Volume No. 16 Issue No. 3 March, 2008

Transcription

1 Volume No. 16 Issue No. 3 March, 2008 Come Experience God s Forgiveness We hear a lot about King David and all of the positive things he was able to accomplish, however there is a side to David that the Bible shows us that we often forget about. David was a Shepherd, King, Prophet, Warrior, Friend of Jonathan, A man after God s own heart. David slew the giant Goliath but did you know that David was also an adulterer and murderer? If you have ever seen "The Shawshank Redemption, you know that it is a classic. Morgan Freeman plays a prisoner named Red, and there s a scene where Red is meeting with the parole board. Red has been in jail for 40 years and the board asks him, "Do you feel that you ve been rehabilitated?" Red says, "Rehabilitated? Now let me see." What you really want to know is, "Am I sorry for what I did?" Yes! Not a day goes by when I don t feel regret, for the families I hurt, and for the people I let down. I wish I could go back. I would talk to that foolish boy I used to be. Talk some sense into him. Tell him how things really are. But I can t. And all that s left is this broken down old man. And I have to live with what I ve done for the rest of my life." Red was haunted with regret by a mistake he made 40 years ago. Is there something in your past that you wish you could take back? Have you ever said to yourself, "How could I have been so STUPID back then?!!!! What was I thinking?!!! Why did I do that??? If you ve ever felt that way, then welcome to the human race. Everyone has regrets. However, the following is what God has done and will do with our sin. 1. He lays them on his Son-Jesus Christ. Isa 53:6 2. Christ takes them away. Jn They are removed as far as East is from West. Psalm 103:12 4. They cannot be found. Jer 50:20 5. The Lord forgives them. Eph 1:7 The Messenger is a publication from First United Methodist Church, Hillsville, Virginia 6. He cleanses them ALL away by the blood of his son. 1 Jn 1:7 7. He cleanses them as white as snow Isa 1:18; Psm 51:7 8. He abundantly pardons them. Isa 55:7 9. He tramples them under foot. Mic 7: He does not remember them again. Heb 10: He throws them behind his back. Isa 38: He throws them into the depths of the sea. Mic 7: He will not charge us with sins. Rom 4:8 14. He covers them. Rom 4:7 15. He blots them out. Isa 43: He blots them out as a thick cloud. Isa 44: He blots out even the proof against us, Nailing them to the Cross. Col 2:14 Charles Wesley just put it like this: He breaks the power of canceled sin And sets the captive free. His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me. Interpreted, that means canceled or forgiven sin has no power over us. In Psalm 32, David is saying, "You don t have to be haunted by the past. You don t have to walk around feeling guilty for the rest of your life. You don t have to carry your sins around forever. Psalm 32: 1-2 (NLT) Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! The Good News is, you don t have to live a defeated life. Christ won the victory more than 2000 years ago. Ronnie G. Collins, Associate Pastor

2 We thank these contributors who gave to First United Methodist Church ministries in various ways during the month of February, 2008: IN MEMORY OF FUND GIVEN BY Ruth B. Farmer for her birthday of Feb. 26th General Fund Delta B. Bolen Gayle Umphlett Harvey Pre-School Fund Lathan V. & Carolyn Umphlett of Virginia Beach, VA Reba Goad Open Table Seekers Sunday School Class IN HONOR OF FUND GIVEN BY Rick Powers (and his work at Wed. Night Shoebox Ministry Dot Jones Bible Study on Creation) Rick Powers Shoebox Ministry Ken & Tammy Horton Tom Jackson, Sr. Camp Dickenson Rodney & Sharon Alexander GIFTS IN GENERAL FUND Local Missions (specifically for Tri-Area Crisis Pregnancy Center) The Food Pantry Open Table World Aids Project #578 Joy Ranch & Holston Home Parsonage Project Camp Dickenson Campaign Office Chair for Church Office Parsonage Project The Food Pantry SouledOut Praise Band GIVEN BY Eddie & Donna Clontz Mountain Plains UMC Fellowship Sunday School Class Todd & Cindy Fichtel Children of FUMC! Ed Horton The Folks at FUMC! Mitch & Millie Mitchem Rick Beasley Golden Harvest Thrift Shop Bob Welsh NOTES FROM GRATEFUL PEOPLE!!! Dear Hillsville FUMC, I would like to personally thank you for the monetary aid in which you provided for my mission trip. Without your help, I would not have been able to meet the required amount necessary for the trip. I pray that God will bless you abundantly for your gracious sacrifices that you have made in order for others to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sincerely, Brad Shockley 3000 College Drive Bluefield, VA Box 340 Dear Kathy & FUMC, There has been more than four, maybe five attempts to write this note. None seem good enough. I can only say thanks so very much. I hope some day I can return your kindness. My best to all of you. May God bless! Sincerely, Vilma B. Pellerano Just a word to let you know that many thoughts and prayers are with you every day. God loves you. (Individually Signed) The Keen Class Mt. Pleasant UMC 415 Tremough Drive Wytheville, VA Dear Ty & FUMC, What a blessing it was to be at your church for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. My girls and I had a wonderful time and were so blessed by your message and by all of the wonderful people that we met at your church. Again, as I said in the service in January, I thank you all so much for the continued financial and prayer support that you offer the Tri-Area Pregnancy Resource Center. Warmest regards, Courtenay Houston, Executive Director

