• Alive Students, every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday Celebrations, each week at 10:00 a.m.
• Community Groups: Summer Term

Please see our full calendar of events here.

• Alive Students (7th through 12th grade) Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday Celebrations each week at 10:00 a.m.
• Community Groups

Please see our full calendar of events here.

ACTS 2 DINNER EXPERIENCE

Wednesdays, once a month, through November 4 // Our next meeting is March 11 // Each month, Chris Jessee hosts the Acts 2 Dinner Experience, a shared meal designed to help our church family slow down, connect deeply, and grow in our understanding of the Spirit’s work among us. Around the table, we explore the spiritual gifts taught in Scripture and affirmed by Metro Life Church, reflect on how the Spirit equips every believer for life and ministry, and create space for prayer and encouragement in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Whether you are new to spiritual gifts or eager to grow in how you use them to serve others, this evening offers a thoughtful, accessible, and relational way to learn, ask questions, and build meaningful community. We’d love for you to pull up a chair. // There is a $20 charge per person (to cover dinner) // Please register online by Wednesday, March 4 so we can prepare for you (20 people max).

EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. // This Easter event has become one of our pillar Casselberry community events. We need volunteers to help give out candy to kids, greet guests, serve free food, guard thousands of eggs, and much more. With thousands of people from our community participating, think of all the opportunities we will have to share the love of Jesus.

GOOD FRIDAY: Why We Call Death 'Good'

Friday, April 3, 6:00 p.m. // On Good Friday, we gather to remember the death of Jesus Christ. We do not rush past the sorrow of the cross. We look at it honestly, because the cross is where God’s love meets our deepest need.

Jesus entered the darkness for us. He bore sin, absorbed judgment, and gave himself willingly so that forgiveness could be real and lasting. The night was heavy, but it was not the end.

Join us for worship, Scripture, and a time of reflection as we remember what Jesus has done for us.

LUNCH & LEARN: Walk For Life

Sunday, April 19, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. // Join us right after the service in the chapel, to discuss the book Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp. Registration is $20 per family and includes the book, lunch, and childcare. We will have a panel of seasoned parents of adult children to discuss the most pertinent details of the book. All parents of children and teens are welcome, as this is "A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens." It will help prepare you for the season ahead if your children are still young, or guide you through the remaining years if you already have a teen. Sign up online or contact Heather Mellichamp at 407-269-9461.

CHOICES: Walk for Life

Saturday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. // Walk for Life is almost here!

Join Metro Life Church as we support Choices Women's Clinic and the mission of our Embrace ministry. Walk with us, and make a difference. We look forward in seeing you there. Questions about the event or need help registering? Contact Rachel Priceat rprice@metrolife.org

INTEREST IN LEADING A COMMUNITY GROUP?

Community Group leaders help create spaces for spiritual growth and meaningful connection. At Metro Life Church, we take this role seriously and have a process in place to equip and support those who feel called to lead. If you’re interested, please fill out our short online form. It includes key qualifications and expectations to help guide next steps. // We’re excited to explore this opportunity with you!

Wow! What a year we’ve had together. Multiple guest speakers joined us throughout the year, including those who have influenced our church over the years, those who have planted churches through Metro Life, and long-time friends with whom we continue to serve through gospel-centered partnerships. Having celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2025, we ended the year looking ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2035 and launched our ADVANCE Vision Initiatives.

I’ve seen encouraging momentum through ADVANCE, focused on strengthening the church, developing leaders, and expanding our gospel impact. I’ll share a more comprehensive ADVANCE update soon to walk through the vision, progress, and next steps together.

I’m amazed at how kind God has been and continues to be as an expression of His faithfulness. I’m glad to report that we have a healthy reserve of funds totaling 92 days of operating expenses (about three months).

In 2025, however, regular giving declined by approximately 4%. Our budget anticipated $17,000 per week, while actual giving averaged $16,300 per week. We’ve made adjustments as part of our 2026 planning and continue to carefully evaluate our financial practices.

Another challenge has been the irregularity of giving throughout the year.

For example:
● August 2025: $11,700 weekly average
● December 2025: $25,700 weekly average
(Please note that these figures do not include contributions to our ADVANCE Vision Initiatives.)

We’re grateful for generosity in every season, but wide swings like this affect how confidently we can plan and support ministry.

