OCTOBER 2018 Dear Friends, Fall has arrived! I love the turning of the leaves each year that reminds us of the color and God-created beauty of nature around us. This year, we have also been reminded of the incredible devastation that can accompany natural events like Hurricane Florence. Yet even in the aftermath of this storm, there is still beauty in the way people are responding to the crisis as neighbors find ways to help other neighbors in need. Over the past weeks, our District Superintendent, Carol Goehring, has been keeping us updated on recovery efforts and on our Corridor District s partnership with the Harbor District in and around Wilmington, NC. In recent e-mails, she reminded us of at least three things we can continue to do: 1. Pray! Pray for the people who still are in harm's way due to rising rivers and flood waters, for those whose homes still are without power, inaccessible, or damaged, for those whose livelihoods have been affected by the hurricane, and for all those who are responding, that they may be safe and strong. 2.Give! Give to the NC Storm Response offering. This works exactly like UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), and it is a fund created with UMCOR's blessing. The funds collected remain in North Carolina. You can write checks to FUMC Graham and put in the memo: NC Storm Response. One hundred per cent of your gift goes to NC needs following the disaster. We also can arrange for the packing of Cleaning Kits and Hygiene Kits, and you will find the essential items listed on the Conference website https://nccumc.org/florence/kits/ or on the UMCOR website https://www.umcor.org/umcor/ Relief-Supplies/Kits. 3. Serve! We can begin now to take inventory of tools available and of skill sets available for work teams, and we encourage volunteers to be trained in disaster response. For more information go to https://nccumc.org/florence/. Cleaning kits (flood buckets) and hygiene kits may be taken to Leasburg UMC (7550 US Hwy 158 E, Leasburg, NC, 336/599-4854) or to Haw River UMC (127 Church Circle, Haw River, NC, 336/578-0611) in our District. Carol s most recent e-mail update also celebrates the beauty of God s grace at work in response to human need: The reports of God-sightings in the midst of all the devastation are lifting spirits among those most impacted and even in our own district where damage was minimal. All of the efforts, great and small, to ease the suffering are appreciated, and I hope you will share photos and a description of the work you are doing to lift the spirits of our neighbors. The work of disaster response is a marathon, not a sprint. Our neighbors in eastern NC will be recovering from this year s storm for months and even years to come. Join us as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Praying, Giving, and Serving with you, Pastor Kevin FUMC-Graham 303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343 Pastor G. Kevin Baker The First Methogram Making Disciples for Jesus Christ through Love and Service! (Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City, NC.) Even in the aftermath of great storms and trials, hope and help stand tall. OCTOBER 2018 Every member a Minister Page 1
Worship Evangelism Message For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1: 16 Pilgrimage 2018 Speakers Brock Morgan & Ray Buckley Theme: PLUG IN! November 9-11 The Pilgrimage Ministry has been bringing 5000+ youth (in the 6th 12th grades) and their mentors to the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC for 24 years. It is a life-changing weekend event filled with amazing artists, thoughtprovoking speakers, and inspiring youth leadership: all bearing witness to the transforming love of Christ. Sponsored by the North Carolina United Methodist Conference, this weekend is for students and adult student leaders of all denominations looking for a weekend worship experience that calls everyone to a new or stronger faith in Jesus, challenging everyone to share God s love in word and action. NC Conference, United Methodist Church For more information, check out https://nccpilgrimage.org. New Sermon Series in October! October 14: Trees (Stewardship of our environment) October 21: Time (Using our time wisely and