First. Connections July/August A Lesson from Letterman by Pastor Bass Mitchell

Transcription

1 First Connections July/August 2015 A Lesson from Letterman by Pastor Bass Mitchell As I write this first article to you, much of the news has been about the last show for late night comedian David Letterman. My favorite Letterman routine was the Top Ten List. As I thought and prayed about what to share with you at the beginning of our life and work together, the thought came, Why not a Top Ten List of things I think you might like to know about me? So, here it goes #10 My name is Bass Mitchell. Yes, I am aware that there is something fishy about it. I ll tell you how I got it sometime. #9 I want to know your name. So, I ask that you wear name tags at the worship services. You have only two new names to learn Bass and Debbie. We have lots more. So help us out. #8 Debbie is my wife and the light of my life. We met in college. We have two grown children Michael and Meredith. They are both married. Last year we had our first grandchild. I m still trying to get used to my son having a son. #7 Our roots? North Carolina. Both of us were born and reared there. Me in a little town called Bridgeton across the Neuse River from New Bern. Debbie grew up on a tobacco and sweet potato farm in Nash County. #6 My first official Sunday will be July 5 th. I will preach in the 8:45 and 10:30 services. Then I will preach on July 12 th at the Genesis service. Debbie and I will be at the entrance to the chapel and sanctuary to greet you (assuming that we don t get lost in this huge building. If we do, please send out rescuers). #5 What s this new guy with the fishy name got planned for us? Well, asking lots of questions and listening. So you plan to do a lot of sharing. I want to get to know you, your hopes and dreams for your own life and that of First Church. Don t be shy about asking me questions as well. Together, we will seek what God wants for us in ministry here. #4 I love music. It s how I first came to be involved in the life and work of the church. Music led me to the Lord. What a great joy to be part of a church that has such a wonderful and diverse music ministry. (Continued on next page)

2 #3 I am so thankful for the ministry of Steve and Bev, and for all the wonderful pastors you have had here. They are a hard act to follow! #2 I am so pleased, proud, excited and much more to be your new minister! It s truly an honor and privilege. And what a staff you have here Jane, Tricia, Allan, Dale, Bill, Judy, Mitzi, Cindy, Heather, Butch, Genia, Jeff, and Bobby. #1 Above all, I love the Lord with all my heart and seek to grown daily in that love. And the passion of my life is to help you do so as well, for there is nothing more fulfilling or life changing I can do for you than this. ***** So, that s my Top Ten List of what I think you might like to know about me. In the days, weeks, months and years ahead, you will surely learn more, as I will about you. Please pray for me, as that is one of the best things you can do now and always. Pray for the whole staff and church leaders. That s the fuel that keeps us going. Can t wait to meet you and worship with you Sunday! Pastor Bass P.S. Perhaps for some reason you have not attended FUMC in some time or never. Could I ask you to prayerfully consider letting this be a new beginning in your walk with God and God s people? I would love to be your pastor and make this fresh start with you. P.P.S. Should you need to contact me, here s how: Phone (540) bassm@fumcsalemva.org For July 2015 July 5 Genesis, Jeff / 8:45 &10:30, Bass July 12 Genesis, Bass / 8:45 & 10:30, Jeff July 19 Genesis, Bobby / 8:45 & 10:30, Bass July 26 Genesis, Bass / 8:45 & 10:30, Jeff

