The Newsletter of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur, Alabama March 25, 2015 Holy Week Worship Experiences Join in a special week of worship, as we celebrate a love that journeyed to the cross for our Salvation. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we will again have noon worship experiences. Following the service, at 12:30, our United Methodist Women will have lunch available in the Fellowship Hall. No reservations are necessary for the lunch, but a donation of $5.00 a person is requested, which will go to missions. We will have evening worship experiences on Thursday and Friday. Please join in these special times of worship! Noon Worship Services Monday, March 30, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM The Rev. Ian Butler will be our preacher. Ian grew up in Florence. He experienced his call to ministry while at Edgemont UMC when he was 18. Since then, his journey has taken him to three schools and five churches. He started his undergraduate work at UNA and finished at Asbury College. He then received his Master s of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. His first church was Wesley Memorial in Littleville where he married Laura. His second appointment was here at Decatur First as Associate Pastor. He is presently serving the Elgin and Center Star United Methodist Church. Laura and Ian are the parents of Rose Marie, Rachel Kate and Ruby Jean. Laura is currently on maternity leave from Wilson High School, where she teaches Spanish. Tuesday, March 31, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM The Rev. Dr. Blake Kersey will be our preacher. Blake came to First Baptist here in Decatur in August of 2014 as their Senior Pastor. Blake received his B.A. from Samford University and his Master s of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School at Samford. His Doctor of Ministry is from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Blake came to First Baptist Decatur from First Baptist in Trussville, where he served as Associate Pastor to Families. He and his wife Lindsey have one son, Noah. Wednesday, April 1, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM The Rev. Dallas Culver will be our preacher. Dallas is the pastor at Austinville United Methodist Church here in Decatur. Under Dallas leadership, Austinville is attempting to impact the area for Christ. They host the annual Thanksgiving Meal that the Neighborhood Christian Center produces. They have also begun a Sunday morning breakfast to reach out to their community. An Upper Room Service of Holy Communion Thursday, April 2, 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall Our Ministry Team on Worship has planned a special time of worship in celebration of Jesus Last Supper with the disciples. The Fellowship Hall will take on some of the looks of the Upper Room as you gather around tables with eleven other disciples to worship and celebrate Holy Communion. Good Friday Service of Scripture and Music Friday, April 3, 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary This service will combine congregational singing, special music, and scripture as we remember what tradition calls The Seven Last Words of Jesus. Easter Sunday Services Sunday, April 5 at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. This We Believe Resurrection John 20: 1-18 Dr. Rudy Guess, preaching Faith Promise Dollars at Work We were able to help ship 10,000 pounds of linens for the Ebola Crisis through our Faith Promise Budget for Missions. The latest Disaster Warehouse newsletter reports those three containers are about to reach their original destination, a third world hospital that has NO sheets and a shortage of many other linens. Our giving actually came out of the International Disaster line item in last year s Faith Promise Budget. It was given at the end of 2014 as resources and linens were being gathered for this shipment. Thanks for your faithful giving. Congregational Care Note As part of the Congregational Care Team, the Share a Dish ministry is always looking for those that enjoy cooking. Our goal is to care for our church family in times of need whether it is bereavement, recovery from a hospital stay, illness, or welcoming a new baby to the family. This is a tangible way to show God s love and a great way to share with others. If you would like more info on this important ministry of First Church, please call Dell Ward at 256-350-4832. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. Matthew 25: 35 First Grace Yard Sale is April 20-25 in the Fellowship Hall. Donations will be received April 20-23. Yard Sale will be April 24-25. If you donate, you get a tax donation form.
