Volume No. 18 Issue No. 1 January, 2010

Transcription

1 Volume No. 18 Issue No. 1 January, 2010 Ephesians 5:15-5:17 (NIV) 15 Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord s will is. Here we are, already into the New Year and wondering where did the last one go! I wonder how we ll do in 2010? Will we be as busy? Will we make any better use of our time than we did in 2009? In 365 days, when the year is over, will we be looking back with joy, or with regret? Will we be looking at the future with anticipation, or with dread? As we look forward to 2010, I believe this passage in Ephesians along with these in Psalms will help us. Psalm 39:4, Show me, O Lord, my life s end & the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. Psalm 90:10 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. Secondly, Paul tells us that we must make the most of every opportunity. and he gives a reason, because the days are evil. Jesus said that Satan is a robber and a thief, one of the things he tries to rob from us is our time because time is a very precious possession. Just think of the time that is wasted. Arguing over things that really don t matter, worrying in general and worrying about the sins of the past. They are in the past, gone and forgotten if you have asked for forgiveness. Remember, Satan is a thief and a robber! Remember also that sometimes even good things can take the place of the best things in our life. You know the story. Martha gets upset because Mary is not in the kitchen, too. So she complains to Jesus, Lord, don t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Luke 10:40 Martha, Martha, Jesus answered, You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10: Martha was so preoccupied with what she was doing that she didn t realize that God was in her living room. Sometimes we get so caught up in good things that we miss out on the best things. There is a book I heard about in which a medical doctor discusses one of the major maladies of our time anxiety & stress. He calls it overload, and says that people are just plain overloaded. 1. We re overloaded with commitments. He says we soon begin meeting ourselves coming and going because we have overloaded ourselves in the area of commitments. 2. We re also overloaded with possessions, he says. Our closets are full, and our garages are overflowing. We ve gone into debt to pay for all of these things that we simply must have. And now we re so afraid that someone will steal them. We are overloaded in the area of possessions. 3. Thirdly, we have an overload in the area of work. We get up early, fight traffic, & experience intolerable working conditions because we have to if we re going to pay for all those possessions that we ve accumulated. 4. There is also an information overload. He said that as a doctor he has to read 220 articles a month just to keep up with all the changes in his profession. And now with the Internet, there s an information superhighway. But the problem is that we can t possibly absorb it all. So we feel an overload in this area, too. There are so many demands on our time, so many good things that need to be done. But there are only 8,760 hours in a year. Make the most of every opportunity in First of all, establish your priorities. Make it a priority to be in church, worshiping God with fellow believers. Make it a priority to pray, read, and practice His Word. Devotionals are a great way to study and meditate. Make God and your relationship with Him #1 in Ronnie Ronnie Collins, FUMC Assoc. Pastor The Messenger is a publication from First United Methodist Church, Hillsville, Virginia

2 We thank these contributors who gave to First United Methodist Church ministries in various ways since our last newsletter was published. IN MEMORY OF FUND GIVEN BY Oleta Jones Organ Fund Bill & Bobbie Copeland Bill Horton Jean Kidd Sammy Entsminger, Odessa Payne, Oleta Jones, & Bill Horton Morris & Ann Branscome Oleta Jones & Odessa Payne James & Wanda Parnell Bill Horton Carolyn Quesenberry Bill Horton Senior Ministry Joe & Laura Berry Oleta Jones Organ Fund Wytheville District United Methodist Churches by Joe Mack Taylor Oleta Jones Organ Fund Oliver & Vivian McBride Oleta Jones Organ Fund Larry & Sharon Snow Carl Harmon on his Dec. 15th Birthday Organ Fund Brenda Harmon & Family Bill Horton Open Table The Sassy Sisters / Red Hat Society Dayton M. Peterson Bernice Peterson Oleta Jones Organ Fund Russell & Anne Mays IN HONOR OF FUND GIVEN BY Mary Arrington s Birthday Carolyn Quesenberry Ina Horton Vern & Sylvia Dawson Magdalene Gardner s Birthday Upper Room Sunday School Class Her Family & Donna Godwin Out of the Box Brenda Harmon FUND Out of the Box Holston Home for Children Operation Christmas Child Out of the Box SouledOut Out of the Box Local Missions Youth Youth Youth Local Missions Local Missions Open Table GIFTS IN GENERAL GIVEN BY Odell & Parke Quesenberry Hunters for the Hungry FUMC Congregation Joe & Laura Berry First Baptist Church-Hillsville Many Generous Donors Mike & Lynda Musser Rick & Susan Clark Women s Circle-Hillsville Presbyterian Anonymous Givers Ronald & Marjorie Bealmear Geraland & Alma Faye Dalton Galax Rollerland Mike Musser Family Dinwiddie Presbyterian Church Hillsville Christian Church Mountain Plains UMW & The Sunnyside Friendship Club Blue Ridge Pharmacy Fellowship Sunday School Class John & Betty Layton Edwin & Linda McDonald Rick & Judy Beasley Ty & Kim Harrison Mountain Plains UMC Randy & Lee Ann Cockerham Mary Arrington Carroll County Cruise-In Committee John & Joyce Spence Seniors Group at Carroll Seniors Center Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church Oliver & Vivian McBride William Blair Clark, Sr. Trust The Sassy Sisters / Red Hat Society

