First Look First united Methodist church Newsletter August 18, 2014 Volume 43, Issue No. 32 Greetings from David Dear Fellow Missionaries, As the world settles back into a routine with school starting, summer drawing to a close, etc. we are going to begin a sermon series about Jacob and Joseph. This is a series that will help us decide what success really is. This series is entitled Success or Significance? What is it that we are seeking? Hopefully this will be meaningful as so many of our number are seeking to be successful. Our scripture this Sunday will revolve around Jacob getting what he wants, but at what cost? As we seek success in this world, we can often get what the world calls success but at what cost? Please join me in praying through Genesis 27:41-45 as God forms a sermon in us. I look forward to being in mission and ministry with you this week! In Christ s Service, David Please join us for a special Back to School Blessing for all those heading back to school. All of God s children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 24 for the 8:45, 9, and 11 a.m. Worship Services.
We Witness By Our Prayers Hospitalized: Nancy Wallace-Prsbyterian Joy to: Tyler Dixon and Brittany Hensley on the birth of Camden Avery Dixon who was born August 3, 2014. Grandparents are Jackie Clevenger and George Dixon, Great- Grandparents are Marcia and Doug Clevenger, Great-Great Grandparent is Jack Clevenger. Haley and Josh Chandler on the birth of Casen Banks Chandler, who was born August 16, 2014. Grandparents are Keith and Kim Tidwell and Great-Grandparents are Robert and Jeanne Rawlings. Photos From Day of Service at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School Chuck Elliott Walter Blaine, Bill Kaser Photos From Day of Service at York Chester Middle School By Our Presence August 17, 2014 8:45 a.m. Worship 112 9 a.m. Worship 54 11 a.m. Worship 233 Sr. Hi Retreat 18 Total Worship 417 Sunday School 140 Jennifer McLean, Libby Siceloff John Goforth, Libby Siceloff By Our Service Sunday, August 24 Scripture Readers 8:45 a.m. Angela Neal 11 a.m. Mary Massey Bus Driver Charlie Greene Doorstoppers John and Yvonne Goforth Greeters Marsha Poovey Judy Shannon Alice Mauney Gayle Walker Special thanks to those not pictured: Larry Brannock and Carol Elliott-Pleasant Ridge and David Christy, Bob Latta and Rachel McLean-York Chester. Welcome new members Jennifer and Ben Cabaniss 1919 Three Lakes Dr. Shelby, NC 28150 Minister on Call Weekend of August 22-24 Jim Westmoreland 704-718-8272 Meg and Hunter Peak, not pictured-parks 3716 Saint Regis Dr. Gastonia, NC 28056
Youth connections Sunday, August 24, 2014 10 a.m. Sunday School 6:30 p.m. Sr. Hi UMYF-14th Annual Chicken Bog at the home of Angie and Kent Huggins (841 Raleigh Ct., Gastonia). 6:15-7:30 pm. Mid Hi UMYF-Pool Party at the Faggart s (2808 Colony Woods Dr., Gastonia). Please drop-off and pick-up at the Faggart s. Thank You Notes From Youth Mission Trip, Milwaukee, WI Dear Becky, Thank you for your group s volunteer efforts to help build 480 Stockboxes on July 24, 2014. Hunger Task Force is grateful for your partnership in this special work to feed seniors facing hunger. Building Stockboxes is the important first step in making sure that low-income seniors have monthly access to healthy and nutritious foods. Last year, groups like yours helped Hunger Task Force build over 100,000 boxes. We simply could not carry out this work without your enthusiastic support! Thank you again for your support! Sincerely, Marie-Task Force Stockboxes Dear Becky and your dynamic work crew, There is still buzz all around United Methodist Children's Services about the quality and quantity of work you accomplished here in four days. We have had two good rains, which have helped keep the garden you established growing. The teachers are thrilled with the improved lighting in their classrooms. The townhome porches are always a popular gathering spot for neighbors during the summer, and now they look fresh from all of your hard work staining. The kids love their new kitchen and are excited to start painting their community libraries. Even the hidden work in the basement has not gone unnoticed. Thanks for giving us a week of your summer. Your impact on our lives will linger long! Blessings, Cindy Thompson-UMCS Children s Ministry Please join us for a special Back to School Blessing for all those heading back to school. All of God s children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 24 for the 8:45, 9, and 11 a.m. Worship Services. Promotion Sunday for all Sunday School classes will be on Sunday, August 31. Plan to come to the Back-to-School Bash, sponsored by the Shine 180 Committee, on Wednesday, September 3, 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the West Gastonia Boys & Girls Club. Dinner will be provided and there will be lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy! All third graders will be presented with a Bible at the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, September 7.
