Dear Church Family,

Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13).  That’s all well and good, but here is the thing: this prayer is scary for a couple of reasons.

1. James 1:13 is clear that God doesn’t tempt us. So when we pray this, we’re not accusing God of setting traps. We’re just waving the white flag and saying, “Lord, I know I have blind spots that I am unaware of. Please don’t let me wander toward them.”

2. “Deliver us from the evil one” is a reminder that we’re not just fighting our own bad habits or tendencies towards frailty. There’s an actual enemy out there and he is organized, patient, and persistent. 

But here is the Good news: God is also organized and patient and persistent. He is also omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, and sovereign. Advantage: YHWH. 

Or as our friend and church member Flo Arnold says each week in her tennis battles: Game, Set, Match. 

The reason that Jesus teaches us to pray in this way is because He prayed this kind of prayer for us too (John 17:15). We have a Savior who intercedes on our behalf. We are not in this alone.

So this week, be like Jesus and pray for guidance and deliverance. 

Cheers,

Church Family,

We are excited to share an upcoming community event, Walk for Life 2026, benefiting Assured Women’s Healthcare. This event supports women and families facing unplanned pregnancies by helping provide no-cost medical services, ultrasounds, education, and compassionate care.

The walk will take place on Saturday, March 7 at CrossLife Church in Oviedo. While the event is not hosted at our church, we encourage anyone who feels led to participate, walk, or support this life-affirming ministry in our community.

If you are interested in learning more or registering, click the link below to see the event details and consider joining others in standing for life and supporting local families.

Getting to work as a Power House ministry coordinator is more than just showing up on Sundays and Wednesdays. An important part of who we are as Power House is doing life together. Many of our students are involved in sports through their schools. Last week, the Winter Park Softball team played against Oviedo High School. We have students who attend both of these schools, with two specifically playing for Winter Park. I got to sit with a group of our students (some of whom even came from their own games that night) at the game and cheer on our friends.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the routine of life and forget about what’s going on outside of the church building. A phrase that I share with the people in my life is "You will always have someone in your corner, cheering you on". So, getting to literally cheer on our athletes was very special for me. It also allowed their teammates to see what Christian community can look like. They are given a unique opportunity to spend so much time with their team and be a light for Jesus through that. 

Child Dedication:

A Child Dedication will be held on March 1 during our worship service. This is a special time for families to publicly thank God for the gift of their child and commit to raising them in a Christ-centered home, with the support of our church family.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please email me at aheins@fbcwp.org for more information. We would love to celebrate with you!

VBS:

Save the date for Kingdom Quest VBS happening June 15–18! Kids ages 3 through rising 6th grade are invited to join us for an exciting week of adventure, fun, and discovering what it means to follow Jesus and find life in God’s kingdom. You won’t want to miss this incredible week filled with games, music, Bible stories, and unforgettable memories. Mark your calendars now. More details coming soon!

Did you know that community is a gift from God that he has given us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  The writer of Hebrews urges us not to give up meeting together and encouraging one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

We are thankful that so many are gathering together in small groups before worship on Sunday and during the week. We encourage everyone to find a small group. If you need to find a group reach out with the connection card below and we will help you get connected.  Many of our Sunday groups are in temporary locations while we undergo renovations and we are so thankful for all the continued help and flexibility during this time.

Sunday Small Groups: 9:30 Sunday morning Small Groups for all ages, including kids and students. 

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 Choir Room

6:00 PM – Life Discipleship with Pastor Isaac – Choir Room 

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 Library

Thriving Adult Bible Study – Thursdays at 10:30 AM in the Conference Room

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!

Our Ladies Bible Study is pictured above. 

Events

Are you a new member or are you interested in becoming a member of First Winter Park? Come hear more about membership from Pastor Doug at our next Discover Lunch after service on March 1.

Food and childcare will be provide.d Click the below to RSVP! 

Member Corner

Meet new members Beth and Bill Neidlinger.

They enjoy being in the Prophecy Small Group and hosting with new members.

Welcome Neidlingers!

Take You At Your Word

Come Thou Font (Above All Else)

Gratitude

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296