MUMC Weekly Updates

Sunday Morning

Join us for worship Sunday morning as we start a new series, with a message from Pastor Britt.

If you are not joining us in person you can participate online at any of the above platforms. We are excited to worship with you!

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Church Council Educational Process

At the last meeting of our Church Council, there was consensus about the need for an educational process about the current debate within the United Methodist Church and how the start of the Global Methodist Church impacts us. There are some from our congregation who wish for Mandarin and Longleaf to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church to join the Global Methodist Church. Others have expressed a desire to remain with the UMC. Still, others have expressed a need to learn more.
The Council, therefore, unanimously approved the formation of a small group with various perspectives to guide this education process. This group met for the first time on Saturday, April 23, and is looking to plan 2 or 3 sessions that people can attend to hear about the issues and decisions before us in as balanced a way as possible. These sessions will have the same content – the reason for multiple sessions is to make this information accessible to the membership. We look forward to sharing the dates for these sessions soon.
 
In the meantime, many have been invited to an event on May 1 sponsored by ‘Friends of Mandarin and Longleaf’. This group is part of those from our congregation who wish to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. The event currently being advertised is separate from the educational process being organized through the Church Council

Stephen Ministry

“I don’t need a Stephen Minister”. Maybe you do. Stephen Ministers offer a non-judgmental, sympathetic ear, a prayer, and thought-provoking questions that will help you through your darkest days. Whether it be a job loss, divorce, loss of a loved one, or any other issue you may be going through. For more information on how to get assigned a Stephen Minister, please call the church office.

May 2-6 | Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week! We are grateful to treat the teachers at Freedom Crossing Academy, Learning Ladders, and Beauclerc Elementary with various snacks this week. Thank you, teachers, for all you do! 

May 8 | Baby Bottle Boomerang

The Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraiser for First Coast Women’s Services (FCWS) begins on May 8. FCWS supports the gift of life by helping parents prepare for their new babies. Grab a baby bottle and fill it up with change, cash or a check, then return it by June 5.   

May 15 | Donation Drop-Off: Mandarin Food Bank

On Sunday, May 15, we will be collecting items for the Mandarin Food Bank. Items such as canned goods, non-perishable items, and toiletries are great to bring. Thank you for your support.

May 15 | Dessert Theater

Come to a dessert theater event of music and fellowship on May 15 at 2:00 PM in Wesley Hall! We’ll build community and showcase musical gifts from adult, children, and youth choirs. Songs will feature selections from musicals to Disney movies and beyond in solos, duets, ensembles, and much more. Between sets, we’ll eat dessert and enjoy fellowship with performers and attendees. Hope to see you there!

May 20 | United Methodist Family Night

The annual United Methodist Family Night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville is Friday, May 20. You can purchase a ticket for $12 or a ticket with a meal of hamburgers, hotdogs, a snack, and a drink for $27. As always there will be fireworks after the game. You can go online and purchase your ticket here. For those who would prefer to go the traditional route, there will be a sign-up this Sunday, May 8 in the Gathering Space outside of the Connection Service at 10:00 AM and in front of the Sanctuary before the Traditional Service at 11:00 AM. Ed Landers will be manning those tables. Please call Bruce Seidner with any questions at (904) 679-1887. Ed’s phone number is (904) 868-1714. Checks need to be made out to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The final count and payment is required by Noon on May 9. Our own Chad Sorenson will sing the National Anthem. For those purchasing the ticket the traditional route, you can pick up your ticket at Will Call between 5:00-6:30 PM the day of the game. See you at the ball game!! Learn more here.

May 25 | Pasta Dinner & Trivia Night

Enjoy a pasta dinner with your church friends and family from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in Wesley Hall before another exciting night of Trivia begins with all new rounds, including a unique send-off for our beloved Pastor Will! The pasta dinner will include pasta, sauce (meat or marinara), salad, garlic bread, dessert, and a drink for $5 per plate. Register here for your dinner.

June | Taiji Summer Session

The summer session of Taiji will be held June through August. There will be eleven classes, and the cost is $70 for the session. We look forward to having more folks join us for this relaxing exercise led by Charles Macabasco. Please let me know if you would like to participate or have any questions. Jean Ehrlich (904-705-6145 or jcwe64@att.net)

Bench in Honor of Cindy Middleton

We invite you to give towards having a bench created in honor of Cindy Middleton. When you give to the church, write in the memo line “Cindy Middleton Memorial Bench” so we know where the direct your contribution. You are welcome to donate either online on Realm or in person.

Wednesdays | Wednesday Night Schedule

Join us on Wednesday nights for children and youth choir as well as adult, children, and youth classes. We’ll see you there!
Check out the schedule below:
  • Youth Activities/Small Groups – 5:30-8:00 PM
  • Youth Choir (6th – 12th Grade) – 5:30-6:15 PM
  • Cherub Choir (3yrs – 5yrs) – 6:00-6:30 PM*
  • Childcare Center – 6:15-8:00 PM
  • Children’s Choir (1st – 5th Grade) – 6:30-7:15 PM*
  • Children’s Ministry Activities – 6:30-8:00 PM
  • Midweek Devotion – 6:15 PM
  • Adult Classes & Activities – 6:30-8:00 PM

Classes & Studies

May 8 | Crusaders Sunday School

The Crusaders Sunday School class will begin the bible study Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name, by Max Lucado on Sunday, May 8th. This class meets in Room 304 in the Bence Wing and begins at 9:45 AM. All are welcome! 

