First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina

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Loving People into the Kingdom of God in the Heart of Catawba County First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina First United Methodist Church exists to glorify God

The Chancel Choir (and 12 piece Orchestra) Christmas Eve Worship Present A Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 14 11:00am (one combined service) 4:00pm Spontaneous Children s

Wednesday, Christmas Eve December 24th 4:00pm Christmas story told Holiday Service No rehearsals or special training is needed Sunday, December 28th 11:00am sanctuary

1 Loving People into the Kingdom of God in the Heart of Catawba County First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina First United Methodist Church exists to glorify God as we Welcome persons into the body of Christ, help them Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and Send them to serve in the world. The Chancel Choir (and 12 piece Orchestra) Christmas Eve Worship Present A Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 14 11:00am (one combined service) 4:00pm Spontaneous Children s Pageant & Candlelight Service (see below) 7:00-8:00pm Come and Go Communion 9:00pm Candlelight Communion Service Children s Spontaneous Candlelight Christmas Pageant Wednesday, Christmas Eve December 24th 4:00pm Christmas story told Holiday Service No rehearsals or special training is needed Sunday, December 28th 11:00am sanctuary Children will be able to join in the live story as angels, shepherds or wise men On this holiday weekend, First Methodist will be celebrating with one combined worship service at 11:00am in the sanctuary. All children invited to participate

WELCOME persons into the body of Christ Tour of Churches Sunday, December 7 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm Mark your calendars for this very special afternoon.

Each church will have a donation box for The Corner Table and ECCCM.

Cookies, apple cider, and hosts are needed for the refreshment table which will be set up in front of the Sanctuary.

310.7370. Preparing for the Community Christmas Party First Methodist Youth want to thank all of you who have given donations to our annual Community Christmas Party project.

2 WELCOME persons into the body of Christ Tour of Churches Sunday, December 7 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm Mark your calendars for this very special afternoon. Each church participating will present different events during the tour. FUMC is proud to present our chancel choir along with additional seasonal music. The tour is free. Each church will have a donation box for The Corner Table and ECCCM. WELCOMING FOR CHRIST THROUGH COOKIES Welcome people to First Methodist with a home made cookie and warm apple cider during the Tour of Churches on Sunday, December 7 from 2:00-6:00pm. Cookies, apple cider, and hosts are needed for the refreshment table which will be set up in front of the Sanctuary. You may drop off your cookies to the church office anytime before12:00 noon on December 7. If you are interested in serving as a host or hostess for this event, please contact Leslie Benson at Preparing for the Community Christmas Party First Methodist Youth want to thank all of you who have given donations to our annual Community Christmas Party project. Forty-Two youth and 8 brave adults spent our recent Lock-Out shopping and wrapping Christmas gifts for 30 children from 12 families of South Newton Elementary School. The families who are receiving these gifts will join us for a Christmas dinner and party on Friday, December 19 th. It is not too late to be involved in this special event. If you would like to assist with the party, please contact Julie at or julieb.fowler@gmail.com j. You may still donate to this very worthy fund, which helps make Christmas possible for so many.

GROW as disciples of Jesus Christ Saturday December 6 10:00AM to 12:00PM Activity Room Children's Sunday School Sundays 10:00 am December's Theme is Advent & Christmas Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-2 Luke

If you would like to assist with this event, please contact Julie at 464-8422 or julieb.fowler@gmail.com.

3 GROW as disciples of Jesus Christ Saturday December 6 10:00AM to 12:00PM Activity Room Children's Sunday School Sundays 10:00 am December's Theme is Advent & Christmas Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-2 Luke 1:26-58, 2:1-20 Families are invited to bring your children for a morning of crafts, music and story time. We will create and learn about the special "light" that surrounds us at Christmas. If you would like to assist with this event, please contact Julie at or julieb.fowler@gmail.com. Kids 4 Christ Wednesdays 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Activity Room We will be celebrating the Christmas spirit all month with music, crafts, games and special snacks. Children K-6th grade are invited to join in the fun. Youth Events for December Friday, Dec. 19th: Community Christmas Party Please meet in the Fellowship Hall at 5:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 21st: Caroling at Abernathy Laurels Vespers Service And Youth Christmas PARTY! Meet at the church van at 3:00 pm. We will sing carols and assist residents to Vespers til 5:00 pm. The church van will transport the youth to our party destination (to be determined). Please bring an inexpensive (less than $5.00) Christmas gift to swap and an appetizer to share. You may leave gifts and food at the church; we will get it to the party. Parents, please pick up from the party by 7:30 pm. Get ready... Winter Retreat, Saturday-Monday January 17-19, 2015 Camp Cedar Cliff at the Cove This is a great weekend where we join youth groups from Waynesville, Asheville and Charlotte to connect with God and one another. Everything is included in the cost of $125 per person. Scholarships are available. Registration and $75 deposit due by Monday, January 5th. Contact Julie at or julieb.fowler@gmail.com with any questions.

