FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Romans 12:9-21

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 20 No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Acolyte & Crucifer Appreciation and Training

Serving in Worship

On Sunday, September 13, we will celebrate and appreciate the children who serve our church as acolytes and crucifers. These young people have an important role in helping lead us in worship, and we are grateful for their willingness to serve.

The children will gather in the Fellowship Hall following worship for lunch and a time of training. Bill Roberts, Cathy Hoyle, and LeeAnne Summey will lead the training and help our young servers learn more about their responsibilities and the meaning behind the ways they serve.

We are thankful for these children and their families and excited to help them grow in confidence, faith, and a deeper understanding of their place in worship.

 

Combined Sunday School Classes

You are invited to join with the Men’s Bible Class and the Gate’s Sunday School Class for a shared study of Christian author Max Lucado’s book, Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer. These classes (and any who are desire to join with us) are meeting during the Sunday School hour, 9:30 – 10:30ish a.m., each Sunday morning, downstairs, in the Men’s Bible classroom. I feel certain this study will give each of us a new and inviting perspective on the time we spend with God in prayer.

The Lord be with you!

Rev. Bill Roberts

 

Here are the upcoming readings for our study of The Bible Year: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days

Day 236   Mon. Aug. 24   Zephaniah

Day 237   Tue. Aug. 25   Haggai

Day 238   Wed. Aug. 26   Zechariah 1-4

Day 239   Thurs. Aug. 27   Zechariah 5-9

Day 240   Fri. Aug. 28   Zechariah 10-14

Day 241   Sat. Aug. 29   Malachi 1-2

Day 242   Sun. Aug. 30   Malachi 3-4

Day 243   Mon. Aug. 31   Matthew 1-2

Day 244   Tue. Sept. 1   Matthew 3-4

Day 245   Wed. Sept. 2   Matthew 5

Day 246   Thurs. Sept. 3   Matthew 6

Day 247   Fri. Sept. 4   Matthew 7-8

Day 248   Sat. Sept. 5   Matthew 9-10

Our study of the Bible Year will continue this Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30. Wonderful Wednesdays will be back soon, but until then, we will bring our own supper. Just remember that we will all be responsible for our own clean-up when we are done!  You are welcome and invited to join our conversation!

 

Guided by the words of 2 Peter 3:18, we step into this season ready to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Let’s begin this year rooted in grace, eager to grow, and ready for all God will do.

2026–2027 Age‑Level Ministry Programs

 Children’s Ministry (Birth–4th Grade) 

  • Nursery Care – Loving, safe care for infants and toddlers during worship and Sunday School
  • Sunday School (Ages 3–4th Grade) – Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Ages 3–Kindergarten
  • 1st-4th Grade
  • Children’s Church – During worship in the chapel
  • Acolyte Ministry – Children serve in worship throughout the year
  • Seasonal Events – VBS, Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, Camp Promise, and more

 

Youth Ministry (5th – 12th Grade) 

  • Sunday School – Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Sunday Night Youth Group – Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
  • Junior High (5th – 8th Grade)
  • Senior High (9th – 12th Grade)
  • Service & Outreach Projects – Offered throughout the year
  • Summer Mission Trip – Weeklong service and spiritual growth
  • Special Events – Fellowship, discipleship, and connection opportunities

 