May 13 | True Beauty Book Club

This month, True Beauty will be discussing Dead Sea Rising by Jerry B. Jenkins. Meeting dates are as follows:  
  • Friday, May 13 at 12:00 PM, off-campus. Location TBD. RSVP to Andrea Vrtikapa for location by Monday, May 9.  
  • Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 PM at the Mandarin Campus  
  • Sunday, May 22 at 10:00 AM at both campuses 

Tuesdays | Joseph Bible Study

Join Sandy Maynard as she facilitates the 6-week bible study Joseph by Melissa Spoelstra on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 AM that began April 19. All of us know what it’s like to be hurt or betrayed. Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than in the biblical story of Joseph. This study explores what God has to say to us about grace and forgiveness through Joseph’s story of trial and triumph found in Genesis 37-50. Sign Up Here

Weekly | Wednesday Night Sermon Discussions

Dig deeper into the previous Sunday’s sermon in a small group setting with structured sermon discussion questions, pastor-led, and building on a sermon series. 

Music Ministry

Wednesdays/Thursdays | Music Opportunities for All Ages

Music is an important part of worship and life at church. We believe that music is a beautiful and creative way to preach the Gospel, lead worship, and deepen our relationship with God. All are welcome! If you or someone you know should be in choir, please have them contact Austen Wilson at awilson@mumc.net
 
Wednesdays
  • Youth Choir (Gr. 6 – 12) 5:30 – 6:15 PM – Choir Room
  • Children’s Choir (Gr. 1 – 5) 6:30 – 7:15 PM – Choir Room
  • Cherub Choir (Age 3 – Kindergarten) 6:00 – 6:30 PM
Thursdays
  • Chancel Ringers (Adults) 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Choir Room
  • Chancel Choir (Adults) 7:00 – 8:150 PM – Choir Room

Youth Ministry

Weekly | Youth Activities

One10 Youth meets weekly at both Mandarin and Longleaf.
Sunday Mornings at 10:00 AM for Sunday School at both campuses.
Sunday Nights from 5:00-7:30 PM. at the Mandarin campus. 
Wednesdays from 5:30 – 8:00 PM for Midweek Refuel. For more details, email Paula to sign up for our weekly Youth at a Glance and sign up for text message reminders here.

July 11-15 | Passion Camp

We are excited to be headed to Passion Camp this summer in Daytona Beach. Passion Camp will be July 11th – 15th and is centered around the glory of Jesus. Middle and high school students are gathered together for four days of worship, teaching, and community. This is open to all incoming 7th grade – graduated Seniors. At this time there is only 1 spot available for a male participant. The cost is $460 and includes lodging, meals on Tuesday – Thursday, and transportation. Youth will need money for 3 meals and spending money during the week. A deposit of $50 is due at this time. Please sign up here.

May | Youth Praise Band

We will begin meeting Sundays after youth during the month of May. We are working on VBS and Youth Sunday music. If you are a youth member interested in helping with VBS music, please plan to join us. We will end promptly at 8:30 PM. We need this additional time to learn the VBS dances and prepare for an exciting first week of summer. 

May 6 | Confirmation 2022

Confirmation Sunday is May 22 at 9:00 AM at Longleaf and 11:00 AM at Mandarin. We will have lunch following the 11:00 AM service. There will be a lunch after the 11:00 AM service for confirmands, families, and mentors. Please sign up to let us know if you will be attending the lunch on May 22. The Confirmation In-House Retreat is May 6 from 6:00 – 10:00 PM and Saturday, May 7 from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. On Friday, we will have dinner and a fellowship activity. On May 7, we will have a service activity and lunch together. 

May 13 | Middle School Night Out

Middle School Night Out is May 13. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us from 7:00-10:00 PM. We will have dinner at the church and then head to Bravoz Entertainment Center for the night. Pick up will be back at the church at 10:00 PM. The cost is $20. Sign up here.

May 15 | Youth Sunday Takeover

We hope you will mark your calendar for Youth Sunday at Mandarin on May 15. Our seniors, youth members, and youth band will share a time of worship at both the 9 AM and 11 AM services. We look forward to seeing you there. Join us for this special Sunday night youth as we have our final Youth Take Over of the school year and enjoy a Mini Messy game night. We will be “serving up” Mark Wydler and Hannah Tevlin as our last two seniors to get messy. You are encouraged to wear clothing that can get messy as we play a few special games after a time of music and devotion. Mark your calendar, you will not want to miss out on the fun.

