Pastor David Uth is excited about his new sermon series that will start this Sunday, January 13. It is called “Restore: A Study of the Book of Nehemiah” and was born out of a time of seeking God's council. “I remember in the fall of '07 praying to God and asking, “Lord, what do You want us to study as a church?” Pastor David said. “Where do You want us to walk together through Your Word?” The answer was clear.

Posted January 8. 2008

I was attending a Christian-school administrators’ conference one summer in Indiana, hosted on the joint campuses of Winona Lake Bible Conference Grounds and Grace College. There was a break in the afternoon schedule, which attendees took advantage of to relax and play racquetball, water-ski in the lake or just exchange school war stories over a cup of coffee in the Snack Shack. I opted to take a tour of the home of Billy Sunday, the most celebrated and influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century. Best remembered for his colloquial sermons and frenetic delivery, his house was located on the grounds and open to the public.

Posted January 7, 2008

It is a great way to get your children grounded in the Bible. It’s called “Bible Drill” and it may be the best training in Scripture your children will receive during their younger years. “Bible Drill is an educational opportunity for children to learn more how to navigate the Bible, memorize key verses and enjoy getting into God’s Word,” said Naida Hardy, First Orlando’s Director of Children’s Education. “The children learn the books of the Bible—the order of the books—and have contests and competitions weekly. It’s a very thorough interaction with God’s Word.”

Posted January 3, 2008

Brianne Ottaviano thought she had everything under control. “I’m a planner and I had [my pregnancy] all figured out,” the First Orlando member admitted. “But God had a different plan.” That’s a bit of an understatement. Back on March 15, 2007, Brianne and husband Peter received the news that Brianne was pregnant. The news took them a bit by surprise considering the couple was not planning on having children quite yet. Nonetheless, they welcomed the news and looked forward to starting a family.

Posted January 3, 2008

For Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, the game he loves so much and plays so well is far more than just a sport. “Football is an opportunity for me to influence people for Christ,” said the University of Florida sophomore quarterback. “God gave me my athletic ability to use for his glory, not just to play a game. He gave me my ability so that I can be a role model for young people to look up to.” Tebow gave his testimony Friday, December 28 at the Capital One Bowl Breakfast for the Florida and University of Michigan football teams in Faith Hall. The two schools will meet in the Citrus Bowl on January 1.

Posted December 28, 2007

Stand-up comedy has long been an industry that draws the bulk of its laughs from off-color, often crude material. But nothing can be further from the truth for Laugh All Night, a comedy concert of wholesome, family-friendly humor provided by today’s top Christian comedians. Laugh All Night will be at First Orlando this Sunday, January 6 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Worship Center. The event is free.

Posted January 2, 2008

Looking for something more in a mission trip? Looking for adventure and an experience out of the ordinary? Looking for a challenge and a departure from your comfort level? Then going on a mission trip with a First Orlando team to the West African nation of Mali may be the answer to those questions.

Posted January 1, 2008

Virtually all of us experience misery at some point in our lives. Even towering saints, who have lived upright and exemplary lives, are not immune, for nowhere in Scripture does it promise that once we’ve accepted Christ as Savior, life’s highway will be smooth sailing—free of potholes, speed bumps and dangerous curves. Few survive the journey accident-free. Misery takes a variety of forms. It may be the death of a child, inoperable cancer, bankruptcy, divorce or a teen-age son who is more familiar with the inside of a jail than the inside of a church.

Posted December 31, 2007

If you’re a woman who has been looking for an exercise program to join but you have limited funds and/or time, then First Orlando has just what you’re looking for. It’s called, simply, the Women’s Fitness Program, costs just $10 monthly and requires only a one-month-at-a-time commitment. The Women’s Fitness Program will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-6-30 p.m. in The Harbor, E1-323. The class will be a combination of both the spiritual and physical.

Posted December 27, 2007

Fasting may not quite be your ideal way to start off the new year, but it certainly is for First Orlando Senior Pastor, David Uth. “When I think of beginning a new year, what better way is there than to begin it in God’s presence,” he said. “Prayer and fasting is a very concerted effort to ask God, ‘What do you want to do in my life this year?’”

Posted December 26, 2007