FIRST THINGS July, 2016

Transcription

1 FIRST THINGS July, 2016 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 501 Church Street, Sweetwater, TN Website: Glorifying God Offering Christ Making Disciples Serving Others Church Staff: Ron Fisher, Pastor Jacqueline Mason, Children s Minister Crystal Ragan, Youth Minister Larry Orr, Senior Adult Minister Margareth Urias, Music Minister Anne Wilson, Administrative Asst. Melinda Hendricks, Custodian Patricia Richesin, Organist Janet Standridge, First Kids Director All Christians, Ministers MEET PASTOR ron FISHER Clergy in the Holston Conference who have received new pastoral appointments or who have retired preached their last sermon at their current appointment on June 12. It was an emotional day for preachers and parishioners and it was a day marked by shedding of tears and painful goodbyes. On Sunday, July 3, pastors will preach their first sermon at their new appointment. As I write this I anticipate being in worship with you and pray that the Holy Spirit will bind us together as we collectively begin a new journey building God's Kingdom and sharing the Good News of Jesus. I am praying for you and I ask that you be in prayer for me and my family. I grew up in Rockwood, a small town in Roane County, TN. I received my "calling" into ministry when I was 18 years of age. I didn't understand any of the details of the "calling," but I was certain that God's hand was upon me. I surrendered my life to God and began a faith journey; putting my trust in Jesus the Savior & Messiah of the world. It soon became evident that in order to be a pastor in the UMC it was necessary to earn an undergraduate degree. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a major in history and a minor in Religious Studies. I completed seminary work at Candler, Emory University and O.R.U. seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma and have a Master of Divinity Degree. I have been a pastor in Holston Conference for 34 years and have served churches in the Abingdon, Knoxville, Cleveland, Oak Ridge, & Maryville Districts. My last appointment was Middlesettlements UMC in the Maryville District. It is the oldest UMC in Blount County, was founded in 1796, and was visited by Bishop Asbury. I am excited to continue my ministry at FUMC in Sweetwater and look forward to exploring the history of FUMC and especially anticipate beginning kingdom work with you. My wife, Becca Fisher, is the Director of Music at Kingston UMC. She also works at Tennova Hospital in Turkey Creek. We have 2 grown children. Caleb spent one year at the University of Tennessee and is currently working at Best Buy. Olivia is a junior at Tennessee Wesleyan in Athens. Our family also has a little boy named Bruno (he is four legged). We love animals and often help abandoned animals. I will be in the pulpit at FUMC on July 3 and look forward to getting to know you, hearing your faith stories, and sharing the story of Jesus with you. "I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true. It satisfies my longing as nothing else can do."

2 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR MIKE Dear Members of the Church Family, Words are so inadequate to express the overwhelming sense of gratitude Margaret and I want to convey to you. Sunday s retirement celebration was one of the most amazing days of our lives. We have never felt so loved and appreciated. It went beyond anything we might have imagined. The music in our services was superb. The covered dish meal was the best ever. The comments from our children, youth, adults and staff will be cherished forever. The scrapbook prepared by members of the SPRC was a wonderful surprise and will always have a special place in our home. The messages on the tags are so heartwarming and will be read over and over. The gift of $7, went far, far beyond anything we might have imagined. Sunday will be a day we will remember for the rest of our lives and we thank everyone who had a hand in making it so. A special word of thanks to Mort Thomasson, Chair of the SPRC, the SPRC Committee members, and for those on the Special Planning Committee for the event for all of their hard work in coordinating yesterday s celebration. A special word of thanks also goes out to our Church Council Chairperson, Callie Brackett, and to the members of the Church Staff. We feel so blessed not only for Sunday s festivities, but for having the opportunity to live and serve at First UMC Sweetwater. We will always keep you in our hearts and prayers. With love and gratitude, Mike & Margaret Hubble CONGRATULATIONS KRISTI & JASON SMITH On the birth of their baby boy Mac Oliver born on May 25. BAPTISM Harper Reese Camp, infant daughter of Hannah and Shawn Camp, was baptized on Sunday, June 12. Welcome to our church sweet Harper Reese. CONGRATULATIONS COURTNEY & ALLEN BALLARD on the newest addition to their family, Chloe Elizabeth Ballard.

