Upcoming Events
Read Aloud with Partners (RAP) Training
What if you can change a child’s trajectory in life by giving 45 minutes a week?
Early literacy is an educational priority and an equity issue, as it can help mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic inequities. A positive presence of an adult who cares and spends one-on-one time with that child can make all the difference.
Read Aloud with Partners is entering it’s 6th Year of Partnership with Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach! We have 23 eligible students, which means we need just as many volunteers to invest their time!
Wednesdays between 1:35-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m. OR on Fridays between 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Email Eileen Sharp at sharpeileen5@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.
Charge Conference
2026 Charge Conference
September 26, 2026 - 10 AM @ Tomoka UMC, 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Directly following the business of Charge Conference, we will join in a special fellowship meal that we are calling "A Taste of Culture". The goal of this meal is to foster unity within our district by recognizing and celebrating our different cultures, to share a message of love within our community. It is our request for each family to bring a cultural dish to share. You may also dress in your cultural attire if you feel comfortable doing so.
Please reach out to Tomoka UMC (386) 672-6722) to let them know what you will be bringing so they can prepare their fellowship space accordingly.
Beloved Community Summit
We live in a world of increasing divisiveness where the church has historically separated people based on race, economics, ethnicity, and orientation. Our neighbors in Florida are looking for safe spaces where they can be welcomed and respected for their whole authentic selves and find belonging to move forward in a relationship with Christ and his community. This 2-day training allows us, clergy and laity alike, to consider how we preach and practice beloved community through the stories and skills of practitioners from around the nation.
ShoeBox Trivia Night
🌭🧠 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE GATHERING PLACE! 🧠🌭
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champion? Gather your smartest friends, your family, or your favorite know-it-alls and join us for a night of food, fun, fellowship, and a little friendly competition!
🌭 Hot Dog Dinner
🧠 Trivia Challenge
🎄 Support Operation Christmas Child
❤️ Make a difference for kids around the world
Your dinner and trivia night will help us fill ONLINE Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with gifts and essentials that will bring joy to children around the world this Christmas!
Come hungry. Come ready to compete. Come make a difference!
From Overwhelmed to overcoming
A FREE Faith-Based Mental Health Symposium
REGISTER
Who is this for? For anyone who has ever struggled with the right thing to say when a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis. For non-profit professionals or workers in care-giving fields who are in need of more resources. For church-goers who want to learn more about how faith communities can be a part of the solution to the mental health crisis in our country. For anyone struggling and searching for connection and hope.
The day will feature a keynote from General Martin (author of Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness), practical breakout sessions, a community resource fair, lunch, and a closing panel discussion.
Topics will include:
Grief & the Holidays
Anxiety & Coping Skills
Child/Adolescent/Teen Mental Health
Supporting a Family Member with Mental Illness
Mental Health & Aging/Seniors
LGBTQ-Specific Mental Health & Resources.
November 14, 2026 | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
Hope Place | 1340 Wright St, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Financial Peace
Join us at The Gathering Place for a Financial Peace class designed to help you build a healthier relationship with money and take practical steps toward financial freedom.
Whether you’re paying off debt, building savings, trying to create a budget, or simply want to feel more confident about your finances, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
One Day More: a Broadway worship experience
You’re invited to The Gathering Place’s One Day More: Broadway worship experience on Sunday September 20 at 10am. (We will have an open preview night on Saturday September 19th 5:30-7pm for anyone who can’t make it on Sunday).
This service is a fun and different way for people to experience church and to spotlight the many talented folks in our church and theatre communities. And in full transparency, it is also an invitation to make a special gift to The Gathering Place.
We're calling this Sunday "One Day More" - an opportunity to help our scrappy, growing community have more days ahead to do the good work Christ has called us to do. And also named after the iconic Les Miserable song. We are inviting folks that day to make a gift and support the future of The Gathering Place. And what better way to do that than with a Broadway show?!
Featuring songs from Hadestown, Les Miserables, Wicked, The Greatest Showman, Prince of Egypt, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dear Evan Hansen, & more!
Campus Ministry Sunday
Make a Difference in the Lives of College Students
This Sunday, September 13, churches across The Florida Conference will celebrate Campus Ministry Sunday. Together, we give thanks for ministries that welcome and walk alongside college students as they grow in faith during an important season of life.
Watch Bishop Tom Berlin’s special message and learn how your church can support campus ministry and help students find Christian community, deepen their faith and discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Trivia Night
Located at at Ormond Garage: 48 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Text Camryn Shepard to sign up or get more info (423) 903-6123
Arrive early!!!
Prayer Walk
Center yourself as summer comes to close with a Prayer Walk on the Beach followed by Ice Cream.
Text Trace Rudolph to sign up (863) 797-6303
Sept. 5th 6pm at Dahlia Ave Park (Located: 3625 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118)
ALL ages welcome
Dinner Church
Join The Gathering Place + Tomoka UMC on Monday, August 17 at 6 PM for a night of food, fellowship, service, and worship!