effectively) Do Christians have a responsibility to the environment? Does our faith have anything to say about how we spend our time and crowd our calendars? Are we honest about the things that we truly treasure? Join us for a new 3-part stewardship series by Pastor Kevin that begins October 14 titled Trees, Time, and Treasure. Come and help discover new ways we can be good stewards of God s amazing gifts! October 28: Treasure (How we use the gifts God has generously provided us) All Saints Sunday, November 4, 2018, is a special Sunday set aside to honor and remember members of our church family who have died since November 5 of last year. We would like to issue a special invitation to the family and friends of these individuals to join us at either worship service (9am for The Well in Stafford Hall or 11am for the traditional service in the sanctuary) as we light a candle for each of these persons who has influenced us through his/her Christian example. Page 2 Every member a Minister OCTOBER 2018
Connect Meeting Tuesday, October 2 10:30am T. J. Whitehead classroom (Rm. 132) Speaker: Mayor Jerry Peterman Adult Game Day Wednesday, October 10 1-4pm Stafford Hall (Rm. 125) Bring a friend and your favorite snack! Family Fun Trampoline Trip! FUMC Children and Youth Ministries is sponsoring a family outing to Rockin Jump Trampoline Park in Greensboro (4215 West Gate City Blvd.) on Sunday, October 7 from 2:45-4pm. (Jumping will be from 3-4pm.) We will meet at the park at 2:45pm. Children s admission (up through 5th grade) will be paid for by the Children s Ministry Team. Youth and adults wanting to jump will need to pay the $12 per person fee (includes gripper socks) upon arrival. Everyone jumping must fill out an online waiver form. We need an attendance count before the event, so please let Jennifer Easter (jls814@yahoo.com) know how many from your family will be jumping by Wednesday, October 3. 10.1 Allison Quinn 10.2 Kim Staton 10.3 Kay Ferguson 10.4 Madelyn Jones 10.4 Cheryl Perry 10.5 Stacy Koon 10.5 Sergio Almodòvar 10.6 Roy Salter 10.7 Elaine Caudill 10.7 Jessica Jones 10.7 Dot Lee 10.7 Ryleigh Petriella 10.8 John Bryant 10.8 Sam Royal 10.8 Mirinda Foster 10.8 James Crissman 10.9 Adam Linens 10.9 Allison Loy 10.9 Randy Weaver 10.10 Diana Cummings 10.10 Terry Dixon 10.11 Lauren Greer 10.11 Andy Rich 10.12 Benjamin Zluchowski 10.13 Erin Mercs 10.13 Deanna Polito 10.14 Anita Sherer 10.14 Kenley Linens 10.16 Lindley Hardie 10.16 Ryan Allshouse 10.17 Kassidy Wood 10.18 Eric Fenton 10.18 Maycie Lloyd 10.18 Tres Nash October Birthdays 10.18 Steve Van Pelt 10.18 Wyatt Ray 10.19 Amy Royal 10.20 Chuck Van Pelt 10.21 Ethan Van Pelt 10.22 Greta Johnson 10.22 Susan Vanderburg 10.22 Bud Ray 10.23 J. T. Moore 10.24 Chris Collins 10.27 Virgileen Boyle 10.28 Matt Linens 10.28 Vivian Williamson 10.28 Anderson Wyatt 10.28 Nora Nicholson 10.29 Amanda Almadòvar 10.29 Chris Rollins 10.29 Mary Ann Van Pelt 10.29 Chanc Ceiswich 10.29 Darlene Few 10.30 Pat Johnson 10.30 Isabella Abbott Contact the church office (336/226-4343) with changes. You are invited to a baby shower for Judy May Sunday, October 21 2-4pm Church parlor (Rm. 104) Judy is registered at Target and Walmart. Join the youth for their annual BAKED POTATO AND SALAD LUNCHEON after the Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, November 4. Take-out will be available after Sunday School (~10:45am). Donations are greatly appreciated. All proceeds will be going to help support our trip to Pilgrimage 2018 in Fayetteville, NC. OCTOBER 2018 Every member a Minister Page 3
Doug and Clara Bayliff Michael Melanson Kathryn Bayliff Pam McDonald Diane Turner Barnes Worth McPherson Gretchen Briggs Nell Mooney Myra Brown Revonda Barnwell Mosher Jane Bryan Loby Phillips Priscilla Chrismon Frances Price Nancy Clark Mary Evelyn Rich Jackie England Phil Richards Linda Ezzell James Ryan Michael Few Norman Sayers Nancy Fisher Mike Smith Gwen Hall Susan Stapleton Betty Hardt Janice Stutts Julia Howard Linda and Wayne Triesche Brenda Hudson Clyde and Marie Ward Elizabeth King Max Way Susan King Vivian Williamson Carolyn Lapham Sue Willson Lynn Lloyd Dillard & JoAnn Witherow Barbara Lowe Earl Wood Betty May Call the church office (336/226-4343) or e-mail