Weekly E-Letter - For the Week of May 15th, 2022

Hello FUMCA Friends and Families,

Well, friends, I apologize that this week the letter is rather short. I’m on the road today to be with my family after the passing of my Grandmother at the age of 93. I’m blessed to be one of three pastors who will be officiating her service. She was a lifelong Methodist, an active member of the United Methodist Women’s Ministry, and helped create more UMW cookbooks than I can even count. She was the picture of southern hospitality, charm, and grace. I’m thankful to have known her for such a long part of my life.

I will ask for your prayers as this will open up some grief around the loss of my dad. 2 years ago he passed away and then one year ago this coming week, we laid his ashes to rest in Winder, GA. I’ll be returning to Winder to lay Granny to rest. Though their bodies rest there, their souls are together once again and shining in God’s glory. I’m thankful for what we proclaim in the good news of Easter, that death is defeated, and eternal life is ours to proclaim.

I wanted to make sure we let you know about the happenings at the church, so please be sure to read the announcements. As we get closer and closer to summer, it seems like it just gets busier and busier.

We’ll gather on Sunday and dig into the scriptures with the passage in Acts 11:1-18. We’ll think a lot about what it means to be hospitable and to create space for others. I look forward to seeing you all this week, in person or online!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Augie

Announcements:

Youth Director Position: It is with saddened hearts that SPR announces that Todd Leclair will be stepping down at the end of the school year to take a position closer to his home in SW Gainesville. In the coming week, we will have a job posting for Youth Director posted. If you know of anyone with a heart for Youth Ministry, please contact Staff Parish or the Pastor.

Santa Fe Senior Celebrations: There are a number of opportunities to get to share our love and support for the class of 2022 at Santa Fe High School. On May 26 @ 7pm there will be a Baccalaureate Ceremony at Canvas Church and on June 5th we will have a special message from Fred Hilton and a celebration of the seniors of our youth. More information will be coming soon!

New Staff: Our new Pianist, Bill Powell, will be here on May 29th for his first Sunday with us. Also, this past Monday, James Wheeler joined the staff as the Director of Communications & Media. Be sure to say “Hi!” to them on Sunday mornings and welcome them to our church!

Santa Fe Senior Celebrations: There are a number of opportunities to get to share our love and support for the class of 2022 at Santa Fe High School. On May 26 @ 7pm there will be a Baccalaureate Ceremony at Canvas Church and on June 5th we will have a special message from Fred Hilton and a celebration of the seniors of our youth. More information will be coming soon!

FL UMC Children’s Home: May 29th is our 5th Sunday special offering for the FL Methodist Children’s Home. There will be envelopes for a special offering to go directly to the Children’s Home that supports some of the most at-risk children in our state. Thank you for your loving support of this ministry!

Pumpkin Patch 2022 Meeting: Join us after church (this Sunday, May 15th) for a round table discussion about the Pumpkin Patch for this year. We look forward to having plenty of volunteers to support this amazing ministry.