Church family,

I want to encourage you to scroll down to the bottom and check out last week‘s giving report. 

We have been emphasizing generosity in the month of December. The driving idea of behind this emphasis is: where there’s no margin, there’s no ministry. 

We want to make sure to be as generous as the Lord leads us to be so that we can create margin for ministry in 2026 and beyond.

Boy, did y’all step up.

I want to thank each of you for prayerfully, considering the way in which generosity might express itself during this Christmas season. I know that our church is stronger because of it. I’m hopeful that ministry organizations, local nonprofits, pregnancy crisis centers, homeless shelters,  and all other kinds  of organizations trying to do good in our world are blessed by your generosity.

It is our prayer each week: for his glory, for our good, and for the good of the community we love.

Thanks for being generous.

Cheers,

The Importance of Rest

As pastors and leaders, we talk about rest often, but if we’re honest, we’re not always great at practicing it. Rest isn’t just a break from work; it’s something God designed our bodies, minds, and souls to need. When we rest, we reset. We think clearer. We breathe deeper. We reconnect with God without noise or pressure.

Pastoral ministry can easily push us past healthy limits. Recent studies show that around 40% of pastors are at high risk for burnout, with many working far more hours than they should and carrying constant emotional and spiritual weight. Without intentional rest, even good ministry can slowly drain us dry.

That’s why Bronwyn and I are taking this week to step away and rest. We want to be healthy, not just for ourselves, but for our church, our students, and the people God has entrusted to us. This trip is a chance for us to slow down, reset, pray, laugh, and simply enjoy being together without a schedule.

My hope is that our time away reminds us, and maybe reminds you too, that rest isn’t selfish. It’s obedience. It’s stewardship. And it’s one of the ways God restores our joy and strengthens us for what He’s called us to do.

I’m grateful for this church, grateful for our students, and grateful for a God who invites us to rest in Him. I can’t wait to come back refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the greatest gift we’ve ever received—we have a special opportunity to share His love with families in our community. All month long, we’ll be collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages.

You can drop off toys in the Kids Area or at the front of the sanctuary. 

Thank you for helping us shine the love of Jesus and bring joy to children this Christmas season! 

Wednesday night kids programming will be back on January 7, and we are so excited to jump back in, laugh, learn, and grow together.

Mark your calendars: Sunday, December 28, there will be no Sunday School for any age. Preschool programming will still be available during the worship hour. 

Thank you! 

"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! 

Community Connect Group With Pastor Doug - On Sunday at 9:30 AM, Pastor Doug and his wife Natalie have have a small group in the Food Hall. It starts with fellowship at 9:15, then transitions 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

Just click the link below to get connected to a small group. Please let us know if you have any questions!  Let’s journey together!

Community Events

Save the Date for our Christmas Eve Family Service on December 24 at 5:00 PM. 

Our Thriving Adult choir was on mission this week! They shared the Joy of Jesus’s birth with two local nursing homes.  Thank You for being a blessing to so many in our community.

Member Corner

Meet new members: the Atwood family!

Tom, Misty, Daniel, Samuel, and Liam. They have enjoyed being members of the host team.  Welcome!

Angels From the Realms of Glory

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296

Dear Church Family,

Exciting changes are coming in 2026 as we continue to give toward what the Lord is doing at First Winter Park!

Beginning February 2026, we will be launching a new online giving platform to make your generosity even more impactful.

Thank you for your continued support of First Winter Park. To be better stewards of your contributions, we will be transitioning our online and scheduled giving to Churchteams. This new platform is more efficient, secure, and provides safe options for online giving. Additionally, it will help reduce service fees often charged by credit card companies and banks.  This means an even greater portion of your gifts will go directly to ministry.

For right now, there is no action you need to take. We will continue to update you after the first of the year and walk with you through this process. We appreciate your faithfulness and look forward to all God will do through this transition!