BIBLE STUDY GROUPS... 1 August 23, First views

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1 BIBLE STUDY GROUPS... 1 August 23, 2015 FAMILY LIFE... 2 THOSE WHO SERVE... 3 KIDS, MUSIC & NEWS... 4 MATURE METHODISTS... 5 First views OPPORTUNITIES... 6 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. So let s do it full of belief, confident that we re presentable inside and out. Let s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25, The Message) So let s do it. I love the urgency of Eugene Peterson s translation of this passage in The Message. Other translations seem calmer, more measured, and tame. Not in The Message. You can feel the author s energy jumping off the page. What are you waiting for?! Don t pump the brakes. Hit the accelerator. It s a new day full of life and possibility. Let s get going! I think the author knew that when believers come together in the presence of God, they have life-changing experiences and form life-giving relationships. And you know this, too. I hear people talk about the lifechanging experiences they ve had through Bible studies like Disciple. Studying Scripture with a small community of believers lets us experience how God s living Word leaps off the page and into our lives. When I ve asked about the best part of participating in a Bible study, people usually say it s that they hear new perspectives from others in the group, and those new perspectives are what help spur each other on. Participating in a Bible study or Sunday school class is also the place where we form life-giving relationships. Taking the first step into a new class may be nerve-wracking and feel awkward. Signing up for a Bible study may mean saying No to something else so you can have time. The gift of a group, though, is the group. Awkwardness and anxiety about time melt away as the weeks roll on because we realize how good it feels to be known by and to know others. To know I matter to you, and you matter to me can be just the encouragement we need to keep us going. If you are not already part of a Sunday school class or Bible study, take a look at the upcoming options listed in this newsletter. There are many more Sunday school classes on our church website: Prayerfully consider a place where you can join in. If you already are in a group or class, help make room for and invite others to join you in this journey. And if you have a group you d like to see started, and don t see it listed, let me (wil@firstumchickory.org) or Leeann (leeann@firstumchickory.org) know, and we can help you. Now s the time. Don t shy away, or wait until next time. Join in, meet God, get to know and be known by new friends. Let s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going, and let s journey together. Peace, Pastor Wil 1

2 REFRESHMENTS FOR THE CATAWBA COUNTY CORRECTIONAL CENTER Once a week Rob Setliff and others provide a Bible Study for the folks who find themselves situated within the walls of this minimum security facility. I would like to coordinate folks from our church to provide refreshments for them to enjoy during their Tuesday studies. If you would be interested in helping, please contact me. Outlined below is what is required on a weekly basis. Homemade dessert (One large 13 x 9 dessert, 4 dozen cookies, etc.) 2 large bags or boxes of something salty (chips, crackers, etc.) 2 two-liter sodas Just bring your things to church on Sunday and place them in the CLC kitchen. Rob will pick them up before he leaves and take them to his Bible Study on Tuesday. I will send an or call so you don t forget the dates you signed up to help with this ministry. You may participate as an individual or as a group. I have many groups working together to provide refreshments and take a certain week of the month (for example, third week) and do it on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Thank you, Pam Hale - pam@p-p-i.com We need volunteers to make homemade goodies for the Vine Service each Sunday. They can be made in advance and frozen if that would be helpful. Please bring them to the kitchen and let Dennis know they are for The Vine. FUTURE EVENTS CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER ORIENTATION will be Sunday, August 30 directly after church in the Craft Room. ICE CREAM SOCIAL & BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS will be August 23 (see page 5). CHILDREN S CHOIR SIGN-UP August 23 during the Ice Cream Social. SOUTHWEST OPPORTUNITIES Hello Southwest School Supporters! There are two opportunities in August for you to help Southwest School. Are you Willing?? Able?? Ready??? Okay... 1) Friday, August 21---We are handing out backpacks at the school from 4 to 6 p.m. in the library. It takes at least 6 of us, more if possible. Please let us know. 2) Sunday, August 23---This evening is blessing of the backpacks at our church. We need a group of 4 or 5 to be hospitality/greeters when the visitors from Southwest School arrive. If you can help, let Leeann (leeann@firstumchickory.org) or Diane (dianecreasman@charter.net) know. Thanks so much for your interest and participation in the Southwest School Ministry!! For more information, check out the Mission Corner near the community room and the elevator! Diane and Leeann We need Ice Cream! Please share your talent for making wonderful, home made ice cream with us for the Ice Cream Social. We also need donations of toppings for the Ice Cream Social. Please contact Wes Bridges to let him know what you will be bringing , whbridges@alumni.unc.edu 2

