First views DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMERITUS. Daily Readings. Education will have your oversight during the transition into new hands.

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1 DCE EMERITUS March 22, 2015 MATURE METHODISTS... 2 THOSE WHO SERVE OPPORTUNITIES... 4 WEDNESDAYS AT FIRST...5 LILIES... 5 HOLY WEEK First views THE PURPOSE OF FUMC IS TO INVITE ALL PEOPLE TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST, GROWING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND SERVICE TO GOD AND NEIGHBOR. DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMERITUS Friends, we want to share this exciting news with you. The Church council voted about this decision, and it was unanimously approved. Please read the letter from the Staff-Parish Chairman, Hugh Brown, to Sandy Jahn, who retired as Director of Christian Education (DCE) in December, Dear Sandy, We are pleased to inform you that you have become First United Methodist Church s most recent Emeritus staff member. The title is given to you in honor of your distinguished service for nearly 20 years. You will now be titled as Director of Christian Education Emeritus as unanimously approved at the January 2015 meeting of the First United Methodist Church Council. Education will have your oversight during the transition into new hands. Thank you for being a valuable resource for us at First Church and for taking the initiative to help us grow our faith through your development of a strong Christian Education program. Congratulations on this welldeserved recognition. Please make sure you congratulate Sandy the next time you see her in church. This honor is given to her because of the amazing ministry that Sandy has given to our church as DCE. Blessings on your week, Pastor Craig Conferring the Emeritus title demonstrates an appreciation not only for years of service but also for all the accomplishments while serving as Director of Christian Education. It also reflects an appreciation for the support you continue to give while we prepare for the arrival of Leeann Mangum in late May, Your true professionalism and dedication to First Church remains evident in the fact that what you have worked diligently to build as Director of Christian Daily Readings Traditional & The Vine Monday Romans 5 Tuesday Exodus 12 Wednesday Leviticus 23 Thursday Matthew 28 Friday John 20 Saturday 1 Peter 1 Sunday Romans 5:7-9 1

2 We are revising the FUMC Church Handbook and need your help. Please review the church directory information, and let Debbie know if there are changes to your name listing, address, and other contact information The last date for changes to the directory is Thursday, March 26. Thank you for your assistance. MATURE METHODISTS The next meeting of the Goforth Club will be held April 7. If you plan to attend, please make your reservation by March 22, by marking it on the attendance pads in worship or calling the church office The menu for April 7 is Swiss chicken, rice/gravy, broccoli and cauliflower, rolls, and pineapple upside-down cake. SW Monthly Lunchroom Monitor(s) April 13 May 4 June 1 UMW The UMW Mission Focus for the month of April is UMCOR BEDDING KITS. Bedding kits include: UMW Women s Celebration Tea Get All Dolled Up Saturday, April 25, :00 a.m. to Noon Community Room Open to all women of any age. Gail Miller and Donna Waldron Please prayerfully consider helping with this ministry. Contact Diane Creasman at, dianecreasman@charter.net. Note: We are still collecting copy paper for Southwest. Please put your donations in the purple bin collection points around the church campus. 2 flat bed sheets, double/full size 2 pillow cases 2 pillows $1 for shipping This project is not limited to just UMW. If you would like to contribute, that would be fantastic. You can participate as an individual or as a group. Please place donated items in the UMW room in the box marked UMCOR. Thank you. Mature Methodists Travel Opportunities Mark your calendars for the upcoming day trips offered by the Older Adult Council. On , Mature Methodists will travel to Lake Norman for a tour and box lunch aboard the Catawba Queen. Plan to leave the church by 9:30 to caravan to the dock in the Mooresville area of Lake Norman. Cost for tour of Lake Norman and box lunch is $ A group rate may also be available, provided we meet the requisite number for that rate. Please call Kitty Sanders at =5087 by to sign up for the group, and let her know your travel arrangements. An excursion to the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia is planned for to see A Southern Fried Wedding. There might be nothing funnier than a Southern Wedding, unless it is canceled at the last minute! Lunch is on your own. The play begins at 2pm, with ticket prices beginning at $ We will also caravan to this event, so get your friends together for a day car trip to Virginia for a fun time. Sign up for this event by by calling Kitty Sanders at If enough folks sign up, a group price may be available, so make your plans now to enjoy this excursion with friends. Please let Kitty know with whom you will travel. Leave time from the church will be forthcoming as soon as we know how many will be going. A lunch trip to Shatley Springs is coming on Details for this excursion are coming later this year, but mark your calendars now. If there is some interest, a possible cruise on Royal Caribbean s largest ships will be offered for Please call Kitty Sanders at , or her at yttiksanders@yahoo.com for any ideas for this. Any savings from group cruise travel will be shared by all traveling with the group. For further information, take a look online at royalcaribbean.com, and call or Kitty with ideas and suggestions. We need volunteers to help make baklava for the Early Christian Meal. No experience is necessary. We will start at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, and it should only take 2 hours. Thank you! Rita Purut

