Greetings from David. Dear Fellow Ministers,

News @ First Vol 43...Issue 12...September...2015 Greetings from David Dear Fellow Ministers, The mission of First United Methodist Church: To see Christ in every person we encounter and demonstrate to them the love of God and the teachings of Jesus. Wow we are back in the swing and it is great! Fall is kicking off with wonderful things happening and great opportunities to grow in our faith. I will quickly share what some opportunities are: We hope to have a 2016 budget ready to go by January 1, so we are having Commitment Sundays on Sunday, September 13, and Sunday, September 20. You will be receiving information about that in the mail very soon. Our annual opportunity to reach out to our community through The Main Event will happen on Sunday, October 11. Our theme is Blessed To Be A Blessing and we will seek ways to bless our community. Please invite others to be a part. It will be at the Rotary Pavilion complete with lunch! New Member Sunday on Sunday, September 20. Appalachian Service Project Team is serving October 4 10. They have the biggest group ever going which means that they can do more work, and therefore the expense of materials with which to work is higher. They are about $1,500 short and any donations are appreciated. Our Vision Visits are winding up and have gone well. We are moving closer towards unveiling the new Youth Center on the top floor of the Wesley Center We are getting closer to considering an architectural firm to help us think about next steps for our buildings On top of all of that, we get to worship each Sunday! Please pray about inviting others to worship with you and invite them to consider one of three distinct worship opportunities we offer each week: (1) 8:45 a.m. informal worship in the Sanctuary; (2) 9 a.m. contemporary worship with praise band in the Theatre (162 East Main Avenue); (3) 11 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary Please pray about our themes of worship each week and read through our scripture: September 6 Sharing The Joy I John 1:1-2:2 September 13 Living The Joy Nehemiah 8:10 September 20 (NEW MEMBER SUNDAY) in this issue Don t Miss The Point Mark 9:30-37 September 27 Stay At It James 5:13-20 TAKE NOTE I believe that the best days are ahead for FUMC! WAYS TO CONNECT Thank you for being such incredible lovers of Jesus Christ. I look forward to being in mission and ministry with you CALENDAR in September. In Christ s Service, David EVENTS AND NEWS NEW MEMBERS

Take Note Sympathy to: Buddy Stoker and family on the death of Joel Stoker, who passed away August 31, 2015. Erika Lowery and family on the death of J.A. Dalpiaz, who passed away August 27, 2015. Sally Barnett and family on the death of Mary Jane Darr, who passed away August 23, 2015. The Larrazabal Family on the death of Sarah Larrazabal, who passed away August 20, 2015. Tom Matherlee and family on the death of Doris Misamore, who passed away August 15, 2015. David Poston and family on the death of Robert Poston, who passed away August 10, 2015. Joy to: Cam and Sally Barnett on the birth of Reid Covington Barnett, who was born August 6, 2015. Big brother is Campbell. Evan and Kelly Sitton on the birth of Riley Lynn, who was born August 25, 2015. Grandparents are Rusty and Fran Sitton. Just the numbers: Sunday Attendance August 2: 409 August 9: 437 August 16: 469 August 23: 461 August 30: 484 Minister on Call Schedule: 704-915-5078 (call or text) September 4-6: Jim Westmoreland September 11-13: David Christy September 18-20: Ashley Anne Lloyd September 25-27: Jim Westmoreland Reservations are requested for everyone and accepted until 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the meal via The website, First Connection card, or by calling the office. Wednesday Menus September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 Fall Kick- Off Hot dogs, chips, ice cream, shaved ice, drinks Chicken parmesan, noodles, steamed broccoli, salad bar, roll, dessert Cube steak, mashed potatoes/rice, mixed vegetables, salad bar, bread, dessert Ck. or beef fajitas, nachos, tacos, beans, rice, salad bar, dessert Fried/baked chicken, mac & cheese, greens, yams, salad bar, dessert