REFLECTIONS FROM BRO. RUDY When I Survey the Wondrous Cross A favorite hymn of mine is Isaac Watts When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. The hymn was inspired by a verse from Galatians: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (Galatians 6:14; AKJV) Robert Morgan, in his book Then Sings My Soul, wrote that Charles Wesley reportedly said he would rather have written this one than all of his own hymns. In his third verse, Watts calls us to see the suffering of Christ and His great Love. He wrote, See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? Have you surveyed the cross lately? I remember a painting of the crucifixion at Candler School of Theology. It was painted in such a way that you were at the foot of the cross looking up at Jesus. The first thing that your eyes see is the wooden nail that holds Jesus feet to the cross. It is covered with blood. As your eyes move up the cross, it appears that His body could fall down on you, if it were not for the nails in His hands that held Him up. His face is covered with sweat and blood. The crown of thorns on His head had cut His forehead. Then it happens, your eyes come in contact with His eyes. It appears that Jesus is looking down at you from the cross. I remember the first time I saw that painting. It seemed that Jesus was looking at me from the cross. As I looked at Jesus on the cross, I sensed Him saying to me, Do you see what I m suffering? Do you see my pain? I m doing this for you, because I love you. Is that not the message of the cross to every one of us? Watts captured it in the phrase, Sorrow and love flow mingled down. In His suffering and dying, we see the depth of God s love for you and me. As I survey the cross, my response is the last part of Watts hymn: Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. See you Sunday as we worship the One who entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to go to the cross for our Salvation. Rudy New Member Larry Byrd joined First Methodist Church on Sunday, March 8. He transfers to us from Oak Park Baptist Church. His address is 24 Harborview Court NE, Decatur, AL 35601 and his phone number is 256-353-2263. Welcome! Sympathy Sharing sympathy with Gene and Lorri McGuire on the death of Gene s aunt Pat Vantron. Our prayers remain with the family. Neighborhood Christian Center The NCC will celebrate 20 Years at an event on April 25th at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, 802 Wilson St. NW, Decatur. This will be at 6:30 p.m. and will include a Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction. Special Guest Speaker will be Deterrian DT Shackelford, former NCC Program Graduate and Ole Miss Linebacker. Registration forms are available in the church office and also at www.decaturncc.org. The cost is $50.00 per person or $450.00 for a table for ten. All or part of your gift may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Kindly respond by Friday, April 10th. PATRICK S MUSICAL NOTES Jesus Paid it All Holy Week is less than a week away; however, it is never too late to join us in preparation. The Chancel Choir and Worship Team will join together for this momentous week in the life of the Church. Specials during Holy Week will include, but not be limited to Maundy Thursday- In Remembrance Good Friday- No More Night Easter services- Christ is Alive and Alleluia Christ has Triumphed featuring the children s choir under the direction of Gina Guess. The Worship Team meets weekly on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and the Chancel Choir meets weekly Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding upcoming events, please contact me at patrick@decaturfumc.org. Patrick McCormick Director of Worship Our Stewardship of Presences Attendance Numbers for Sunday, March 15, 2015: Total Count for 8:45 a.m. = 122 Total Count for 11:00am = 111 Total Count for morning services March 15 = 233 First Fellowship March 11 Children- 25 + 10 adults Youth- 10 + 4 adults Adults- 67 Total First Fellowship March 11 = 116 Sunday School March 15 Children- 23 + 11 adults Youth- 20 + 6 adults Adults- 120 Total Sunday School March 15 = 180 Attendance Numbers for Sunday, March 22, 2015: Total Count for 8:45 a.m. = 108 Total Count for 11:00 a.m. = 114 Total Count for morning services March 22 = 222 First Fellowship 3-18 Children- 19 + 10 adults Youth- 8 + 3 adults Adults- 58 Total First Fellowship 3-18 = 98 Sunday School 3-22 Children- 14 + 10 adults Youth- 2 + 1 adult Adults- 101 Total Sunday School 3-22 = 128 Our Stewardship of Resources Ministry Budget Capital Fund Received YTD $243,607.28 38,657.83 Needed YTD 209,499.94 Given This Week 12,965.65 3,278.00 Needed Weekly 16,115.38
April 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Murray & Cindy degraffenried 2 Bill & Bettye Dennis 3 Lee & Leona Dennis (Will) 4 Tilden & Gloria Dillard 5 6 Kim Dinh (Brandon) 7 LaVerne Dollahite Annelle Dollahite 8 Ronnie & Vicki Dukes 9 Conley & Kathy Duncan (Selby) 10 W.C. Duncan 11 Bill & Margaret Dunivant 12 13 Jeff & Maryanne Dunnivant 14 John & Colleen Dupes (Hunter) 15 Jeff & Lisa Earley (Davis & Nelson) 16 Ron & Betty Ann Earley 17 Tom & Mary Earley 18 Jessica Earwood 19 20 Keith & Vickie Earwood (Emma) 21 Brad & Katherine Easterwood 22 Bobby & Heather Eledge (Layne, Sutton, Harper) 23 Kari Elledge (Erin & Keaton) 24 Franklin & Jean Elliott 25 Ned & Susan Estes 26 27 Arthur & Mary Ann Faulkner 28 Scott & Lindsey Faulkner (Gann, Hatton) 29 Zeke & Molly Ferrell 30 Bill & Debi Finley Church Family Prayer Calendar Please pray each day for the spiritual growth and needs of the families listed. The calendar will help us personally pray for our entire Church family in 2015. One day everyone will be praying for you. The other days, pray for them.
