What's Coming Up?
Summer Mission Trips
Lousiana, Ecuador & Uganda
International:
Quito, Ecuador
July 23-30, 2022
We will be partnering with Woodlawn Church (Cameron and Katie Winton's church). This is a great entry-level mission trip! It's very safe, and no jet lag because they are also on Central time!
Cost: $2,500 which includes everything (airfare, housing, food, ground transportation, construction and VBS supplies, 2 shirts, and an exit Covid test). Breakfast and dinner at the hotel each day, and lunch on site. Best fresh fruit juice ever!
Middle/high school students are welcome with a parent or supervising adult.
Names and passport information will be needed mid-April. Apply for a passport now if at all interested in this trip!
Final payment will be due in June.
Exact deadline dates to follow.
Currently, Ecuador does not require travelers to have a Covid vaccine.
For more info, contact Sarah McKenzie
Uganda
May 25-June 8, 2022
We will be partnering with FUMC, Panama City. Registration is open, but you must be totally committed right now!
Cost: approximatley $4,000. Keep this one in mind as it will be available annually for several more years. It is typically scheduled between mid-May to mid-June and is a 2 week trip.
For more information, contact Kenny Green or Sarah McKenzie
Vacation Bible School 2022
Wednesday nights starting January 12
Sunday, June 12 from 2:00-5:00pm
Monday, June 13 from 5:30-7:30m
For rising K4 through existing 5th graders. We will have a Community Fellowship with a petting zoo and cookout for families on Tuesday June 14th from 5:00-7:00pm on the church lot at the corner of Oak and College Streets.
If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Peyton at 334-482-8366
Small Groups & Fellowship Meal
Wednesday nights starting January 12
Fellowship Meal: 5:00pm
Small Groups: 6:00pm
We're so excited to be back together on Wednesday nights with a fellowship meals and small groups! Contact the church office at 566-4400 to reserve your spot. Contact Peyton for information on Small Groups
Fellowship Meals:
Adults: $8.00
Children (12 & under): $5.00
Family maximum: $25.00
College Bible Study
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm
We're kicking off our fall College Bible Study! Come to the Youth Room, enjoy a free meal, and learn with your friends! Contact Dusty for more details.
GriefShare Support Group
We are excited to be launching a new ministry called Grief Share this fall at First Methodist. Grief Share is a Christ-centered, biblically-based support group for persons who are suffering the loss of a loved one through death. The program consists of three key elements to help participants heal from their loss: a video seminar, group discussions, and a personal workbook. The Grief Share videos include experts, ministers, and Christian counselors as they discuss grief and the recovery process. There are also testimonies from people who share their stories of what has helped them deal with the pain of losing a loved one. The seminar lasts for 13 weeks and participants can join at any time during the 13 weeks since the lessons and videos are not in succession. Pray now for God to use this highly effective program to reach members of our church and community.
Please consider joining us in Grief Share this September at one of the following times:
Wednesday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
February 2 - April 27, 2022
Round Room, Troy First Methodist Church
OR
Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
February 6 - May 1, 2022
Round Room, Troy First Methodist Church
For further information:
office: 334-566-4400 or fumctroy@yahoo.com
Coronavirus Update
In Person Worship Resumes at Troy First
We are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will
for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” When life is good and all is going well it is easy to be thankful.
However, at other times it is difficult, bordering on impossible. Hopefully we are turning the
corner to a place where it will not be a shear act of the will to be thankful, but gratitude will flow
easily. Why do I say this? Because after several weeks of not being able to meet together for
worship, that will change Sunday morning, June 7 at both 8:30 and 11:00.
We have been living in the midst of almost constant change during our time apart and those
changes will continue. Worship will not be “normal,” whatever that is any way. Change, especially
in the church always brings on some tension. This is where Paul’s words to the changing church
in Philippi can help us. He says, “Do everything without grumbling.” (Philippians 2:14) Some
changes you will easily embrace, others you may tolerate and still others you may not like at all.
Please understand, no changes to our worship experience are made simply because we want
change. All adjustments were discussed at length and agreed on by our Re-opening Task Force.
Below are some of the changes you may recognize.
• Social distancing will be practiced (6 feet apart)
N Alternating pews will be used for seating
P You are asked to wait to be seated as ushers direct you
• Families households can sit together, but others must practice social distancing
• Hand sanitizing stations will be located at entrances and in the sanctuary
• Masks and gloves will be available, but you are encouraged to bring your own
• Doors will be propped open to prevent surface touching
• Offering plates will not be passed but places to leave your tithes and offering will be in
both places of worship
• Please don’t shake hands or hug necks
• Because we cannot use hymnals, moveable tv monitors will be located around the
sanctuary where announcements, hymn and song words, scripture, etc. will be displayed
• Bulletins will be included in the weekly email for those who are unable to attend in person
worship
• Sunday school, children’s church and nursery services will begin at later dates
One final word of caution and grace. If you have any symptoms such as a fever above 100.4 or
have been exposed to anyone with the COVID 19 virus, please stay home and take care of yourself.
Many people are hesitant to return for in-person worship. That is understandable and I encourage
you not to feel guilty. Troy First will continue to broadcast on Troy Cable channel 2 and on
Facebook Live as well as YouTube Studio 52 Productions TC2. Please join us as we worship the
living God.
Blessings,
Steve