A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. November 2014

Transcription

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. November 2014 DAVID WYLIE, 2015 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN CO-DIRECTOR When Carolyn & I were asked to be involved in the Stewardship effort for 2015, we weren't quite sure how we could contribute, so we decided to tell you a little about our faith journey and what the church, specifically First United Methodist, means to us. After we married, we drifted away from the church as we worked & began building a life together. We started to get a little too comfortable with not going to church, except on Sundays when we would get that empty feeling. One Sunday, a fine old Methodist preacher came to our house to see us after we had visited his church that morning. We knew after that visit, we had to get back to church and into a true relationship with the Lord. We both realized that building a life together outside that relationship would be pretty empty. So we began to go to church regularly and be involved in the church programs and ministries. We enjoyed going to church, hearing God's Word preached and getting to know the wonderful people who love him as we do. After we moved back to Arkansas, we knew instinctively that we needed to find a church home, so we visited Hot Springs FUMC and soon joined. The folks here were so friendly and the new friends we made helped us to connect with the church's ministries and missions. We became a part of the Bereavement Committee with Jim & Janet Tarkington, the Outreach Committee where Bill & Linda Muse, Mary Ellen Morden & Candy Poirier (among others) taught us about mission service. We started attending the Wednesday night meal & services which were a godsend each week. Carolyn began volunteering at Samaritan Ministries one day a week and we got to know & understand the local ministries that our church supports, and there is a long list of them. Looking back over the last few years, we can see clearly that FUMC has done much good work, both inside & outside these walls, for the glory of the Lord, with God's help & inspiration. For example, did you know that through our partnership with Langston School, more than 40 of our members volunteer for food backpacks and mentoring at that school? We've helped them with school supplies, classroom technology equipment & other needs. Michelle Wilkins' children groups are heavily committed to helping Langston school children. Did you know that Open Arms Food Pantry is providing food for as many as 100 families & 200 persons on Tuesday afternoons? Many of our members volunteer for this work & communion is served by the pastors to many who come for help. And, did you know that in 2013 our church provided over $120, in services & financial support to ministries & missions, locally & internationally beyond the budget? This support came from classes & small groups, the Ingathering & Easter offerings, Open Arms Food Pantry, and the Pastors' Fund & United Methodist Women & Men. I couldn't begin to count the volunteers that help CCMC, Samaritan Ministries, The Caring Place, Habitat for Humanity, Jackson House, the Rio Bravo Mission effort, Safe Haven, and many other local ministries. In truth, we are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other & to the world. We want FUMC to continue as a force for service & worship in the name of Christ. During this Stewardship Campaign, we will, individually & as a church, be examining and deciding on our stewardship commitment to God's Kingdom. That commitment will include the level we will support the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. Our hope is that you will prayerfully consider a generous commitment & pledge as you are able. As you know, giving is a vital part of our faith commitment to God, but also remember what Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 9:11, you will be enriched every day for your great generosity. As I close, I want to commend to you Bro. Bart Patton's presentation Five that is on the church website at I know you'll be blessed. Also, I want to thank the Intercessory Prayer Team for including Carolyn & I, & Billy Bob & Sheri Hardman, & the stewardship effort in their prayers. May God Bless you & guide you in your stewardship commitment for next year. Testimony given during Service on September 28th (Continued on next page) Pray with us The prayer focus for November is for families to be THANKFUL. Psalms 93:1-13 states: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to Your name, Oh Most High. To declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the flute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre." Sermon Schedule Sunday, November 2 Michael Mattox Zach Roberts Sunday, November 9 Zach Roberts Teresa Holt Sunday, November 16 Michael Mattox Sunday, November 23 Michael Mattox Bart Patton Bart Patton Sunday, November 30 Zach Roberts Teresa Holt

