A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. March 2015

Transcription

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. March 2015 The Upper Room REV. MICHAEL MATTOX The power of a simple booklet that we know and love in United Methodism as The Upper Room is greatly underappreciated and unacknowledged. In my 30 plus years of ordained ministry, I ve learned many times over just how special that little devotional booklet is! I ve seen ruptured marriages healed. I ve seen wayward teens find a place of refuge and regain their self-esteem. I ve seen peace come over a family wracked with strife and anger. All through the power of prayer that was fostered by that simple little booklet. We give them away in the. We recycle them and use them in the Oaklawn Racing Chapel. We use them in our morning and daily devotions. In many ways, they help define who we are as United Methodist Christians. I m so glad to welcome Sarah Wilkie to our church this coming Sunday as we Journey to Jerusalem in this holy season of Lent. Sarah is the World Editor of the Upper Room and brings a powerful testimony of the way God is using this prayer-based ministry world-wide. I ve known her for years, as her father was once our resident bishop in Arkansas Bishop Richard Willkie. You ll remember that Bishop Wilkie and his wife (and Sarah s mother) Julia Wilkie were the authors of the wildly popular Disciple Bible Study that many congregations (including ours) still use today! Here are some details and facts about this ministry that you might now know about: The Upper Room now has an app for iphone and an online blog. It s translated into 35 languages FUMC Hot Springs subscribes to the Spanish language edition in addition to the English language edition and distributes them in our Open Arms Pantry where they are greatly appreciated. It s read by 3 million people in over 100 countries. It was founded 80 years ago notable World Editors have included Maxi Dunham. The website features a How to Write article to help people who want to submit meditations or devotionals, or write them for personal use. In fact, did you know that over 5,000 entries are submitted each year and The Upper Room staff reads each one to select 365 of the 5,000 for publication? The website also features prayer workshops. The youth in our church s Underground ministry utilizes a companion devotional called DevoZine and my Pastor s Bible Study uses yet another resource called Disciplines that has a daily devotional and prayer written by 52 accomplished writers. It is based on the Lectionary Scriptures. The cover art is a devotional in itself. It features modern and historical paintings or images of Biblical scenes accompanied by interpretations of the emotions and message the artist was attempting to convey I believe our Lenten experience this year will be greatly enhanced because Sarah Wilkie has come our way. As we journey together, following Jesus Journey to Jerusalem, we will no doubt look back on those moments where we deliberately took some quiet time for prayer, centering, focus, and seeking God s direction in our lives. May God bless you in your journey. Pray with us As Lent begins let us take time to pray 2 Chronicles 7:14. At 7:14 each day pray this verse as a prayer for ourselves, our church, and our nation. If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Sermon Schedule Sunday, March 1 Sarah Wilkie Zach Roberts Sunday, March 8 Sunday, March 15 Bart Patton Sunday, March 22 Bart Patton Sunday, March 29 Bart Patton