Music Ministry Tuesday, August 19 6 p.m. Worship Committee Room 315 Wednesday, August 20 6:30 p.m. Chancel Brass Sanctuary Sunday, August 24 10 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 114 Music Fall 2014 Music Makers [3-4 yrs.] Wed. 5:15-5:45 p.m. Room 130 begins Sept. 10 Carol Choir [K-1gr.] Wed. 5-5:45 p.m. Room 124 begins Sept. 10 Wesley Choir [2-3 gr.] Wed. 5-5:15 p.m. Room 119 begins Sept. 10 Asbury Ringers bells [4-5 gr.] Wed. 4:30-5 p.m. Room 114A begins Sept. 10 Asbury Choir [4-5 gr.] Wed. 5-5:45 p.m. Room 114 begins Sept. 10 Youth Rock Band [6-12 gr.] Sun. 4:30-6 p.m. Theatre begins Sept. 7 Youth Bells [6-12 gr.] Sun. 4:15-5 p.m. Room 114A begins Sept. 7 LightShine Youth Choir [6-12 gr.] Sun. 5-6 p.m. Room 114 begins Sept. 7 Youth Brass [8-12 gr.] Sun. 5-6 p.m. Sanctuary begins Sept. 7 Chancel Choir [adult] Wed. 7:30-9 p.m. Room 114 begins Aug. 20 Sun. 10-10:40 a.m. Contemporary Choir [adult] Sun. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Room 114 begins Aug. 24 Chancel Bells [adult] Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Room 114A begins Aug. 27 Worship Schedule Sunday, August 24 8:45 a.m. Sanctuary 9 a.m. Theatre 11 a.m. Sanctuary 162 East Praise Teams Are you interested in participating in worship at 162 East? Do you have musical gifts? Why not join a praise team. Praise teams are 2-4 member singing groups that help lead contemporary worship at 162 East. There will be two rehearsals, one with the group and one with the band, and then you will help lead worship! It is fun, challenging, and uplifting. Contact Aaron Prillaman for more information. Music Ministry Contacts Rev. Saxon Scarborough Minister of Music saxon@fumcgastonia.org 704.864.4371 x233 704.674.3370 cell Susan Lisle Music Associate susan@fumcgastonia.org 704.864.4371 x237 Aaron Prillaman 162 East Worship Leader aaron@fumcgastonia.org 480.466.1111 cell Timothy Scruggs Organist timothy@fumcgastonia.org 828-429-1796 cell James Smith Assistant Organist beanman@vnet.net 704-609-0058 cell Parish nurse ministry Diabetic Alert Dogs Can Save Lives Presented by Melissa Putnam and Scout the Labrador Retriever who serves her son Josh. Wednesday, September 10, 2014, 12 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall. Program is free, lunch is $5. RSVP, 704-864-2651 by September 8. So...Your Child Has ADD/ADHD? Maximizing Your Child s Potential in School Presented by Derek Brugman, DO on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the FUMC Fellowship Hall.
connect College Students It s that time of year when students head back to school. Please make sure we have current address for correspondence from the church. Our Freshmen are cared for throughout the year and care packages are sent to all students on special occasions. Embrace Study Group The Thursday Night Embrace Study Group would like to invite all you women to join us as we start up our fall gatherings on September 11, 2014. We meet every other Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m., for a wonderful time of fellowship and study with some "Jesus-Loving" Christian sisters. We will begin a 6-part study entitled "With All Your Heart", written by noted teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan. Do you remember where your blessings come from? Find out what it means to remember the Lord in your life on this one-of-a-kind spiritual pilgrimage. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, September 11, at 7 p.m., at the home of Clara Harris, 811 Jamestown Drive, #2 (Jamestown Village Condominiums off of Robinwood Road). If you are interested or have questions, please contact Cathy McCosh, 704 460-7305 or cmccosh@mac.com, or Sharon Pendergast, 704 616 2445 or pender365@earthlink.net. Hope to hear from some of you very soon! Friendship Connections Where friends Connect and Reconnect Of all the gifts God gives to us, Friendship is one of His greatest blessings In 1972, at FUMC, a need was recognized for adults to be connected with each other through fellowship and friendship by meeting monthly for entertainment, good food, and interesting programs...and The Friendship Club was organized. The Friendship Club underwent a name change in 2006 and is now Friendship Connections. The name has changed, but the purpose is still there for friends to be connected with each other through fellowship on a regular basis. As the years go by, life can become a bit more complex. Therefore, friendship and connecting with each other becomes even more important. When we consider the blessings of God, the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and suffering, friendship is very near the top. Sharing your life with another is what FRIENDSHIP is all about! Our friends will reconnect on Thursday, September 18 at 10:30 for fellowship, fun, and food in the FLC. Mark your calendars to become connected and reconnected with your friends. United Methodist women news Do you know. What is known today as United Methodist Women was founded in 1869 in Boston by 8 women as a missionary society, originally known as Methodist Woman s Foreign Missionary Society? United Methodist Women of today is the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members? United Methodist Women is being faith, hope, and love in action on behalf of women, children and youth around the globe? United Methodist Women provide opportunities and resources to grow spiritually, become more deeply rooted in Christ, and put faith into action? The United Methodist Women of FUMC need YOU! If you have a heart for service to others and would like more information, please call the church office, 704-864-4371 and leave a message. Someone will be in touch with you.