3 Community At press time, our Community had served 40 families in the month of December, 2009, which represents 75 adults and 46 children from our area. If you would like to donate to the, there is a need for canned chicken, pork n beans, diapers (all sizes), and boxed cereals. The Community distributes food on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church - Hillsville. The church is located at 225 Fulcher Street. Al & Shirley Gill, Coordinators of the Community Food Pantry, have recently installed shelving in the Pantry to aid accessibility. They are also planning a meeting of volunteers to share information and make the operation run as efficiently as possible. For additional information about the Community Food Pantry or to make a donation, you may call the church office at or the Gills at United Methodist Women Thanks to all who helped with our annual Christmas Luncheon for Senior Adults. It was a big success, and we served 99 meals at the church. The Sunshiners Circle will meet in the church library at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12th. The Lamplighters will meet on January 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Sunday School Classroom. Got your 2010 Calendar Handy? Hold open the following dates in 2010! June 13-18, 2010 will be the dates for Vacation Bible School! How s that for planning ahead?!! THRIFT STORE WEEK: January 4-9, 2010 The annual Preschool Christmas Program was held on December 15th. The children did a fantastic job. An ice cream party has been planned upon return to school in January to reward the children. Paulette and the entire staff appreciate all the hugs and gifts they received for Christmas! They extend a big thank you to all the preschool children. Classes will resume on January 5, Paulette Paulette Beasley, Director of Hillsville Preschool Tracking Attendance with A Church in Progress Sun. School 8:30 Service 11:00 Service A.M. Total SNL Worship Total Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20, Canceled/Snow Canceled/Snow 67

4 Choir Notes! from Cindy Jackson First, let me thank all the wonderful people who participated in "Adoration: In Search of a King" on December 6. Tyler Cloud, Drew McBride, Quincy Fichtel, Michael Collins, Adam Joyce, Shirley Varn, Carlie Stillwell, Brandon Huff, and Kallie Scott were the best actors EVER! I was so proud of all of them and the effort that they put forth to make the drama work. Jay Allen Bough was so kind to lend his beautiful speaking voice to the narration, he was perfect! Judy and Steve Martin were awesome to volunteer for lighting work, Mason Graham and Nathaniel Mullins were such blessings as prop movers, and Bill Webb and Donald White were so diligent to deal with the many microphones and sound adaptations. Jeff Holderfield was so kind to pick up and deliver microphones for the group. Janie Napier and Cindy Fichtel were so helpful with the little things that I hadn't thought about to make the performance come to life. Ina Horton made sure that our local newspapers were notified. Our soloists, Jim Parker, Audrey Burnette, and Jeff Holderfield sang so beautifully. The Choir Partners made such sweet angels and shepherds, too. Thank you all for blessing our church worship with your wonderful talents! It could not have been better! Our church is so blessed with the wonderful, talented people who are willing to work together for His kingdom. We have had so many special musicians this past month: Adrienne Dunevant, Jenny Brown, Dee Lineberry, Patti Holderfield, and Cathy Sizemore. Thank you for sharing your talents in our worship service. Our choirs will have a mini-vacation during the Christmas holiday. Adult choirs and children's choirs will resume on Wednesday, January 6. Happy New Year to everyone! Volunteers Needed for Altar Flowers Our church is in the process of revising the list for altar flowers in If you wish to be removed from the list or if you are willing to be added to the list, please contact Vivian McBride at Goodie Boxes!!! The United Methodist Women are collecting names and addresses of FUMC members or children of church members who (within four years of high school graduation) are in college or the military. We will be sending Valentine goodie boxes to them in February. Please call the church office with these names and addresses. A Reminder! Your support is always needed for Open Table. Cakes, volunteer drivers, and monetary gifts are always welcome! Open Table will have a different schedule in December. It will be held only on December 9th this month. For more information, please contact Lora Terry at or Betty Ridge at Rhea Akers P. O. Box 762 (N. Main St.) Anne Curless 120 Blackstone Lane Galax, VA Elliott Ridge 1327 N. Main Street AND OUR James Easter-Room 206A Heritage Hall-Laurel Meadows Laurel Fork, VA Sylvia Bohon-Room 215 Trinity Mission Gladys Melton-Room 112 Waddell Nursing Home Galax, VA Gladys Sutphin-Room 109 Trinity Mission Beatrice Surface-Room 101 Trinity Mission Tray Stilwell-Room A5 Golden Living Center-Blue Ridge Galax, VA Hassie Turner-Room B4 Golden Living Center-Blue Ridge Galax, VA Elizabeth Smythers-Room D2 Jimmy Turner-Room A22 Golden Living Center-Blue Ridge Galax, VA Lucile Bohon-Room B6 Willadean Graham-Room C3 Viginia Pratt-Room A11 Charles E. Ridge-Room C15 Pete Richardson-Room C13 Evelyn Guynn-Room C1 Elmer Hall-Room B15 Nile Smythers-Room A6 Faye Smythers-Room A4

