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

Transcription

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. January 2014 A Giving Spirit REV. MICHAEL MATTOX I m writing this on the tenth day of December and realizing that you won t actually read this story until the first week of January 2014! But, I wanted to thank you for your giving spirit and generous attitude as you have (or will have) fulfilled your vow to support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The recently completed 2014 Stewardship Program that Joyce Whitfield and Kyle Roper told you about in December culminated in our Pledge Sunday on the Sunday before Christmas, and I thank you for your pledges of support. As these financial promises come in, our church s leadership will be able to ascertain the most responsible way to go in financing our ministries for the coming year and will announce their budgeting final figures in this first month of the new year. So often in times like these, we seem to think that our job is to respond to the church and its needs. With that in mind, it s easy to become overly fretful and worrisome, thinking about budgets and deadlines. But I think the real truth is not what the church needs but what the Christian disciple needs and we have a built-in need to give. When we give and experience the joy of faithful stewardship, our lives change! We are transformed. We learn to be a people who walk by faith and not by sight. I believe in Hot Springs First United Methodist 100% and so does Judy. In our mailbox this second week of December are at least 10 other endeavors that ask for our financial support this time of year. We believe in those endeavors also but put the church first before we consider any of these others. I don t do that because the church is where I work but because I believe my giving is best multiplied and used right here in the local setting where I see Christ at work every single day. I know and love these Christ-centered Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Luke 6:38 people who work here from directors of youth ministry to children s ministers and others who work with the poor and hungry in our Open Arms Ministry. I love the witness and testimony I see people making as we gather for Sunday Services in different kinds of settings traditional and contemporary and watch with amazement, seeing how God moves in our lives to make a difference right here in downtown Hot Springs. A key scripture at this time of year where we celebrate Advent and Christmas is from John s Gospel where Eugene Peterson translates that awesome phrase in Chapter one, The word (Jesus) became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood! (John 1:14 The Message) and here on the corner of Central and Orange Street or just west of here at 218 Pratt Street we can certainly give testimony to the presence of God-in-the-Flesh as Jesus walks, laughs, lives, loves, heals, and restores right here in our midst! That s a key reason why I give and urge you to give as well, not because the church needs it but because we need to be a part of what God is doing in our midst! As this new year unfolds, I hope you ll become involved in the ministries of this great church. Involve yourself in every way possible, even financially. Stretch yourself some and find out what God can do with your attitude when you do that is our 162nd year incorporated as a congregation. But, as I said to some of our youth last Sunday morning on a walking history tour, the church is not the magnificent buildings and structures, the church the body of Christ is the people. You and I together help make up that part of Christ s body that we love to call First United Methodist of Hot Springs. Because we indeed are a part of one another and Christ is over all of us, I ask you simply to give generously and become a vital part of a vibrant and active representation of what God is doing in our midst. It s the best thing you ll do all year! Pray with us Lord, your word tells us that You knew us before the beginning of time. Thank you for your perfect plan. We dedicate ourselves to honor you. Upcoming Sermons Sunday, January 5 Starry-Eyed Visitors Matthew 2:1-12 What s Your Claim? Matthew 2:1-12 Zach Roberts Sunday, January 12 When The Kingdom of Heaven Comes to You! Matthew 3:13-17 Zach Roberts Remember Your Baptism! Matthew 3:13-17 Sunday, January 19 I Have a Dream The Call That Can Change the World Matthew 4:12-23 Go With It! John 1:35-42 Zach Roberts Sunday, January 26 God s Tackle Box Matthew 4:12-23 Bart Patton

