A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. October 2013

Transcription

1 A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. October 2013 Open Arms REV. MICHAEL MATTOX & REV. TERESA HOLT You might be surprised to learn that one of the many landmarks highlighted on the Hot Springs Duck Tours is the giant mosaic of Jesus, stretching forth his open arms along Central Avenue. The Duck Tour drivers might not get it right every time as to how the (almost) famous 1964 mosaic was made by Italian and Mexican artists, but most every time, they point toward the church, our church, and highlight the amazing artwork of a Jesus looming over the city with outstretched arms. Adam, a local Duck Tour driver recently told us, The tourists absolutely love the mosaic. People will often ask me to slow down on the way back so they can take pictures of Jesus! Open Arms is not just an historic sculpture or mosaic, and it s not just a slogan or a program, it s actually an attitude. With the help of the church s two-year involvement in the community through BHAGG (Big Holy Audacious God Goal), we have been at work (including the earlier Re-Missioning process) discerning God s goal for us to be moving more fully into the neighborhood. Our multiple community listening sessions were vital. We learned a lot we either didn t know or were taking for granted. God has always been in our neighborhood, but did we have the vision to always see God s work? How could we better make those connections of what the Duck Tour drivers say about our mosaic and what we practice in our lives? How could Open Arms be a moniker for all we do? The BHAGG team has been thrilled to see that much of the goal and work has been continued through the ministry of multiple groups in the church. We celebrate the recent adoption of our neighborhood Langston Elementary School and our participation in the Jazz Festival, which are signs that we are becoming more of a neighbor in the community. The BHAGG team will be proposing to Board of Stewards that the BHAGG team s 2-year work is completed and will be recommending that a task force - tentatively called Open Arms - would continue the work of moving the church deeper into the community (defined by a 1 mile radius of church). The vision God has for us does not include just helping our neighbors but also celebrating the creativity and gifts this community has to offer; this includes Art and Soul Exhibits, The Jazz Festival, Christmas Parade, Biker Week, First Friday Art Walks, St. Patrick s Day Parade and on and on! When it comes to what uniquely makes Hot Springs such a special place, imagine what it would mean to reach out with open arms...just like the mosaic indicates! If you would like to become more involved in this Open Arms movement, please contact us at We are all graced with gifts and talents that allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to this community with open arms! What is ShareFest? Imagine churches joining together to reach out and touch lives for Christ while revealing His love through acts of service. Plan now to join us for ShareFest 2013 on November 2nd at Langston Elementary from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will roll up our sleeves and help paint, clean, plant, refurbish, and beautify the school which is located within 1 mile of our church. Everyone is invited to participate Sunday school classes, Extended study classes, Youth, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, Knitwits, Stephen Ministry, HoHum, whatever group you are in, or not in...grab your friends and join us. Jesus told us to Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Let s shine our light as a church and unite in purpose, prayer and service for ShareFest 2013! Pray with us The intercessory prayer team rejoices in the ministry of our staff and this month lifts Lauren English - Communications Director, Lanette Wilson - Administrative Assistant, and Cyndee Metcalf - Business Manager in prayer as they go about their work responsibilities. Colossians 3:17 Upcoming Sermons Sunday, October 6 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Mustard Seeds Luke 17:5-10 Michael Mattox ConneXion (10:45) So Happy Together Psalm 133 Zach Roberts Sunday, October 13 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) Bloom Where You Are Planted Jer. 29:1, 4-11 Teresa Holt ConneXion (10:45) Grateful Luke 17:11-19 & Psalm 66:1-12 Michael Mattox Sunday, October 20 Traditions (8:15, 10:45) The Power of Persistence! Luke 18:1-8 Michael Mattox ConneXion (10:45) It s Not Easy Being Green Psalm 1 Bart Patton Sunday, October 27 Traditions ConneXion (8:15, 10:45) (10:45) The Great Temple Waiting for the Mount Showdown World to Change Luke 18:9-14 Psalm 130:5-8 Bart Patton Zach Roberts