One practical example is staffing. In 2025, lower and less predictable regular giving contributed to our decision not to provide cost-of-living increases for our staff. At the same time, we remain committed to caring well for those who serve our church and to ensuring each role is aligned within its appropriate salary band (a fair pay range based on responsibilities).

I want to make it clear that this does not diminish the many ways generosity is already flourishing among us. Across Metro Life Church, we see cheerful, meaningful, faith-activating, and sacrificial giving throughout the year, and we thank God for the hearts behind it.

This is where consistent giving rhythms, whether through our online portal, your bank, or other planned methods, truly make a difference. Consistent generosity helps us plan responsibly, support our mission, care for our staff, and steward the resources God has entrusted to us with wisdom. I am encouraged to see that giving for January is up 5%.

As I reflect on 2025, I’m grateful because God has proven Himself faithful among us. The New Testament ties our generosity to God’s provision and His purpose in the life of the church (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). God does not merely call His people to practice generosity; He supplies what is needed, shapes hearts to give, and uses what we offer for His Glory.

I am thankful because God is at work in you, and your giving is one visible fruit of His grace among us (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3). Thank you for being the kind of church where generosity is not a pressure point, but a joyful response to the gospel.

• Alive Students, Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday Celebrations, Sundays @ 10:00 a.m.
• Community Groups for the Spring Term!

Please see our full calendar of events here.

ACTS 2 DINNER EXPERIENCE
Wednesdays, once a month, through November 4 // Our next meeting is February 11 // Each month, Chris Jessee hosts the Acts 2 Dinner Experience, a shared meal designed to help our church family slow down, connect deeply, and grow in our understanding of the Spirit’s work among us. Around the table, we explore the spiritual gifts taught in Scripture and affirmed by Metro Life Church, reflect on how the Spirit equips every believer for life and ministry, and create space for prayer and encouragement in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Whether you are new to spiritual gifts or eager to grow in how you use them to serve others, this evening offers a thoughtful, accessible, and relational way to learn, ask questions, and build meaningful community. We’d love for you to pull up a chair. // There is a $20 charge per person (to cover dinner) // Please register online by Wednesday, February 4 so we can prepare for you (30 people max).

PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION
Sunday, February 15, during the Service // Parents, if you are desiring your child to be dedicated to the Lord, please sign up HERE! The last day to sign up is February 9. 

COMMUNITY GROUPS - Spring Term
At Metro Life Church we are a church OF Community Groups, not just a church with Community Groups. We consider Community Groups an essential part of church life. We desire that every member of Metro Life Church know the great benefit there is to living life in Community. Our Community Groups will be starting again in January, please go to ‘metrolife.org/community’ to sign up for a Community Group this Spring Term!

GRACE PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE
February 19 through February 21 // Join us in February 2026 as we seek to be equipped to disciple and be discipled in the context of the local church. We will enjoy times of worship and teaching, as well as missional updates that not only encourage us in our walk with a Christ, but also drive us to pursue Christ as we return home. We hope you will be able to join us this February! Register at https://gracepartnership.net/conference-2026

GUEST SPEAKERS
Sunday, February 15 and February 22 // Join us as Juan Hernandez (February 15) from Acts 2: Rescue Mission Church in Colombia and Cristian Moscoso (February 22) from Trinity Community Church in Titusville speak to Metro Life Church.

EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. // This Easter event has become one of our pillar Casselberry community events. We need volunteers to help give out candy to kids, greet guests, serve free food, guard thousands of eggs, and much more. With thousands of people from our community participating, think of all the opportunities we will have to share the love of Jesus.

YOUTH SPRING SOCCER
April 11 through May 30 // Ages 3 yrs through high school. Games and practice will be Saturday mornings April 11 through May 30, cost $30. Registration is open February 20 through March 6 or when we reach max capacity. Early registration available for volunteers. See church calendar to register or contact Heather Mellichamp 407-269-9461.

In addition to these various events and gatherings, we also have our regularly scheduled meetings such as:

• Alive Students, Wednesdays @ 7:00pm
• Sunday Celebrations each week at 10:00am
• Community Groups for the Spring Term Sign-up!

Please see our full calendar of events here

21 Days of Prayer

Paul offers us a simple, steady word for this moment.

