News at First. A Note From David. Highlighted Events. Volume 48 Issue 1 January Financial Peace: January 9-February 6 6:15pm

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1 News at First Volume 48 Issue 1 January 2019 A Note From David Dear Fellow Ministers, Welcome to 2019! This year promises to be a BIG one for our church as new avenues for ministry are opened and we experience God s love in a new way. We are so grateful for your love for Christ and the way you allow God s gifts to flow through you. We are especially in awe of your gifts to Project Agape on Christmas Eve. We will post the amount raised in our eblasts soon. Just know you have allowed many people to experience God s love. I hope you can plan to be in worship with us in January. The following is a list of our worship themes for the month: -January 6 Matthew 2:1-12 (Lay Reading Isaiah 60: 1-6) Epiphany -January 13 Luke 3:15-17, (Lay Reading Acts 8:14-17) Baptismal Reaffirmation For January 20 February 17 we will have a new series about how Christians react to difficulty and anger and disappointment. The series is entitled When You Reach Your Boiling Point. -January 20 Acts 15:36-41 (Lay Reading Psalm 36:5-10) -January 27 Matthew 18:15-22 (Psalm 19) I look forward to seeing the way God pours Himself out in worship during the month of January! I am privileged to get to be in ministry and mission with you in the month of January! In Christ s Service, David Highlighted Events Book Study, At the Crossroads: Lessons for the Second Half of Life January 6-27 I 4-5:30pm Financial Peace: January 9-February 6 6:15pm Leadership Kickoff: January 13 12:15-3:00pm So You Think You Can t Sing January 14-February 25 11:00am Run/ Walk for God Kick off & Information Session: January 15 I 6:00pm Our mission is to see Christ in every person we encounter and demonstrate to them the love of God and the teachings of Jesus. Rev. David Christy Senior Minister ext. 222 dchristy@fumcgastonia.org

2 Take Note Minister on call Schedule David: Juston: Tripp: January 4-6: Tripp January 11-13: David January 18-20: Juston January 25-27: Tripp Sunday Morning Attendance December 2: 523 Live Stream: 109 December 9: Snow Day/Facebook views: 1.2k December 16: 645 L ive Stream: 48 Printing Dec. 23 & 30 numbers in next newsletter Sympathy to: -William Gray, Vicki Jones, Julie Heath, Tifany Gray and Katie Gray Conner and families on the death of Jo Gray, who passed away November 26. -The family and friends of Sandra Jordan who passed away November 29. -Traci Harbin and family on the death of her grandfather. United Methodist Polity Course meets 3 days: January 24-26, 2019 Thursday, Jan. 24, 6pm - 8pm; Friday, Jan. 25, 9am - 4 pm; Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 am - 2pm REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS COURSE: January 15, 4pm This course will explore our connectional nature as a denomination. It will include a brief history, an understanding of the Book of Discipline, an exploration of leadership roles, and, of course, an solid overview of church structure from the local church to the global community. Required Books: (You must acquire the books before class and bring them with you. Books are available from Cokesbury.com if you wish to purchase, or you might be able to borrow one from our church.) -The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church 2016 (suggested but not required) -Laceye Warner. The Method of Our Mission: United Methodist Polity and Organization. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press: 2014). Payment Information Registration fee ($25 per class) includes refreshments, snack breakfast and lunch. You may pay online through the registration website, or you may mail a check to the Catawba Valley District Office. All payments must be received 1 week prior to the class you are taking (payment due January 15, 2019.) Register online at:

3 Here s what happened on the Building Project in December: Room 204 was demolished, and excavation began for the new building. Waterproofing was completed on the west side of the main building and continues on the east and south sides of the building. Demolition of the second and third floor bathrooms was completed. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTICE DO NOT, under any circumstances, enter the FLC parking lot (corner of Oakland and Main St.) or enter the main building, except to access the sanctuary or chapel via designated access points! DO NOT exit the east doors of the FLC unto the FLC parking lot! DO NOT park in the FLC parking lot! DO NOT go inside the construction fence. There is actual, significant danger of physical harm in all construction zones at FUMC during this project. These areas are restricted for our safety. We work diligently to keep you up-to-date about the project with photos and information in the weekly Yellow Hat Report and the monthly newsletter articles. Keep up with the latest information about this exciting project by visiting the Weaving web site ( and reading the Yellow Hat Report each Friday via and each month in the newsletter.

