Category: Blog

Seeking Part-Time Childcare Workers

Family Ministry is seeking part-time workers for childcare at our church. Workers will be provide love and care for children in our nursery (infant-5yrs old) and for children grade K-5th during non-Sunday events while their parents learn and serve! The number of hours per week will vary based on childcare needs. Generally, help is needed on Sundays from 7:45-12:15; Thursday mornings 9-12 weekly; Tuesday mornings once a month and Wednesdays 4-7:30 pm; plus additional opportunities for other church events throughout the week.

Candidates should be loving, patient, love working with children, be responsible, reliable, and work well with others.  Some of the duties required include engaging children in age appropriate play; communicating well with staff, volunteers, parents, and children; must be comfortable with all aspects of infant and toddler care including diaper changes, toilet training assistance and feeding; and cleaning the nursery rooms.

Candidates should have experience or education in childcare and CPR certification is preferred. Background checks will be required and provided by employer.  Pay rate is $10/hour.  Please contact Dawn Peterson at dawnp@fumcwp.org for application materials.

The Ruth Circle Rummage Sale was a huge success this year! As Christ-like servants, the Ruth Circle raised a bundle (over $6000) for local missions. Blessings to the congregation and community for your fabulous donations, help and cooperation. Julia Rowe, a Ruth Circle member, has shared with us her thoughts as she reflects on the GOOD that comes from this sale.

“First, there is the inter-generational and cross-group experience in pulling this together. Everyone in the church can be involved and is involved with donating the items (and shopping for them). The youth helps us unload on Sunday night. My small Wednesday group and many other groups save their stuff for us and wish us well. In other words the sale fosters togetherness among our congregation and staff as well.

Second, we keep a gym full of stuff out of the landfill showing a stewardship to our Earth.

Third, we give medical things to Betsy’s closet of things to help those in need of it.

Fourth, we provide dignity and opportunity to people with limited funds to shop for things that they need and who might not otherwise be able to have a book, or a toy, or a lamp, or an extra pot. It felt so nice to hear a lady came back after the first day exclaiming what a happy evening she had spent entertaining herself with a 50 cent puzzle!

Fifth, we gave or sold boxes of books to school libraries who will share them with children who need to read and be read to using these materials.

Sixth, and related to the fourth, we create an opportunity for ourselves to “go out into the world” and be with those we don’t always know how to be with, but whom Jesus calls us to befriend.

Seventh, it certainly gives a time of togetherness, bonding, and laughter, and sharing among each other when I am not sure that would happen without a project to the extent it does when we are accomplishing something good together.

Eighth, the person who picks up the leftover items at the end also is benefited by helping them to make a living or further their cause so the the ripple affect keeps on going.

Ninth, of course the money we earned! We always do so much good locally with how we give it away. Deciding how it is spent helps us grow in wisdom with that responsibility and brings us happiness too.

Oh and the main thing, I got -21 lb during the time! Give it a shot, I normally order it on https://phenterminehealth.com to be sure on the quality.

I think the ripple effects will still be going out from our efforts. I think it is a God thing that brings about a multiplying phenomenon when we give our small contribution. Thanks again to Barbara Webster for your leadership in this huge undertaking and thanks to everyone who joined in!”

The Diversity Team and Missions together are working to develop a partnership with Killarney and Aloma Elementary Schools this fall.  Recently we have been collecting school supplies for both schools.  Both schools have a large percentage of students on free and reduced lunch and have a student population that is racially and culturally diverse.  In October we will begin reading individually with K-2 children once a week.  If you are interested in becoming involved with this project at Killarney, plan to attend a short informational meeting on Sunday, September 9^th at 12:00pm in the Matthias Family Life Center 320 or contact Laura Toshie  (Laurat@fumcwp.org) for more information.

As members of our vibrant family and Christ-like servants, we are called to reach out to our Winter Park Community and to make a difference in the lives of others.  Through a new partnership with Killarney and Aloma, Elementary Schools, we are equipping and supporting our children.  Every child is precious and a child of God.  This is our opportunity to connect and engage with children in our Winter Park community to support their growth, development and learning in partnership with their teachers.  It is a small way that we can make a difference and to serve in the image of Jesus Christ and to live out the call of Christ in our daily lives.

