First United Methodist Church 115 S.

Church Street Marion, VA 24354

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit Number 29 Marion, VA 24354

FirstThingsFirst
September 2013
Celebration Sunday Recap On Sunday, August 25, we celebrated the 125th anniversary of the construction of our sanctuary on the corner of Church & Cherry Streets. Our congregation had existed for about fifty years by that time, first as part of a circuit of churches in the Marion area, later as a station church with its own pastor, and for about forty years from 1847 until 1887, as a congregation with its own sanctuary just behind the Smyth County Courthouse. In 1887 & 1888, our predecessors in this congregation built our beautiful sanctuary, and our church has been in ministry on this corner ever since. Our celebration service included combined musical leadership from our contemporary and traditional worship services, special recognition of members who have been on our roll for more than half of the 125 years our church has been here, expression of thanks to our history committee, unveiling of a beautiful quilted tapestry Sylvia Richardson made for the occasion, and an opportunity for our congregation to offer gifts and commitments toward the renovation effort now underway. Later in the afternoon, we held our annual church picnic at the Davis Memorial UMC picnic shelter, where we presented Bibles to our rising third graders. It was a great day as we celebrated together what God has done, is doing, and will do among the people of First United Methodist Church. Jonathan Jonas, Samantha White & Brandy Widener Dimit

[email protected]

Charge Conference
Sunday, October 20, at 5:30 PM Our district superintendent, the Rev. Sandra Johnson has set the date for our charge conference on Sunday, October 20, at 5:30 PM in the fellowship hall. At this annual meeting of our church leadership we elect officers and leaders, approve candidates for lay and ordained ministry, set staff compensation for the coming year, and establish ministry priorities. All members of the church council are members of the charge conference. Please note that the charge conference is about two weeks earlier than usual this year. Church committees will be busy over the next two months making preparations. Abingdon District Conference Monday, September 16, at 6:30 PM, Carvosso UMC in Abingdon The Abingdon District of the United Methodist Church will hold its annual district conference on Monday, September 16, at 6:30 PM at the Carvosso United Methodist Church in Abingdon. Members of our congregation who are also members of the district conference are: Jane Blevins, district lay servants coordinator Ernie Catron, lay leader Danny Counts, staff-parish chair Linda Crowder, UMW president Tom Graham, church council chair Colleen Hawkins, finance committee chair Jonathan Jonas, pastor Emmett Richardson, lay member of annual conference

Our Church Staff

Jonathan Jonas (Ext 103) Pastor Denton Staley (Ext 105) Program Director Lisa Moore (Ext 104) Business Administrator Teri McCall (Ext 101) Administrative Assistant Bryan Underwood (Ext 102) Worship Minister Ginger Moore (Ext 110) Childrens Director Jackie Wilson Youth Director (276) 783-5194 (telephone) (276) 783-5195 (fax)

As we celebrate our sanctuarys 125th anniversary, we honor these members of our congregation who have been members for more than half of the time that our church building has stood. Hazel Atkins Roby Blessing, Jr. Louise Catron Alice Conner Roberta Copenhaver Joyce Cornette Patsy Crouse Mary Lou Garnett Mary Ann Graybeal Paul Greer Marshall Guy Clayborn Gwyn Carol Hicks Carolyn Jones Emma Lambert Don Martin Gordon Poe Emmett Richardson Harold Richardson Don Roland Alpha Scott Hugh Slagle Joe Snavely Kathryn Weindel Anne Wolfenden

Food Pantry

Thursday September 19

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed Wednesday, September 11, 9:00 AM During the renovation process, our food pantry storage area is offsite, so we have not kept our regular schedule of packing food boxes in the fellowship hall on the Wednesday morning before the food pantry. This month, we ask all those regular Wednesday morning food boxers to meet at Russ Hauvers former store building (on South Main Street next to Farm Bureau) at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 11. This is one week before the food pantry on September 19. If for some reason we cannot get all the boxing done on that day, we will still have a week left before pantry day. For directions to the storage area, please call the church office. Please call the church office at 783-5194 or Norman Brown at 782-5680 to let us know when you can help and to get directions to the new location. Renovation Update

