Friday Fives

1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we will continue our series on the Methodist Way. Several years ago we spent time seeking to understand how these practices were calling us to live out our faith. This time around we are going to focus on how we have been living out these practices in our lives over the last several years. This Sunday our emphasis will be on the practice of Extravagant Generosity and how we as the body of Christ can model this in our faith walk. I encourage you to invite a friend and come and see how God has been working in our congregation!





2. Food 4 Kids - We are once again participating in the Food 4 Kids backpack program by sponsoring Shady Hill Elementary. Food 4 Kids was created in 2004 when it came to the attention of school teachers that many children were not being fed over the weekend. The "backpack program" as it's termed, was created to provide food for each child that qualifies at the school level for assistance. By volunteering to help fill these backpacks, you help ensure that children in Marion County do not go hungry over the weekend. Beginning in mid-September, we will meet at InterFaith on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 A.M. and fill the backpacks. With four people, this averages about 20 minutes to complete. I hope you will considering volunteering this year, with whatever time you can spare. If you are interested in helping please contact Debby Baugher.





3. Installation Service - You are cordially invited to a Service of Installation for Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson, our newly appointed District Superintendent. It will take place on Sunday, September 8th, at 3:00 P.M., in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Ocala, 1126 E. Silver Springs Boulevard. Also, our Bishop, Ken Carter will be in attendance. There will be reception in the Family Life Center immediately following the ceremony and an open house for the new district office. Everyone is invited and I want to encourage you to attend. You will have the opportunity to hear some of the vision Rev. Haupert-Johnson has for the North Central District. I hope to see you there!





4. Nursery Help - We are looking for people to help us staff our nursery on Sunday mornings. The number of young people we have in the nursery is growing and needless to say, that is a good thing! If you are interested in helping Ms. Joy care for and teach our kids during worship, please let the church office know. You can email by clicking here, or call 629-5688. Thus far, we have had two people sign up and we are looking for at least eight. Remember the old adage, many hands make light work. I hope you will consider volunteering to help support this ministry.
 

5. Advent Conspiracy - This year we have set a goal to raise $5,000, by Christmas Eve, as a response to God's blessings in our lives. This gift, which is above and beyond our regular giving, will be split between Heifer International and Stop Hunger Now. These two organizations do not simply give handouts to help those in need. They teach people how use these gifts to perpetually help themselves. These organizations make a real investment in the communities they help, so these people can then start helping others. If you would like to donate to this challenge, please mark your check or envelope "Heifer Fund" and place it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office. Thank you so much for your consideration in helping us meet this goal and share the love of Christ with people the world over.



 Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!