Welcome Home
to First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
First United Methodist Church is truly
a loving place to belong.
We have committed ourselves to remain a downtown church, serving in the community God placed us in over 120 years ago. Our heart is to be a servant church. Those who become a part of our community of faith are challenged to take seriously their discipleship by continuing to grow in faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. Within these pages are many opportunities to grow in our love of God and for one another.
If you are one to ask: "What can I do for the Church of Jesus Christ?" before you ask: "What can the Church of Jesus Christ do for me?" then this may be the church for you. Our church is an amazing, loving, intergenerational community focused on serving instead of being served. It is in our giving that we receive God's blessings. Our benefits are a by-product of being a beneficial part of the church. So First Church is not primarily an institution with benefits, but an institution that is beneficial to the community and the world. Christ has called us to go and to give, not sit and receive.
As Francis of Assisi prayed in the 13th Century so do we pray today:
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
You are invited to come join us in this loving walk of faith. Should you have any questions, our staff and pastors will be happy to speak with you. Call 321-723-6761
Christ Centered Career Groups
Our church is reaching out to those who have lost their jobs. The Christ Centered Career Groups (C3G) provides both practical and emotional support to unemployed group members. Weekly, two hour, small group meetings facilitate prayer, relationship development, encouragement, individual and group accountability, and provide an opportunity for service by loving friends.
Click here for more information
John's Journal
A Broader View
I have been reading a book entitled Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putnam. The premise seems to be that we need to broaden our view of mission.
They speak of new models for being the church today including house churches and factory small groups, groups meeting at Starbucks and shifts of nurses in hospitals in Japan. They also speak of who is the mission field for the church and it won't necessarily be people like us or people we like. I lift this interesting quote that gets us to thinking what it means to Rethink the Authentic Church (RAC):
"Jesus was referred to as many things in the Gospels. In Luke he is characterized as a 'friend of sinners.' This was not meant to be a compliment. As a matter of fact, it was part of the reaction the religious leaders had toward Christ and his tendency to go where the sinners were. It was one thing to call a tax collector named Levi to follow him; it was another thing to go to his home for dinner."
Melissa's Post-It
Loving Place to Belong
During my sermon on July 20, I made mention of our tag line, "Loving Place to Belong." Kaley and I have certainly found that to be true. Even before we arrived here, we knew that FUMC was a loving place to belong. We were welcomed in and made to feel as though we belonged.
Before we arrived we got phone calls, emails and letters in the mail. People introduced themselves and gave words of welcome that were really encouraging to us during our time of transition. When we got here our house was stocked with necessary items and food in the fridge. People brought meals and one even came with a flower arrangement. Our reception was a great celebration of love.
The feeling of love and belonging did not stop there. Throughout different times of trials and celebrations people have gone out of their way to really let us know we were loved and belonged. During Kaley's surgery this past March she declared one day, "I sure am loved." What peace it brings when you have an assurance of love and the feeling of belonging that comes with that.
Sol's Space
Remember SeptemBER
When I was growing up in the Philippines, it made me excited to know that the month of September is approaching. September is the first month with the “BER” in the end. The first day commences our countdown (…OctoBER, NovermBER, DecemBER ) for the Christmas season which is the most awaited event in the human history, especially to Filipinos, considering that the Philippines is known to be a Christian nation.
However, for me at this point in time, there is more to it. September is a significant month for those people who have helped shaped the faith of many Christians especially those who belong to the Methodist Church. Did you know that?
Linda's Links
Coping with Life's Realities
There are times that the people within the mentally challenged community may not be able to rationally connect to life’s realities. This can manifest in a number of ways. At the death of a close friend or relative, these tendencies are clearly exposed and allow those of us who minister to them to see them without the masks of everyday tedium.
As a minister within Special Gathering, we seek to disciple (and evangelize) people who are developmentally disabled. Therefore, we attempt to be acutely aware of the spiritual, emotional and social needs of our members. Of course, this is a large subject that cannot be covered in a simple article. While a lifetime of circumstances have led me to study this area of human behavior, I am not a behaviorist and I don’t attempt to be an expert in this area. Nevertheless, we are currently dealing with the death of two much-loved members. Therefore, we are attempting to deal with grief at Special Gathering.
Understanding Our Spiritual Gifts
God has given every Christian spiritual gifts for doing the work of the ministry in everyday life and through the church. When we identify and exercise our God-given spiritual gifts, we maximize our fulfillment with minimize frustration. First Church members can take the Spiritual Gifts Analysis online.
Cuba Mission Update
Our planned visit to Cuba later this year has been canceled. There is hope that Bishop Pereira from Cuba will be able to resolve any issues with the Cuban government officials later this year. We are optimistic we can plan a visit in 2009.
First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
110 New Haven Avenue (US 192), Melbourne, FL 32901 | Office: (321) 723-6761