First United Methodist Church Hopewell Virginia

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Welcome to the First United Methodist Church of Hopewell~ a friendly church with opportunities for worship, service, and fellowship for every member of the family. Call the church office for details about any service or activity.

Mail Address: P.O. Box 636, Hopewell, VA 23860

502 W. Broadway

Hopewell, Virginia 23860

Telephone: 804-458-8076

Main Office

COPYRIGHT © 2005 • FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of HOPEWELL • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Methodism’s founder John Wesley said, "I look upon all the world as my parish." Wesley reminded us that we are called to step out of our little corner of the world to spread the good news, transform hopelessness into hope and help God’s children wherever they may be.

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FOR CHILDREN . . . SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School classes for children meet every Sunday morning at 9:45 AM. Children’s classrooms are located on the first and second floors of the Education wing. Classes are available for all children, including a crib nursery through grade five. CHILDREN’S CHOIRSChildren are offered participation in two choirs – the Cherub Choir for children between the age of four through first grade and the Kids of the Kingdom Choir for children in second grade to age thirteen. Both children’s choirs rehearse every Tuesday evening during the school year in the Chancel Choir Room on the second floor of the Education wing. Each choir sings once a month during the 11:00 AM Sanctuary worship service. Together, the two choirs present programs at Christmas and Easter and other special times during the church year. CUB SCOUT PACK 923 Cub Scout Pack 923 meets every Wednesday at the church at 7:00 PM. All boys in first through fifth grades are invited to join! NURSERY SERVICES A staff nursery attendant leads a team providing reliable and loving care for children from infancy to age five during Sunday worship services as well as special events scheduled throughout the church year. CHILDREN’S CHURCH Children’s Church is provided every Sunday during the 11:00 AM worship service for children aged five through fifth grade. Children’s Church is team led, and follows the Children’s Time in the Sanctuary service. All children are invited to attend Children’s Church, but are also welcome to remain in the Sanctuary service.FOR YOUTH . . . SUNDAY SCHOOL A Sunday School class for all teens meets in the “Loft” on the third floor of the Education wing and includes teens who are in middle school through high school (grades 6-12). The teen class is taught by Sunday School teachers who use diverse teaching methods appealing to today’s teenagers. Activities include Bible study, movies, field trips, and discussion groups to help teens grow in the Christian faith and to live as young Christians in today’s world. YOUTH FELLOWSHIPUnited Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) meetings, led by church youth leaders, are held for middle/junior high through senior high teens at 6:00 PM on Sunday evenings. The group meets in the “Loft” on the third floor of the Education wing. In addition to Bible study and Christian fellowship, the group works on various mission projects throughout the year. Teens are invited to join the UMYF for fellowship and fun while growing in faith and service. CHOIR OPPORTUNITIES Youth aged thirteen and older are invited to sing with the Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM in the Chancel Choir Room on the second floor of the Education wing. BOY SCOUT TROOP 923 Boy Scout Troup 923 meets every Thursday at the church at 7:30 PM. All boys in sixth through twelfth grades are invited to join!FOR ADULTS . . . SUNDAY SCHOOLThe Martin Class is a group of young adults with vigorous minds and far-reaching interests and perspectives. They come together in an environment of open Christian fellowship to explore the Bible and its message for today’s living. A place to relax, feel at home, share your life’s experiences, and enjoy exchanging thoughts about growing in Christian faith and practice, the Martin Class meets on the second floor of the Education wing and invites all young adults to join their fellowship. The Willing Workers Class is an adult Bible class where the international Methodist lesson is taught and discussion is encouraged. The class is strengthened through study of the scriptures and prayer. The Willing Workers class, which meets in the classroom adjacent to the elevator lobby, has an outstanding attendance record and they welcome visitors and new members. The Duncan Class , which meets in the Church Library, has a team of teachers. Each has an individual approach to the lessons, beginning with a lecture introduction, followed by intense study of the scriptures and discussion of how they apply to daily living. The members invite everyone to visit and become members of the Duncan Class. The Kelly Class was organized in 1947, named for the minister, the Rev. Owen T. Kelly. Most of the class members are retired, and the average attendance is ten to fifteen each Sunday. The class rotates teachers and encourages group discussion. The Kelly Class, which meets in the Fellowship Hall, is a caring group of Christian adults who participate in all church activities. Visitors and new members are always welcome. THE CHANCEL CHOIR The Chancel Choir presents anthems for Sunday worship services and other special occasions throughout the year, including a Christmas Musical program each year as well as annual music programs in celebration of Easter. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 7:30 PM in the Chancel Choir Room on the second floor of the Education wing. The Chancel Choir is a dedicated group of Christian friends who love to sing praises to the Lord. Membership in the Choir is open to anyone who wishes to join. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The United Methodist Women (UMW) is actively involved in missions. Meeting in homes or together at general meetings, the UMW is continually planning ways to be in Christian mission service. Proceeds from the annual November bazaar help support the many mission projects of the Methodist Women. All women are invited to join for Christian fellowship and mission service. UNITED METHODIST MEN The United Methodist Men (UMM) meets on the second Saturday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at 8:00 AM for breakfast and a special program. All men are encouraged to participate. The goal of the UMM is to promote Christian fellowship and harmony within the church. The United Methodist Men supports all church ministries, especially the youth (UMYF) and the Scouting program that has been sponsored by the church for nearly 70 years. The men also assist with minor repairs and maintenance to the church. JOYFUL SENIORS The Joyful Seniors schedule special events each month, and all senior adults are encouraged to participate for Christian fellowship and fun.SPIRITUAL LIFE BIBLE STUDY Adults meet weekly on Thursdays at 10:00 AM for Bible Study led by the Pastor. The study is held in the Trinity Chapel on the first floor of the Education wing near the church office and Parlor. Everyone is invited to participate in this spiritually enriching experience.SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS An elevator that provides easy access to the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall levels is accessible at the Sixth Avenue entrance. Reserved parking is adjacent to the elevator entrance. Call the church office (804-458-8076) to arrange for individual assistance if needed CHURCH STAFFDr. Michael H. Browder - PastorJudy Blevins, Director of Music Nancy Honaker, Organist & PianistMargie Dowden, Nursery Attendant Sheila Conklin, Church Custodian SUNDAY SCHEDULE8:45 AM – Worship in the Trinity Chapel 9:45 AM – Sunday School (for all ages) 11:00 AM – Worship in the Sanctuary6:00 PM – Youth Fellowship FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHBroadway at Sixth Avenue Hopewell, Virginia 23860 804-458-8076 (Office) 804-458-5557 (Parsonage) fumc2pastor_verizon.netfumc1office_verizon.netfumcmusic_verizon.net COPYRIGHT © 2005 • FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HOPEWELL • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me,