FUMC

CALLING ALL WILD THINGS!!! On Sunday, October 27th at 5pm, FUMC will hold a very special Communion service, based around the beloved childrens book, Where The Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak. Those in attendance will be encouraged to embrace the Wild Things of life, like fear, doubt, and impatience. In Sendaks book, a little boy is sent to his room without dinner, after he has misbehaved. And adventure ensues upon entry to his room. He travels to a place where the Wild Things are. Being a Wild Thing himself (as his mother called him), he doesnt waste a moment, and becomes their king. But, in time he longs to be where someone loved him best of all. And so, he returns, bidding the Wild Things goodbye. In his room, he finds his supper waiting for him.... and it was still hot. We will all return to where we are loved best, and will feast on the meal that is waiting on us. This will be a community-wide event! A 5pm worship service, followed by the Wild Rumpus (from the book) which will be Trunk-or-Treat, a hot dog supper, and more surprises, ALL FREE!!! And kids... PLEASE WEAR YOUR COSTUMES!!! Yes, even to the worship service! All of FUMC can participate by donations of candy for the Trunk or Treat. Beginning Sunday, September 15th, there will be a container in the sanctuary where donations of bagged candy can be dropped off. Look for a container marked WILD THINGS. We are expecting a great turnout, so lots and lots of candy will be needed! This promises to be a memorable outreach for the community, and what better way than through worship and fellowship.... and, WILD THINGS!!!! For more info, or to find out how you can help, please contact Bryan Underwood, Worship Minister: (p) 783-5194 (e) [email protected]

Sept 1 Sept 4 Sept 9 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 27 Sept 28

Ronald & Carol Lyn Thomason Richard & Tammy Wright Doug & Barbara Armbrister Gene & Wilma Thomas Duncan & Julie McGregor Mike & Roxanna Creasy John & Lacy Dutton Jim & Colleen Hawkins Derek & Brandy Blevins Joe & Karen Copenhaver

51 years 32 years 13 years 45 years 51 years 29 years 13 years 36 years 5 years 28 years

The sound of power tools is very common at First UMC these days as work continues on the interior and exterior of the 1924 building (home of our offices, the chapel, parlor, nurseries, and Sunday school rooms). If youve been by the church building, youve noticed the progress of work on the exterior steps leading from Church Street into the building. Youve seen the dumpster full of old building materials being removed from the facility. Youve seen the piles of cinder blocks in the parking lot. Inside the building, there is an opening from the peak of the attic to a pit a few feet below the former ground floor level in which our elevator shaft is under construction. Hundreds of feet of conduit line the ground floor ceiling, where new electrical wiring is being installed. New framing is in place for reconfigured office space, and heating & air conditioning ducts are hanging from the ceilings. On the main level, framing is in place for new accessible restrooms in the nursery hallway, and the hazardous step from the staircase to the sanctuary has been removed and the steam line under it has been demolished. Electrical service is currently disrupted in that area, so our Sunday school classes meeting in the parlor and chapel have been in the dark lately. On the top floor, the few steps from the 1924 building down into the 1960 building have been demolished so that a ramp can be installed, allowing access from the elevator to the entire third floor. Please continue to exercise caution in every part of the building! There is some dust and debris, and in some places, there is only a sheet of plywood between you and danger. Thank you for your generosity! You make this renovation process possible with your gifts, and this improvement could not happen without your help. Because of needed upgrades to our electrical service, there is a potential delay as we await the arrival of some electric gear. The original completion date of November 21 may be delayed now by about five weeks, with the construction ending right around the end of the year.

Food & Fellowship Volunteers

Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Driver: Doug Grubb Music: Jean Mosman Driver: Marvin Craig Music: Charlotte Craig

Sept. 19 Food Pantry Day Driver: Charlie Sturgill Music: Becky Sprinkle Meal Furnished & Served by: First Friends SS Class Sept. 26 Driver: Norman Brown Music: Marcy Sayers

October Newsletter Deadline

Please submit articles, columns, or news items by Monday, September 23 The newsletter folders are welcomed on Thursday, September 27

Counting Blessings

OurGiving GeneralBudgetNeededEachMonth GeneralBudgetGivenLastMonth  GeneralBudgetGivenasofJuly31,2013

 $45,218.00 $31,861.00  $299,088.70

September Altar Guild Hazel Harper, Sally Moorer, Madeline Harrington September Ushers Charlie Conner, H.U.; Anna Moore, Betsy Brown, Patricia Spencer Computer/Sound Operators: Bill Ogle, John Saunders, Glenn Wilson, Lauren Wilson September FUMY Supper ~ Virginia Circle Office Closed The First UMC offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Regular office hours resume on Tuesday, September 3.