3 THE HAPPY SENIORS SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY The Happy Seniors met on Tuesday, Feb. 5th with 47 in attendance and enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by the Senior Wonders. The Mabus Family Violinists were charming and very entertaining. It has been a lot of fun watching these beautiful young ladies grow up and what a great talent they have. The table decorations carried out the Valentine theme. We have 12 registered for Jubilation The Design Team is planning for 300 at the April 6, 7, & 8 event. Rev. Duane Steele will have the program for our March meeting. Be sure and sign up so we can prepare enough food for everyone. Our April meeting comes on the 1st day of the month, so plan ahead. This will be our quarterly Triad meeting, and Carolyn Honeycutt will return for Part II of Estate Planning. We are planning a special Mothers Day meeting for May 6th. The one and only Don Knox will be coming from First United Methodist Church in Galax to entertain us. Don t forget to sign up for the meals each month. Happy Seniors, ><> Tom & Dee <>< Family Ministry Department The Family Ministry Team for the month of March, 2008, will be led by Jeff & Patti Holderfield. Members of that team include Orba & Ruth Alderman, Ruth Beverly, Jay Bough, Charlene Guynn, Adam & Cindy Joyce, Mary Lib Guynn, Bob & Margaret Martin, Mary Vass, Janet Strauss, David & Nell Scott, Charlie & Farrah Vaughn, and R.J. & Helen Reynolds.. Please pray for this team as they go about their jobs during the month, as they have a real potential to help the church grow, not only in numbers but also in spiritual health. This team is instrumental in nurturing current membership as well. All aspects of their responsibilities are important. If you know of individuals that might like or need a visit, please let one of the team members know. Food Pantry The Food Pantry assisted 24 families during February, 2008, serving a total of 37 adults and 17 children. If you would like to know more about how the Food Pantry works or if you would like to volunteer your services at the Pantry, please call Ina Horton at Ina is the coordinator for this worthwhile community project, and would be more than happy to speak with you about it. The Food Pantry could use the following items if you would like to donate this month: Canned Peaches; Macaroni & Cheese Dinners; & Canned Pork n Beans. The Food Pantry could also use brown paper grocery bags. And as always, thank you for your generosity in keeping our community food pantry stocked and serving the people of Carroll County and the Town of Hillsville. THRIFT STORE WEEKS: March 3rd-8th March 31st-April 5th Lay Speaker Training Be a jewel! Save these dates & come to Lay Speaker Training It will be at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville on March 14th & 15th. You will need to register.. If you have questions, see our jewel, Susan Clark. Sun. School 8:30 Service 11:00 Service A.M. Total SNL Worship Total January Attendance Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24,

4 UMW News We are happy to say that we prepared 15 goodie boxes for college students. Thanks to all who helped supply treats or pack boxes. Our college students were excited to receive them! Our annual Call to Prayer and Self-Denial program will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Room Classroom. The program will be followed by an Agape Meal in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to attend, and there will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the adult Sunday School Classrooms. The Sunshiners and Lamplighters will not have individual circle meetings in March since we meet as a unit for the Call to Prayer and Self- Denial program. PLEASE NOTE ON YOUR UMW CALENDARS: The Unit meeting for June 5, 2008, has been changed to June 12, 2008 due to a conflict with Vacation Bible School. Louise Myers 6136 Coulson Church Road Austinville, VA Elliott Ridge 1327 North Main Street Rhea Akers Main Street Eura Ray 1117 Evergreen Street Anne Curless 120 Blackstone Lane Galax, VA Ilene Harmon 230 S. Main Street P. O. Box 414 AND OUR Sylvia Bohon Trinity Mission Gladys Reynolds Trinity Mission Gladys Sutphin Trinity Mission Tray Stilwell Golden Living Center- Blue Ridge Galax, VA Hassie Turner Golden Living Center- Blue Ridge Galax, VA Oleta Jones Heritage Hall-Laurel Meadows Laurel Fork, VA Hazel Nester Wheatland Retirement Center Elizabeth Smythers Wheatland Retirement Center Room D-2 Jimmy Turner Golden Living Center- Blue Ridge Galax, VA Lucile Bohon Wheatland Retirement Center We began the month of February with Groundhog Day. The children enjoyed songs, stories and even seeing their shadow like a groundhog. We exchanged Valentines and enjoyed a Valentine party. The other topics discussed this month were teeth and hot chocolate. February Birthdays 5th: Alexis Magana 10th: Allison Brown 15th: Olivia Barnes March Birthdays 11th: Korey Vaughn 26th: Jackson Thompson Red Cross Blood Drive The FUMC Multi-Media Team is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive at Hillsville FUMC from 1 p.m. Until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th in the Fellowship Hall. An adequate blood supply is vital to quality healthcare in our community. Patients in area hospitals are loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and associates whose lives may be saved or sustained as a result of your taking the time to give this precious renewable resource. Please mark your calendars and come on March 11th to give the gift of life for someone in need. Questions? Contact any member of Multi-Media or Bill Webb at or him at WBWebb@aol.com. Oh, and if the idea of helping someone in need isn t enough encouragement, the Red Cross will be registering everyone who donates blood during Feb. & Mar. To win a 4 Wheel Drive Yamaha 400 Big Bear ATV!