I was in prison and you visited me."

--Matthew 25:35-36, NRSV

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In February of 1916, a charter from the Virginia Conference of the Methodist Church was granted to start a new church in Hopewell. Services began in the old "B" village school with 89 members. By Fall, a wood frame structure covered with tarpaper was built at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Broadway. This "Tarpaper Church" was used for fourteen years until being demolished in 1930. The church met for worship in the Hopewell City Courtroom while a new church was being constructed. In April 1931, the cornerstone of the new sanctuary building was laid. The image above is the “Program of Services” which included the first service held in Hopewell’s First Methodist Church on Sunday, October 8th, 1916 in what later became known as the “Tarpaper Church.” Fifteen years later, a new brick Sanctuary was completed in which thousands of services have been held, and God’s love has been shared throughout the City and the surrounding community.“Thank the Lord for all the glorious things He does; proclaim them to the nations. Sing his praises and tell everyone about his miracles; Glory in the Lord, O worshipers of God, rejoice!” Psalm 105
From that beginning, the sanctuary was completed, with the later addition of the Education wing. In 1937, the Trinity Methodist Church of City Point was destroyed by fire, so its members united with First Methodist. In the mid-1960’s, the Sanctuary underwent major renovation, expanding the Choir Loft and adding the second pulpit. In 1983, after a tremendous fund-raising effort with an “acute awareness of the importance of music and a good musical instrument,” a new Muller pipe organ was installed in the Sanctuary.
In the mid 1970’s, a new A-roof and steeple were added to the Sanctuary building, and an elevator to provide access to the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall levels was installed in a new tower that would also house the bell from the former Trinity Methodist Church of City Point. A “Major Needs” Program was implemented in the mid 1990’s to remodel and improve various areas of the church, including the kitchen, Fellowship Hall, and restrooms. In the late nineties, adjacent properties were purchased to provide additional parking space. In its ninety years, First United Methodist Church was served by wonderful ministers and, with the dedicated service of its faithful members, contributed greatly to the enrichment of the lives of the citizens of Hopewell.