2 Senior Saints Upcoming Events! Friday, October 4: We ll travel to Mosaic Madness in Hot Springs & use our mosaic talents. Cost is $20 a person which includes lunch. Thursday, October 17: XYZ will meet Thursday, October 17th at 11:30 AM for fellowship, potluck lunch and a program presented by the Historical Society about the fire that took place in Hot Springs 100 years ago. This will speaker will give great insight on the history of Hot Springs. Hope to see you all there! October 24 & 25: Crystal Bridges in NWA featuring This Land: Picturing a Changing America in the 1930 s and 1940 s. We ll see paintings, drawings, prints and photographs of this era. Sign up ASAP! Cost is $70 per person. Friday, November 22: OBU Christmas Concert & dinner at the Fish Net in Arkadelphia; Tickets $13. Connect with us! Like FUMC Hot Springs on Facebook Follow on Instagram & Phone: (501) Fax: (501) lwilson@fumchs.com Listen to our traditional worship service every week on FM! New small groups & studies REV. TERESA HOLT Looking for a new class? Here are some small group studies starting in the next few months! Check out our additional small groups and studies online at for more possibilities! Men of Honor, A Short Term Study for Men: The challenge in today s world is not so much how to identify the wood and clay, though that can be deceiving as well, but how to be victorious in the face of temptation and contamination. Just as the carburetor of a car becomes contaminated, so does the heart of any man. The gunk that builds up can prevent us from the noble purposes the Master has in store for us. This study, led by Steve Burns on Sundays starting October 13th November 10th in CLC 201, is designed to help men cleanse the house and function at our optimal best. Cost of book is $7.00. The Cup of Our Life, A Short Term Study for Women: The Cup of Our Life is a women s study offered November 5th December 17th, 9:30 11:00 a.m. (Christian Life Center 209), which offers practical suggestions and meaningful content to aid in developing a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. Organized on a daily basis, participants are encouraged to use an ordinary cup (or mug) to invite God more closely into one s pain, suffering, joys, hopes and struggles. Six major themes are explored in the spiritual life, each one followed by prayer suggestions including litanies, creative writing, ideas for reflection, journal-keeping, and a celebratory ritual. Cost of book is $ Praying the Hours: Our prayer mini-series will continue with Praying the Hours, November 5th November 26th, 12:10 12:50 p.m. (Christian Life Center #201). Praying the Hours is a tradition of praying to God at certain times of the day. This is a very old Jewish custom that was continued in the early church and continues today in the Orthodox, Catholic, and mainline Protestant traditions. We will look at the possibilities in the UMC Book of Worship, as well as those by our Episcopal and Catholic neighbors. We will also participate in a 15 minute mid-day prayer service. Participants will be encouraged to pray 3-4 times a day utilizing the services (via internet, phone app s, or book). Cost is dependent upon optional resources acquired. For more information, or to register for any of our small groups or classes, go to and click on adults and then small groups, or Teresa at tholt@fumchs.com. Mike s Mic Underground S (9-12): Join the WORSHIP ARTS TEAM today! Our new Worship Arts Team is a group for Underground S Students in 9th-12th grades that meets on Sunday nights as a part of Sunday Night Life. This group designs worship services by using their God-given creativity to communicate the gospel in a worship setting. Worship Arts is not just choir and music. Students will have the opportunity to use music, drama, set design, speaking, technical teams, graphic design, video production and more. So far, the Worship Arts Team has had an orientation meeting and taken a spiritual gifts assessment to measure our spiritual gifts. Not everyone is wired the same way and that is exactly why we want to make the Worship Arts Team so diverse. We want you to use your strengths with this team and would love for you to join now! We are working on some upcoming services and our end of the year trip to Philadelphia in June. So, come on out Sunday at 5 p.m.! We meet each Sunday night in the Underground for dinner at 5, then start rehearsal in the Choir Room at 5:30 p.m. We are asking everyone to commit to the team on or before October 6th. We would love to see YOU there! CONNEXION AUDIO / VISUAL TEAM MIKE LOVELADY I would like to thank Renita Philley-Hale, David Bedell and Lauren Lovelady for volunteering on The ConneXion A/V team. Someone has to make sure that the sound is good and the words are on the screen and that the lights are on. It's only a part of what they do, but they do a fantastic job and I really appreciate their support each Sunday. If you would like to be added to the list, I will personally train you and let you observe a few Sundays so you can feel confident when it's your week. We would love to have volunteers for each month so we can implement a working rotation for the volunteers. Please give me a call or grab me on a Sunday if you are interested in helping! Welcome New FUMC Hot Springs Members! Deadline for the Messenger: the 15th of each month Dennis & Charlotte Fason Jean Lacefield Libby Goens