5 Happenings Within Children s Ministries Friday Night Special will be returning, under a new format and with new ideas, starting March 21st from 6-8 p.m. with a movie night. The movie we will show will be one of the Veggie Tales movies. We had hoped for the newest one but it will not be available on DVD until after our first Friday Night Special. The age group this program will be aimed at is roughly 4-9 year olds, but all ages of youth are welcome. We urge you to bring your youngsters AND have them bring a friend! This will be a tremendous opportunity for the church to minister to the youth of the community and their families, and give mom and dad a night out. What we need as a group from the church is simple--as we organize these programs, we need people to help. Help with food, help with coming and working with the kids, and help with ideas. We need the membership of the Children s Ministry Committee to come together to make this happen. And we need your prayers. Future months will include skate night, music night (featuring SouledOut, who will play and talk about how music enables them to do God s work and worship in a unique way), probably a game night, and in December, a special Christmas night. We urge everyone to lend their support to this ministry for our youth. Bob Welsh & Karlene Dalton, Co-chairs of FUMC Hillsville The Voice of Youth The Youth have been on a whirlwind tour thus far in 2008 and it s only February! We are still energized by the Resurrection jolt and things are not slowing down. We continue to be All In with God s help to move forward in a Radical Way for Jesus. The Youth Room now shines 24/7! If you don t believe it, just stop by, but we warn you to wear your sunglasses! There is still much more to do, but the metamorphosis is well on its way. The Youth have worked diligently to brighten their surroundings and are expecting a harvest of young people that will make the walls swell. Ronnie, with his faithful apprentice Clay Iroler, are teaching 2000 year old Bible Truths using 21st century high-tech teaching methods. Our numbers continue to grow, and have never been larger, but even more important is the spiritual growth that is evident in the lives of our young people. The Youth are fasting and praying for continued growth, direction, and for the 30-Hour Famine cause. Wow...we re such a blessed people! What s next? Glad you asked! Come and let the Youth serve you! March 9th, following Sunday Morning Service, a Spaghetti Luncheon to assist with expenses for Youth Room renovations and to send 27 Youth and Leaders to Battle Cry which is sponsored by Acquire the Fire. This year s event is held at LJVM Coliiseum in Winston-Salem on March 28th-29th. This will be the Youth s first trip and the word on the street is an event that is Intense for Jesus! We look forward to the challenge and for what God has in store next! Stay tuned for more in April! Can you say Johnny V? Coordinator Needed Could you be looking for a volunteer position in the church? Maybe this is your niche. FUMC is needing a coordinator for the acolytes. If you could and would take on this task, please contact Ty or Sue Ward, or you may call the church office. Upper Room Devotional You may get the Upper Room Devotional on your home computer. Just go to: WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY MENUS FOR MARCH: March 5 Calico Beans Slaw Corn Bread Dessert March 12 Chicken Casserole Green Beans Rice Bread Dessert March 19 No Wonderful Wednesday Meal due to Holy Week Services March 26 Hobo Dinner Broccoli n Cheese Rolls Dessert

6 Upper Level Foyer Administrative offices Conference Room Restrooms Infirmary Lower Level Chapel Gymnasium Locker Rooms Restrooms w/ Showers Game Room Mechanical & Storage Rms MULTI-USE, YEAR ROUND, WORSHIP/RECREATION COMPLEX OF CAMP DICKENSON Current Upper Pavilion

7 What s Happening at Camp Dickenson? Rivers of Living Water Camp Dickenson Mission Weekend April 11, 12 and 13 Make your plans now to join with the Family Ministry Committee in fellowship and local mission work at Camp Dickenson. Come and camp for the weekend or just come on over Saturday for the workday, all help is greatly appreciated. If there is enough interest, the farm house will be available for over night stays. There will be mission work for all ages to accomplish. Project goals: 1. Clearing trails from this springs winds. 2. Construct 2 Yurt camping platforms. 3. Spring cleaning at bath houses, cabins and/or Lodge. 4. Clear area/trails for NEW obstacle course and rope courses. 