3 Children s Ministries Tricia Givens Growing Faith The summer is a time when many people try their hands at gardening. Some are so good at it and others, well, lets say they don t have the touch. Is it they don t have the touch or they just do not give the garden the time it needs? Growing our faith is somewhat like growing a garden. So, this summer as you plant flowers or try your hand at vegetables, use this time as a teachable moment for your child. Let them have something to plant and grow and nurture. As you weed your garden, water your garden and keep the insects from devouring your garden, you can talk to your child about Faith. Explain that our faith grows deep inside our hearts. We have to put God s word there and plant a seed of Knowing God deep in our little souls. However, if we do not nurture that little seed of faith it will not grow, in fact it may even fade away. Tell them to grow a seed of faith deep into our hearts we need to learn God s words, talk to God and pour lots of God time into our hearts so our little seed of Faith will grow and get strong. The stronger this seed of faith gets then the sooner it will blossom and will even bring forth more seeds of faith, as it blooms in its own array of God s love. You can work in a garden with your child or just give him some seeds for their own flower pot, so they can watch their own little flower or garden grow. Remember, you have your child as a gift from God. You are your child s faith gardener here on earth. You, too, have to nurture your child and surround them with God moments to help their faith will grow, flourish and bloom. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MT. EVEREST July :00 12:30 Ages Pre-K4 through Fifth Graders Conquering Challenges with God s Mighty Power Classes are filling up so please get signed up. Deadline is July 10 th. Third through fourth graders will be traveling, however, we can only take so many on the bus safely. So please sign your children up while there is a seat. Children s Ministry Volunteer of the Month This month children s ministry recognizes Erica Pennington. Erica helps in the nursery, and extended session but she is always offering her help with any children s event. She is so supportive and energetic whenever she helps. She volunteers for VBS and has helped me with Wesley Kids. Thank you Erica for making a difference here at First Church. The book First Steps (helping your child begin their walk with God) has been placed in the Children s Ministry Library in your honor. Kids in the Spotlight This month First Church recognizes Brooke Bowers as our kid in the spotlight. Brooke is the daughter of Tom and Corrie Bowers. She sings in the chorister choir and plays in the heavenly bells. Brooke is fun to be around and loves music. She loves to sing and play bells. You will see her regularly in church, Sunday school, Wesley Kids and of course VBS. Brooke is at many church events and is always helpful. Thank you Brooke for making a difference at First Church. Summer Story Time Wednesday at 11:00AM in the church library on July 8th, 15th, and 29th. RALLY DAY September 13 th 5:00 Wesley Kids and Tweens in chapel 6:00 pm dinner on the grounds Hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, chips and ice cream Games for the kids and music!!! September 13 th will be RALLY DAY with all the joys of church activities coming into full swing again. Come enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs, bring a blanket and we will enjoy eating outside if the weather permits. There will be games for the children and the Praise band maybe sharing some of it s wonderful tunes with us outside. This is always a time of fellowship and I think of it as a church family reunion after the summer. So bring a blanket or a lawn chair and come join us at 6:00 pm for dinner on the grounds. VBS Teachers and Staff (arts, snack, rec and youth) Reminder: Meeting on July 15, 7:00PM in Key 73 Meeting on July 19, 7:00PM in Key 73 Sunday School Teachers Mark your calendars for September 9 th ( Wednesday). We will have a meeting to go over curriculum and to prepare for Rally Day. I will have your class rolls. I will also have dessert for you so don t eat too much for supper! Wesley Kids and Tweens We will meet on September 13 th at 5:00 pm in the chapel. We will have our annual John Wesley Scavenger hunt with a catch. Before we end the scavenger hunt you will be in teams to complete some funny task before you can go find the last clue. Children s Choirs I have many plans for you this year and can t wait to hear about your summer and see your smiling faces. I look forward to hearing your sweet voices again. Praying you do make time for choir this year!! Cherub Choir Children ages Kindergarten through 2 nd grade please come join the Cherub Choir. Come to the music room at 3:30 pm on SUNDAY and enjoy some cookies, singing and getting to know you games, as we sign up and begin a new year of choir. Any questions please call ext.15. Chorister Choir Children ages third through sixth grade come join the Chorister Choir. Meet in the music room from 4:00 5:00 pm. We will enjoy some cookies, singing and getting to know you games. Questions call # ext. 15.