5 Final Message from The 2009 Missions & Outreach Co-Chairs Dear Church Family, Where do we begin to convey our feelings as we write our last message as Missions and Outreach Co-Chairs? First of all, we give thanks to God for leading us to FUMC Hillsville. We joined this body of Christ at a beautiful Easter service over two years ago. Pastor Ty put it aptly when he said God never adds to His Church by chance but by intention. Secondly, we give thanks for the honor and privilege to serve on Missions and Outreach ministry group. As newcomers we stepped out on faith two years ago when asked to serve on this very busy committee and have received many blessings since then. We were blessed to have Shirley Varn s guidance in the beginning. We were also blessed to have outstanding church leaders and office staff to help with our education in making a myriad of decisions. Thank you Ty, Ronnie, Bill, and Kathy! Finally, we give thanks for the help of our exceptional committee members, including Marilyn Rand, Zac Lineberry, Donna and Cort Godwin, Lori Huff, and former members Joe Stilwell and Sussie Slaugenhaupt. Our meetings were always thoughtful, positive, and productive. We learned quickly that the success of a committee greatly depends upon the participation of its members. The knowledge we gained about the many missions of our church is invaluable. We learned that FUMC Hillsville is a giving church, helping those in need, as Jesus instructed. We learned that Missions is not the business of just one committee; it is the business of every part of our church. We carry with us the love of our church family. Thank you ALL for your support, whether through prayer, participation, or donations. In Service of Christ, Ed & June Ed and June Howard, 2009 Co-Chairs Missions and Outreach A Message from The Glory Singers The Glory Singers have concluded their practice & performance schedule for the year 2009, and will resume rehearsals in the spring of Watch future editions of The Messenger for details. The Glory Singers thank everyone for their support and wish everybody a happy and prosperous New Year! Check It Out!!! Check the Youth Bulletin Board for notes from our tutoring kids that meet at Out of the Box each week. It was such a pleasure to read all their notes, so don t miss YOUR BLESSING... Look for it on the bulletin board!

