Jesus told us, his disciples, to make disciples of all nations. One of the most important values of this church is our mission to the world. It begins in our own community, and spreads overseas to every nation. Church members are involved in a variety of ministries from things as simple as helping take care of the grounds, to preparing the church bulletins.

 

Woodlands is thrilled to be part of the spread of God’s kingdom around the world. We encourage all of our people to respond to God’s call for laborers, whether it means that they travel to a foreign country or live and minister in our own community. Just a few of the outreach programs we support include:

 

Woodlands has become a Stephen Ministry congregation. Fourteen lay members have completed the necessary training and are commissioned to be Stephen Ministers. They are available to provide quality care and extend the care ministry our Pastors already do. You can contact Craig Watkins at 352.406.3521 or the church office 407.469.2525 for further information.

 

The ministry of the Altar Guild is a quiet service of lay members to make the worship liturgically correct and beautiful. Our work goes largely unnoticed as it is a ministry behind the scenes. Our responsibilities include the preparation and care of the Altar for all church services (Sunday services, weddings, funerals and memorials, baptisms, and special services). It is our responsibility to care for all Altar vestments, linens, communion vessels and candles, and to care for flowers for Sunday and special services. Each Saturday morning, we fill the communion cups with wine and the trays with wafers. All the candles are filled with oil. The pews are supplied with the appropriate cards, pencils sharpened and all trash is removed so that each service is prepared for the worshipper. In addition, before and after each communion service, a member of the Altar Guild cleans up and/or sets out for the next service. Over the years, we at Woodlands Lutheran Church have been fortunate to have been blessed with many dedicated women who have served faithfully year after year. A few men have joined our ranks too. We invite you to be part of this wonderful and historical ministry. We believe that during Jesus’ time there were those “behind the scene” people serving Him in this way also. If you would like to know more about this ministry, please contact the church office at 407.469.2525 or send an email to: office@woodlandschurch.com.

 

Using media to spread the gospel is a privilege of this church. In an age of widespread technology, we have a stewardship to use these tools as best as possible for kingdom purposes. Our Sunday service at 11:00 AM is videotaped, edited and posted to our website and YouTube. All of our weekly sermons are uploaded to our website in audio format. We also maintain an active Facebook for additional church communication. Our AVL Techs run audio and video for our services, including all screen content and recordings.

 

 

Prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer moves the hand of God. Our Church is a body of believers, dependent upon prayer, and committed to God’s sovereignty. Each Sunday morning between 8:00-8:20 AM, in the Conference Room at the back of the Sanctuary, a team of volunteers is praying for the ministry of the Word. Throughout the week, volunteers from our Prayer Warriors team pray for our pastors, services, elders, Early Learning Center, staff, shut-ins, a list of those who are sick or grieving, our Sunday school classes, country, those serving in the military, any special requests, and each one of you. God says, “For where two or three come together in my name there I am with them.” How exciting! Won’t you join God and us in prayer Sunday morning? We are called to pray for each other.

 

The usher team at our church fills an important role. They are involved in directing attendees to their seats, ensuring the safety of the building during services, guiding traffic, helping visitors, answering questions, providing direction, unlocking doors, locking doors, and generally ensuring that the service can proceed problem-free. The usher team is a servant-hearted group of individuals whose ministry is integral to church life.