Youth Dates Coming Up Sunday, March 29 10:00 Sunday School 4:30 Egg Hunt at Rhodes Ferry Park 6:00 Youth Dinner at Mi Hacienda (meet there, bring money) Wednesday, April 1 5:00 First Fellowship Supper 6:00 Bible Study 7:00 Youth Team Meeting Thursday, April 2 7:30am Sr. High prayer breakfast at Chick Fil A Sunday, April 5 10:00 Sunday School no evening activities Happy Easter Wednesday, April 8 5:00 First Fellowship Supper 6:00 Bible Study Thursday, April 9 7:30am Sr High prayer breakfast at Chick Fil A Friday, April 10- Saturday, April 11 Youth Retreat at SIFAT Mere Christianity Study The Senior High youth are studying CS Lewis book Mere Christianity during Lent. If you want to join us, we meet on the third floor at 5:00. You will need your own copy of the book. March 29- no study due to Easter Egg Hunt April 5- no study due to Easter Sunday April 12- no study due to the Jamaica meeting April 19- have Book 3 subchapters 1-6 read to discuss April 26- have Book 3 subchapters 7-12 read to discuss May 3- no study due to the Jamaica meeting May 10- have Book 4 subchapters 1-6 read to discuss May 17- have Book 4 subchapters 7-11 read to discuss First Fellowship News It s never too late to join a First Fellowship Discipleship Class! Below, you ll find the classes being offered at 6:00 on Wednesday nights. The meal is at 5:00. 1. *NEW* Revival by Adam Hamilton led by Ann Crabbe, Courtyard Conf. Room (Book is needed) 2. *NEW* Major United Methodist Beliefs led by Rudy Guess (This study will follow the sermon series on Sunday mornings) (Book is available but not needed) 3. *NEW* Before Amen by Max Lucado led by Marilyn Sykes (Room 352) (Books are good to have, but not necessary.) 4. Book of Revelation for Block Heads* led by Wally Terry (Room 354) 5. Beyond Ready led by Mary Ila Ward and Lisa Earley (Meets on the Youth Floor) 6. Everyday Talk* led by Courtney Tomberlin (Room 351) 7. Messages from John Claypool led by Charles Adams (Room 225) 8. Church Flowers* led by Stefanie Underwood (Fellowship Hall) * book needed Youth SIFAT Retreat- April 10-11 The youth will travel to Lineville, AL to participate in a Global Village overnight experience where we ll stay in a Global Village and experience first-hand what life may be like in a remote two-thirds world village. We ll eat a Global Feast and participate in a Grain Challenge. The cost is $50 per student. Check your mailbox for more information! Sunday UMYF Dates April 12-6:00 Brown Bag; 6:30 Bonfire Reschedule at Jim & Lise Greene s Farm April 19-6:00 Brown Bag; 6:30 Destination Unknown April 26-6:00 Brown Bag; 6:30 Missions May 3-6:00 Brown Bag; 6:30 UMYF lesson May 10-6:00 Brown Bag; 6:30 Destination Unknown May 17- No UMYF, Baccalaureate at DHS May 24 & 31- No UMYF Beyond Ready Class for Sr. High and Parents Mary Ila Ward and Lisa Earley have done an amazing job leading the class Beyond Ready for our high school students this semester. This class has helped our students prepare for college and career. Starting in April, we will have guest speakers come talk about the final phases of the Beyond Ready course. We hope all parents and students will attend! 4/1- Kelli Morris- the college admission process 4/8- Jacob Hogan- college admission testing (ACT/SAT) 4/15- Pam Woodruff- Financial Aid (Free Application for Federal Student Aid- FAFSA) College Visits Beth will be visiting many our out of town college students this spring. If you have anything you need delivered to your students, please let me know! Auburn University- April 24 Birmingham Southern/University of Alabama Birmingham- April 29 Save the Date! The youth will have Discovery Weekend July 31- August 2, 2015! This year s theme is Discover God s Love Through Scripture. This weekend is for all youth who have completed 5 th -12 th grades. The Senior High will help lead the 43 hour spiritual formation weekend for the Junior High at FUMC. The Prayer Service, for the entire church, will be Saturday night, August 1 st at 7:00 p.m. We hope everyone will be here to support our youth and their families! Discovery invites the entire church family to live out its Baptismal covenant of surrounding these children with a community of love and forgiveness so they may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. We invite you to join us as we all discover what God has in store for us through the Discovery weekend! DISCOVERY WEEKEND