We’ll share a pizza dinner, enjoy activities for the kids, and worship together with a combined praise band. 🎶
🎒 Together, we’ll assemble welcome bags for Bethune-Cookman University students returning to campus this semester!
📅 Monday, August 17 | 6 PM
📍 The Gathering Place
518 K Fentress Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
BCU Bag Assembly
Starting college is stressful. So is returning for another year after the summer. Moving back into the dorms, unpacking, figuring out your new schedule - it’s a lot.
We want to show some love and care to our B-CU students by making 100 care bags to start this new semester off strong!
Click the link below to donate items off the Amazon wishlist!
We will be assembling the bags right after worship on Sunday August 16.
GatherKids Volunteer Meeting
Whether you are a current volunteer in the Kids Ministry or interested in becoming one, please join us at the GatherKids Volunteer Meeting to learn more, get updates, and all be on the same page as we enter this new school year!
Back to School Sunday
Back to School is right around the corner! We’ll be celebrating students of all ages & educators on Sunday August 9th during worship. If your student is 3rd grade & up we will also gift them with their own Bible. Email eseal@firstunited.org if your student is eligible.
Westside Back to School Breakfast
Let’s welcome back Westside Elementary School Teachers, Administrators, & Staff with a delicious breakfast! Email marmistead@firstunited.org if you are interested in serving, making breakfast items, or donating goodies!
Emerging Adult Summer Hangour
Are you a young adult between the ages of 18 and 30? Join us for a summer hangout at Cherry Hill Ice Cream for a sweet treat and karaoke! Text Camryn at 423-903-6123 for more details and to RSVP.
Summer Book Club
Join us Wednesday evening, July 29, from 6pm-8pm in the TGP lobby for a discussion on Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds by John Fugelsang
Bring a snack to share!
Get the book through a public library or through library apps like Hoopla or Libby.
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we want to support our local independent bookstore Fern and Fable. Email Macon (marmistead@firstunited.org) that you would like to order a copy from Fern and Fable.
TGP Youth PJ Party
Wear your PJs! We’ll have a cereal & yogurt bar and dance competition & karaoke.
Music Makers Camp
MUSIC MAKERS SUMMER CAMP
Join us at First United for a week of music, crafts, games and fun at our first annual Music Makers kid's camp. We welcome children from Grades 1-6th. Registration closes on July 1st. Space is limited.
Friday Night Music Makers Showcase
EVENT START DATE: July 20th 5:30 pm
EVENT END DATE: July 24th 7:30 pm
TGP 101
Sign up to attend TGP 101 to learn more about The Gathering Place, the United Methodist Church, and what it means to be a TGP Partner. Sunday, July 19 right after worship from 11:30am-1pm in the worship center. Childcare is provided and there will be lunch for everyone who signs up.
Already a partner but want a refresher on TGP and UMC stuff? You can sign up too!
Some churches call it membership, but that sounds like Costco or a country club. At The Gathering Place, we call it Partnership because you are making a commitment to be ALL IN on a God and a community who is already ALL IN on you.
Being ALL IN means you have found a home in this faith community and that you want to give back to God and others with your
Prayers: spiritually caring for one another and deepening your personal faith
Presence: showing up ready to share Christ's love and building community
Gifts: making a financial investment in the Kingdom of God through the missions and ministries of The Gathering Place
Service: finding God's purpose for your life and unleashing your spiritual gifts to serve others
Witness: knowing, telling, and living your story so you can point others to Jesus
We will recognize new partners during worship on ALL IN Sunday, which will be August 16 at 10am. If you cannot attend ALL IN Sunday, we can recognize your partnership on another Sunday you will be here.
Warren W. Willis Summer Camp
Warren W. Willis Summer Camp registration is now open! First United/TGP will be attending Warren Willis Camp July 13–18 (Week 5) for rising 4th graders through high school seniors.
We are changing the way we do financial assistance at First United and The Gathering Place for summer camp. If your family needs financial assistance to attend camp, you must first apply for a campership through the camp before April 1 to also be eligible for church assistance. There are various "tiers" available. Don’t wait—sign up and apply early!
TGP Family Farm Day
Join us for a Family Farm Day at Parsley Lane Farm in New Smyrna Beach!
We will be meeting and feeding a variety of farm animals, doing a nature-inspired craft, and enjoying a picnic lunch.
When: Saturday, July 11 @ 10AM
Where: 4975 FL-44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Who: Toddlers-Youth accompanied by Parent/Guardian
Cost: $10/person
Important Info: All children must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian. Each person coming counts as one registrant.
Please bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a picnic lunch!
Registration deadline: July 7 @ 9AM (After deadline, $15/person must be paid on-site)
Please contact Emily Seal with any questions:
eseal@firstunited.org
Gather & Grow
Gather & Grow
Gather and Grow is a relaxed summer playgroup for moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers and little to big kids to connect, slow down, and enjoy community together.
