Posts with the category “new-members”

If you were to ask me what I love most about ministry, I wouldn’t hesitate. Baptizing new believers and teaching the faith, especially in moments like confirmation, brings me the deepest joy. This past Sunday, we had the privilege of witnessing the fruits of our church’s faithful work, and it was incredible While I don’t always think of membership as the primary fruit, I have to say, the conversat...  Read More

Jennifer has been attending our church since 2007. She has been a part of a United Methodist congregation for most of her life; she joined God in baptism at a United Methodist congregation in Pennsylvania. Jennifer has seen multiple pastors come and go here at Fleming Island UMC but felt God lay it on her heart recently to reaffirm her baptism, make a public profession of faith, and make us officia...  Read More

I met the WIllis Family for the first time at our Back to School celebration. Jessica is a teacher and her husband Winston is in IT. I've enjoyed getting to know them this fall as they've attended worship, their kids have been part of kid's events, and they have found their place within our community.One thing I love about my job is getting to sit down with the new persons and families. Getting a ...  Read More

I am not sure what is more exciting then welcoming a new child into the church family. It's a sign of life, regeneration of the church, but also our commitment to the future generations. Sunday, we got to make a commitment as a church to the Coppage family, as Eddie and Val stood with their children, raised in our church, and now their granddaughter, who is being raised in our church. No one has a ...  Read More

We had October 16 marked on the calendar for a few weeks. When I got up that morning, the weather had become chilly, but that wouldn't stop me from baptizing Michael at his home. His family and friends had been waiting for this day. I'll admit I wasn't sad he decided not to get fully into the pool. The following Sunday, October 22, we welcomed the entire family into our church. But one person was m...  Read More

I am excited to officially welcome the Owens family as part of our church family Wendy reached out to me in May after visiting our church. She wanted to learn more about us. Shortly after, I sat down for coffee with Wendy and her mom, Sandy. I feel like I've known them forever. They've jumped in and started to volunteer at events. Eric, Sandy's husband (Wendy's dad), loves to spend time with his g...  Read More

If you run into Julius and Shannon, you'll notice that they are both quiet, kind, and love to jump in and help with things. I met them when they first started to attend the church, but they made an impression on me when they asked to help with Vacation Bible School.I didn't know them very well when they responded to an open call for help picking up donated VBS decorations from Highpoint Community ...  Read More

The Asbell family has become three faces that light up everyone's hearts when we see them. If you haven't met Steve, Jennifer, and their son, you need to. They are sure to share their creativity and joy with you. Like many families after COVID, they wanted a church that felt more like a family than a large institution. FIUMC friends...you exceeded all expectations! This family has found their plac...  Read More

I always love to welcome new members into the church family. This past Sunday, we got to welcome Tommy and Karen, and their daughter Haley! We've now welcomed 3 generations of this family. A few weeks ago, we welcomed the Andersen Family into membership. Courtney who we welcomed a few weeks ago, is also Tommy and Karen's daughter.Tommy, Karen and Haley come to us from another United Methodist...  Read More

This family has been worshipping at Fleming Island UMC since March. Many times, when you find the place that works for your family, you know. That's how it is for them, except their family includes an aunt and grandparents. You should be seeing their faces in the blog soon.This week, we welcome this wonderful couple, Andy and Courtney, with open arms. They are transferring their membership from an...  Read More

Holy Week is always a holy time, but it's so easy to get caught up in the busy. This year though, I started it off with a focus that's hard to beat. Monday, April 3, I headed to Mayport Beach for the joy of baptizing and receiving into our congregation Amanda. Amanda started worshipping with us around October of last year after driving past the church. She saw the banner for our "Christianity for Atheists" sermon series. The first time we talked, Amanda explained that she has identified as agnostic for years, so the banner caught her eye. She went home and looked us up.  Read More

Sometimes you must try a church for weeks or even months before you feel like you can decide if it's your "forever spiritual home." Other times, you walk in and know right away.That's what happened to Christy and Woody. I met with the couple a few weeks ago as they shared their story and experience about our church and why they wanted to join. They started to attend Fleming Island UMC in December,...  Read More

It was such a wonderful day in worship on Sunday! In addition to starting a new sermon series, we also received three persons into membership.Howard and Nicole Rieger started worshipping with us on Easter 2021. They were married in Grace Place in September of 2021. Howard was raised Jewish, but in January this year, he felt called to Christian baptism. Most Sundays, you'll find Howard in the sound...  Read More

September 4th, we welcomed Cathy Perry and Katie Strickland into membership. It was a joy to receive them both into membership as they renewed their belief in Christ. They are officially committed to living out their faith through our congregation with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. They've both been doing this for quite some time. For many, you may be asking why a person ne...  Read More