2 Don t miss! Upcoming Events Christmas 2013 at FUMC Gloria Christmas Celebration Concert Saturday, January 4 A Musical Night of Caring The Caring Place benefit concert featuring Roy Rivers & John Goodman Christian Life Center 7 p.m. Monday, January 20 Hot Springs MLK Day Parade 10:00 a.m. A Christmas: Coming Home Wednesday, January Confirmation Orientation Class CLC Library, p.m. New Small Group Classes for Winter/Spring Connect with us! Like FUMC Hot Springs on Facebook Follow on Instagram & Phone: (501) Fax: (501) lenglish@fumchs.com Listen to our 10:45 AM traditional worship service every week on FM! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month Mike s Mic MIKE LOVELADY Such a blessing! This past Advent Season was a special one, and it took a lot of hard work and people coming together to make it happen. During a time of year when we seem to be so busy, there were a lot of folks that still made time to make things happen in the life of First United Methodist Church. The Praise Team, the Underground Arts Team, The Emerge Class, ALL of our wonderful Advent candle lighters, SNL Kidz Praise Choir, our Tech Team, Ushers, Greeters, Tribe of Dan, Sign of Jonah, our Teaching Pastors,.get the idea! There were a lot of people involved in making it happen. So, why not start this year off by being involved, not watching, but doing. I listed a lot of fantastic ministries that help support our worship services alone. There are so many more, and YES we have the one that you re wired for, all you have to do is step out and step in. Like I mentioned in my sermon, what are you going to do with your gift..what now? As we begin a new year, ask yourself, am I doing all I can with this gift?. It s such a blessing. REV. TERESA HOLT Financial Peace: Sundays, January 12th March 9th, 5:00 7:00 p.m., CLC 214, Steve Holt, Facilitator. Financial Peace is a life-changing 10 week program on personal finance. It is designed to empower people to manage their money better, eliminate debt and build wealth. All material is biblically based and taught via video with Dave Ramsey. Cost of materials is $ (scholarships available). Made to Crave: January 6 (Preview) class begins on January 13 February 17, 12:15 p.m. CLC 201, Lynda Jackson, Facilitator. A health, fitness and spirituality Bible study designed to help you gain control of your cravings and make peace with your body. Cost is $9.00 for book. Romans: Mondays, January 13th March 17th, 9:00 10:30 a.m., CLC 209, Julie Holt, Facilitator. Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Paul s radical vision of God s relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other will be explored. Cost of book is $ Centering Prayer: Tuesdays, January 14th February 18th, 11:10 12:10 (video) 12:10 12:50 p.m. (prayer) CLC 201; Teresa Holt, Facilitator. Centering Prayer is a prayer method that encourages resting in the presence of God. If you are finding the world rather noisy and would like to grow in sensing the presence of God, join us for these six weeks. We will practice this prayer for 20 minutes at our gatherings as well as daily at home. The Book is available for $14.00, but not required. The Call- Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly: February 9th-March 9th, 5:30 p.m. CLC 201, Michael and Judy Mattox, Facilitators. This study offers tools to deepen spiritual identity, engagement in community and involvement in mission, looking at the sacramental understandings of baptism and communion and lifting up models of response to God s call. To register contact Teresa Holt, (ext. 116) or tholt@fumchs.com or go online at click on adults and then small groups. January is a great time to get involved in a Sunday morning small group! Many of our groups are beginning new studies. The Foundations Class, CLC 211 will be studying A Disciple s Path led by Rev. starting on January 5th. For other class information, check out the list on the website at and click on small groups and scroll down to the link for Sunday Morning groups or call Teresa ( , ext 116).

