FIRST PRES 2023 WRAP UP
As we joyfully look back on 2023, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando stands as a beacon of faith, community, and unwavering commitment to God’s call on our Church Family. The priority of our congregation to live missionally has manifested in extraordinary ways – transforming lives and fostering deeper relationships with God – locally and globally!
GROWTH & SERVICE:
In 2023, we welcomed 109 new Covenant Partners into our Church Family – a vibrant community of belonging in God’s presence, with His people, and in the places He’s called us. Additionally, 16 incoming Officers stepped into roles of servant leadership – bringing fresh direction and dedication to the mission and vision God has placed before First Pres.
Behind the scenes, 133 volunteers in Hospitality, Tech, Choir, SHINE, Floral, and Congregational Care dedicated their time and talents to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus as He propels His Kingdom work through us!
PARTNERSHIPS:
The impact of our church extended beyond our city, as 27 Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) pastors from the largest churches around the country found deep community, care, team building, and training at First Pres.
In addition, we partnered with approximately 40 Missions organizations and 25 missionaries to be the love and hope of Christ to the marginalized, less fortunate, hurting and lost. With Missions allocations totalling $557,148 in 2023, the Relentless Generosity of our congregation shines bright on our world in need of Jesus.
STUDENTS:
Our Weekday School staff, 36 faithful servants, disciple and love 101 families each day. Their passion for our tiny First Pres-ers and commitment to “learning through play” give our kids a solid foundation in academics and the Word – which makes every day the best day!
Our valued partnership with The Christ School, provides a world-class, Christ-centered TK-8 education for 500 students on our campus daily. The vision and Relentless Generosity of our Church Family make it possible!
FELLOWSHIP:
Our Sunday morning Fellowship Hour is rich with relationship, accompanied by yummy refreshments. A total of 8,000 cups of coffee, 4,000 cups of hot chocolate, and 2,500 cups of lemonade were served in 2023 to our smiling, well-hydrated friends and family.
We came together in confession and thanksgiving for Christ’s atoning work on the cross through the holy sacrament of communion where 1,800 ounces of juice and 105 loaves of bread were served to represent the body and blood of Christ, given for us.
FAMILY LIFE:
In 2023, LifeFest brought together 69 families, fostering faith, fun and fellowship! Similarly, 600 students participated in Tribe & Peak retreats, experiencing spiritual growth and positive relationships.
153 children participated in SHINE’s Deep Dive for joyous discipleship, friendships, and summertime activities focused on Jesus. Our nursery welcomed 15 new babies, and 34 children became Covenant Partners through Confirmation.
WORSHIP ARTS:
Traditional worship included 164 hymns, while the choir offered 103 anthems of praise to our King!
A staggering 1,500 live flowers adorned our sanctuary for Easter, symbolizing life and hope. Over 40 communion table floral arrangements added beauty to our worship experiences from our Floral Ministry. Additionally, 5,000 Christmas Eve candles illuminated our sanctuary, symbolizing the light of God that we carry into the world.
CARE:
A testament to our commitment to care for others, 124 prayer shawls were created, prayed over, and delivered to provide comfort; and 200+ flower arrangements were delivered with care to those in hospitals and nursing facilities.
This is merely a sampling of the big and small ways we saw God working in and through us in the past year. As we celebrate His miracles and the heart of our church in 2023, we recognize that each statistic represents a life touched, a soul transformed, and a community strengthened. The Relentless Generosity of our congregation, coupled with a commitment to live in the love and truth of Christ, has created an outpouring of faith and service that we’re humbled to witness.
Moving forward, may these victories atune our hearts even more toward God’s call on our lives – together.
In 2024, we’ll embody the vision of BELONGING that brings us closer to God and each other as we live out our faith in the world around us.
Thank You & Happy New Year!
#WeAreFirstPres
God is calling YOU to be a part His victories through First Pres in 2024!
Contact Kelly Bronson to get connected today!