Based on the Wesleyan tradition, Bishop Carter of the Florida Conference has encouraged every Florida UMC to connect with schools to serve children “who are not reaching their potential”.  Bishop Carter’s vision is to carry forward Wesley’s plan to help the poor and serve Jesus Christ.  Every Child matters and are our kids.

“But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” Luke 9:47-48

Living Into Our Vision

We continue to see movement and evolution with ministry at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park (FUMCWP) as we live into our vision of being a vibrant family.

Earlier this year we announced the development of the Foundry and some of the important transitions happening with Trinity Christian Academy (TCA), the South Street property, and the Reeves property. We are currently in the midst of discerning what the move from the South Street property to the former Reeves Memorial UMC property on Fern Creek means for our church family.

Let us open our hearts as we pray over the vision and future of our church family. As we seek to fulfill Christ’s commandment to make disciples, we aim to be “a vibrant family built on God’s grace, who share a passion for the Word of God, living and serving in the image of Jesus the Christ.”

Celebrating a Farewell to South Street Ministry

Our South Street Ministry was originally initiated as a way to reach our local community in Orlando. We celebrate and rejoice in the ministry that was accomplished over the years through South Street! However, the South Street property has become a real challenge for us. This Spring we conducted a feasibility study that revealed over $400,000 in necessary repairs over the next 4 years. In addition to that investment, annual funding needs continue to increase for that property – making it difficult to meet all the financial demands.

We recognize the importance of a ministry in our local community and Leadership Council asked a joint-task team of lay leaders from the ministry and the church to look at its future. A new program, objectives, and goals were set and not met. We are building on the lessons learned as we relaunch the ministry under the Foundry name. In addition to the development of the Foundry, TCA – one of our preschool ministries – is able to expand and grow into a new location starting this fall at Reeves. As TCA transitions properties, the Marcy Trust funded the majority of the necessary renovations for them to call Reeves, home!

Mark your calendars for the South Street Farewell Celebration on August 26th! Look forward to a gathering filled with food and celebration as we give thanks to the South Street Ministry and look forward to the continuation through the Foundry and Reeves property.

 Learning More About the Foundry

As a continuation of the Christ-like service at South Street, Foundry is developing! This ministry plays into our strengths of multi-generational connection and service. Further, the Foundry gleans insight from our excellent Panua ministry, based in Kenya. We aim to serve our neighbors while addressing a great need in our own city.

Many of you may be curious about the foundation of the Foundry. The intent is to serve those aging out of the foster care system. There is a significant, elevated risk of homelessness, drug addiction, and unemployment for those aging out of foster care. The Foundry seeks to offer mentorship in a team format. We believe that mentorship is the medium for building relationships that address employment, health, and spiritual needs. Through these relationships, we seek to support and connect young adults with our church family.

Learn more about the Foundry and the direction of this ministry here. If you’re interested in serving, please reach out to Pastor Craig at craigb@fumcwp.org.

 Moving from the South Street Property to the Reeves Property

In collaboration with the Florida Annual Conference, here is some important financial information for our church family to consider. As we return the South Street property back to the Florida Annual Conference:

• We will receive $25,000 annually from the Florida Annual Conference for the next 5 years dedicated to the Foundry.
• We will receive $50,000 from the Florida Annual Conference initially to build a Foundry office at the Reeves Property.
• The Florida Annual Conference will consider future financial support if and when the Foundry moves into the affordable housing aspect of the ministry in support of those aging out of the foster care system.
• FUMCWP is removed from the upcoming financial obligations of repairing the South Street property.

