Church Family, 

On Wednesday I was celebrating my 28th anniversary of the day I became a believer in Jesus Christ.  On September 10th, 1997, I walked to the back of the youth room at Southside Baptist Church in Palestine, TX and prayed to receive Christ.  It was a transformative day for me and for my family. I was looking forward to spending the day remembering God’s goodness in my life. 

And yet, September 10th became another day when our nation and our mission field was asked to process another senseless act of gun violence. 

I don’t know if I quite have the words to express how sad I feel.  But my friend and fellow pastor Lucas Eddings in Cullman, Alabama had this to say:

Christians, do not let the horrendous events of these last few days push you into zealotry. 

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is evil. Period. But just as dangerous is letting this tragedy drive us into radicalized, politically-charged zeal. Both are sin, and both flow from the same root of evil. 

We must pray, seek God for how to move forward, and move with compassion.

Our enemy is not people.                                                                                                                                                                                         Our enemy is evil itself.                                                                                                                                                                                             And "our weapons are not of this world."

So pray that God would help you walk with grace rooted in truth, and truth expressed in grace.                                                       Do not let evil gain a foothold in your heart, or multiply through your response.                                                                                   This may indeed be a turning point for many. But remember the source of your fervor will govern you.                                     Make sure it is God who leads you into peace, into holiness, and into the everlasting, unshakeable truth that is found in Jesus.

First Winter Park, I want to encourage you from the words of Pastor Lucas.  

Pray.  

Don’t let evil arise in you. 

Let God lead you into peace. 

Romans 8:28 is still true. 

We love you. 

Cheers. 

Developing Leaders at Power House

A big part of what makes Power House special is the way we intentionally develop leaders.

For those who were here Sunday, you heard Hannah Miller share how this church helped shape her into the campus leader she is today at FSU. She was actually a little modest about all God is using her for. She is the chaplain of her sorority and likely one of the first in years to take that role seriously. She also worked at a summer camp, where she led and impacted young people for Christ.

Hannah is far from the only leader Power House has helped develop. Former interns like Addison Bowman, Josh Cox, Sarah Stander, and Sydney Vinson are also leading on college campuses, at camps, and in churches. We are even in the process of handing over some of our on-campus ministries through FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at middle schools to current interns. In fact, as I type this, I am not at Glenridge Middle School because Maddy Walsh and Matthew Jebb, both UCF students, are there running the program and sharing the devotion. 

This kind of leadership is not reserved for interns alone. Right now, we have FCA student leaders serving at four different high school campuses as officers. This past Sunday night, Power House student leaders and interns ran the entire program.

At Power House, our goal is more than just providing a place for students to hang out. We want to train them, equip them, and give them opportunities to step into leadership and share their faith. Across campuses all over our community, students are boldly pointing others to Christ. Below are a few snapshots from the last couple of weeks. We want to meet people where they are, but not let them stay where they are when it comes to their spiritual formation in Christ.

This is what happens when students are discipled, empowered, and sent out. They become leaders who shine the light of Christ wherever they go. Please join us in praying that God would continue to use these young men and women mightily on their campuses and beyond. 

Church Family, 

The Fall Festival is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome families from our church and community for a night of fun, fellowship, and joy! This event is more than just games and candy (though there will be plenty of that)—it’s an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a warm and welcoming way.

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. 

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.

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

As Pastor Doug said last week, “Let’s join hands, Link up our carabiners, and journey up the mountain together.”

We are so excited to be journeying together!

This month has already brought us wonderful opportunities to study Scripture, share meals, fellowship, and pray together. If you haven't had a chance to join us yet, we'd love to welcome you into our community.

Sunday Small Group - NEW! This Sunday at 9:15 AM, Pastor Doug and his wife Natalie are launching a new small group in the Food Hall. We'll begin with fellowship at 9:15, then 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!

Do you feel called to ministry?

Today is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER for our Called to Ministry conference on September 13th from 9am-1pm.  

You can register at our website https://firstwinterpark.com/ctm25/ or by clicking the button below.

 If you have any questions you can email dhankins@fbcwp.org. 

Meet Jane Bender

Jane is an member in the Prophecy Small Group and has enjoyed being on the Host team.

Welcome Jane!

Meet the Young’s - Robert (Bob) and Mary Young

Bob is a Deacon and Bob and Mary are active in the CIA Small Group and Choir.

Thank you Bob and Mary! 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Jesus Paid It All

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296