2 Don t miss! Upcoming Events Sunday, March 1 Sarah Wilkie Preaching All three worship services Sunday, March 8 Daylight Savings Begins Sunday, March 15 Confirmation Sunday Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday In our prayers... Christian Sympathy goes to the families of: Carl and Theda James in the passing of Carl s son, JeffreyJames, the family of Bill Streepey in his passing, David & Carolyn Wylie in the passing of David s brother, Ross Wylie. Join us in praying for these members of our church family 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 traditional worship service every week on FM! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month 2015 Men s Summit A Success BILL CLUCK The Men s Summit produced record attendance for the annual event. The big draw was the keynote speaker Dallas Cowboys four time All-Pro safety Cliff Harris, award-winning barbecue by Dr. Randy Hill, and entertainment by Sign of Jonah. More than 250 men, their sons, grandsons and guests filled Cupp Hall for a night of fun, food, fellowship and spiritual renewal. The program kick-off was a video of Cliff Harris from the days he played for the Dallas Cowboys. Harris reminisced about his days as a student at Hot Springs Southwest Junior High School and as a Hot Springs High School Trojan football player. His family moved to Des Arc, AR prior to his senior year and he led his new school to a football state championship. He credited his family and coaches as key to influencing his life and mentioned Coach Ben Burton, member of First United Methodist Church and in attendance at the event, who brought new fitness and coaching principles to Hot Springs High School. Other key influencers were his Ouachita Baptist University coach Buddy Bob Benson, whose son and grandsons attended the event, and Cowboys legendary coach Tom Landry. He recalled Coach Landry telling Dallas Cowboys players that his life priorities were God, family and football. Holy Spirit Class Starting TERESA HOLT Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do? In this study, Billy Graham offers a sensitive and comprehensive portrait of the much discussed but often-misunderstood member of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit came to empower God s people and transform their lives, yet so often the doctrine of the Holy Spirit causes division in the church. It is crucial to develop a genuinely biblical understand of the Third Person of the Trinity and to experience an authentic outpouring of his power. Mondays, March 9 - May 11, 9:30 a.m., CLC 201. Max Wittman, facilitator. Contact Teresa Holt or , ext. 116 to register. Other Announcements Special Thanks! The Men of the Church appreciate the outstanding support they received for the annual Summit meeting. Special recognition goes to Randy Hill and Brad Hudgens for their work in delivering a menu that was pleasing to all. Randy is a well-known barbecue champion and Brad is always present taking care of business in the kitchen. Thanks, Randy and Brad! Harris is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University at Arkadelphia, AR and he credited his days at OBU for establishing a faith foundation. He said, I ve been a blessed guy; I m a Christian and a man of faith, and went on to tell how Coach Landry was instrumental in getting him involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Harris continues to be a sponsor of a golf tournament to benefit FCA. Following his talk the Methodist Men presented a $250 contribution to FCA in honor of Cliff Harris. Harris said, God is there for us, each and every one of us. God is life and he sent Jesus Christ to be our link to Him. He urged those in attendance to see and trust God. Following his talk he answered a number of questions from the audience about his many experiences as a 10-year player with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in five Super Bowls, was named an NFL All-Pro for four successive seasons, and was inducted into the elite Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in He expressed appreciation to a number of former Hot Springs schoolmates and OBU footballs players for their attendance. His son, Matt, was also in attendance. Harris remained in Cupp Hall following his speech for autographs and pictures. 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. MarkieVan Schenck s Mint Chocolate Brownies 1 box Pillsbury 13x9 chocolate brownie mix 2 cups confectioner s sugar 4 Tbs. soft butter 2 Tbs. light cream or milk 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (more if you want more mint flavor) 2-3 drops green food coloring 3 1oz. square unsweetened baking chocolate 3 Tbs. butter 1. Make brownies in 13x9 dish according to directions (underbake a little). Cool. 2. Beat confectioner s sugar, milk, butter, and extract together until smooth. Add food coloring. Spread over brownies. Refridgerate. 3. Melt unsweetened baking chocolate and butter together. Pour onto mint layer. Tilt pan in different directions to allow chocolate layer to cover all of the mint layer (you may want to refridgerate to harden chocolate layer). Allow to attain room temperature (it makes cutting into squares easier and the chocolate won t crack).