Philippians 3:13–14 [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Paul is giving us a way to live under the gospel.

Why pressing on is possible

Paul begins with honesty: “I do not consider that I have made it my own.” 

His confession isn’t a weakness; it is clarity.

The gospel tells us that we move forward by depending on Christ. Paul has already dismantled every reason he might trust in himself. His background, his discipline, his achievements… none of them can give him the life he needs. Only Christ can.

That truth matters at the start of a new year. Many of us carry a quiet pressure to do better, to fix ourselves, or to justify our place before God and others. Paul reminds us that the Christian life begins with grace. We press on because we already have God’s favor in Christ.

The past must loosen its grip

Paul says he forgets what lies behind. He doesn’t mean he erases his memory. He means he refuses to let the past control his present.

Some of us enter a new year weighed down by regret. Others are tempted to lean on past success. Both can keep us from real growth. 

Regret says, “You’re stuck.”
Pride says, “You’re done.”
The gospel says neither is true.

In Christ, our failures are forgiven, and our achievements are no longer our identity. That frees us to stop living backward. Forgetting, in Paul’s sense, is trust. It is believing that Christ’s work matters more than yesterday’s record.

Desire matters more than discipline

Paul describes his life as straining forward. This is focused longing. Paul wants Christ… I don’t mean Christ’s benefits, but Christ Himself.

This is where many of us feel exposed. We may believe the right things, but our desires feel scattered. We are busy, distracted, and often satisfied with less than God. The problem isn’t that we want too much; it’s that we settle for too little.

Prayer and fasting exist for this very reason. They are ways to reorder our loves. They help us say, with honesty, “Lord, I want to want You more.”

Paul presses on because Christ has already taken hold of him. His effort flows from love. His discipline is fueled by desire.

Christ is the prize

Paul’s goal isn’t a better version of himself. The world doesn’t need that… it needs a Christ-like version of you!

The prize is Christ; knowing Him fully, belonging to Him completely, and sharing in the life He gives.

That future shapes how Paul lives now. His eyes are lifted beyond the immediate and the temporary. He knows where he belongs, and that gives him freedom to live lightly in this world while pressing deeply into God.

As we begin a new year, this is the invitation before us: don’t chase resolutions; pursue Christ. Don’t seek to manage our behavior, but to deepen our hunger.

Preparing for Prayer and Fasting: Simple Steps Forward

As we approach our 21 Days of Prayer and our Week of Fasting, here are a few grounded ways to live out Philippians 3:13–14:

Release what is behind
In prayer, name one thing from the past year [failure, fear, or pride] that you need to entrust to God again. Ask Him for the grace to stop carrying what He has already addressed.

Refocus your desire
Start with who you want God to be in your life this year, not what you want Him to change. Let that shape your prayers.

Fast with purpose
Choose something that regularly fills your attention or comfort. Let the absence create space for prayer rather than frustration.

Pray simply and consistently
Paul says, “one thing I do.” Choose one clear request related to your hunger for God and return to it each day.

Press on together
Paul calls others to follow his example. Don’t walk into this season alone. Share, pray, and encourage one another as a church family.

The start of a new year doesn’t require perfection. It requires direction.

Forgetting what lies behind.
Straining toward what lies ahead.
Pressing on toward Christ.

That is the path Paul sets before us. And as we seek God together with hungry hearts, we trust that He will meet us with grace.

Zechariah and Elizabeth remind us that hope can grow in the most unlikely places, like when we are waiting.

A Story That Doesn't Hide the Bad
We like to make Christmas a time of warmth, beauty, and emotion. But the Bible doesn't hide the dark parts. Rome had a lot of power over Israel. People of God lived with questions that had no answers. Zechariah and Elizabeth experienced the personal sorrow of infertility. All of this is in the first lines of Luke's Gospel.

This is one of the things that makes their story so easy to relate to. They were good, loyal, and very faithful, but they were also sad. Their lives show us that God doesn't wait for things to be perfect before he acts. He meets us in the pain. He breaks in when the night seems to last forever.

The story of Christmas doesn't leave out the dark parts. It says that light has come into it.