Church Calendar 

  • FUMC Preschool Open House -Today, Monday, August 24, at 4:00 p.m.
  • Bring a bag dinner for the Bible Year discussion this Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Trustees Meeting – Next Monday, August 31, at 6:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Nominations Committee Meeting – Next Wednesday, September 2, at 6:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room.
  • Worship Committee Meeting – next Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The Church Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet Tuesday, September 8, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor. Please bring shampoo, conditioner, and/or feminine hygiene products for Abounding Grace. We look forward to you seeing you. All ladies of the church are invited to join us.
  • The Grace Circle will meet next Tuesday, September 8, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Bring a bag dinner for the Bible Year discussion on Wednesday, September 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • The Administrative Council will meet Monday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The WoW Factor Senior Group will be going to Knob Creek Orchard in Lawndale, NC., on Wednesday, September 16. We will have lunch at Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse. Please RSVP to George Holleman at (828) 755-4830 or georgeholleman@gmail.com to make your reservation.
  • The Ladies Sunday School Class is studying Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda. This study focuses on 52 remarkable women of the Bible at 9:30 a.m. in the upstairs conference room.
  • Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • The Mountain Dulcimer Group – taught by Gene and Anna Feagin, meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the church office.
  • Choir Practice is on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room.
  • The Brookdale Visitation Team meets at Brookdale at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. This is a special interactive time of fun and worship for the residents. Call the church office for more information.
  • Handbell Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., 6:30 on Bible Year Discussion or Wonderful Wednesdays.
  • The He-Brews Coffee and Conversation group meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at Hope House Coffee Co. – 1066 S. Broadway St. All are welcome to join us for fellowship, conversation, and study. All are welcome to join us for fellowship, conversation, and study. Our study is 1st Corinthians by Jennie Allen.  

 

  • This Sunday, August 30 – Regular UMYF at 5:00 p.m.
  • Next Sunday, September 6 – No UMYF
  • Sunday, September 13 – Youth Bible Presentation During Worship at 10:30 a.m. Regular UMYF at 5:00 p.m.

 

Income and Expenses

2026 Weekly Need: $8,771.15

Tithes and Offerings August 10-16 – $2,105.00          

Expenses August 10-16 – $22,374.34  

Received YTD – $237,792.14

Budget needs YTD – $283,768.10           

 

Worship Helpers

August 30

Lector – Scott Roach

Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin

Greeters – Russ & Cherry Garmon

Ushers – Gary Shipley, David Eaker, Marc Duncan

Head Usher – Chuck Summey

 

September 6

Lector – Sarah Gooch

Finance – Chris Cross, Tim Ridenhour

Greeters – Denise Gavin, Suzan Rhyne

Ushers – Cooper Flack, Brian Gooch, Tim Ridenhour

Head Usher – Matt Bright

Communion Stewards – Martha Jones, Lois Hasty

 

Online Giving

Your gifts help us serve our neighbors, support our ministries, and share Christ’s love. If you’d like to give online, you can do so safely and easily using this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z5HF/home

Or scan this QR code:

 

Yokefellow Ministries is collecting peanut butter this fall. Please bring donations to the church office.

 

August Birthdays

Sarah Holmstrom      08/05

Katherine Earley        08/06

Freida Phillips           08/07

Mason Street             08/11

Powell Okpych          08/11

Wendell Shelton        08/12

Jeff Hill                      08/13

Ruby Blanton            08/13

McCray Harrill           08/14

Kelly Arnold              08/15

Jenna Bennett            08/16

Robyn Brown            08/17

Barbara Peterson       08/19

Kelly Iwerks              08/20

Krew Humphries       08/22

Amanda Bennett        08/23

Tonya Flack               08/23

Eli Tate                      08/23

Cherry Garmon         08/25

Freida Sellers            08/26

Roberta Pinson          08/26

Nicholas Newton       08/31

September Birthdays

Lauren Harrill            09/03

Anna Duncan            09/06

Lisa Roberts              09/09

Madison Ruff             09/11

Georgia Foster           09/13

Edy Price                  09/13

Beckett Webber         09/14

John Landis               09/16

Kristin Holmstrom     09/16

 

The FUMC Newsletter

This page on the church website is the permanent home of the newsletter. Text-to-speech apps will work on this page. Older newsletters are archived, and the current newsletter will always be at this address. This mobile-friendly format is much more accessible and allows for immediate updates to information. Feel free to check by as often as you like. The goal is for major updates to happen on schedule by Wednesday, and a print edition will still be sent via US Mail to those who request it. Please let the church office know if you no longer wish to receive the printed copy.

May the Peace of the Lord, and His Blessings be with you all, and we hope to see you on Sunday!

Services are livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.