3 Sunday, August 23, 2015 Thirteenth Sunday in Kingdomtide 8:30 a.m. - Early Worship 11:00 a.m. - Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. - The Vine Worship Message: Jesus: the God we didn t see coming Rev. Wil Posey Scripture: Mark 8:27-29 Kingston: Jack and Erica Carmichael Tracey Horton, pianist Nursery: Josh and Holly Page and Kristy Guptill Acolytes: David Stiles and Maddy Phillips Ushers: Paul and Sharon Warren (Cocaptains), Matt Barkley, Jane Earnest, Jack Harwell, Edney Hudson, David Shumate, Charles Trivette, David Cody, Tim Kirkland Greeters: Lea Posey and Diane Munoz Offering Stewards: Roger May and John Teeter Sunday School Greeters: Genesis Class Donut Rotation: August - Trinity September - Joy Outlook Office Champions: Claudene Smith, Jane Lindsay Donna Waldron, Cathy Jones, Diane Creasman, Laura Eckard, Blenda Clegg, Barbara Foster, Dori Kirkland WEEKLY CALENDAR Sunday, August 23 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service (S) 9:30 a.m. Donut/Fellowship (CRm) 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) 3:00 p.m. Gospel Voices Well-Crafted 6:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social and Blessing of the Backpacks Monday, August 24 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Tuesday, August 25 9:30 a.m. Craft Ladies Wednesday, August 26 6:30 p.m. Chancel Ringers 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, August 27 8:00 p.m. AA Friday, August 28 Saturday, August 29 8:00 p.m. AA Sunday, August 30 8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service (S) 9:30 a.m. Donut/Fellowship (CRm) 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) 12:00 p.m. Children s Sunday School Teacher Orientation 3:00 p.m. Gospel Voices Well-Crafted S - Sanctuary; CLC - Christian Life Center; CRm - Community Room; Ch - Chapel GIFTS TO THE CHURCH In memory of GLENN MILLER By Carolyn Garrett (Music) By Louise Powell (Music) By M/M August Macijewski (Music) By M/M Benjamin Johnson (Budget) By M/M William Huffman (Music) In memory of PEGGY JOHNSON By Louise Powell (Budget) By M/M August Macijewski (PDF) By Margaret Edwards (PEF) Attendance for August 16, 2015 Early Service 50 Kingston 37 11:00 a.m. services 318 Total 405 Sunday School 207 The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and in honor of ELOISE ABERNETHY S 95th birthday on August 24th by Pam, Donna and their families. Three rosebuds are placed on the altar in honor of MARGARET SHUMATE S 92nd birthday on August 23, MARGIE ROWE S 93rd birthday on August 23, and ELOISE ABERNETHY S 95th birthday on August 24 by the Older Adult Council. GIFTS TO THE CHURCH In memory of DOTTIE MCDOWELL By Kathleen Estes (First Builders) By Scott McWilliams (First Builders) By Anne Rogers (First Builders) By Carolyn Garrett (First Builders) By Debbie Hinkle (First Builders) By F-35 Team Fleet (First Builders) By Frances Landaas (First Builders) By J. C. Epting (First Builders) By Kay Melton (First Builders) By Louise Powell (First Builders) By M/M August Macijewski (First Builders) By M/M Don Grau (First Builders) By M/M Doug Phelps (First Builders) By M/M Forest Ferrell (First Builders) By M/M John Stratton (First Builders) By M/M Phil Yount (First Builders) By M/M Ralph Kellar (First Builders) By M/M William Gruman (First Builders) By M/M Wm. Miller Abernethy (First Builders) By Mildred Flowers (First Builders) By Phyllis Cannon (First Builders) In memory of SPOTSWOOD DAVID By Louise Powell (Budget) In memory of DOT ARMSTRONG By M/M August Macijewski (Music) 3

