In a world where challenges often define limits, Lake Panasoffkee United Methodist Church stands as a powerful witness that ministry is not limited by what we lack but empowered by whom we serve.
“After a recent visit to Lake Panasoffkee Church and meeting with Pastor Donna, a part-time local pastor, I was struck by the awesomeness of how this small and steadfast church with limited resources was thriving at being Christ in their community.”
— Elena Nicholas, Director of Development, Florida United Methodist Foundation
Though our church has faced hardships—from poverty, addiction, and homelessness in our community to significant financial setbacks in 2022 and 2024—we remain grounded in hope. Most recently, our church was the target of vandalism, yet even in that moment of trial, our commitment to ministry has not wavered. Read the story here.
We are incredibly grateful to the Florida United Methodist Foundation for extending grace and walking with us as we continue our journey toward paying off our mortgage. Because of your support, we are able to be the hands and feet of Christ in a community that needs both compassion and presence.
At Lake Panasoffkee UMC, church doesn’t always look traditional—and that’s what makes it beautiful:
- You experience church when you stand in a circle of prayer with others waiting to receive food—over 1,000 individuals each Wednesday.
- You experience church when prayer requests are exchanged through rolled-down car windows in our drive-thru food pantry.
- You experience “Mat Church” when nearly 80 children gather on a wrestling mat—not just to learn technique but to learn about Jesus.
- You experience “Dinner Church” at tables shared by around 50 community members each week, where meals become ministry.
- You experience church when Pedro offers free haircuts to food pantry guests—restoring dignity one trim at a time.
- You experience church in our free Thrift Store, where everything is given away to anyone in need.
- You experience church when students at our local elementary school receive healthy snacks to help them focus and thrive.
- You experience church when we visit those in rehabilitation centers to ease their loneliness with presence and prayer.
- You experience church when we serve those experiencing homelessness with compassion and love.
By the grace of God, Lake Panasoffkee UMC is a thriving expression of the Body of Christ—committed to alleviating suffering and proclaiming hope through action.
As the senior pastor, I felt called to approach stewardship differently. A year ago, instead of pledge cards or formal dinners, we launched a campaign centered on one simple but sincere prayer:
“Dear God, please help us pay off our mortgage.”
Since then, we’ve received thousands of dollars—and countless coins—all offered in faith.
We believe that experiencing church can take many forms. We invite you to come and find nourishment for your soul with us.
Because of The Foundation, we continue to serve—and continue to believe that what we do have is more than enough.
