Dear Friends,
We are so grateful for the excitement and support you’ve shown for Night of the Classics. Just yesterday morning we shared an email encouraging folks to join us this weekend — and many of you responded. Unfortunately, we now find ourselves in the rare and difficult position of needing to postpone the shows scheduled for this Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13.
Due to illness among our kitchen staff and several performers, as well as a family emergency with one of our organizers, we believe the wisest and most faithful choice is to wait for a better time. As Kenny Rogers once sang in The Gambler (A song you might have heard this weekend): “You got to know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em.” This time, the deck seemed stacked against us — and because our goal is to give our mission in Tanzania the very best effort, we’re folding this weekend and regrouping for a stronger hand.
The new dates for Night of the Classics will be:
- Friday, January 23, 2026
- Saturday, January 24, 2026
What to do if you already bought tickets:
Tickets already purchased will be valid for the January shows.
If you would prefer a refund, you may visit the church office during office hours. Guests who purchased tickets online will also receive a separate email with instructions about requesting a refund.
Because this change is happening so close to the original dates, we would be especially grateful for your help in spreading the word. If you know friends or family who were planning to attend, please let them know about the new January dates. Your help ensures that no one is caught off guard this weekend.
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience this change may cause. We know many of you were looking forward to gathering this weekend — so were we. At the same time, we trust that rescheduling will allow us to present the very best show possible and raise the most support for our sister church in Nyegezi, Tanzania.
Thank you for your grace and understanding. Please mark your calendars now for January 23 and 24 — we promise it will be worth the wait!
With gratitude and hope,
Your friends at First United Methodist Church
Great Food. Great Entertainment. Great Cause.
It’s back! Night of the Classics returns this September with two nights of dinner, music, and missions. Guests will get to enjoy a three-course meal while our “classic” acts take the stage in full costume, with plenty of fun, laughter, and memories along the way—all to support our sister church in Tanzania. Musicians will be members and friends of First United Methodist Church. This year, our Friday show begins at 6:00pm (doors at 5:30) and our Saturday show begins at 5:00pm (doors at 4:30). Saturday has an earlier start time for families and those who prefer an earlier evening, and childcare will be available on Saturday only.
Tickets are $30 / person. This will be a great date night or friends’ night out. To purchase tickets, click the button below. All proceeds from the evening benefit our congregation’s sister church in Nyegezi, Tanzania and future trips to the region.
Teaming with Tanzania
Since 2018, First Church has been building a strong partnership with Nyegezi UMC in Mwanza, Tanzania. Over the past five years, we’ve taken five teams: two exploratory trips in 2018 and 2019, and three children’s ministry workshops that brought leaders together from across the country. Alongside those efforts, we’ve laid groundwork for future medical missions and clergy training, strengthening ties between our congregations and the broader United Methodist connection.
Looking ahead:
- In February 2026, Bishop L. Jonathan Holston will travel to Tanzania.
- In April 2026, we’ll send another First Church team to continue education training.
- A third clergy training and medical mission is also being planned for November 2026.
This year’s fundraiser has a focused goal: helping Nyegezi UMC complete the construction of their church building and resume their nursery school, this will bring more children and families into the life of the church and allow them to grow their ministry in the community. The congregation in Tanzania has begun a three-phase construction project to make the needed upgrades, and our fundraising goal is $8,500 to support this effort. Any funds raised beyond that will go directly toward future trips and mission projects in the Mwanza region.
Be Part of the Story
Through every trip, every training, and every relationship, we’ve seen the Spirit at work—expanding the witness of the church in Tanzania and here in Pensacola. Night of the Classics is more than a fun evening out. It’s a way for us to come together, share in food and music, and make a lasting impact in the name of Jesus Christ.
So tell your family. Tell your friends. And join us for Night of the Classics!