4 (7th - 12th grades) OCTOBER 2 -??Bryson City Mission Trip NOVEMBER Fall Retreat BLOOD DRIVE First United Methodist Church Wednesday, September 16 Sign-up sheet is in the office, or you can register online. Appointments are available from 2:30 to 6:45 p.m. If you cannot donate blood, help in another way--volunteer to help with registration, help in the canteen, or donate homemade goodies for the canteen. Questions? Contact Holley Dagenhardt at or dagenhardt@charter.net. MEALS ON WHEELS of Catawba County is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout the county. Meals are picked up at various locations Monday through Thursday between 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and delivery takes one and a half hours. Won t you help make a difference in the life of a senior in our community. Please call Vickie Redden at Our Children s Choir theme this year is Choosing God s Way. Let s imagine planning a long journey. You choose the date, the departure time, your traveling companions, your wardrobe, and your mode of transportation. But, wait! Where are we going? To know God s way, we have to first know God. In Psalm 46:10 God directs us, Be still and know that I Am God. How hard is it to be still in today s world? We are living over-scheduled, over-stimulated, over-active lives. Musical ensembles are a good time to take a deep breath and consider Psalm 46:10. To be Still... And Know (that)... I Am God. To breathe deeply, eliminate distractions, focus your attention and for a few minutes be still, and just be... be with God. God knows we need this gift. It is the first step in choosing God s way. Yes, we are called to ministry and service, but we are also called to rest. Children also need time to be still. Like all of us, their days are flooded with activity, images, and sounds. There is a need to intentionally build quiet, still moments into our lives. OK. God has our attention. We are still and focused. Now what? Know. That is a decisive verb with no hint of ambiguity--- just know. In choosing God s way, we accept the truth of God s existence and God s interaction in our daily lives. We call that acceptance faith. Singing exposes all of us to the scriptures in a visceral way, with our bodies and voices. The songs and activities in Choosing God s Way provide a foundation of scriptures and biblically sound song texts, building blocks for a lifetime knowledge of and faith in God, so we can wisely choose the great I AM! FUMC has many opportunities to Be Still and Know the great I AM! Check out the following musical ensembles. Choir Time Day CHANCEL CHOIR 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays Sundays August 17 - November 9 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Christ Alive Church 1549 Southwest Boulevard Newton, NC ALDERSGATE CHOIR (4th - 6th grade) WESLEY CHOIR (1st - 3rd grade) SUNSINGERS (3, 4, & 5 yr olds) 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays 9:45 a.m. Sundays GOSPEL VOICES 3:00 p.m. Sundays CHANCEL RINGERS 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays Harvey Scott is helping to lead some of the sessions. Please call Harvey for more information and how to sign up. ( ) RINGLEADERS (7th - 12th grade) 1ST RINGERS (4th - 6th grade) 4:00 p.m. Sundays 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays 4

5 ICE CREAM SOCIAL & BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS! Find those incredible homemade ice cream recipes, and dust off the ice cream churn! Clean the crumpled papers out of your backpack! Go shopping for school supplies. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE MOST DELICIOUS EVENT OF THE YEAR! It s nearly time for the annual FUMC Ice Cream Social where you will enjoy the best homemade ice cream anywhere! WHEN: Sunday evening, AUGUST 23, 6 p.m. WHERE: Christian Life Center While we re enjoying fabulous ice cream (and other scrumptious desserts!), we will acknowledge the beginning of the new school year with the Blessing of the Backpacks. Children, youth, adults bring your backpacks, and get prepared for a blessed year! (We will still collect school supplies to share with children at Southwest Elementary School at this event.) FALL STUDIES Disciple I Fast Track : Participants still receive a thorough introduction to the Bible, both the Old and New Testament and emphasizes the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. Led by Scott Garmon on Sundays at 4pm for 24 weeks, starting TBA. Disciple II: Into the Word, Into the World :This study proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. Led by Craig Langston on Thursdays from 6:30-8pm starting September 24 th. Eyes to See : Sometimes our best interpreters of scripture are visual artists. This 8 week study will pair scripture with classic and contemporary images to help us catch God s vision for how to live faithfully with one another and in the world.. Led by Wil Posey on Sundays at 4pm beginning on September 27 th for 8 weeks A Disciples Path: A unique, engaging approach to the study of discipleship within the context of the Wesleyan and United Methodist heritage and tradition. Led by Wil Posey on Sunday Mornings during Sunday School (9:45-10:45) starting on September 20 th. Life Review: A place to write down your life stories. Each older adult will be paired with someone who will type their stories, prompted by curriculum, so at the end, you will have a book of your life stories to pass down to your children and grandchildren. Led by Leeann Setliff on Tuesdays starting September 14 th at 6pm for 6 weeks. Journaling through the Hymns: Participants will re-purpose old hymnals (provided) to devotional use by choosing favorite hymns and using resources provided in the class to connect with scripture. Led by Rhonda Smith on Mondays at 6pm starting on October 5 th for 4 weeks Heaven and Hell: What the Bible Says about it: Mondays from 7pm-8pm starting on September 14th. Led by Troy Howard The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands :Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love. Facilitated by Hilary May, details to come! Greif Share: Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life s most difficult experiences. You don t have to go through the grieving process alone. Led by Bebe Leitch, check back for details! 5

