Church Family,

Our mission trip to Houston was a complete and utter success. 

Just to recap: Our church has adopted a church planting family, the Canterburys, who have launched ForestView Church in Willis, TX (About 45 miles north of Houston). Their goal is to make Christ known to everyone everywhere. Our team went to support and encourage the church plant in several ways: 

1) We helped share in small group bible study discussion.
2) We helped canvas a neighborhood of 20,000 homes.
3) We set up, lead worship, read scripture, and preached at the worship gathering on Sunday.  We also helped tear down and load the equipment back into the truck.

This was good church work.  But perhaps the best thing we did was encourage The Canterburys and their church with our presence and words. 

I’d like to encourage you to begin praying about going on a future trip to Houston to support and encourage the Canterburys and ForestView Church.  We will have more details early next year.

Cheers,

Power House is currently in the middle of Season 8 of Banner Battles, a ten week competition where students are divided into four teams and can earn points by inviting friends, memorizing Scripture, sharing devotions, playing big games, and taking part in different challenges. 

One of the most exciting games we play is Sock War! It’s exactly what it sounds like—teams face off and try to hit one another with balled-up socks. Actually, they’re socks filled with memory foam and cracked corn, but you get the idea. In Sock War, no one ever truly gets “out,” so the game rolls on for an action packed thirty minutes. 

But there’s more to it than just throwing socks. Each team has generals and flags, offense and defense, special items and abilities, bases, and plenty of room for strategy, bravery, and teamwork. It’s a fantastic game with a learning curve and no matter your skill level, it’s always a blast.

I’ll admit that I don’t even let myself play anymore because I’m get too competitive! The last time I joined was during a camp in Kenya, and I somehow found myself shouting, “Hold the line, no matter what!” to a group of campers. It’s safe to say that some of us can take games a little too seriously.. and sometimes that “some of us” is me.

One of my favorite things about Sock War is that we play it right out on the front lawn of the church. Imagine 70 students running, laughing, and ducking as socks fly through the air. Cars slow down, golfers pause mid-swing, walkers stop, and families gather to watch the fun. It’s a beautiful, chaotic scene that shouts to everyone driving by: There is life at this church!

But beyond all the fun, games like Sock War play a powerful role in spiritual and social growth. When students compete, cooperate, and laugh together, they’re learning how to communicate, resolve conflict, and encourage one another. These shared experiences build friendships, strengthen trust, and teach the kind of teamwork that reflects the body of Christ—many members working together toward one purpose. In a world where screens often isolate, healthy play helps students practice real community, humility, and joy.

Sock War might look like flying socks and laughter from the outside—but for us, it’s a small picture of what happens when God’s people come together: energy, unity, and life in motion.

Church Family, 

Want to be a part of all the Fall Festival fun? We are looking for volunteers to help with games, crafts, setup, clean up, and greeting families! 

It's going to be a great opportunity to serve together, connect with others, and share God's love in a joyful way. If you're interested in serving, we'll have sign-up booths on the front lawn and in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday after service. You can stop by, pick an area to serve, and get more details. 

One of the sweetest parts of the night is when kids walk away with big smiles and overflowing candy buckets. To make that happen, we need your help! We’re asking for donations of individually wrapped candy to bless the children who come. Every bag of candy is more than just a treat—it’s a simple way to share Christ’s love with our neighbors and let families know they are cared for and welcome here.

Drop-off is easy: bring your candy donations to the Kids Area or the front of the Sanctuary any time between now and the festival. 

We’re also looking for volunteers to decorate their vehicles and pass out candy as a Trunk Host at the fall festival trunk-or-treat. Get creative, dress up (if you’d like), and help us create a safe and joy-filled evening for our community.

Whether you go all-out with decorations or keep it simple, every trunk makes a difference!

You can sign up to host a trunk this Sunday after service at the sign-up tables in the back of the sanctuary.

Thank you, church family, for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Together, we’re creating a safe, joy-filled space where kids can laugh, families can connect, and everyone who walks through our doors can experience the love and hope of Christ. Let’s make this year’s Trunk or Treat the best one yet!

If you have any questions, please let me know at aheins@fbcwp.org!

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."                    Acts 2:42

Ready to get involved and devoted?

We would love to help you find out more about First Winter Park and get connected! 

Discovery Lunch - If you have recently become a member or want to hear more about membership, our Discovery Lunch is your next step.  Join us at the next Discovery Lunch October 19 after service to hear more about what it means to be a member at First Winter Park, what members can expect from pastors, and what the church can expect from members. Please register below so we can prepare accordingly. 

Community Connect Group With Pastor Doug - NEW! On Sunday at 9:30 AM, Pastor Doug and his wife Natalie have launched a new small group in the Food Hall. It starts with fellowship at 9:15, then will transition into small group discussion at 9:30. This group welcomes adults of all ages and life stages—whether you're new to our church or haven't yet joined a small group, this is perfect for you! Childcare will be available starting at 9:15.

Wednesday Community Night Our Wednesdays are packed with opportunities to connect:

4:30 PM – Thriving Adult Choir (65+)

5:30 PM – Family Meal in the Food Hall

6:00 PM – Life Discipleship with Pastor Doug 

6:00 PM - Season 5 of "The Chosen" Viewing Group

6:00 PM – Kids Ministry and Power House 

Weekly Bible Studies

Ladies Bible Study – Tuesdays at 6:45 PM in the Choir Suite

Thriving Adult Bible Study – Thursdays at 10:30 AM in the Choir Suite

Please let us know if you have any questions!  Let’s journey together!

Community Events

Come join us for our Fall Festival on Sunday October 26 at 4-6pm for an evening of free food, games, bounce houses, trunk or treat, and fun for the whole family! Please, no scary costumes. Can’t wait to see you all there! 

Thriving Adult Ministry Fabulous 50's Party! (65+): Invite your friends to get ready to rock around the clock and join us for a free afternoon of fun, friends, and nostalgia as we celebrate the fabulous 1950s over lunch on Tuesday October 21 from 11:30-1:30 in the First Winter Park Gym. Feel free to come in your favorite 50s attire (poodle skirts, leather jackets, and saddle shoes) and bring high school pictures from any graduation year. Please RSVP with your small group or at the link below. 

 https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=MW9vNXJVZEQwdWs9

Come Thou Fount Come Thou King

Better Is One Day

Gratitude

Revelation Song

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296