Dear Fellow Ministers, In Christ s Service, David

Transcription

1 News at First Volume 46 Issue 05 May 2017 Greetings from David Dear Fellow Ministers, Easter Eggstravaganza Friends on the Go Wow! The way you all show the love of Christ is incredible! I continue to realize the truth that ministry is done by ALL baptized followers of Christ. You show your love for Christ in your compassion and genuine love for one another. Thank you. What an amazing gift! I daily realize how honored I am to get to be in ministry with you all and the greatest church staff in the world. Thank you for being who you are and always lifting up the love of Jesus Christ. I invite you to pray with me through our sermon texts in May. It means so much to have the Body of Christ praying through scripture together and fully expecting God to show up. -May 7 (Juston will preach at Family Camp; I will preach here). John 10:1-10 -May 14 Mother s Day/Confirmation Sunday. John 14:1-14 -May 21 Acts 17: May 28 Acts 1:6-14 God is up to big things through the people of First United Methodist Church. I look forward to being in ministry and mission with you in the month of May! Butterfly Breakfast In Christ s Service, David Our mission is to see Christ in every person we encounter and demonstrate to them the love of God and the teachings of Jesus. Contact: Rev. David Christy Senior Minister ext. 222 dchristy@fumcgastonia.org

2 Take Note... Sympathy to: -Henry Whitesides & Family on the death of his son. -Arnold Walker on the death of his wife, Darcel. -Terry Purvis on the death of his wife, Millie. Minister on call Schedule David: Tripp: Juston: Joy to: -Neal & Mary Anne Burton on the birth of their grandson, Luca William Lark born March 26. -Bill & Carol Sudyk on the birth of their Granddaughter, Katherine Anna Kroeger born March 28. -Vince & Lindsay Huggins Fabra on the birth of their daughter, Hattye Wren, born April 3. Grandmother, Kathy Huggins. - Katie & Nathan Bass on the birth of their daughter, Eleanor Kate, born April 24. Welcome, New Members: May 5-7: David May 12-14: Tripp May 19-21: David May 26-28: Juston March Sunday Attendance: April 2: 523 April 9: 554 April 16: 840 April 23: 351 April 30: 454 Thank you for your donations to the Scholarship fund: Bethany Daves Gary & Diana Bass Pictured with children, Teagan and McKenzie. Bernard Wesley Mensah Goodbye and best wishes to members who have transferred: Brittany Jordan, and Jamie & Kim Villarreal Jessica Newman pictured with children, Brooklyn and Michael. Justin White pictured with wife, Jackie and daughter, Sarah Grace. In honor of: Justin, Ashley, & Brandon Whitesell. Given by: Kay & Steve Whitesell In honor of: Sarah Starr Given by: Ann & Les Davis Given by: Saxon and Patti Scarborough In honor of: John Land Given by: Harry Petrey In memory of: Joe Dameron In honor of: Martha Caldwell Given by: Peggy Dameron In honor of: Teachers Given by: Gretchen Farrell

3 Weaving Update First UMC is once again stepping up and reaching out in ministry! To date (April 18) we have 293 individuals or families who have committed $4,266,550 over the course of this 3-year capital campaign. This giving is over and above our regular giving to the church! Wow! That represents 76% of our active families or individuals. Our goal is to receive 100% participation by the end of the month. Please consult our Weaving website at weavingfumcg.com for a listing of frequently asked questions, drawings, videos, etc. Below is a outline of where we go from here: -Will we begin construction right away? Our Finance Committee, Trustees, and Church Council map out a financing plan. The recommendation of Church Council will come to the entire church for a Church Conference where each member of the church will have opportunity to vote on that direction. Upon approval, it will be turned over to our Building Committee to work with our architects (ADW) and bid out the project. -Will we have to have all of the money in hand before we begin construction? No. Our commitments will be over the course of three years. We will, obviously, have to borrow some money. -When should I start giving to Weaving and how would you prefer me to give? Some folks have already started giving, and that is fine. We are happy to receive it whenever folks would like to start. We are suggesting that May 1, 2017, be our official starting time. -How do I give? There are Weaving envelopes in the pews/seats on Sundays. You may write a check to First UMC and earmark it Weaving. You may write one check and in the Memo line write $x for Budget and $x for Weaving. You may set up an electronic giving auto payment. Please talk with Kim Stephenson in the Finance Office (kim@fumcgastonia.org) who is happy to assist you with this. -Why do I need to submit a Commitment Card? A commitment card is not a bill or invoice. It is an estimate of giving card. It provides you a way to intentionally think about your over and above giving, and about the future of First United Methodist Church. Turning in a card allows our church to much more effectively plan for the next three years as we grow in mission and ministry. We are planning for some sort of Legacy Tree (still being worked out) where every single individual or family can be recognized as planning for the future of FUMC in Gastonia! It is our hope to have 100% of the active individuals or families to have let us know your intention to participate by April 30. We will then have a better feel for planning moving forward. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your faithful response and your vision for the future of Christ s work through First United Methodist Church!