5. Construct small bridge. The more help we have the more items we can add to our project list. Friday dinner will be on your own. Saturday we will have breakfast at the RV campground, pot luck. Lunch will be provided Saturday and it won t be hot dogs again! The evening meal will again be pot luck at the RV camp ground. Sunday service will be at Lower Vespers. Come and join us at anytime over this weekend. We have loads of fun and it is a great chance to marvel at Gods handy work. In addition, we will be having a post setting party the afternoon of March 14 th and Saturday March 15 th, if you would like to volunteer to help. Please See or Call Tommy Graham with Camp site and/or room reservations for Mission Weekend or lunch reservations for Saturday. The Early Bird discount is available thru April 1 st. Camperships are also available if needed. Please give me a call if you would like help with registration or if you have any questions concerning camp. Tommy Graham Camp Dickenson Capital Funds Campaign Results! Congratulations First UMC Hillsville. Your response to the needs of our camping ministries has been phenomenal. As a result of Camp Dickenson Sunday we have received 20 multi-year pledge commitments totaling $63, and $17, was received toward those pledges and in one time gifts. We are still receiving pledge commitments and monetary gifts in the office. So, we will keep you posted on how the Lord will continue to grow this gift through FUMC Hillsville. We are grateful for your generosity and love for Christ and His kingdom. Thankfully, Pastor Ty Referenced Book List The following is a list of the Books that enriched my Bible Study in You will notice that many of them relate to our Jewish Heritage. Since my trip to The Land of The Bible in early 2007, I have been gripped with the understanding that we have to understand the Bible from a Hebrew perspective. All of these tools are written with laymen in mind. Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by William D. Mounce (Author) ISBN-10: The New Greek-English Interlinear NT (Personal Size) by Robert K. Brown (Author), Philip W. Comfort (Translator) ISBN-10: NIV Thinline Reference Large Print Bible (New International Version) [LARGE PRINT] by Zondervan ISBN-10: Twelve Parables of Jesus: Bible Study for Christian Living by Maxie Dunnam (Author) ISBN-10: Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel: A Message for Christians by David H. Stern (Author) ISBN-10: Jesus the Jewish Theologian by Brad Young (Author) ISBN-10: Meet the Rabbis: Rabbinic Thought and the Teachings of Jesus by Brad H. Young (Author) ISBN-10: Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson (Author) ISBN-10: Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective by David Bivin ISBN-10: X New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus: Insights from His Jewish Context by David Bivin (Author) ISBN-10: Listening to the Language of the Bible by Lois Tverberg (Author), Bruce Okkema (Author) ISBN-10: Unwrapping the Pharaohs: How Egyptian Archaeology Confirms the Biblical Timeline by John F., Ph.D. Ashton (Author), David Down (Author) ISBN-10: Jewish New Testament by David H. Stern (Translator) ISBN-10: The Jewish New Testament Commentary by David H. Stern (Author) ISBN-10: Ronnie G. Collins Associate Pastor

8 From the FUMC Missions Department Wow! Missions and Outreach is off to a busy start this year, and we thank God for the opportunities before us to serve our community and beyond!!! Of course, we can t do it without YOUR help. Please give prayerful consideration to ways you can contribute. Spring Auction We re excited about our upcoming Spring Auction to be held Friday, April 11 th! This year, it will be combined with our annual Bean Supper. So, you can come eat at 5:00 pm and then stay for our auction starting at 6:00 pm. The Bean Supper is sponsored by our Wednesday Night Wonders, headed up by Elsie Cochran. At the low price of $5.00 per plate, you will be helping with our church debt retirement. Following a sumptuous meal you have the opportunity to help Missions and Outreach by bidding on something you can t live without! Chris Ward will be our Auction coordinator, and he offers the following suggestions for donations: New or like new items Vacation trips Restaurant certificates Homemade cakes Silk flower arrangements House plants (bring on day of auction) Framed artwork Crafts/Handmade items Jewelry Longaberger items Beauty products Sports memorabilia or tickets (Frank Beamer/VT is popular) Bird houses, feeders Yard Art Tools, new or gently used Hunting accessories Sewing machine A Car!!! Antiques, such as oak rocking chair NO used/worn clothing or upholstered furniture, please Use your imagination think about what YOU would buy, or what you have seen sell really well at other auctions. Don t hesitate to ask Chris if you have any questions or suggestions. A letterhead announcement of our auction will be available in the church office for your use in soliciting donations from local businesses. Slovakia Mission Trip To assist with construction materials and teaching items during a two-team mission trip to Slovakia in April 2008, there will be a Yard Sale & Bake Sale, Saturday, March 29, 2008, 7:00 am 2:00 pm., at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Galax. Your support and prayers for this trip will be greatly appreciated! Also, please let us know if you would be able to serve as van driver for driving Slovakia volunteer workers from FUMC Hillsville to Greensboro Airport on April 7 and returning on April 17. We re excited that our Pastor Ty will be among those on this trip! Mission Initiatives Summit A Mission Initiatives Summit will be held at St. Andrew UMC in Plano, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth area), April 17-18, a few days before