4 Movie Night! Christmas Caroling!

5 FUMC GASTONIA CHILDREN S MINISTRY Spring 2019 January 9th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 13th 12:00 Leadership Kick-off 16th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 23rd 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 27th 5:00-7:00 Supper Club 30th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games February 6th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 10th 6:30-7:30 Intergenerational Panel 13th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 20th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 27th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games March 6th 6:30 Ash Wednesday Service 13th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 15th 5:30-7:30 Decade Dance 20th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 24th 5:00-7:00 Supper Club 27th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games April 3rd 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 10th 6:30-7:30 Bible Story Games 14th 2:00-4:00 Easter Eggstravaganza Holy Week Services 17th Children s Spring Concert 21st Easter Services & Butterfly Breakfast May 10th-11th Family Overnight Outing 12th Muffins for Mom, Canteen 19th 5:00-7:00 Supper Club 31st-1st 5th grade retreat LEADERSHIP KICKOFF First United Methodist Church Sunday, January 13, :15-3:00pm Save the Date: Supper Club January 27 5:00-7:00pm Childcare at Church in FLC Start the new year with sunday school! Save the Dates for Summer June 7th Faith Night at the Grizzlies June 17th -21st Music/Drama/Art Camp July 28th-31st VBS kristi@fumcgastonia.org

6 Ministry Rev. Juston Smith Associate Pastor ext. 230 UMYF Middle School & Senior High Planning Session Sunday, January 6pm Parents, Counselors, & Youth Preparing for Spring 2019 RSVP by January 4th to Pastor Juston Upcoming Save The Dates! Sr. Hi. Winter Retreat January 25-27, 2019 Lake Junaluska Those registered will receive more info & payment due. Confirm 19, Confirmation Retreat March 8-10, 2019 Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center Mid. Hi. CCC Summer Mission Trip June 16-22, 2019 Those registered will receive more info & payment due. Sr. Hi. Summer Mission Trip Tentative Dates, July 14-20, 2019 These dates are subject to change and vary! Stay Up-to-Date on Social Media: /FUMCUMYF /FUMCGastoniaYouth

7 Mid-Hi Youth January 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat UMYF Programming January 6 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Youth & Parent Planning Session January 13 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Worship 6:30pm, UMYF Breakout Sessions January 20 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Worship 6:30pm, UMYF Breakout Sessions Wed. Evening Programming January 9, 16, 23 5:30pm Meal in FLC, $7 RSVP for Meal 6pm Study in Greene House Cinema The Scripture in Mary Poppins Youth Special Event January Mid-High Lock-In Dinner & Late Night Movie! Mary Poppins Returns Friday, 7pm Drop-off Saturday, 10am Parent Pick-up Sr-Hi Youth January 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat UMYF Programming January 6 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Youth & Parent Planning Session January 13 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Worship 6:30pm, UMYF Breakout Sessions January 20 6pm, UMYF, Snack Supper & Worship 6:30pm, UMYF Breakout Sessions Wed. Evening Programming January 9, 16, 23 6pm Meal at Shrimp Boat, $7 RSVP for Meal 6:30pm Study, Money Matters Raising young people to build faith-based financial life skills. Youth Special Event January 8 7am, Prayer Breakfast Bojangles South New Hope Rd. January Senior High Winter Retreat 5:50pm Depart for Lake Junaluska

8 Worship Arts Ministry MUSIC GROUPS resume this month. New participants welcome! Chancel Choir 7:30pm Wed Jan 2 Chancel Handbells 6:30pm Wed Jan 2 Youth Handbells 4:30pm Sun Jan 6 First Brass 5:00pm Sun Jan 6 Youth Vocal Ensemble 5:00pm Sun Jan 6 Contemporary Choir 6:30pm Sun Jan 6 Cross Fire TBA A Capella TBA Children s Bells & Choirs Wed Jan 9 NEXT CONCERT Friday, February 1 Bach Akademie Charlotte Epiphany Cantatas 7:30pm in the Sanctuary $20 General Admission January 14- February 25 11:00am-12:00pm I Chapel For more info. contact: Rev. Saxon Scarborough Discover (or rediscover) the joy of singing your favorite hymns and songs. Rather than perceived notions of talent, singing is more about understanding/using some basic physical concepts. All are welcome! Rev. Saxon Scarborough Minister of Music ext. 233 saxon@fumcgastonia.org Susan Lisle Music Associate ext. 237 susan@fumcgastonia.org Aaron Prillaman 162 East Worship Leader aaron@fumcgastonia.org Timothy Scruggs Organist timothy@fumcgastonia.org

