Greetings from David. Dear Fellow Ministers, In Christ s Service, David

Transcription

1 First Vol 45...Issue 11...November Greetings from David Dear Fellow Ministers, Contact: Rev. David Christy Senior Minister ext. 222 dchristy@fumcgastonia.org November promises to be a great month of thanking God for what God is doing in our collective life as a church! We celebrate a new minister coming on board in Rev. Juston Smith; our stewardship campaign completion; the community Thanksgiving Service being held here at our church on November 20, at 7:30 p.m.; the first Sunday of Advent and the list could go on and on. Please come and invite another to come with you as we seek to grow in the love of Jesus Christ! Here is a breakdown of our plans: November 6 All Saints Sunday I Corinthians 13:8-13 (reception to follow for Rev. Juston Smith in the Family Life Center) November 13 Haggai 1:15b-2:9 November 20 Luke 21:5-19 November 27 Matthew 1:18-25 Please pray through each text as God forms a sermon in us! I look forward to being in mission and ministry with you in the month of November! The mission of First United Methodist Church: To see Christ in every person we encounter and demonstrate to them the love of God and the teachings of Jesus. In Christ s Service, David The service will be held here at our church this year, on Sunday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. Please invite friends in the community to come and share the joy of Christ s abundant blessings! in this issue TAKE NOTE WAYS TO CONNECT CALENDAR EVENTS AND NEWS REV. JUSTON SMITH

2 Take Note Hospitalized: James Peach, Levine Cancer Institute Sympathy to: Debby Eaddy and Family on the death of her father. Priscilla and Myron Gallogly and Family on the death of her son. Bill Todd Jr., Caroline Haney and Bill Todd III and Family on the death of their wife and mother, respectively. Ted Lisle and Family on the death of his mother. Carol Jean Winecoff and Family on the death of her brother. Mike Fox and Family on the death of his father. Bob Kaufman and Family on the death of his brother. Joy to: Tyler and Brittany Dixon on the birth of Emery Claudine Dixon. Grandmother is Jackie Clevenger, great grandparents are Doug and Marcia Clevenger and great-great grandfather is Jack Clevenger. Justin Whitesell and Ashley Matthews who were married October 1 in Vale, NC. Justin is the son of Steve and Kay Whitesell and Ashley is the daughter of Mary Matthews. Amy Jenkins and Steven Muenow, Jr. who were married October 8 by Rev. Dr. Jim Westmoreland. Amy is the daughter of Caroline Stott and the granddaughter of Mays Stott. Just the numbers: Sunday Attendance October 2: 411 October 9: 513 October 23: 485 October 30: 433 Minister on Call Schedule: (call or text) (David) , (Juston) , (Tripp), November 4-6: David Christy November 11-13: Juston Smith November 18-20: Tripp Hord November 25-27: David Christy November 2 November 9 Fried/baked chicken tenders, tater tots, cole slaw, dessert. Thanksgiving Dinner. Meals are $5 for adults, $3 for children age 3-5th grade, children 2 and under are free. Please call the church office or for reservations/cancellations. November 16 Lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread, dessert. November 23 No Meal November 30 Pork chops, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad, dessert.

3 CONNECT...1 Contact: Becky Greene Director of Spiritual Formation ext. 227 Faith Through Tragedy Wednesday, November 2. We will welcome former NC Senator Malcolm Graham, who lost his sister in the 2015 church shooting in Charleston, SC. He will share his journey toward healing. Please invite a friend and join us in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Welcome New Members Andrea and Sam Honeycutt