4 Youth Gatherings: Sundays 9:45-10:00a.m. Greene House Ministry Sunday School: 10:00-10:45a.m. Classes offered: Confirmation 6th Graders, 7th & 8th Graders, 9th & 10th Graders, and 11th & 12th Graders Sundays, 6:15-7:30 The Greene House May 2nd: Prayer South New Hope Road. 7:00 a.m. May 7th: Family Weekend at Camp Tekoa May 14th: Confirmation & Mother s Day May 21st: Worship on the Water MidHigh h, & 6th, 7t rs de 8th gra Contact: Jennifer Cabaniss Director of Student Ministries ext. 223 jennifer@fumcgastonia.org SeniorHigh 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th graders Sundays, 6:15-7:30 Greene House May 7th: Family Weekend at Camp Tekoa May 14th: Confirmation & Mother s Day May 21st: Color Blast Celebration June 2 June 3rd: Lock In *Check your and weekly Eblast for more information.*

5 Ministry l hooen for c S ay ante d C Sun: SUMMER Wednesday N ig hts June 7th, June 21st, Ju July 26th, Augu ly 12th, st 9th l d hoo am 9:45 ship an day Sc s: n m w fello am: Su ol Roo 1 0 o 0 0 h 1 : c S 10 s day nd Two n u S a 130 dler Tod d 4s 2 3 n 3s a 1st d n K a nd 3rd 131 a d 2n nd 5th a 4th Cante en 5:45-7:15 Dinner provided $3 per child Che c med k us o ut o ia. ns Save the Date: May 2nd 6:30 PM Spring Musical (Asbury/Carol/Wesley) 3rd 6:30 PM Spring Musical(Asbury/Carol/Wesley/ Music Makers) 5th -7th Family Camp at Tekoa 10th 6:30 PM Handbells Concert 14th 9:45 PM Muffins for Mom VBS June 2nd - 3rd 5th grade retreat 4th Safe Sanctuary Training July 30th- August 2nd ocia l Plea s kris e ema ti@f um il If yo u ar cgast chil dren e not o onia.or g n s w eek the ly e mai l list. VBS Planning May 10th 5:30 Do you want to be a SUPER HERO? You can be! Help with VBS! Join us for a brief VBS planning on May 10th at 5:30. Safe Sanctuary Training June 4th Calling all volunteers. A training will be held June 4th at 12:15 in room 204. If you would like to volunteer to work with children at VBS or Camp Sunshine and need to update your training, please plan to attend. Lunch will be provided. Please kristi@fumcgastonia.org. Contact: Kristi McClellan Director of Children s Ministries Director of Preschool ext. 231 kristi@fumcgastonia.org Preschool@fumcgastonia.org Weekday Spring is Here We are learning about Birds, Bugs, and Butterflies. We released butterflies to celebrate that Jesus is Risen. Coming soon to FUMC Preschool: May 3 - Class Pictures May 10 - Wear Pink May 25 - Last Day May 26 - Fours Graduation Summer Camps begin on June 19th

