Church Family,

I am writing this week’s email from the Houston area—sweating, serving, and realizing (again) that following Jesus isn’t theoretical. It’s a hands-on, dirt-under-the-fingernails ministry. 

We’re working alongside our friends, the Canterburys, trying to do something both ancient and strangely modern: build spiritual community in a distracted world. You may know what that's like. 

I want to remind you of a few important demographic factoids:

- Houston, Texas is the fourth largest city in the United States. The state of Texas is the eighth largest economy in the world.

-It is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. 

- No ethnic group has a cultural majority over the others. You are as likely to hear English as you are to hear Spanish or a Nigerian dialect when walking the streets of Houston. 

- Around 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, yet Houston is home to around 20 billionaires. 

- Houston is home to the oil and gas industry, the shipping industry, and the largest Medical Center in the United States.

- There are 39 universities for colleges in the greater Houston Metro statistical area.  

- There are approximately 1.5 million people in Houston between the ages of 18 and 25. 

- There is 1 church for every 900 people in the greater Houston area. For comparison, there’s 1 church for every 194 people in Jackson, Mississippi—one of the most churched places in the United States.

Church planting is tough work under tough conditions. It isn’t just about starting a new service with better coffee and a better worship band. It’s about incarnation—the idea that God still shows up in real neighborhoods, with real people, through the messy, beautiful act of community. 

If you think about it, church is one of the last places in culture where we gather not for entertainment or self-promotion, but for transformation. That’s wild—and countercultural. When you plant a church, you’re basically declaring war on isolation and cynicism. And that’s what the Canterburys are trying to do.

Thank you for praying, supporting, and believing that what God is doing in Houston and at home matters. Because it does. Eternally.

Cheers,

Every year since 2021, we’ve taken our students to the Wednesday Winter Park Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally on Park Avenue. It’s become one of those annual events that’s not only fun, but also meaningful. While not all of our students attend Winter Park High, one of our recurring themes is that we show up for each other.

We go to the parade each year to cheer for the dance team, band members, football and softball players, and everyone else who shows up to represent our ministry in the community. It’s been a simple but powerful tradition of Power House showing up to support our people.

However, this year, the parade was moved to a Tuesday night. At first, that change felt like a setback since it conflicted with our normal schedule. But after talking with some of our students, a better idea emerged: instead of just going to the parade, why not be in it?

Thanks to our incredible FCA officers (many of whom are part of Power House), the idea came to life. For the first time ever, we joined the parade. One of our interns drove her truck, another built a large cardboard-and-wooden cross, and we all worked to decorate everything with pride for Power House and FCA. While students rode in the back, Bronwyn and I walked alongside, tossing candy and handing out bracelets with Bible verses. It was pure joy and one of those moments that reminds you why we do what we do.

It wouldn’t be a good story without a few obstacles. Just minutes before the parade began, a sudden storm rolled in, soaking our decorations and nearly toppling the cross. Thankfully, we reinforced it with a wooden board, and it held strong all the way down Park Avenue. 

But what stood out most to me was the witness of our students. So many chose to walk with FCA and Power House, publicly identifying with Jesus when they could have joined their sports teams or other school groups. That’s not something you see every day, and it spoke volumes.

I left that night grateful and inspired. It felt like the start of a new chapter, and a tradition worth building on. Next year, I’m already dreaming of doing it even bigger. 

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. 

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.

If you have any questions, please let me know! 

"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 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!

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, trunk or treat, and fun for the whole family! Please, no scary costumes. Can’t wait to see you all there! 

Thriving Adult Ministry Fabulous 50's Party! (65+): Invite your friends to get ready to rock around the clock and join us for a free afternoon of fun, friends, and nostalgia as we celebrate the fabulous 1950s over lunch on Tuesday October 21 from 11:30-1:30 in the First Winter Park Gym. Feel free to come in your favorite 50s attire (poodle skirts, leather jackets, and saddle shoes) and bring high school pictures from any graduation year. Please RSVP with your small group or at the link below. 

 https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=MW9vNXJVZEQwdWs9

Welcome Marilyn and Rick Blythe!

Rick and Marilyn are new members, but no strangers to First Winter Park. Pastor Rick was a former pastor here. Now he and his wife, Marilyn,  join us as members.

We are so thankful for Pastor Rick’s support in teaching and thankful for their hospitality at the lemonade cart outside.

Welcome Blythe family!

Meet Art and Jeanie Freeman.

Art and Jeanie are leaders in the Prophecy Small Group.

They are currently studying the book of Acts, verse by verse.

Thank you, Art and Jeannie.

Build My Life

Cornerstone

Goodness of God

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296