CONNECT... UMW News THANK YOU to everyone who supported the three UMW Sunday Lunch Fundraisers this year. All UMW funding is Mission Money used to support the less fortunate locally and globally. SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14-Frozen Food and Bake Sale Our FUMC UMW Unit is about women in action and as the fall season is gearing up our UMW members are gearing up for the fun raiser of the year. Lots of planning goes into making this project successful...making sure all the delightful and delectable casseroles, cakes, cookies, breads are ready and waiting for a new home! Stay tuned! DID YOU KNOW...This year, the Western North Carolina Conference unit of United Methodist Women, of which our local unit is a part, has been recognized as the world s number 1 unit for the 13 th consecutive year! Faith, Hope, and Love have been and continues to be in action for women and children all around the globe. The goal of our FUMC unit is to be Mission-Oriented at our general meetings and our individual circle meetings. The next general meeting, a dinner meeting, will be Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. in the FLC. The focus for this meeting will be the upcoming Frozen Food/Bake Sale in November. Our Mission focus will be supporting York Chester, Webb Street, and Pleasant Ridge Middle Schools with: Kleenex, paper towels, hand sanitizer, sanitary products, and disposable wipes. Plan to attend and support your UMW general meetings and your individual circle meetings throughout the year with your presence..you will feel Faith, Hope, and Love in action. Friendship Connections-Where Friends Connect and Reconnect Save the Date! September 17, 2015 Save the Date! The fall season is just around the corner and it is time for you to make your plans to connect and reconnect with your friends at Friendship connections...third Thursday 10:30 a.m. in the FLC A fun time is planned with our own Susan Lisle and Name that Tune! Grab your thinking caps and be part of our Fall Kick-Off. See ya ll there and remember to invite a friend or two! Tutors Needed for Boys and Girls Club Students Last spring while waiting for the worship service to begin, my daughter pointed out an item in the bulletin about tutoring kids from West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club before the EOG tests. I immediately jumped at the chance to share this experience with my high school senior. A few weeks later, as we approached the time for the sessions to begin, the doubts of "I don't have time" and "I don't know how to tutor for this" began to set in. As God always does, my feelings of being the wrong person were immediately washed away as soon as I met the two precious boys assigned to me. I quickly realized that all I truly needed was an open heart and the sample test questions supplied to me. As I worked with those boys each week, I came to see that I was being blessed in equal measure to any amount of time and effort I was pouring into them. If you've ever volunteered at Camp Sunshine, you know that feeling well. I urge you to prayerfully consider joining us as we expand this ministry. Your heart will smile! Please contact Patty Neinast, 704-905-8289 if you would like to tutor a student.

CONNECT CONT... Nominations for Church Officers Are you interested in serving the church as one of our officers? Our Committee on Lay Leadership (the group that nominates officers) will begin meeting soon. While we can never guarantee that everyone can serve the position you would like, we do readily receive your requests with the understanding that the final decision is up to the Committee on Lay Leadership. We nominate positions for: Church Council The decision-making body of the church. Meets at least 6 times a year and as needed Buildings and Grounds Meets regularly to deal with building maintenance, upkeep Finance Recommends budget to the church; meets monthly to oversee our finances Committee on Lay Leadership Meets several times each fall to nominate officers of the church Scholarship Meets a couple of times a year to award scholarships for our college students Staff Parish Relations Meets monthly to deal with all issues related to staff. This group hires and administers staff Trustees This group oversees the property and the legal aspects of our church Endowment Trustees This group oversees the many endowment funds of our church All positions are nominated for a set period of time (most of our officers rotate on a three-year cycle). We are committed to engaging ALL of our members in ministry and seeking to have a leadership team that is diverse based on age, sex, and length of membership. Jewelry Gift Boxes Do you have jewelry gift boxes hanging around the house that you would like to get out of the way? We would love to take them off your hands. The kids who attend the Camp Sunshine Christmas Party have the opportunity to select (from a variety of donated items) a present for someone special in their lives. We received a large donation of jewelry items this year, but need all sizes of gift boxes to put them in; from ring size up to large necklace size. If you would be willing to contribute jewelry gift boxes to this wonderful community outreach program, please drop them off at Becky s office. Thanks for your help. A Note From the Finance Committee We are indeed blessed to be members of this great Christian church with all our activities, our missions and our fabulous staff. It takes our monetary gifts to keep this staff and programs going forward. When every one of us joined this church we promised to share our gifts. Each year about this time we are asked to estimate our yearly gifts to the church and make a financial commitment to the church. This year each member will be mailed a Commitment Card in the next few days. I am asking you to prayerfully consider your giving commitment for 2016, fill out the card, and return it to church on one of our Commitment Sundays (September 13 and 20). It is very important that this is done during one of these services as we cannot prepare our budget for 2016 until we can estimate your contributions. We will be praying and working under a very tight schedule as the budget should be done before our annual Charge Conference in early November. Of course, if you are unable to attend one of those services you may return the card to the church office in person or mail. Let s all of us remember the commitments we made when we joined the church and help the church continue to grow the great opportunities we have to share. Prayerfully Yours, Dick Farrell, Chairperson-Finance

