Dear Community,       

         What a pleasure it has been getting to know you over the past few months! We have been blessed by the warm welcome and the thoughtful consideration during our transition to this faithful congregation!

         As we all know, the past few years have taken their toll on the church as a whole, and Community UMC is no exception. Yet, despite several obstacles, you have remained faithful in your support – you have honored your baptismal commitments of prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness. For that, we are deeply grateful.

         Ours is a vital ministry to those who would call Community UMC their home. From engaging worship to active discipleship and impactful missional work, both locally and around the world, Community has a legacy of making a difference, and we will continue to seek God’s direction, leading us to love and serve our neighbors in Jesus’s name.

         Though we come from a variety of experiences, we are united in our desire to see others come to faith, as we grow in our understanding of God and His kingdom, while developing and using our God-given gifts to serve those most in need. It takes all of us, and we are grateful not only for our heritage as a church, but also for what God has in store for us in the days and years ahead!

         In order to accomplish all that God has called us to, we need your support. That support is found in giving – giving of self, of time, and of the resources God has generously bestowed on us.

 In 2023, each ministry has plans to further the opportunities before us. Our desire is to increase our participation with our children and youth, serving the disenfranchised, and continuing to provide important ministries to all ages. Please use the Stewardship Opportunities Card to indicate your preferred areas of service, and also those you are currently doing and would like to continue.

         To read a more detailed description of each entry on the Opportunities Card, please see the 2023 Stewardship Opportunities Booklet. A printed copy may also be picked up in the church office.

         We invite you to prayerfully consider your commitment to Community UMC – through your financial support and your participation in the many ways in which we are seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Fruitland Park. 

         Together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome, no opposition God cannot see us through.

Kelly W. Smith                                                   Ben Spangler

Senior Pastor                                                    Associate Pastor