3 Sunday, March 22, 2015 Fifth Sunday in Lent 8:30 a.m. - Early Worship 11:00 a.m. - Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. - The Vine Message: (Traditional & The Vine) The World s Greatest Talk: Sermon on the Mount Rev. Craig Langston Scripture: Matthew 6:12 Kingston: Ron Leitch Tracey Horton, pianist Nursery: Christy Hodakowski, Scott and Emily Garmon Acolytes: Autumn Dagenhardt and Sam Wood Ushers: Andrew Jennings, Captain, Mitchell Rowe, Mark Gravely, Teresa Jennings, Bebe Leitch, Jim Mauldin, Charles Peeler, Bob Singletary, Mike Yancey, Tom Carter, Harvey Scott, Steve Jordan Greeters: Bill Wiggs and Helen Boyd Offering Stewards: Ron Leitch and Michael Blackburn Sunday School Greeters: Richard Rowe and Jeff Hale Donut Rotation: March - Genesis April - Timotheans Office Champions: Claudene Smith, Jane Lindsay Donna Waldron, Cathy Jones, Diane Creasman, Laura Eckard, Blenda Clegg WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, March 22 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service (S) 9:30 a.m. SunShine Singers 9:30 a.m. Donut/Fellowship - Comm. Rm. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:50 a.m. Kingston Service 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S) 11:00 a.m. The Vine Worship Service (CLC) 12:30 p.m. Eagle Scout Ceremony 2:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop :00 p.m. Agape Kids 4:00 p.m. Disciple II 4:00 p.m. Youth Handbells 5:00 p.m. Youth Group Monday, March 23 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Tuesday, March 24 9:30 a.m. Craft Ladies 5:30 p.m. Carolina Crush VB 6:30 p.m. Capital Campaign Meeting 7:00 p.m. Early Christian Meal Rehearsal Wednesday, March 25 7:00 a.m. High School Youth Breakfast 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First! 6:15 p.m. Chancel Ringers 6:15 p.m. Finding Our Way Study 6:15 p.m. Wesley and Aldersgate Choirs 6:20 p.m. Wednesday Night Youth 6:30 p.m. Disciple I 6:30 p.m. Belize Mission Trip Meeting 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 26 8:00 p.m. AA Friday, March 27 6:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Sleepover 7:00 p.m. P3 Spring Concert Saturday, March 28 1:00 p.m. Disciple II Retreat 8:00 p.m. A.A. Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service (S) 9:30 a.m. Donut/Fellowship - Comm. Rm. 9:30 a.m. SunShine Singers Attendance for March 15, 2015 Early service 31 Kingston 28 11:00 a.m. services 321 Total 380 Sunday School 246 GIFTS TO THE CHURCH In memory of GERTRUDE MCLAUGHLIN by Women s Bible Class (Budget) by Judy Flowers (PEF) In memory of ARCILLE JESSEE by Margaret Edwards (PEF) In memory of SAM JORDAN by Judy Flowers (PEF) In memory of ELLIOTT TEAGUE by Wayne V. Elliott (Elliott Teague Playground Improvement Project) by June B. Elliott (Elliott Teague Playground Improvement Project) The rosebud is placed on the altar in honor of LAWSON STYLE S 91st birthday on March 22, 2015 by the Older Adult Council. March 24 - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN MEETING - 6:30 p.m. in the Gentry Conference Room March 25 - BELIZE MISSION TRIP MEETING - 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room March 29 - BELIZE MISSION TRIP MEETING - 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:50 a.m. Kingston Service 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service (S) 11:00 a.m. The Vine Worship Service (CLC) 12: 30 p.m. Palm Sunday Luncheon 4:00 p.m. Youth Handbells 5:00 p.m. Youth Group 6:30 p.m. Belize Mission Trip Meeting S - Sanctuary; CLC - Christian Life Center 3