GROW cont d New Advent Study at Journey The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp Sunday, December 7 at 12:30pm Sundays, December 14 and 21 at 4:00pm New York

4 GROW cont d New Advent Study at Journey The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp Sunday, December 7 at 12:30pm Sundays, December 14 and 21 at 4:00pm New York Times best-selling author Ann Voskamp celebrates the majesty of God s greatest gift to us - His Son, Jesus Christ - through the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree. This year, come Christmas morning, you won t feel like you ve missed Christ. You will have unwrapped the greatest gift ever given. Christmas at Billy Graham Library Tuesday, December 9 th We may still have room, please contact Julie Fowler at the church office, if you are interested in attending. Rhythm Guitarist Needed for Praise Team A rhythm guitarist is needed for The Praise Team which provides music for the 9:00am Contemporary Worship Service on Sunday mornings. If you may be able to help and are interested in learning more about this ministry, please contact Michael Roberts at jasper.angeline@gmail.com. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Bill Noel 12/1 Anne Richard 12/1 William Cable Jr. 12/2 Dwaine Morgan 12/2 Ruth Richardson 12/2 Billye Roland 12/2 Terra Butler 12/3 Allison Newton 12/3 Chris Speagle 12/3 Christian Underwood 12/3 Anne Brooks 12/4 Debbie Lindler 12/4 Lawrence Punch 12/4 Mark Sitzer 12/4 Amy White 12/4 Ken Campbell Jr. 12/5 Khampan Chanthakouman 12/5 Jordan Jones 12/5 Jan Freeman 12/7 Sara Fletcher 12/8 Carolyn Scronce 12/8 Debbie Bandy 12/9 Bob Carter 12/9 Evaleene Fowler 12/9 Pennye Jones 12/9 Thomas Lowder 12/9 Molly Natoli 12/9 Alvin Thornburg II 12/9 Logan Cox 12/10 Charlotte Laney 12/10 John Tate 12/10 Brent Roland 12/11 Lucy Cook 12/12 Billie Shrum 12/12 MaryClaire Caldwell 12/13 Kristy Wooten 12/13 Merv McGee Jr. 12/14 Don Sigmon 12/14 Ashley Dennie 12/15 Ellen Fountain 12/15 Jean Hasty 12/15 Ken Martin 12/15 Jim Mauney II 12/16 Marie Robinson 12/16 Robert Drum Jr. 12/17 Sarah Meshaw 12/17 Zoe Kelley 12/18 Brandy Storms 12/18 Jason Yount 12/18 Joe Hester 12/19 Wayne Meshaw 12/19 Mary Cilley 12/20 Pete Winbauer 12/20 Rowe Bollinger 12/21 Tucker Clark 12/21 Millie Corn 12/21 Gary Kale 12/21 Rhonda Pawlik 12/21 Tiffany Smyre 12/21 Erick Yoder 12/21 Joelle Clark 12/23 Margaret Reitzel 12/23 Wayne Dellinger 12/24 Howard Smith 12/24 Inez Drum 12/25 Hazel Sims 12/25 Danny Wilson 12/25 Jacob Smith Jr. 12/26 Blake Miller 12/27 Rhonda Noel 12/28 Eric Dellinger 12/29 Mark Killian 12/30 Rob Rights Jr. 12/30 Brooke Roberts 12/30 Shirley Hayes 12/31 Kyle Robinson 12/31 Shera Waller-Smith 12/31 DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Jeff & Mary Lou Fox 12/2 John & Deena Trivette 12/2 Tim & Leah Hayes 12/4 Brooks & Melba Nichols Jr. 12/12 Gary & Charlotte Barringer 12/16 Jim & Wendy Hildebran 12/18 Frank & Susan Reinhardt 12/18 Shawn & Ellen Fountain 12/19 Wayne & Audrey Smith 12/19 Johnny & Beth Isenhour 12/21 Brent & Billye Roland 12/21 Moe & Susan Peacock 12/23 Greg & Mary Frances Stanley 12/24 Rowe & Anita Bollinger 12/28 Bill & Amy Cable 12/28

SEND them them to serve to serve in the in world the world Peanut Butter and Jelly Sundays Bring a new, plastic container of peanut butter or jelly for the Backpack Project!