9 Parish Nurse Ministry Run/Walk January 15 I 6:00pm Information session & Registration for God Run/Walk for God 12-week Bible study that is aimed at running a 5k, but with a Christian focus. This is for ALL activity levels and will allow us to parallel the principles of faith and endurance. If you do not have interest in running, but just want to be more intentional about your health, you can still participate. There will be many other opportunities to join group exercise classes in the community, grocery store tours, free heart-healthy cooking classes, information on proper footwear, injury prevention, and more! January 15 is the kick-off/ information session with assessments including blood pressure, weights, A1C, and BMI. This group will run from January 22-April 9 with the culmination being the Community Foundation 5K on April 13. Cookbook in the works! Send your recipies to our Parish Nurse, Lisa Marisiddaiah: - Lisaonthego@carolina.rr.com, Text a picture/copy to Bring a copy to First United Methodist or First Presbyterian As you are cooking/baking your favorite holiday recipes, please make a copy and send them to us! This is a great way to share your favorite family recipes AND always know where they are printed. If there s a story to go with it, please include. Only your name will be printed with the recipe, but please be sure to include your name, address, address, phone number in case we have questions. We are also planning to work with a dietician to create recipe makeovers if you have recipes that you would like to have modified as diabetes-friendly or heart-healthier. Health Education Awareness Programs 2nd Wednesdays of the month I Noon First Presbyterian Church Programs are free, lunch is $6 RSVP to January- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness February- Recycling (or Stress Management) Lisa Marisiddaiah Parish Nurse nurse@fumcgastonia.org Take control of your diabetes! Living Healthy with Diabetes is an evidence based, diabetes self management program originally developed at Stanford University. The program is designed for individuals with prediabetes, diabetes or at risk for diabetes who want to better manage their health. Living Healthy with Diabetes can help you: Better manage your blood glucose Eat well Increase endurance, strength, & flexibility Use medication effectively Manage pain, fatigue & depression Solve problems and set goals Feel better and take charge! Living Healthy with Diabetes provides: Weekly sessions for 6 weeks A copy of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions book Anyone living with pre diabetes, diabetes, or at risk for diabetes should join this program. Program Dates: Tuesdays, January 22 February 26, 2019 (total of 6 sessions must be able to attend at least 4 sessions) Time: Program Fee: Location: Facilitators: Registration: 2:30pm 5:00pm No cost to you! (Program valued over $400) Dallas Library 105 S. Holland St., Dallas, NC Doris Graham, Gaston Co. Senior Center Linda Minges, NC Cooperative Extension Pre register no later than January 15th: Phone: Christine.McGovern@gastongov.com For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact or tracipollitt@gastongov.com no later than 5 business days before event. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T University commit themselves to posi ve ac on to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, na onal origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addi on, the two Universi es welcome all persons without regard to sexual orienta on.

10 Wednesday Evening fellowship MEALS & CLASSES Join us for dinner every Wednesday night at 5:30pm, followed by classes for all ages. Coffee and conversation is also available in the FLC after dinner. Make dinner reservations with amber at Wednesday Night Kickoff: January 9, 2019 Menu: Grilled Cheese, Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup, Garden Salad, & Dessert The New Year is here, and that means that we have already begun making preparations for our Winter/Spring Wednesday Evenings. Wednesday evenings are full of fun and fellowship. Music, worship, and various studies are offered for all ages. We are blessed by a wonderful weekly meal, prepared by our own Chef Bruce. Bruce s cooking allows us to receive a delicious meal in a quick manner. Our goal on Wednesday evening is to eat and fellowship all together as the entire body of Christ. It is great to have a meal prepared for us in the middle of a busy week, so that we can get to studies and grow together. Bruce and the kitchen play an important role in bringing people in for Bible studies and fellowship. We are excited that numbers are growing during our meal time. Bruce, the Business office, and program staff want to address the growing demands, while still focusing on the goal of the entire body of Christ eating together. At the advent festival and children s concerts, when we experienced our largest crowds, going through the line helped to get the food out to so many people in such a short time. In the New Year, our plan is to use a serving line to waste less and address the large numbers. We will reevaluate this plan at the end of the semester. It is great that we are filling the FLC and that there is a lot of hustle of bustle. We are encouraged by the growth and are asking for your help to get those through the line that might need assistance. We can all be the body together. Prices for each meal are $7 for adults and $3 for children; kids under three eat free. Season Passes on sale January 9th! 15 meals for the price of 13 with purchase of season pass: $91 for adults, $39 for kids 3-12 (Under 3 is free). You can purchase Season Passes by calling the church office at or by going online at or in person at the Family Life Center front desk prior to WEF dinners. Pre-order Season Pass cards will be distributed before Wednesday Evening Fellowship dinners on January 9th. Once you have your Season Pass card, simply show it to the FLC desk attendants on Wednesday nights and proceed to your table.