History page 2

"Sharing God's Love...through the year's" Ninety Years Ago...

History-2

ABOUT
Truly, 2006 was a year of celebration! The church celebrated "90 Years of Sharing God's Love" in the Hopewell community and the 75th anniversary of the sanctuary building. First United Methodist Church has been blessed, and for that we are thankful. It is our fervent prayer that God will continue to bless us as we serve Him, sharing His love throughout Hopewell and the surrounding community.
Celebrations marked the church’s 90th Anniversary throughout 2006. Special Sundays were devoted to former pastors who were guest speakers at morning worship services. Luncheons followed to honor these beloved church leaders. A grand celebration on Sunday, October 22nd included many activities in commemoration of the church’s 90 years of sharing God’s love in the community. First United Methodist Church looks to the future with great anticipation. We are grateful for the outstanding leaders who have served in the past and our excellent leaders who serve today, and we are blessed with gifted young leaders who will guide our church into the future. With God’s help, we look forward to our Centennial Celebration in 2016.

Short History of First United Methodist

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Dr. Michael H. Browder fumc2pastor_verizon.net

FIRST NEWS UMC August 2011Past, Present and FutureJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8I want to talk to you about three things, one past, one present, and one future. First, the past. As I start my fourth year as your pastor, I want to thank you for all your blessings to me during these past three years. You have been a great encouragement to me and to Susan. We look forward to our years ahead with you.Next, a word about the present. Our church will be supporting the Rainbow Program as a local mission in Hopewell. This program provides activities and meals for children in need. Please let us know if you can volunteer during the week of July 11-15. Financial contributions are also welcome. We are going to have another very exciting summer with special worship services. The highlight of the summer will be our Vacation Bible School July 24-28 in the evenings, with a Sunday morning celebration on July 31. Please make sure that your children, grandchildren and neighbor children are signed up for this event as well as their families.Other special Sundays will celebrate Super Kids, Special Olympics, Fire and Rescue Workers, Emmaus, United Methodist Women, Teens Opposing Poverty, and Staff Appreciation. Rev. Bill James will preach on September 4.Finally, I want to talk about the future. Thank you to each of you who filled out a survey form from the last newsletter. I am passing your information on to our church leaders for our long-range planning.Again, I want to thank you for all you do for the Lord – past, present, and future.Rev. Mike Browder
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Hopewell. We thank you for spending this moment with us on the web, and we hope to see you on Sunday morning. Our church is a community that rejoices to have faith in Jesus Christ. We enjoy studying God’s word in the Bible and gathering together in friendship. We are always looking to meet new friends.The people of our church have a heart for mission. We want to reach out to our own community and to people in need all around the world. We have great opportunities for families and people of all ages. Recently, our work with youth has been growing. We have a new Pioneer Club fellowship group for children. Our Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are very active.Perhaps you have a problem or a bout with sickness, or something else that you are worried about. We would love to talk to you and be there for you.It is a wonderful adventure to have a relationship with God and to know the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ. And the love of God enables us to love each other in a powerful way.These are the things that we like to lift up at First United Methodist Church. Come and spend a little time with us. We would like to get to know you better.

