EVE. Ministry Staff Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor Grace Phelps Outreach and Program Ministries

Transcription

1 A biweekly publication of First United Methodist Church December 23, 2013 issue Ministry Staff Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor Grace Phelps Outreach and Program Ministries Faye Beckett Congregational Care Kendy Erwin Hospitality Care Sara Palm Youth Ministries Charlotte Quinley Children and Nursery Ministries Bonnie Wright Director of Music Office Support Staff Holley Gregory Receptionist/ Printing Secretary Holley Mills Morris Admin. & Financial Secretary Musicians Justin Hanson, Organist Russell Phelps, Pianist Facilities Rebecca Paris Custodian Kenny Summers Maintenance CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5:00 P.M.,., 9:00 P.M. Join us Christmas Eve for a Festival of Nine Lessons, Carols, and Communion. The service is based upon one that began at King's College Chapel at Cambridge in Through hymns, songs, and scripture, hear again the wonderful gospel story of God's acts of salvation and grace in human history, culminating in the Incarnation in Jesus Christ. In addition, join in a candlelight singing of Silent Night and partake of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. (Communion is open to all who believe in Christ and come in faith and repentance). This Festival of Nine Lessons, Carols and Communion is a beautiful and joyous occasion, and we sincerely invite you to be a part of this experience.

2 Page Page 2 THE FOCUS 3/20/ /23/13 Bonnie Justin Tim Grace Faye Kenny Rebecca Charlotte Cindy Holley The FUMC Staff wish the very best to you and your family this Holiday Season! Sara Holley Kendy CATCH UP IF YOU CAN Acts 20:24...my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task... and in Timothy 4:7 Paul says...i have finished the race... If you pledged last year and haven t completed the task, we encourage you to finish the race. Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of First United Methodist Church. Bread for the Journey Daily Readings and Prayers on the Revised Common Lectionary

3 12/23/13 THE FOCUS Page 3 December 23 - January 13 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 26 Dec 30 Dec 31 Betty Glass Keith Winberry Ethan Carpenter Mary Eve Dawson Paul Pemberton Rhonda Patton Stephanie Pugh Erin Hall Wayne Hughey Martha McDaniel Hannah Patton Britton Rogers Tommy Pullen Kinley Escue Carole Hughey Lisa Rogers Mia Maxwell Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 13 Martha Thornton Taylor Aday Ty Tyler Keith Watson Yvonne Bryant Deb David Cecily McDaniel Kevin Childers Nancy Leem JoAnna Tyler Helene Kramer Peggy Nyberg Annette Maxwell Becky Bierman Stalcup Gary Liles Jackie Delashmit CHILDREN AND YOUTH CAROLING AT COVINGTON CARE ALL UNITED METHODIST WOMEN!! Mark your calendars for a new beginning! Informational meeting coming in January 2014!

4 Page 4 THE FOCUS 12/23/13 In Honor of Martha Brasfield Samaritan Fund by Janice Bodiford Samaritan Fund by Kimberly Harrison MEMORIALS AND TRIBUTES GRACE PLACE OFFERING FROM FUMC NETTED $585 IN OCTOBER ROM FUMC N As many as 120 women serving sentences for crimes that range from embezzlement to murder participate weekly in the activities of Grace Place United Methodist Church, located within the Mark Luttrell Correctional Center in Memphis with Rev. Diane Harrison. Diane was an associate pastor of FUMC Covington form 2000 through Thank you for supporting this ministry! The women take part in worship services and receive communion, as well as join small groups like choir, Bible studies, book clubs, craft and exercise classes and even groups that minister to persons inside and outside the correctional facility. Grace Place s combined activities, which take place in the correctional center s chapel, total about 14 hours per week. WORSHIP BROADCASTS Live radio broadcast of the Traditional Worship on WKBL AM 11 a.m. Delayed broadcast of the Traditional Worship on KBJ Cable TV, Channel 5 (city) and 19 (county). Sundays at 1:00 p.m., Tuesdays at 12 Noon and Mondays at 6:00 p.m. Also, live streaming of the traditional service is available at as well as streaming of past services, at any time.