11 Financial Peace- A quality program that will show you how to master budgeting, pay off debt, build wealth, and give generously. We can live a fuller life in Christ 6:15pm-7:30pm January 9-February 6 John Crane Chapel- 6:30pm I Weekly Rev. David Christy Chancel Handbells- 6:30pm I Weekly Rev. Saxon Scarborough Prayer Unafraid Bible Study- Break away from your worries and fears, and learn to live with courage and hope in an anxious age. January 9-30 I 6:30pm I Rev. Dr. Jim Westmoreland Even if you are a busy mom, you can stay connected to God through prayer and passages of scripture. Just 30 minutes of pause to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. 6:30pm I FLC Becky Greene Crafts- Share Christian fellowship as you use your God-given gifts of creativity to design a variety of crafts. I 6:30pm in the Craft Room. January 9-16 Jewelry Making Led by Alyssa Morris January 23 Love Door Hanger Led by Deidre Canady January 30 Pillow Making Led by Deidre Canady Youth Gathering- Middle school eat and Bible study on campus I 5:30pm; High School eat and Bible study at local restaurant I 6:00pm FUMC Kids Bible Story Games- Birth-5th graders meet in the Gym to play games, learn, and discuss a Bible story. I 6:30pm I Gym I Kristi McClellan Nursery- 6:30pm I Family Life Center Gym I Kristi McClellan & Teachers

12 January Small Groups Book Study January 6, 13, 20 & :30 pm At the Crossroads: Leadership Lessons for the Second Half of Life by Dr. Clayton Smith. Leaders: Jim Westmoreland and Becky Greene We Gather Together: Small groups gathering for intercessory prayer using our circle of prayer. Led by group leaders Times & Locations TBA Save the Dates: January 27, March 24, & May 19 5:00-7:00pm To be added to the s, contact: Dr. Ashley Whitesell There are MANY MORE small groups here at FUMC! Make sure to grab a Winter/Spring 2019 Small Group Guide for a full list. You can also go to our website

13 Children Leaders Tina Springs, Director of Children s Discipleship from Assurance UMC of Huntersville Youth Leaders Rev. Monica Childers, Associate Pastor from St. Luke s UMC of Hickory Adult Leaders Rev. Paul Christy, Senior Pastor from First UMC of Hickory All Potential Leaders Rev. Dr. Bill Jeffries, Senior Associate Pastor from Providence UMC of Charlotte Havaleh Havelka, Conference Training and Resource Specialist will be here with materials available. Friends on the Go 2019 Sunday, January 27 - UNC Women s Basketball Game February The Wise Shall Shine - A week of holy conferencing at FUMC. Thursday, March 7 - Author Louise Penny Presentation at Lenoir-Rhyne University Tuesday, March 26 - Smoke on the Mountain play at The Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro, NC Wednesday, May 1 - Asheboro Zoo August Festival of Wisdom and Grace at Lake Junaluska Thursday, October 10 - Samaritan s Purse in Boone, NC June and December Trips - TBD Becky Greene Director of Spiritual Formation becky@fumcgastonia.org ext. 227