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Newsletter - September 2011

UMW NewsAs we turn our calendars to September, many fall activities fill our dates. The UMW has the following dates you will want to reserve.UMW Pancake Breakfast Saturday September 10th at Applebee’s at Southpark Mall from 8:00am to 9:45 am. You can purchase a ticket in advance from any UMW member or at the door. Workers should report at 7:30. Your support is needed!UMW Reading program deadline is fast approaching. Please turn in your information to Anne Kitchen or Kim Taylor by September 2, 2011.Don’t forget our General Meeting will be held on Monday September 26th at 7:30. Marian Henry has prepared a wonderful program. District Annual Meeting will be held at Trinity, Disputanta on September 25th at 3pm. UMW and UMM Fish Fry will be held on Wednesday October 5 from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM. Your support and help is needed! Thanks!September StewardshipUshers: Bill Henry, Sam Dobbs, Jim Dye, Seth Dye, Ed Henry, Eddy Henry IV, Ben Rackley and Truman TenchGreeters: Wesley CircleAltar Flowers: Sept. 11 – The CraftonsAll other dates in September are availableChildren’s Ministries Updates; Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The journey to Hometown Nazareth was a success! Over 30 children journeyed to Nazareth for five nights of fun, food, and fellowship. While in Nazareth we learned from Mary herself (Dawn Williamson) and her neighbor Eunice (Nan Frink) the exciting and everyday things Jesus did as a boy growing up in Nazareth. The evenings continued with a visit to the marketplace and the game areas, where tribe members experienced making wooden toy sheep, beads and necklaces, olive oil scrubs, digging for stones and creating necklaces, tasting fabulous food from the food shop and finally coloring backpacks to be sent to Kid to Kid International. We were able to send 30 backpacks and Spanish Bibles to the program. The Bibles will be sent to South America and given to children. We also collected money for the Hopewell Food Pantry. We collected a total of $54.00 with a matching donation from our UMYF. Thank you to ALL the 50 volunteers who helped make this year’s journey a fabulous experience! T-shirt Sales: The Children’s Ministries are selling FUMC t-shirts and aprons. These are original designs by Weston Specialty Printing. We will continue with the sale through Sept. 14th, 2011. Please include payment at the time of the order. Orders placed now through Sept. 14th will be delivered by Sept. 28th. All proceeds will support the Children’s Ministries. Pioneer Clubs will kick off the 4 week Fall Session on Sept. 24th at 4 pm. We have clubs for children ages 3 years through the 5th grade. Feeling the call to help? We need 2 more adults to help with our clubs. Please contact Angie Hildreth at 458-3133 for more info! SILENT AUCTIONThe FUMC annual auction will be held on Sunday, November 20th, during our Thanksgiving lunch in the fellowship hall. This year the auction proceeds will support ministries designated by our Missions Committee. Please be considering what LIKE NEW items you would like to donate to this worthy "fun raiser." If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Beverly Johnson at 829-5025.The Children and Youth will begin working on a Mission Project called “Silly Socks” for residents in our area Nursing Homes. The socks will be delivered to the residents during Christmas. To complete this project they will need donations of men’s solid white cotton tube socks. Donations can be turned in to the box labeled Silly Socks at the end of the hall. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thanks! SAVE THE DATEFirst Church is planning to carpool to the amazing Christmas production, GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS NIGHTS, on Saturday, December 3 at the West End Assembly of God in Richmond. Group tickets go on sale online October 3rd. To be part of our group you will need to sign up in September since tickets sell out quickly. The signup sheet is posted in our main hallway. Put an asterisk beside your name if you need a ride. The show begins at 10:30 AM and will last about two hours. The website for the show is www.gloriouschristmasnights.com. The WEAG address is 401 N. Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. The large parking lots there are staffed and well organized. Tickets are $18 per person. Checks, payable to FUMC with memo SHOW, will be due in the church office by Sunday, Dec. 2. Call Beverly Johnson at 829-5025 if you have any questions. To the Members of the First United Methodist Church…During July, I joined seven other Methodists on a Mission Trip to the Gypsy settlement of Kurtospuszta, in rural Hungary, about 200 kilometers from Budapest. We stayed in the Methodist Mission Building in the settlement for 6 days. During the day, we conducted a Vacation Bible School and English lessons for the children. At night, we had devotion services.We helped the Mission Building by leading the construction of a ditch and drainage system to prevent further deterioration to the building. While we did some labor, most of the work was done by the local residents. We paid for the materials, over $2,000 dollars. Our church donated $200 towards this project and it was well spent.While in Budapest, we stayed at the Methodist Guest House, which is also the home and home church of Istvan Csernak. Istvan and his wife Eva, who visited our church last summer, originated the trip as a way to show witness to the gypsy people. They appreciate our church’s support of this Christian ideal and send their warm prayers and greetings to all of you.Blessing to you for supporting missions everywhere.Milton MartinFOOD PANTRYOur Food Pantry emphasis for September is RICE (1 lb.) or OATMEAL. All donations help feed the needy in the local community. Our food donations to the local food pantry have decreased significantly this summer. Please consider donating staple food items more frequently this fall. Many folks have lost their jobs and need help to feed their families. The Food Pantry collection barrel is located at the end of the hallway in the education wing.First Church is planning to carpool to the amazing Christmas production, GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS NIGHTS, on Saturday, December 3 at the West End Assembly of God in Richmond. Group tickets go on sale online October 3rd. To be part of our group you will need to sign up in September since tickets sell out quickly. The signup sheet is posted in our main hallway. Put an asterisk beside your name if you need a ride. The show begins at 10:30 AM and will last about two hours. The website for the show is www.gloriouschristmasnights.com. The WEAG address is 401 N. Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. The large parking lots there are staffed and well organized. Tickets are $18 per person. Checks, payable to FUMC with memo SHOW, will be due in the church office by Sunday, Dec. 2. Call Beverly Johnson at 829-5025 if you have any questions. To the Members of the First United Methodist Church…During July, I joined seven other Methodists on a Mission Trip to the Gypsy settlement of Kurtospuszta, in rural Hungary, about 200 kilometers from Budapest. We stayed in the Methodist Mission Building in the settlement for 6 days. During the day, we conducted a Vacation Bible School and English lessons for the children. At night, we had devotion services.We helped the Mission Building by leading the construction of a ditch and drainage system to prevent further deterioration to the building. While we did some labor, most of the work was done by the local residents. We paid for the materials, over $2,000 dollars. Our church donated $200 towards this project and it was well spent.While in Budapest, we stayed at the Methodist Guest House, which is also the home and home church of Istvan Csernak. Istvan and his wife Eva, who visited our church last summer, originated the trip as a way to show witness to the gypsy people. They appreciate our church’s support of this Christian ideal and send their warm prayers and greetings to all of you.Blessing to you for supporting missions everywhere.Milton MartinFOOD PANTRYOur Food Pantry emphasis for September is RICE (1 lb.) or OATMEAL. All donations help feed the needy in the local community. Our food donations to the local food pantry have decreased significantly this summer. Please consider donating staple food items more frequently this fall. Many folks have lost their jobs and need help to feed their families. The Food Pantry collection barrel is located at the end of the hallway in the education wing.First Church is planning to carpool to the amazing Christmas production, GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS NIGHTS, on Saturday, December 3 at the West End Assembly of God in Richmond. Group tickets go on sale online October 3rd. To be part of our group you will need to sign up in September since tickets sell out quickly. The signup sheet is posted in our main hallway. Put an asterisk beside your name if you need a ride. The show begins at 10:30 AM and will last about two hours. The website for the show is www.gloriouschristmasnights.com. The WEAG address is 401 N. Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. The large parking lots there are staffed and well organized. Tickets are $18 per person. Checks, payable to FUMC with memo SHOW, will be due in the church office by Sunday, Dec. 2. Call Beverly Johnson at 829-5025 if you have any questions. To the Members of the First United Methodist Church…During July, I joined seven other Methodists on a Mission Trip to the Gypsy settlement of Kurtospuszta, in rural Hungary, about 200 kilometers from Budapest. We stayed in the Methodist Mission Building in the settlement for 6 days. During the day, we conducted a Vacation Bible School and English lessons for the children. At night, we had devotion services.We helped the Mission Building by leading the construction of a ditch and drainage system to prevent further deterioration to the building. While we did some labor, most of the work was done by the local residents. We paid for the materials, over $2,000 dollars. Our church donated $200 towards this project and it was well spent.While in Budapest, we stayed at the Methodist Guest House, which is also the home and home church of Istvan Csernak. Istvan and his wife Eva, who visited our church last summer, originated the trip as a way to show witness to the gypsy people. They appreciate our church’s support of this Christian ideal and send their warm prayers and greetings to all of you.Blessing to you for supporting missions everywhere.Milton MartinFOOD PANTRYOur Food Pantry emphasis for September is RICE (1 lb.) or OATMEAL. All donations help feed the needy in the local community. Our food donations to the local food pantry have decreased significantly this summer. Please consider donating staple food items more frequently this fall. Many folks have lost their jobs and need help to feed their families. The Food Pantry collection barrel is located at the end of the hallway in the education wing.OUR HOME MEMBERS UPDATERecently, Dr. Browder sent a survey letter to our treasured 31 home members. Ten responded they would welcome a personal relationship with another church member. Some of these members invite a member to visit monthly, others invite a weekly visit. Others would welcome just a weekly phone call.No matter your age or your limitations you can have a new home member friend by contacting Beverly Johnson (829-5025) who will discuss a good match up for you. We are also looking for a few members to deliver communion once a month to 7 home members.Of course, all of our home members are lifted up by an occasional note card. You may do this by signing up on the home member list posted in the church office.The next edition of FIRST NEWS will be the October edition. All articles should be turned in to the church office no later than September 15.FLOWER CALENDARThe 2011 Altar flower calendar is on the bulletin board outside of the church office. Sign up to place flowers on the altar in honor or memory of loved ones. Most dates are still available.EMAIL PRAYER LISTPlease contact Carol Elmore at teecbe_gmail.com if you would like to be included in FUMC’s email prayer chain or if you have a prayer request.Thank You NotesThank you for all the concerns, cards, food and visits during my recent loss of Mr. Merv, my husband. God Bless you all, MargieTo the Members of First United Methodist Church,Thank you for the food and the support in our time of need.The Minter FamilyDear Church Family,On behalf of the Miller Family I wish to express my deepest appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and prayers to my family during the recent weeks since my husband’s passing. The cards, phone calls, visits, and food were comforting. The luncheon was very nice and sincere appreciation to the Choir and Guilders Circle and all others who provided food for this event. This time of fellowship enabled us to honor Stan. It is comforting to know that God provides for our needs during difficult times.Joanne MillerTo My Church Family,Thank you so much for all your prayers, thoughts, cards