5 12/23/13 THE FOCUS Page 5 CHURCH CONFERENCE REPORT FROM GEORGE PATTON The annual Church Conference was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 2, in the New Beginnings Classroom. It was attended by approximately 25 people, mostly members but among the group were also faithful and invested non-members. I felt it would be appropriate for me, as the outgoing Lay Leader, to share what was discussed and accomplished with those who were not able to attend. Rev. Sandra Clay, our District Superintendent, presided over the meeting. We opened with prayer for discernment, and a message from God's word was given by Sandra. Through two personal stories, she reminded how God uses anyone who will allow Him, to be instruments and forces in His kingdom and that many times those "anyones" can be what society believes to be "the least of these". She also reminded us how He uses each of us to challenge each other, and that the challenge is not always a negative for it promotes needed change and progress. Besides the two necessary items required by the discipline, of approving pastoral compensation packages and approving the nominations to church leadership roles, it was the privilege of the group to approve Arnold Bull as an official lay speaker. This allows him an important role of filling in pulpits throughout our district if needed. Congratulations to Arnold. It was a privilege to be part of that process. Sandra asked the group to share with her, "Who is Covington First?" These were some of the answers: 1. We are the banners that paraded through one of the services earlier this year; banners that represent missions, groups, projects and organizations that are alive in our church and affect the lives of so many. Those banners hang in the Fellowship Hall and are just as humbling to see them there as they were when they marched proudly through the sanctuary. 2. We are the posters that were held up during another service, of people lives that were affected profoundly in someway. But, just as important, we are also the people who prayed, and visited and supported and cared for those people who were living those profound experiences. 3. We are the "God Stories" that were played on screen during services in the late summer. (Continued on Page 6)

6 Page 6 THE FOCUS 12/23/13 CHURCH CONFERENCE REPORT FROM GEORGE PATTON CONTINUED 4. We are the Food Pantry volunteers who welcome patrons into the worship service and stand beside them as we sing hymns. We are the qualifiers who sit face to face with the patrons and discuss intimate details of their lives and write down prayer request after prayer request. We are the people who sit in the prayer room on Sunday morning and pray for those requests. We are the youth and adults who assist in carrying the groceries to the cars. We are the volunteers who, in spite of a hard work day, show up to load and unload food throughout the week that will make a difference in someone's life on Saturday. 5. We are a church who succeeded in acquiring support to build an addition that will enable us to remain relevant in the community by providing a place for children and adults along with the entire church family to encounter God. What struck me as the common theme in all of this was that we are a church that has moved from just providing programs for ourselves to a church who shows compassion in many different ways to people who God brings to us. We are a church who is attempting to fulfill the great commission that Christ left for us. Another question that was posed to the group was "What are some of our greatest challenges?" We agreed that we are part of an unsustainable process of decreasing global membership and an ever-increasing mission field. And as a vital part of our community, who responds to emergancies, great and small, we will be challenged with how to maintain the necessary organization, management and funding of the ever-increasing need. While one fool-proof answer was not decided upon, our faith in God and the support of one another that has brought us this far, will surely sustain us. Just before closing, Sandra presented the group with a certificate of appreciation, on behalf of the global church and in the midst of so much of our own mission work, for once again paying 100% of it's apportionments. These apportionments go toward reaching more people in more places that only an organization on the scale of the United Methodist organization could do. As a church family and faith community, we should be mindful and even proud of the role we play in that support. In closing, I'd just like to say, thank you for the privilege of serving Covington First United Methodist as Lay Leader for last 3 years. As we discussed tonight, as in any family, we will never agree 100% on anything, we will be difficult and dramatic and even indignant at times. But as a family, we can only support, love and pray each other through the difficult times in order that we may continue to be the hands, feet and heart of Christ all the time.

