journey, we can all come together as passionate seekers, and as one family. I look forward to seeing the exciting things ahead for our ministries as we continue on the journey at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park.

– Bob Atchison, Passionate Seekers Pillar Leader