3 Children s Ministries EVEREST VBS 2015 is coming! Monday, July 13-Thursday July 16 9:00am - noon MICHELLE WILKINS Embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God s awesome power. Anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will guide them through life s challenges. Kids love meeting new friends in their Climbing Crews! A single Bible Point is reinforced throughout each daily activity! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth- which makes it easy for kids to remember and apply to real life! Registration is NOW OPEN for children who have had their 3rd birthday by August 1st, 2014 through those who will have completed 3rd grade by May of Enroll online today: CAMP 45 Mission Camp! July 13th-17th 9am-noon each day 4th & 5th graders ONLY! We will go on daily field trips throughout Hot Springs to help others in our community. Check-in & out each day at the FUMC Christian Life Center. Invite your friends from school and the neighborhood, too! Register online today: VBS CREW LEADERS NEEDED! We are currently in search of ALL of the following leaders: VBS Director, Co-Director, Pre-K Director and Co-Director, CAMP 45 Director and Co-Director, registration Coordinator and helpers, decorations helpers, rotation leaders and shepherds for all VBS homerooms. If you are interested in volunteering for VBS, PLEASE text, call, or Michelle Wilkins (501) to sign up to help! You can also sign up to volunteer online when you register your child! Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve God by leading or helping with VBS! Created By God is the United Methodist Human Sexuality curriculum. It is presented to children in 5th and 6th grades using a seminar format. We will be offering this program for 5th and 6th graders on Friday, April 24, 2015 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Nurse Micah Castleberry will be the facilitator. A parent orientation is required for participation in the seminar. This parent orientation will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Space is limited to 24 students. Students must attend the ENTIRE workshop in order to participate. Parents are required to take part in the weekend by serving as small group facilitators for at least one session or by providing snacks. FUMC members and regularly attending guests will be able to pre-register beginning today at: Online open registration for non-members will begin on Monday, February 23, Need more info? Call Michelle , or mwilkins@fumchs.com Outreach Ministries CANDY POIRIER Senior Saints Dinner and a Movie Night Thursday evening on March 12th, come to the Christian Life Center to enjoy dinner and a movie. We will be seeing The 100 Foot Journey with Helen Mirren. We will enjoy dinner before the movie in the Holy Grounds Café (upstairs) at 4:30pm and the movie at 5:00pm in the movie room of the Children s wing. The cost is $5 for all you can eat and popcorn!!! Call Candy to reserve a spot at ext Years of Marriage Celebration Dinner Come and join us on Saturday, May 2, 2015, 5:00pm in the Christian Life Center s Cupp Hall to celebrate those who have been married 49 or more years with dinner and entertainment. This will be a special evening of sharing, fun and fellowship for all. All you need to do is to RSVP by April 16th to Candy Poirier at ext Also we would like a picture of each couple when you were first married or dating. They will be returned to you after the celebration. Also, if you have not been married 49 or more years, you are invited to join us that evening and discover their longevity of love and life together and hear some of their stories. There is no cost to our honorees but it is $10 for those who have not been married 49+ years.

4 Mike s Mic MIKE LOVELADY SNL Kidz Praise Presents Ultimate Superstar Desert Theatre on March 15th! Mark this date on your calendar now, because you won t want to miss this special presentation by FUMC s SNL Kidz Praise. The kids have been working hard and are so excited to share with you a special presentation on finding out who the real superstar turns out to be. This will be a Desert Theatre, so there will lots of yummy deserts to try out. Also, donations will be welcomed that evening that will do towards one of the many missions our Children s Ministry supports. The presentation is open to ALL FUMC members, friends, family and the whole community. See ya there! Arts Team I can t say enough about this team. They did a great job in assisting in the leadership of the service. There song was beautiful and the video that they created was awesome. If you would like to see the video, go to and click on the link to the Arts Video, All Things New. The Arts Team will be leading the Maundy Thursday service during Holy Week. The s New Look Recently a group of folks got together to create a new set called Rustic Elegance for Lent in the CLC for The service. If you haven t taken a look at it, then you need to stop by on a Sunday morning before the service. It uses a lot of burlap, corrugated metal that is painted to create a rust look, and chandeliers. There were so many folks that helped this design come together. A big thanks to Larry Barnes and his crew for helping with the install of the chandeliers and the heavy lifting involved. Our own Arts Team cleared the path by striking down the scims and cleaning the back area before the scene was installed. And then a LOT of hours were put in by the following people: Sheri Hardman, Mark and Becky Ketcham, Barbara Ratclift, and Stan Perryman. They painted chandeliers and metal, cut and hung burlap, and put in many hours of hard work. Thank you to everyone for creating such a great environment for The worship service for Lent. Child Development Center Update CDC Offers Care for Your School-Age Child During Spring Break Need a safe and fun place for your school-age child during Spring Break, March 23-27? CDC hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with lunch and two snacks served each day. Whether you need one day or five days of care, the CDC is the place for your child. Contact LesLee Jones, CDC Director, at for enrollment information. LESLEE JONES Special Gifts In Memory of Laurence Adkins From Mrs. Jack Mullins In Memory of Pat Tucker From Irene Holt From Craig & Tracy Keaton From David & Karen Perdue & Family In Memory of Laverne Gaines From Ann Lowerre In Memory of Lila Kate McAllister From Larry & Elizabeth Alderman In Memory of Mary Dee Hecke (Mother of Daphna Hall) From Osie & Gladys Watson, Marti & Elle Henson In Memory of Alex Hall From Irene Holt From Doris Robey In Memory of Velma Bauck (Sister Barbara Tornquist) From John & Karen Poe In Memory of Virginia (Jenny) Reece From Michael & Judy Mattox From George & Karen Dooley In Memory of Jeffrey James From Clare & Ashley Martin In Memory of Bill Hollingshead From Clare Martin In Memory of Becky Theis Ramsauer From Michael & Judy Mattox In Memory of Ross Wylie (Brother of David Wylie) From Larry & Elizabeth Alderman In Memory of Jeslyn McCleary From Arlene French In Memory of Gwen Cupp From Cecil Cupp, Jr. In Honor of Charlie Putnam s 85th Birthday From Clarence & Brenda Durand In Honor of Don Jones & his Music From Clarence & Brenda Durand Oral Health Practices in CDC When Carol Rangler, Program Manager, Arkansas Early Comprehensive System Project, Arkansas Children s Hospital, visited the CDC last month, she took photos of children engaged in oral health practices. She was pleased with the practices the CDC has implemented and was especially delighted with the tackle box which LesLee Jones, CDC Director, turned into an inexpensive and sanitary system for storing children s toothbrushes. The CDC is one of five child care centers in Arkansas selected to participate in the project which is sponsored by the Arkansas Chapter of the American Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in cooperation with Arkansas Children s Hospital and UAMS College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

