the Beacon First United Methodist Church Marion, NC 16 Seeking to be a Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Discipleship, and Christian Service. Dear Friends of Marion First UMC, Our Christian faith has been propelled by the power of sacrifice. Consider the following example. It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me." There is no other than Christ that we should keep our eyes on in our high regard for his sacrifice on our behalf. He gave himself up for us. What is our responsive sacrifice? During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He couldn't disappoint his people, and to capitulate to the enemy was unthinkable. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he determined to exchange a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed, "I gave gold for iron, 1813." The response was overwhelming. Even more important, these women prized their gifts from the king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, is clear. The decorations were proof that they had sacrificed for their king. (cont.) IN THIS ISSUE A Word from Pastor Warren Page 1 Members in Action Page 2 March Calendar Page 2 Children and Youth Page 3 United Methodist Women Page 4 Memorials Page 5 March Birthdays Page 6 Indeed, it became unfashionable to wear jewelry, and thus was established the Order of the Iron Cross. Members wore no ornaments except a cross of iron for all to see. When Christians come to their King, they too exchange the flourishes of their former life for a cross. Throughout Lent may your sacrifice for the King empower your faith to soar to new heights. Grace and Peace, Pastor Warren
Page 2 March Calendar THE BEACON Acolyte March 27 Crucifer March 27 Children s Church Sunday School Young Elementary Youth Lector Ushers Coffee Clean-up Sound Monday Counting Teams March 7 March 14 March 21 March 28 Tyler Young Dylan Kagan Maggie Buckner Eavan Smith Samuel Owens Maggie Vaughn Olivia Bell Hayden Vaughn Dina Stainbrook Angela Bryan Ginny Rhodes Beth Ross Ann Arney Linda Davidson Chris Vaughn Chris Vaughn Youth Chris Goudreau Norman Guthrie Fred Dodge Linda Davidson Ann Arney Marian Kessler Jamie Green Cathy Cook Ruth Sander Tues., March 1 Wed., March 2 Thurs., March 3 Tues., March 8 Wed., March 9 Thurs., March 10 Sat., March 12 Sun., Mon., March 14 Wed., March 16 Thurs., March 17 Fri., March 18 Sat., March 19 Sun., Mon., March 21 Wed., March 23 Thurs., March 24 Fri., March 25 Sun., March 27 Mon., March 28 6:30 pm-children s Council 5:30 pm-wonderful Wed. Meal 6:00 pm-adult Study Faithweaver Friends 7:00 pm-psalter Choir 9:30 am-ladies Bible Study 6:00 pm-hand Bell Practice 7:00 pm-prayer & Evangelism Meeting 9:00 am-coffee Club 10:00 am-morning Circle 5:30 pm-wonderful Wed. Meal 6:00 pm-adult Study Faithweaver Friends 7:00 pm-psalter Choir 9:30 am-ladies Bible Study 6:00 pm-hand Bell Choir 10:00 am-umw Prayer Breakfast 8:00 am-umm Meeting 6:00 pm-youth Night 6:00 pm-mission Outreach Meeting 7:00 pm-mayme Tainter Circle 5:30 pm-wonderful Wed. Meal 6:00 pm-adult Study Faithweaver Friends 7:00 pm-psalter Choir 9:30 am-ladies Bible Study 6:00 pm-hand Bell Choir 7:00 pm-sprc Meeting Movie Night 11:00 am-easter Egg Hunt Palm Sunday (ASU Treble Choir Bringing their beautiful music) UMW Salad/Dessert Luncheon 6:00 pm-trustees Meeting 7:00 pm-finance Meeting 9:00 am-coffee Club 6:00 pm-maundy Thursday Service 12:00 pm-good Friday Service At St. John s Episcopal Easter Sunday 7:30 am-sunrise Service 8:00 am-easter Breakfast 9:45 am-sunday School 11:00 am-easter Cantata 6:00 pm-church Council
Kids & youth Confirmation Classes Confirmation classes will start on Saturday, March 5 at 10:00 am And will continue every Sat. morning for 8 weeks Please see Pastor Warren if you are interested in being a part of these special classes. Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 19 11:00 am-1:00 pm Games, crafts and hot dogs! A Great Big Thank You to all who helped and supported our Spaghetti Fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip! We raised over $1600 for our summer trip to Chattanooga! My Church by Clara McCartha Youth will be going to see the movie, The Risen on Sunday, March 12 right after the worship service.