4 SUMMER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Music Week at Lake Junalusaka, June 21-26, see Leanna or Rhonda to get involved. For grownups and children!! Choirs, praise band, handbells, dance, drama, fabulous worship services and paddleboats! Musical Theatre: July 13-20, 9 am- 12 noon. All rising 1st- 6th graders welcome. In the CLC with Leanna Bodnar and Beth Fowler. Christian theater at its best! Same time, community room, all 3, 4, and 5 year olds invited to do Tiny Theater with Rhonda Smith. Wonderful fun, and, yes, a real musical, just tinier! May 27: Talent Show! Strut your stuff! Sing, play an instrument, juggling, monologues, short skits! Contact Rhonda or Leanna. (rhonda.musicsmythe@charter.net / leannabodnar@gmail.com) AGAPE KIDS (4th - 6th grades) Join us Sunday for a trip to the Trampoline Park. We ll meet at church at 2:00pm, return at 6:30pm. Bring $12 to jump plus money for snacks. EARLY CHRISTIAN MEAL This year the Early Christian Meal will be on Good Friday, April 3. A sober, yet deeply moving evening of worship, the attendees are transported back in time to the home of Joseph of Arimathea, where they share a meal, and personal stories and recollections of Jesus. Through first person accounts in music, movement and monologue, the stories express many emotions and perspectives, full of grief, confusion, and anger. We are looking for volunteers in the following areas: Act as hosts and servers: First meeting on Wednesday, April 1, at 6 p.m. in the CLC for costumes and basic instruction Share first person accounts Set up and tear down Costumes and sets Kitchen help If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of this unique worship experience, please contact Leanna Bodnar at or leannabodnar@gmail.com. FUMC SCHOLARSHIPS Students who are currently in college or adults who are seeking a degree in Christian Education or related fields may apply for scholarships sponsored by FUMC. If you would like an application please contact Troy Howard (troy@firstumchickory.org; ). Sunday, MARCH 22 - Sunday Night Youth Group Wednesday, MARCH 25 - Wednesday Night Youth Wednesday, MARCH 25- Trip to Belize Meeting Sunday, March 29 - Trip to Belize Meeting Friday, APRIL 3 - Early Christian Meal APRIL Kaleidoscope Retreat Sunday, JULY 8 - Bryson City Mission Trip We are seeking businesses and individuals to be Corporate Sponsors for the Compassion International 5k in May. With your sponsorship, we hope to cover the cost of the race so that 100% of the registration fees can go to the children. $300 Gold Level $200 Silver Level $100 Bronze Level Sponsorship checks can be written to First United Methodist Church and mailed to: Janet Greer, th Ave NE, Hickory, NC All donations are tax deductible. Come Join Us!! All age groups are welcome and no prior running experience is needed. Join others for fellowship and wellness as we train to complete the Compassion 5K on Saturday, May 30, sponsored by FUMC. You Will Need: Comfortable shoes and $20 if you need a book. When & Where: Run/Walk Times: Sundays - 6:30 p.m., (meet at the Atrium in the Christian Life Center). If you want to sign up or have questions: Contact Beth Hampton: jbrhampton@gmail.com or call Look for yoga/workout class to begin soon to supplement our running sessions. 4