5 Sunday March 1 The Story The Wesleyan Way Chancel Choir Warm up / Evangelism Team meeting Youth J/S Pastors Disciplines Bible Class Youth Disciple (10-12) Monday March 2 Lectionary Bible Study Tuesday March 3 UMW Unit Meeting Questions God Asks Us Outreach Meeting Stephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. Stepehn Ministry Supervision Mtg. Genesis Class Wednesday March 4 Design Meeting Confirmation Class #7 Underground S Friday March 6 VERITAS Weekend 10:15 AM 1:30 PM 5:30 PM Sunday March 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS The Story The Wesleyan Way / Long Range Planning Committee 2:30 PM Pastors Disciplines Bible Class SNL Kids Praise Monday March 9 YAC March Calendar Tuesday March 10 O Brien Thornton Circle Roger -Moore Circle Helen Wilson Circle Jane Murphy Circle Questions God Asks Us Wednesday March 11 Design Meeting Knitwit Meeting Praying for Revival Confirmation Class #8 Underground S Thursday March 12 Senior Saints Dinner & Movie Night Friday March 13 Saturday March 14 Confirmation Day with The Bishop Sunday March 15 Chapel Communion Chancel Choir Warm up / Confirmation Sunday SNL Dessert Theatre Pastors Disciplines Bible Study Youth J/S Youth Disciple (10-12) Monday March 16 UMW Board Meeting Tuesday March 17 Methodist Men s Breakfast Questions God Ask Us Class New Legacy Circle Wednesday March 18 Design Meeting Knitwit Special Session 1:00 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 8:00 AM 10:15 AM 1:30 PM 7:00 AM 5:30 PM 1:00 PM Children s Council Underground S Thursday March 19 XYZ Luncheon Friday March 20 Sunday March 22 The Story / SNL Kids Praise Pastors Disciplines Bible Study Youth (7-12) Beach Break Week Monday March 23 Tuesday March 24 Questions God Asks Us Wednesday March 25 Design Meeting Friday March 27 Sunday March 29 Chapel Communion Chancel Choir Warm up / Confirmation Sunday SNL Dessert Theatre Pastors Disciplines Bible Study Monday March 30 Celeb ration Handbells 5:30 PM 11:30 AM 0:00 AM 10:15 AM

6 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Welcome New FUMC Members! Leslie Hutchins Bob & Martha Gatling New Prayer Meeting! The Invitational Evangelism Committee and the FUMC Prayer Team are joining together in prayer on the second Wednesday of the month to pray for our church as it seeks to be a witness for Christ in our community. We invite anyone who would like to join us to come to Humphreys Chapel for prayer time from 4:30-5:00pm on March 11 and every second Wednesday of the month. By the way: Name tag lost or need to be replaced? Contact the church office to let them know so it can be replaced. Wearing a name tag while at church is a welcoming and helpful practice that enables those who are newer in our faith community to learn names and faces. So wear that nametag with a smile while at church and welcome those around you as we worship together! We are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.