4 CONNECT...2 First Friday Hot Dogs Friday, November 4, p.m. In the First United Methodist Church parking lot at the corner of Main and Oakland. Hot Dog, potato chips, drink, cookie! $3 or pay as you can. Sponsored by the United Methodist Men. EVERYONE INVITED! United Methodist Women-Faith, Hope and Love in Action Frozen Food and Bake Sale Saturday, November 12, 9-11 a.m., FLC Stock up for the Holidays! We will have your favorite casseroles and wonderful baked goods, etc. With the UMM Pancake Breakfast opening at 8 a.m., you can have breakfast while you wait for the sale. All proceeds support missions locally and globally. Friendship Connections-Where Friends Connect and Reconnect Thursday, November 17, 2016 Fall is here and bringing us a beautiful, colorful fall landscape and a bit of chill in the air! Join your friends as early as early as 10:30 a.m. for the warmth of friendship and refreshments. Invite and bring a friend or two!! Thanksgiving Meals for Our Partner Schools/Boys and Girls Club Again this year, we will be accepting donations to purchase a pre-cooked meal to be gifted to these families for the holiday. Jacksons in Clover, SC will prepare turkey, dressing, gravy, and bread. We purchase a pie to go with the meal. A donation of $70 will cover these costs. Please mark your check "Thanksgiving Meal" and bring to the Business Office, pay online, or place in the offering plate. Donations of green beans, rice, yams and collard greens are also needed. Please bring those items to the donation bin located in the hallway of the main building. Many thanks in helping to make the holiday happy for those in need.

5 CONNECT...3 Friends on the Go Mark your calendar and reserve your tickets now, for Thursday, December 8, trip to Fort Mill, SC to the NarroWay Dinner Theatre. See your favorite Christmas scenes! Hear your favorite Christmas songs! Then watch in awe-stricken wonder as NarroWay beautifully recreates The Real Christmas Story. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner. We will meet at the FLC parking lot at 4:45 p.m. and leave by 5 p.m., to go by bus to Fort Mill. Dinner and play begin at 6:30 p.m. Plan 3 hours for dinner and play. The cost of dinner theatre is $30 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the Receptionist and reserving your ticket. Final payment for trip is due by Monday, November 28. A Friends on the Go envelope for reservations and payment is located in the Reception Office. Highlights From the 2016 ASP Mission Trip

6 Events and Commitment Sunday- November 13, 2016 News... From FLC/Communications Director Steven Pappas Hey FUMC Congregation, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the amazing response you all have provided me with since my arrival on staff. I have enjoyed meeting all of your smiling faces and learning more about your roles in the church. The congregation at FUMC is truly a family who values acceptance and love. I have enjoyed being a part of that family these last 5 weeks. This brings me to why I am writing this. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am going to be transitioning out of my position at FUMC. I will be working with you through Nov. 15th and will then be moving on. I wish I did not have to go. Everyone has been nothing short of incredible since my arrival, staff and congregation alike. You have a powerful ministry at FUMC and I am disappointed I will not be able to serve as a part of it moving forward. At this time, I have to think about my family, my wife, and my own well being as I work through some health issues. This has not been a decision I have made lightly. Thank you in advance for being understanding and respecting this difficult decision I have made for my family. Thank you again for all of your support and I hope to get the chance to thank each of you on my way out. I respond to your love with all the gratitude I can give. May your ministry thrive and carry even further outside the walls of the church. You Can Be Confident!! Be looking for our next mailing soon! Call the church office if you any questions. Pictorial Directory Update We are asking each family in the church to consider either having your picture made (just digitally, none will be for sale) on the day we have the reception for Rev. Juston Smith (Sunday, November 6) OR take an iphone photo and it to amanda@fumcgastonia.org. We will be asking folks to fill out some information and anything you think would be helpful for Juston to know. Youth Yard Sale Outcome Our Youth Yard Sale was a huge success in October Thanks for all the donations and hard work. We collected over $1,000 for youth missions. We really appreciate your support! Be Blessed, Steven Pappas