3 MEN S CHOIR Summer rehearsals for the Men s Choir began on Wednesday, June 15 th, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the Choir room, but you can still join the group through the month of June. This is a short time commitment opportunity! Ideal if you have a busy schedule and don t have time to commit permanently to the Chancel Choir. We will be practicing for 7 weeks only and then the Men s Choir will participate at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services on July 31 st. Two years ago we had about 25 men participating in the Choir. Can we increase our numbers? I m looking forward to having new singers join us! If you have any questions, contact Margareth Urias at mthurias@hotmail.com. REMINDER None of the Sunday Schools will meet on July 3 as we will celebrate Pastor Ron s first Sunday with a Meet & Greet in the 10:15 am. WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: MEET & GREET Meet & Greet for Pastor Ron & his wife Becca Sunday, July 10:15 am following the first service Family Life Center LADIES BREAKFAST SATURDAY, JULY 9:00 AM AT THE DINNER BELL You are all welcome to join us for yummy food and fellowship. OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION TO JUDY WATERS for making the very beautiful, Hand-Crafted Choir Stoles for everyone in our Chancel Choir. You are so generous with your time and talent, Judy, and we thank you so much for your creations!!

4 MUSIC A SUMMER NIGHT OF WORSHIP Saturday, August 5:00 pm Featuring The Worship Team & Holy Noise 2016 Financial Update (Through May) I want to thank Mike, the staff and the members of the Finance Committee for their efforts in establishing and controlling the budget. Without their support and efforts, the success we have had and progress we have made would not have been possible. Capital The good news continues for our capital debt retirement. We have further reduced our debt to $619,000. For a perspective, when we started our debt retirement campaign 3½ years ago the debt stood at $1.2 million. Through your faithful and sacrificial giving, the debt has almost been cut in half. The progress we have made in such a short time has far exceeded even the most optimistic estimates. I want to thank everyone for their support of this effort. Even though the Capital Campaign we initiated in 2012 has ended, giving is continuing in support of the debt retirement and because of this, we currently have no plans for another Capital Campaign. I will continue to provide updates on both our progress and the need for another Capital Campaign as we go forward. Operating Giving for the operating budget continues to lag somewhat behind our needed estimates. Through May, we are behind approximately $14,000. But as always, our staff and committees are doing an admirable job of managing their budgets and minimizing any impacts to ongoing programs, plans and activities. Since the summer months have historically been the most challenging from a giving standpoint, I ask that you please remember our church by continuing your consistent giving as you enjoy your summer vacations with family and friends. I know we have many new members of our church family and probably several of our long-time members who may have questions about our budget process. If there are groups or individuals that would like for me to explain/clarify the process and efforts that go into establishing and controlling the budget, please contact me and I ll be happy to meet with you or your group. Micky Heatherly

5 SENIOR HAPPENINGS WHO AM I? Everything about me speaks of Tennessee. I was born and raised in Monroe County, attended 2 schools in Monroe County, and my 2 brothers and 4 sisters and I lived with mom and dad in Monroe County. Mom was a homemaker and dad...well let's just say I followed in his footsteps career wise. I attended UT (Go Vols!) and one of my favorite sports figures was Mack Franklin. Yes, I do like the big orange...but actually my favorite color is blue. Speaking of favorites, my favorite food is fried chicken and my favorite dessert is banana pudding. I enjoy watching James Bond movies and my favorite actress is Lauren Bacall. I also enjoy music...mostly 50''s and 60's. I don't have many hobbies...i used to play golf and enjoy traveling out west. One of the people I most admired during my life was L.N. McDowell and I think one of the greatest achievements during my lifetime was the invention of the electric car. What I most enjoy about our church is the fellowship and my favorite scripture is John 3:16. Lastly, one lesson my dad taught me that I always remember is to "be honest". Who am I? The answer to the June feature Who Am I is Pat Richesin. I m the one in the overalls!! SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO OUR SENIORS BORN IN JULY Jul 3 David Toomey Jul 11 Flora McGuire We Still Do Join us as we celebrate 50 years together Reception 2-4 pm at FUMC July 2, 2016 Jul 16 Anna Wallace Jul 16 Margarette Cleveland Jul 17 Janey Richesin Jul 20 Theresa Walker Jul 20 Bobby Richesin Jul 23 Bill Edmondson Jul 29 Jane Viar Jul 30 Greg Goodman Jul 31 Carolyn Clark LARRY & KAREN ORR