These gifts will be given each month to the Backpack for Kids Program at South Newton Elementary School. There are still a few Angels on the Angel Tree! However, it is not too late to help.

Social Services will make its final pick up on Wednesday, December 3rd, so please have your gifts back by that date. Make sure to attach the angel to your unwrapped gift.

The custom of exchanging Christmas Cards started in the United Kingdom in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole wanted to test how the new postal system could be used by ordinary people.

5 SEND them them to serve to serve in the in world the world Peanut Butter and Jelly Sundays Bring a new, plastic container of peanut butter or jelly for the Backpack Project! On the first Sunday of every month, First UMC will celebrate PB & J Sunday, a day designated for everyone to bring either a plastic container of peanut butter or a plastic container of jelly. These gifts will be given each month to the Backpack for Kids Program at South Newton Elementary School. There are still a few Angels on the Angel Tree! However, it is not too late to help. The tree is located in the upstairs breezeway near the elevator where you may stop by and pick up your angel. Social Services will make its final pick up on Wednesday, December 3rd, so please have your gifts back by that date. Make sure to attach the angel to your unwrapped gift. If you have any questions, contact Jo Anne Hewins at Thanks so much for your help. The custom of exchanging Christmas Cards started in the United Kingdom in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole wanted to test how the new postal system could be used by ordinary people. He and an artist friend designed and printed the first Christmas cards. What a wonderful tradition has developed over the last 171 years. You can experience the warmth of the season by sending cards to our church members who are homebound or living in assisted care facilities. The Care Ministry will have a list of names and bags for each one receiving cards on a table in the upper level breezeway. Pick up a list, address your cards, and drop them in the bags. How simple! Please have your cards here by Sunday December 21 st. If you would like to assist in delivering a bag of cards to one of our members, please contact Julie at or julieb.fowler@gmail.com The Catawba County Christmas Distribution is coming up quickly, and we would love to have you serve as a volunteer. Volunteers, as many of you know, take applicants around to each station in the Toy Shop and assist them with choosing items for their children and families. The distribution will take place on Monday, December 15th and Tuesday, December 16th at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds. The shift times for volunteers are 9am-12noon and 1pm-5pm each day. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Let me know if you d like to sign up for a day and time. Also, we need bi-lingual volunteers as well, for our Hispanic and Hmong recipients. Thanks so much. Cheryl S. Abee Director, Volunteer Center/Information and Referral Catawba County United Way

First United Methodist Church December 2014 Welcome, Grow, Send S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t 1 9:00 Preschool 2 9:00 Preschool 3 9:00 Preschool 11:00 Women s Luncheon at O Charley s 3:00

6 First United Methodist Church December 2014 Welcome, Grow, Send S u n M o n T u e W e d T h u F r i S a t 1 9:00 Preschool 2 9:00 Preschool 3 9:00 Preschool 11:00 Women s Luncheon at O Charley s 3:00 k4c 7:30 Choir 4 9:00 Preschool 1:00 Prayer Shawl 5 9:00 Preschool 6:30 Preschool Christmas Program (sanctuary) 6 10:00-12:00pm Advent Fair (activity room) 7 12:30 Journey 2:00-6:00pm Tour of Churches 6:00 Disciple III 14 (one service) 11:00 Cantata 4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple III 21 2:00 Ad Council 3:00 Caroling 3:00 Youth 4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple III 28 (one service) 11:00am Holiday Service 8 9:00 Preschool kitchen reserved 6:00 Trustees 9 9:00 Preschool kitchen reserved 3:00 Billy Graham library 15 9:00 Preschool 16 9:00 Preschool 5:00 Gomedela Room reserved 10 9:00 Preschool 3:00 k4c 7:30 Choir 17 9:00 Preschool 3:00 k4c 7:30 Choir Office Closed :00 Spontaneous Christmas Pageant 7-8:00 Communion 9:00 Christmas Candlelight Service 11 9:00 Preschool 1:00 Prayer Shawl 2:30 Gomedela Room reserved 18 9:00 Preschool 1:00 Prayer Shawl 7:00 Finance Committee 25 Office Closed 12 9:00 Preschool 13 Activity Room reserved 19 9:00 Preschool 6:00 Community Christmas Party (fellowship hall) :30am Informal worship in the sanctuary 9:00am Contemporary service-fellowship Hall (entrance off of Ashe Ave.) 10:00am Sunday School for all ages 11:00am Formal worship in the sanctuary Nursery is provided during all worship services and Sunday School.