4 United Methodist Women Rita Olson July 24-26, 2015 Virginia Conference School of Christian Mission Encounter - Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. Response Magazine Women working together in lifting one another up, carrying a heavy burden or just listening with an attentive ear gives us a special bond of sisterhood We are learning from one another, supporting one another, pooling resources and drawing expertise from one another. This is creative, supportive fellowship writ large! Circle #1 Interested in helping in the church? Interested in helping the community? Interested in joining forces with a group of women balancing families, children, work, service to the community and Church? Please join Circle 1 as we prepare for a year of service to our church family and community. Upcoming events include: Family Promise Dinner, Wesley Kids, World Thank Program, Trinity Church Dinner and more. Please contact Jenna Magruder (jamagruder@comcast.net), Cory Bowers (corrin.r.bowers@fritolay.com) or Fran Williams (wms4@comcast.net) if you'd like to participate or learn more Local artist, Todd Bandy, created a beautiful painting of the scene of the mountains from the Salem Golf Course for the Brays as a part of their retirement gift. He made prints of the painting, has matted them, and they are in the church office if you would like to purchase one for $25. You can visit Todd's website at info@toddbandyfineart.com to view his other remarkable work. Emergency Bible Numbers! UPSET...John 14 WEAK...Psalm 18:1-29 LONLEY...Psalm 23 SINNED...Psalm 51 WORRIED...Matthew 8:19-31 ANXIOUS...Philippians 4:4-9 UNHAPPY...Colossians 3:12-17 IN DANGER...Psalm 91 DEPRESSED...Psalm 27 LACK OF FAITH...Exodus 14 NEED COURAGE...Joshua 1 NEED DIRECTION...Psalm 73:21-26 SEEKING PEACE...Matthew 11:25-30 LEAVING ON A TRIP...Psalm 121 STRUGGLING WITH LOSS...Luke 15 STURGGLING FINANCIALLY...Psalm 37 DISCOURAGED WITH WORK...Psalm 126 United Methodist Men Bob Haupt UMM Meeting: We will not meet during the summer months but will resume in September. Men s Bible Study: Wednesday mornings at 6:30 a.m. in conference room 116. UMM Book Club: We will not meet during the summer months but will resume in September. United Methodist Men Award Scholarships On Sunday, June 7, Graduate Recognition Sunday, the United Methodist Men announced the recipients of its 2015 scholarships. Two $1500 scholarships were awarded to outstanding high school seniors who are members of First United Methodist Church, and recognize excellence in academics, church service, school and community activities. This year the scholarship recipients are Alexandria Lintner and Thomas Legg. Ali is the daughter of Chris and Tracy Lintner. She graduated from and will attend James Madison University in the fall to study psychology. At school she was in the Spanish Club and managed the varsity soccer team. She is a Girl Scout, a member of 4H, and has served at the Roanoke rescue Mission. At church she has participated in various youth activities, youth choir and bell choir, and helped with Vacation Bible School. Thomas is the son of Jerry and Julie Legg. He graduated from as well, and will attend in the fall to study mechanical engineering. At school, Thomas was a squad leader in the marching band and co-captain of the debate team. He has won prizes in local and regional science fairs. Thomas has been active in the Boy Scouts and recently received Eagle Scout honors. At church he has been active in the youth group and especially in the youth and adult handbell choirs. The United Methodist Men and the entire congregation are proud of these outstanding young people and wish them well as they continue their education. S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young - 55+) Margaret Riggs Meetings: There will be no monthly SKY meetings during the summer. However, there will be travel opportunities. Keep checking the SKY bulletin board beside the chapel for trips that may not have made the newsletters. Have a lovely summer and we ll see you in September! Trips: Check the S.K.Y. bulletin board. If there is a change in time or cost for an event, those signedup will be contacted. It is best to check the SKY board periodically and to sign-up early.

5 Sympathy Finance Committee Report Matt Churchill, Finance Chair For Period: May, 2015 Average Attendance 359 Operating Fund Monthly Offering Received $64, Monthly Offering Budgeted $56, Year-To-Date Offering Received $339,748,00 Year-To-Date Offering Budgeted $356, Building Fund Monthly Offering Received $7, Year-To-Date Offering Received $22, Campaign-To-Date Offering Received $766, To the family and friends of Marie Meredith who passed away on June 4, Family Promise / August 2 8 THANK YOU to those of you who served the families in February and April. The families will be returning in August and we are responsible for providing food for dinner, hosting dinner and hosting overnight on Sunday 8/2, Monday 8/3, Thursday 8/6 and Friday 8/7. Central United Methodist comes to our church and provides for the families on the other nights that week. If you are in town that week and would be willing to help with any of the above needs please let Sherry Powell know by ing her at cheryl5kids@msn.com or by calling Baptisms Chad Williams, who will baptized on July 12, Births Emma Catherine Kronstain, born on May 22, 2015 to John and Sarah C. Kronstain of Charlottesville, VA. Her grandparents are Blake and Lee Ann Critz. Greatgrandparents are Frank and Julie Chapman. Congratulations to all! New Members Rick Corell who joined FUMC on June 14, Chad & Heather Williams who will be joining FUMC on July 12, Thank You! The Balbalian family would like to thank our church family for remembering and honoring church family member Irene J. Balbalian with expressions of sympathy, visits, memorials, honors, gifts to the church in her name, and many deeds of support. Our love we give to you for your help and comfort in our time of need. Sincerely, Joseph S. Balbalian *********** Dear Ms. Tate & Members of FUMC, Thank you for the kind donation of drinks, Ketchup, relish and baked beans to the Ronald McDonald House. These items help us in our day-to-day operation to provide Home-Away-From-Home or families who have children in the hospital. We appreciate your help to us in this area of our work. Sincere thanks, Ronald McDonald House, Staff ********* The Genesis Praise Band had the opportunity to be ambassadors for FUMC and play and lead worship at the 2015 Virginia United Methodist Annual Conference on June st at the Roanoke Civic Center. The band performed at 4 different services throughout the weekend as well as 3 Singing Our Faith services! I would like to thank the following musicians and vocalists for all the time and effort they put into preparing for and performing at the conference: Thanks for all you do! Allan Davidson Ashley Powell, Meg Crew Emily Hedrick, Joey Poarch Steve Stutsman, Bill Hill Dwayne Williams, Blaine Elliott ********** Oh, What a Night! The food, the music, the power point, the gentle roasting (Thank you, Nate!), the painting, the very generous love gift, the multitude of well-wishers, but most of all the love and best wishes that went with all that you did! Beverly and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an unforgettable evening! We are overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and generosity! With sincere love and affection, Steve and Beverly Bray *********** Our family would like to thank all the people that sent cards, food and extended their sympathy personally. A very special thank you to the bereavement committee for the lovely reception after the memorial service. Thanks to Steve and Bonny for their visits to the hospital. Also to Steve for a very beautiful and meaningful service. Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful over the last couple years. I ll never be able to thank you enough. Suzie Walters & Family