3 Children s Ministry FALL FESTIVAL, BOUNCE HOUSES & TRUNK-OR-TREAT Sunday, October 27th, 5-7 PM in the Christian Life Center! The search is on for Creative Trunk Participants! Everyone is invited to dress in costume, including the adults, and decorate your trunks! Pair up with another family, or have your Sunday school class sponsor a trunk. You can have games, crafts, candy, etc you choose. Register on our website for the Trunk-Decorating Contest to compete for the prize going to the most creative trunk! Contest entries will be assigned a number and a parking spot via on Monday, October 25. Non-Creative Trunk Participants who don t all have the time or inclination to create a trunk masterpiece, but love to treat the kids and make them smile, are also invited to bring an undecorated or slightly-decorated trunk filled with at least 250 wrapped candies and participate in the fun. No registration is required. Please park in any spaces around, but not in the spaces designated for the decorated trunks. Kids come dressed in your costumes and INVITE your friends to come with you, too! Snack supper will be provided by our Youth Group during the event. NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION, BUT ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO BRING NON- PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR THE OPEN ARMS FOOD PANTRY. There will be a drop box at the CLC Welcome Center for your donations. Candy donations are also needed. If you can help donate candy, please drop individually wrapped candy in the box labeled Fall Festival in front of the Welcome Center in the Christian Life Center before Thursday, October 24th Kids R.O.C.K. MICHELLE WILKINS This year started with a BANG with 70 children in attendance for our first mission night! We decided to adopt Langston School as our mission focus after watching clips from the movie Be Undivided which highlights a church s relationship with a local school. The positive results for both the students and the church members involved are truly inspirational! This year our Kids R.O.C.K. kids will focus on seeing others through loving eyes. We will meet from 5:00 7:00 on the second Sunday of each month. October will be an exception to our usual schedule as we will have a collection only. Please be on the lookout for small toys and prizes to help fill up the Kindergarten through 4th grade treasure boxes at Langston school. These can be unopened treats from fast food meals or dollar store and Wal-Mart goodies. Our October monthly meeting will be replaced by the FUMC Fall Fest on Sunday, October 27th from 5:00 7:00. Special Gifts In Memory Of Frances Simmons From Suzanne C. Bryan In Memory of Doris Johnston From W. Bob & Joan Case From Bridget & Dale Kincheloe From Arlene H. French From Barbara Mahoney From The Antique Club (Little Rock) In Memory Of Ken McClanahan From W. Bob & Joan Case From Helen Wilson Circle In Memory of James Michael Jones From W. Bob & Joan Case From Bruce & Winnie Meeks From Preston & Rose Rudisill From Wayne & Jane Ranson From Bill and Bernard Cluck From Frances Dalme In Memory of Richard (Dick) Welch In Memory of Pat Kelly From Rex & Linda Woodson In Memory of Dee Roberts Pre-K Bible Presentation The Preschool Bible Presentation will take place on Sunday, October 20th during the 8:15 Traditions and 10:45 ConneXion worship services. This presentation is for all children ages 3 to 5 years old (must have turned 3 by August 1, 2013). Please Michelle Wilkins to register your child to receive a Bible: mwilkins@fumchs.com Kids R.O.C.K. Missions September 8, 2013 School supplies *October 13, 2013 Treasure box treats (*collection only) *October 20, 2013 Collection Sunday *October 27, 2013 Fall Fest from 5:00-7:00 November 10, 2013 Coat drive (pick up Angel Tree info) December 8, 2013 bring Angel Tree gifts In Memory of Virginia Lee Walden (Aunt of Judy Mattox) From Larry & Elizabeth Alderman In Memory of Rodney Tillman From Joan Adkins In Honor of Mike Lovelady From Chuck & Martha Dudley In Honor of Ron Hall From Chuck & Martha Dudley We need your help as we serve our upcoming generation of leaders! Can you spare your lunch hour one day a week? We are looking for adults to go to Langston Elementary (which is just 1 mile from our church) and have lunch with a Pre-K to 4th grade child one day a week. By doing this consistently, you will show the child that God loves them through your support and caring spirit. No experience is needed and there is no teaching involved! These children just need caring adults that will be there to listen and to talk to them about how things are going in their lives. Research confirms what we instinctively know to be true that a caring adult can make a big difference in a child's future. Mentors serve as role models, advocates, friends and advisors. Studies show that mentors help children augment social skills and emotional well-being, improve cognitive skills and plan for the future. Mentoring also results in better attendance at school, lowers dropout rates and decreases involvement with drugs and violent behavior. If you are interested, please contact Michelle (501) or by mwilkins@fumchs.com. In Honor of Bart Patton From Chuck & Martha Dudley In our prayers... Christian sympathy is expressed to the family of Mr. Lehmann Henderson who recently passed away. His funeral was last Friday in Hot Springs, officiated by Rev. David Wilson. Christian sympathy is also expressed to the family of Randy & Sara Teale in the recent passing of Randy s mother, Jo Sibley. Join us in praying for these families during this time.