Exciting Times at the Reeves Property

Earlier this year, Leadership Council and the Trustees initiated the TCA move from the South Street property to the Reeves Memorial United Methodist Church (Reeves UMC) campus in time for the Fall school year. As those plans were under way, our District Superintendent at the Florida Annual Conference made the decision to close Reeves UMC. However, the Conference’s decision to close Reeves UMC did not affect TCA’s move; but rather, it opened up opportunity for expanded ministry of our vibrant family. There are many ways we, at FUMCWP, can embrace this property to explore future ministry opportunities. Leadership Council has voted to explore these and a final approval will be sought through the Church Conference later this Fall.  Here are just a few of the possibilities:

• Trinity Christian Academy (TCA): TCA has already received a warm welcome by the Reeves community through increased enrollment and waitlists for several of the classes! We look forward to expanding our vibrant family through this preschool ministry, opening our doors to the community and producing sustainable income.
• Counseling Center: We have the possibility to host a center with multiple counselors of various disciplines that adds value for our church at large, preschools, families, and wedding ministries. Again, this becomes another entry point for membership into our church. The counselors would pay fair rental value for the office spaces (7-8 offices) and we’d be able to provide a part-time director and receptionist to support this ministry.
• Dance Studio: Our Studio 150 dance ministry, currently located at FUMCWP, provides high quality dance training in a fun-filled learning environment. We could strengthen that ministry by providing a new space. Through the Reeves property, we would open the doors to the students across the street at the Orlando Gifted Academy. This dance studio would create income, ministry opportunities, and resources for both the local community and our church family.
• Coffee House: Consider the value of having a gathering spot for the community, waiting parents, and counseling center clients! Imagine another connection point for parents picking up their children up at the Orlando Gifted Academy across the street. Further, a Coffee House would offer employment opportunities for clients of the Foundry and a point of connection in the community.
• Celebrate Recovery: In addition to a Counseling Center and Coffee House, we have the possibility of building other ministries at the Reeves property. Historically, Reeves has hosted 12 step programs for years. As we bring a culture change to that property, we aim to make church connections more inviting. We know that the center of healing is based upon Jesus Christ as our higher power.
• Foundry Office: Simply put, the Reeves property would be the location of the Foundry administrative offices.
• Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON): By offering office space for this community ministry, we seek to increase foot traffic on the Reeves property. JFON offers pro-bono attorneys to help those with immigration challenges and further serves as an opportunity for our members to use their skills in service to others. This opportunity is a way to build connection with our church family and the community as we seek to expand new member opportunities.

Attend one of our Off-site Meetings August 14^th and 16^th or one of the Home Meetings August 21^st and 22^nd to dialogue with Pastor David as we explore expanding our ministry to Reeves, investing in our future, property considerations, and our long-term vision of ministry!

What’s next?

We invite you to take part in our celebration of ministry in the following ways:

• Continue to pray for the future and the vision of our church family as we seek to be a vibrant family making disciples of all people. Share with us your prayer requests during this time of celebration and ministry renewal.
• Plan to attend our Reeves Open House August 12^th from 9:30am-2pm. See some of the exciting improvements of the Reeves property and how TCA is settling into the new classroom space. Use this opportunity to see the vision of this new campus.
• Learn more about the Foundry and the direction of this ministry here. If you’re interested in serving with this ministry, please reach out to Pastor Craig at craigb@fumcwp.org.
• Mark your calendars for the South Street Farewell Celebration on August 26th! Look forward to a gathering filled with food and celebration as we give thanks to the South Street Ministry and look forward to the continuation of ministry through the Foundry and Reeves property.
• Stay engaged with our church family by subscribing to our church-wide e-newsletter where we offer a Monday Memo (with weekly happenings) and the Thursday at Three (with stories of our church family). Subscribe.
• Join us Sunday morning September 9^th in between services to have an open conversation with Pastor David and Leadership Council to ask any remaining questions before our Church Conference.

As members of our vibrant family, we are uniquely privileged and tasked by God to be good stewards of the planet and care for our environment.  While small actions may often seem insignificant, as passionate seekers working together as a community of caring Christians our seemingly small faith actions can impact our world and make a difference and demonstrate our responsibility of loving our neighbor.

This summer when fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful at the grocery and at local Farmer’s Markets, try eating at least one meatless meal a week.  By using locally grown produce for your meatless meal you reduce the energy costs of food production including transporting goods to market, food processing and grocery store costs (www.epa.gov). Not only does eating more locally grown vegetables versus meat have a positive impact on the environment, it is also healthier.

The Health Ministry will be sponsoring several cooking classes in the fall on Cooking Healthy with Vegetables. Stay tuned for more information and dates!