News and Notes for the week of December 5

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Project Giving Tree
This year Ocala First is adopting families from Wyomina Park Elementary School who are in need of a little Christmas help.   We are asking church members to adopt a family and provide three gifts for each child.  Contact Shannon (shannon.vianello@gmail.com) or Austin (austin@fumcocala.org) for more information on how you can serve! 

Christmas Concert
On Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 pm our wonderful Praise Band will present the concert “Emmanuel: An Evening of Contemporary Christian Christmas Music” in the Family Life Center. The free concert will feature traditional and new Christmas favorites. Infant and Pre-K childcare is provided and an offering will be taken to support our Ocala First homeless ministries. This concert is a great opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbors to join you for an open and enjoyable event for all ages!

Wednesday Evening Prayer Group
All are invited and welcome to join our Wednesday Evening Prayer Group as they begin a new 7-week study of Luke 11:1-13: How to Pray.   The prayer group meets from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in the Parlor. 

End-of-Year Giving
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the season, you likely receive many appeals from worthy causes for your charitable gifts. We are grateful for your generosity to Ocala First throughout the year and hope you will remember us this Holy Season as well. Your giving really does make a difference in the lives of our children and youth, in our mission to those in need across Ocala and throughout world, and in though the many ways we reach people through our mission and ministry.    

Your 2016 pledges can be paid through December 31, 2016.  And if you have not pledged for 2017, you are encouraged to do so this month so that our Finance Committee can faithfully support our mission and ministry throughout 2017.

Special Charge Conference
The Reverends David and Rwth Fuquay have called a special Charge Conference for Ocala First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 11th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. The charge conference will have one agenda item: “to seek approval to purchase property adjacent to Ocala First UMC.” The property in question is known as the “Shashy Property” immediately to the east of the sanctuary – 1136 East Silver Springs Blvd. This charge conference will be presided over by The Rev. June Edwards. Voting members of the Charge Conference include all members of the Church Council. Additional information regarding the property resolution is now available to interested church members. You may read it below on our blog or contact the church office to receive a copy.

A Disciple’s Path: A Baptism, New Members and Renewal Class
Rwth and David are pleased to lead A Disciple’s Path beginning in January 4, 2017. This six week study is required for all who would like to join Ocala First through Baptism, Profession of Faith or by Transfer of Membership. Rwth and David would also like to invite and encourage all current members who would desire to renew and rekindle their spiritual life to join this wonderful time of study, reflection and fellowship. The session be held each Wednesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. To sign up, please contact the church office.

Kitchen/Hospitality Manager Needed:
We are looking for someone who is interested in taking over the kitchen/hospitality manager position at our church. Rhonda Kirk has been a true gift for our congregation, but she has discerned that it is time for her to move in a new direction professionally. Thankfully she will remain an active part of our church family (we love you Rhonda!).

If you have the passion to step into this role (gifts and experience a plus!), please pray about this opportunity. Training and help is available during this transition time. You must be able to organize and take over the Tuesday outreach lunch and Wednesday night dinners. We would love someone willing and able to do our wedding receptions, funeral receptions, and special events. This is a wonderful position for the right person. Please contact Sue Ross in the Front Office.



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