First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina

Transcription

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. UPCOMING SERMON SERIES AT FUMC One of the most popular stories during the Christmas season is Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. It is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the prototype of the Grinch who stole Christmas. This wonderful story will serve as the focus for the sermons during Advent. Please take some time to read this story or watch one of the many movie versions made across the years. Two of the most popular movies star George C. Scott and Jim Carey as Scrooge. In early 2014 the Old Testament story of Joseph will be the focus of a sermon series based on Max Lucado s new book, You ll Get Through This. This series will examine the marvelous story of how God wove what was originally meant for evil into something good. Be on the lookout for Lucado s book as you are selecting Christmas gifts for family and friends. It will make an excellent gift. And it will serve as our guide during this upcoming series. CHURCH FINANCES As we come to the end of the year, please remember the commitment you made to the ministries and missions of the church in your 2013 pledge. We have had a great year of directed and purposeful ministry. Let us continue our faithfulness to the end of Pledge cards for 2014 were mailed out earlier this month. Please prayerfully consider your pledge for next year, complete the card, and return it to the church office. The Finance Committee will be meeting in December to review the 2014 pledges in comparison to the 2014 budget. METHODIST WOMEN will meet for dinner on Monday, December 2 at 6:00pm at O Charley s. All women are invited. Please call Martha Sowers at to make your reservation. KIDS FOR CHRIST-WINTER MISSION PROJECT SOLES FOR SOULS Kids for Christ will be collecting gently used shoes for Soles for Souls, a global not-for-profit institution. This organization is dedicated to fighting poverty by passing on shoes to those in need ( We will be collecting shoes in all styles for babies, children and adults during the month of December. There will be a box in the activity room as well as on the breezeway. You can help others as well as yourself by cleaning out your gently used shoes and dropping them off here at church. Please contact Julie Fowler (julieb.fowler@gmail.com) if you have any questions. Your old shoes may enable someone to step out of poverty! We will be decorating the church for the Advent and Christmas season. Join us on Saturday, November 30 at 8:00a.m. We encourage and welcome all to come and help. We especially need a few men who can climb a ladder. CARE MINISTRY CHRISTMAS CARDS December 1st -15th Share the joy this season by showering the church's home bound and assisted living members with Christmas cards. A list of names will be on the table outside the Gomedela room, simply pick up a list, prepare the cards and then return them to the marked bags. The cards will be delivered the week of December 15th. It's time for our Angel Tree. The people we serve have become wards of the county. Social Services looks out for them because they have no one else. The tree will go up in the upstairs breezeway near the elevator on November 12th. Come by and take your angel. Social Services will make its final pick up on Wednesday, December 4th so please have your gifts back before that date. Make sure to attach the angel to your gift. Gifts should be unwrapped. If you have any questions, contact Jo Anne Hewins at Thanks so much for your help.

