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Ministries of F.W.C.

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Here at F.W.C. we have a variety of ministries for a variety of people. A few of them are:

Family Focused Ministries

We believe the family is the most important entity on this earth. As such, we are committed to investing in, and building up the families that attend F.W.C. Each year’s vision has its core programs, plans and principles that focus on building and strengthening our families. Some of these family-focused ministries are: Monthly family fellowships (the last Sunday of every month), a special focus on Relationships (done twice a year), our Annual Church family Picnic (on the Sunday before Memorial Day), and Baby Dedications.

Children’s Ministries

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go and, when he is old, he will not depart from it. The mission of our Children’s Ministry is to offer love, support and guidance to the children that attend our programs. Our goal is to provide reinforcement of the biblical principles taught to the children at home, and awaken their spiritual curiosity. Some of our Children’s Ministries include: Sunday School, Wednesday night activities, children’s drama performance, and children’s choir.

Youth Ministry

There is always something going on for the young people at F.W.C. We have Classes specifically designed for them on Sundays and Wednesdays, many youth activities (outside of regular church days, such as fellowships and concerts), Youth Rallies (church services in different cities around South Florida), and National Youth Convention (an annual event held every year in different cites nation wide).

Bible Study Ministries

At F.W.C. we firmly believe that the Bible is the backbone of being a Christian. We don’t leave out or take away from the scriptures, and we teach and preach the fullness of God's Word. Because this is so important, we use many ways to study the Word of God. Some of the Studies we use are Exploring God’s Word, Search for truth, Into His Marvelous Light, as well as Video Studies. We also teach a series of 6 lessons called New Beginnings for new worshippers to FWC.

Financial Health Ministry

It is not the will of God for you to be in debt, yet so many people are. Throughout the year, we provide Biblical resources and lessons to aid in finding financial health for your life. We also set aside time throughout the year to focus on stewardship, which is essential to breaking the bondage of financial debt. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” III John 1:2

These are just a few of the ministries at F.W.C. Other ministries include Prayer Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Music/Drama Ministry, Media Ministry, Operation R.O.C. and All Things Commons Ministry. If you would like any information on any of the Ministries listed above, please feel free to contact us, by following the directions on theCONTACT page of this website.

How to get to F.W.C.

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The easiest way to get directions to F.W.C. is to go onto Google maps or mapquest and type in our address 3341 Gocio Rd. Sarasota, FL 34235.

If you live locally and are trying to get to FWC, Gocio Rd. is right off of N. Lockwood Ridge Road.

If you are coming from University Parkway, turn South onto N. Lockwood Ridge Road and go down 4 lights (including a blinking light at a fire station) and the fourth light will be Gocio Rd. Turn left (you can only make a left hand turn) onto Gocio Rd. and F.W.C. is about 2 blocks down on the left hand side at the 4 way stop.

If you are coming from Fruitville Road, turn North on N. Lockwood Ridge Road and go down 4 lights. The forth light will be Gocio Rd. Turn right (you can only make a right hand turn) onto Gocio Rd. and F.W.C. is about 2 blocks down on the left hand side at the 4 way stop.

Off of I-75, University Parkway is Exit 213 & Fruitville Road is Exit 210.

Church History

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Coming Soon

Meet our Pastor

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Pastor Israel did not grow up in an Apostolic home, and moving from city to city in the state of Texas, became involved with the wrong crowd and the wrong type of kids. With gang life evident in the areas in which he lived, he grew up in that type of environment. With life able to take him in many directions, it was God who had the ultimate plan for his life. That is why Pastor Israel has stated many times, “If God can use me, He can use anybody.”

Although he was introduced to Pentecost at age 8, he did not get into church until he was 15. Then moving to back Alice, TX (his hometown) trying to get away from church and the things of God, he ended up running right into God. It was in Alice, TX at the age of 19 under the ministry of Rev. Michael Bumgarner that he began his work in the ministry of God. After 2 years of being the Youth Pastor in Alice he moved to Savoy, TX where he helped with the youth and was a Sunday School teacher.

After being invited to spend a weekend at Family Worship Center, and much prayer, Pastor Israel came to F.W.C. in June of 2002 to become the Youth Pastor. He served in this capacity for 4 years. In that time Israel was licensed with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ (ALJC) and voted to be the ALJC Florida District Youth President (an office he currently still holds). He has led the ALJC Florida District with Camps, rallies, and in many other capacities. He has led the many youth that have come through the doors of F.W.C., and though young people come and go, there are many lives that have been affected by Pastor Israel. During his time as Youth Pastor, his Pastor from Savoy, Texas, Virgil Cornwell, came to Sarasota and preached his ordination service.

In November of 2006, our Bishop, Mitchell L Shelby, retired and Pastor Israel was voted in as the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Center. Pastor Israel is a zealous young man who has a heart for souls, and winning the lost. The Bible states “He that winneth a soul is wise.” Pastor Israel’s vision is for souls to be won for the Kingdom of God in Sarasota, FL. Being bilingual, one of Pastor Israel’s main focus points at F.W.C. is that F.W.C. is “a church of all nations.” Whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely.

Pastor Israel was born in Alice, TX, and his family background comes from Mexico. His wife is Amanda Garza and they have one daughter, Charity Garza.

Monthly Calendar of Events

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Welcome to Family Worship Center

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We are an exciting, growing church in Sarasota, Florida, and at F.W.C. we believe what the Bible says, “….whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) We are a church of all nations, and no matter what language or color of skin, we believe that all are able to drink of the water of life in Christ Jesus.

At F.W.C., we are a bi-lingual church with our worship services in English and Spanish. Our preaching is in English, however it is translated into Spanish so all that come may enjoy the Word of God.

Our desire to our community is to be a beacon of strength, love and hope. We are striving to bring healing to the hurting, proclaim freedom from the bondage of sin and addictions, comfort the heavyhearted and create a climate of deliverance. We believe a life with our Lord Jesus is a life filled with joy, peace and strength.

Our purpose is to press toward the mark by creating a depth and intimacy in worship that seeks the presence of God. We are fulfilling that purpose by creating and building altar experiences that compel us to the throne of God.

We hope you enjoy your experience and time on our website, as it is filled with many wonderful events happening at F.W.C. We also hope you will join us for one of our services as we join together for exciting praise and worship and anointed preaching.

- the ministry of Family Worship Center in Sarasota, FL

Family Worship Center

3341 Gocio Road

Sarasota, FL 34235

941.359.3400

Israel Garza, Senior Pastor

Schedule of Services

Sunday Morning

10 A.M.

Sunday Night

(see our Monthly Calendar of Events)

Wednesday Night

7:30 P.M.