"In God we live, move, and exist." We had an awesome time at G-Force Adventure Park VBS! G-Force, God s Love in Action Vacation Bible School was a huge success! We had 94 kids experience our VBS last month. We were very grateful for over 70 volunteers who spent their time decorating, cooking, leading, teaching, and serving throughout the week the of VBS. Some of our VBS volunteers shared their God Moments at our VBS celebration. Our children loved bible story time at VBS! Our children donated school supplies and children's books for their VBS offering. -Children s Ministry Sky High Sports Adventures Cooking with Mr. Bruce VBS in action. *Our children really enjoyed Mission Mondays and Wacky Wednesdays this summer. We spent time creating Blessing Bags, organizing church pew pads, and making gift bags for teachers. Wacky Wednesdays were fun adventures and all of kids had a blast playing at Sky High Sports, swimming at our pool party, bowling with our pastors, and cooking with Mr. Bruce. *Third Grade bibles will be presented at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, September 13. *M&M s, F.A.I.T.H. and F.I.S.H. kids will participate in Wednesday evening activities, 6:45-7:15 p.m. at the church, throughout the month of September. Parents, please check out our Facebook page, First UMC Gastonia s Children s Ministry Department for weekly information/updates. Our kids created Blessing Bags for a Mission Monday service project.

-Music Ministry And We ll Sing Once More An FUMC Historical Musical Revue Friday/Saturday, September 18-19 7:30 p.m. (Dessert 6:45 p.m.) Sunday, September 20 3 p.m. (Dessert 4:15 p.m.) FUMC Theatre Tickets $10 First UMC Children s Choirs Joining Hands & Hearts Together Asbury Choir [3rd-5th grades] led by Susan Lisle Wednesdays, 5-5:45 p.m., Room 114 Asbury Handbells [4th-5th grades] led by Susan Lisle Wednesdays, 4:30-5 p.m., Room 114A Ready Ringers Handbells [3rd grade] led by Saxon Scarborough Wednesdays, 4:30-5 p.m., Room 119 Wesley Choir [2nd grade] led by Charlene Swilling Wednesdays 5-5:45 p.m., Room 119 Carol Choir [K-1st grades] led by Saxon & Patti Scarborough Wednesdays 5-5:45 p.m., Room 124 Music Makers [3-4 yr olds] led by Lisa Jurs Wednesdays 5:15-5:45 p.m., Room 128 Registration Wednesday, September 2 at Fall Kick-Off Choirs start Wednesday, September 9

