Weekly Update 9/11

Weekly Update 9/11

This week we begin a new sermon series called Wesleyan Rooted.  We will take a look at the foundational beliefs that form us as Christians and United Methodists.  Our first week is called Grow Deeply.  It is all about love.  Life in Christ, from a Wesleyan perspective, involves growth in grace and love. Our lives are rooted in God’s unbounded love and transformed by God’s universal grace. The Christian journey entails the restoration of God’s image in our lives and growth into deeper levels of love for God and neighbor. 


Sunday, September 15, 2024
“Grow Deeply”

From The Pastor

Charge Conference, Pumpkin Patch, and Fall Festival.  These are the main things on my radar right now.  We have also started our Bible Study, the Daily Bible Readings and Stella is leading an Online Bible Study again.  

The Charge Conference is scheduled for September 28th at 9:15 at First UMC Jax.  Everyone is welcome to attend. This is when we approve the church budget for 2025, finalize our committees, and verify we are doing the things we are called to do by the conference.  If you are interested in understanding how a connectional denomination functions, this is a meeting for you.

Pumpkin Patch.  This Saturday we will prepare the pumpkin patch for the arrival of pumpkins.  Our first truck is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25th at 4:30.  The more people that are available to help the quicker we will finish.

Fall Festival is October 26th from 12-4.  This is a great community event and we will have 2-3 local schools coming to perform.  If you would like to assist let Melinda Melrose know that you are available.

Church Center App

Church Center – Our new church management software is called Church Center. Please download the application on your phone.  We will be transitioning our church-wide communication to this method.

Upcoming Events

  • Bible Study lessons will begin on Monday, 9/9 at 2nd Bay Brewing at 6:30pm
  • Daily Bible Readings begin 9/1, let us know if you would like to contribute
  • T.L.C. Youth Group meets every Sunday 6:30-7:30 except for 5th Sunday
  • 6:12 Youth Group (Tuesday night group) will pause for the summer
  • 9/14  weather permitting, Pumpkin Patch set up 8-noon
  • 9/15  T.L.C. Youth Group 6:30-7:30
  • 9/16  Monday evening Bible Study at 2nd Bay Brewing at 6:30pm
  • 9/17  Church Council Meeting at 6:30pm
  • 9/18  Wednesday morning Bible Study at ROL 10:00am
  • 9/22  T.L.C. Youth Group 6:30-7:30
  • 9/24  SPRC Meeting at 6:30pm
  • 9/26  Pumpkin Patch Opens
  • 9/28  Charge Conference, First UMC Jax at 9:15am
  • 9/29  Church Potluck after worship
  • 9/29  Fifth Sunday Offering for Residing Hope Children’s Home
  • 10/26  Fall Festival noon-4pm
  • 11/9  Women’s Fall Social at Stella’s House, 2-4pm

Ladies Fall Social

Save the Date:  Women’s Fall Social on November 9th from 2-4pm at Stella’s home!  If you love to bake pies or cobblers, please reach out to Stella in advance (stellakaypainter@gmail.com or 904-210-4784).  More details to come!

Welcome to the World Baby Walker

Born September 9, 2024
8lbs 5oz
20″ long

21st Annual Pumpkin Patch News



The following dates are set up for pumpkin patch grounds clean up, set up, taken down, and pumpkin delivery.  Mark your calendars.  There is also a printed hard copy sign-up to work the patch and t-shirt request in a binder at the welcome table/children check-in.  T-shirt orders need to be ordered by September 1.  
Talk with Becky if you are interested in volunteering or for more information.

9/14  Saturday, 8-12pm  set up (pallets, lights & tents)
9/25  Wednesday, Pumpkin Delivery   4:30
10/16  Wednesday, Second Pumpkin Delivery   4:30
11/2  Saturday, Patch Take Down 8-12pm
11/3  Sunday, Patch Take Down 11-1pm

90 Day Bible Study

Youth Updates – Volunteers Needed


Isaiah House

Isaiah House is in need of gender neutral clothing sizes 7-10 (underwear, socks, shorts, shirts, pajamas, etc). Items can be dropped off here and Becky will deliver.

Opportunities to Serve

Seeking volunteers for Nursery, Preschool, Children’s Sunday School age, and Youth! Talk to Kayla and let’s get you set up!

HUGS Food Assistance for St. Johns County Youth Contact Margaret Campbell

Birthdays and Anniversaries


Melinda Melrose – September 4
Matt Courtney – September 6
Frances Sperry – September 9
Vallis Henley – September 10
Deborah Deleury – September 10
Megan Hendel – September 20
Derek Rivers Jr – September 21
Jeff Hendel – September 29
Kayla Hull – September 29



Pam and Tim Bell – September 3
Becky and Greg Kimball – September 13