Keys to a Healthy Church

Transcription

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. October 2014 Keys to a Healthy Church REV. MICHAEL MATTOX Do you know what the keys to a healthy church are? Seems there are always certain keys to a successful or healthy marriage, a successful business, a successful relationship. Indeed, there are certain must-dos that are essential. So what about the church? I ve used a plural word as you may have noticed, because there are, essentially, five keys to a healthy church. Having one key is important, of course, but for a truly healthy and successful church all five keys must be utilized every day for the fullest potential of any church s life and ministry. Prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness are the five keys that make a church healthy and successful. But as in the case with anything, the keys have to be used and implemented before real health occurs. You can have the finest car on the market and carry the keys around in your pocket, but still not go anywhere! You have to take the key out, plug it in, and go! This October, I ll be talking about Keys to a Healthy Church and Zach Roberts and Bart Patton will be joining me as we, together, look at these five keys. Bart already has a compelling video that s on social media, and it s called Five. I hope you ll watch it at October Sundays will be great opportunities to consider how God challenges us to be a healthy church through the active utilization of these five essential keys. Pray with us Jesus said, If you love Me, obey me. Lord, you have said that to obey is better than sacrifice. Give us understanding in our hearts. We humble ourselves before you with a repentant heart and a desire to be clean. By the power of the Holy Spirit, make us usable vessels to see your glory revealed. Father, we cry out to you for revival in our lives, our church, and our nation. Show us your glory. 1 John 14:23, 1 Samuel 15:22, Matthew 3:2-3, Isaiah 40: 3-5, Acts 3:19, 2 Cor. 7:14 Overall, the theological term for this is called stewardship. I pray you ll see the connections and ask God how you can be more effective and healthy as a disciple of Jesus. 4 individuals deserve our thanks as we begin this process. They are Sheri and Billy Bob Hardman and David and Carolyn Wylie Stewardship Coordinators who will lead our annual stewardship effort as we plan and prepare ourselves for a successful and healthy new church year in I m looking forward to their witness and leadership. But do you know who really holds the key to our success and health? Yes, you guessed it you do! You hold the keys. Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, Witness. Wouldn t you rather plug them in and use them instead of just jiggling them in your pocket? From Perkins to the Pulpit REV. ZACH ROBERTS At our July Board of Stewards meeting, Pastor Michael and I announced that I was selected for a two-year learning experience provided by the Perkins School for Preaching Excellence. I have returned from the opening event, which explored how to harness the power of stories when preaching. Through lecture and dialogue, we gained new perspective on storytelling from preaching professors, clergy mentors, voice/drama coaches, and playwrights. The clergy selected from Arkansas will continue to learn together over the next year. We will meet monthly as a small group with Rev. Phil Hathcock as our mentor. We will evaluate sermons, and together we are reading a dozen of the latest and best books on preaching. The entire group will then reconvene at Perkins to chart the course for the second year of this experience. Thank you for your support of my continuing growth- many of you have affirmed my gifts and encouraged me on this journey. My monthly schedule will look different to accommodate this experience, and I think we will all benefit from the fruit of this work! Sermon Schedule Sunday, October 5 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Michael Mattox ConneXion (10:45) Zach Roberts Sunday, October 12 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Zach Roberts ConneXion (10:45) Michael Mattox Sunday, October 19 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Michael Mattox Sunday, October 26 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Michael Mattox ConneXion (10:45) Bart Patton ConneXion (10:45) Bart Patton

