FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1  Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Parents of Children — Meeting This Sunday

Parents of children (birth-5th grade) are invited to a brief meeting in the upstairs Sunday School Room this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We’ll talk about Sunday School activities and participation, the Acolyte schedule for 2026, and we’ll look ahead together. Please bring your calendars so we can set dates for the coming months. We hope to see you there!

 

Human Relations Day 

This Sunday, January 18, the United Methodist Church will recognize Human Relations Day, observed each year on the Sunday before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Along with your offering to the church, you are invited to make a special Human Relations Day gift which will go to strengthen neighborhood-based ministries which support local needs such as education, employment, youth offender related programs, and other life-changing opportunities.  Simply write Human Relations Day in the memo portion on a check along with your offering, or donate online directly to donate.gcfa.org/hrd

 

Equip & Connect Laity Conference

Pastor Bill invites all church leaders to participate in the Equip & Connect training on January 25, 2026, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Lake Junaluska Harrell Center. Connect with other leaders across your district and learn about roles, best practices, and new ideas for ministry. This session is designed for and open to all local church leaders serving as Lay Leaders, or on Church Councils, Trustees, Pastor Parish Relations Committees (PPRCs), or Finance Committees.

The church will provide transportation for those who request it.  Please let the office know as soon as possible so that we can arrange for drivers.  We will depart from the church at 12:00 noon, and stop for lunch on the way to the event.  We appreciate your service to the church. 

 

Care Team Ministry 

The Care Team Ministry, a part of the N.O.W. Team (Nurture, Outreach, and Witness), is forming new visitation teams. We are seeking pairs of volunteers who are willing to visit once a month and provide updates to the pastor. If you feel called to this ministry of presence and care, please reach out to the church office. Thank you for your willingness to share Christ’s love and extend His care to those in our community.

 

 

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

Day 13   Tues. Jan. 13   Genesis 37-41

Day 14   Wed. Jan. 14   Genesis 42-45

Day 15   Thurs. Jan. 15   Genesis 46-50

Day 16   Fri. Jan. 16   Exodus 1-4

Day 17   Sat. Jan. 17   Exodus 5-7:13

Day 18   Sun. Jan. 18   Exodus 7:14-12:30

Day 19   Mon. Jan. 19   Exodus 12:31-15:21

Day 20   Tue. Jan. 20   Exodus 15:22-18

Day 21   Wed. Jan. 21   Exodus 19-21

Day 22   Thurs. Jan. 22   Exodus 22-24

Day 23   Fri. Jan. 23   Exodus 25-27

Day 24   Sat. Jan. 24   Exodus 28-30

Pastor Bill will be hosting a discussion group on the Bible Year readings after our Wonderful Wednesday meals in the Fellowship Hall beginning this week. We hope to see you there.

 

Church Calendar

  • The Church Offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the MLK holiday.
  • The Wow Factor Senior Group will meet on Wednesday, January 21, in the Church Fellowship Hall for lunch and a discussion with Clark Poole, a representative of Rutherford County, about challenges facing seniors in Rutherford County. Please contact George Holleman at 828-755-4830, to make your reservation. We look forward to your participation and to sharing a meaningful time of fellowship together.
  • Trustees Meeting – Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The FUMC Community Meal will resume on Monday, January 26, from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Souper Bowl Sunday – February 8. Join us for Souper Bowl Sunday as we come together in fellowship and generosity. Please bring cans of soup, vegetables, and other non-perishable food items to the morning worship service to be shared with Yokefellow. Monetary donations will also be accepted, and 100% of all money donated will be given directly to Yokefellow to support their food and emergency assistance ministry. Everyone is invited to participate as we care for our neighbors and share God’s love in practical ways.
  • The Ladies Sunday School Class has begun a year-long series Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda. This study, with inspiring stories, reflections, and  devotions, focuses weekly on 52 remarkable women of the Bible at 9:30 a.m. in the workroom across from the pastor’s office.
  • Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • FUMC-ERHS Baking Ministry – happens on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 8:45-10:45 a.m. in the kitchen.
  • 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. If you would like to join this group and sing with the choir on Sundays, please see Jane. 
  • 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.
  • Wonderful Wednesdays will be on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Bill will be hosting a discussion group on the Bible Year readings afterwards. We hope to see you there.
  • Handbell rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, and will resume in January. If you would like to join this group, please see Jane.

  • The He-Brews Coffee and Conversation – All are welcome to this weekday Bible/Book Study Group with open conversation which meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at Hope House Coffee Co. 1066 S. Broadway in Forest City.

    Our current study is The Gospel of Luke: Part 1 by J.D. Greear.  In this eleven-session series, Pastor Greear guides us through the first half of Luke’s Gospel, offering an orderly and compelling account of Jesus’ life and ministry. Through Luke’s writing, we are invited to consider a central question: How do you respond to Jesus? This study explores who Jesus is, what He did, and how those around Him responded as He moved toward people with love and grace. Luke reminds us that Jesus came to seek and save those in need—including us—and calls each of us to respond. Come enjoy good coffee, meaningful discussion, and a deeper look at the life of Christ.

     

    FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, January 18– No UMYF.
  • Next Sunday, January 25– No UMYF

Confirmation Class of 2026

Beginning on Sunday, February 1, the Youth, led by Pastor Bill, will gather at 5:00 p.m. for Confirmation Classes. All youth are warmly encouraged to participate, including those who were confirmed in previous years. Adults are also invited to join the group to support and guide our students as they rediscover what it means to be a United Methodist Christian. Please keep this group in your prayers as they continue their important journey of faith, learning, and discipleship. For more information, please contact Pastor Bill or the church office.

 

Income and Expenses

Weekly Budget Needs: $8,771.15

Tithes and Offerings Jan. 5-11 – $8,877.75

Expenses Jan. 5-11 – $1,724.30

Received YTD – $15,844.75

Budget needs YTD – $17,542.30

 

Worship Helpers

January 18

Lector – Chris Cross

Finance – Gary Shipley, Freida Phillips

Greeters – Sharon Shipley, Martha Jones

Ushers – Marc Duncan, Chuck Summey, Steve Roper

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

January 25

Lector – Cooper Flack

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Judy Toney, Pam Blice

Ushers – Russ Garmon, Brian Gooch, Parker Tate

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

 

January Birthdays

MacKenzie Brown             01/01

Micaela Brown Endicott    01/01

Ronda Eaker                     01/01

Jamey Anderson               01/04

Sharon Still                       01/05

Anna Feagin                      01/10

Angela Flack                     01/10

Margaret Brooks                01/11

Frances Hernandez           01/11

Elaine Wolf                       01/13

Braxton Flack                    01/15

Trent Parris                       01/15

Keely Somerset                  01/16

Jim Still                             01/16

Tonya Wright                    01/21

Judith Harrill                     01/24

Emersyn Tate                    01/24

Zachary Eaker                   01/25

Caleb Hoyle                       01/27

Patti Hopper                      01/29

Matthew Trout                   01/30

 

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!

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