Church Family, 

As we learned last Sunday, the image of community in Acts 2:42–47 gives us a snapshot of the early church that seems somewhat ideal. People are eating together daily, selling possessions to help one another, praying constantly, and somehow being devoted to everyone. Maybe you’re like me and you worry that If this happens in our church then Winter Park people will assume that we are a cult with a really good PR team (Shout out to Darian, Jenna, Emit, and Stellie).

But here’s the thing: Acts 2 wasn’t utopia. It was people deciding that Christianity wasn’t a solo project. They didn’t just believe in Jesus privately; they reorganized their entire lives to be with each other. Meals weren’t just meals—they were acts of worship. Sharing money wasn’t charity—it was just how they understood family. The extraordinary thing wasn’t that it worked; the extraordinary thing is that it became normal.

Contrast that with us today. We struggle to commit to a weekly dinner group because “it’s a busy season.” We treat prayer like a side quest, not the main storyline. And the idea of putting all our stuff into a common pool? That would probably cause a neighborhood Facebook meltdown.

Yet Acts 2 isn’t yesterday’s nostalgia—it’s a present possibility. What if church wasn’t one more event on the calendar, but the gravitational center of life? What if “fellowship” meant more than small talk over donuts? What if we believed that community—messy, inconvenient, miraculous community—wasn’t optional, but the very thing that makes faith real?

The early Christians didn’t just attend church. They were the church, in a way that turned heads and drew people in. 

Perhaps you don’t often think of yourself as countercultural.  But maybe you are.  

And perhaps the most countercultural thing we can do right now is try to live like Acts 2 in our Sunday school groups, our home groups, and our potluck dinners.

Let’s be on mission, in community. 

Cheers.

Banner Battles Season 8

In the summer of 2022, Power House students dreamed up something wild: Banner Battles. The vision was simple but powerful — capture the energy and camaraderie of camp, build community through fun and friendly competition, give students opportunities to step up as leaders, and, honestly, just have a blast together.

Fast forward to this past Sunday, and that dream has now launched into its 8th season “BB8!”

When Banner Battles began, the plan was always to have four teams. But for years, the numbers never quite lined up. however, this  year God has grown our student ministry so much that having four teams became a necessity, not just what made sense. Season 8 is now underway with four teams competing for the ultimate bragging rights: the honor of winning the very first four-team Banner Battles.

Since the name BB8 is also the name of a beloved droid from Star Wars, we leaned into it. This year’s theme is fully Star Wars-inspired. From the deserts of Tatooine, to the lava flows of Mustafar, to the forests of Endor, students faced puzzles, challenges, and head-to-head competitions that tested both brains and brawn.

The most powerful moment came after the games. Once the first team crossed the finish line, something incredible happened. Without any prompting from leaders, the other teams formed a cheering tunnel for those who finished after them. By the end of the night, every student was jumping, laughing, and celebrating together in the gym while John Williams’s iconic score blasted overhead.

It was more than just games — it was a picture of true community, joy, and the Spirit of Christ at work in our students. It was ruly an amazing night, and the best is yet to come.

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

Discovery Lunch Are you a new member or interested in membership? Join us at the Discovery Lunch this Sunday 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. 

Looking for a small group? Check out the information below or fill out the connect card and we will get you connected.

Community Connect Group With Pastor Doug - NEW! 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!

Meet the Pereda family

Carols, Angela and their daughter Sophia have attended First Winter Park for over a year.  As new members they have enjoyed the Host team and Angela volunteers in Kids ministry.

Welcome Pereda’s!

Meet the Moore’s

Nancy and Jimmy have served in Kids ministry for years and love visiting home bound and sick.  They both love calling everyone on their birthdays as well.

Thank You Nancy and Jimmy for all you do.

Glorious Day

Goodness of God

Gratitude

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296