6 Inclement Weather Closing Policy / Instructions Church Council policy states that when Carroll County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all church activities will also be canceled. On non-school days (i.e. Saturday or Sunday), activities will be canceled at the pastor s discretion. However, adult sponsors or leaders may choose to continue a scheduled event but would be responsible for notifying their committee members and obtaining a key to the church. All means of communication will be utilized to alert FUMC members of cancelations. Please be advised that all current addresses and phone numbers must be updated in the office. An alert will be sent out from the office information at to all known s within the office. For those times when relying upon the Carroll County School system announcements is not appropriate, i.e., weekends or when schools are closed for breaks or holidays, the following procedures will be used: Inclement Weather Procedure Senior Pastor has responsibility of assessing weather and road conditions to determine the impact on our church schedule. Such decision will be made at the earliest possible time in order to communicate the intentions in a timely manner; this may mean doing so on a preceding day or early in the morning hours. Once the decision is made the following will occur: 1. The church answering machine greeting will be changed to reflect schedule adjustments such as cancelations. 2. s will be sent out via the FUMCMedia account reflecting said schedule adjustments. 3. Local radio stations will be notified and asked to report our revised schedule: FM 98.1 WBRF; AM 1360 WWWJ; AM 1400 WHHV 4. Local television stations will be notified and asked to report our revised schedule: WDBJ-7 and WSLS-10 Contractor will be contacted to clear parking lot and sidewalks. Family Ministry Department The Family Ministry Team for the month of January, 2010, will be led by Edwin & Linda McDonald. Members of that team are as follows: Frances Akers, Rick & Judy Beasley, Magdalene Gardner, Larry Pack, Jon & Kristen Tatum, Elizabeth Smythers, Pearl Smith, Roger & Sue Bond, Susan Kirkland, Carrie Worrell, and Susan Berry. Please pray for this team as they go about their obligations during the month, for they have a very real potential to help the church grow, not only in numbers, but also in spiritual health. This team is instrumental in nurturing current membership as well, and all aspects of their responsibilities are important. If you know of individuals that might like or need a visit, please let one of the team members know.

7 This Page Intentionally Left Blank For January, 2010 Calendar

8 This Page Intentionally Left Blank For Back of Calendar-- January, 2010 Birthdays & Anniversaries

9 Highlights from the Church Council Meeting December 14, 2009 The meeting focused upon church and community supported missions established to assist needy individuals and families throughout our county and beyond. The housed at our church has been in operation for 15 years and each month during 2009 served an average of 47 families that included 83 adults and 53 children. The Open Table began its ministry to serve a hot meal twice a month to those in need twelve years ago. Housed at the Hillsville Presbyterian Church, volunteers from several area churches join to prepare and deliver meals to individuals known to need assistance. For the December Christmas outreach, over 400 meals were prepared and delivered. An update on the Bethel Bible study program was provided. This program offers members of our congregation an opportunity to receive a more in depth overview and study of the Old and New Testaments over a two year period. Participants can select from either the Congregational or Discipleship study. Seven individuals are enrolled in the Congregational phase; six are studying in the Discipleship portion of the program. The present studies will conclude in April 2010, and a decision on beginning a new set of classes will be made in the spring. Council received a report and recommendation from the Trustees Ministry Area regarding the need for a church van in order to renew the operation of our van ministry and provide more adequate transportation for church groups taking trips. Council passed a motion requesting the Trustees to prepare a recommendation on the purchase of a new or used mini-bus/van with handicapped accessibility and room to carry a minimum of 14 passengers. The motion also asked the Trustees to provide recommendations on a financial plan for the purchase and an action plan regarding the disposition of our two church vans. The Church Council meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Upper Room. Members of Council include the chairpersons of the church s twenty ministry areas, nine at-large members, the pastors and those serving in positions as Church Treasurer, Lay Leader and Recording Secretary. Church members are always welcome to attend these meetings. The next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 11. Highlights from that meeting will be in the February newsletter.