the convening of the General Conference in Forth Worth on April 23. The Summit is a gathering of people participating in all the Mission Initiatives of the General Board of Ministries. This is the first time the Mission Initiatives of South America, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa will have an opportunity to come together to share ideas and encourage one another in this global effort. All persons desiring to learn about the Mission Initiatives are welcome! If you are interested in attending, please contact Ed & June Howard, Missions Co-Chairs, for more information. Missionary Family Visit On Wednesday, March 5 th we will have special guests, missionaries Ben and Jenny Reyes and sons Phillipe and Matt, for our Wednesday night Bible Study after our meal. They serve The Mission Society for United Methodists in Paraguay. Ben has 32 years experience and is Regional Coordinator in Latin America for 55 missionaries in 8 countries. We are blessed to have this opportunity! For more info you may visit websites and Need One More! One portable booth canopy has been promised, but we still need one more! x 10 with sides, to be used for church events/fundraisers, such as our Flea Market food booth. Our previous one was worn out and has been discarded. If you can donate, please contact Ed & June Howard, Missions & Outreach Co-Chairs, phone or eehoward@embarqmail.com. Partnership in God s Mission As expressed in a devotional reading at our last Missions and Outreach meeting, Through the Holy Spirit, the church continues to spread the revelation of God in Christ throughout the world by joining God in mission. God s mission is marked by revelation, incarnation, and redemption. The church in mission continues the model of Jesus Christ in mission.

9 Please mark your calendars for the Maundy Thursday service on March 20th at 7:00 p.m. The Adult Choir will be presenting the musical "The Sacrifice" by Steve Moore and David Clydesdale. The musical includes traditional songs for Holy Week as well as new music written by Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Tommy Walker, and more. Join us as we observe the characters The Centurion, Peter, Caiaphas, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the Mother of Jesus discuss their insights on Jesus' death and resurrection. We will spiritually look through the eyes of these followers of Jesus, witnessing their insights and emotions as they are interviewed "60 Minutes-style." During this unique worship service, the congregation will experience a moving and dramatic story of the firsthand remembrances of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and gain a powerful personal perspective on the redeeming sacrifice Jesus paid for us. The Maundy Thursday service will include a service of Holy Communion. The conclusion of the musical "The Sacrifice" will be presented at the 11:00 a.m. service on Easter Sunday, March 23rd. On that Sunday, we will also have trumpet descant accompaniment for our Easter hymns. The Choir Partners will sing on March 23 also. On Palm Sunday, March 16th during the 11:00 a.m. service, we will recreate our traditional "Triumphant March into Jerusalem". The congregation will gather in the fellowship hall to sing Praise and Worship songs, then hear the Palm Sunday story before waving palm branches and processing into the sanctuary. On Sunday, March 9th, the SNL service will be moved to 7:00 p.m. at Carroll County High School. SouledOut will be providing the music for a community youth revival which begins that evening at CCHS. On Sunday, March 16th, the SNL service will combine with the Carroll County Ministerial Association's annual Holy Week services. SouledOut will be providing music and a Community Choir will sing. Our Associate Pastor, Ronnie Collins will be bringing the message. That service begins at 7:00 p.m.. On Sunday, March 2nd, Corynn Godwin and Ashton Huff will be singing during the 8:30 service. On Sunday, March 30th, the Handbell Choir, directed by Charlotte McPherson will play at the 8:30 and the 11:00 services. The Sunbeam Choir will also sing on March 30th at the 11:00 service. We have many musicians to thank for their talents during February: Jay Holderfield who sang on February 3rd, Joye Marie Harrison sang "Legacy" on February 10th, Diane Ferqueron from Pine Grove Baptist Church in Dugspur played "Love of God Medley" on piano on February 17th, Michael Snow, Camp Dickenson Director, Jonathan White, Assistant Camp Dickenson Director, & Christina and Erik Barton, former Camp Dickenson counselors led all the music on Camp Dickenson Sunday, February 17th, and the Handbell Choir, led by Charlotte McPherson played on February 24th at the 8:30 and 11:00 services. Also assisting with the music on February 17th were Jerry King and Rodney Alexander, guitarists. Our worship leaders for February 17th were Ben Mullins, Ed Terry, Kassandra Dalton and Trudy Dalton. Thank you all for sharing your God-given talents with our congregation. Submitted by: Cindy J. Jackson, FUMC Director of Music

