First United Methodist Church

Spring Serve Day - April 28

10am Worship | Service Projects to Follow

News & Devotions

A Year In Review: Vibrant Family Pillar

The Vibrant Family Pillar has seen a phenomenal beginning in 2018. As a group, we have grown in Christ as we seek to complete His mission on our church. We have examined and aligned with the goals given to us by Leadership Council and keep spiritual awareness consistently in our sights.  We have added, and continue to add new members on our committees. We have even officially added a new ministry-Brain Fitness Club this year. I am eager to share highlights of our year together.

Our newest ministry, Brain Fitness Club, has enhanced their program with new spiritual opportunities, a partnership with Central Florida Community Arts, and collaborative experiences with the Methodist School for Early Education (MSEE) and our dance ministry, Studio 150. The interactions of these ministries highlight our pillar’s goal to embrace intergenerational possibilities within our church family.

The Diversity Committee, another new venture for our church, has been hard at work identifying their goals and forging ahead to build diversity awareness in our church.  They have sponsored workshops that have sharpened ideas and allowed us to challenge ourselves to embrace the diversity of not only our church but also the world outside.  This committee has gone above and beyond to serve in the image of Christ.

Our dance ministry, Studio 150, is working with other groups and ministries in our church. This dance school has helped us live into our vision by creating a spiritual presence for students who are members of our church and of the community.  Classes are offered not only for the young, but also for adults as well.

MSEE is constantly refining and expanding the opportunities they offer the students and their families.  They have grown their parent outreach programs and reorganized their board.  Their Fall Festival and Breakfast with Santa are examples of activities that provide multigenerational opportunities for families to connect.

As our Congregational Care Team reorganizes and reshapes itself in light of our vision, the possibilities are endless!  The committee is open to ideas and exploring the needs of our congregation.

Health and Wholeness continues to support our congregation in opening our eyes to the responsibility of maintaining our environment and ourselves on a Christ-like way. Their focus encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual links that create the chain of health and wholeness.

Act II encourages our members over 55 to seize the opportunities that growing older can bring with engagement and service.   Activities include breakfast and dinner get-togethers once a month and interesting and thought-provoking programs several times a year. Service is a key aspect of this ministry in places like The Oaks and Ronald McDonald House.

Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) is officially part of our church!  It will be housed in the newly renovated space on the Reeves property.  Its dynamic program serves infants through age 5, and offers day care.  Their new location will offer them opportunities to grow in numbers as well as possibilities.

The Vibrant Family Pillar is taking advantage of building on God’s grace as we attempt to live and serve in the image of Christ.  The best part of our story is people!  Adults embracing challenges, children singing, playing, and dancing, seniors enjoying life and contributing skills and ideas, members passionate about each other, health care, and the environment-all tied into their passion about their faith.

~Lynn Striepe, Vibrant Family Pilar Leader