10 Ministry Areas Reflections on 2009 Vision for 2010 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 Facilities The goals of the Facilities Ministry Area were to improve the facility guidelines and rent structure to make it more compatible for usage by church members and more supportive of charitable organizations in conducting their Christian activities. Reworking the guidelines and rent structure were completed and put on a disk. The information and forms were put on the Internet. Pamphlets and forms were printed and placed in the office for use There is on-going work all year; answering inquiries, keeping pamphlets and forms available and making sure forms are completed for use of any portion of our church facility so those responsible for cleaning up and securing the church after each use are identified. The Ministry Area Chair would like to give all committee members a big THANK YOU for their commitment in attending meetings and sharing in the work that was done. Family Ministry Our Family Ministry had a busy and productive Most everyone in our Church Family participates in this outreach ministry. The goal is to make everyone in our congregation feel loved, appreciated and missed when they are not at Church. We also strive to make visitors feel welcome and excited about our Church. Bill Webb, Nancy Beasley and Sandra Cook have done a wonderful job in enhancing our attendance reporting system making it more user friendly and accurate. Progress in the reporting system continues to be made, and we will meet every two months to insure the accuracy of our reporting process. We look forward to 2010 and pray our ministry will touch lives for Jesus Christ. Leisure This year began with an outreach meal for the athletes at Carroll County High School who were participating in winter sports. This was quickly followed by Camp Sunday to kick off the early bird sign up for summer camp at Camp Dickenson and to raise funds for our mission project at the Camp. Our focus was to construct a 20 by 36 foot shed to store canoes and kayaks. Twenty volunteers over four weekends prepared the project for our big push on mission weekend. When the weekend arrived, there were 33 volunteers/campers who spent the weekend and worked to complete the boat shed s frame and several other projects. The tin for the shed was installed later in the year with the help of our United Methodist Men. For summer camp at Camp Dickenson, we had 33 campers with most receiving either full or partial camperships. We closed the summer season with our Family camp weekend. During Family camp, many of the camp s facilities and features were used including: a canoe trip down the New River, the new swimming pool and the climbing wall complete with a zip line. It was interesting to see the adults use the climbing wall more than the children; it certainly was one of the highlights of the weekend. Memorable and meaningful were the services held by the New River on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Article Continued on Page 11...)

11 This fall we made our church facilities available to serve meals to the coaches, players and cheerleaders before each high school home football game. The meals were sponsored by several churches along with our committee. To end the year, we planned and served a luncheon to raise money for next year s mission weekend project at Camp Dickenson. Missions and Outreach Ministry 2009 Emphasis Missions and Outreach Ministry members have been carefully managing funds entrusted to us this year, whether through fund raisers, individual donations, special offerings, or Church budget allocation. We strived to implement ACTS 1:8 MODEL FOR MISSIONS and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth by focusing our efforts in three mission areas: Local/Carroll County (FUMC s Jerusalem ), National (FUMC s Judea ), and Global (FUMC s Samaria and ends of the earth ). To accomplish our goals we raised money primarily through two fundraisers: (1) Our 3rd Annual Spring Auction & Flea Market - $4,390 proceeds, and (2) Hillsville Labor Day Flea Market parking - $ 4,882 proceeds. We also had the support of Church Council through budgeted funds of $5,625, and we were blessed to receive the support of many people through prayer, donations and volunteer hours. To qualify for the 5-Star Award in Holston Conference, churches must: (1) Pay Fair Share in full, (2) Give to at least one International Advance Special, (3) Give to at least one U.S. Advance Special, (4) Give to at least one UMCOR Advance Special, and (5) Give to at least one Conference Advance Special. Missions and Outreach ensured that all five categories were met in Special thanks go to UMW and UMM for their contributions in two categories! Local/Carroll County Mission Area: This year our group made a decision to do whatever we could to avoid turning anyone in need away because of a lack of monthly funds. We give thanks to God that we have met the need of many Carroll County residents through our Local Crisis Intervention Benevolence Program, targeting those in crisis (rather than maintenance). Through November we have helped almost twice as many families as last year: 262 gifts totaling $7,044 through November. We estimate paying $750 more in December. We have also given rent assistance to a special hardship case, totaling $300. Missions coordinated various forms of assistance including donated personal and household items to a lady who was burned out of her home on Thanksgiving Day. Missions repaired a failed well and restored water to a local needy family with donated financial assistance from the UMW. We give thanks for our excellent office staff for carefully screening applicants, processing paperwork, providing counseling when needed, and implementing the guidelines developed by Missions and Outreach. In addition, in 2009 we also supported the following local community programs: Tri-Area Pregnancy Center - $1,200 - $600 Open Table - $600 Free Clinic of the Twin Counties - $900 School Supplies for Carroll County Needy Coordinated FUMC Collection Drive Carroll Christmas Fund - $271 National Mission Area: We supported the following NATIONAL mission efforts: Youth Mission Trip to Atlanta Inner City - $1,000 Appalachian Service Project - $100 Disaster Response, US - $100 (Article Continued on Page 12...)

