Church family, 

I’m enjoying our study of the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. I hope you’re enjoying it too.

This Sunday we are going to fly over Acts chapters 4 and 5. I encourage you to read it ahead of time. 

As you read these chapters I think you will find a familiar pattern that Jesus established in Luke’s gospel:

• Christians are given an opportunity to discuss the Hope they have in Jesus. 

•Christians preach the gospel and point everybody back to Jesus. 

• Christians are socially outcast and thrown in prison because of preaching the gospel of Jesus. 

• Rather than hiring lawyers and holding press conferences about violation of rights, Christians continue to pray for the people who persecute them, worship God, through song, and live gently and charitably among one another. 

• Miraculously, God allows the Christians to escape prison. 

•Immediately, Christians go back to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I’m not sure what you make of this pattern of the Christian life. My sense is that it seems to be normal to live for Jesus and to expect some level of conflict.

My sense is also that the best way to live (whenever people come against you) is to pray for them, praise God through song, and live gently and charitably among one another.

I can’t wait to study more of Acts on Sunday.

Cheers,

One of the most amazing things about our Power House students is how much they love to dig into God’s Word. In fact, I think they take pride of how in-depth we go and how slowly we occasionally move when studying Scripture together. Two weeks ago, we started the book of Daniel, and so far, we have made it through just seven verses of Chapter 1. There is so much to unpack and discuss. For a book written more than 2,500 years ago, there is an incredible amount for students to understand and relate to.

Daniel was a young man living in exile in Babylon. He was taken from his home and placed in a culture that spoke a different language, worshiped false gods, and lived by values completely foreign to what he had been taught. Everything around him was unfamiliar and often hostile to his faith, yet Daniel remained faithful to the Lord. In the same way, Christians today are called to live as sojourners and exiles, because our true citizenship is in heaven. Just like Daniel, we often find ourselves navigating a world that does not share our values or hope in Christ.

This makes Daniel’s story especially relevant to students. The world around them constantly tries to reshape their identity through media, peer influence, and cultural expectations, just as Babylon tried to rename Daniel and his friends. However, no matter what the world tells us, our true identity is found in God. Students who follow Christ will feel pressure to compromise or blend in, but Daniel’s example shows that it is possible to remain faithful without losing sight of who we are in Him. 

For middle and high school students, this is especially important. School hallways, sports teams, social media feeds, and friend groups all come with pressure to fit in and go along with whatever is popular or accepted. Jeremiah 29:5–7 reminds us to live faithfully where God has placed us, to be a blessing in our schools and neighborhoods, but also to hold fast to Christ. Daniel teaches us that you do not have to give in to every expectation around you—you can be fully present in your world without losing who you are in Jesus.

In the end, Daniel’s life points students to the same calling we all share: to live as faithful citizens of heaven while walking through the challenges of this world. When you remember who you are in Christ, you can face the pressure to compromise with confidence. Like Daniel, you can stand firm, live with courage, and show your friends what it looks like to belong to God in a world that is constantly pulling you in other directions.

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

Ready to get involved and devoted?

We would love to help you find out more about First Winter Park and get connected! 

Sippin the Tea - A great first step is to getting involved in our community is meeting Pastor Doug and others on our staff at “Sippin the Tea” after service on October 5th. This is a casual gathering to find out more about our church and groups.  No RSVP necessary. 

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 October 19 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!

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

Meet the Ferguson family

Barb and Scott, Will, JD, Kate, Emma, and Libby. 

Welcome, Ferguson's! 

Meet Debbie and Stewart Mitchell 

Stewrt is a Deacon and he and Debbie are both members of the “Christ in Action” small group. 

Welcome, Debbie and Stewart! 

A Mighty Fortress

Hymn of Heaven

Above All

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296