2 Don t miss! Upcoming Events November 8 Stewardship Testimony SHERI HARDMAN, 2015 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN CO-DIRECTOR This summer our class had a wonderful series taught by Jim Tarkington about the songs in our hymnals. He told us about the authors of the hymns and the inspiration behind them. The song, Here I Am November 9 Lord, is one that Jim spoke about. It s a relatively new song, written in 1981 by Dan Shutte and accepted into the Coffee with the Pastors hymnal in :30 a.m. Shutte took inspiration to write the beautiful song from Isaiah 6:8, where Isaiah writes, Then I heard the Kidz ROCK voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send and who will go for us? Another scripture that inspired him was I 5-7 PM Samuel 3, where God calls Samuel in the night saying, Samuel! Samuel! God called these men to be prophets and save His people. God asked, Whom shall I send? Isaiah and Samuel answered, saying, It is I! November 16 Our church today is being called to answer God s question, Whom shall I send? Our church supports 28 Charge Conference ministries and we are reaching people in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, and in the darkest corners of the November 19 world. Church Wide The Methodists have built a maternity hospital in Sierra Leone. The First Lady of Sierra Leone is a Thanksgiving Dinner Methodist and strong advocate and supporter of this hospital as well as support for the young mothers and their 5- babies. November 27 We have another hospital in Liberia whose medical staff is on the front lines battling the dreaded EBOLA Happy Thanksgiving epidemic. We Methodists are spearheading the campaign to stamp out Malaria by raising funds to purchase November 30 mosquito nets. Yes, we are doing wonderful things and making a difference! Advent Family Night We may not all be called to be prophets or missionaries, but we can support those who are called to be the Miracle of Jesus 4PM hands, feet, and face of Jesus. Jesus gives us the Great Commission to Go into all the world. How will we answer Breakfast with Santa 5PM that question, Whom shall I send? Is it you, me, us? Yes! I believe it is all of us who are called to hold His people Hanging of the Greens 6PM in our heart! When I told my mother that we had 28 ministries that our church supported she said, Oh Sheri, I think that is wonderful! I think so, too. Testimony given during Connexion Service on September 28th UMW Annual Conference In our prayers... Christian Sympathy goes to the families of: Gwen Cupp Robin Braun Thelma Miller Lyle Fellows Dr. Tom Cooper Laurence Adkins We lift all of these families in prayer at this time. Connect with us! Like FUMC Hot Springs on Facebook Follow on Instagram & Phone: (501) Fax: (501) lenglish@fumchs.com Listen to our 10:45 AM traditional worship service every week on FM! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month

3 Children s Ministry THANK YOU to everyone who brought candy for the Langston Fall Fest and a HUGE THANK YOU to our very own Rev. Zach Roberts! He came and talked to the kids in October about the Open Arms Food Pantry here at FUMC! What an impressive mission of our church! The Food Pantry serves some 200+ people each week, (that s over 800 people a month)! The kids loved hearing all about the pantry and how they could help. They made fleece blankets to donate to the pantry to be given out during the cold winter months. The children also took home empty gallon Ziploc bags to create Manna Bags filled with snack foods and bottled water to hand out to those in need. Way to go, Kidz ROCK kids!!!! November 9th will be our next Kidz ROCK meeting from 5-7 p.m. with pizza at 5:00 p.m. November s mission will be a COAT DRIVE! We will be accepting any sized coats! New ones are GREAT, but you can also CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS and bring any gently worn, clean coats that you no longer need! Kidz ROCK will have special guest speakers at the November meeting from the local Fire and Police Departments coming to visit. They will talk to us about how they serve and help others throughout the community and how we can help. This will also be the meeting in which we select Angels from our Angel Tree for Langston for our December mission project! Come join the fun and bring a friend! MICHELLE WILKINS Don t forget to 1) Bring a friend 2) Bring any new or used (clean) coats or jackets 3) Wear your Kidz ROCK t-shirt 4) Bring $3 for pizza 5) Bring your CHANGE for the BIG CHANGE DUMP We are getting closer to our $500 goal, but we need your help!!! Bring your change to see what the BIG surprise will be in December! Your change helps children in our community God bless you! Advent Family NIGHT! Sunday, November 30th 4:00 p.m. Miracle of Jesus A Christmas Event for Families (Christian Life Center-Cupp Hall) 5:00 p.m Breakfast with Santa (Christian Life Center-Cupp Hall) 6:00 p.m. Hanging of the Greens Worship Service (sanctuary) Wednesday Afternoon Kids and CLUB 45 Our Wednesday afterschool programs have been running great! We have close to 80 children participating weekly in the programs. The kids are picked up by bus on Wednesdays afterschool and brought to church from 3:30-5:30 for 2 hours of games, snacks, crafts, and Bible Stories! It has been a wonderful experience and we are so thankful for the volunteers that have come forward to help the Fall Semester! We are currently in NEED of 5 volunteers for the Spring Semester! If you are able to help on Wednesday afternoons, please contact Michelle Wilkins (501) as soon as possible! Without enough volunteers we will not be able to continue the program in the Spring! Please prayerfully consider this amazing opportunity! Tackle Life study starting Sunday, Nov. 16 REV. TERESA HOLT The Men of the Church are offering a men s Bible Study, Tackle Life, led by Steve Burns November 16 December 14th, 5:30 6:45 p.m., in the Christian Life Center 211. We have questions - real, important, and challenging questions; questions about family, finances, and forgiveness; unsettling questions regarding illness, death and eternity. Don t we crave answers to these questions that tug on the deepest parts of our hearts? Come join this small group as deep questions are asked and hope is discovered. Annual Thanksgiving Church Wide Dinner REV. TERESA HOLT Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be Wednesday, November 19th, 5:00 6:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center Cupp Hall. The dinner will be provided with a suggested cost of $5.00 per adult, $3.00 for children with a maximum charge per family of $ We ask that you assist by bringing a dessert to share. The desserts not eaten will be shared with the Caring Place and Jackson House. There will be baskets on the tables for a love offering for our Open Arms Food Pantry. Come and enjoy a delicious meal and great fellowship with your church family!

