Welcome Home
to First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
Years ago, First United Methodist Church committed 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.
We welcome all to experience this community as a way of experiencing the joy and fullness of God’s presence. Wherever you are in your walk of life and of faith, we welcome you. Perhaps you are a seeker who is not sure of your direction in life. We welcome you to join with us as we, together, seek a direction pleasing to God. We believe that God’s direction comes through Holy Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments and through the continuous movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are not here to judge, we are here to love and to grow in our faithfulness to God.
In considering a church home, some people ask: "What can the Church of Jesus Christ do for me?" The church can help us focus on what is most important in life. We encourage everyone to ask: "What can I do for the Church of Jesus Christ?" Our church is an amazing, loving, inter-generational 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. Come and serve Jesus Christ through First United Methodist Church! Come to a loving place to belong.
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 Anyone, with a job and connections, that is willing to help, is welcome. 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
July
Much of June was spent journeying with Jonah. Sermons were preached, lessons were taught, and a musical was presented. Music Camp with the children was about the Story of Jonah, and on Friday, June 19, they presented a musical about the whole story, you know, the reluctant prophet who didn’t want to do what God wanted him to do. I was so impressed with their message and their song. “Go! Go! Jonah!” Jonah was a patriot. He loved his country more than he loved God. The Ninevites were his country’s worst enemies, and he could not accept that God would give them any kind of chance or any kind of consideration.
It's always dangerous to tell God what you are and what you are not going to do...
Sol's Space
Freedom & Friendship
The fourth of July is a significant day for all Americans and Filipinos as well. In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events, celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Linda's Links
Give Us a King
Israel wanted a king like all the other nations. They got their king, along with all the mistakes, misjudgments, and wickedness that God knew would accompany their request. God told Samuel, “They aren’t rejecting you. They are rejecting me.”
In his mercy, God allowed great men like David, Solomon, Jehosaphat and Hezekiah to emerge through the lineage of Israel’s kingship, however, the people also had to suffer through the depravity and neglect of kings, such as Ahab and Rehoboram. Each day in our lives, we make decisions. At times, they are godly and right, other times, decisions are based on the morays of the day. Those are the days that we straighten up our frame to look as tall and broad as possible and declare, “Give me a king!”
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