Pizza with the Pastor Summary

Over the past few months, Pastor Nicki has been meeting with congregants and gathering ideas through the “Pizza with the Pastor” gatherings.  They have been a wonderful time of fellowship, and for dreaming together about the future of our congregation.  Some ideas raised at these conversations (such as Youth Sunday School) are already in motion; others are beginning to take shape.  We wanted to share with the congregation the feedback gathered at these meetings. Have additional input you'd like to share, email us at office@semheights.com.

What do you love about Seminole Heights UMC?

• The people / the sense of community in the church (x11)

• Historical beauty, beautiful church (x6)

• Care for community (x3)

• Pumpkin patch (x3)

• Children’s Church / Children’s Ministry (x3)

• Wednesday Night Dinners (x2)

• Casual worship service (x2)

• Growing diversity of worshipping community (x2)

• Teaching/discipleship

• Heart to serve by congregation

• Youth ministry

• Preschool

• Many volunteer opportunities

• Openness to children in worship and activities

• It’s potential

• Past praise band

• Past Wednesday Night Potlucks

• The Bazzar

• Easter Bunny Hop

• Christmas Tree Lot

• Traditional service

• Quiet Neighborhood

• School/church partnerships

• The church bells

• Blood drive

What is your dream for Seminole Heights UMC?

• Grow (x8)

• More connection with other members (x5)

• Grow youth program, weekly youth group (x4)

• Financial stability (x2)

• More opportunities to connect with the pastor, more pastoral care (x2)

• More volunteers (x2)

• Open communication and consideration of ideas/feedback between congregation, leadership and particularly pastor (x2)

• More connection with community (x2)

• Incorporate youth in worship, leadership (x2)

• Bringing back old church traditions (dinner, family camp-out, etc.) (x2)

• Grow young families

• Grow music ministries

• Increase contact with shut-ins

• Updates to the church building

• More Bible study

• Profound outreach

• Yearly VBS

• A community board (referrals, needs, free items, recommendations of services)

• Pastor’s Bible Study

• Gathering in Allen Hall for Holidays (Mother’s Day specifically mentioned)

• Increase Christian focus in Pumpkin Patch / Easter events

• Have a working elevator

• Intergenerational Connections

Elevator Update

Recently the Trustees pursued options to fix our broken elevator and an update was shared after worship on August 31. Watch the elevator update here and please read more in this report from our Trustees.

After helpful feedback from the congregation, we have decided to pursue the retrofit/modernization repair option. Keeping in mind that the three-floor elevator option is a long-standing dream of many in our congregation, and we are continuing to explore ways in which it could be possible in the future, with funding such as matching grants.

A company has provided us an estimate for a retrofit of $140,000, although it could be a bit more if additional repair needs are discovered in the process. The trustees are gathering additional quotes for the work to share with the congregation.

As you can imagine, this repair will require all the funds pledged for our capital campaign and a loan from the Florida United Methodist Foundation. It is important to us to be transparent about that reality and change in priorities. To agree to the loan for this project, a church conference vote will be required. We will share widely the date and information of the church conference and all church members will have a vote.

This repair will take a minimum of six months after a decision is made and a contract is signed; we will have to make due without an elevator for the rest of this year. Ideas are being brainstormed and tested to create accessible worship opportunities in the meantime.

Please know we are hear to hear your thoughts and concerns. Please feel free to contact us at office@semheights.com, contact Pastor Nicki, or speak with our trustees.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale

Updated for 2025

Apply to be a vendor at the annual Seminole Heights United Methodist Church Craft Fair on Saturday, November 22nd, from 9am-3pm!

Cost is $40 for a 10' x 10' outdoor space. This event will take place rain or shine and tents are welcome. 

The application deadline is Wednesday, November 12th, and payment must be received by Wednesday, November 19th.

This annual craft fair in the heart of Old Seminole Heights has taken place for over 50 years! Craft items of any type, or consultants for products such as Pampered Chef, Creative Memories, Avon, etc. are welcomed.

We are also accepting applications for vendors selling food items, though we are not able to accept vendors that sell baked goods or canned products at this time.  

Once your application is received, you will receive instructions on how to pay for your space. 

Questions? Email semheightsbazaar@gmail.com. We hope to see you on November 22nd!

Vendor Application