2 STEWARDSHIP REPORT, November 17, 2013 Attendance: Sunday School :00 a.m :45 a.m. 92 Offering: Tithes & Offerings $10, Journey Donation Altar Flowers Poinsettias Odum Scholarship Capital Bldg. Campaign 2, $13, * * * * * * * * * STEWARDSHIP REPORT, November 24, 2013 Attendance: Sunday School :00 a.m :45 a.m. 98 Offering: Tithes & Offerings $9, Community Christmas Party Altar Flowers Poinsettias Advance Special-Disaster Relief Capital Bldg. Campaign 695,00 $11, HOSPITAL REPORT: Catawba Valley Medical Center: Jeff Foss, Pat Gantt and Johnny Saunders P B & J Sunday December 1, 2013 Please bring plastic containers of peanut butter & jelly on the first Sunday of every month for the Backpack Program at South Newton Elementary School. Baskets will be located in the breezeway and in the Fellowship Hall. LIGHTS OF LOVE Our youth will sponsor a Lights of Love Tree again this year. This tree with white lights will be in place on the front lawn of the church 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. We will publish a booklet on Sunday, December 15th with all the names listed. Deadline will be Sunday, December 8th. In Memory of or In Honor of By (Please use a separate form for each name. OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEXT 2 WEEKS *December 1-7, 2013 SUN. 8:45 Worship Service 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship Service 4:00 Journey 5:00-9:00 Light Up the Town 6:00 Disciple II MON. 9:00 Preschool 6:00 Methodist Women at O Charley s TUES. 9:00 Preschool WED. 9:00 Preschool 3:00 Kids for Christ 7:30 Chancel Choir THURS. 9:00 Preschool 1:00 Prayer Shawl 2:00-4:00 GriefShare at Abernethy Laurels FRI. 9:00 Preschool 6:00 Youth Lock-Out SAT. 9:00-1:00 Activity Room Reserved 5:00-8:00 Activity Room Reserved *December 8-14, 2013* SUN. 8:45 Worship Service 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship Service 2:00-6:00 Tour of Churches Youth 4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple II MON. 9:00 Preschool TUES. 9:00 Preschool WED. 9:00 Preschool 3:00 Kids for Christ 7:30 Chancel Choir THURS. 9:00 Preschool 1:00 Prayer Shawl FRI. 9:00 Preschool 6:00-8:00 Sanctuary reserved for Preschool SAT. 10:00 Advent Fair 12:00 Lunch 12:30 Spontaneous Pageant NEW CHRISTMAS STUDY AT JOURNEY STARTS DECEMBER 1, 2013 You are invited to take part in a 3- week Christmas Bible study hosted by Journey Christian Fellowship at Zander s Coffee House, Sundays at 4 pm, beginning December 1. The DVDbased study is Rick Warren s The Purpose of Christmas. Find out how God designed Christmas to meet your three deepest needs. Accept, unwrap, and enjoy God s Christmas gift to you! Questions? Call

3 First United Methodist Children s Ministries A BRIGHT STAR IN BETHLEHEM Advent begins on Sunday, December 1st. Devotion books with stickers and a stand up poster will help your child prepare their hearts for a joyous Christmas. This advent devotional will be on the Information Table in the upper breezeway and in the Narthex. Please take one home for your family to share this advent season. CHILDREN S ADVENT FAIR AND SPONTANEOUS CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Saturday, December 14th, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Activity Room All children are welcome to come and partake in crafts and music. We will have a hot dog lunch (donations accepted) at 12 noon and then head up to the Sanctuary at 12:30 for the Spontaneous Christmas Pageant. The children may pick a character (angel, shepherd or wise man) part if they wish to join in the pageant. The children will sit with their families until their part is called. KIDS FOR CHRIST CHOIR IN CHRISTMAS SONG SERVICE Sunday, December 15th, 11:00 Worship Service Please plan to attend and enjoy some very special Christmas music. The Kids for Christ Choir will join the Chancel Choir for this event. You will not want to miss it. The Kids for Christ children will need to be in the Sanctuary at 10:00am this morning for rehearsal. Pray for: Jack & Pat Gantt Jeff Foss Lawrence Campbell Rick Peyton Frank Hadley Dennis Moore Rev. Oscar Shepherd Amy Henry Robert Smith Terry Brown Susan Sipes PRAYER CONCERNS Requested by: Family Friends Scott & Gina King Susan Reinhardt Scott & Gina King Roy & Kaye Lewis Brooks & Melba Nichols June Sherrill The Delanceys The Delanceys The Delanceys Out-of-Country Military: Scott Beal, Patrick Caldwell, Jacob Campbell, Keno Clark, Brent Cossich, Gary Hogan, Tai Orange. In-Country Military: Andy Blanton, Todd Houtz, Corey Lail, Laird Lambeth, Brad McRee, Andrew Richardson, Michael Schell, Ty Shillito, Kyle L. Sigmon, Ryan Windham, President Obama & leaders. MEMORIALS RECEIVED RECENTLY: Capital Building Fund: Gayle Lowder Eddie & Regina Copeland, Pat Britt Brian & Michelle White Matt Recchi Debbie & Rob Rights Earl Barkley Rich & Ann Faust, Paul & Becky Campbell Monteen Fox Men s Bible Class Radio Fund: Earl Barkley Frank Cloninger, Roy & Kaye Lewis June Sherrill, Susan & Mack Hunsucker Ken & Pat Lawing, Tommy & Patricia Howard Odum Scholarship Fund: Earl Barkley Health & Public Assistance YOU RE INVITED TO THANKSGIVING DINNER November 28, 2013, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH 720 W. 13TH STREET, NEWTON, NC For dinner reservations, if you need a meal delivered, or transportation to the church CALL VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with the Tour of Churches at FUMC, Newton on Sunday December 8th. Cookies and cider are also needed for refreshments. Contact Mary Yoder ( ) if you can help in any way.