7 Meet Rev. Juston Smith Our New Associate Minister Hey First Gastonia! It is with great joy and anticipation that I write you this introductory greeting. I am Rev. Juston R. Smith, your new Associate Pastor, beginning November 1 st. You probably want to know just about who I am, and how we can begin to be acquainted with one another. I am a 2008 graduate of Appalachian State University, and a 2014 graduate of Hood Theological Seminary. I am a provisional elder in The Western North Carolina Conference, and am presently in the 2 nd year of Residency in Ordained Ministry. I was appointed to The Belwood Charge ( in July The Belwood Charge consists of Kadesh, Knob Creek, and St. Peter s United Methodist Churches. It was a great pleasure to serve as their pastor for 2 and a half years. Within the church, I love to sit down and plan, create, and craft worship experiences. Often times you will see me designing what will take place from aesthetics, who is involved, litanies, music, and answering: what s the point of it all? Thanks to the Called-and-Gifted to Lead Workshop provided by the conference, I have been able to develop and understand my niche calling into worship planning and leadership. I look forward to sharing with you all what I have learned at the St. Olaf Conference on Worship, Theology, and Arts, and what I continue to learn through the many educational opportunities I take part in. Along with worship, I play the organ and piano. I began playing the organ following worship at my home church (Covenant-Charlotte) when I was around 5 years old. I am so blessed to have known and to have been nourished by organist Ms. Mabel who allowed me to develop the gift from God. Outside of the church, I am interested in many things, however number one is family! My grandparents, parents, brothers & sisters-in-law, and nephews live close by and we interact and hang-out with one another as often as we can. One of the most active times for us is during the fall let s just get this out there: we are avid App State Mountaineer fans when I am not in Gastonia, you will know that I am in Boone watching the Mountaineer s whoop-up on the football field! Other hobbies of mine include writing articles on my website ( about various things that come to my mind or events happening within our world. In general, I enjoy food sometimes too much but one of the things I really enjoy is searching out new places to eat, meeting friends for lunch, and meeting my dad (he s retired, sort of) for breakfast. Probably my favorite food (very unhealthy) is a cheeseburger with chili, slaw, mustard, and ketchup. I m making myself hungry! However, most of all, I will always enjoy home cooking out of my mom s kitchen. There is probably so much more, but there isn t enough time or space to tell you everything, and there has to be a bit of suspense, right?! I am looking forward to meeting you all very soon, and beginning ministry alongside you. My contact information: Cell jsmith@fumcgastonia.org Grace & Peace, Pastor Juston Main Event-W.O.W. W.O.W. indeed! How great is our God to provide two churches the ability to come together as one to worship and show others how to love and serve each other. The Lord provided us a beautiful day to come out and worship, fellowship and eat with one another. As heads of the committee we want to say Thank You to everyone who came out to the Pavilion to worship with our brothers and sisters of St. Stephens A.M.E. Zion. As David always says, he is proud of FUMC of Gastonia for being a loving and giving church, and it showed on October 9 th of this year. Also, we would like you to know that if it was not for all the people working behind the scenes prior to and on the day of the event that put in their time and hard work to get everything together, get everything to the Pavilion to set it up, then after the service take it down and get it back to the church, the Main Event would not be what it is today. We personally want to say a big Thank You to everyone who helped at this year s Main Event, it is much appreciated. We are already working on next year, more to come very soon. Thank You, Allison and Steve Adams

8 To print this calendar, select print and choose page 8. Newsletter articles must be submitted via by 9 a.m. on the last Wednesday of the month prior to publication for the following month. your submission to Amanda, amanda@fumcgastonia.org. Please note that articles are at the Editor s discretion due to limited space, run time, etc. Thank you for your cooperation.

9 To print this calendar, select print and choose page 9.

10 FUMC Preschool October Was a Fun and Busy Month! Fire Safety In October, the children learned about fire safety. All of the children enjoyed a visit from the fire truck. Our fours even got to visit Fire Station #1. Horrible Hair Day While learning about the letter H, the children had two special dress-up days. Horrible Hair Day and Hat Day were a lot of fun. The threes are off to a great start. They love listening to stories and enjoy their calendar time. Pumpkin Auction Fingers and footprints from each student help created wonderful pumpkins to auction. All classes created a pumpkin to auction off to help support the Preschool s scholarship fund. Pumpkins All of our preschool friends went home with a pumpkin from our pumpkin patch. On October 18, the fours learned even more about pumpkins and farms on their field trip to Lewis Farm. FUMC Preschool loves the fall and learns a lot in the fall. FUMC Preschool will be hosting a Book Fair, during Preschool hours the week of November There are always great books to purchase for the upcoming Christmas giving season.