Although our bottom line reflects a $307,669.67 negative $8,580.97, I think it is important 2013GeneralBudgetYTDExpensesasofJuly31,2013 to emphasize that we are up to date in ($8,580.97) paying our Conference and District appor- 2013GeneralBudgetYTDDecitofMay31,2013 tionments as of July 31, 2013. Historically July has always been the lowest giving month of the year, simply because people are on vacation and not always at church on Sundays. Also, the first 3 weeks offerings for August were approximately $5,000 more than the entire month of July. Look for an update on the Capital Campaign in the October Newsletter. We are currently receiving new pledges for the recommitment campaign and we will report these updated numbers next month.

September Events & Meetings Schedule

Week of September 1-7 Sun: 4:00 PM Hannah Circle 7:00 PM Communion at Francis Marion Manor

United Methodist Womens News

Sunday, September 1 Acolytes: Parents: Christie Wolfe, Suzanne Jonas 11:00 Caitlin Wolfe, Grace Jonas Childrens Church (K-5): Ginger Moore Childrens Message (11:00 AM Only): Greeters: Communion Sunday 8:45 Margaret Sledd 11:00 Gengie Fisher, Peggy Frye If you are involved with schools, I hope your new year has had a very good beginning. There are lots of exciting things happening at our church, too. The UMW met at the River Bend Park in August for an evening Pot Luck Supper. We had a number of men in attendance and we all enjoyed the great food and Bill Hubers lively entertainment! Thank you Grace Circle for hosting. Kelly Blevins and Laura Robinson spoke briefly about a newly formed committee, Childrens Ministries. One of their first big projects involving our children and the community will be in October. We can all support this program by donating a bag of individually wrapped candy. Our next meeting, Wednesday, September 11th, in the Fellowship Hall, will be hosted by Martha Circle. Our program will be an update on the progress of the church renovation. Virginia Circle will feed the youth this month. Some dates to remember are: x UMW meeting is September 11th x Ordinary Womens Conference is September 14th x Deadline for Penny and a Prayer contributions is September 20th x Women in the Pulpit is October 13th x Food and Fellowship hosted by UMW is November 21 (Food Pantry Day) Our dear friend, Peggy Lootens has moved. We miss her but understand how happy she is to be living near her children and grandchildren. Please continue to remember those that are dealing with injury, health issues, and grief. Also, pray for the teams of workers as they come to our church daily to make our dreams of a renovated church become a reality. Blessings to all, Linda Crowder UMW President

SEPTEMBER CIRCLE MEETINGS

SUNDAY, September 1 Hannah 4:00 PM TUESDAY, September 3 Esther 11:30 AM Sarah 7:00 PM Contact Chairman Country Club Patty Warren

Mon:
Tues: Wed:

Church Offices Closed

First Day of FUMC Preschool Esther Circle - Country Club Sarah Circle - Patty Warren Ruth Circle - Appletree Rest. Virginia Circle - FUMC
Martha Circle - Margaret McKinnon

11:00 AM 7:00 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Thurs: 10:00 AM

Deborah Circle - Wolfe BBQ

Week of September 8-14 Mon: 7:00 PM Staff Parish Relations Meeting Tues: 7:00 PM Grace Circle - FUMC Wed: 9:00 AM Food Pantry Volunteers Pack Boxes 10:00 AM UMW Thurs: 7:00 PM Childrens Council Meeting Week of September 15-21 Mon: 6:30 PM District Conference Thurs: 1:30 PM FUMC Food Pantry Week of September 22-28 Mon: 6:30 PM Quilters Guild Meeting Tues: 5:30 PM HUB Meeting Wed: 10:00 AM Garden Club Meeting Thurs: 8:30 AM Newsletter Folders Meet