We’ll meet at a different location each week from 9:00–10:30am on June 2, June 25, July 1, July 7, July 21, and August 5, so be sure to check the First Untied church app for each week’s location.
Each gathering will include a simple, hands-on craft for the kids, a take-home activity sheet, and a short devotion designed to encourage and refresh moms right in the middle of summer life. It’s a come-as-you-are space to build friendships, share laughter, and grow together through the season.
Tortugas Baseball Game
TGP AT THE TORTUGAS GAME
Everyone welcome! Join us for a night of baseball and fellowship at Jackie Robinson Stadium. $15 will get you all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot-dogs, pizza, popcorn & a ticket in the TGP section!
TGP Pride Party
Join us for a family-friendly pride month event at The Gathering Place!
Optional but encouraged: Bring a pride-themed snack to share and Don Your Gayest Apparel. Free pride flag (while supplies last)
Fill out the form below to submit a playlist recommendation or a question for the Q&A!
Adventure Week
First United Methodist Church Ormond Beach in partnership with Tomoka United Methodist
As we prepare for major campus updates at First United, this year we will hold our Adventure Week at Tomoka UMC at 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. Ormond Beach
June 8-12, 2026
8:45am - 12:00pm
Kindergarten- 5th grade (School Year 2025/2026)
One Big Sunday!
One BIG Sunday at First United
Join us for One BIG Sunday at First United Methodist Ormond Beach. Twice a year, we gather as a First United Family for a special worship gathering.
Worship is at 9:30am in the Sanctuary
Located: 336 S. Halifax Dr. Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Bagels available beforehand! Nursery available
NEW Toddler Class begins
Starting Sunday, May 24 (Pentecost!) at 10am in the Kids’ Room
Toddlers ages 2-4 will have a new Sunday morning class where they will explore God’s love through sensory play, interactive circle time, and music. Also, every other Sunday will incorporate Spanish language awareness and skills!
We need helpers!! Want to help teach or assist with this new class? Contact our GatherKids Coordinator Emily Seal at eseal@firstunited.org to learn more.
Starting May 24, Kids Class (K-5th) will meet in Pastor Amy’s office
F.A.I.T.H Celebration Banquet
F.A.I.T.H. Annual Celebration Banquet
Monday, May 18
6:00 (Dinner) 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Program)
Our Lady Of Hope Catholic Church, 4675 South Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange
Join F.A.I.T.H. in celebrating the past year's good work at the Justice Ministry Celebration Banquet. Reserve your seat by clicking on the button below.
SERVE SUNDAY
SERVE SUNDAY - MAY 17 at Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM)
9am - Brief worship service (songs, devotion, and communion) 9:30am-11:30am - Service projects around HUM’s campus
Today’s message in the Awakened to Grace series is about the spiritual practice of serving. What better way to worship than SERVING our community?!
HUM is located at 1340 Wright St in Daytona Beach
Diapers and Donuts for the Meldrums
Let’s shower Rachael and Drew Meldrum (and big sister Charlotte) as they welcome baby #2 into their family: little brother Grayson Meldrum. Bring a variety of diapers sizes and we’ll provide the donuts!
4 Pillars
THE EMPHASIS ON THE BIBLE AS "THE WORD OF GOD," POWERFUL, AND THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF TRUTH, LIFE GIVING, SPIRITUALLY STRENGTHENING, AND A MORAL COMPASS FOR BELIEVERS. IT URGES ALL BELIEVERS TO STUDY IT AND LIVE BY ITS TEACHINGS WHILE PROCLAIMING GOD'S MESSAGE OF SALVATION.
Located: St. Paul UMC
8264 Lone Star Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
April 18 - 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (doors open at 9 AM)
Easter Sunday
Celebrate the Risen Christ with The Gathering Place!
Hear a powerful message of hope, participate in dynamic worship, and bring your kids for a fun-filled Kids Ministry!
Maundy Thursday Dinner Church
Maundy Thursday is the day we remember Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. It's when He not only commanded us to love one another, but showed us how to do it. He humbled himself and washed his friend's feet. In the spirit of loving abundantly, The Gathering Place is spending Maundy Thursday serving a meal to our neighbors at the Barracks of Hope now located at: 962 Derbyshire Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
We will be serving approximately 20 residents and eating WITH them.
Please Sign up for a dish/ingredient and plan to arrive at 4:30pm for meal set up with your portion already prepared. Dinner will be served at 5pm.
Location: 962 Derbyshire Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Please contact Trace Rudolph (863-797-6303) if you have any questions.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 2025
1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Westside Elementary School
Join us for our annual FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Westside Elementary! Saturday, March 28th from 1pm-3pm. We will have age-level egg hunts, inflatables, crafts, snacks, and more!
Click the link below to sign up and serve our friends and neighbors at Westside.