prayer@fumcgraham-nc.org to request changes or additions. Friday Lunch Bunch Bible Study Join Jean Boren and other women from FUMC for a Lunch Bunch Bible study starting on Friday, October 5 to discuss the study I Am Loved by Wendy Blight. Each person is asked to bring a sandwich or whatever you want to eat for lunch. Drinks will be provided. For more information and meeting location, contact Jean (twoborens@gmail.com). In Our Thoughts and Prayers Racial Awareness Table Talk Goley Chapel (Rm. 102) Tuesday, October 9 Sponsored by the Corridor District Dismantling Racism Team Contact: Rev. Christi Dye (cdye@nccumc.org) Rev. Lashauna Austria (lwaustria@gmail.com) Rev. Patrick Murphy (pmurphy@nccumc.org) OCTOBER EVENTS Sun. 10. 7 2:45-4pm Sun. 10. 14 5- Sun. 10. 21 5- Sun. 10. 28 5- Trip to Rockin Jump Trampoline Park with Children s Ministries $12 (See article on p. 3) REFUGE Regular Meeting REFUGE Regular Meeting Assist with Trunk-or-Treat games (See article below.) Looking Ahead: Pilgrimage 2018, Nov. 9-11 (Friday-Sun.) (See article on p. 2) Trunk or Treat Sunday, October 28 5- Market Street next to the church Inflatables, games, hotdog supper, plenty of candy! We need your help! E-mail Candice Harrod if you would like to decorate a trunk (cgharrod@bellsouth.net). If you would like to donate a bag of extra candy, please pick up a candy Post-it note from the bulletin board outside Room 114, and place the donated candy on the table outside of Mr. Brian s office (Room 111) by Sunday morning, October 28. This month s conversations will center on Christena Cleveland s book Disunity in Christ. Many of us are aware of the ways we cluster ourselves into groups of us and them, but not many of us are ready or equipped to live the unity we so often preach. What are the tools we need to reconcile and live toward unity in and out of the church? Learn why Christians who have a heart for unity have such a hard time actually uniting. Page 4 Every member a Minister OCTOBER 2018
Serve Library Lowdown for October Spotlight on Beth Moore Did you enjoy the Living-Proof Simulcast with Beth Moore? Want to explore more of her works? Check out these titles from our library: Believing God Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk about God s Deliverance A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David Praying God s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, a Novel Moore s PERSONAL REFLECTIONS series introduces the reader to her character-driven books, expanding them into 90-days with text plus thoughtful questions and journal space to engage readers through this study. We have three of these studies: David: 90 Days with a Heart Like His Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only Paul: 90 Days on His Journey of Faith September Additions God Speaks Your Love Language, by Gary Chapman Remembering Alamance County: Tales of Railroads, Textiles, and Baseball, by Don Bolden Burlington: Images of America, by Don Bolden Summer, by Karen Kingsbury (Sunrise Series-Baxter, Book 2) Longing, by Karen Kingsbury (Baily Flanigan Series, Book 3) The Well Women: Crossing the Boundaries, by Ladine Housholder 10 new DVDs from the VeggieTales Series donated by the Almodòvar family Help wanted Snack suppers for REFUGE Youth Meetings Contact Paul Abbott (youth@fumcgraham-nc.org) for dates needed and to volunteer. OCTOBER 2018 Every member a Minister Page 5
Sunday, November 25, 2018 3:30-5pm Wesley Wares will soon be here, and we need your help! The following are some of the ways you can help: 1. Donate gifts and crafts (only new items, please) 2. Help assemble gifts 3. Help man the store or wrap gifts on November 25 4. Help clean up after the sale Wesley If you would like to volunteer, see Susan Rayle, Doris Sugg, Kay Ferguson, or Carolyn Barnes. Please bring your gifts and crafts and place them on the table outside of rooms 114 (next to the library) and 134 (across from Stafford Hall). Please clearly mark Wesley Wares on these items. We would like to have all gifts by November 20. If you would like to purchase items for the sale, please see the bulletin board beside the library. Take a sticky note or two, purchase the items, and leave them on the tables beside rooms 114 and 134. We already know that