5 WEDNESDAYS AT FIRST! MARCH 25, 2015 MENU: Swiss chicken, rice/gravy, green beans, rolls, salad, cherry crisp, fruit TEAM 5 will assist in the kitchen. Cathy Jones and Kelley Young are the coordinators. Meal cost: $5; children 3 and under, free; and $18 family maximum The WORSHIP COMMITTEE will be purchasing lilies to decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 5, The cost of each plant is $10. If you would like to purchase a lily or make a donation to our homeless ministries in honor of or in memory of someone, please complete the form below and send it with your check to the church office no later than Sunday, March 22. Your name as you would like it to appear (please print): Number of lilies: Number of donations: Amount enclosed: ($10 per lily or other donation. Make checks payable to FUMC) NEW MUSIC CLASSES OFFERED BEGINNING IN APRIL: 1 ST CHIMERS Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-5:15 p.m. Open to 3 rd and 4 th graders. Begins: April 15 Rhonda Smith, Director GOSPEL CHOIR Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. Open to anyone youth or adult who love to sing April 12 - May 24 Musical offering on May 24, Pentecost Sunday Rhonda Smith, Director BEGINNING HANDBELLS WORKSHOP One day workshop Exploring how to ring and what it s all about! May 24, 3 p.m. in the Handbell Room. Rhonda Smith, Clinician In memory of: In honor or: Check one: Pick up lily after 11 a.m. service on Easter Sunday Donate lily to Home Bound Donate to Warming Station Ministry Donate to Table of Grace If you are interested in making the overseas mission trip during the summer of 2016, please come to an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room or Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The trip is open to all active church members who will be rising 9 th graders or older. The projected dates for the trip are July 2-9. We will discuss the nature of the mission, costs and requirements of the participants. 5

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7 ANNUAL EASTER CAKE SALE The Circle #4 Ladies will again be baking delicious cakes and pies for your pleasure during Easter. The cost is $25 for each cake or two pies. This fundraiser supports local area missions for men, women, and children. Please fill out the order form below and drop it in the collection plate or place it in the UMW box in the church office. You can also make an order by calling (828) (Linda Brown) or by ing Your order will be confirmed by the person baking your cake. LATEST DATE TO ORDER: Friday - March 27, 2015! Name: Telephone No. Date Needed: ( ) Lemon Pound Cake ( ) Coconut Cake ( ) Hershey Bar Cake ( ) Coconut Pies (2) GENESIS CLASS TO HAVE NEW STUDY The Genesis Class has started a new small group discussion during Sunday school hour. We will have an in-depth review of the sermon from the previous week before. Please join us for discussion, scripture, and prayer. Our classroom is located on the same hall as the community room. We have received a request for donations of new or gently used children s books. The books are being placed in the Catawba Ridge Apartments main office and are being made available to the children who live there. If you would like to donate books please bring them to the church office. March 29, 2015 Palm Sunday Services 8:30 & 11:00am Palm Sunday Luncheon 12:30pm Christian Life Center April 2, 2015 Maundy Thursday Service 7:30pm Sanctuary April 3, 2015 Early Christian Meal 6:00pm (Tickets required) April 4, 2015 Easter Egg Hunt 10:00am April 5, 2015 Easter Sunday Services 7:00 & 11:00am Sunrise Breakfast 7:45am Christian Life Center Palm Sunday Luncheon Date: Sunday, March 29th Time: After 11:00 worship Where: CLC Price: Donation Why: All proceeds help the Frances Landaas Scholarship Fund We are excited to announce that the menu this year will include Jeff Hale s famous BBQ and sauce!!! 7

8 FUMC s annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 4, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.. NEWSLETTER INFO NEEDED We hope you will mark your calendars for this festive event. We would appreciate individually wrapped bags of candy or small toys to stuff the eggs. Please bring your goodies to the church office by March 29. Thank you. Christian Sympathy goes out to the Mitchell & Cobb families upon the passing of loved ones. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this trying time. If you are bringing egg cartons or food donations for CCM, please put them in the grocery cart that is now located in the Community Room kitchen. If you are bringing aluminum cans for recycling, please know that ONLY aluminum drink cans can be recycled. Please do not bring in any other cans. If you want information in the next newsletter - which will be for the week starting March 29, 2015, please submit your information by March 24. For the April 5, newsletter, please submit your information by March 31. Thank you. First United Methodist Church 311 Third Avenue, NE Hickory, NC Telephone: Fax: First UM Church Facebook page: Methodist-Church-Hickory/ The Vine Facebook page: First UM Church Twitter First UM Church Website: 8