10 I was blessed and surprised when someone shared that members of the church wanted to bless me with a Clergy Robe. The following is my way of saying thank you. When I came to the United Methodist Church I was intrigued that some of the clergy wore a black robe and many of them wore a stole along with that. As I researched why they were worn I found many different answers. Why Do Some Clergy Wear Robes? In the earliest days of Christianity, during the first century, the common dress of the Middle-East was robes. Although the Romans had begun to wear shorter robes called togas, this didn't catch on with the people in Palestine for some time. Paul, John, and Peter, who wrote some of the letters of the New Testament, used the clothing of society as a metaphor for a number of their points. For instance, "putting on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6.11) used the clothing of Roman troops to illustrate the positive traits of Christianity. John took the clothing of daily wear and made it the mark of a true follower of Christ, "Then he said to me, These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb'" (Revelation 7.14). What was common to the day of the early Christian was rendered sacred. Though in the early days, all the Christians wore types of robes, clergy and laity alike. But times began to change and Christianity spread to Europe where robes weren't particularly practical in snow and inclement weather. Few people wore robes except those in the Middle East who wore them as their practical, everyday clothes (as many still do to this day). But the sacredness of robes had stuck. Clergy continued to wear the robe as a mark of reverence and as a mark of humility. During the third and fourth centuries, a few humble Christians began to separate themselves from the churches, claiming the church was too political and too bureaucratic. They moved to the desert to live as monks, where they wore the practical clothes of the sand robes. Eventually there were those who came to understand the robe, not as a sacred badge, but as a mark of humility. In either case, sacred badge or mark of humility, the match of clergy and robes caught on and became a firm tradition. A tradition that continues to this day. But tradition is not the only reason some clergy wear robes today. In more recent times there was a move for some in the church to parade themselves as if they were participating in fashion shows; churches became a place where the wealthy and the self-righteous dressed for public adoration and acclamation (on Easter Sunday in particular). Some wore clergy robes during this period to cover the minister's Sunday Best so they and their clothing would not be aggrandized. And even in this day some clergy cite the wearing of robes to cover themselves so their congregants don't compare ties, suits, dresses (on women clergy), etc. Further, we United Methodists are members of that branch of the Protestant Reformation that began with the Church of England. Theologically, liturgically, and even in terms of Church Government, we have our roots in the Church of England (within what is known as Anglicanism ), so, some of what we do, say, and believe, reflects those roots. John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist Revival movement, were both priests in the Church of England. When Methodism began, it began as a spiritual renewal movement within Anglicanism (within the English Church), and neither Charles nor John Wesley wanted it to be anything other than a vital part of renewing the spiritual life of their denomination. However, with the coming of the Revolutionary War came political and social divisions which, by the ending of the war, required independence for the Church in America. And, so, John Wesley ordained a Bishop for the United States and sent him over to found the Methodist Episcopal Church. Many Methodist clergy, wear clerical collars and robes because it is a part of our Anglican heritage as Methodists. The wearing of Clerical Collars and Robes fell out of common practice in the South and on the western frontier. This loss of Anglican tradition followed a loss of appreciation among many Methodists for our theological heritage and the teachings of the Wesley brothers. However, beginning in the 1960s Methodism began to reassert its Anglican heritage, and especially the teachings of John and Charles Wesley, and as a consequence a rise in many of the Anglican traditions followed. Therefore: wearing robes, clerical collars and the more frequent observance of Communion -- all of which are Long-Time Anglican and Methodist practices -- started to make a come-back even in the South. Many Methodist clergy wear a black robe, called an academic gown, which, in one form or another, has been worn by many Protestant Clergy and especially by Anglican Clergy in John Wesley s day. As the years have gone on, and secular clothing styles have changed, Christian clergy have continued wearing the white alb and black academic gowns. If the Church had been formed in the twentieth century its clerical attire would have probably become suits and ties for the men and dresses for the women but, 2000 years from now, this style of clothing would look as strange as the alb and gown do to us today. This does not make the wearing of