we will need 7 9 and 13 17 Christmas gift bags, Christmas tissue paper, candy canes, individually wrapped Christmas candy, hot chocolate mix, and shirt- and robe-sized boxes. All children up through fifth grade may come and shop. Parents will be e-mailed shopping lists. Please carefully fill out these forms and bring them with you when you bring your child/children to shop. If you need a printed copy, you can find one on the table beside Mr. Brian s office (Rm. 111). This children s mission project has become a treasured tradition at FUMC. It takes many hands to make the project happen, so please consider helping in any way that you can. Monetary donations are always welcome. Make checks payable to FUMC and write Wesley Wares on the memo line. Thank you for helping to make this project a success. Remember, every cent raised is used for children s missions! Wares What Is a Chrismon? Why Do We Have Them at Our Church? A History A Chrismon is an tree ornament depicting symbols of Christ as well as events in His life. The word is a melding of the words Christ and monogram. The original Chrismons were designed and copyrighted by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer, a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA, in 1957. Little did she know that her idea and her patterns would come to be used all over the world! The original ornaments were made of Styrofoam, gold and pearl beads, and gold mesh. Unfortunately, these materials have proven to be very fragile over time. In the late 60s, a group of ladies from our church gathered and made Chrismons to decorate our church during Advent and Christmas. Several of these original ornaments are still in our possession. The best of them, given to the History Committee for preservation, were on display last year. In the 90s and early 2000s, Carolyn Lapham spearheaded a group of ladies who made Chrismons using clear acrylic and metallic gold paint to be given to each child in the congregation. Each year, they made a different design. Her husband, Ed Lapham, made a storage box for each ornament. There are probably folks in our congregation who have a set of these ornaments. Several years ago, the Gordon Painter Class was given the responsibility for decorating the Chrismon and parable trees each year. Noticing the fragility of our original ornaments, the class decided to make new ones. Class member Leigh Anne Tucker was aware of a shop in Salisbury, NC called Rufty s Chrismon Shop, the owners of which have a contractual agreement with the estate of Mrs. Spencer to make her designs, as well as new ones that they create. Chrismons are now made of gold and pearl beads and gold wire, making them more substantial than were the original designs. Several class members have taken classes at Rufty s, and the class is keeping files of patterns and has begun making their own kits. Just in the past month and a half, thirteen ladies have made over 60 new ornaments for our three trees! All of our current ornaments are Christ-centered. Also available are designs depicting the Ten Commandments, Women of the Old Testament, Women of the New Testament, Shields of the Disciples, and more. Some of the new designs are 3-dimensional and are exquisite. We will continue to add new designs as funds are available. On December 2, the first Sunday in Advent, you will find an insert in your worship bulletin with information about our Chrismons. We hope that you will take the time to locate all of these ornaments on our trees. Please thank the women who have worked so hard on our new ornaments: Cindy Sharpe (leader), Linda Fogleman, Linda Boggs, Marsha Jones, Mickey McCoy, Pam Spurrier, Doris Sugg, Becky Payne, Marilyn Perkey, Diana Cummings, Susan Barnes, Barbara Crissman, and Carolyn Barnes. From the very beginning, our Chrismons have been created with love and the desire to enhance our celebration of the birth of our Savior. Page 6 Every member a Minister OCTOBER 2018
