Back to School | Back to Church

There’s a place for you here

With our young people going back to school and re-entering the rhythm of the school year, we want to invite you to make church a part of your weekly routine. Join us on Sunday for services. Join us on Wednesday for mid-week dinner and programming. Make church part of the rhythm of your life. You’ll be glad you did.

Visiting a church for the first time or even after a time away can be intimidating. When you’re ready to take that step, we want to make sure that you feel informed before you arrive and welcomed when you are here.

Below you will find everything you need to know, guiding you all the way from the parking lot to the exit. Still have questions? I would love to help answer any questions and meet you on Sunday or Wednesday! Lacey Adair | LAdair@FUMCPensacola.com

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Sunday, August 19
Blessing of the backpacks

All children, youth, teachers, and administrators are invited to attend Blessing of the Backpacks during all services (8:30 & 11:00am Main Sanctuary Services and ICON at 11:00am). At the beginning of the service, you will be invited to come down to receive a blessing over the school year, as well as a special back to school gift from FUMC Pensacola. Make sure to bring your child’s backpack, school bag, or their lunch box to be blessed.

Sunday, August 16
Family Ice Cream Celebration & Promotion Sunday

All are invited to join us in the Wright Place from 9:45 – 10:45am for an ice cream celebration to start the start of a new school year. Parents and children (preschool – 12th grade) will begin the morning in the Great Hall with an ice cream sundae bar and time to connect. After ice cream, children and youth will be dismissed to meet their teachers and join their new classes. Adults are invited to remain in the Great Hall for coffee, ice cream, and fellowship.

Sundays through September 13
Church-Wide Sermon Series | All services

Through the Night
Meeting God in the Dark and Walking Toward the Dawn

Join us for a seven-week Sunday sermon series exploring how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty, grief, struggle, and change. Through the stories of Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Miriam, and the people of Israel, we will reflect on wrestling, betrayal, reconciliation, courage, calling, and liberation. Together, we will discover that the night is not empty; and that God is at work, leading us toward the dawn

Sunday Mornings

First United Methodist Church of Pensacola offers four Sunday morning worship services across our Downtown and Beulah locations, with a variety of worship styles. Each service follows the Revised Common Lectionary, celebrates Communion weekly, and includes a special sermon for children. Click HERE to learn more about what we believe.

Beulah Chapel | Launching August 23
9:00am | 6200 West Nine Mile Road
Beulah Chapel is a simple, relaxed worship service rooted in the traditions of the Church, with modern music led by a small worship band and a sermon by the Rev. Brennan Peacock. Click HERE to learn more.

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We offer a wide variety of Sunday mornings classes at 9:45am for adults. These smaller communities encourage us to grow as disciples as we study, serve, and build community. Our Sunday Morning Classes span every age and life-stage.

Not sure what class to try? Stop by the welcome desk on Sunday morning or contact Emily Kincaid | EKincaid@FUMCPensacola.com for assistance. MORE INFO.

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Starting Wednesday, August 19
Mid-Week at First Church

Join us for our Mid-Week programming at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola! From Wednesday Night Dinner to programming for kids, we have something for everyone.

Free Wednesday Night Kick-Off Dinner

Wednesday, August 19 | 5:00 – 6:00pm | The Wright Place
On Wednesday, August 19th, we are kicking off our regular Midweek activities with a FREE dinner in The Wright Place! Join us for a time of fellowship and delicious food, reconnect with old friends, and meet some new ones. This is also a great opportunity for evangelism so invite your friends and family! Menu: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Toast, Green Beans, and Chocolate Cake.

Pastor’s Bible Study
As Yourself: The Surprising Holiness of Loving Yourself

Wednesdays, Starting Aug 19 | 6:00 – 7:00pm | The Great Hall
Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Lentz will be teaching a seven week study on his new book, As Yourself: The Surprising Holiness of Loving Yourself. Join the study each Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:00pm as we learn more about why Jesus included loving ourselves in the two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Books will be available for purchase at the front desk or in the coming weeks.

Nursery
5:30-7:00pm | Education Building
Nursery is available for infants up to 2 years old for parents attending class and choir practice. No registration required.

Weekly Adult Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays | 6:00 – 7:30pm | Choir Room
Weekly rehearsals take place on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30pm. No experience is needed. The Adult Sanctuary Choir is open to all adults and sings on Sunday mornings alternating between the 8:30 and 11:00am Main Sanctuary worship services each week.

First Kids Mid-Week

Our Wednesday programming for Kindergarten–5th Grade starts at 3:00pm with a time for great extracurricular classes, developing relationships in small group settings, and having fun singing and playing together. Afternoon programs are divided by age-group and listed below. This lasts until dinner. After dinner, parents can attend class while kids continue their fun with our Midweek program starting in the gym.

KidConnect (for K–5th Grade)
Wednesdays | 3:00 – 5:15pm | Starts in Wesley Hall | Register Online
All children, Kindergarten to 5th Grade, are invited to join us for KidConnect, our midweek connection time with camp style classes and choir. We will meet for worship in Wesley Abbey, enjoy an extracurricular activity, and connect with friends. Students who love to sing and would like to participate in our seasonal programs are invited to stay and participate in our Children’s Choirs. Pick up will be at 5:15pm in the gym.

First Kids: Midweek (for Preschool–5th Grade)
Wednesdays | 5:50 – 7:00pm | Gym, Education Building
This Wednesday evening program is a great time of fellowship and faith building for Preschoolers and Elementary kids.  Each age group will have a devotion/story and play time while parents enjoy a class and fellowship with others.

First Students Mid-Week

6:00–7:00pm | Youth Building
Youth will gather in the Youth Building from 6:00 -7:00pm for worship time; singing praise songs, playing games, and study. If you have a student that is interested in helping lead music, contact Rev. Lauren at (334) 315 -0398.