Sunday, September 8 Acolytes: Parents: Kelly Weaver 11:00 Emily Weaver, Hailey Weaver Childrens Church (K-5): Kelly Blevins Childrens Message (11:00 AM Only): Denton Staley Greeters: 8:45 11:00 Susan Hunt Jane Tate

WEDNESDAY, September 4 Martha 10:00 AM Margaret McKinnon Virginia 10:00 AM FUMC Ruth 11:30 AM Appletree Rest. THURSDAY, September 5 Deborah 7:00 PM Wolfe BBQ Rest. TUESDAY, September 10 Grace 7:00 PM FUMC

Sunday, September 15 Acolytes: Parents: Betty Keith, Becky Rankin 11:00 Hailey Keith, Emily Rankin Childrens Church (K-5): Ginger Moore Childrens Message (11:00 AM Only): Laura Robinson Greeters: 8:45 11:00 D.B. & Janet Waddle Suzanne Archer, Kaye Berry

Thank you so much for the prayers, cards, calls and visits during my surgery. We are blessed to be a part of a caring & loving church family. Charlie & Brenda Funk

A Note of Thanks

Sunday, September 22 Acolytes: Parents: Teresa Bystrek, Laura Robinson 11:00 Sam Bystrek, Kyle Robinson Childrens Church (K-5): Tina Hagy Childrens Message (11:00 AM Only): Peggy Lootens Greeters: 8:45 11:00 Marilyn Walker Judy Cregger, Lyn Thompson

Weekly Schedule Sun: 8:45 AM 9:50 AM 9:50 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM Mon: 9:30 AM Tues: 10:30 AM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM Wed: 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:30 AM Thurs: 11:45 AM 6:30 PM Traditional Worship Service Sunday School for All Contemporary Worship Service Sunday School - P&W Attendees Traditional Worship Service FUMY - 6th & 7th grade FUMY 8th - 12th grade Quilters in Fellowship Hall GriefShare GriefShare Scouts After School Program Choir Practice - Sancturary Prayer Breakfast Group Food and Fellowship Contemporary Music Team Rehearsal

Sunday, September 29 Acolytes: Parents: Kim & Any Vanhoy Christie Wolfe, Tyler Wolfe 11:00 Preston Vanhoy, Tyler Wolfe Childrens Church (K-5): Ginger Moore Childrens Message (11:00 AM Only): Betsy Brown Greeters: 8:45 11:00 Margaret Sledd Gengie Fisher Peggy Frye

FUMY is in need of: a small refrigerator dorm room size for the youth room. Donation appreciated. Contact Jackie.

It is always hard to say good-bye, so I wont! To all of you in my wonderful FUMC family, I say See you later!. Thanks for the 49 years of sharing the good and bad, ups and downs. This is where I was given support and strength through some really tough stuff! As excited as I am about the renovations were making to Gods house on this corner, it is the people of Gods family that make the church. I love this church! You will always hold a special place in my heart. A final thank you for the special new Stephen Ministry. Even though a lot about my latest change is exciting and a new adventure, there is the flip side that is scary and hard - STRESSFUL! I finally gave myself permission to ask for a Stephen Ministry friend to walk with me for a while. What a blessing! The one-on-one sharing with this special frined has reminded me again why Jesus called us to be in fellowship and care for one another. As I move on to wonderful new horizons I continue to pray for this congregation and all your ministries. Peggy Lootens

In Our Prayers

The Last Word

by Jonathan Jonas My grace is sufficient for you. 2 Corinthians 12:9

FUMY

September
events Wednesday Afterschool Youth (the W.A.Y.) Starts Wednesday September 5. In order to ride the bus parents please write a note giving permission. Transportation details will be announced at a later time. The fun will begin with a snack, some recreation time, weekly lesson, and art projects. New this year every 3rd Wednesday we will help with Food Pantry! Come join the FUN!
Jackies contact [email protected] Cell: 276-759-4279

Whats going on in

Please offer prayers of healing & wholeness for these members of our church family and friends: Hazel Atkins Danny Counts Wendy May Howell Sam Muscik Betty Coulthard Brooklyn Hoover David Sonny Kimball

Upcoming

x x

THE WAY every Wednesday In September FUMY Sunday Afternoons (see new schedule)

FUMY Sundays New Time

Starting Sunday September 8 6th and 7th graders will meet from 4:005:30p.m. 8th-12 grades Will Meet 5:00p.m. to 6:30p.m.