Give Memorial Garden News The Administrative Council voted at its August 23rd meeting to raise the price for the interment of ashes in the Memorial Garden to $400 beginning January 1, 2019 due to the rising cost of the metal plaques on the Memorial Stone. The Administrative Council also created a new space on the Memorial Stone. UMC Circuit Rider Medallions have been placed on the sides of the stone with the space below these medallions reserved for plaques bearing the names of ordained United Methodist Ministers whose ashes are interred in the garden. Church member James Ryan is in need of a small apartment (nothing over $500/month) beginning the middle of October. Please contact the church office (336/226-4343) if you can help. A basement or garage apartment is fine. Thank you! In Memory Of DID YOU ORDER BRUNSWICK STEW? UMW MISSION FOCUS FOR OCTOBER Women s Shelter NEEDS: 1. Cereal 2. Coffee 3. Sugar 4. Paper towels Memorials Don t forget to pick it up! 4-6pm Friday, October 5 Church kitchen (Rm. 124) $7 / quart Apartment Needed ASAP Given By Peggy Jenks Ed and Carolyn Barnes Gene and Elaine Caudill Helen Rhew Jerry and Diana Cummings Those picking up large orders may wish to bring a box for use in carrying their stew home. Thank you and love to my church family for your prayers, cards, food, and visits. Blessings, Julia Howard Dear Church Family and Friends, It was wonderful to see you all at Josh and Stacey s shower. We were all overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. They received many beautiful things and are very appreciative. Stacey s parents were very impressed by the number of people that came to the shower. Thank you again for everything but especially for not forgetting about us. We love you all and I really miss my church more than you will ever know So looking forward to Carlee. Can t wait to be a Gammy! Love, Pam McDonald Our sincere appreciation goes out to Julia Howard who donated the etched signs for our glass doors. 2018 Smithfield Bar-B-Q Fundraiser Monday, October 15 6-8pm Mebane location only 20% of all sales with flier will go to Missions Projects of United Methodist Women. Must present flier to cashier when ordering. Fliers are available at the church. Keep the flier in your car so you don t forget! You are invited! The Gathering October 13, 2018 5-8pm Thunder Mountain, Efland, NC (rain location FUMC-G) During this event, you will have the opportunity to listen to the music of The Merry Gadflies, attend Chef Tastings, play and learn on the farm, and enjoy a wonderful meal. RSVP online at www.lifearoundthetable.org. OCTOBER 2018 Every member a Minister Page 7
The First Methogram (USPS 715-740) Periodicals Postage Paid at Published Monthly by Graham, North Carolina 27253 First United Methodist Church 303 N. Main Street Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: Graham, North Carolina 27253 The First Methogram 303 N. Main Street Graham, North Carolina 27253 WE THANK GOD FOR: SUNDAY SCHEDULE: The Well Service 9am, Sunday School: 10am, Traditional Worship Service: 11am Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 7am Men s Breakfast 2:45pm Children & Youth to Trampoline Park 5pm First Place 5pm Love to Stay 6pm Girl 14 Meet and Greet 2pm UMW Leadership Team 5pm Youth 5pm First Place 5pm Love to Stay 6pm Girl 21 2pm Shower 5pm First Place 5pm Love to Share 5pm Youth 6pm Girl 28 5pm Trunkor-Treat 6pm Girl 1 10am Circle 2 2pm Circle 1 2pm Circle 3 7pm Friendship Circle 8 6pm Care Package Packing Lay Leadership Team 15 November Methogram deadline 6-8pm Smithfield s 2 10:30am Young In Heart 7pm Cub 7pm Boy 9 Racial Awareness Table Talk #2 7pm Board of Directors 7pm Cub 7pm Boy 16 7pm Finance 7pm Cub 7pm Boy fundraiser 22 23 7pm Cub 7pm Boy 29 Missions Committee 30 7pm Cub 7pm Boy 3 7pm Discover the Journey 10 9:30am Library Ministry Team 7pm Discover the Journey 17 7pm Discover the Journey 24 7pm Discover the Journey 31 7pm Discover the Journey 4 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast 5:30pm Exchange Club project Girl 7pm Praise Team 11 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast Girl 7pm Praise Team 18 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast Administrative Council Girl 7pm Praise Team 25 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast Girl 7pm Praise Team 5 6 8:30am Beth Pick up 4-6pm Stew Preparation and Sale Moore Women s Video Retreat 12 13 5pm Life Around the Table 19 20 8am UMW District Annual Meeting 26 27 4pm Peak Worship Page 8 Every member a Minister OCTOBER 2018