-Parish Nurse Ministry 2015 Health Education Awareness Series Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 12 p.m., First Presbyterian Church Exploring the Resources of the Public Library. Program free, lunch $5. RSVP 704-864-2651. CaroMont Health Programs Lose it for Good is an eight-month weight loss program that uses lifestyle lessons, group exercise and group discussion to help you set, achieve and maintain realistic weight loss goals. The program meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. beginning September 21 (program includes Thursday meetings Thursday, September 17-Thursday, October 1) at the CaroMont Health and Fitness Center. Space is limited. Jump Start Your Weight Loss is a 12 week weight management program that uses weekly lifestyle lessons, group exercise and group discussion to help you set and achieve realistic weight loss goals. The program meets each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the CaroMont Health and Fitness Center. Space is limited. Register for a free information session to learn more about these programs (September 14 for LIFG or September 10 for JSYWL). and to find out if you qualify. Call 704-834-387 to reserve your spot. Quit Smart will meet September 8, 22, and 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. This is three-session quit smoking class. To register/for more information, call 704-671-7936. Alzheimer s Diseases and Dementia Care This seminar will be Wednesday, September 23, 2015 with registration at 8 a.m. and program from 8:30-5 p.m. at the Gaston County Senior Center. Cost is $185 per person. Register by Wednesday, September 16. Mission of Mercy Free Dental Care September 25-26 at Bethlehem Church Gastonia. For information and professional volunteers sign-up, visit: http://www/ncdental.org/meetings-events/nc-missions-of-mercy

To print this calendar, select print and choose page 8.

To print this calendar, select print and choose page 9. Laity Conference Re-Cap The 50th annual Laity Conference was held at Lake Junaluska August 7 and 8. First United Methodist Church was well represented with John Crane, chairing the Laity planning committee and Saxon Scarborough, accompanied by Susan Lisle, leading the music for worship. Jane and James Smith performed several duets. Mike Farmer gave an inspiring Laity address. Also attending were: Steve and Pat Quinn, Patti Scarborough and John and Nancy Senter. The Keynote speaker for the weekend was Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina conference. Cindy Thompson, founder and director of Boundless Impact, based in Greensboro, also spoke. The Lake Junaluska Singers gave an afternoon concert. The Sunday morning worship service sermon was delivered by Rev. Jody Seymour.

-Fall Adult Opportunities *Exercise Classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-9:45 a.m. in the Gym. *Thursday Morning Mountain Ministry. Meet at Crowders Mountain and hike to the top. Begin with a prayer (Meet at 8:30 a.m.) Led by Jennifer Cabaniss and Ashley Anne Lloyd *Sit N Knit Tuesdays in the Hospitality Room, 10 a.m. *Dessert and Design meets on the first Tuesday of October and November, 6-9 p.m. in the FUMC Craft Room for food and art. Fee charged. Contact Lisa Marisiddaiah *United Methodist Women (multiple Circles available) *United Methodist Men (meet every third Thursday at Firestone Grill for prayer breakfast and quarterly at the church) *Friendship Connections (for Senior Adults) Meets third Thursday of every month during school year for program/lunch *Young Adults Supper Club Meets every other month at member homes on a Sunday from 5-7 p.m. *Quarterly Older Adult Trip. Coordinator Tripp Hord *Embrace A women s study group that meets on Thursdays to understand just how much God love s accepts and values them. Contact Bee Wetzell, beewetzell@gmail.com *Sabbath Group A women s study group that meets on Wednesday nights from 6:30 7:30 p.m. Fall book study is entitled Restless. Led by Anne Mallonee and Cheryl Loggins *Selah Small group for young women that meets in Room 301 second and fourth Wednesdays in Sept. first and third Wednesdays in Oct./Nov., 6:30-7:15 p.m. Learning to Walk in the Dark is the fall study. Led by Lauren Loper and Caitlin Gault *Women s Morning Bible Study, Armor of God by Pricilla Shier Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Led by Robin Banks in her home *BMC (Building Men Through Christ) Mondays, September 14- November 16, 7 p.m. Led by Jeff Plemmons *First Tuesday of the Month Prayer Group at Firestone Grill. Meet for breakfast at 7 a.m. and a brief devotion. Led by Rev. Dr. Jim Westmoreland *Monday Morning Men s Emmaus Reunion Group Meets at Panera Bread at 8 a.m. Led by Rev. Eddie Ingram *Wednesday Morning Study Group Meets from 10 11:30 a.m. September 9 end of November. Led by Rev. Dr. Jim Westmoreland *Bibles and Basketball Community and church members welcome to play basketball and study the Bible on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. *Journey to Bethlehem Learn about the journey to Bethlehem as this group meets once a week to walk 95 miles by Christmas Eve. Pam Christy leader *Lunch & Learn This Bible study is open to anyone interested in spending their lunchtime studying God s word. Hopeful this would be something for those working in the downtown area. Mark Skillestad, Jennie Stultz, Steven Long, leaders. *Jesus and the Gospels Study-32 weeks. Sunday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. Led by Rev. Dr. Jim Westmoreland and Tim Patti *The Wesley Experiment the Thursdays October 8-29. High prayer/fasting commitment. Led by Rev. David Christy

