News You Need to Know! – (for the 4th Sunday of Advent)

Happy Friday, Fort King Family!

Heres the latest (Holiday) edition

of the News You Need to Know!

This Sunday at Fort King

This Sunday (December 21st) is the Fourth, and final, Sunday of Advent. This is the day we light the Candle of Love, which is associated with Joseph. We will focus on Josephs role in the Christmas story this Sunday, found in Matthew 1:18-25. I hope you can join us for worship, either in person or online at 10:30 a.m.!

Prior to worship, let me encourage you to join the Crossroads Class as we watch and discuss the moving little film, A Christmas Memory, based on Truman Capotes short story of the same name. Crossroads begins at 8:45 for Coffee and Conversation, and the Movie will start around 9:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve at Fort King

Invite your family and friends, and make plans to join us for our Christmas Eve Candle-Light Communion Service next Wednesday, December 24th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. We will tell the story of our dear Saviors birth through lessons, lights, and carols; concluding with the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and the always moving Candle-Lighting Ceremony.

Christmas Joy Offering

Our offering on Christmas Eve will go to three worthy causes: (1) financial assistance to retired pastors and church workers who now find themselves in need; (2) scholarships for the future leaders of the church especially young people of color — who would like to attend a Presbyterian College; (3) Fort Kings own Emergency Assistance Fund, which allows us to assist those in need in our congregation or the wider Ocala community. If you are unable to be with us on Christmas Eve, you may make out your donation to the Christmas Joy Offering anytime this month, and thank you!

Christmas Ministries

Last Sunday, a group from the church gathered to celebrate Jesus birthday by assembling, and then distributing, 28 Gift Baskets to our homebound members! And they took up an offering for the Childrens Alliance of Ocala, and when combined with monies designated from the Pentecost Offering (taken up earlier in the year), we were able to make a donation of over $550 to help children at risk in our community! You all are so generous! Thank you!

Stewardship and Financial Update

  • A quick Stewardship Update: 57 pledges have been returned to date, totaling a little under $160,000. Approximately half of these pledges indicate an increase in giving for next year, and we have a number of first-time pledgers! Thank you! However, we are still short of our goal of $200,000. If you meant to return an Estimate of Giving, but forgot, you still have time, but please try to do so by the end of the year these figures will help the Finance Team prepare a faithful budget for 2026.
  • The last day the church can accept donations for 2025and get them entered into our systemis Sunday, December 28th. Thank you for all the ways you so generously support the work and worship of Fort King!
  • 2026 Offering Envelopes are available for you to pick up following worship this Sunday and next.

And now, a quick look ahead to some fun events coming up early in the new year

  • Our wonderful Fellowship Team has planned a Chili Dinner & Church-Wide Birthday Party for Sunday, January 4th at 5:00 p.m.!
  • Sign-Ups for Dinners-for-Eight is now underway. This monthly dinner group ministry will help you get to know many of your fellow members!
  • Night of Italy is scheduled for Valentines Day (February 14th), but tickets for this P.W. mission fundraiser will go on sale in early January.

See you Sunday!

-Pastor Bob

Rev. Bob Scott, Transitional Minister

Fort King Presbyterian Church

13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala FL 34470

Church: (352) 694-4121

Mobile: (727) 599-6767

Email: Pastor