3 Children s Ministry 6th Grade Confirmation Classes STARTING SOON! Our 2014 Confirmation class will form on Wednesday, January 22nd beginning with the Confirmation Orientation Class from 6:00-7:00 pm to be held in the CLC Library, room #203. MICHELLE WILKINS Special Gifts In Honor of our Diligent Teachers: Terri Seller, Carl Crow, and Steve Burns From Building Horizon Class In Honor of the Baptism of Thomas Clark Tennyson From Louise Rice Fox & Joe S. Fox The class schedule for 2014 will be: Wednesday, January 22nd *6:00-7:00pm *Orientation Wednesday, January 29th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, February 5th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, February 12th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, February 19th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, February 26th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, March 6th **6:00-7:00pm **Ash Wednesday Service in CLC Wednesday, March 12th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, March 19th 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, March 26th *SPRING BREAK No Class* Wednesday, April 2nd 6:00-7:00pm Friday, April 4th & 5th Weekend Retreat!!! Sunday, April 6th: Confirmation Sunday! We are needing 1st and 2nd grade 9:30 a.m. leaders! Please contact Michelle Wilkins, Children s Minister ( ) if you are interested in this opportunity! A New Year for the CDC! 2013 Angel Tree Mission Project An ENORMOUS THANK YOU to ALL who supported our Kids R.O.C.K. December mission project by donating Angel Tree gifts for Langston Elementary! Because of your generosity, 60+ children were able to receive Christmas gifts this year that might not have received them otherwise. What an amazing way to reach out to children in our community and spread God s love this Christmas! God bless you ALL! Kids R.O.C.K. Upcoming Mission: Sunday, January 12th Be Germ Free! We hope to provide Langston Elementary School with Clorox wipes and boxes of Kleenex to use during the cold and flu season. You can help by purchasing these items and bringing them to the CLC on or before Sunday, January 12th. FUMC Job Opportunity We are accepting applications for part-time childcare workers in our church nursery on Sunday mornings and for other church sponsored events. Hours needed: Sundays 8:00am-noon Sunday nights 3:45pm-7:15pm Wednesday nights 5:00pm-8:00pm Applicants are asked to contact: Michelle Wilkins, Children s Minister ( ). Please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! As I sit here thinking of the New Year, I wonder what God has in store for the Child Development Center. Will he bless us with many more children to fill our classrooms that are not being used? Will he test us again with our finances? I just pray every day that we are doing His work the way He wants. I also pray that His light is shining through us so that the children will know Him better. Thank you First United Methodist Church for all your support and for allowing us the opportunity to minister to these wonderful children. May God Bless this church in the coming New Year! A word of thanks... Judy and I want to thank you for all your cards, notes, gifts, and surprises during this blessed Christmas Season. You have brought much joy to our hearts. Thank you. LESLEE JONES REV. MICHAEL MATTOX Prayer Shawls are Available The Knitwits are hard at work, knitting or crocheting prayer shawls for those who are ill, jaunty hats for those undergoing chemotherapy, baby blankets for those who are baptized and layettes for babies. These items are prayed over by those who create them as well as the intercessory prayer team. If you know of someone who might appreciate a prayer shawl, please let the office know. The recipient does not need to be a member. If you would like to contribute a shawl or other contribution, or would like more information, feel free to contact Joyce Thornton at jnthornton@att.net or join the Knitwits on the second Wednesday of each month in the Christian Life Center rooms In Memory of Frances Simmons From Ryan & Susan Allen From Jane McElrath In Memory of Helen Clardy From Lou Boyd In Memory of Bill Muse From Latt & Terri Bachelor From Sonny & Jo Gaston From John & Roxie Long From David & Carolyn Wylie From Brad & Stacy Hudgens In Memory of Lehmann Henderson From Latt & Terri Bachelor In Memory of Dorothy Tucker From Ronald & Patricia Muse In Memory of Donnie Merideth From Ronald & Patricia Muse In Memory of Ivy Bergman From Clifford & Marsha Berger In Memory of Michael Price From Ross & Carol Jo Atkinson In Memory of Stanley Seba From Wendell Workman In our prayers... Christian sympathy is expressed to Cynthia & Jeff Purnell in the passing of her brother, Mike Price in Dallas, TX. We lift Cynthia, Jeff, and family in prayer at this time. Christian sympathy is also expressed to the family of Ivy Bergman in her recent passing. Join us in praying for the Bergman family. Christian sympathy is also expressed to the family of Stanley Seba in his recent passing. Our prayers are with Stanley s family during this time.

4 Wednesday, January 1 Happy New Year! Friday, January 3 Saturday, January 4 The Caring Place Benefit Concert Office Closed 7:00 PM Sunday, January 5 Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Warm up 10:15 AM Traditional/ 10:45 AM Financial Peace Class Bible Study (Disciple I) SNL/Kidz Youth Underground J/ Arts Monday, January 6 Celebration Bells Made to Crave Class Tuesday, January 7 Outreach Meeting 1:30 PM Stephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. 5:30 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision Mtg. Stephen Ministry Training Class Genesis Class Wednesday, January 8 Knitwit Meeting First Jubilation Bells Youth/S (9-12) Practice Thursday, January 9 Jesus in the Gospels Study Class Friday, January 10 Sunday, January 12 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Church Tour Warm up Traditional/ Jesus in the Gospel Class 1:30 PM 4:45 PM January Calendar 7:45 AM 10:15 AM 10:45 AM Youth Underground J/ Arts 5 PM Kids Rock Monday, January 13 Romans Celebration Handbells Made to Crave Tuesday, January 14 UMW Unit Meeting Centering Prayer Stephen Ministry Training Wednesday, January 15 Ho Hum low Impact Exercise First Jubilation Bells Practice Thursday, January 16 Jesus in the Gospels XYZ Luncheon Friday, January 17 11:00 PM 10:00 AM 11:10 AM 4:45 PM 11:30 AM Sunday, January 19 Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Chapel Communion Warm Up 10:15 AM Traditional/ 10:45 AM Jesus in the Gospels Youth Underground J/ Arts 5 PM Financial Peace Class Bible Study (Disciple I) SNL/Kidz Board of Stewards Meeting Monday, January 20 Romans Class MLK Parade Celebration Handbells Made to Crave UMW Board Meeting Tuesday, January 21 Methodist Men s Breakfast Centering Prayer New Legacy Circle Stephen Ministry Training 10:00 AM 1:30 PM 7:00 AM 11:10 AM 5:30 PM Wednesday, January 22 First Jubilation Handbells Confirmation Orientation Youth S Underground Practice Thursday, January 23 Jesus in the Gospels Friday, January 24 Sunday, January 26 Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Warm Up 10:15 AM Traditional/ 10:45AM Laity Meet & Greet 2:00 PM W/Bishop Mueller Youth Parent Forum 3:00 PM Youth Underground J/ Arts Financial Peace Class Bible Study (Disciple I) SNL/Kidz Monday, January 27 Romans Class Celebration Handbells Made to Crave Tuesday, January 28 Centering Prayer Design Team Stephen Ministry Training Wednesday, January 29 First Jubilation Handbells Confirmation Class #1 Youth S Underground Practice Thursday, January 30 Jesus in the Gospel Friday, January 31 11:10 AM