If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the newsletter please fill out a prayer request card and be sure to check the box at the bottom of the card. Drop the card in the offering plate and we will include your request in the following months newsletter. You may also call the church office with your request.

x x

Homerun the Movie Night Volunteer for Food Pantry

Welcome Our Newest Member

Luke Mercer, who confirmed the covenant made at his baptism, professed his faith in Jesus Christ, and became a professing member of our congregation on August, 4. We welcome you with joy!

Church that provides for adequate supervision of Youth and Children to ensure that our young people are safe and protected. This requires 2 non-related adults to be present at all meetings, events, and outings. One for 6th and 7th grades and another for 8th-12th grades. Parents are needed NOW to volunteer to provide supervision during Sunday Night FUMY!

Safe Sanctuaries

is a policy required by the United Methodist

First United Methodist Church 1888~ 2013 The history of 125 years on this corner. To celebrate 125 years in this special place, the History Committee has produced a memorial book of the history of this church and its contribution to our community. It contains several photos spanning over 100 years and a lot of wonderful and interesting information. The books are $5 each. You can come by the church office to pick up a copy.

SALT TEAM MEMBERS 6th grade repGrace Jonas 7th grade rep Tate McDowell 8th grade rep Ryan Moore 9th grade rep Courtney Brooks 10th grade rep Allison Rosenbaum 11th grade rep Parent reps: Marcy Rosenbaum, Sarah Martin, and Christie Wolfe

Homerun the Movie Night!

September 13th Please join us for movie night Homerun the Movie! Please bring a snack food to share or a 2 liter drink. Location TBA Time: 7:00p.m. FUMY Benediction
May The LORD bless you and keep you; May the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the LORD lift up his countenance up on you and give you peace.

Twelve years ago this week, I was getting ready for work on a typical Tuesday morning when Suzanne called for me to come into our den. I went quickly, because she was great with child, nearly nine months pregnant. There was no emergency with Suzanne or the baby, but there was an absolute catastrophe unfolding on television. An airplane had struck one of the towers of the World Trade Center, and the news broadcasters on The Today Show were trying to make sense of the crash. You know how the rest of the day unfolded. Another plane struck the other tower. Yet another careened into the Pentagon. A fourth made a crater in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We came to the sickening realization, along with the rest of the nation, that the planes were being used as weapons. We wondered who would inflict such fear and pain upon innocent people, and we realized that the only possible answer was that terrorists were attacking. Towers collapsed. Thousands died. The President retreated to the safety of Air Force One. We wondered if other planes would crash and other lives would be lost. We speculated about what these attacks would do to national security, the economy, to our collective sense of peace. Almost exactly forty-eight hours after the first plane crashed, I heard crying. This time, it was not the wail of a survivor whose loved one was lost. Instead, it was the first cry of my first child. I held my sweet Grace and thanked God for this little ray of hope in a world shaken by terror. When I called my grandmother to let her know that she had a new great granddaughter, she said, What a world for a child to be born into. I looked at it slightly differently. In the wake of one of the darkest times I had ever experienced, here came the greatest joy I had ever experienced. A few years later, when Suzanne and I were consulting with doctors about having another child, one nice doctor told us that it was pretty unlikely. I mentioned Grace as proof that it was possible, and he said, I dont know what to say about Grace. Shes a fluke. I realized he meant to say miracle. In two weeks, she will be twelve years old. Those years got by quickly! I always try to be thankful for Gods grace. This month Im especially thankful for my Grace. The last word is always AMEN.