6 2015 High School Graduates 2015 Confirmands Michael Thomas Arthur Virginia Western Community College Kelsey Alexandra Burchett Cave Spring High School East Carolina University Matthew Scott Burton Virginia Western Community College Grant Harrington Foley Coleman Jacob Fox Thomas David Legg Alexandria Paige Lintner James Madison University Joseph Campbell Thomas, III Virginia Western Community College John Chandler Williams Virginia Western Community College 2015 College Graduates Julia Graham Arthur B.S. in Psychology University of Virginia Mary Cameron Brooks B.A. in Chemistry John Reid Guidry B.S. in Computer Science Roanoke College Paul Hill B.S. in Engineering Matthew Steven Montgomery B.S. Accounting & Bachelor of Science in Finance Pamplin Business School, Taylor Lauren Tate B.S. in Exercise Science University of South Carolina Alexander James Blanchard Randy Burton Mackenzie Kate Brodrecht Tricia Givens Regan Rae Sheppard Laughlin Beverly Bray Bailee Michelle Lintner Edwynna Magenbauer Savannah Jane McDonald Shelia Barber Isabella Reece Owen Laura Foster Emma Huffman Painter Bob Mills Tiffany Rose Pickle Tracy Lintner Jack Le Selby Rosanne McDonald Ethan Robert Shaw Archie Pugh John Blakely O Brien Thomas Mark Moore Kendra Ann Williams Dale Foster Congratulations to all!

7 Confirmation Class of 2015 Statement of Faith We believe in God the Father Almighty who loves all of humankind. He is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is our Savior who took away our sins through death on a cross and resurrected again after 3 days. We believe in the Holy Spirit and the third person of the Trinity who lives in the hearts of those who trust Him. He is an advocate who watches over us and helps us in our everyday life. We believe in Heaven, a place better than the world where God and Jesus live. This is our future home where we will be fully healed from all sickness and iniquity. We believe in our baptism, the symbol of our coming to God through Jesus Christ and a new beginning in our Christian walk and faith journey. We believe in our Church, a place to worship together and grow in our spiritual faith without fear or worry. We believe that the Church is not just a place with bricks and walls but the gathering of God s people. We believe in Prayer, a way for us to communicate with God, the Father. We believe in the Bible, God s Word made real for us and a place of ultimate truth. We believe in Salvation and the finality of Jesus s sacrifice on the cross. It was by that one act that we have been saved. We believe in Miracles and the Trinity s power in our lives today. We believe in Faith and the hope that we have in a Savior unseen. We trust in His love, forgiveness and mercy and will walk in His light for all our days. K.I.T. Program - The Campus Ministries Team is trying to put together information on all college students for the Keep In Touch program. If you are a college student or know a college student, please help us gather the following information: Student s name, school name, address, , phone number, home phone number, and year in school and anticipated graduation. We want to Keep In Touch with our students while they are away at school! Please help us by contacting Melanie Burton at or melanie@tanjents.org no later than August 16, Thank you!

8 First United Methodist Church 125 West Main Street Salem, VA Periodical Postage Paid Salem, VA First United Methodist Church Staff Lead Pastor, Bass Mitchell Associate Minister, Jeffrey Dorsey Minister of Congregational Care & Senior Adults, Bobby Pickle Director Children s Choirs & Children s Ministries, Patricia Givens Youth Ministries Coordinator, Dale Foster Director Wesleyan Preschool, Jane Butto Director Sanctuary Choir, William Snyder Director Youth & Handbell Choirs, Heather Mitchell Organist, Judith Snyder Contemporary Worship Music Director, Allan Davidson Office Manager, Mitzi Agee Church Accountant, Cindy Davis Sextons, Butch & Genia Johnson Roanoke District and VA Annual Conference Bishop, Young Jin Cho District Superintendent, Kathleen Overby Webster First Connections (USPS ) is published monthly by First United Methodist Church 125 W. Main Street, Salem VA * * FAX Website: / mitzia@fumcsalemva.org / church@fumcsalemva.org Wesleyan Preschool: Periodical postage paid at Salem VA. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Connections, 125 W. Main St., Salem VA