Church Family,

In Acts 11, when the disciples learned about an upcoming famine sweeping throughout the land, they determined to help out.  In verse 29 Luke writes, "So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers.”  

This past week, we all watched as Hurricane Melissa tore through the island of Jamaica.  Two of our interns, Stellie Higby and Darian Ehrmantraut, have a huge heart for Jamaica and asked me if we could figure out a plan to help out. The good thing about this request is that we don’t have to put any logistical plan together because we are part of the strongest network of churches in North America: The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). 

The SBC network of churches has a disaster relief department, appropriately named SEND RELIEF after Acts 11. They have already started putting together a plan to help Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.  You can find out more here https://www.sendrelief.org/projects/hurricane-melissa/. 

If you would like to help you can follow the directions provided by SEND RELIEF

- Pray for local churches and pastors as they serve their neighbors in crisis.

- Pray for trained volunteers standing ready to respond.

- Pray for the quick restoration of homes, power, and access to clean water.

- Pray that Christ’s compassion and hope would shine brightly through His people.

From Darian & Stellie — First Baptist Winter Park Interns
Lately, our hearts have been heavy as we’ve watched the devastation unfolding in Jamaica from the recent hurricane. As interns here at First Baptist Winter Park, we’ve been deeply moved by the loss happening in Jamaica and we want to do something.
That’s why we’re organizing a Furniture Sale (date TBD) to help bring relief and support to the communities impacted. Stay tuned for more details on how you can donate furniture, volunteer, or simply come out and shop for a cause. Together, as a church family, we can make a difference that truly matters

Cheers,

This Sunday afternoon, just as the Fall Festival was getting underway, I heard a familiar voice boom out across the parking lot: “Arrrg! Who wants to walk the plank and face off against a real pirate?!” It was none other than middle schooler Caden Parker, already in character calling up the first brave soul to play his Trunk or Treat game. Throughout the afternoon, I kept hearing those same joyful voices of students inviting families to “throw bananas in the monkey’s mouth,” “get your picture drawn at the Doodle Booth,” “toss the hula hoop over Becket,” or “catch the Pok?mon!”

Kids loved it, not just because of the candy or costumes, but because our students were right there with them, engaging, laughing, and serving. These students weren’t just having fun, but they were representing Christ and our church. When someone asked about who we are or what we do, they didn’t hesitate to call me over so we could share more. That’s service in action: students loving their community by dressing up, handing out candy, and making connections that open doors for the Gospel.

 Fall Festival is one of my favorite events. It may even be my very favorite church-wide event of all. It’s the perfect picture of the church at work: people of all ages serving side by side, smiling, laughing, and saying to our community, “Hey, come meet us! We want to meet you too!” It creates a space that’s not intimidating like walking into a church building for the first time. It simply says, “We love kids, we love families, and we’d love for you to be part of what God is doing here.”

And here’s the really amazing part: statistics show that people are far more likely to visit a church if they’ve already met someone from that church. According to several studies, including data from Barna and Lifeway Research, between 60–80% of new guests say they came because of a personal invitation or prior connection. That’s exactly what happens at the Fall Festival. Every smile, every game, every “Arrrg!” from a middle school pirate plants a seed that might one day lead someone through our doors and even closer to Jesus.

Church Family, 

I just want to take a moment to thank you all for the amazing way you showed up and served during our Fall Festival! Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, you reminded everyone what it looks like to serve with joy and flexibility.

Because of your willingness to adjust plans and keep smiling, families experienced the love of Christ in a fun and welcoming way. 

I’m reminded of Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” You all lived that out beautifully this weekend.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus and for helping create such a joyful, grace-filled event—rain and all!

"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 December 7 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

The First Winter Park Thriving Adults definitely let the good times roll last week at our Fabulous 50’s Lunch.  We shared a delicious meal, dressed in 50s attire, and listened to some good ole 50s music.  We even had a visit from an Elvis impersonator, AKA as Pastor Doug. Thank You to everyone who contributed to making this event memorable, and a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who served food and brought items to share.  A special thanks to Flo Hurley for her invaluable help in making this event such a success.

Member Corner

Welcome the Carpenter Family

Adam and Shelby Carpenter have been with us over a year. They have 3 wonderful children: Wyatt, Kinsley and Mia. They also have a new baby that will be here soon!

Meet Bob and Flo Arnold

Flo and Bob love being members of the Bible Prophecy Small Group. Flo also sings in the Thriving Adult Choir.

This is Amazing Grace

Holy Holy Holy

Before the Throne of God Above

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296