4 Sunday, November 2 All Saints Sunday Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Worship J/S The Story Class Club 45 Class / Worship 10:45 AM Long Range Planning Committee Mtg4:00 PM SNL Kids Praise The New Testament Class Youth J/S Youth Disciple Bible Study Monday, November 3 Celebration Handbells Jubilation Handbells November Calendar Tuesday, November 4 UMW Harvest Luncheon 10:00 AM Outreach Meeting Stephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. 5:30 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision Mtg. 6:00 PM Genesis Class 6:00 PM Wednesday, November 5 Romeo Knitwits Meeting WAK Intercessory Prayer Group First/Game Night Covenant Bible Study Chancel Choir Rehearsal Underground (S) Friday, November 7 Youth Refuge Retreat Weekend Saturday, November 8 UMW Annual Conference Sunday, November 9 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Worship The Story Class Club 45 Class Coffee with the Pastors / Worship Underground S Worship Arts Kidz Rock The New Testament Class 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:15 PM 8:00 AM 7:45 AM 10:45 AM Monday, November 10 Celebration Handbells Jubilation Handbells Tuesday, November 11 O Brien Thornton Circle Roger Moore Circle Jane Murphy Circle Wednesday, November 12 Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class WAK Intercessory Prayer Group First/Game Night Youth Underground (S) Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, November 14 Saturday, November 15 Festival of Trees (CLC) Sunday, November 16 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Worship J/S Chapel Communion The Story Club 45 / Worship Underground J SNL Kids Praise Worship Arts (9-12) Charge Conference Tackle Life Bible Class Youth Disciple Bible Study (10-12) Monday, November 17 Celebration Handbells UMW Board Meeting Jubilation Handbells Tuesday, November 18 Methodist Men s Breakfast Wednesday, November 19 Romeo Deep Calling Deep Class Intercessory Prayer Group Thanksgiving Dinner 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 11:45 AM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:15 PM 8-5 PM 7:45 AM 10:45 AM 5:30 PM 7:00 AM 11:45 AM 4:00 PM Youth Underground (S) Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, November 20 XYZ Thanksgiving Luncheon Friday, November 21 CDC Thanksgiving Luncheon Sunday, November 23 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Worship J/S The Story Club 45 / Worship The New Testament Class Monday, November 24 Celebration Handbells Jubilation Handbells Wednesday, November 26 Romeo Thursday, November 27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING Friday, November 28 Closed Sunday, November 30 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Worship J/S The Story Club 45 / Worship Miracle of Jesus/Advent Fair Breakfast w/ Santa Hanging of the Greens Youth Disciple Bible Study (10-12) 6:15 PM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 7:45 AM 10:45 AM 7:45 AM 10:45 AM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM

5 Underground Youth BART PATTON Special Gifts Recent Events Pre-K Bible Presentations: 8:15 & 10:45, Sunday October 19th Worship Arts Team leading worship in The Sunday, October 19th Invitational Evangelism Committee with Bishop Gary Mueller, Sunday October 19th In Memory of Jeslyn McCleary From Lu Anne Vogel From Don & Mary Anne Schnipper In Memory of Ali Vise From Leslie Ballentine & Bill Kerst From John & Jessica Regenhardt From David & Rynne Belk In Memory of Susan Goodrum From Allen Broyles In Memory of Ed & Jane Cherry From Joyce Ellis In Memory of Dr. Charles Johnson From Jim & Suzy Burton From Bruce & Nitalynn Sigman In Memory of Gwen Cupp From Hiram & Susan Cooper From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Harold Duke III, Dawn & Melody Duke From Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Smith From Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Fleischner From Deenie Johnson From Bob & Mary Searcy From Elizabeth Farris & Bill Sorrels From Lynn & Cheri Endicott From Lawrence & Carol Levi From Catherine & Phillip Malcom From Poe Travel From Catherine Long From Peggy Clark From Dr. Tim & Cindy English From NP Comm. College Foundation From Doris Robey From Susan Cook From Eric & Lynda Jackson From Craig & Tracy Keaton From Dr. Ross & Carol Jo Atkinson From Agnes and T Ron Mathis From Wayne & Jane Ranson From John & Holly Haggard From Don & Mary Anne Schnipper In Memory of Robin Braun From Thomas & Stacey Pierce From Dr. Tim & Cindy English From Bob & Thea Mathis From Dr. Brian and Lorraine Jackson From Dr. & Mrs. Richard Van Bebber From Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Wallace From Clarence & Brenda Durand From Don & Mary Anne Schnipper In Memory of Thelma Miller From Wayne & Jane Ranson In Memory of Dorothy Ann Wright From Clarence & Brenda Durand

6 Outreach Ministries CANDY POIRIER UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The UMW will be having their Unit meeting and Harvest Potluck Luncheon on Tuesday, November 4th beginning at 10AM in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the fellowship with everyone. Circle meetings will meet November 11th at the times below: Helen Wilson Circle 10AM meeting at Allison Miller s, 220 Cabe Court Jane Murphy Circle NOON Christian Life Center, Holy Grounds Café O Brien-Thornton Circle 10AM Shelton Room of Christian Life Center Rogers-Moore Circle 10AM Media Center of Christian Life Center New Legacy Circle will meet November 18th at 5:30 p.m. in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS If you are new to the church, a new member, or just want information about FUMC Hot Springs, you are invited to an informal gathering Sunday, November 9th at 9:30 a.m. in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center to meet our pastors. If you would like to join us, please contact the church office at to RSVP. We ll see you there! INGATHERING OFFERING On Sunday, November 16, 2014 we will take the annual Ingathering offering to support local outreach projects and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in The Outreach Committee thanks you for you outstanding support in the past and asks you to be in prayer for the offering, which does so much good in Hot Springs and for disaster relief. Our local outreach this year includes health kits for Jackson House, Samaritan Ministries, Open Door at Jones Mill, Oaklawn Chaplaincy, school and clothing supplies for Langston School children, children s disaster kits for Rice Depot, Sunday Love Lunches at Jackson House, the Garland Co. Imagination Library program for children books, and manna bags for local people in need. We also provided financial support through UMCOR for the tornado relief in Arkansas. With your generous giving for the Ingathering offering, our church and the Outreach Committee will continue to serve those in need in our community and beyond. LUNCHEON (EXTRA YEARS OF ZEST)THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON XYZ will have their Thanksgiving luncheon on Thursday, November 20th in the Shelton Room of the Christian Live Center at 11:30 a.m. They will have turkey and dressing along with all the trimmings. Come and enjoy fellowship, great food and a short program. All are invited. SENIOR SAINTS TRIP TO BENTONVILLE The Senior Saints had a great time going to Crystal Springs and downtown Bentonville visiting the Sam Walton Museum. The time we all spent together was enjoyed by all. Thank you all who made the trip! Look for a Branson trip coming in the Spring. GET READY TO RING! The Outreach Committee invites you to join them in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at the Kroger store at 4407 Central Ave. (near Hobby Lobby). We will be volunteering on four days, Thursday, Dec.4th, Saturday, Dec. 6th, Thursday, Dec. 11th and Saturday, Dec. 13th. The ringing begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m. each day. The days will be divided into nine time slots of one hour each and we need two or more volunteers for each hour. Families are encouraged to participate with their children. This presents a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of giving during the Christmas season. Your first chance to sign up will be at the Thanksgiving dinner, Wednesday, November 19th. Sign up sheets will also be available at all three church services on Sunday, November 23rd. For more information or for early sign-up contact Claire Wisman at Christmas Concert Plan to...run to Bethlehem...with the Chancel Choir, SNL Kidz Praise, Handbells, and Orchestra! RON HALL On Sunday, December 14th, at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, the trip will begin! Plan on bringing your family and friends for this exciting voyage to the land of Jesus birth. Experience the Israelites anticipation of the longing for a Savior and their joy of the Messiah s birth! Join with the others as God is praised for the gift of his Son to humankind! The Sunday Night Life Children s Choir will sing with the Chancel Choir and Seasonal Singers, and our Celebration and Jubilation! Bell Choirs will present their joyous praise. Members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will join local musicians to provide symphonic foundations for the entire presentation! Mark this on your calendar bringing your joy of the season to an event which should help make your Advent and Christmas holidays so special!