4 Sunday, October 6 Blessing of the Animals Lay Leadership Meeting Jesus in the Gospel Class Companions in Christ Class SNL/Kidz Rock Youth Underground J (6-8) Worship Arts S (9-12) Monday, October 7 Tuesday, October 8 Helen Wilson Circle O Brien-Thorton Circle Rogers-Moore Circle Ignatius Spiritual Excercises Jayne Murphy Circle Connexion Design Team Wednesday, October 9 Knitwit Neeting Jubilation Handbells Youth/Fields of Faith Thursday, October 10 Jesus in the Gospels Study Class Friday, October 11 Sunday, October 13 Pre-K Bible Presentation Blood Drive Finance Committee Meeting Jesus in the Gospel Class SNL/Sunday Dinner Companions in Christ Class Kids R.O.C.K./Socks & Shoes Drive Men of Honor Youth Underground J (6-8) Worship Arts S (9-12) 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM October Calendar Monday, October 14 YAC Tuesday, October 15 Methodist Men s Breakfast Ignatius Spiritual Exercise Helen Wilson Circle O Brien-Thorton Circle Rogers-Moore Circle ConneXion Design Team Mtg. New Legacy Circle Wednesday, October 16 Jubilation HandBells Youth S Underground (9-12) Thursday, October 17 Community Foundation Meeting Jesus in the Gospels XYZ Luncheon Friday, October 18 Fifth Quarter Youth Sunday, October 20 Church Tour w/ John Polk & Bridget Kincheloe Chapel Communion Plug In/New Member Sunday Lay Leadership Meeting Jesus in the Gospel SNL/Sunday Dinner Companions in Christ Men of Honor SNL/Sunday Night Life KIDZ Youth Underground J (6-8) Youth Worship Arts S (9-12) Monday, October 21 UMW Board Meeting Tuesday, October 22 Ignatius Spiritual Exercises ConneXion Design Team 5:30 PM 3:45 PM 7:00 AM 5:30 PM 7:15 AM 11:30 AM 9:30 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 1:30 PM Wednesday, October 23 Ho Hum Low Impact (Exercise Class) Jubilation Handbells Youth Underground S (9-12) Thursday, October 24 Jesus in the Gospels Senior Saints Crystal Bridges Trip Friday, October 25 Langston Fall Festival Sunday, October 27 Jesus in the Gospel SNL/Sunday Dinner Church Fall Festival Companions in Christ Monday, October 28 Tuesday, October 29 Helen Wilson Circle O Brien-Thorton Circle Rogers-Moore Circle Ignatius Spiritual Exercise ConneXion Design Team Mtg. Wednesday, October 30 Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class Jubilation Handbells Youth Joint Worship J/S Thursday, October 31 Jesus in the Gospels Happy Fall! 1:00 PM 12:30 PM 10:45AM

5 BART PATTON We've had a great first full month back in the Underground with our new schedule! Just in one month: Our new Underground S program for 9-12 Grades on Wednesday nights has registered 45 teens, with a 76% retention rate! Our new Underground J program for 6-8 Grades on Sunday nights has registered 47 teens, with an 84% retention rate! We have registered 17 9th-12th grade students in our new Underground S Worship Arts program on Sunday nights and they will be sharing their gifts and work with the ConneXion service on October 20th! We are averaging 29 in our renewed Youth Programs on Sunday mornings! We are excited to have Don and Dana Gooch teaching our J teens on Sunday mornings, and thrilled to have added 6 new adult small group leaders to our Sunday and Wednesday programs--kate Schaffer, Lauren English, Jenny Patton, Amie Hill, Angie Wilson, and Laura Whitley! It is an exciting time to be involved in our youth ministry! If your teen has not been involved--now is the time to get them connected! Our high retention rates are evidence that we're making it easier for teens to "stick" to our programs once here. OCTOBER 6TH DEADLINE FOR UNDERGROUND S WORSHIP ARTS If you are interested in being part of this ministry this year, please have attended a Sunday night (5-7 PM) worship arts meeting by October 6th to communicate your intentions. If you are not sure of your future involvement because of your current schedule, please speak to Bart Patton or Mike Lovelady by October 6th. OCTOBER 9TH FIELDS OF FAITH FCA EVENT 5:30-8:00 PM LAKESIDE STADIUM 6-12 GRADES FREE WE WILL NOT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION PLEASE BE DROPPED OFF & PICKED UP AT LAKESIDE STADIUM Outreach Ministries OCTOBER 13TH DEADLINE FOR REFUGE RETREAT SIGNUP OCTOBER 18TH UNDERGROUND FIFTH QUARTER 9:30-11:30 PM (AFTER THE GAME) 6-12 GRADES FREE OCTOBER 20TH UNDERGROUND S WORSHIP ARTS PARTICIPATING IN LEADING CONNEXION WORSHIP SERVICE OCTOBER 27TH NO YOUTH ACTIVITIES YOUTH SERVING AT FUMCHS FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 30TH JOINT UNDERGROUND MOVIE NIGHT 6:30-8:00 PM 6-12 GRADES FREE NOVEMBER 3RD UNDERGROUND PARENT FORUM 3 PM NOVEMBER 8-10 REFUGE RETREAT SHEPHERD OF THE OZARKS RETREAT CENTER 7-9 GRADES $125 ($60 DEPOSIT FOR REGISTRATION) NOVEMBER 10 NO YOUTH ACTIVITIES CANDY POIRIER Sunday, October 27th, we will take