Youth Ministry Youth Activities: Mid Hi September 6 No UMYF-Labor Day September 13 Planning Session (12:15-5 p.m.) Now meeting in the new Youth Center Building! The youth are in need of Mid Hi Youth Counselors. If you are interested in helping guide the youth of this church in their spiritual growth, please contact Tripp at 704-864-4371 or email tripp@fumcgastona.org The Mid Hi s meet Sunday evenings from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Sr Hi September 1 Sr. Hi Prayer Breakfast at Bojangles on S. New Hope Rd. September 6 No UMYF-Labor Day September 13 UMYF-Loose Change and movie (6:15-7:30 p.m.) Sunday School Music and Fellowship from 9:45 10 a.m. Morning Glow 10:05 a.m. Sr. Hi 9 th 12 th grades taught by Kevin Queen 7 th and 8 th grades taught by Renee Long Confirmation taught by Bee Wetzell Bible Study TBA Mid Hi Valle Crucis Fall Retreat September 25 27 Meet in front of the FLC at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 25 for departure. We will return Sunday, September 27 around 2 p.m. The cost is $125. We will be mailing out registration forms and what to bring information in the coming weeks. Sr. High Valle Crucis Fall Retreat October 2 4 Meet in front of the FLC at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 2, for departure. We will return Sunday, October 4 around 2 p.m. The cost is $125. We will be mailing out registration forms and what to bring information in the coming weeks.

Gifts Our theme for 2016 is that we are BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING! We are going to be talking about that with each of our vows: Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. Today, I want to share with you about our GIFTS. I've been with you for three years now, and I believe with all my heart that this church can do ANYTHING it desires to do financially. I want to take a moment and share with you my thoughts, as your Pastor, about our church finances. I hope our commitment to Christ always touches every part of our being, including our pocket books because to give to God's glory through the church is one of the greatest blessings we can experience. We will have an opportunity to make commitments to our church budget in the fall. It is my hope that we will form a budget based on our response to the commitment campaign. That is why what we commit is important. I invite each member of our church to prayerfully consider sharing the blessing with others through a commitment to First United Methodist Church, Gastonia. Our budget for 2015 is $1.7 million. Out of that budget, 82.7% ($1,396,871) comes directly from the commitments our members make to our budget. We anticipate new opportunities for ministry starting in 2016, and we would like to budget accordingly. I believe we have the capacity to increase our budget so we can offer more ministry to more people. This is significant not because we want our budget to increase, but because we see ministry every day we would like to offer if we had funds! We currently have 320 giving units that have made commitments to our church for 2015, but we have over 400 regular giving units (over 80 did not make a commitment, but still give). We certainly understand that it is hard for everyone to give at an equal level...that is why we have so many members! God is doing great things through this church! We need you to be involved. Here is what I believe: * The "tithe" (giving 10% of one's earnings to the glory of God through the church) is the biblical example * Everyone cannot give a tithe, but everyone can give something * We would ask that each giving unit prayerfully consider growing one percentage in their giving in 2016. For example, if you, as an individual or family make $80,000 and your current commitment to the church is $2,000 (2.5%) perhaps you could consider giving $2,800 (3.5%) to the glory of God. It represents a STEP towards tithing and opens up new avenues for blessing. It would be a monthly increase of $66.67 in that individual's or family's giving. If we ALL do a LITTLE, God can do GREAT things! We are, indeed, blessed to be a blessing! Will you begin praying NOW for what God might be calling you to do in 2016! David New Sunday School Classes! Beginnings-This class will start September 13 for adults who are new to FUMC, beginning in their faith or simply want to group in a small group. The format for the class will be an informal gathering time, prayer and faith lesson on the third floor of the main building. The class will be led by lay teachers and clergy. Topical Studies, in the Theatre, 10 a.m., leaders John Crane/Rev. Ashley Anne Lloyd begins September 6. Sabbath Women s Study Begins Wednesday, September 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. This is an 8-week study. Please let me know if you want me to order a Study Guide for you. I have pre-ordered 15; they will be first-to-email-me/first-served, malloneeanne@gmail.com Please email or call/text me 704-747-2331 with any questions! Anne Mallonee, Leader