12 Global Mission Area: We supported the following GLOBAL mission efforts: Coordinated Food Buckets for Zimbabwe 36 buckets ~ $1,080 value Wytheville District Mission Trip to Slovakia (3 people) - $2,000 Mission Trips Outside FUMC (Belize & Nicaragua) - $200 Missionary Support - $1,000 Dental Equipment for Bogota, Columbia - $200 Wytheville District Partnership with Slovakia - $200 FUMC Special Offerings & Projects: Bishop s Special Emphasis, Sudan - $866 Change for Children - $570 Hiwassee College - $352 Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes 2010 Vision In 2010 Missions and Outreach Ministry members plan to continue a balanced focus of Local, National, and Global mission areas. We will ensure that FUMC qualifies for the 5-Star Award in Holston Conference. We will continue to provide crisis intervention assistance to local Carroll County needy. We will continue to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us. We welcome new members and new ideas for implementing the many mission areas of our Church! United Methodist Women In 2009 The UMW of First United Methodist Church, Hillsville has several projects that we do on an annual or ongoing basis. In February, we made and sent Valentine goodie boxes to all of our college students and military who were within four years of high school. In March, we had a combined unit meeting at Out of the Box to introduce our members to that new ministry. We also held a Prayer and Self-Denial Service and Agape meal in March. In May, we chose a Mother of the Year, Lynn Stilwell, and recognized her on Mother s Day. We also sponsored a Mothers Day bulletin in which church members honored or remembered their mothers. In July, the combined circles had a covered dish dinner and featured Rebecca Simmerman, a missionary in Sudan, from Galax, as our speaker, inviting the whole church to participate. On November 8, we led the 8:30 and 11:00 a. m. worship services and had the Reverend Sharon Bowers from the Chattanooga area as our featured speaker. In December, we combined with the FUMC Happy Seniors group to have a Community Christmas Luncheon for senior adults from the church and the community. We served a free meal and provided entertainment and treat bags for 99 attendees. Our ongoing projects are selling Rada knives and a cookbook that was compiled from church members recipes. Proceeds from these projects plus our pledges to mission enable us to donate to various mission causes. This year we have given to Rebekah Simmerman s mission in Sudan, the local Hospice, the Big Stone Gap Renewal Project being undertaken by the Holston Conference UMW and Camp Dickenson. In 2010 We hope to do a local hands-on mission project during one of our unit meetings. We will continue with cookbook sales, but we are phasing out the knife sales because we no longer have a store venue for selling them. We and the conference UMW will have different mission projects in 2010, but we will continue to be active in that area. We also hope to continue the Valentine goodie boxes, the Agape meal, the special Mother s Day recognition, leading worship on UMW Sunday, and the Christmas Luncheon for senior adults.

13 Our Church Continues to Grow! Eleven new members joined First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 13, 2009, and Dr. & Mrs. Robert Jackson moved their membership back to FUMC after being members of Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in Roanoke for many year. Bob & Marie Jackson John & Betty Layton Mike & Lynda Musser, Keith (on right) & Kris Dr. Jackson and his wife, Marie, were members of FUMC until they moved from Hillsville to Salem in Dr. Jackson was chairman of the building committee when the church moved from the Main Street location to the present building. He is a retired Captain of the Naval Reserve and retired from his dental practice in Hillsville in The Jacksons have three children. Daughter Margaret and her husband, Bob Martin, are active members of the FUMC congregation. Daughter Susan Mills and her husband live in Salem near the Jacksons. Susan is Director of Friends of the Parkway. Son Robert Jackson, Jr. is retired from the State Water Control Agency and lives in Seabrook, SC. The Jacksons will continue to live in their Salem home. John and Betty Layton have been attending FUMC for several years now. They moved to the area 9½ years ago from Bridgeton, New Jersey, and live just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Fancy Gap. John retired from truck driving after over 30 years on the road. He most recently worked at Rotometrics at Meadows of Dan. Betty retired from doing data entry work and also was in the banking field. The Laytons have four children. A son, Gary, is deceased. Their son, Jay, lives in Pennsylvania; son, Mark, in New York; and daughter, Carol, in Delaware. They have four grandchildren: Sherrie, Erica, Mitchell, and Steven. Betty is active in the Sunshiner s Group of the UMW and the Happy Seniors. They are transferring their membership from First Wesleyan Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey. We love this area for the beauty of its mountains and the kind people who live here, Betty said. Mike, Lynda, Keith & Kris Musser are from the Hillsville area and Mike & Lynda grew up and attended school here. Mike just recently completed his Master s degree in Criminal Justice and is a First Sergeant with the Virginia State Police with a 22 year career plus three prior years with the Carroll County Sheriff s Department. Lynda works for Carroll County Public Schools and is currently the secretary for the CCHS Principal. Keith is 18 and a freshman at Wytheville Community College, taking classes in General Studies. Kris is 16 and a junior at Carroll County High School. In the spring and summer months, Keith works with Bill Lewis Drag Racing Team, running the computer analysis program for the team. Kris is an avid baseball player and was a member of the Virginia Dixie State Champions that traveled to Ozark,Alabama in July for the World Series. Kris spoke on two different occasions on Youth Sunday at their former church at Fancy Gap. The Mussers enjoy doing things as a family and taking vacation trips to the beach. (Article Continued on Page 14...)

