He Is Risen!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.” 

(Luke 24:5, NRSVue)

We’re thankful for a meaningful Holy Week and Easter at First United Methodist Church of Florence. From Palm Sunday through the powerful Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, we walked together on the Lenten journey to the Cross. Though we reflected on the sorrow of the crucifixion, Easter brought us the joy of the resurrection and the reminder that God’s grace, shown through the life and love of Jesus, brings us hope and salvation. The Worship Team and Altar Guild created beautiful spaces that helped us feel God’s presence. Our adult choir and instrumental ensemble shared a moving and mysterious cantata that touched many hearts. On Easter morning, they provided joyful music that brought the celebration to life. It was so good to see McDowell Hall full—412 people joined us in person across three services, with another 102 worshiping online.

Repairs to our sanctuary are progressing well, and the planned updates and minor modifications are on track. The delay we’re experiencing isn’t due to the sanctuary work but to power issues triggered by the April 10 windstorm. The storm knocked out a transformer, which led to the discovery that we needed to upgrade the wiring from outside the building to the main breaker in the sanctuary. The electrical contractor completed the upgrade, but we’re still waiting for the utility company to relocate the transformer platform closer to where the electrical service feeds into our building. With all the storm repair work still ongoing—and more rain in the forecast this week—it’s uncertain whether we’ll be back in the sanctuary by next Sunday. As I said in worship, I can definitely say that maybe we’ll be back! Thank you for your continued patience and prayers as we work through these final steps.

Please plan to join us for an important Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 p.m. in McDowell Hall. Our Church Council Chair, Katy Beth Carr, and our Finance Committee Chair, Will Alexander, will share an update on the church’s financial health.

The past five years have brought significant challenges—from the disruptions of COVID-19 to the tension surrounding discussions about disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve come through it together and continue healing and rebuilding.

At this meeting, we’ll present a clear and honest picture of our financial situation and what lies ahead. The more informed we are, the better equipped we’ll be to move forward together into the future God is preparing for us.

We’re excited to welcome Bishop Jonathan Holston, the resident bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, as our guest preacher on Sunday, May 18, at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. We’ll have Family Worship at 9:00 a.m. but no early service.

During the 11:00 service, Bishop Holston will preach and lead us in a special dedication of the beautiful new sanctuary cross, now mounted on the reredos (the wall behind the altar). This Cross was given in loving memory of Genny Hawkins by her family.

After worship, we’ll enjoy a luncheon with Bishop Holston and his wife, Felicia. The cost is $10 per person, with a $30 family maximum. You can make reservations by contacting the church office or using your Connection Card on Sunday morning.

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful day in the life of our church!

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and don’t forget to invite your friends!