the annual ingathering offering to support local mission outreach projects and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The Outreach Committee thanks you for your outstanding support in the past and asks that you be in prayer for this offering that does so much for the community and for disaster relief. Our local outreach this year includes health kits for Jackson House, Samaritan Ministries, Open Door at Jones Mill, Oaklawn Racetrack Chaplaincy, school supplies for Langston School, children's disaster kits, Sunday Love Lunches at Jackson House, and the Imagination Library program for children's books. With your generous giving for the ingathering offering, our church and the Outreach Committee will continue to serve those in need in our community and beyond. LANGSTON ELEMENTARY ADOPTION UPDATE: We have had a great start to our mission with Langston Elementary School! Here s how FUMC Hot Springs is helping: Outreach and Kids R.O.C.K donated funds for school supplies to help students throughout the year. Kids R.O.C.K. helped with toys for Langston s rewards store & is sponsoring a Fall Festival at the school with bounce houses & cotton candy on Oct. 25. The Helen Wilson Circle donated funds for new library books. The UMW Unit & Kids R.O.C.K. donated funds for shorts. FUMC implemented a mentoring program to have lunch with the students. FUMC assisted with food closet to fill backpacks with food for the children to take home on the weekends. We all have gifts and any help is a blessing from God. If you would like to be a partner in ministry with any of the above or know of another ministry to help, please contact Michelle Wilkins (Children s Ministry) or Candy Poirier (Outreach Ministry) at With God s help we will do mighty things Psalm 60:12 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: In honor of the birthday of St. Francis of Assisi, 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 6th, from 3 to 4 p.m. We are looking forward to this fun event and hope you and your furry friends will join us! PLUG IN OCTOBER 20TH: Attention new members and visitors! We will have Plug In for you to learn more about the church and staff Sunday, October 20th, at noon in the Christian Life Center s Shelton Room. Lunch will be provided. If you plan to attend, please call the church office and RSVP. We would love to have you and help connect you to the church! NEW CHURCH TOUR: If you have never seen all of our campus or heard the history of FUMC Hot Springs and would like to see and know more about the church, Sunday, October 20th we are starting a new 30 minute tour of the Sanctuary and Christian Life Center at 9:30 a.m. Lay members from the church will meet you in the atrium of the Christian Life Center at 9:30 a.m. to begin the tour. If you can t meet that particular Sunday, don t worry because we will have the tour once a month. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about FUMC Hot Springs! FUMC HOT SPRINGS BLOOD DRIVE: Sunday, October 13th from 9:30 a.m. 12:45 p.m. in the Shelton Room in the Christian Life Center. To schedule a life-saving donation, call the church office at or Bob Woodall at Save a life! Give blood!

6 First United Methodist Church 1100 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR Congratulations to the First United Methodist Church Child Development Center for receiving the Better Beginnings 3 Star rating, the highest level of quality awarded in Arkansas! The Child Development Center is the only faith-based, non-publicly funded program in Garland County to receive this designation of quality from the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care, and Early Childhood Education. Dot Brown, President Early Childhood Services, Inc. Hot Springs, AR Call LesLee Jones, Child Development Center Director at for enrollment information! Success Stories of the CDC! To the FUMC CDC Staff: I just wanted to say thank you for all of the hard work and dedication you all put into helping the children learn. Ethan is one of the smartest kids in his class because of all the things he already knows! He can write the alphabet, write his name, recognize and write his numbers, etc. His teacher is so impressed with all that he knows that she ed me the first day of school to tell me how impressed she was with all that he can do! I felt so proud, but I knew I didn t deserve all of the credit. Thanks to Ms. Terri, Ms. Sherry, and Ms. Amy- as well as Ms. Shannon when he was little- for teaching him all of these important things that have prepared him for Kindergarten. Ms. LesLee, you are an important asset to the school and I hope you continue to better the program there. Thanks again for all of your hard work! See you all next year! Love, Kala Fox, Steve and Ethan Christensen