14 Larry & Sharon Snow, Tyler (on left), Nathan, & Alyssa Larry & Sharon Snow and their children, Tyler, Nathan, & Alyssa live on Greenberry Road in Fancy Gap. Larry is self-employed in the insurance business. Sharon is a Special Education teacher at Woodlawn School. Tyler is a junior at Carroll County High School. He plays JV baseball and was a member of the Virginia Dixie State Champions that traveled to Ozark, Alabama this summer for the World Series. Nathan plays baseball and basketball and is on the JV team this year. He is a ninth grader at Carroll County Intermediate School. Alyssa is a sixth grader at Woodlawn School. She enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics. The Snows stay busy attending ball games, watching the boys play. They enjoy camping and other outdoor activities. Sunday School Superlatives! The New Year always brings a sense of anticipation and excitement. These two words also describe one of our wonderful Sunday school classes the To Be Determined class of sixth, seventh and eighth graders. What an exciting time to be young! Each day brings the anticipation of growing up and becoming more independent. The excitement is seen in their faces and in their questions, as they explore their expanding faith, as well as their role as young people in their church, school and community. With two experienced leaders, Charlie Rand and Barbara Iroler, this group of enthusiastic and empowered teens meet each Sunday morning in the Youth Room to study God s word. Currently they are studying the book of Romans. Why Romans, you might ask? Because the letter to the Romans (some have said) is the most thorough statement of the gospel that God has given us. Also, this particular book draws together the whole intent of the Old Testament to explain that gospel. (Life Change Bible Study Series) When Charlie Rand answered the call to teach the class two years ago, this was his purpose: We have each been given talents and are expected to use them to edify Jesus. One of those talents that has been given to me is the ability to relate to people in this age group. Because of this, I never feel complete unless I am teaching and learning within this framework and doing what God would have me do. Barbara Iroler, the former lead teacher for this age group, explained her motivation for coming back into the classroom after a brief absence: I love Sunday School because Charlie always makes it sooo interesting and incorporates life s experiences in each lesson. I am only there to support Charlie and to learn. Charlie loves the kids and goes out of his way to make them feel welcome, loved, understood, and important. He is the most generous man that I ve ever met and truly loves the Lord just like David! Every Sunday is full of surprises! But what do the students think about the class? Why are they eager to join with their friends each Sunday? I asked Joye Harrison what she thinks about the class. Here s what she said: I enjoy the TBD class because of the openness of asking questions and them being answered from a biblical perspective and (to paraphrase her) because we can laugh together! If you are in this age group, or if you are the parent or guardian of a younger teen, check out the TBD Class who knows what exciting ideas will be explored by this gifted group. It s still to be determined! Carolyn Webb Co-Superintendent of Sunday School