2 Don t miss! Upcoming Events October 5 Blessing of the Animals FUMC Front Lawn 3 PM October 12 Kidz ROCK Christian Life Center 5-7 PM October 19 Pre-K Bible Presentations 8:15 Traditions 10:45 ConneXion Blood Drive Shelton Room of the CLC 9:30-12:15 PM Bishop Gary Mueller at FUMC Hot Springs CLC 4PM October 26 Trunk-or-Treat Orange Street Parking Lot 5-6 PM In our prayers... Christian Sympathy goes to the families of: Ali Vise Jeslyn McCleary We lift all of these families in prayer at this time. Connect with us! Blessing of the Animals Outreach Ministry It s Time to Sing and Play! FUMC Hot Springs would like to invite you and your pets to a blessing of the animals that will take place of the front lawn of the church on Sunday, October 5th at 3 p.m. We are looking forward to this fun event and we hope you and your furry friends will join us! CANDY POIRIER UNITED METHODIST WOMEN October 14 Rogers-Moore Circle 10 a.m. in the Media Center of Christian Life Center Helen Wilson Circle 10 a.m. at Carolyn Wilson s O Brien Thornton Circle 10 a.m. Shelton Room of Christian Life Center Jane Murphy Circle NOON in Holy Grounds Café of Christian Life Center October 21 New Legacy Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center BLOOD DRIVE OCTOBER 19 We will have a blood drive in honor of Craig Keaton in the Christian Life Center s Shelton Room, Sunday, October 19th from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come by and give a gift of life! XYZ LUNCHEON (EXTRA YEARS OF ZEST) XYZ will have its luncheon on Thursday, October 16th in the Shelton Room of the Christian Live Center. Come and enjoy fellowship, great food and a short program. All are invited. DR. RON HALL 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! eadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month You are personally invited to be a part of three musical ministries of our church the Early Service Choir, Chancel Choir, and handbell choirs. Each of these ministries offers the opportunity to serve God through excellence, leadership, and witness. When the Early Service and Chancel choirs, along with the Celebration and Jubilation! handbell choirs are presenting a musical selection in worship they are striving for excellence as they sing or play, providing leadership in our worship services, and giving witness of the greatness of God through the musical arrangements and themes presented in every piece of music. Wouldn t you like to be part of one of these ministries? It is not too late to be involved as a choir member or even as a seasonal singer; but get involved now, as we prepare for our Christmas presentation on the evening of December 14th. And it s never too late to find out how easy it is to play handbells, known as one of the easiest instruments to play and sound suberb within a group setting. Feel free to contact me at the church office for more information!

3 Children s Ministry Pre-K Bible Presentations Pre-K Bible Presentations will be held on Sunday, October 19th in the 8:15 Traditions and 10:45 ConneXion services. Children who will be entering the Kindergarten class will receive new Bibles on that Sunday. Let s all come support these amazing children on this milestone in their life! Flashing Back to Pre-K Bible Presentations 2013! Kidz ROCK Mission group will meet Sunday, October 12th from 5-7 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. Bring a friend and some bags of candy to help the kids at Langston with their Fall Fest / Rewards Day! Don t forget to wear your Kidz ROCK t-shirts and bring your change bottle of money for the BIG CHANGE DUMP! We will have a special surprise at the end of the semester, if we reach our goal of collecting $500 in change!!! So start saving your loose change and bring it with you on Sunday, October 12th! Hope to see everyone then!!! MICHELLE WILKINS Candy donations needed! Trunk-or-Treat Sunday, October 26th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the If you can help, please drop individually wrapped candy in the box Orange Street Parking Lot. Kids are invited to wear your costumes and labeled Trunk or Treat join us! We NEED LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS to bring your cars with in front of the Welcome Center in the Christian Life Center. trunks full of candy to hand out to the kids! If you can help, please contact Thank you in advance for your donation! Michelle Wilkins at Connecting or Reconnecting on a Deeper Level with God If you are looking for an opportunity to grow closer in your relationship with God with the nurture and accountability of a small group, check out one of the new groups starting in October and November! Tackle Life Men s small group Bible study led by Steve Burns, Sundays, November 17, 23, December 7, 14, 5:30 6:45 p.m., Christian Life Center 211. We have questions - real, important, and challenging questions, questions about family, finances, and forgiveness, unsettling questions regarding illness, death and eternity. Don t we crave answers to these questions that tug on the deepest parts of our hearts? Come join this small group as deep questions are asked and hope is discovered. Deep Calling Deep Spiritual direction small group led by Teresa Holt, Wednesdays, October 15 November 19th, 11:45 12:45 p.m., Christian Life Center 201. This small group will utilize the book, Inner Compass, a self/group study book which embraces a modern version of Ignatius Exercises. Participants will individually spend time connecting at a deeper level with God and meet weekly with the group sharing insights. IT S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE STORY! Wednesday Afternoon Kids () is currently participating in Bible Study through The Story. If you would like to participate weekly with your children in the adult version of The Story, join us on Sundays in the Christian Life Center 201 at 9:30 a.m. REV. TERESA HOLT My soul is tired. I feel distanced from God. I m anxious. When Methodists were asked this question in their small group, over two hundred years ago, they were encouraged not only to share how they felt, but more importantly how they were living. We have a digital bookout on our website to help you with your daily living. Go to and click on How Is It With Your Soul to view the booklet.