and love shown to me during my illness. It meant so much to me. I know that the prayers make such a difference during our times of trial. I thank God for all my blessings and for giving me such a wonderful church family.Love to you all, Frank JamesYouth NewsIt is with sad hearts that some of you realize that the summer is gone. Others of you are excited about a new school year with your friends. Whichever the case, I pray that you make the best of it. I also encourage you to use your resources that the church has given you. What are those resources, you ask? Well first, all the lessons you've been a part of during Sunday School or evening youth group should lend itself to your advantage in your daily walk...that is, if you took mental notes on what was taught. Also don't forget that I, after your parents, am a good resource to call on at anytime. I'm available at all hours when you might need it: be it for a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a word of wisdom when you don't know what to do. Each day, we face challenges we wish we didn't have to. Know that we are in the same boat as human beings. Think about how your testimony could be shared to help restore someone's life and maybe even bring them into our Christian family. We have fellowship and family as Christians not to "play church." Instead, we have fellowship to be attentive to everyone's needs and Be Church. I figure if I get that in your head and heart now, I'm doing my job as your youth director. Check the calendar and your email for upcoming events.Jesse MacYouth DirectorFirst United Methodist, Hopewell804.458.8076804.334.1882 CellStewardship and Gifts II First United Methodist Church is a great church! Its members take their stewardship pledge seriously and our church is well supported. Yet too often, we think that stewardship means solely financial support. Once we have made financial support, we have fulfilled our stewardship duties. But money alone only does not create a great church. It is the stewardship of our other gifts that make the church the body of Christ. Our members have many non-money gifts. It is their stewardship with these gifts that gives our church its character and makes our church a beacon in our community. Here are some of the non-money gifts that our members freely give to our church: · their music talent to our Chancel Choir and our Children’s choirs; · their leadership to the official management positions of the church; · their abilities as Sunday School teachers; · their willingness to be an usher, a collection counter, a grass-cutter; · their fellowship through participation in the United Methodist Women, the Methodist Men, the many circles; · their willingness to provide meals and kitchen duty for church events and for times of bereavement; · their time with our youth as Scout leaders, Pioneer Club leaders;· their friendship shared among the members and extended to new people who visit our church;· their silent and personal support to fellow members in times of trial and stress. What would our Church be like without these gifts? For each of us to fulfill our stewardship obligations, we must look within ourselves, to see what gifts we may have and then apply those gifts to our church. And even more important, we must search to see if we have other gifts which lying dormant within us, merely waiting until we will open ourselves to them, so that we can have more gifts to give. Christian growth includes growth in the stewardship of giving our gifts to the church and in always seeking to find new gifts to give to our church, our faith, our Christ.In SympathyWe extend our deepest Christian sympathy to the families of Rachel Harrison, Ruth Minter, Merv Dowden, Stanley Miller and Mel AtkinsBe informed! Keep the church office updated on your current contact information. If you move, change your phone number, add a cellular phone or email, please let us know. ALRIGHT EVERYONE! It's time to get geared up for an opportunity to serve our community. Many of you have been asking on days that we head out to Monroe Park to serve the homeless, "What about those in our community?" Well, here's your chance to serve in the best possible way. When Jesus sat down to eat, he did not limit those who came to the table. It wasn't just his disciples. People from all walks of life in the communities he preached in joined him at the table. For our church picnic this year, we are inviting those from our community. If we truly desire to reach those in our area, why not have them over for a meal? On September 24th, the last Saturday of the month, we will host a block party with a bounce house, a snow cone maker, a cotton candy machine, and more. I would like to see as much involvement as possible from our church members. Between the hours of 11 and 3 that day, we need everyone to be present in some way. It doesn't matter what you can offer, you can bring something to the table per se. I will need supervisors for the bounce house, women to help the little ones take off their shoes before getting in, people to help hand out fliers, people to share their testimonies and so much more. Stay tuned for more information as the plans come together. This is an opportunity for growth and to let people know that we are more than just the church on the corner. Let's invite them in to a place of ministry by using the ultimate ministry of food and fellowship.Jesse MacThe Chancel Choir will resume weekly rehearsals at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 8th. We have great new music to sing, and we need a few more voices! We will be working on great new Sunday anthems, as well as some old favorites. Our Christmas musical for this year is entitled "Tonight, Heaven Touches Earth." Christmas rehearsals will begin soon, and we encourage everyone to share in this wonderful celebration in music, song, and new this year – beautiful accompanying VIDEO! Christmas rehearsals will also be scheduled on several Saturday mornings, and those dates will be announced soon. (If you cannot attend weekly rehearsals and/or sing every Sunday, talk to us about learning the Christmas music by CD and attending Saturday rehearsals.) You will enjoy this exciting musical to be presented at 5:00 PM, on Sunday, December 18th. We have section leaders who will help new singers, and every Choir member will welcome you! Choir members who have been out of the Choir for a while are encouraged to return and sing with us again! We’ve missed you! Please pray about singing in the Chancel Choir – join us, and you'll be blessed! We’ll be looking for you on Thursday, September 8th – 7:00 PM!Judy Blevins, Director