6 May 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 8:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group for Men - Panera Bread 10:30 AM UMW-Circle WON-Seymour Room 6:00 PM Peace Circle - Seymour Room 6:00 PM Special Olympics Volleyball - Gym 6:30 PM Children s Spring Musical REHEARSAL - Theatre 6:30 PM United Methodist Women SIS Circle Meeting - Off Campus 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #7 7:00 PM Boy Scout/UMM Dessert Party - Scout Hut 2 5:00 AM Salvation Army Breakfast Ministry 7:00 AM Firestone Devotion Breakfast 10:00 AM Sit n Knit - Library 10:00 AM Staff Mtg. 4:00 PM Girl Scouts Leader Appreciation - FLC 1 & 2 6:30 PM Children s Spring Musical - Theatre 3 10:00 AM Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Room 201 5:30 PM Human Sexuality in the Church Forum- FLC 1 & 2 6:30 PM Chapel Service 6:30 PM Children s Spring Musical - Theatre 7:30 PM Chancel Choir - Room Family Camp at Camp Tekoa Holy Communion 8:45 AM 162 East Contemporary Worship- Theatre 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 9:45 AM Children s Sunday School (Canteen) 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship- Sanctuary 5:00 PM BCFUMC 5:00 PM Youth Bells, 114A 6:30 AM Contemporary Choir, :45 AM 162 East Contemporary Worship- Theatre 8:45 AM Traditional Worship- Sanctuary 9:45 AM Children s Sunday School (Canteen) 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Muffins for Mom 11:00 AM Traditional Worship- Sanctuary 6:30 PM Contemporary Choir, :00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group for Men- Panera Bread 3:00 PM SETUP United Methodist Women Hands On Mission Kit Assembly- FLC 1 & 2 5:30 PM United Methodist Women Hands On Mission Kit Assembly FLC 1 & 2 6:00 PM Special Olympics Volleyball - Gym 6:00 PM Staff Parish Relations Committee - Room 201 6:30 PM United Methodist Women Dinner Meeting - FLC 2 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #7 15 8:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group for Men - Panera Bread 8:30 AM Graduation Practice - Theatre 6:00 PM Special Olympics Volleyball - Gym 6:00 PM Church Council- FLC 2 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #7 9 5:00 AM Salvation Army Breakfast Ministry 8:30 AM Nurture Work Day - Off Campus - Bus 1 10:00 AM Sit n Knit - Library 10:00 AM Staff Mtg. 3:30 PM Healthy Gaston Recognition Event - FLC 2 6:30 PM Worship Committee - Room 315 7:30 PM Chancel Bells, Sanctuary 16 5:00 AM Salvation Army Breakfast Ministry 8:30 AM Graduation Practice - Theatre 9:00 AM Mission Response - Bus 1 10:00 AM Sit n Knit - Library 10:00 AM Staff Mtg 1:00 PM CPR Re-Certification - Greene House 10 9:00 AM Sunday Bulletin Deadline 10:00 AM Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Room 201 3:30 PM Worship Planning - Room 201 4:30 PM Ready Ringers - Room 119 5:00 PM Ready Ringers- Sanctuary 5:30 PM Asbury Ringers- Sanctuary 5:30 PM Human Sexuality in the Church Forum- FLC 1 & 2 6:30 PM Chapel Service 6:30 PM Spring Handbell Concert- Sanctuary 7:00 PM Finance/Trustees- Room 204 7:30 PM Chancel Choir - Room :30 AM Graduation Practice - Theatre 10:00 AM Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Room 201 3:30 PM Worship Planning - Room 201 4:30 PM Congregational Care mtg.-room 201 6:30 PM Chapel Service 7:30 PM Chancel Choir - Room Young Adult Mission Trip 8:45 AM 162 East Contemporary Worship - Theatre 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 9:45 AM Children s Sunday School (Canteen) 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 1:30 PM Frances Crocker Recital- Sanctuary 3:00 PM Frances Crocker Recital Reception - FLC 2 3:30 PM Susan Allen Recital - Sanctuary 5:00 PM BCFUMC - Silver Van 6:15 PM UMYF 22 Young Adult Mission Trip 8:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group for Men - Panera Bread 6:00 PM Special Olympics Volleyball - Gym 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #7 23 5:00 AM Salvation Army Breakfast Ministry 10:00 AM Sit n Knit - Library 10:00 AM Staff Mtg. 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 5:45 PM United Methodist Women Board Meeting - FLC Conference Room 24 8:30 AM Fours to McDonald s - Bus 1 & 2 10:00 AM Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Room 201 6:30 PM Chapel Service 7:30 PM Chancel Choir - Room :45 AM 162 East Contemporary Worship - Theatre 8:45 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 9:45 AM Children s Sunday School (Canteen) 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 5:00 PM BCFUMC - Silver Van 29 Church Holiday - Church Offices Closed 8:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group for Men - Panera Bread 6:00 PM Special Olympics Volleyball - Gym 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #7 30 5:00 AM Salvation Army Breakfast Ministry 10:00 AM Sit n Knit - Library 10:00 AM Staff Mtg. 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 12:00 PM Concert Team, FLC :00 AM Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Room 201 6:30 PM Chapel Service 7:30 PM Chamcel Choir

