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First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, welcomes you to a community of love and fellowship where Christ's love is eminent.
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| Family Night, will resume Wednesday, January 13, 2010.
Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. followed by small group gatherings and activities for children.
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| Small Groups, are a vital part of our church. Join a small group and
get connected to Christ and others in Christian fellowships.
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There is an old story that comes to mind on the shores of the Atlantic where many ships would crash years ago. The people of the village nearby decided that they would put up a lighthouse on the shoreline to warn the seafarers of the dangers they were confronting and to help them find a safe passage into the harbor.
But the people did more than that-they organized rescue squads who would go out to rescue the sailors whose ships had crashed. And they would bring them back to the lighthouse to take care of them, feed them and look after whatever needs they had...and they developed a reputation for saving the lives of people in need.
In time, the people of that village noticed that their lighthouse was showing wear and tear. It wasn't as pretty as it once had been. So they organized a group of people to get the lighthouse back in tip-top shape again. This group suggested not to go out on those rescue missions anymore. After all, when they brought so many sailors into the lighthouse, that's what was running it down and keeping it from looking presentable. And the people could certainly see the logic behind that suggestion and so they decided to go along with it.
Today they have a beautiful lighthouse along the Atlantic, where many tourists come to take pictures and place on many postcards as well. But they don't go out into the waters and they don't bring in shipwrecked sailors anymore. The purpose for which they built the lighthouse long ago has been somehow lost over time.
In the gospel of John 8:12 we hear these words from Jesus:
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to be the light for the world and through our ministries we claim the challenge not to be a church who worships our buildings, but to be a light of Love, Intentional Spiritual Growth, Generosity, Hospitality, Worship and Service within and beyond our church.
I am excited about the ministry opportunities that you will find in the pages to follow and I want to encourage you to find a ministry where your light can shine and where your life's passion and gifts will be fulfilled.
In His Name,
Thom Shafer
Senior Pastor
Pastor Thom's Sermon Notes
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Mission Statement
To follow the LIGHT of Jesus
and shine Christ's light for others.
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| Our 8:30 Service is a
traditional Methodist service for those who like to get the day started
early. Held in our chapel, the smaller group allows for a more intimate
time of worship.
The Awakening Service
is an alternative worship experience that begins at 9:30 am in
Founder’s Hall. With a live band and singing, multimedia and drama, the
Awakening provides for joyful worship in a casual setting. Holy
communion is celebrated every Sunday in this service.
At 9:30 am, we also provide a Spanish Service which caters to the needs of our Hispanic community.
If you enjoy a more traditional and formal worship experience, please join us for our Traditional Service. Our 11:00 am worship service features traditional liturgy and music.
We celebrate holy communion in our traditional services on the first Sunday of every month.
No matter what your worship preference may be, we have a service for you!
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