Dear Church Family,

As we enter this season of reflection, I invite us all to slow down and recognize the abundant goodness God has poured into our lives.

Even in a year filled with challenges and change, His faithfulness has remained steady. Let’s take time to notice the small gifts, the answered prayers, and the quiet ways God has taken care of us this year. 

We’re at the end of the year and we are all thinking about generosity. God has been generous toward us, and we are looking for ways to be generous with others. One of the ways that your generosity plays out practically is in tithes and offerings. Your gifts enable our church to continue its ministries, support missions, and meet the needs of our community. 

Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful impact and helps us step into the new year with strength and purpose. And man do we have a bunch of cool things coming in 2026! 

Thank you for being a faithful, loving congregation. May the peace and joy of Christ fill your homes and hearts in this season of Thanksgiving. 

Cheers,

Wacky Games
Years ago, when we were still in Kenya, I found myself in a bit of a bind. I needed to plan a game for 150 students and only had 45 minutes to get it together. Not to mention, I was in a remote part of Kenya with limited resources. And that is how Wacky Games was born. I grabbed whatever I could find: cotton balls from first-aid kits, plungers, cleaning sponges, and a few balls. I created 25 games that could be played in small groups and would be fun to watch. It was chaotic, unpredictable, absolutely hilarious, and so much fun. In fact, we still do a version of it all these years later. I have more equipment now, and I’ve had time to teach others so they can help lead, but the original spirit of Wacky Games is still very much there! 

This past Sunday night, for the Season 8 finale of Banner Battles, we busted out Wacky Games. Congratulations to the Green Team for winning Wacky Games, but it still wasn’t quite enough points to put them ahead of the Blue Team, who won Banner Battles. Like always, it was a wild night, or at least what we like to call “Organized Chaos.” I don’t even know for sure how many games we ended up playing. There were times when three or four games were happening simultaneously! And the honest truth is: of all the games we play, I don’t think anything wears me out as much as Wacky Games. 

Why movement & games matter
In the midst of all that fun and frenetic activity, there’s a deeper benefit. Studies show that physical activity, simply moving, playing, and being active is strongly linked with lower levels of anxiety and depression. For example, research from a recent systematic review found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a significantly reduced risk of both depression and anxiety. Another study notes that exercise and movement help release mood-boosting brain chemicals, interrupt worrying thoughts, build confidence, and increase healthy social interaction. When our students dive into Wacky Games and run from sponge toss to cotton-ball relay, they’re not just having fun, they’re engaging in something that helps strengthen mind, body, and spirit.

A verse to anchor us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”  Colossians 3:23 (ESV)

In this crazy, joyful, chaotic game-night, may we remember that our activity, our laughter, our competition, and our community all point back to the One who gives us life, joy, and purpose. Let’s keep moving, keep playing, keep celebrating what He is doing among us.

Church Family, 

Mark your calendars for our Christmas Family Movie Night on Wednesday, December 3rd!

Join us for a cozy evening of fellowship, snacks, and a heartwarming Christmas movie as we celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth together. More details will be shared soon, but for now, be sure to save the date and plan to bring the whole family!

RSVP for movie night here: Movie Night RSVP

"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 - 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. 

Save the date for our Christmas celebration on December 14th at 6PM. Join us for an evening of Christmas worship and songs, powerful testimonies, and community rooted in fellowship celebrating the birth of our Savior. 

Hymn of Heaven

Thank You Jesus For the Blood

Gratitude

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296