events AND NEWS Hospitality Room We have quite a collection of dishes that have been left in the Hospitality Room. Please pick-up anything you may have forgotten from the Receptionist office. In two weeks, remaining items will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Refreshments are needed for Sunday, August 31, 2014. If you would be willing to bring something, please have it in the room and on the table by 9:30 a.m. Thanks! Shine 180 Back-to-School Event Mark your calendars for the Shine 180 Back-to-School event the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3 at the West Gastonia Boys & Girls Club. You are invited to attend this wonderful family event that FUMC hosts every year with our partner schools. There are lots of fun activities planned, so we need lots of help. Please prayerfully consider adding your name to the volunteer sign-up sheet in the Workroom! Part of this event is the collection of classroom supplies. Our goal is to have hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfecting wipes for the 200+ students from our partner schools who will attend the back-to school bash. A donation box is in the Hospitality Room, but if you prefer, the committee will be very happy to shop for you. Please make your check payable to FUMC, and note on the memo line that it s for School Supplies. See you on September 3 at the West Gastonia Boys & Girls Club! Off the streets program, inc. First Annual Ladies Luncheon and Silent Auction Saturday, August 30, 2014, 12-2 p.m., FLC-Fellowship Hall, Guest Speaker: Jennifer Davis For tickets ($20), contact Shaaron Funderburk, 704-214-3331 or shaaron1otsp@yahoo.com Photo from August 13 Missions Program Gordon and Ardell Graner (our covenant missionaries), Bill and Phyllis Kaser and Don Turner Newsletter articles must be submitted via email by 9 a.m. on Wednesday prior to publication on the following Monday. Email your submission to Amanda, amanda@fumcgastonia.org. Please note that articles are at the Editors discretion due to limited space, run time, etc. Thank you for your cooperation.
August 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday To print this calendar, select print and choose page 7.
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. Prayers for those serving in the military CW3 Shaun Breth (Nan White's grandson) MSGT Martin Bo M. Henson (Louise Henson s son) CAPT Parker Gray (Jimmy Gray & Lynn Lamb s son) SGT Nathan Siceloff (David & Libby Siceloff s son) SFC Bo Beam (Ernie & Rosemarie Nivens' son-in-law) SGT David Frederick (Amanda P. Frederick's husband) SSGT David DeBerry (Chris DeBerry s son) A1C Jessica DeBerry (Chris DeBerry s daughter-in-law) CPL Donald Hamrick (Charlie Greene s cousin) AE1 Steve Clark (Katie Spurrier s son) PFC Landon Doctor (Katherine Crawford Doctor s husband) CHPL LT Crystal McPhail (Skip McPhail s daughter) Chad Buttrey (Sam Stout s cousin) SGT Josh Marlow SA Tyler Turner (Bonnie and Horace Turner s grandson) ENS Parrisha Barnes (former member of UMYF) Connect Phone: 704-864-4371 Email: contact@fumcgastonia.org Web: www.fumcgastonia.org Give fumcgastonia First United Methodist Church PO Box 218 Gastonia, North Carolina 28053 Published weekly except one week in July and Christmas week, 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 David Christy, Senior Minister Saxon Scarborough, Minister of Music Lisa Marisiddaiah, Parish Nurse Aaron Prillaman, 162 East Worship Leader Program Staff James Westmoreland, Minister of Congregational Care Dave Cramp, Visitation Minister Jim Ware, Director of Family Life Center Timothy Scruggs, Organist Rebecca Greene, Director of Youth Ministries Bruce Tindall, Interim Director of Food Services Kristi McClellan, Director of Weekday Preschool Eddie Ingram, Pastoral Psychotherapist: 704-375-5354, x411