14 You re invited! The Wise Shall Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3 First United Methodist Church of Gastonia presents: The Wise Shall Shine With guidance from those we have invited to share with us throughout the week, we will engage in activities that will help us explore the meaning of wisdom. How do we receive it, cultivate it and pass it on? Who are the important people and events that have helped shape us? Tuesday, February 5 7:00-8:00am (Breakfast) Wisdom Keepers Speaker: Rev. J. Houston Matthews, III, Retired Episcopal Priest & Bill Gross, Jewish Wisdom Keeper Every culture has wisdom keepers. How do we live into and apply God s purpose for our lives? How do we receive wisdom, cultivate it, and pass it on? Friday, February 8 6:30-8:30pm (Dinner) Biblical Roots and Uses of Wisdom Speaker: Dr. Mickey Efird, Professor Emeritus, Duke Divinity School What is the meaning of wisdom literature in the old and new testament? Wednesday, February 6 10:00am-12:00pm (Lunch) Yes, and Speaker: Rev. Mitzi Johnson UMC, Lake Junaluska Director of Programming Learn practical strategies your congregation can use to receive, pass down, and develop wisdom together. 5:30-6:15 (Dinner $7) 6:15-7:30pm The Wise Church Speaker: Rev. Mitzi Johnson All generations working together are needed to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World. Saturday, February 9 8:30-11:00am (Continental Breakfast) Biblical Roots and Uses of Wisdom Speaker: Dr. Mickey Efird How are we, as disciples, meant to live into such ideals of character? Thursday, February 7 12:00-1:15pm (Lunch) Staying Sharp: Cognitive Health for Seniors Speaker: Dr. Alan Clark Medical Director, Senior TLC (*Location: FUMC Bessemer City. Transportation from FUMC Gastonia will be provided, departing at 11:00am) We will learn about senior cognitive health and how to keep your brain sharp so you can pass down wisdom to younger generations. Sunday, February 10 6:30-7:30pm Intergenerational Wisdom Sharing Panel Guests of multiple ages will share generational wisdom on selected topics. RSVP by calling the church office at or online at by Monday, February 4th (All events to be held at FUMC Gastonia unless otherwise noted. Childcare available upon request.)

15 Save The Date! UMW Sunday celebrating 150 years in Mission February 17th Guest minister will be Rev. Amy Coles Sunday Lunch Fundraiser to follow the 11:00 service Tickets will go on sale soon UMW Sponsors Scholarship Honor your Valentine with a gift to the Youth College Scholarship Fund Snow is falling, so is the ice, to give a scholarship would be nice! To honor someone is very cool, so someone else can go to school. Maybe a teacher who taught you to add, or a kind friend who never gets mad. Give to a young person for their education, this is the way to build a strong nation. Roses are red, violets are blue, I love this person and the church, too! Name: In Honor of In Memory of Given by: Please make checks to FUMC UMW, and mark "Valentine Scholarship." Return this form with your check to the Business Office by Monday, February 11, 2018.

16 For a year and a half we have worked with many different renditions of an afternoon and evening worship service. First, it was geared toward our downtown friends. In that endeavor, we learned there are several ministries in the area on Sunday afternoons geared toward that demographic. Second, we moved the time to be an evening chapel service, with rotation of speakers and musicians. While momentum was there, it is always beneficial to evaluate a ministry area. Third, the chapel service has began to move toward the youth ministry area, allowing the youth to lead a service, play music, speak, and pray before break-out sessions on the given subject. In summation, the evaluation has led us to the decision to move the Sunday Evening Worship Service to the Youth Ministry area, and to welcome church-wide participation in the Greene House in the New Year. Our youth are working hard to create a worship service they can take ownership of, with the help of the Director of Contemporary Worship, Dr. Aaron Prillaman. This fall we offered two youth-led services that were highly grace-filled and Spirit born, and with that, this will offer a fourth worship service that you are invited to share in and support, as well as encourage our youth! The service has been branded "DevoLive," based on the youth devotion publication from The Upper Room, DevoZine. The devotional guide helps to lead discussion and conversation following the worship service. We look forward to seeing you in 2019! Grace & Peace, Pastor Juston Please all newsletter submissions to Alyssa by the 15th of each month. Alyssa Morris Director of Communications & Family Life Center alyssa@fumcgastonia.org Connect with us... Website: Phone: contact@fumcgastonia.org First United Methodist Church of Gastonia, NC E-blast Sign up Sign up to receive Newsletters online Give Online! First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC Published Monthly at 190 East Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC (USPS ) Periodicals postage paid at Gastonia, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsletter of First United Methodist Church, PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC 28053