15 To my Church Family, My family and I have been overwhelmed by the amazing love and concern that you have demonstrated during the loss of my mother. To say thanks seems very inadequate for all of the cards, visits, calls, and food that you gave to us. The combined choirs were the best ever the day of the funeral. Ty and Ronnie did such an outstanding job of honoring Mom. The meal that was served for our family after the funeral was so generous. It was a tremendous outpouring of your time and efforts, and will never be forgotten. You all have been so kind. I have told many people that I felt like I was being carried through this time in my life. I really appreciate everything you all have done. We want to thank our church family for your many acts of kindness and generosity over the past year. We are so very privileged to be appointed to be in ministry with you here. May God continue to bless our time together and may God bless each of you and your families throughout this season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the New Year before us. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Ty, Kim, Joye, Elizabeth and Lydia Blessings and love, Cindy Jackson A Note of Thanks...in the warmest way! Dear FUMC, Vivian, Tom and Dee, The Cooks, The Decorators, The Servers,...All who made the first day of December and the beginning of the Advent Season a beautiful one: The meal was delicious; the fellowship dear. Ruthie Ruthie Ridge Griggs I remember the first: called Golden Agers Party and those seniors wore hats! A mighty nice tradition and First United Methodist legacy. Also, 10 good years of the Happy Seniors---The Oliveiras will do a good job, too. Thank you for the Spirit of Christmas. Dear FUMC, Thank you for the Christmas gift, and for your kindnesses throughout the whole year. Best wishes to everyone for a happy new year. My regards, Odell Odell Beasley Another Thank You... Well, it s hard to believe that we have concluded another 365 days at First United Methodist and are now into the new year. It is such a privilege to be included as staff here at the church, and to be used by God in this respect. I want to thank you all for your kindnesses to me in It was a difficult year for me from my brother s passing back in January, my daughter s stroke and loss of vision, my husband s loss of work, and then my mother s passing in November. You have been there for us to lift us up and pray for us through every detail. There have been good times as well, like our move to our new home at Country Woods, and you were there for us then, too! Thank you for all the thoughts, gifts, & cards at Christmas. Unfortunately we cannot repay all the gifts, etc. to all of you, but we want you to know how much we appreciate you! Thank you for being the greatest of friends to us. With much appreciation, Johnny & Kathy Akers Johnny & Kathy Akers

16 The Messenger First United Methodist Church P. O. Box Fulcher Street Hillsville, Virginia Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Hillsville, Virginia PERMIT NUMBER: 4 Return Service Requested James E. Swanson, Sr., Bishop Meagan Taylor, District Superintendent Ty Harrison, Pastor Ronnie G. Collins, Associate Pastor "Called To Be And Make Disciples For Jesus Christ January Ushers/Greeters 3 Dana Osborne-White (Team Leader) Greeter: Millie Mitchem 10 Frank Carter (Team Leader) Greeter: Jean Kidd 17 Ernie Jackson (Team Leader) Greeter: Nancy Russell 24 S. C. Cox (Team Leader) Greeters: Dennis & Sue Ward 31 Richard Webb (Team Leader) Greeter: TBA January Children's Church Volunteers 3 Greg & Mary Beth Montgomery 10 TBA 17 Greg Bolen & Whitney Perry 24 Barbara Iroler & Mandy Lineberry 31 Lora Terry & Family January Nursery Workers 3 TBA 10 TBA 17 TBA 24 TBA 31 TBA January Flower List 3 Communion 10 Anne Harmon 17 Judy Beasley & Vivian McBride 24 Linda McDonald 31 Lori Huff January Acolytes 3 8:30-Sean Dunevant 11-Sydney Nester 10 8:30-Adrienne Dunevant 11-Ethan Templeton 17 8:30-Sean Dunevant 11-Hannah Terry 24 8:30-Adrienne Dunevant 11-Taylor Ward 31 8:30-Sean Dunevant 11-Jenny Brown January Sunday School Office Assistants 3 Elsie Cochran 10 Alice Work 17 Betty Key-Ridge 24 Dennis Ward 31 Nell Scott January Scripture Readers 3 Bill Copeland 10 Vivian McBride (NIV) 17 Judy Beasley (KJV) 24 Tilda Mullins (NIV) 31 Mitch Mitchem January Van Drivers (Not Active at This Time ) January School Tutoring OOTB 7 Craig &Dawn Worrell 12 Kim Cloud 14 Cindy Jackson 26 Kim Cloud (No Other Information on January Dates At This Time) January Multi-Media Teams 3 Bill Webb & Don White 10 Bill Webb, Bill Brown, & Donna Godwin 17 Don White & Bill Webb 24 Don White & Bill Webb 31 Donna Godwin & TBA January Communion Servers 3 8:30 a.m. Ina Horton & Brenda Harmon 11:00 a.m Millie Mitchem & Dana Osborne-White; TBA FUMC Staff Pastor...Ty Harrison Associate Pastor...Ronnie G. Collins Treasurer...Bill Copeland Music Director...Cindy Jackson Musician...Janie Napier Adm. Financial Secretary......Kathy Cooley-Akers Office Assistant...Bill Webb Custodian...Odell Beasley Preschool Director...Paulette Beasley Church Phone...(276) Church Fax (276) Address......fumcoffice@embarqmail.com Website Parsonage Phone...(276) Out of the Box...(276) Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.