11 Wednesday Evening Please join us on Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We have programming for Birth-5th grade, we have been blessed with around 40 children each Wednesday evening. The children gather in the Gym during Wednesday evening programming for Bible stories, fellowship and games. In November, we will continue to learn about Moses through games and Bible stories. I ll set you free with great power. (Exodus 6:6). Please kristi@fumcgastonia.org with any questions. Sunday School Sunday School is strengthened by growing relationships. The classes are learning how to care for each other. Each Sunday, they do a prayer post. Children are encouraged to post a prayer on the Sunday School Message Board. They are learning to give it up to God. After Sunday School, they take someone else s prayer home with them to pray over during the week. During Sunday School the children explore the God s word in fun and exciting ways. Our teachers are amazing. It is a great time to fellowship with friends and grow in faith. Please join us each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Canteen for our gathering time and at 10 a.m. for Sunday School. Sunday School Rooms: Toddler and Twos Room 101, 3s and 4s Room 130, K and 1st grade Room 132, 2nd and 3rd grade Room 129, 4th and 5th grade Room 131. Mark Your Calendars November 2: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bible Story Games 9: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bible Story Games 16: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bible Story Games 30: Family Movie Night December 7: Advent Festival 9: Kids Fun Night 14: Children s Choir Program 20: Christmas Caroling Choir Worship & Performances Nov. 6: 11 a.m. Music Makers Nov.13: 162 Asbury Choir Nov. 20: 11 a.m. Wesley Choir Dec. 14: 6:30 p.m. Christmas Program Choirs are offered before Wednesday meals. Meals are 5:30-6:30 p.m.nursery, M&Ms, FAITH & FISH (Birth-5 th grade) is 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Each Wednesday the various age groups will hear a Bible story and play a game with it. Coming Soon! May 5-7, 2017: Family Camp -Children s Ministry Wednesday Evening in the Gym In November, we are collecting green beans and macaroni for Thanksgiving meals for families in need. We are also collecting new or gently used coats. Contact: Kristi McClellan Director of Preshool/ Children s Ministries ext. 231 preschool@fumcgastonia.org kristi@fumcgastonia.org

12 Youth Ministry Youth Gatherings on Sunday Mornings in The Greene House 9:45-10 a.m. Sunday School Classes will be in The Greene House 10-10:45 a.m. Classes are offered for Confirmation, 6 th & 7 th Graders, 9 th & 10 th Graders, and 11 th & 12 th Graders Mid-Hi UMYF (6 th, 7 th, & 8 th Graders) Sunday, November 6: Mingle with our Ministers, 6:15-7:30 p.m., The Greene House Sunday, November 13: Cell Phone Scavenger Hunt, 6:15-7:30 p.m., The Greene House Sunday, November 20: Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 6-7:30 p.m., Family Life Center Sr-Hi UMYF (9 th, 10 th, 11 th, & 12 th Graders) Contact: Jennifer Cabaniss Director of Student Ministries ext. 223 jennifer@fumcgastonia.org Tuesday, November 1: Prayer Breakfast at Bojangles 7 a.m. (S. New Hope Road) Sunday, November 6: Bonfire at the Buckner s Home, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Off campus Sunday, November 13: TV Talk, 6:15-7:30 p.m., The Greene House Friday, November 18: Lock Out 9 p.m.-7 a.m. *Cost: $20. You must RSVP for this event by Tuesday, November 15 to Jennifer.* Sunday, November 20: Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 6-7:30 p.m. Family Life Center *Be sure to check your and weekly eblast for detailed information on all youth events.* Mid Hi Lock Out! St. Stephens A.M.E. Youth and our Youth gather together for the UMYF Benediction. Fall Festival/ Trunk or Treat

13 FUMC Concert Series Presents: Gaston String Orchestra Fall Concert Thursday, November 7 p.m., FUMC Theatre Dinner Theater A Christmas Madrigal Dinner at the Home of Charles Wesley -Music and Worship Arts Ministry Saturday, December 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall Sunday, December 12:15 p.m., Fellowship Hall Handel s Messiah presented by FUMC Adult Choirs Sunday, December 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. Sanctuary Contact: Rev. Saxon Scarborough Minister of Music ext. 233 saxon@fumcgastonia.org