5 Get Ready for 2014 with The Underground! BART PATTON FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2 VERITAS CONFERENCE ROGERS, AR 7-12 GRADES $100 REGISTER BY 2/9/14 MARCH BEACH+BREAK 2014 PANAMA CITY BEACH 7-12 GRADES $335 REGISTER BY 2/19/14 Outreach Ministries CANDY POIRIER The OPEN ARMS FOOD PANTRY is a blessing to the community and to those who volunteer in helping at the pantry. We served over 1100 families since February 2013 when we opened the doors. This is such a wonderful ministry and the church has responded in such a generous way. The pantry is always in need of toiletries and diapers. Blessings to you all for your continuing support and looking forward to a prosperous New Year. Thank you! Thank you to all the Classes, small groups and individuals that contributed to the Open Arms Food Pantry through their parties at Christmas. What a tremendous help and comfort you were to those who have benefitted from your generosity and care. This ministry is such an important part of the church and to the community. Blessings to all of you and Grace be with you. Other Announcements XYZ (Extra Years of Zest) Luncheon XYZ S Luncheon will on Thursday, January 16 at 11:30am in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center. Come and enjoy the fun and fellowship and special program that are always enlightening to everyone. Hope to see you all there! UMW JANUARY MEETING Tuesday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center, there will be the Unit meeting followed by a soup lunch. This is the Pledge Drive and circles will meet after a brief unit meeting to discuss their upcoming year. We hope you all will be able to join us to begin 2014 passionate and eager in working together. A Musical Night of Caring FUMC in the MLK Day Parade Hot Springs annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade will begin Monday, January 20th, at 10am. First United Methodist Church will participate in the parade, and we want your help! Call the church office to sign up for the parade task force. Immediately following the parade, there will be a special presentation in the Convention Center. The keynote speaker is our friend, Rev. Harold Eichelberger, of Haven UMC. On Saturday evening, January 4th, performing artists Ken Goodman and Roy Rivers will combine their musical talents to offer A Musical Night of Caring to benefit The Caring Place in Hot Springs. Their combined singing talents will offer concert-goers a variety of musical favorites from Rivers John Denver tribute songs to Goodman s show tunes and Broadway hits. The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m., January 4th, in the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center. The Center is located at 218 Pratt Street. Ray and Ruth Liebau will provide pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 prior to the event ($25 at the door) and may be purchased at The Caring Place located at 101 Quapaw or at FUMC in the Sanctuary breezeway and CLC Welcome Center on Sunday, December 1st and Sunday, December 8th. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit The Caring Place Scholarship Fund. Contact Holly Haggard for more information. New Legacy Meeting The New Legacy Circle will meet in the Shelton Room from 5:30-7:00 PM on January 21st. See you there! WEDNESDAYS AT FIRST: Looking forward to the New Year 2014!! Wednesdays at 1st will begin on January 8th. We will be serving: homestyle meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, lyonnaise carrots, rolls & old fashioned bread pudding.

6 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Come join the fun of our small group dinner clubs! Each group consists of 8-12 people (singles/couples of all ages) who arrange to meet monthly for dinner at a time and date to be chosen by each group. You may choose to meet at someone's home and bring a dish or go out for the evening. This is a great way to make new acquaintances whether you have been around for years or just started visiting. We are also looking at the possibility of a dinner group that will have babysitting arrangements for children. Registration closes February 18th. We will have a kick-off dinner late February to introduce you to your group. Let's make this our best year ever!!!! To register, fill out the form below and place in offering plate, or Teresa Holt , ext. 116/ disciple@fumchs.com or register online at Name (s) Phone Children (s)that would need childcare Congratulations New Members & Recent Baptisms! James & Alexa Crossley Jacob Kremer Nicholas Thomas Clark Tennyson and Thomas s mother & new member, Katie Tennyson Wynie Payne Wolcott Monday nights mean VOLLEYBALL for our two FUMC teams: the adult team and Underground Youth team. All games are played on Monday nights at Oaklawn Church of God (2110 7th Street). If you are interested in playing, contact Mike Lovelady. We'd love for you to join the fun! Let's go FUMC! January Schedule: Monday, Jan. 6th: Adults 6:00 p.m. Underground 8:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13th: Underground 9:00 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20th: Adults 6:00 p.m. Underground 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27th: Adults 9:00 p.m. Underground 9:00 p.m.