Events and News... Main Event Mark your calendars! Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the beautiful Gastonia Rotary Pavilion. Gathering/ music time will begin at 10 a.m. followed with what is sure to be an amazing worship service at 10:30 a.m. The theme is Blessed to Be a Blessing, so after a wonderful morning of fellowship, music, worship and of course lunch, we will gather and pray for our community, country and world at various locations around our community (more details to come later, so stay tuned!) The committee has been meeting all summer and we have been hard at work getting everything together, but as the saying goes many hands make light work or in this situation the many hands and feet of Christ make light work. Don t let this opportunity pass by to be a part of this day of ministry in our congregation, if you would like to volunteer, please call David Christy at the church or Allison and Steve Adams at 704-616-6443. There is a place for you! See You on Sunday October 11. Invite a friend, invite a family, invite the neighborhood! The Main Event Committee You Can Be Confident!! Older Adult Trips Day trip to the BMW Manufacturing Plant in SC. October 14, 2015. Space is limited to the first 10 people. Contact Tripp Hord, 704-864-4371 ext. 241 or tripp@fumcgastonia.org The YMCA is sponsoring a trip Monday, October 19- Wednesday, October 21 Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mtn., NC Room, some meals, tour, craft and transporation included in price of $247 double occupancy room, $296 single occupancy. Contact Sharon Stephens 704-810-8594, sstephens@gastonymca.org to register. Newsletter articles must be submitted via email by 9 a.m. on the last Wednesday of the month prior to publication for the following month. Email your submission to Amanda, amanda@fumcgastonia.org. Please note that articles are at the Editor s discretion due to limited space, run time, etc. Thank you for your cooperation.

Welcome To Our New Members Joshua Pendergraft Eric and Billie Kinstler Megan (joined during Confirmation) and Meredith If you are interested in joining FUMC, or know someone who does, our next new member Sunday will be: Sunday, September 20, 2015. You may join at any of our three worship times (8:45, 9 or 11 a.m.) Please contact any minister for further information. Jenny Brunnemer

Wednesday, September 2 5:30-7:30 p.m. Don't miss out on a hot dog dinner, popcorn, shaved ice, inflatables, photo booth, creation station, games, crafts, DJ, manicures and face painting.

STAY CONNECTED... Phone: 704-864-4371 Email: contact@fumcgastonia.org Web: www.fumcgastonia.org Give First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Published monthly at 190 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 (USPS 198-720). Periodicals postage paid at Gastonia, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsletter of First United Methodist Church, PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC 28053 First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, NC 28053 Program Staff David Christy, Senior Minister Saxon Scarborough, Minister of Music Jennifer Cabaniss, Director of Children s Ministries Susan Lisle, Music Associate Larry Brannock, Interim Business Manager Ashley Anne Lloyd, Associate Minister Rebecca Greene, Director of Spiritual Formation Tripp Hord, Director of Student Ministries/FLC Timothy Scruggs, Organist Bruce Tindall, Director of Food Services James Westmoreland, Minister of Congregational Care Kristi McClellan, Director of Weekday Preschool Aaron Prillaman, 162 East Worship Leader Lisa Marisiddaiah, Parish Nurse Eddie Ingram, Pastoral Psychotherapist: 704-375-5354, x411