Honorary and Memorial Gifts As of August 25, 2013 In Memory Of

Arizona Fire Fighters Given by: Anonymous Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund Kelley Brockman Given by: Mike & Pat Albano Fund: GriefShare Kelley Brockman Given by: Carol Lyn Thomason Fund: Handbells Fund Given By: Bill & Linda Huber Fund: Community Assistance California Plane Victims Given by: Anonymous Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund Guy Clear Given by: Charles & Madeline Harrington Fund: Building Fund Ruby Guy Given by: Marshall Guy Fund: Food & Fellowship Jeffery Hart Given by: Evelyn Hart Fund: Building Fund Herbert E. Hart Given by: Evelyn Hart Fund: Building Fund Doris Jean Hendric Given by: Charles & Madeline Harrington Fund: Building Fund Don Jones Given by: Mike & Pat Albano Fund: Building Fund Given by: Gerald & Anna Bush Fund: Building Fund Given by: Amanda Currin Fund: Building Fund Given by: Beverly Derian Fund: Building Fund Given by: Marian Graybeal Fund: Building Fund Given by: Charles & Madeline Harrington Fund: Building Fund Given by: Bill & Linda Huber Fund: Building Fund Given by: LW Kelly SS Class Fund: Building Fund Given by: Evans & Bonnie Scyphers Fund: Building Fund Given by: Donald & BarbaraTaylor Gene & Freida McCray Fund: Building Fund Given by: Gene & Marilyn Walker Fund: Building Fund Given by: Marvin Winters Fund: Building Fund Oolah Moore Given by: Amanda Currin Fund: Building Fund Given by: Charles & Madeline Harrington Fund: Building Fund In Honor Of Alice Conner Given by: Anonymous Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund Algie & Patsy Crouse Given by: Howard & Jane Chitwood Fund: Building Fund Henderson & Jouette Graham Given by: Anonymous Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund Rev. Jonathan Jonas Given by: The Neese Family Fund: Building Fund Worlds Special Needs Children & Adults Given by: Anonymous Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund Harold Riggs Given by: Charles & Madeline Harrington Fund: Building Fund Monique Shupe Given by: LW Kelly SS Class Fund: Garrett Halsey Fund John Tate Given by: Mike & Pat Albano Fund: Building Fund

First United Methodist

Childrens Ministry Mission Statement Children S.M.I.L.E. S- serve God M- make a joyful noise I- involve themselves in Christian activities L- love God E- each day, PRAY!

What a busy summer we have had and also, how much fun! Our Vacation Bible School was such a blessing to all and we had an overwhelming attendance with new faces! Thank you to all who volunteered your time to help bring Christ into the lives of these children and parents! Our wonderful Childrens Council has been hard at it planning amazing things for our ministry! As I have been reading on line the latest up to date ideas and curriculum for childrens ministries, I noticed the following article and wanted to share. After you read the article, please see where you could fit in time to make our childrens ministry a priority in your discipleship. Thank you for praying for our growing Childrens Programs!

by Ginger Moore Childrens Director

As we continue to grow, we need more volunteers! Can you help?

Call Ginger (276) 780-9701

Why Children Will Bring Gods Blessing to Your Church! by Dale Hudson Last week I was reading the story of Jesus and the children in Luke 18. I was reminded that one of the keys to Jesus' blessings is making Children's Ministry a priority. One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering Him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, Let the children come to Me. Dont stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesnt receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Luke 18:15-17 I believe when you make Children's Ministry a priority at your church, you get Jesus' attention in a unique way and usher in His blessings. Do you want Jesus' blessings on your church? Then... Make Children's Ministry a high profile ministry in your church. Children's Ministry should be a cornerstone ministry of your church. Does your outside advertising reflect this? Does your weekend bulletin reflect this? Do your announcements reflect this? When people think of your church, one of the first things that should come to their mind is "they love children." Make Children's Ministry physical space a top priority. The Children's Ministry building, classrooms, decor, and location should be the best area on your church campus. Instead of it being an afterthought, it should be one of most thought through areas. Does your physical space reflect Jesus' heart for children? Make Children's Ministry personnel a top priority. Children's Ministry should be the best staffed ministry in your church. Is it time to bring more people on board who have the same heart for children as Jesus does? Make Children's Ministry programming a top priority on your church calendar. Notice how Jesus moved Children's Ministry up to the front of His schedule. Does your church schedule line up with Jesus' schedule? Make Children's Ministry program funding a top priority. Put your faith in Jesus' heart for children. I believe He will pour out His financial favor on a church that pours it's resources into Children's Ministry. The Children's Ministry budget should be one of the largest in the church. The bottom line is this. The disciples saw children as a bother. Jesus saw them as a blessing. Line up your ministry with Jesus' heart for children and He will smile upon you

A newly formed childrens council has begun working to support and strengthen the various childrens ministries of First UMC. Bringing together representatives of the rotation Sunday school, the preschool, and other childrens ministries, the council has put together an exciting schedule of ministries for the fall and winter. On Saturday, August 24, members of the childrens council cleaned and straightened our fellowship hall so that it will be a more welcoming entry for children who participate in the preschool or in our afterschool program. A great Halloween celebration, a Christmas musical, and other exciting new opportunities are in the planning stages. Watch for news about how you can be part of our childrens ministries in the days to come.