7 Child Development Center Update CDC Scholarships: Thanks to the generosity of FUMC members who are participating in the Envelope Fundraiser project, two CDC families have received scholarships for their children to help them through emergency situations. The following note so eloquently expresses the thanks of one family. Dear CDC Board, Thank you for providing a scholarship for our grandchild for the months of October and November. We are so thankful for the quality of the CDC & its staff. Our grandchild has benefitted so much over the years. God s Blessings, Grandma Please continue to support the Envelope Fundraiser project so that CDC families can receive help with tuition when there is a need. There are envelopes on the windows of the Romper Room in the CLC waiting to be selected. Applebee s Flapjack Fundraiser: Ninety-four FUMC members, CDC families and people from the community enjoyed a delicious flapjack breakfast at Applebee s on October 4. Thanks to all of you who bought tickets, attended the breakfast and so generously gave donations. Rugs for the classrooms in the children s wing of the CLC are being purchased with the $1,800 profit from the breakfast. CDC Selected as a Pilot Site: The CDC has been selected as one of four programs in Arkansas to participate in a pilot project which will be looking at Caring for Our Children Standards. This project is sponsored by the Arkansas Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics and Arkansas Children s Hospital. Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Parents of infants who attend the CDC are given the opportunity to enroll in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project. Children in the project will receive a book a month until they are five years of age. Professionalism: LesLee Jones, CDC Director, and Sherry Lunsford, CDC teacher of three year olds, have been elected to serve as officers of the Hot Springs Early Childhood Association. LesLee will serve as President and Sherry as Recording Secretary of the group that meets at FUMC. CDC teachers will present the program to the group at its November meeting. LesLee recently attended an all-day seminar sponsored by the West Central Arkansas Society for Human Resource Managers. She and nine CDC teachers also attended the annual conference of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association. Three CDC staff members are currently enrolled in classes at National Park Community College. All CDC staff who work directly with children receive a minimum of twenty-five clock hours of professional development training each year. Thank you for supporting the Child Development Center, one of the ministries of FUMC. LESLEE JONES Other Announcements Our Bereavement Committee appreciates all those who help and cherish the faithfulness our church members have shown to our church and to the families of our congregation. They will be publishing recipes that members have prepared for the family meals and receptions each month. The first one is from Brad Hudgens. Pasta Salad Recipe Tri Color Rotini Pasta-1 box Extra Virgin Olive Oil Red Bell Pepper-1 large diced Yellow Bell Pepper-1 large diced Large Purple Onion-1/2 of onion diced Mini Pepperoni-1 package Marinated Artichoke Hearts-one large jar, halved Grape Tomatoes-1 package, halved Feta Cheese-1 small package, crumbled Pitted Kalamata Olives-about 6oz., halved black pepper/kosher salt-to taste Red Wine Vinegar (I use Kroger brand for this) The day before needing the pasta, I cook the pasta in lightly salted water per the instructions on the box. After draining thoroughly, toss pasta with just enough olive oil to slightly coat pasta a bit more than ¼ cup. Refrigerate overnight. The next morning, add all other ingredients, adding the vinegar last (to taste, ¼ cup or more). Refrigerate until ready to serve. Variations: Replace Pepperoni with drained canned tuna, chicken or turkey. Add chopped jalapenos for spice. A Musical Night of Caring On Saturday evening, January 3, 2015, performing artists Ken Goodman and Roy Rivers will combine their musical talents to offer A Musical Night of Caring to benefit The Caring Place in Hot Springs. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center located at 218 Pratt Street. Their combined singing talents will offer concert-goers a variety of musical favorites from Rivers John Denver tribute songs to Goodman s show tunes and Broadway hits. Ray and Ruth Liebau will provide pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m. with guitarist Don Jones. Tickets are $20 prior to the event ($25 at the door) and may be purchased at The Caring Place. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit The Caring Place Scholarship Fund. For tickets or more information, contact Dian at The Caring Place, 101 Quapaw, or Judy Wehunt at

8 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Welcome New FUMC Members! Doug and Patty Sweeney Edward Cajun Prince We are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.