FEATURING HISTORIC CHURCH SANCTUARIES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 2:00-6:00 PM Abernethy Memorial United Methodist 2:00-6:00 Christmas Music, Refreshments and Mr. & Mrs.

7 FEATURING HISTORIC CHURCH SANCTUARIES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, :00-6:00 PM Abernethy Memorial United Methodist 2:00-6:00 Christmas Music, Refreshments and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus will be visiting from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Beth Eden Lutheran 2:00-6:00 Organist and Harpist will be playing throughout the evening. Handouts will be given; Pastor Marcus Ollis will be speaking on the history of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Calvary Baptist Church 2:00-4:00 Viewing of the windows, Retired Pastor Fred E. Thompson will speak about the history of Calvary Church (formerly Grace Reformed) at 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. Concordia Lutheran Church, Conover, 2:00-6:00 Participating this year for the first time. There will be ongoing music, handouts, tours of the iconic Odell-designed Church and Chapel, the restored Brian Long Center for Family Ministry (Former home of the President of the old Concordia College) and history Rooms. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2:00-4:00 Will do handouts and will have an advent calendar. First United Methodist 2:00-5:00 Cookies and Hot Cider will be served. The Choir will present their Cantata from 3:00-5:00p.m. There will be handcrafted ornaments from the afterschool program for visitors to take as they wish. First Baptist Church 2:00-6:00 There will be various Christmas musical offerings and refreshments throughout the afternoon. First Presbyterian 2:00-6:00 Music periodically from 2:30-5:30p.m. Randy Miller will play the Dulcimer from 2:00-4:00p.m. There will be refreshments & handouts. Grace Reformed United Church of Christ 2:00-6:00 Music with the Moravian Love Feast and refreshments. St. Paul s Lutheran Church 2:00-4:00 Will be explaining the Chrismon Tree and giving a history of the Church. They will be celebrating their 109th year and will be serving refreshments. Faith Lutheran 2:00-6:00 Will be doing a welcoming and there will be Christmas duets (one youth, one adult) performing from 3:00-3:30 p.m.

8 A Word from the Pastor Dear First Methodist Family I came across an interesting study (National Study of Youth and Religion) a few days ago about what makes for the greatest influence on the spiritual development of youth and children. What do you think it is? Many parents think that it is the influence of a pastor or the participation in a youth group and/or Sunday school class. These are helpful religious activities, but the single greatest factor for the faith formation of a young person is the influence of his or her parents. One researcher in the study noted that nothing else comes remotely close to matching the influence of parents on the religious faith and practices of youth. One big take-away from this study is that deep faith is forged in the lives of young people as they see their fathers and mothers walk the talk of the Christian faith in their everyday lives. This study is a reminder that one of our big tasks is to help equip and encourage parents (and grandparents for that matter) for this awesome responsibility. During this holiday season there is so much in which to be grateful. I am deeply grateful for the support that so many people offer to make ministry possible. I can t begin to describe how proud I am of this church for the ministry being done. Just recently a memorial garden was planted at Conover School by some of our members and another wheelchair ramp was built by our Love Labor ministry led by Bob Saunders. Our Veteran s Day service was one of the best I ve ever attended. Thank you to the choir and to Julie Fowler and Norris and Gail McRee for making it so special. I don t know when I ve had a Thanksgiving meal that tasted any better than the one the Faith and Fellowship class served us recently. And the music shared during the meal by Bob Fowler, Leslie and Rolen Benson, Chase Boston and Damion Setzer was delightful. Let me also offer a great big kudos to Rose, Julie and the other adult volunteers in the Kids for Christ program for the way our kids opened the 11:00 am worship service on November 16. I am so excited about all of the ministry opportunities that are coming up for Christmas. Be sure to look over this newsletter and mark your calendar and share the information with your neighbors and friends. This year s Christmas Cantata is going to be fabulous! It will take place on Sunday, December 14 at the 11:00 am service (there will be only one service that day). The choir has been practicing since early September, and they will be accompanied by a 14 piece orchestra. You ll want to get here early that day for a good seat. Please remember to pray for our youth as they prepare for the 2014 Community Christmas Party for 29 deserving children from South Newton Elementary School. It is one of the highlights of our youth program and a very spiritually rewarding experience for everyone involved. It is not too late for you to be a part of this year s celebration. Please contact Julie or Willis at the church office if you would like to volunteer at the party or make a financial contribution. You ll be delighted to know that our congregation was recognized this past spring by the Newton-Conover City Schools system for this annual Christmas outreach program. Lastly, let me offer a few words about giving. First, thank you so much to everyone who has already submitted their financial pledge for If you have not done so, please prayerfully consider what you believe God is asking you to do in the coming year. You can mail your card to the church office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday. Secondly, please don t forget the church during this busy and hectic time of the year. Historically, the month of December has been a time for many of our church members to catch up on their giving so I hope you ll do so in the coming days. See you Sunday, David