7 Thursday Friday Saturday 4 9:00 AM Preschool Chapel 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 6:15 PM Chancel Bells at Cornerstone 6:30 PM Gaston Arts Council - FLC 1 & 2 5 Family Camp at Camp Tekoa 12:00 PM UMM Hot dog Lunch - FUMC Parking Lot (corner of Main and Oakland) 6 Family Camp at Camp Tekoa CALLED CHURCH CONFERENCE May 21, 2017 following each worship service 11 9:00 AM Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition - FLC 1 9:00 AM Preschool Chapel 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 2:00 PM Healing Hearts Gathering - FLC 1 6:00 PM Gaston Gators Annual Banquet - FLC 1 & 2 7:00 PM Embrace Bible Study - Room Young Adult Mission Trip 7:00 AM UMM Breakfast at Firestone Grill 8:30 AM Graduation Practice - Theatre 9:00 AM Preschool Chapel 10:30 AM Friendship Connections- FLC 2 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 6:15 PM Contemporary Choir at Cornersotne 25 Friends on the Go 9:00 AM Preschool Chapel 11:30 AM Learning to Live - Narcotics Anonymous Mtg. FLC Conf 7:00 PM Embrace Bible Study - Library Young Adult Mission Trip 7:00 PM Smith/Hoyt Piano Duo - Sanctuary 26 9:00 AM Graduation - Theatre, FLC Young Adult Mission Trip 10:00 AM Francis Crocker Recital Rehearsal - Sanctuary 27 For the purpose of the membership to vote on the plans to move forward with the church building project. Thank You! We are so appreciative of your generous use of your facilities for our volleyball group. Thank you so much! -Volleyball Group (meets Tue. & Thurs. mornings) Camp Sunshine Information Session Sunday, May 21st am Camp Sunshine is July 3-7, please come to this information session if you would like to volunteer this summer or have any questions. Thank you for the huge amount of food collected during March. Your generosity helped fill many spaces on our empty pantry shelves. -Cathy W. Howell, CAM

8 Music and Worship Arts Ministry FUMC Children s Choirs Present Just Like You and Me May 2 & 6:30 PM First UMC Theatre 162 E. Main St. (Also Music Makers on May 3) Contact: Rev. Saxon Scarborough Minister of Music ext. 233 saxon@fumcgastonia.org Contact: Susan Lisle Music Associate ext. 237 susan@fumcgastonia.org Contact: Aaron Prillaman 162 East Worship Leader aaron@fumcgastonia.org 162east@fumcgastonia.org Contact: Timothy Scruggs Organist timothy@fumcgastonia.org

9 NEWS We had a busy but wonderful Holy Week in BC! I appreciate all the opportunities First United Methodist Gastonia offered during this time of celebration! We had several of our children participate in the Easter Egg Hunt and it was an honor to take part in the Tenebrae Service Friday evening. We had wonderful participation in our Wednesday Bible Study leading up to Easter. We held Maundy Thursday Service in the Sanctuary and had super attendance. Easter morning we had Sunrise Service at the City Cemetery and the sunrise was perfect! We came back to the church for breakfast and finished the morning off with the Cantata Because He Lives. I m truly blessed to be part of two great churches. I appreciate all the love, support and prayers from you all. I experienced so much joy during the Lenten Season because God is truly present in Bessemer City and Gastonia! You all are awesome! -Tripp Happenings -Wednesday s 11:00am, Sermon Talk Contact: Rev. Tripp Hord Minister of Visitation FUMC Bessemer City Partnership tripp@fumcgastonia.org -New Worship Opportunity April 30th, 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. -Wednesday Night Live! May 3rd and 17th 6:00pm 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall -Sunday School 10:00am -Worship 11:00am Gastonia Parish Nurse Ministry Upcoming health education awareness programs at First Presbyterian Church 12:00 noon. Programs are free, lunch is $6. Please RSVP to May 10- Concerns with Outliving Your Retirement Savings- Kristine Pennington -June 14- The Rotary Garden - Jane Sumner Saturday May 13 Stuart Cramer High School 1 mile fun run/walk Blood Drive Monday, June 5, 2:00-6:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are requested and can be made by calling Convoy of Hope- May 6 Visitors will be receiving free groceries, haircuts, family portraits, and more. The Community Services tent will be a central location for organizations to showcase what they have to offer the community and to connect with families face to face. FREE Lunch and Learn with Caromont Health: 11:30am-12:30pm at Discover You!, 420 E. Central Ave., Mt. Holly Register online at discover-you.org or call May19- Senior Health and Fitness June 16- Minding Your Mental Health Lisa Marisiddaiah Parish Nurse ext. 256 nurse@fumcgastonia.org