A Messenger Comes with Hope
Zechariah stood in front of the curtain that separated God from people when he went into the holy place to burn incense. This was a once-in-a-lifetime honor. Then, out of nowhere, Gabriel showed up. The same messenger who had once come to see Daniel was now standing in front of a regular priest, bringing a message that was bigger than Zechariah could have imagined.

There is something important to learn from the difference between Gabriel's visits to Daniel and Zechariah. Both men were faithful servants of God. Both were scared when they saw a messenger from heaven. But Zechariah was about to receive a promise that would change the whole story of redemption. God was not only remembering His people; He was also coming closer to save them.

Zechariah was scared and didn't know what to do. His questions showed that he had been disappointed for a long time. Later in the chapter, Mary gave in with humility. Both answers were important. Both show us that God meets people at different levels of faith and helps them grow in faith even when their hearts are not perfect.

A Song That Comes from God's Faithfulness
After months of not saying anything, Zechariah finally spoke, and what came out was praise. His song is about a man who has seen God's faithfulness up close. He thanks God for coming to see him, saving him, forgiving him, and leading him. He is happy that the Messiah has come and that his son John will prepare the way.

Zechariah's time spent waiting was not wasted. It was changed by God. And that change still speaks to us today.

Christmas is a reminder that God never forgets. He keeps his promises. He remembers his people. And He does remember you.

Waiting with Hope This Christmas
A lot of us start December with problems that don't seem to have been solved. Some people wait for healing, understanding, forgiveness, or rest. Some people feel the heaviness of their own darkness under all the fun. If that sounds like you, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth can encourage your faith.

God came to them while they were waiting.
He listened even though it was quiet.
He did the right thing at the right time.
He brought them, and us, salvation through Christ.

Hope does not grow when everything is easy. Hope grows because the Light has come into the dark and is still with us.

This is why we take it easy during Advent. We are quiet. We remember what God has done for us. We look forward to what He will do. And we have faith that He is making something new in us, just like He did for Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Our final broadcast will be Sunday, December 21st.

We know this may be disappointing for some, and we want to share the heart behind this decision with clarity and care.

Why This Change?

Scripture paints a vivid picture of what it means to be God’s people. We are not simply minds that think or spirits that float through ideas. We are embodied souls, created to worship God together in ways that are physical, relational, and communal (Genesis 2:7; Romans 12:1).

When the New Testament calls believers to gather, encourage one another, sing, pray, serve, bear one another’s burdens, and share in the Lord’s Supper, each of those practices assumes presence with real people in real space (Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:24–25). The gathered church is a living reality, not only a digital one.

Because of that, we want our primary focus and investment to remain on the in-person life of the church. That’s where we see the Spirit working most clearly through shared presence, shared voices, and shared life.

What’s Next?

While the Livestream is ending, we will continue providing an audio-only podcast of the Sunday sermon, which will remain available on our website and podcast platforms. This serves those who miss a Sunday or want to revisit the message later in the week. We’ll also continue posting sermon summaries to help you stay connected and reflect throughout the week.

A Word of Thanks

Many of you know how much dedication goes into producing a weekly Livestream. Our team has served faithfully for years, pouring in time, skill, and patience to make these broadcasts possible. Their work has blessed so many, and we encourage you to thank them when you see them. We are genuinely grateful.

How This Fits Our Mission

This transition is not a step back from our mission. It is a stewardship decision aimed at healthy, sustainable ministry. We want to invest our limited energy in the places that bear the most fruit, and for us that remains the gathered worship of God’s people on Sunday mornings.

If you have questions or concerns as we move forward, please let us know. Our hope is to shepherd our church family through this shift with clarity, unity, and grace.

Thank you for being a church that cares deeply about God’s presence and one another. We look forward to all God has for us as we gather each week—together, as embodied people, worshiping a faithful and present God.

• Alive Students, Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday Celebrations, Sundays @ 10:00 a.m.
• Community Groups for the Spring Term - sign-up is COMING SOON!

Please see our full calendar of events here!

COMMUNITY GROUPS – Spring Term

At Metro Life Church, we are a church OF Community Groups, not just a church with Community Groups. We consider Community Groups an essential part of church life. We desire that every member of Metro Life Church know the great benefit there is to living life in Community. Our Community Groups will be starting again in January. Please go to ‘metrolife.org/community’ to sign up for a Community Group this Spring Term!