Church Council Update The church council met twice this past month, on August 6 and 20. In the first meeting, the council dealt exclusively with matters related to the building renovation and voted to include the ground floor restrooms, carpeting in the parlor and chapel, and the construction of an entrance into the attic in the project. The council approved paying for these additional parts of the renovation from endowment funds. In its regular bimonthly meeting on August 20, the council heard reports from a variety of program and administrative committees and from the church staff. There were several celebrations, most of which are reported elsewhere in this newsletter. One celebration is that our membership has increased by 14 so far this year! We thank God for all the new members who have chosen to make First UMC their church home. The most pressing concern is that we are in the time of year in which financial giving is at its annual low point. By the end of July, giving to the operational budget was about 1.19% or roughly $6,500 behind our typical pace for this point in the year. The church council thanks everyone for giving to the ministries of the church, and encourages everyone to pull together to address this slight deficit. Endowment Committee Our permanent endowment committee met on August 8 and celebrated that our endowment funds gained just over $86,000 in value over the one year period from June 30, 2012, to June 30, 2013. Based on our Hull Funds investment performance, the committee approved disbursement of $33,600 for Hull Fund ministry grants this year. The endowment committee reminds the congregation that these funds are available because church members in years past remembered First United Methodist Church in their estate planning. We can bless the churchs ministries for years to come with our legacy giving. Hull Fund Update Our permanent endowment committee approved distribution of $33,600 from the Hull Fund in 2013, in addition to the roughly $5,500 of Hull Fund money already available from previous years. On September 3, the Hull Fund grant committee will consider proposals and determine how best to disburse the $39,000 available this year. The committee has received twenty-eight requests, totaling just over $53,000. Pray for the committee as it works to prioritize the requests, and thank God for the generosity of Wythe & Lucille Hull, who continue to make new ministries possible here at First UMC.

A sh l ey Gr ee r D avidson Matthew Gl enn Moo r e r

i nvi te you to shar e wi t h us th is j oyous ce l ebrat ion of love at our marr iage On Sunday , S ept embe r 1, 2013 A t 3:00 i n the af te rnoon F i rst Un i ted Me thodist Chur ch
Recept ion will be he ld at H em loc k H aven

I t is our moment to ce l ebrate the love that un i tes us toge the r wi t h our par ents, we And

First United Methodist Church Preschool 2013-2014

Teaching, encouraging, and nurturing Gods children since 1950.
Preschool Resumes The First UMC Preschool begins its sixty-fourth year of operation on Tuesday, September 3, with over thirty children enrolled. Three separate classes meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and Monday through Friday, respectively. Laura Robinson, Samantha White, and Misty Pugh are our preschool faculty. Please surround them with prayers as they begin a new year of this vital ministry. Alvin Crowder is the chairperson of our First UMC Preschool board.

FUMC KIDS WILL PRESENT A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

REHEARSALS BEGIN SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
A new music and drama ministry opportunity for kids in first grade through sixth grade. We will meet every Sunday, 3pm-430pm, in the sanctuary. Our first project will be a live action performance of one of the most beloved animated Christmas specials of all time, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Complete with live jazz trio, the FUMC Kids will bring to life the story that tells of Charlie Browns search for the true meaning of Christmas. Performance is set for Saturday, December 14th at 6pm here at FUMC. All 1st grade - 6th grade children are encouraged to participate. All kids, even if you dont have a speaking part, will be in the production. We will also be learning Christmas carols and the history behind them! This will be an ongoing ministry opportunity! Bryan Underwood, Worship Minister, along with Sally Moorer and Debbie Ogle will be providing leadership. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact Bryan Underwood: (p) 783-5194 (e) [email protected]