10 Upcoming Events DINNER TO FOCUS ON THE Monday, May 8th 6:30PM Family Life Center $7.00 *Please make reservations to the church office by May 5th HANDS ON MISSION PROJECT PRIOR TO DINNER 5:30PM IN FLC TO ASSEMBLE SCHOOL KITS, HEALTH KITS, & LAYETTE KITS MANY HANDS NEEDED! UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S HANDS-ON MISSION PROJECT Prior to the UMW dinner meeting on Monday, May 8th, stations will be set up at 5:30 with all supplies to assemble health kits, layette kits, and a cutting station, to cut out bags for the school kits. The kits will be taken to different conference UMW events during the year to be sent to UMCOR and distributed to those in need. Everyone is invited to attend both the kit assembly and then the meal and meeting at 6:30. Proctors Needed We have partnerships with many schools in our community. Pleasant Ridge Elementary and York Chester Middle School are in need of End of Grade proctors. May Volunteers need to be at the school by 8am for a brief training before testing begins. Please sign up with Amber Payne. Phone: (704) ext amber@fumcgastonia.org Food Frenzy was a success! Thanks to Amber Payne, the vendors, FUMC Staff, the Outreach Ministry Team, and the numerous volunteers for all of your hard work! There were 250+ people in attendance, 20+ free meals given away, and $241 raised for the Minister Discretionary Fund (and David got a haircut)! What a great night, we can t wait until next year!

11 Upcoming Events Friends On The Go will be traveling to Flat Rock Playhouse in Hendersonville, NC and A Day in the Country - Café Veranda Thursday, May 25th!! A TUNA CHRISTMAS Starring Scott Treadway & Preston Dyar 2:00 p.m. Cost: $37.90 per person for the play. Please turn into Amber at the church office. We will leave the church at 9:15 a.m. and stop to eat lunch at 11:30 a.m. * You will be responsible for paying for your meal at the restaurant. We should arrive back to the church at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to reserve your spot or for more information, contact Amber at amber@fumcgastonia.org. Final Preparations are being made for the college students and young adults mission opportunity in Tarboro. Please register online as soon as possible!

12 Summer Wednesday Nights Wesley s Quadrilateral will be the basis of four of our Summer Wednesday Night studies, and the fifth will be bathing everything we do in prayer. Our ministers and lay teachers will facilitate these discussions. We hope you can come to one, several, or all, based on your summer schedule. The children and youth can be dropped off at the church at 5:45pm. They will be studying the same topics, in a creative and experiential setting. Adults will meet from 6:00-7:15pm and have two local restaurant options to choose from. We are hopeful the participation from all ages will lead to excellent discussions at home. Check our website and social media weekly for a list of restaurants! June 14- Tradition: The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments: baptism and communion. We will explore both of these topics on our first night together. June 28- Reason: the United Methodist Church values a person s ability to think. So this night will be dedicated to questions you can ask! July 12- Scripture: We will encourage you to share your joys and your struggles as we walk the road of faith together using scripture as our guide. July 26- Experience: this evening will awaken your sights and senses to the truths of scripture. August 9- Prayer: Jesus asks us to pray without ceasing. What does that, or how can it, look like for you? Contact: Becky Greene Director of Spiritual Formation ext. 227 becky@fumcgastonia.org Connect with us... Website: Phone: contact@fumcgastonia.org First United Methodist Church of Gastonia, NC First UMC Gastonia, NC E-blast sign up Sign up to receive Newsletters online Give online! First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC Published Monthly at 190 East Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC (USPS ) Periodicals postage paid at Gastonia, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsletter of First United Methodist Church, PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC 28053