UPCOMING EVENTS Easter Egg Hunt, Rhodes Ferry (see insert for details) Sunday, March 29 starting at 5:00 p.m. Youth Dinner at Mi Hacienda Sunday, March 29 starting at 6:00 p.m. Lenten Luncheon (front page for details) Monday, March 30, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM Worship Team, Monday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. Women s Bible Study, Courtyard Conf. Room Tuesday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. Lenten Luncheon (front page for details) Tuesday, March 31, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM Lenten Luncheon (front page for details) Wednesday, April 1, 12:00 Noon Lunch follows at 12:30 PM First Fellowship Meal & Classes Wednesday, April 1, Starts at 5:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Practice, Wed., April 1 @ 6:00 Youth Team Meeting, Wed., April 1 @ 7:00 UMM Bible Study, Minister s Conf. Room Thurs., April 2 at 6:30 a.m. UMM Breakfast, City Café/Thurs., April 2 @ 7:30 a.m. Sr. High Prayer Breakfast at Chick Fil A Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 a.m. Journey Group, Back Alley Bistro Thurs., April 2 at Noon Maundy Thursday Service (front page for details) Thursday, April 2, 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Good Friday Service (front page for details) Friday, April 3, 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Easter Sunday Services Sunday, April 5 at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. 805 CANAL STREET N.E. DECATUR ECATUR,, AL 35601 PHONE (256) 355-0277 FAX (256) 355-2241 www.decaturfumc.org Please place label here U.S. Postage Paid Non-Profit Org. Decatur, AL 35601 Permit No. 226 Dr. Rudy Guess, Senior Minister, rguess@decaturfumc.org Beth C. Green, Youth Minister, beth@decaturfumc.org Patrick McCormick, Director of Worship, patrick@decaturfumc.org Cindy McCulloch, Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor & Finance, cmcculloch@decaturfumc.org Alyson Quinn, Church Secretary, aquinn@decaturfumc.org Charlie Elliott, Custodian Laura Vines, Interim First Grace Director, firstgrace@decaturfumc.org Melissa Wiley, Housekeeper Lorri McGuire, Director of Children & Family, lmcguire@decaturfumc.org Sandy Callahan, Food Manager Alex Shor, Accompanist Upcoming Worship Services (8:45 & 11:00 AM) VISION STATEMENT: Growing in Christ, Sharing God s Love through Inspiring Worship Empowering Ministries Equipping Persons for Ministry Promoting Well-Being March 29 (Palm Sunday) Dr. Rudy Guess, preaching This We Believe Sin and Salvation Romans 3: 21-26 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. March 30, March 31, and April 1 Noon Lenten Luncheons April 2, Maundy Thursday, 6:00 p.m. (front page details) April 3, Good Friday, 6:00 p.m. (front page details) April 5 (Easter) Dr. Rudy Guess, preaching This We Believe Resurrection John 20: 1-18 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. Find Us On Social Media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/decaturfirstumc Twitter https://twitter.com/decaturfirstumc Our Website is www.decaturfumc.org Scheduled To Serve March 29 Acolytes: 8:45 a.m. - No Acolyte Scheduled 11:00 a.m. - Mary Emma Harper, Aiden Garriss, Lydia Matthews (Crucifer) Greeters: 8:45 Bill & Bettye Dennis, Dean Turney 11:00-Barbara Ashwander, Lawrence & Jane Ann Ford Ushers: 8:45 Steve Armstrong, Drew Ward, Norman Roby 11:00 Tom Earley, Jim Gregory, Charles Adams, John Black First Fellowship April 1 Meal at 5:00 p.m., Classes at 6:00 p.m. The menu for April 1 will be Ham, Green Beans, Fried Corn, Rolls, Salad Bar, Peanut Butter & Jelly & Cheese Sandwiches, Creamy Strawberry Cake Clean up crew for April 1: TBA March Money Desk: Bettye & Bill Dennis