6 KIDS KORNER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CAVE QUEST July from 6:15-8:45 pm Preschoolers from 6:15-7:30 pm Supper provided. Check the bulletin board for Servant Sign-up List. VBS is fast approaching! Cave Quest VBS encourages kids to follow Jesus wherever he will lead them! PLEASE PRE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR VBS It makes the first night less chaotic. There are sign-up forms on the table at the Welcome Station in the FLC. DATES TO REMEMBER Sun., June 10:15 am SHORT VBS Station Leader s Meeting in the parlor of the FLC. Please have a list of the items you need me to get for your group. Thanks for your willingness to serve God and our children. Tues., June 28 TASK kids are invited to a pool party at Jacqueline s from 12-2:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch and she will provide drinks and dessert. STILL NEED A FEW MORE SERVANTS Please check the bulletin board by the FLC ASAP. Thanks so much for your service. SWEETWATER JULY 4TH INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Independence Day 5K July 4th, 2016 Starting at 7:30 am Downtown Sweetwater A Flat & Fast Course ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUNG LIFE For more information & registration

7 Our Church Youth Cameron Belk: Moving forward with a smile on his face and a song in his heart It s summertime. Cameron Belk, who just completed his junior year, finds himself getting up about 11 am after a long night of watching some of his favorite shows on Netflix (Grey s Anatomy) and begins to figure out his day. It s pretty hot. maybe I ll go to the lake he says. Oh, and don t forget youth group tonight at 6:30, he reminded himself. Then again, I can always draw or work on some of my art, or maybe I ll call my best friend Savannah Mays. Welcome to the spontaneous world of Cameron Belk. And yet behind what seems like disorganization and lack of motivation is a young man who has a bright future that should make everyone proud. Cameron is the son of Keith and Candi Belk of Sweetwater. He has 2 brothers (Zach/14, and Branden/7) and a host of pets to keep him company including 2 dogs and a guinea pig. He just completed his junior year at Sweetwater High School and is eagerly looking forward to his senior year. Cameron is not much into sports although he has played tennis in the past. His hobbies include hiking and being outdoors. But three things stand out in talking to Cameron: Academics: Cameron is an A and B student with lofty goals. He wants to enter premed after graduating from high school with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Austin Peay and ETSU are a couple of the schools he mentioned. He has taken his ACT prep, and he plans on using the Tennessee Promise Scholarship to help fund his efforts. This past year he entered a dual enrollment course in pre-calculus with Cleveland State whereby he gets college credit for completing a course that is proctored by a teacher at Sweetwater High School. He is vice president of the Theater Club, and a member of the SADD Club Students Against Destructive Decisions that draws attention to destruction behaviors like drinking and driving. Art: At 17 Cameron has become quite the young artist. He has been drawing since he was 7 and now enjoys Mr. Miko s art class. His favorite subject is people and while he has been encouraged to draw other subjects (animals, landscapes, etc), he is determined to remain drawing people. He recently entered a piece in the Generation Challenge that required him to draw a person of different nationality. You can see some of his artwork at the end of this article.

8 Church: Cameron has been a member of the youth group for approximately 2 years now. He came to the church at the invitation of Katelynn Cogdill who invited him to go bowling and has been coming ever since. Two weeks ago Cameron and other members of the youth group performed with Holy Noise for our church. Cameron has sung in the high school choir, loves volunteering, and most of all enjoys the fact that everybody knows everybody and that the church isn t too big. In the next year or so Cameron s life will change dramatically. He hasn t traveled much outside the confines of Monroe County and doesn t have a driver s license (yet). Still he dreams of visiting faraway places and practicing medicine. But one thing you ll notice about Cameron is that he always has a smile on his face. One of his favorite sayings comes from Rose Kennedy after the death of JFK that says in part Birds sing after the storm I sense Cameron has a bright future and will succeed at whatever he puts his mind to. A special thank you to Bob Fugitt for the articles featuring the Youth and Children of our church.