Chancel Choir

Sharing God's Love Through Music

Judy L. Blevins

Kim Osborn

STAFF

Dr. Michael H. Browder

Jesse MacLelland

UMW

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women

UMM

Education

STUDY & EDUCATION The Martin Class The Kelly Class The Duncan Class The Willing Workers Nursery and Kindergarten Grades 2 through 4 Grades 5 through 7 Junior Worship Children & Youth

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Education Pg2

STUDY & EDUCATION The Martin Class The Kelly Class The Duncan Class The Willing Workers Nursery and Kindergarten Grades 2 through 4 Grades 5 through 7 Junior Worship Children & Youth

Calender

September 2011

Scouts

Pioneer Club

FUMC Background

BACKGROUNDMethodism’s founder John Wesley said, "I look upon all the world as my parish." Wesley reminded us that we are called to step out of our little corner of the world to spread the good news, transform hopelessness into hope and help God’s children wherever they may be. "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."--Matthew 25:35-36, NRSVWhile it would be wonderful if we could reach out personally to everyone who needs our help, we know that is impossible. So we gather regularly with our congregation and put money into the offering plate, and through a carefully crafted system of United Methodist mission and ministry our gifts stretch around the world.Your contributions to your local church not only benefit your local congregation, but also have regional, national and international impact through our connectional giving system. Most of the money you give is used to support the ministries of your local church. A small portion funds regional ministries.CHURCHWIDE GIVINGFinally, a portion of your giving goes to the general church to support programs on a national and international level, which have been agreed upon by lay and clergy delegates of General Conference. We share the cost of these ministries, with each local church being responsible for contributing a fair portion or "apportionment."The power of our collective giving enables us to spread the love of Jesus Christ, educate clergy, encourage cooperation with other faith communions, fund General Conference, nurture historically Black colleges and Africa University, and support bishops.We can go beyond these primary gifts to the church and contribute to additional ministries through the Advance and churchwide Special Sundays with offerings. The Advance for Christ and His Church offers individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to specific programs, missionaries and ministries of their choice. Six times a year, Special Sundays focus churchwide attention on specific ministries of the church such as promoting peace and justice and providing scholarships and student loans.We live in a global village, and the world is our parish. When we give generously, our gifts do wonderful, life-changing things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Special Events

Special Events

Pictures at Monroe Park

People Are Flocking to Nazareth!

Rome

OUR VISIT TO THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Vacation Bible School 2009

EGYPT

Vacation Bible School 2010

Kitchen Cooking

Food Bank

Committees

Missions Committee

FUMC Church Committees

Finance

Council-1

Directory

Planning

SPR

Music

How To Join

Visitors

Visitors

Missions Committe DC Bus Trip Sermon2008 Sermon2009 Sermon2010 VBS2009 VBS2010 VBS2011 Monroe Park