6 Do you have an old ipad that you are no longer using?... The church needs an ipad to use in conjunction with The Square, which will be the way meals will be charged to your debit/credit card on Wednesday nights. We no longer have the credit card machine we have used in the past. If you have an old ipad that you are no longer using, please consider donating it to the church. You can receive a receipt for donated property and use the donation as a deduction on your taxes. Share a story, sing a song, help a child learn more about God & Jesus...just be yourself. Contact Leeann and let her know that you are available to do a Children s Time some Sunday morning. You ll love it! leeann@firstumchickory.org or We are taking this opportunity to invite you to come care for the babies and toddlers in our congregation. These are the opportunities available to you: Babies 2 year olds 3 & 4 year olds Sunday school hour Sunday school hour Worship hour Worship hour Worship hour All ages are welcome (10 and up) from floor players to rocker sitters to care for our little ones. Please contact Sarah Kihneman or heysarahk@gmail.com. C O O K I E S!!! Come help us bake cookies for Kairos on Saturday, September 12, We ll meet at 10 a.m. in the Christian Life Center. All are welcome! 13th Annual INDIAN FALL GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT Sponsored by St. Stephens High School Music Boosters Saturday, September 12, 2015 Catawba Springs Country Club Golf Course Shotgun: 1 pm 4- Person Captain s Choice $240/team 32 team limit $$$ Cash 1st Prize each flight For more information: Tom , or at tnmcnair@embarqmail.com Help support the Habitat Build Team. Contact Roger May (rhrmay@yahoo.com) or Gary Parrot (everydayquilter@gmail.com) to find out how you can help. Thank you! Fall Events August 23 - Blessing of the Backpacks - 6 p.m. August 30 - Presentation of Bibles September 2 - First! & Worship September 6 - Sunday School Kick-off 6

7 Harriet Corry - Chairman Leeann Setliff - Staff Support Mature Methodist Trip Mature Methodists will travel to SHATLEY SPRINGS INN for lunch on September 10. After lunch, we will spend time in West Jefferson before returning home. The sign up sheet is in the church office. The cost for gas is $10, and the meal is either family style or a la carte. Contact Leeann for more information: leeann@firstumchickory.org or 828- GOFORTH The GOFORTH CLUB will meet on Tuesday, September 1, at 12 noon for a meal and program. The meal will be chopped steak with mushrooms and gravy, mashed potatoes, green peas, yeast rolls, pumpkin cake with icing. The program will be presented by Josh Page, and he will discuss self-defense for Seniors. Please make your reservations for the meal by Sunday, August 30. Mature Methodist Life Review Study Come share your story and meet with us on Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. Future Adventures OCTOBER Join us for lunch and a boat ride on the CATAWBA QUEEN on October 1. We will be taking the van, and the cost is $35. Sign up in the office or contact Leeann for more info! DECEMBER Travel to the Cove to Christmas carol and enjoy lunch. The date is December 14, and the cost is $35 which includes the event, lunch, and gas. Sign up in the office or contact Leeann for more info! Contact Leeann for additional details or leeann@firstumchickory.org. Space is limited! The MATURE METHODIST COUNCIL will meet on September 13. 7

8 The JOY OUTLOOK CLASS is sponsoring its annual School Supplies Collection Project. You can continue to support the students of Southwest Elementary School and Longview Elementary School by purchasing essential school supplies. A list of requested supplies appears below, and many of these items are often on sale during the summer months. Please place school supplies in the purple bins in the Atrium, Community Room, and beside the Parlor. NEWSLETTER INFO NEEDED Thank you for your support! Backpacks Card stock Construction paper Copy paper Crayons Expo markers (dry erase markers) File folders Glue sticks Index cards Pencil top erasers Pencils Sharpies Tape Wide ruled notebook paper The CHURCH HANDBOOK 2015 edition is available for pickup in the Narthex or at the Atrium Welcome Desk. We ask that you take only 1 per household. Thank you. If you want information in the next newsletter - which will be for the week starting August 30, 2015, please submit your information by August 25 For the September 6 newsletter, please submit your information by September 1 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: *Time AGAIN for KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY* In Matthew 25, Jesus commends the righteous for ministering to those in prison. Yet many of us may not have the opportunity nor feel comfortable actually going into the prisons. The KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY provides the opportunity for EVERYONE to join in! On September 17-20, 2015, a group will take the Love of Christ into the Alexander Correctional Center. Many of you have supported us in the past, and we need your help again through prayer, cookies and financial support. The cost of this weekend is approximately $9,500 and during the weekend, approximately 50,000 cookies will be shared with 1,000 + inmates. Your help is needed by praying for the inmates and team members, by baking cookies (each team member must bring 100 dozen cookies!) and by contributing to cost of the weekend. A contribution of only $5 will sponsor a meal for one of the inmates during the weekend. Many of you have helped in this ministry before, and I ask that you prayerfully consider helping again. Please sign up to pray for the KAIROS weekend. Look for a sign up sheet in your SS classroom, or call me to pick a time. Cookies are needed (anytime) before Wednesday, September 16, and I can provide you with helpful instructions about the preparation of cookies. Tax deductible contributions should be made payable to Kairos Prison Ministry of NC and given to me. ANY amount is helpful! I also encourage anyone who may have an interest in personally being part of this ministry to contact me. This is a unique opportunity to share and experience God s love. No special skill or talent is needed just your love for God and neighbor! Please contact Jim Chandler ( ) with any questions or to arrange pick -up of cookies, contributions or prayer vigil sign-ups. 8