In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us who to pray to (God), what to pray about (Daily bread), and what kind of culture marks the life of praying people: forgiveness.

To be honest, we love the idea of being forgiven. We’re just less enthusiastic about forgiving others, especially that one person who hurt us in that particular way. You know the one. And yet Jesus, in His wisdom and kindness, connects our prayers directly to our willingness to forgive. Apparently, heaven’s economy doesn’t run on grudges, passive-aggressive silence, or sweep it under the rug thinking.

But why not? Why can’t we be unforgiving people? It doesn’t seem fair to forgive that person for the stuff he or she did. And the answer is: because of freedom. 

Holding onto bitterness is like drinking spoiled milk and hoping the other person gets sick. Forgiveness, on the other hand, loosens our grip on hurt and reminds us that God and his kingdom are places of peace.

So this week, as you pray, dare to ask God who you might need to forgive. Take a deep breath. Say the name. And then let God’s grace bring life and freedom to your prayer time.

Cheers, 

You may have noticed some visible progress around campus recently. Roof repairs are currently underway — and while we may miss our well-placed rain buckets in the choir loft, we’re grateful to see important work moving forward.

At the same time, work is happening behind the scenes to strengthen our infrastructure. We are preparing to move our campus to fiber before Easter, which will significantly enhance everything from livestream and worship production to Kids check-in, online giving, classroom technology, and security systems. This upgrade strengthens the tools our teams rely on every week.

Other facility and operational improvements are scheduled in the coming weeks as we continue caring for our campus and planning wisely for the future.

Operations is not front and center, nor should it be — but it matters. Healthy systems and well-maintained spaces create an environment where ministry can flourish without distraction.

Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership as we steward what God has entrusted to us and build a strong foundation for the season ahead.

Students Leading Students

One of the greatest privileges I have as Pastor of Students & Families is that I have dozens, and I truly mean dozens, of opportunities each month to stand in front of students and talk about Jesus. Some of those moments happen on our church campus, and some take place off campus.

But something I am constantly working toward is giving those opportunities away not to guest speakers, but to our students.

I talk often about shared authority. It’s a biblical and fruitful model of leadership. When we entrust students with real responsibility, we see real growth. Students communicate with other students in ways adults simply cannot. Their voice carries a unique credibility and clarity among their peers.

This past Sunday was a powerful example of that.

Bella shared her testimony of salvation. Not long ago, several of our students were deeply burdened and praying for her. At FUGE camp, Bella surrendered her life to Christ. Now, she carries that same burden for the people around her. You will all soon be introduced to her as she prepares for baptism. Bella's story is a beautiful picture of how God answers prayer and transforms lives.

Matthew, who you may recognize on Sunday mornings (he’s often the one wearing a tie), shared a devotional on what true love really is following Valentine’s Day. He spoke about sacrificial love and told the true story of St. Valentine, who was martyred for his faith in Christ. His message was thoughtful, grounded in Scripture, and delivered with conviction.

Both students are only juniors in high school, yet they demonstrated maturity, courage, and a deep love for Jesus.

I am truly blessed to serve alongside so many remarkable students. When we create space for them to lead, we don’t just see participation, we see multiplication. The Gospel moves forward most powerfully when students begin to own it and share it themselves.

Thank you for continuing to pray for and invest in the next generation.

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!

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 Members Kate, Sophie, Joe, and Darryl! 

Welcome Cooper Family! 

We are so excited to welcome James, Angela, Sophia to our church community. 

Glorious Day

At The Cross

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Weekly budget goal:  $21,296