4 October Wednesday, October 1 Intercessory Prayer Group Board of Trustees Underground (S) 3:30 PM 5:15 PM Thursday, October 2 ConneXion Design Team Meeting Friday, October 3 Sunday, October 5 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Traditions Worship Sunday School Sunday School J/S The Story Class Club 45 Class Chancel Choir Warm up Traditions/ConneXion Worship Blessing of the Animals The New Testament Class SNL Kids Praise Youth Outing w/pgumc J/S Monday, October 6 Celebration Handbells 7:45 AM 8:15 AM 9:30 PM 10:15 AM 10:45 AM 3:00 PM Tuesday, October 7 Outreach Meeting Stephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. Stephen Ministry Supervision Mtg. 6:00 PM Genesis Class 6:00 PM Wednesday, October 8 Knitwits Meeting Intercessory Prayer Group Underground (S) 1:00 PM 3:30 PM Thursday, October 9 UMW Circle Meeting 10:00 AM ConneXion Design Team Meeting Friday, October 10 Sunday, October 12 Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Traditions Worship 8:15 AM Sunday School Sunday School J/S Church Tour The Story Class Club 45 Class Chancel Choir Warm up 10:15 AM Traditions/ConneXion Worship 10:45 AM Executive Meeting Kidz Rock The New Testament Class Underground (J) Worship Arts (S) Youth Disciple Bible Study(10-12) Monday, October 13 Celebration Handbells Tuesday, October 14 O Brien Thornton Circle 10:00 AM Rogers Moore Circle 10:00 AM UMW Circle Meeting 10:00 AM UMW Circle Meeting Wednesday, October 15 Deep Calling Deep Class 11:45 AM 3:30 PM Intercessory Prayer Group Youth Underground (S) Thursday, October 16 ConneXion Design Team Mtg. XYZ Luncheon 11:30 AM Mystery Night Family Event Friday, October 17 Sunday, October 19 Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AM Traditions Worship 8:15 AM Pre-K Bible Presentation/Traditions 8:15 AM Blood Drive 9:15 AM Sunday School Sunday School J/S Chapel Communion The Story Club 45 Chancel Choir Warm up 10:15 AM Traditions/ConneXion Worship 10:45 AM Pre-K Bible Presentation/ConneXion10:45 AM Bishop at FUMC (CLC) Underground J SNL Kids Praise Worship Arts (9-12) Youth Disciple Bible Study (10-12) Monday, October 20 Celebration Handbells UMW Board Meeting Tuesday, October 21 Methodist Men s Breakfast New Legacy Circle Meeting Wednesday, October 22 Deep Calling Deep Class Intercessory Prayer Group Youth Underground (S) Thursday, October 23 ConneXion Design Team Mtg. Friday, October 24 Sunday, October 26 Early Service Choir Rehearsal Traditions Worship Sunday School Sunday School J/S Church Tour The Story Club 45 Chancel Choir Warm up 7:00 AM 11:45 AM 7:45 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM

5 Calendar Traditions/ConneXion Worship PPRC The New Testament Class Trunk or Treat Monday, October 27 Celebration Handbells Wednesday, October 29 Deep Calling Deep Class Intercessory Prayer Group Game Night Youth Underground (S) Youth Movie Night J/S 10:45 AM 2:00 PM 11:45 AM 3:30 PM Other Announcements Thursday, October 30 ConneXion Design Team Meeting Friday, October 31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN Directory Photos If you or your family had your photos taken for the church directory please pick up your complimentary 8x10 photographs at the Welcome Center in the Christian Life Center. We will place them at the Welcome Center desk as we receive them in the mail. 50th Wedding Anniversary The children of Jerry and Marlene Bush would like to invite you to a reception honoring their 50th Wedding Anniversary in the Shelton Room on October 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. No gifts please, your presence is their only present. Special Gifts In Honor of Eddie & Sandra Harrell From Rick & Mary Roper In Celebration of the Infant Baptism of their Granddaughter Nora Snodgrass From Dr. Ross and Carol Jo Atkinson In Celebration of the Birth of their Grandson Elliott Atkinson From Dr. Ross and Carol Jo Atkinson In Honor of Dale & Bridget Kincheloe From James & Anne Williams In Memory of Mary Jo Dahl From Gil & Pat Wooten From William & Mary Jane Bartholomew From Dr. Ross & Carol Jo Atkinson In Memory of Dr. Charles Johnson From Dr. & Mrs. James Braun From Mr. & Mrs. Steve G. Baldwin From Don & Rose Lawley From Chuck & Martha Dudley From Robert & Ellen Clements In Memory of Jeslyn McCleary From Dr. Ross & Carol Jo Atkinson From Friendship Sunday School Class From Peggy Clark From Clay & Nina White In Memory of Cindy DeWitt From Walker & Debbie Loyd In Memory of Michelle Bartlett From Brian & Arleen Marshall In Memory of Elsie Wilcox From Theresa Lowry United Methodist Missionaries Eric and Liz Soard will be speaking to the Genesis Class on Sunday, October 5 at 9:30 a.m. They live in Tanzania, East Africa near Lake Victoria. They have three children, Derrick (7), Kaleb (2), and Micah (a few months). They work doing holistic church development, which includes everything from church planting, to leadership development, and community development. They are also involved in the Tanzanian Publishing Team, working to develop church resources for the UMC in Tanzania, and are heading up a team to start Wesley College, which will be the first United Methodist university in Tanzania. They are also passionate about volunteer teams, church-to-church partnerships, and anything that connects the global church together. Liz is currently working on an MA in Intercultural Studies and Eric an MA in International Development. They are certified candidates for ordination and hope to be commissioned as deacons in the UMC in the near future. You can learn more about their work on their blog, ingodslife. blogspot.com, or contact them directly at esoard@umcmission.org or ericsoard@umcmission.org. Game Night We will have Game Night beginning October 29th! Join us for dinner at Wednesdays at First at followed by fun games like bingo and chicken foot at. It will be a great time of fellowship, games, a maybe even a few prizes! Mark November 5th and 12th for Game Night, too!