Page 4 The Beacon Come Celebrate our Risen Savior on Easter Sunday as our Psalter Choir presents The Song Everlasting by Joseph Martin Sunday, March 27 11:00 am United Methodist Women United Methodist Women Prayer Breakfast The United Methodist Women will be hosting a prayer breakfast here at FUMC on Saturday, March 12, starting at 8:30 am. Breakfast is $8 and there are two seatings, one at 8:30 and one at 9:15. The service begins at 10:00 am Virginia Miller, speaker (retired Deaconess) Addie s Chapel Choir will sing. Breakfast reservations need to be made by March 2. Contact Sharon Smith at 652-7948. The UMW annual Salad/Dessert Luncheon will be held on Sunday, right after the worship service. The Morning Circle will meet on Wednesday, March 9 At 10:00 am in the Parlor. The Mayme Tainter Circle will meet on Monday, March 14 at 7:00 pm in the Parlor. United Methodist Men The Methodist men have recently cooked another batch of their delicious peanuts. The prices are as follows: Jar: $4 Case: (12 jars) $42 Time to stock up again! Also, there are still some of the nice white polo shirts with the cross and flame logo available in Sizes, Medium, Large and X-Large. They are $27 each. Please see a Methodist Man or call the church office if you would like to purchase one. A great church shirt for the summer months! Music Instrumental Ensemble A musical instrumental ensemble is in the process of being formed here at FUMC. If you are interested in being a part of this, please sign up on the bulletin board right outside of the Choir Room. Easter Flowers Our sanctuary will be adorned with Easter flowers from Palm Sunday through April 3. If you would like to purchase one in honor or in memory of a loved one, please sign up on the sheet at the Communications Station, or call the church office. The cost is $10. Deadline to sign up is March 16.
Memorials In Memory of Eudy Cuthbertson (former scout master) Kay and Phillip Tate (designated for Scout Troop 210) Saturday, March 19 Sunday, Thursday, March 24 Friday, March 25 Sunday, March 27 Easter Egg Hunt Palm Sunday (ASU Treble Choir Visiting) UMW Salad/Dessert Luncheon 6:00 pm-maundy Thursday Service Good Friday Service 12:00 pm-st. John s Episcopal Easter Sunday Schedule for Easter Sunday: 7:30 am Sunrise Service 8:00 am Easter Breakfast 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Easter Cantata Dear Family of First Methodist. I know I should have sent this a lot sooner, but I just never got around to it. For that, I am sorry. I wanted to take this time and tell you just how much everything meant and means to me, with no only the kind words, but just being there for me with the loss of my mother. Pastor Warren, my Sunday School class, the morning prayer meeting and the choir members all hold a special place in my heart. Not only them, but the entire church as a whole means so much to me. I am unable to express into words its full meaning. One thing Mom wanted me to let everyone know, especially the members of the Prayer Shawl group, is that she greatly appreciated receiving the shawl along with the other gifts she received for Thanksgiving. I am also sure she would have loved the Christmas cards. I know my family and I did. We are very appreciative of your thoughtfulness. I know there will be bad days, but I also know that, along with my family, I have a wonderful church family I can rely on. I just want you to know that I love each and every one of you. Sincerely, CJ
March Birthdays March 1 March 2 March 3 March 8 March 11 March 14 Sharon Parker Chris Wilson Bonnie Perez Kent Brown Seth Koon Lois Kilbourne Joseph Gowan Heather Caldwell Wayne Davidson Joy Smith March 16 March 18 March 21 March Birthdays March 23 March 24 March 26 March 28 Chris Goudreau Sawyer Rhodes Darryl Ishikura Kaelyn Caldwell Jerri Young Brian Benedict Mary Frances Bobo Pat James Ruth Sander Mitch Arney Garner Hallman Happy Birthday! First United Methodist Church 176 Robert St. Marion, NC 28752 828-652-7010 marionfumc.com A Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Spiritual Growth, and Service.