First United Methodist Church

Service Times

9am Contemporary | 11am Traditional

A Call to Peace: Reports from Belfast

The Forum Class is hosting past participants from our church’s Belfast tours on February 18th and 25th! Everyone is invited to join as a small panel shares their experiences in Northern Ireland, the lessons they brought home, and the initiatives that are being inspired. There will also be an open dialog for the room around community, conflict, and peacemaking.

Come to the Fellowship Hall at 10am on February 18th and 25th. All are welcome.

Both dialogs will be moderated by David Witwer (2022 trip participant). David will be joined on Feb. 18 by Claud Smith,Ashley Freed, and others. Feb. 25 will feature Andy Browne, Charon Hannink, and others.

Offered in partnership by Forum and the DEI Ministry.

Walking with Wonder: Faith & Fitness with Pastor Rachel

During the Season of Lent, you are invited to meet Pastor Rachel by the Fountain in Blue Jacket Park from 2-3pm on Thursdays for a time of brisk walking, conversation, wonderment and prayer. We will be using the book “Easter Earthquake” by the Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish to guide our conversations as we walk and talk. There is something beautiful about connecting fitness to our faith when done in community.

Join us for our first walk together on Thursday, February 15th at 2pm. We will be discussing the first 22 pages and books can be bought on Amazon. All are welcome and no RSVP is required, but feel free to email Pastor Rachel if you have any questions at racheld@fumcwp.org.

Ash Wednesday 2024

  • Ashes & Prayer with Pastor Rachel: 12-1pm, Marcy Chapel
  • Family Meal: 6:00-7:00pm, Fellowship Hall
  • Prayer Stations & Ashes: 6:00-7:00pm, Courtyard
  • Worship: 7:00-7:30pm, Sanctuary

Join us on Ash Wednesday for our family dinner and prayer stations before the shortened worship service!

From 6:00-7:00pm we will have Dinner in the Fellowship Hall and Prayer Stations in the Courtyard (including ashes). The meal will include soup, salad, bread, and dessert, with chicken and fruit for the kids. There is no cost for the meal, but a donation basket will be available for your contribution. Please register and bring a side dish to share (salad, bread, or dessert).

From 7:00-7:30pm we will have a shortened Worship Service in the Sanctuary. Ashes will be available again at the end of worship if you do not receive ashes during our prayer station time.

We have designed the evening with all ages in mind, so please bring your whole family. Nursery will not be available, but the family room in the Sanctuary entrance will be open!


Are you unable to attend our evening experience? Join Pastor Rachel during the lunch hour from 12-1pm in the Marcy Chapel for prayer and the imposition on ashes.

Broadway Bound 2024

You won’t want to miss the show-stopping Broadway tunes sung by many familiar faces! This year’s theme will be “Jukebox Musicals.” All the proceeds go towards the Impact Singers summer mission trip. This year the youth will be traveling to Memphis, Tennessee to sing and serve.  In years past and this summer they will serve men, women and children that are either homeless, in assisted living centers, subsidized youth programs, or hungry and being served at soup kitchens.  They cook, clean, organize, paint, play games, and serve however needed.  It’s a wonderful experience for the youth to be shaped in these ways.

Doors Open: 6:15pm
Show Begins: 7:00pm

Tickets will go on sale Sunday, Jan. 14! You can purchase tickets in the Music Office or Front Office, Monday-Friday,  9am-2pm only. And, on Sunday mornings in the courtyard.

Childcare will be available on Friday night. Please sign up for childcare when you purchase your tickets. Dessert will be provided. 


SILENT AUCTION

Silent Auction gifts will add to the success of Broadway Bound’s proceeds to send the Impact Singers on their mission trip in June of 2024.  Please donate through gift certificates, merchandise or services. After completing the attached form, please bring or mail it with your item to First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, 125 N. Interlachen Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789.  If you have any questions, please call Mary Ann Andrus at 407-644-2906.  Thank you!


DESSERT DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Broadway Bound is almost here and we need many hands to make it a success! Please click on the links below to sign up to bring desserts or volunteer your time. Let’s show our students we believe in them and want their summer mission trip to be a blessing to those they serve!

Hannah Closet 2024

Join us for our Hannah’s Closet Children’s Consignment Sale!

Held annually, Hannah’s Closet features children’s clothes, toys and goods for infants through 14 years old. Shoppers will find all types of clothing and shoes including swimwear, dance-wear, holiday clothing, and even costumes! Other items include baby equipment, furniture, toys, books and movies.

All of our sales proceeds support local organizations helping women and children. Click the link below to learn more about the sale and becoming a consignor!

Cookie Decorating Party

Come and join us this season for a delightful time filled with sprinkles, frosting, and all things sweet! You don’t have to be alone this season, we will save you a seat!

We invite you to come to decorate cookies that will be given out during our Christmas Eve services. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great conversations and fellowship while creating beautiful and delicious treats for our community.

To ensure we are prepared for your arrival, please register by December 19. This event is open to everyone, including our little elves!

Don’t forget to bring your festive aprons, as all decorating supplies will be provided. We can’t wait to see you there!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

Saturday, December 23

  • Lessons & Carols – 7pm, Sanctuary

Sunday, December 24

  • Contemporary – 10am, MFLC Gym
  • Family Service – 3pm, MFLC Gym
  • Lessons & Carols – 5pm, Sanctuary
  • Lessons & Carols – 7pm, Sanctuary

What to Expect!

Review the descriptions below to find a Christmas Eve service that fits your worship style.

Family “Candlelight” Service
Gather your family and join us for an interactive Christmas Eve service! We will sing, pray, and invite everyone to participate in the story of Christmas. To include our little ones, we will use glow sticks for “Candlelight” during this service.

Contemporary Candlelight Service
Enjoy contemporary Christmas and a special seasonal sermon. This service will end with candlelight.

Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service
Join us as we read the Christmas story in scripture, sing and hear familiar carols, listen to a brief message from a pastor, and end the gathering with candlelight and “Silent Night.”


Watch Online

All of our Christmas Eve Services will be live-streamed for you to watch online. Click the link below to watch online.

Finding Hope Worship Service

Wherever you are on your Spiritual journey, this Evening Worship Under The Stars is sure to make a positive impact. Find Hope, Encouragement, Comfort & Joy as you gather with others in the courtyard to experience this unique Advent service. It will change your perspective on Christmas!

This service includes our Studio 150 Dancers. The nursery will be available for parents with young children.

Festival Gloria 2023

Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 & 11am, Sanctuary

Our annual Christmas concert is a gift to our community to kick off the Advent Season. Bring your family and friends to hear our Christmas Festival Choir and professional orchestra as they present familiar Christmas carols after John Rutter’s “Gloria”.


Donate or Serve for the Musicians’ Breakfast

We have the privilege of hosting nearly 100 musicians for the presentation of Festival Gloria. To bless the singers and instrumentalists, we are providing breakfast to help keep them energized for the two worship services! We are requesting food donations for breakfast. Join us in making this special morning a gift to our church and community. Sign up at the link below.

Decorate the Church for Advent

Chrismon Tree: Sunday, Nov. 24, 12:15pm

Wreaths & Garland: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10am

You’re invited to decorate the sanctuary and church campus! Bring your friends and family and join us as we spread holiday cheer and prepare for a wonderful season.


What are Chrismons?

Chrismons, meaning “Christ monograms,” traditionally are white and gold designs made from Christian symbols that signify Christ. Often displayed on an evergreen tree during the Christmas season, symbols such as stars, crosses, fish, crowns, and the alpha and omega remind us of Christ’s identity, his story, and of the Holy Trinity.