6 A 3rd Quarter Attendance and Giving Report REV. MICHAEL MATTOX Pastor Zach told you about the 2nd Quarter activity in an earlier edition of the newsletter, and I m happy to report on the current status. Without the statistics from the last Sunday in September, here s how our vital signs of attendance, service, and giving can be registered for the period from July through September of A weekly high point in that quarter was 1,255 when we gathered for the 09/21/2014 services, including our special Jazz After Church Sunday. Our weekly average attendance in July, August, and September (the summer months) was 923. As you heard when this last report was made, those weekly attendance marks include our Sunday morning worship services as well as our opportunities for service and ministry during the week at places like the Caring Place and the Open Arms Food Pantry. Those of you who are able to participate in these weekday ministries know what a joy it is to participate in them! We ve received 14 new members in this same time period, adding to the total of 50 from January through June. As of September 23, 2014, our total income in the 3rd quarter was $385, This was $11, less than our Finance Committee had anticipated, but, again, expenses were managed well. However, we end the summer quarter with a -$33, deficit. Now, as the last quarter in the year (October December) is upon us, we can all dig a little deeper and help the church catch up. You are always welcomed to hear more about these reports at any time, and I m happy to visit with you. Child Development Center Update LESLEE JONES The Child Development Center (CDC) is off to a great start for the program year that began on August 18. Enrollment is good and families are still calling to see if there is room for their child in the CDC. The two preschool classes are enjoying weekly enrichment experiences provided by two members of First United Methodist Church. Beth Roberts teaches the children Spanish and Ann Lowerre and the children are enjoying music together. Plus a children s librarian from the Garland County Library comes in each month and reads and tells stories with the children. Children will also be participating in Bible lessons each week. All of these experiences are in addition to the regular curriculum activities that the children are involved in each day, thanks to their teachers, Ms. Sherry and Ms. Janet, plus Ms. Bobbie who leads the children in B.A.M.M.M. Books and Movement a Magical Mix! News from the CDC children who entered kindergarten in August has been great. Parents report that children have made a good adjustment to the school setting and some have expressed thanks to the CDC for giving their children such as solid foundation for this next phase of their education. At the CDC we believe that we are helping children from birth to five get ready for kindergarten and for life. The CDC is continuing the Envelope Fundraiser Event for the scholarship program for families who need temporary assistance in paying tuition. You can participate in the fundraiser by selecting an envelope off the window of the Romper Room in the Christian Life Center or another designated location. Each envelope has a dollar amount on the outside and a piece of art that children in the CDC created for the fundraiser. The envelopes have directions on where to place them. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. LesLee, CDC Director, at During the past month two families who needed temporary assistance in paying tuition have applied for scholarships. Both of these families value the CDC as a home away from home for their children and want them to continue to attend. You are urged to support the Envelope Fundraiser Event so that the scholarship account has sufficient funds to support families in need.

7 Underground Youth BART PATTON Reaching out with Open Arms LAUREN ENGLISH FUMC Hot Springs reaches out to the community with love every Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. at the Open Arms Food Pantry. Those who would like to participate are served Communion with our pastors before going through the process of receiving their food. During this time, prayer requests are taken, and many people on staff along with volunteers pray with those who are needing prayer. On Tuesday, September 23, we decided to serve Communion outside because it was such a pretty day. Recently, we served the most people we have ever served families which represents 249 people in one day! Our average each week is around people. Babs Blagg does a great job recording the numbers weekly and giving a report to the Food Bank quarterly. We are thankful for the work God is doing here every week and for the lives that are being touched through this ministry. If you have helped serve in the pantry, you have seen first hand how our mission statement is being carried out as we are connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.

8 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Welcome New FUMC Member! Kathryn P. Eisenkramer We are a community of faith, connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world.