7 12/23/13 THE FOCUS Page 7 SHARE THE WARMTH COAT CLOSET! Thanks to the hard work of our coat closet volunteers on 1st and 3rd Saturdays, we have already distributed 194 coats to needy adults and children since we opened the coat closet this season in November. Thanks to all who have donated new and gently used coats, scarves, hats and gloves. A recent donor from the community provided dozens of beautiful handmade scarves and hats - they have been a big hit with folks who received them. We continue to need 2,3,4 XL men's and women's coats and our supply of children's coats is getting thin as well. Please be on the lookout for good sale prices on coats that might help replenish our supply AND if you've not yet cleaned out your coat closet, please consider donating your unneeded coats to this ministry! Thank you so much for your support and service. VOLUNTEERS AT BRIGHTON FOR THE FIRST SATURDAY AT THE NEW FOOD PANTRY LOCATION!

8 Page 8 THE FOCUS 12/23/13 CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS SAMARITAN STORY OF INTEREST UPDATE: You may recall a story Grace shared about a man requesting cover. The original story was shared on November 8. The man returned on Wednesday of this week, requesting food, personal hygiene items and again cover. Grace showed him the sleeping bag and blankets that have been held for his return. He was a little taken back that the items were waiting on him. Grace shared with him that several members were praying for him since his aborted visit last month. The man told Grace he knew that she was going to pick him up cover at their last visit but he had a call (cell furnished by the government) and had to leave. The man said he is staying in a shack of a friend and the neighbor lets him bath every few days, etc. THIS TIME, Grace said he left FUMC loaded with food, personal items and the cover. Thank you for your gifts and prayers to provide basic comforts to this man. YOUTH BASKETBALL The Covington Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting registration for play in our Youth Basketball League. Play will begin on Jan 3, The league is open to ages Play in the 5-6 year old league is co-ed. All other divisions are split between boys and girls. The cost is $40 per player. A copy of the player s birth certificate must also be presented for age verification. The league will provide a game shirt for each player. The season will end with a tournament in February. Put together your own team or sign up and we ll get you on a team. Play is in 6- minute quarters with stoppages for rule violations, time outs, etc. For more information, contact the parks and recreation department at

9 12/23/13 THE FOCUS PICTURES FROM THE BREAD OF LIFE FUN RUN! Page 9 Pictures of Donna Camiel and Mattie Byrd, the Mathis family, and Angela and Lane Clark who participated in the run to benefit Bread of Life. SAMARITAN FUND 2013 November 18 through December 13, 2013: # of Awards Amount Type of Assistance 0 0 Bus Ticket 0 0 Food 4 $ Lodging 3 $83.44 Miscellaneous 0 0 Rent 8 $ Utilities 2 $50.00 Vehicle Gas 17 $ Total Year-To-Date January 1 - December 13 # of Awards Amount Type of Assistance 1 $76.60 Bus Ticket 6 $ Food 128 $8, Lodging 23 $ Miscellaneous 34 $1, Rent 334 $18, Utilities 40 $ Vehicle Gas 566 $30, Total Samaritan Balance: $ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Make a big difference in little lives. Join the Reading Crew at Covington Integrated Arts Academy, helping children learn to read. Please call Marlyn Seagrave at to volunteer for this program.