Summer | Youth at Homes

Interested in hosting a summer youth event? We are looking for families (homes with a pool) in Duval and St. Johns (or a few), willing to host a youth small group this summer. Last summer we had a blast meeting on a few non-trip Sunday Nights for fellowship and to learn together. The summer dates are June 26, July 11, and July 31. Times are 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Youth Ministry would provide pizza and drinks. Please let Paula know if you would be interested in hosting this summer.

June 12 | Summer Mission Trip

Our mission trip will be June 12 -17. It’s going to be a wonderful week! We are headed to Savannah, GA and working with Youth Works. Projects will include Kids camp, Food Bank, Construction and repairs in the community. Housing will be in a local church and we will have time to do some exploring in Savannah. The week will end with a trip to Summer Waves in Jekyll Island. We are excited for this trip. Please use this sign-up link below to sign up for this year’s trip. The cost is $300 plus spending money and two meals on the road. You will not want to miss this great service opportunity. Sign up here.ere.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Sunday Morning Nursery: 
Love Working with Kids? Enjoy playing with babies/preschool-age children? Join the nursery team by volunteering one Sunday a month during either the 9 AM or 11 AM worship service. – contact Lauren Guion for more information. 
Worship Livestream and Sound: 
Love Technology? – We are always looking for people to help with Livestream and sound needs at both Mandarin and Longleaf
VBS & Cheer/ Basketball Camp 
We are in need of Volunteers for the week on 6/6-10 for VBS and Recreation Ministries. You can find the sign-up links in the weekly Outloud and Buzz emails. VBS is from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 and Basketball/Cheer camp immediately follow.

Summer 2022 | Mark Your Calendar

Mark your calendar for these summer dates!
  • June 1 | VBS Training
  • June 5 | Graduation Sunday
  • June 6 – 10 | Vacation Bible School
  • June 6 – 10 | Basketball and Cheer Camp
  • June 12 – 18 | Youth Mission Trip
  • June 27 – July 2 | Warren Willis – Sign up NOW on the Warren Willis website
  • July 11 – 15 | Youth Passion Camp / Beach week– only one spot left (see above)
  • July 18 – 22 | Music Camp
  • July 23 – 26 | Youth White Water Rafting Trip
  • August 6 | Ichetucknee Springs (Incoming 6th & 7th grade)
  • August 7 | Promotion Sunday & Messy Game Night

Children's Ministry

For more information, see the Children’s Ministry Sunday morning email. If you are not getting it, email Taylor Mathis at tmathis@mumc.net. If you have any questions, please contact Angie atangie@mumc.net.

May 21 & 23 | Mommy & Me Book Club

Moms and little ones ages 0-5 yrs meet once a month at Mandarin UMC for play, story, and activity time! We will have two options each month to get together, a Monday and Saturday morning; the book and activity are the same at both. Click here to sign up. Join our Mandarin UMC Mommy & Me Book Club Facebook Group, or contact Lauren Guion. 

May 27 | Preschool & Elementary Water & Fun Activities

Children 3 years old (as of 9/1/2021) to 5th grade are invited to join us for pizza, water games, outdoor activities, a snack, and take-home craft Friday, May 27 from 5:00-9:00 PM! We are limiting the number of children from preschool and elementary able to attend to keep staff-to-child ratios safe so sign up today! Also, for safety, children will be separated by age (preschool in one group, elementary in another) for part of the evening (during outside activities). All children will start/end the hangout together. The cost is $15 per child. Click here to sign up.

Weekly | Bible Story & Activity Time During Service

We offer Bible stories and activities during the worship service for elementary-aged children. Children will start worship with you, then will be dismissed prior to the sermon. We continue to have 10:00 AM Sunday school classes available for all ages.

Weekly | Sunday Morning Activities

Babies through Preschool – Childcare and Preschool Sunday School lesson are offered during all hours, in the Childcare Center (Rm 704).  
Elementary – Sunday School offered from 10:00-10:55 AM Drop Off/Pick Up in the Worship Center. 

Weekly | Junior Youth Activities

Junior Youth (4th and 5th grade) – every Sunday, 12:00-2:30 PM (ends at 4:00 PM on Sundays with Welcome to Worship), Mandarin campus, click here to sign up.

Weekly | Children's Message Volunteers

We love helping children to understand what the sermon is about by doing a Children’s Message. If you are interested in volunteering occasionally, please letAngie know or sign up here. We will provide you with the Scripture, topic, and even a children’s message you can use or tweak. 

Weekly |Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers each Sunday. Click here to sign up to serve. All volunteers must be background checked every 3-5 years and go through child protection training annually. By serving one hour a month (or equivalent) your children will be FREE at the May 27 Children’s Hangout.

Summer 2022 |Camps & Events

Mark your calendars for our summer camps! See more information under Recreation Ministry and Youth & Children News. 
  • Vacation Bible School | Half Day Morning | June 6 – 10
  • Basketball and Cheer Camp | Half Day Afternoon | June 6 – 10
  • Warren Willis Summer Camp | Overnight | June 27 – July 2
  • Music Camp | Full Day | July 18 – 22

Connect with us

Email: communications@mumc.net
Phone: (904) 268-5549
COVID-19 Updates:Learn More →