Robes outdated for worship, just different. With the robe and the alb, most clergy wear many different kinds of stoles made of different materials and colors. These are, quite often, gifts which clergy receive from time to time, and they all symbolize the towel that Jesus wore while washing his disciple s feet. A minister is called to serve, and while we sometimes lose sight of our calling, the stole is supposed to remind us of this fundamental truth of Christian ministry. Needless to say, none of these vestments are necessary for a minister to preach and lead public worship. I have preached in a coat and tie, in a sports shirt and slacks, and in shorts and a t-shirt. However when a minister is wearing a robe he or she is not concerned about, is my tie straight? Should I button my coat or leave it unbuttoned? All of these nit-picky concerns are distractions which the vestments allow a minister to discard. In other words, the robes and stoles allow the minister to hide themselves and truly be free to proclaim the word of God without their identity getting in the way. So why or why not wear robes? Mostly it's the tradition of the church and the theology of the minister that dictates the choice. In some churches robes would be out of place simply because of the history and the traditions of the church. For others, a minister without a robe would be to not dress at all for worship. For those ministers who make and have the conscious choice, wearing robes is a mark of their calling and a hiding of the self. For

11 those who choose not to, their garb speaks to the common grounding of both clergy and laity. It is not right or wrong but a matter of personal choice. Almost three years ago a friend made an Alb for me to wear and I treasure this garment. I have read that the Alb is representative of many things: humility and being dressed like Jesus being two of them. I also know from Church History that people after being baptized would put on a White Robe as a sign of purity and resurrection. This same friend made a white baptismal robe for Samuel which Misty and I treasure. My first Clergy Mentor in the United Methodist Church said he always thought of the General who would dress for battle and as he put on his clergy robe each week he was preparing to do battle with the devil. I like that thought! No matter where I preach, whether First Hillsville or in another Country I will always be grateful to you for blessing me with my first Clergy Robe. It will always remind me to be diligent about doing battle for the Lord Jesus Christ. Ronnie G. Collins Associate Pastor My Top Ten Reading List of 2007 by Ronnie G. Collins Associate Pastor The following is a list of the best 10 books I had the opportunity and pleasure of reading in They are not in any order and it would be hard to say which was one was the best of the 10. All were outstanding in their own way. They come from a variety of backgrounds, from Christian thought, Theology and business. Happy Reading but most of all, Happy Growth in your Christian Life. (Remember, all of life as a Christian is Sacred). The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs (Author) ISBN-10: This book is a look at just how hard it is to follow the Law s of the Bible. It is great insight into what the world thinks we believe as Christians. The Calvary Road by Roy Hession ISBN-10: For such a small book, this one packs quite a punch. This book is for those Christians seeking a closer walk with their Lord Jesus Christ. It is well worth any Christian's time to read and re-read this book. The Unchurched Next Door: Understanding Faith Stages as Keys to Sharing Your Faith by Thom S. Rainer This Silver Medallion Book award-winning national interview survey of unchurched people sheds insight on who the unchurched next door are, what objections they raise, and how to connect with them, taking into account their various faith stages based on the Rainer scale with rankings from U5 to U1. ISBN-10: Our Greatest Gift: Meditation on Dying and Caring, by Henri J. M. Nouwen A gentle, almost meditative book on coming to terms with death. Reflecting on his own not-so-distant future death, as well as on the deaths of loved ones and friends, he shares his view of death as a gift, an opportunity to impart hope to those around us, whether through our own dying or in our caretaking of someone else. In embracing death, says Nouwen, one comes to ask: "How can I so live that I can continue to be fruitful when I am no longer here among my family and friends?" One can, in other words, make choices that effect not just one's self but also the generations to come--choices to care well, to die well and to embrace Grace. This is one of the life changing books that I have read this year, not many do that. ISBN-10: Organized to Be Your Best! Transforming How You Work, Fifth Edition by Susan Silver (Author) ISBN-10: A 'must' for any who would gain control over their work life and become more organized: it offers tips on everything from managing and phone calls to working more effectively with others either in person or online. I read the 1 st edition and two other editions since, in today s busy world; we need