10 Page 10 THE FOCUS 12/23/13 UPDATE SAMARITAN STORY OF INTEREST In November, we shared the story about a single woman in her 40 s who has lived a very hard life. She can frequently be seen walking the streets in Covington. She has a mental illness, learning disability, and has struggled with addictions and folks who have taken advantage of her in many ways over the years. As recently as probably a year ago, she was supporting herself by prostitution. But her older sister helped her to apply for and get approved for a disability benefit and since that time her life has improved somewhat. She was very sad when she visited in November because her older sister had died suddenly for unknown reasons. She said that her sister was the only person in her family who took an interest in her and tried to help her have a better life. Please pray for this woman who has had such a difficult life and now has lost one of the only persons who cared for her. Since that November visit, we have attempted to reach the woman to give her a prayer shawl. Her phone has been disconnected and no other numbers were working. Last week, this woman returned to the church office and a prayer shawl was made available to her. Was able to tell her that as the shawl was prepared, prayers had been lifted up for her. She was very appreciative of the gift. Then she asked if she could give it to her mother who is grieving as well. There was only one shawl available or two shawls would have been given to her. My heart went out to her. When was the last time she had received such a wonderful gift with no strings attached but she wanted to give the shawl to her mother? The only answer I could think of was that the shawl was hers to do how she wished. If she wished to give it to her mother, that would be just fine. Please continue to pray for this woman. She has a very hard life and is still grieving. Please say a prayer of thanksgiving to the prayer shawl ladies who make these wonderful gifts available. So many times, we have been speechless after listening to different patrons and their stories. The gift of a prayer shawl is a comfort to the person and can say so much more than we can. ATTENDANCE AND GIVING December 15, 2013 MorningSong Sunday School Traditional Worship Bread of Life Worship (8/14/2013) 120 (Cov) 90 (Bri) MorningSong Offering $ 6, 440 Traditional Worship Offering - $ 6, 811 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - We are in need of audio/visual volunteers to run the sound and cameras for the Traditional Worship Service. Please see Keith Phelps during church or call the church at if you are interested.

11 12/23/13 THE FOCUS FUMC CALENDARC DECEMBER 23, JANUARY 7, 2014 Page 11 Monday, December 23, :00 p.m. Cable TV - Traditional Service Tuesday, December 24, :00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services Church Office Closed Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Christmas Day! Church Office Closed Thursday, December 26, :00 a.m. Men s Prayer Breakfast - Fellowship Hall Saturday, December 28, :00 a.m. Food Pantry - Brighton Hwy 51 S, Suite 103 TBD Youth Leave for Break Thru Conf. Sunday, December 29, :30 a.m. MorningSong Worship - Chamber Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service Monday, December 30, :00 p.m. Cable TV - Traditional Service Tuesday, December 31, :00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Edu. Bld. Lower level and Fellowship Hall Wednesday, January 1, 2014 No Wednesday Night Activities Office Closed Thursday, January 2, :00 a.m. Men s Prayer Breakfast - Fellowship Hall Saturday, January 4, :00 a.m. Food Pantry - Covington - FUMC Sunday, January 5, :30 a.m. MorningSong Worship - Chamber Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service Tuesday, January 7, :00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Edu. Bld. Lower PRAYER REQUESTS FUMC Regular Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Frances Austin Nina Anderson Tom Bready Monte Connell Brynlee Crandall Rain Critz Mary Jane Crotty Ethan Daniel Shane Daniel Joe Daniels Shannon Daniels Celia Demery Joan Erwin Betty Ferris Jeanette Hathcock Susan Huffman Doris Jackson Lucy Krull Bernie Liles Nancy Lindsey Wayne Locke Tom Mason Peggy Massey Edith McBride Keith McCalla Walter McIntosh Rachel Neely Charlie Peeler Russell Phelps Teresa Robbins Jessica Royer Rachell Ruppe Forrest Scott Adeline Shankle Neal Simonton Chad Stafford Jennifer Tyler Mary Ruth Young

12 Page 12 THE FOCUS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. Morning Song ON THE SQUARE SERVICE OF PRAISE 8:30 A.M. AT THE CHAMBER CENTER UPPER ROOM PRAYER SCHEDULE December 29 MorningSong Service Frank and Barbra Racy Traditional Service Arnold Bull and Tom Rogers January 5 MorningSong Service Ellen Clark and Doris Ann Gray January 12 MorningSong Service Elizabeth Posey and Ray and Janice Newbill Leading Others to Christ, Learning to Be Disciples, Loving through Service. MISSION STATEMENT OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH December 23, 2013 Traditional Service Cathy Adams and David and Tobie Smith Traditional Service Volunteers Needed A BIWEEKLY PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 145 CHURCH ST. COVINGTON, TN (901)