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5 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Bill Noel 12/1 Anne Richard 12/1 William Cable Jr. 12/2 Dwaine Morgan 12/2 Ruth Richardso 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 Emily Childs 12/16 Marie Robinson 12/16 Robert Drum Jr. 12/17 Sarah Meshaw 12/17 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 Pat Matthews 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 Gary Barringer 12/30 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 Charles & Mitzi Moody Jr. 12/13 Gary & Charlotte Barringer 12/16 Matthew & Emily Abernathy 12/18 David & Shelley Hayes 12/18 Jim & Wendy Hildebran 12/18 Frank & Susan Reinhardt 12/18 Bill & Jean Childs Jr. 12/19 Shawn & Ellen Fountain 12/19 Wayne & Audrey Smith 12/19 Johnny & Beth Isenhour 12/21 Brent & Billye Roland 12/21 Sherrill & Mary Anne Cranford 12/22 Moe & Susan Peacock 12/23 Greg & Mary Frances Stanley 12/24 Rowe & Anita Bollinger 12/28 Bill & Amy Cable 12/28

6 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: Nikki Cavin, 8:45am service Pianist John Coffey, Interim Organist/Choir Director Michael Roberts, Director of Praise Service Rose Bibeau, Children s Music Julie Fowler, Director of Children s Ministry Ann Cook, Administrative Assistant Ruth Rockett, Office Assistant Kayla Sigmon, Nursery Ministry Julia Macemore, Preschool Director Church office phone: Website: VOLUME XXXII November 26, 2013 No. 32 THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY In partnership with South Newton Elementary School, First Methodist will host a Community Christmas Party for over twenty children and their families who are in need this holiday season. On December 20, the Activity Room will be filled with joy and anticipation as the Youth Group hosts the families for dinner, the Christmas story, entertainment and of course a visit from Santa! How can you share in the joy of this event? You may make a financial donation to help cover the cost of the gifts and food or serve at the party on the evening of December 20. Sunday School classes are welcome to help sponsor the meal or fill stockings for each child. Financial gifts may be dropped in the offering plate or brought to the church office. Please mark your check, Community Christmas Party. For more information or for ways to volunteer, please contact Rev. Lara Willis Greene. NOTE OF THANKS Our thanks to our wonderful church family, Kids for Christ, choir and the Joe Love Class for all the prayers, cards and phone calls. My hip replacement surgery and rehabilitation was a complete success. Harris & Vickey Jones In conjunction with the community Tour of Churches, First Methodist Youth will be presenting a Live Nativity on the lawn from 3:00-6:00pm with plays starting every 30 minutes. Come and enjoy a hot cup of cider while celebrating the Savior s birth and watching the Bethlehem story come to life! POINSETTIAS Orders are now being received for poinsettias to be placed in the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas. Orders may be brought or mailed to the church office or placed in the offering plate. Please include your payment of $9.00 per plant. Deadline for ordering is Wednesday, November 27th. Poinsettias may be taken home after the 11:00 AM service on December 22rd. In Memory of or In Honor of By (Please use a separate form for each plant ordered.)