tools to help us be more effective, this is one of them. Dangerous Wonder (with Discussion Guide) by Mike Yaconelli (Author) If people read this book, they might sell everything and give it to the poor, or dance with all their might in church, or wear swimmers on their head. They might stop what they are doing and, for the first time since they were nearly eight, do nothing but enjoy life. And suddenly find that God is there enjoying it with them. ISBN-10: Once Upon a Tree by Calvin Miller (Author) Miller puts the crucifixion front and center in this book, and does not shy from using vividly violent imagery to describe the bloody act. This book is for Christians willing to take a difficult look at their own complacency and set it aside in favor of the lessons of the Cross. ISBN-10: Parenting With Love And Logic by Foster W. Cline (Author), Jim Fay (Author) If you're looking for practical parenting skills, this book is a must. The pages are chock full of tips that you can implement right away...this book is one of the best parenting resources I've ever used. Because of what I learned from this book, I was able to change my parenting style and have a great relationship with my son Michael. An almost Stress Free Relationship! Without question, this is the most practical book I have ever read on this subject, and I hope that every parent gets a copy and puts it into practice. I have read this one multiple times over the past 9 years. ISBN-10: Experiencing Prayer with Jesus: The Power of His Presence and Example by Henry Blackaby (Author), Norman Blackaby (Author) It s not an activity. Nor a chore. Prayer is a way of life. Here s how you can move beyond rituals and discover new intimacy with Jesus. Henry and Norman Blackaby s thorough study of Jesus prayer life reveals astounding truths about God s intent for prayer. By the time you turn the last page of this 2006 National Day of Prayer book, your old notions will be replaced by the reality of Jesus example. You ll experience the power of heaven and earth being joined together as the King of all creation lays His heart over yours. Your will becomes aligned with His. Discover freedom from methods and formulas, the beauty of a gentle step-by-step reformation process, and let God unfold His mighty purposes for you. ISBN-10: Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting by Marva J. Dawn (Author) From Library Journal Drawing deeply both from Scripture and from Jewish practices, the author shares ideas for various ways of keeping the Sabbath: by ceasing (from striving, productivity, anxiety); by resting (physically, emotionally, intellectually); by embracing (intentionality, Christian values); and by feasting (on the eternal, with affection). A thoughtful, prayerful book that opens new vistas on the underlying spirituality of what is too often understood in terms of shallow conventionality alone. ISBN-10:

12 The Messenger First United Methodist Church P. O. Box Fulcher Street Hillsville, Virginia Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Hillsville, Virginia PERMIT NUMBER: 4 Return Service Requested James E. Swanson, Sr., Bishop Charles Starks, District Superintendent Ty Harrison, Pastor Ronnie G. Collins,Associate Pastor March Ushers/Greeters 2 Team #3/ Ernie Jackson (Team Leader) Greeters: Nancy Russell & Elizabeth Smythers 9 Team #4/ S.C. Cox (Team Leader) Greeters: Dennis & Sue Ward 16 Team #5/ Joe Stilwell (Team Leader) Greeters: TBA 23 Team #6/ David Scott (Team Leader) Greeters: David & Nell Scott 30 Team #7/ Millie Mitchem (Team Leader) Greeters: Tom & Janie Napier March Children's Church Volunteers 2 Rita Parker & Misty Collins 9 Rhonda Nester & Landon 16 Lora Terry & Family 23 Brenda Harmon & Cindy Joyce 30 Lynn Stilwell & Family March Nursery Workers 2 Laura Holderfield & Kim Reitzel 9 The Huff Family 16 David, Nell, & Kallie Scott 23 Tammy Horton & Mary Vass 30 Lora Terry & Candace Vaughn March Flower List 2 Communion Sunday 9 Tilda Mullins & Esther Taylor 16 Ina Horton & JoAnne Street 23 Easter Sunday! 30 Lori Huff March Acolytes 2 Kassandra Dalton 9 Corynn Godwin 16 Emma Reitzel 23 Joye Marie Harrison 30 Kaitlyn Horton March Sunday School Office Assistants 2 Amanda Lineberry 9 Dana Osborne-White 16 Margaret Martin 23 Carolyn Webb 30 Judy Beasley March Scripture Readers 2 Shirley Varn 9 Bill Webb 16 Bob Towles 23 Adam Joyce 30 Christina Eva March Van Drivers 2 Jerry & Shirley Varn 9 Tommy Graham & Brenda Harmon 16 Barry & Barbara Iroler 23 Tommy Graham & Brenda Harmon 30 Mary Vass & Linda Sanchez March Multi-Media Teams 2 Bill Webb & Don White 9 Bill Webb & Bill Brown 16 Don White & Jason Smith 23 Don White & Bill Webb 30 TBA March Communion Servers 2 8:30-Orba & Ruth Alderman 11:00-Adam & Cindy Joyce; and Jeff & Terry Scott FUMC Staff Pastor...Ty Harrison Associate Pastor...Ronnie G. Collins Treasurer...Bill Copeland Music Director...Cindy Jackson Musician...Janie Napier Adm. Financial Secretary...Kathy Cooley Custodian...Odell Beasley Preschool Director...Paulette Beasley Church Phone...(276) Church Fax (276) Address......fumcoffice@embarqmail.com Website Parsonage Phone...(276) Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.