14 Parish Nurse Ministry Flu Shots Wednesday, November 2, FPC, 4-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, FUMC, 4-6:30 p.m. Ages 14 and up; shot is $25 or free with Medicare Part B. Most insurances accepted. Silver and Gold Occasions: A Holiday Grief Seminar Saturday, November 5, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., FPC. Helping families cope with the holidays after the death of loved one. Please register by calling Sponsored by Gaston Hospice. A Bead and a Prayer Learn about prayer beads and make a strand for yourself and one to give away. Beads become prayer beads when making and using them is a part of meditation and prayer process. Wednesday, November 9 and 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., FUMC Craft Room. National Memory Screening Event This is a simple and safe evaluation tool to check memory and other thinking skills. The free event is Wednesday, November 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at FPC. Register: Health Education Awareness Luncheon Easy Recipes for the Holidays When Cooking for 1 or 2. Join Chef Monica Smith Wednesday, November 16, at FPC, 12 p.m. for lunch ($5), program 12:30 p.m. RSVP by Monday, November 14: Heart Healthy Cooking Thursday, November 17 or December 1, 6 p.m., at Discover YOU, 420 E. Central Ave., Mt. Holly. Space is limited for this class that will demonstrate how to make healthy meals using local foods. Register, discover-you.org. Save the Dates! Blood Drive: Monday, December 5, 2-6 p.m., FPC. Call for an appointment or walk-in. Service of Hope: Tuesday, December 13, 12:15 p.m. or 6 p.m., FUMC Chapel. Contact: Lisa Marisiddaiah Parish Nurse, First United Methodist/First Presbyterian ext. 256 or nurse@fumcgastonia.org

15 Don t Miss This... FUMC Bessemer City Partnership Friends and Family of First United Methodist Church, Gastonia, Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and blessings over the last few months. I m really looking forward to the upcoming Holiday Season. We will be participating in a city wide Thanksgiving meal on the 19 th of November, where area churches come together to serve a meal to the homeless and needy in the Bessemer City area. On the 22 nd of November our church will be participating in the city wide Thanksgiving Service. This is part of the Bessemer City Ministerial Program that I meet with once a month. Finally, we will take part in the Tree Lighting Ceremony on the 26 th of November. I have found that FUMCBC Family is very involved in the community! On October 9, we celebrated 125 years at FUMCBC! What a joy it was to celebrate so many years of vibrant, spirit-filled worship, programs and community involvement at this amazing church. This church has been blessed and the grace of God continually shows up each week as we continue to work through the partnership. We all had a great time attending the Trunk or Treat on the 30 th. I m currently working with Becky and Jennifer on senior adults and youth programs. Blessings, Tripp November Upcoming Events: 19 th City Wide Thanksgiving Meal First Baptist Bessemer City 12 p.m. 20 th Hanging of the Greens FUMCBC 12 p.m. (lunch provided) 22 nd City Wide Thanksgiving Service (site and time TBA) 26 th Community Tree Lighting Ceremony Good News! Our very own Lisa Marisiddaiah, RN, BSN, FCN is A Great 100 North Carolina Nurse for Congratulations Lisa! You have a wonderful ministry and make us proud to call you ours. Congratulations are also in order to our 2016 Laity Award Winners: Jim and Lyn Anderson!

16 STAY CONNECTED... Phone: Web: Give First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, North Carolina Published monthly at 190 E. 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 First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC Program Staff David Christy, Senior Minister Tripp Hord, Minister of Visitation/FUMC Bessemer City Partnership Kristi McClellan, Director of Weekday Preschool/Children s Ministries Susan Lisle, Music Associate Dave Davis, Business Manager Juston Smith, Associate Minister Saxon Scarborough, Minister of Music Jennifer Cabaniss, Director of Student Ministries Timothy Scruggs, Organist Bruce Tindall, Director of Food Services James Westmoreland, Pastor Emeritus Rebecca Greene, Director of Spiritual Formation Aaron Prillaman, 162 East Worship Leader Steven Pappas, Director of Family Life Center/Communications Lisa Marisiddaiah, Parish Nurse Eddie Ingram, Pastoral Psychotherapist: , x411