Lights of Love Tree Our Youth will again be sponsoring the Lights of Love Tree this Christmas.

A booklet will be published on Sunday, December 21st with all the names listed. Deadline for submission is Sunday, December 14th. Thank you!

Carry the beautiful music of traditional carols to those unable to join the congregation in worship. Meet in the Gomedela Room at 3:00pm Sunday, December 21.

9 Lights of Love Tree Our Youth will again be sponsoring the Lights of Love Tree this Christmas. This tree with white lights will be placed in the church garden and will come on each night during the Advent Season. The cost to place a light in memory or in honor of someone is $2.00. A booklet will be published on Sunday, December 21st with all the names listed. Deadline for submission is Sunday, December 14th. Thank you! In Memory of or In Honor of By Please use a separate form for each name. Share the joy of the season with First Methodist s homebound members. Carry the beautiful music of traditional carols to those unable to join the congregation in worship. Meet in the Gomedela Room at 3:00pm Sunday, December 21. Thank you for giving of your time and presence! A calendar is being prepared for those wishing to furnish altar flowers in Please fill out the form below and return it to the church office to reserve the Sunday of your choice. I will furnish altar flowers in 2015 as follows: Date In Memory/Honor of By Neil Love Neil Love John Caldwell Margie Powell Margie Powell Margie Powell Jerry Sowers November Memorials Garden Fund Community Christmas Party Capital Building Fund Music Fund Robe Fund Capital Building Fund Capital Building Fund November Honorariums Tom & Margaret Dixon Garden Fund Bill Flake Garden Fund Betty & Merv McGee Garden Fund Wanda Propst Garden Fund David & Jean Propst Garden Fund Missy Rosenbaum Garden Fund Bob & Brenda Saunders Garden Fund Bill & Diane Shillito Garden Fund Sonny & Cheryl Canipe Garden Fund Marty Burrows Garden Fund K. Wayne Smith Community Christmas Party Address for Rusty Thomas: 7825 NC 68 North Stokesdale, NC Women s Holiday Luncheon The Methodist Women will meet for lunch at O'Charley s on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11am. We welcome nonmembers and encourage you to join us for a delicious meal. If you plan to attend, please contact your group leader or Martha Sowers ( ) by tomorrow, December 1st. We hope to see you there. The fellowship we enjoy will be a great way to usher in the holiday season.

10 First United Methodist Church 300 N. Main Ave. PO Box 926 Newton, NC Return Service Requested First United Methodist Church Staff David Greene, Senior Pastor cell: Lara Willis Greene, Associate Pastor cell: John Coffey, Organist Brent Roland, Music Director Michael Roberts, Director of Praise Service Rose Bibeau, Children s Music Julie Fowler, Director of Children s Ministry Ann Cook, Administrative Assistant Kayla Sigmon, Nursery Ministry Julia Macemore, Preschool Director Church office phone: Website: December 2014 Sharing Our Gifts Sunday Attendance Tithes and Offerings Capital Bldg. Fund November , November , IN MEMORIAM Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them. F. E. Thornburg, Jr. August 5, November 8, 2014 November , , November , November , YEAR END GIVING According to the IRS, individuals are allowed to deduct charitable contributions from their income during the year in which the donation was delivered. This means that we will need to receive your contribution for 2014 in the church office by noon on December 31. If a donation is mailed, we will use the postmark date on the envelope to determine whether it will be applied to 2014 or IN MEMORIAM Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they cease from their labor and their works do follow them. Margie Powell July 8, November 12, 2014 The family has requested that memorials be given to: First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 926 Newton NC or Catawba Regional Hospice 3975 Robinson Rd. Newton, NC

First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina

Loving People into the Kingdom of God in the Heart of Catawba County. First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina DECEMBER 2016 IN TOUCH 300 N. Main Ave. PO Box 926 Newton, NC 28658 828-464-8422