INTEREST IN LEADING A COMMUNITY GROUP?

Community Group leaders help create spaces for spiritual growth and meaningful connection. At Metro Life Church, we take this role seriously and have a process in place to equip and support those who feel called to lead. If you’re interested, please fill out our short online form. It includes key qualifications and expectations to help guide next steps. // We’re excited to explore this opportunity with you!

LIVESTREAM UPDATE

Hey church family — we want to let you know that our Live Stream will be ending on Sunday, December 28th. // Over time, we’ve seen that watching online can be a poor substitute for gathering in person, and that our live stream doesn’t always represent the heart of what happens here when we worship together. It also takes significant time and increased resources to maintain. // So our hope is that we all would prioritize being together in person on Sundays, participating in worship, hearing the preached Word and enjoying the fellowship of community in this local church. // We will still have audio recordings of the sermons available each week for those unable to join us in person, and if you know someone who truly cannot attend in person, please encourage them to reach out to our leadership team — we’d love to connect and help them stay part of the body. Thank you for your understanding, and for continuing to value what God does when we gather together as His people.

Wednesdays, once a month, January 14 through November 4 // Each month, Chris Jessee hosts the Acts 2 Dinner Experience, a shared meal designed to help our church family slow down, connect deeply, and grow in our understanding of the Spirit’s work among us. Around the table, we explore the spiritual gifts taught in Scripture and affirmed by Metro Life Church, reflect on how the Spirit equips every believer for life and ministry, and create space for prayer and encouragement in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Whether you are new to spiritual gifts or eager to grow in how you use them to serve others, this evening offers a thoughtful, accessible, and relational way to learn, ask questions, and build meaningful community. We’d love for you to pull up a chair. // There is a $15 charge per person (to cover dinner) // Childcare is provided. Please register online (30 people max per meeting).

Register HERE!

Join us in January for our 21 Days of Prayer and Week of Fasting, an annual rhythm in our church family. This focused season helps us slow down, give our attention to the Lord, and pursue spiritual formation and renewal together. We invite you to set this time apart with us as we seek God with expectancy and devotion.

 

Acts 2 paints a picture for us as believers of what it looks like to be a committed part of a local church. A collective of people who follow Jesus, we’re devoted to gathering together in community, serving one another’s needs and growing in our faith through sound teaching. Take your first steps toward membership over lunch following our morning service. In our fragmenting world, Metro Life Church is a place to find common ground and a sense of belonging. Lunch and childcare are provided.

Register HERE!

 

 

Water Baptism

January 18, 2026

10:00am – 11:30am

Metro Life Church Auditorium  

Baptism is a public profession of faith and testifies to the spiritual reality of dying and rising with Christ.  For more information about Baptism go HERE! 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 24, 2025 through January 1, 2026 | Building Closed!

December 24, 5:00 p.m. Service

• Alive Students, Wednesdays @ 7pm
• Sunday Celebrations, Sundays @ 10am

Please see our full calendar of events here.

ADVANCE: Honoring the past, Advancing the future.

ADVANCE 24 HOUR PRAYER

Saturday, November 1 // Sign up in the lobby for your 30-minute time slot and join us in our 24-hour ADVANCE Prayer event on Saturday, November 1^st !

 ADVANCE Commitment Sunday

Sunday, November 2, during the service  // Come and gather with Metro Life family, as today, we come together and being led by God we cheerfully bring our ADVANCE initiative pledges. A special time at the end of service will be set aside to pray and receive your Commitment/Pledge Cards. Come with open hearts expecting God to move among us!

 ADVANCE Celebration Sunday

Sunday, November 16, during the service // Join us as we celebrate what God is doing in our church and among each of us. The Glory belongs to God alone as we celebrate His Church, and His provision. Come and worship with us!

 ADVANCE VISION NIGHT RECORDING

ADVANCE Vision Night recording is now available on YouTube.  

https://youtu.be/xTUgjsTDfAE

GUEST SPEAKER - Dave Harvey

Sunday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. // Join us on Sunday, November 9th, as we hear from Dave Harvey, President of Great Commission Collective in Indianapolis, Indiana. // Dave Harvey (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Great Commission Collective, a church-planting ministry in North America and abroad. Dave pastored for 33 years and travels widely across networks and denominations as a conference speaker.