Church Family,

This Sunday our church leaders will host a Fall Festival in our parking lot and gym. Some may view this event as merely a Christian alternative to Halloween, while others may see it as a Baptist way to give away copious amounts of candy.  Both perspectives may be somewhat true.  But beyond the games and candy and petting zoo and bounce houses, there’s something deeper happening with our event. 

The Fall Festival is a natural way for us to invite our neighbors into the life of our church and, ultimately, into a conversation about Jesus. We will interact with 4 kinds of people:

People who might never google search for us on the internet.  

People who might never visit our Instagram.  

People who might never stream a worship service on YouTube.  

People who might never walk into a Sunday service. 

Each of these kinds of people will gladly show up for a hot dog, bounce house, trunk or treat, and a petting zoo. In this simple act of hospitality, their hearts just might begin to open to the idea of Jesus and to our church family. 

So as you plan your weekend, think missionally—who could you bring? A coworker, a friend, a family from your child’s school? Let’s make this festival more than a fun night; let’s make it a kingdom moment. 

Cheers,

If you’ve heard students randomly shouting “six seven!” in hallways or classrooms, you’ve just encountered one of the newest viral trends among teens and middle schoolers. The phrase exploded from a TikTok meme and a rap song and has since become a kind of cultural handshake. Although it may seem like nonsense, its function has a deeper meaning. When students say “six seven,” they’re not just quoting a meme; they’re signaling that they’re in on something connected to a wider world of humor, creativity, and belonging. It’s one of those trends that seem silly (and is), but underneath the absurdity shows something profoundly human: the desire to be known and included. In a season where loneliness and digital isolation run high, even a shared laugh over something “dumb” can remind students that they’re part of a living, breathing community. For parents and leaders, recognizing connection through shared culture can open a door for empathy, conversation, and maybe even a little laughter of our own.

It’s become so prevalent that both Doug and I have used it in sermons. I’ve more or less given up on trying to stop it and basically only hope to contain it. I don’t think we’ve met as Power House in the past month without it being said at least once usually multiple times. And for some reason, this particular trend has had some serious staying power.

In Power House, we use GroupMe as our primary means of communication, and we have two chat groups. One is for important messages. The other chat group is literally called “Nonsense,” and let me tell you it’s often filled with utter nonsense. I’m scrolling through it now as I write this and I’m seeing Star Wars debates, dancing dog memes, and a few things that look like I posted them but I definitely didn’t (someone just used my picture and the words “I’m a Stampy” to post pure nonsense). And of course, plenty of “jokes” that somehow revolve around the numbers 6 and 7.

So why am I telling you this? Because it’s important to make space for nonsense. Those moments of lighthearted humor, inside jokes, and memes actually help build real community. When students laugh together, they relax, open up, and start to feel like they belong. Joy and creativity are threads of God’s nature; after all, the same God who designed galaxies also made the platypus. There’s something holy about laughter. It reminds us that life with God is not meant to be sterile or strictly serious, but vibrant, playful, and full of community.

Sometimes the best way to reach a student’s heart is through something that makes absolutely no sense. Because once they know they can laugh with you, they’re far more ready to listen when you talk about what truly matters.

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 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

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

He Keeps Me Singing

Holy Spirit Rain Down

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296