Author: devadmin

Updated 5/24/2021

This is an exciting time to share that while the pandemic is not over, we are at a place to start relaxing some of our safety protocols. With that said, we are aware that there are still new cases of Covid in our community and this will be with us for some time

While staff, members, and guests can volunteer their vaccination status with others, it is not permissible to question anyone’s vaccination status, or make assumptions/commentary to or about those wearing masks. With the new CDC and Florida United Methodist Conference mask guidelines, we want to clarify our mask policy:

Members, Guests, Staff:

• Vaccinated Individuals – Masks Optional on campus
• Unvaccinated Individuals – Masks Required on campus

Student, Children, Nursery Staff/Lay Volunteers working with those under 18:

• Vaccinated Leaders – Masks Required indoors and optional outdoors
• Unvaccinated Leaders – Masks Required on campus

Preschools:

• Vaccinated Teachers – Masks Optional on campus
• Unvaccinated Teachers – Masks Required indoors and optional outdoors

We are excited that life is in some ways returning to “normal” and we are thankful for the slightly lower COVID cases in our area. We give God thanks for all that we have learned in this strange season and how we have stretched, pivoted and worked creatively throughout this time. Thank you for being a part of our faith community as we aim to transform lives for the good of God’s Kingdom. 

Please contact Matt Kuzma, COO, at MattK@fumcwp.org. if you have any questions or concerns.

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Safety Preparedness 

Like others in our community, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation. As a church community, we offer a variety of ministries across all age groups and life stages. We continue to follow briefings provided by local, state, and national officials including Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Public Health Departments.

We want to share with you some of the proactive measures we are taking at our Winter Park Campus (125 N Interlachen Ave Winter Park, FL 32789) and Reeves Center (110 N Fern Creek Ave, Orlando, FL 32803).

• Providing disinfectant wipes in all the meeting rooms.
• Providing additional trashcans around campus.
• Distributing hand sanitizer across the campus.
• Upgrading our sanitization program with the custodial crew.
• Sharing educational resources through our communication channels.

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Safety Precautions

We encourage everyone to follow advice from the CDC:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

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Stay Informed

• Follow our Facebook page for up to date information and announcements as well.

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Have Questions?

• For ministry specific questions, please reach out to the staff contact as appropriate.
• For staffing questions, please email hr@fumcwp.org
• For marketing questions, please email communications@fumcwp.org 

January and February have been fun and fulfilling months for the Gracious Hosts pillar. We began the New Year with Wesley Fest, a celebration of our rich Wesleyan heritage. On January 26, our traditional Sunday worship service was filled with glorious orchestral and choral music directed by Michael Roberts. We were honored to have Bishop Ken Carter as our guest preacher. He reminded us that we are called to follow Jesus and challenged us to learn the wisdom of the “next faithful step.” Highlights of our afternoon and evening festivities include a visit by UCF quarterback, Darriel Mack Jr., during which Darrel shared the importance of his faith. Ten chili cook-off chefs shared their favorite recipes amid a spirit of fun and fellowship. Thank you to the hospitality team and other pillar members for all your hard work on this event!

In February, we were treated to the delightful music of Sit Andrew Lloyd Webber ad we enjoyed a delicious meal and scrumptious desserts at Broadway Bound, a fun-filled show featuring talented members of our church. This is always a “hit” in our Winter Park community! Thank you to Michael Roberts, Director of Music Ministry, and team!

We also celebrated our Scouting Ministry last month. Boy and Girl Scouts and their families enjoyed a delicious Refuel Wednesday spaghetti supper and an evening of games, fellowship, and fun! The following Sunday, Scouts were recognized as they participated in our church services.

On Feb. 12, families enjoyed a delightful time in fellowship and fun during a Valentine-themed Refuel Wednesday. Everyone loved the delicious tacos prepared by Randy Parsons, Director of Hospitality, and team. Thank you!

Confirmation is well underway as youth in our church explore what it means to be a Christ-follower.

As Spring approaches, we are excited about coming events in our Pillar:

• On Good Friday, our Music Ministry will present the sacred work, “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” accompanied by a full orchestra.
• Many of our students will also participate in Encounter, an exciting weekend at Warren Willis Camp, sponsored by Family Ministry.

Join us as we grow in community together!

Blessings,
Arnetta Rodgers, Gracious Hosts Pillar Leader

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Problem

There are 2.5 million orphans in Kenya and over 25,000 of those are in Naivasha, estimates UNICEF. Children continue to suffer the loss of one or both of their parents as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. When this happens, the burden of care falls to elderly family members and the oldest sibling left behind—all of them trapped in poverty.

About

Recommended by our partners in Kenya, the Swahili word “inua” reflects the team effort and communal transformation seen throughout the ministry. Inua is a verb meaning to lift up together, raise up or elevate. This concept of building strength as a community depicts the process by which Inua Partners in Hope helps its at-risk youth restore hope and achieve economic independence. Inua operates in Naivasha, Kenya, located in the Rift Valley Province, northwest of Nairobi. Inua’s work builds relationships with Naivasha’s most vulnerable orphans and youth to help expand their opportunities for a future full of self-sustainability and hope.

Program

Inua Partners in Hope is a comprehensive ministry embracing the well-being of the whole child. Inua transforms lives by empowering youth-led families to reach self sustainability through:

• food and housing security
• emotional and spiritual well-being
• health and hygiene
• legal support
• education and vocational training
• entrepreneurship

Since 2009, Inua Partners in Hope has continued to move these vulnerable, broken children and youth from desperation and grief to a productive life of hope.

Mission

Inua Partners in Hope empowers vulnerable youth living in Naivasha, Kenya to thrive in total wellness and self-sufficiency through community-led mentoring, learning and God’s love.

How to get involved

• Connect: Visit our website, follow us on social media, sign up to receive email updates, or email katie@inuapartners.org for more information. We often have areas needing volunteers and would love to find a way for you to use your gifts and talents to support the Inua youth.
• Pray: Join our team by praying for the 200 youth joining our ministry for the next two years, praying for our mentors and staff in Kenya, praying for our missioners, and praying for our US board and team.
• Give: Go online to donate today.
• Go: Reach out to Elizabeth Mathis at elizabethm@fumcwp.org to learn more about upcoming mission trips to Naivasha, Kenya.