If you think adoption may be in your future, then the Heart Gallery is a very good place to start your quest. The  ministry, sponsored by the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando, is an exhibit of brilliantly photographed and artistic pictures of Central Florida children — ages 1 through 17 — who are currently awaiting adoption. Information about the children is located behind their photos. The Gallery, with photos by Jeff Hawkins, is on display in the Narthex until February 2.

Posted January 5, 2009

Sharing your faith is not easy. But it does get easier the more you do it. It’s kind of like being a salesman. Probably at one time in your life you had a job selling something — magazine subscriptions, newspapers, automobiles, school fundraising candy, perhaps even encyclopedias or vacuum cleaners door to door.

Posted December 29, 2008

Once again, Pastor David Uth has challenged us to choose a word. The idea is that that word will serve as a kind of New Year’s resolution, reduced to its bare essence. Many of us took up the gauntlet a year ago and purposed that with God’s help we would keep our word as the “frontlets between our eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8).

Posted December 22, 2008

Just going by the numbers, The Singing Christmas Trees of 2008 was a huge success. Seven sold-out performances saw more than 32,000 in total attendance and almost 700 professions of faith in Christ. That alone deemed the 26th presentation of The Trees (which debuted in 1980 and was presented every year since except 1985, 2006 and 2007) a success.

Posted December 17, 2008

John Westcott is the Executive Director of Exchange Ministries, a not-for-profit ministry that offers hope, healing and wholeness to the relationally and sexually wounded. He sat down with Real Life magazine for an interview to discus his ministry, the Church, homosexuality and freedom in Christ.

Real Life: In a nutshell, tell us a little about Exchange Ministries.
John Westcott: A woman by the name of Gala Durrance started the ministry in Orlando back in 1982. Then, it was called Behold Ministries. In 1984, the name was changed to Eleutheros Incorporated, then to Exchange Ministries in 2000. We started as a ministry to proclaim freedom from homosexuality.

So, here’s the deal: You want to reach out to the community and make a difference this holiday season, but your time is seriously limited. What to do? Well, First Orlando’s Winter Coat Drive is a great place to start.

Posted December 10, 2009

Because many of us are experiencing financial difficulties, First Orlando has started the “Grace Project,” a ministry designed to help members facing financial challenges. The Grace Project is a First Orlando partnership with a ministry called Nine12, which provides solutions to struggling families and individuals in Central Florida. The Grace Project kicked off on November 30, when our Grace Offering was taken and $161,000 was given. Funds continue to come in, and now we’re up to $172,000. We are now training coaches to help counsel those struggling financially during this economic crisis.

Posted December 9, 2008

Chris Friedmann knows the safety of First Orlando employees is important. That’s why the Senior Director of Business Operations will be implementing the church’s revised Safety Program beginning January 2, 2009. “Because we have more than 10 employees, we are mandated by OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] to have such a program,” Chris said. “OSHA requires that we provide training and equipping to all personnel who work in areas where there are potential hazards. The objective is to protect employees from harm.”

Posted December 9, 2008

Most of us at least know a few Christians who are wealthy. The Lord has blessed them in material ways. They live in gated communities, with sprawling homes and manicured lawns. An outside service takes care of the pool, and a cleaning lady dusts and vacuums on a regular basis. Perhaps someone else ensures that all vehicles are maintained shiny and smudge-free.

Posted December 7, 2008

Many of us know that rice and beans serve as staples in the diets of cultures around the world. But for the Children’s Ministry of First Orlando, rice and beans also serve as a life lesson. The rice and beans incentive was part of the ministry’s food drive for the people of Haiti and proved a rousing success. The children were able to collect 1,600 pounds of desperately needed nourishment.

Posted December 3, 2008