The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’
13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
During worship on August 3, we celebrated an incredible week at Camp Promise – our Worship & Arts Day Camp for kids.
This year’s theme, Your Way’s Better, was inspired by the Contemporary Christian song by Forrest Frank. Throughout the week, we explored what it means to trust God’s way in our everyday lives through scripture, music, art, movement, and worship.
We painted. We sang. We danced. We laughed. But most importantly, we discovered a powerful truth: God’s way isn’t just good, it’s better. Better than our best ideas, better than our biggest fears, and better than anything we could ever imagine on our own.
We are deeply grateful to all the families who shared their children with us, it was a joy to spend the week with them.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our amazing volunteers and leaders whose time, creativity, and love made this experience possible. Because of you, children had the space to grow in faith and express their God-given gifts in meaningful, joy-filled ways.
We’re also incredibly proud of the children for helping to lead us in worship. They shared songs and expressions of faith they learned throughout the week, inspiring us all. A special thank you to Roger Lowe for arranging the special music and creating a beautiful video that captured the heart of our time at Camp Promise.
And finally, thank you, Church Family, for your ongoing support of our ministries. Your generosity makes experiences like Camp Promise not only possible, but powerful.
Bud Vases Needed
Please bring your extra bud vases to the church office. Lisa Roper delivers the fresh flowers used in the sanctuary to those who cannot get to church. Thank you for supporting this visitation ministry.
Church Calendar
- Scholarship Committee Meeting – This Sunday, August 10, after the morning worship service in the upstairs conference room.
- The Administrative Council will this coming Monday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
- Back-to School Celebration and Blessing of the Backpacks – Sunday, August 17, in the morning worship service.
- Food for Friends meal – Sunday, August 17. Desserts are always welcomed!
- The WoW Factor Senior Group – Wednesday, August 20, you are invited to join us for a trip to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. Please call the office to RSVP.
- The Community Meal and the E.C. Baking Ministry will resume in September.
- The Ladies Sunday School Class is studying the video series: Warrior Women: Deborah. God desires each of his children to follow his call. But sometimes the battles we fight for God’s kingdom defy our expectations, leading us to trust him more deeply. A faithful warrior for Christ will choose obedience over personal glory, humility instead of pride, and truth spoken with grace. In this five-sessions series with Bianca Juárez, explore the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael and discover what being a warrior for God looks like. Class meets at 9:30 a.m. in the workroom across from the pastor’s office. Led by Denise Gavin.
- The Mountain Dulcimer Group – first and third Tuesdays of the month from 10-11:30 a.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.
- He-Brews Coffee and Conversation meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at Hope House Coffee Co. 1066 S. Broadway in Forest City. This Thursday, August 7, we begin an eight-week study: The Book of Hebrews -by Derwin Gray. The Book of Hebrews was written to believers facing crisis—persecution, cultural pressure, and doubts about their faith in Jesus. In many ways, their struggles mirror what we experience today. In this eight-week study led by Derwin Gray, we’ll explore what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in every season of life. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is better—better than our fears, better than our failures, and better than anything the world can offer. The only question left is: Are we willing to trust Him above everything else? For more information, contact the church office at 828-245-6446. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend!
FUMC Youth
- This Sunday, August 10 – Regular UMYF at 5:00 p.m.
- Next Sunday, August 17 – Meet at 3:30 p.m. to load up for the Food for Friends meal at the Town and Country Hotel.
Income and Expenses
Weekly Budget Needs: $8,479.33
Tithes and Offerings July 28-Aug. 3 – $4,030.60
Expenses July 28-Aug. 3 – $3,854.77
Received YTD – $228,135.12
Budget needs YTD – $254,379.90
Worship Helpers
This Sunday, August 10
Lector – Lea Danner
Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin
Greeters – Keely Somerset, Jessica Anderson
Ushers – Russ Garmon, Steve Jones
Head Usher – Chuck Summey
Next Sunday, August 17
Lector – Marc Duncan
Finance – Freida Phillips, Gary Shipley
Greeters – Linda Cross, Bobbi Pinson, Judy Toney
Ushers – Baxter Carpenter, TBD
Head Usher – Chuck Summey
The food item for Yokefellow through August is Vienna Sausages. Please bring items to the office.
August Birthdays
Sarah Holmstrom 08/05
Katherine Earley 08/06
Herman Spicer 08/07
Freida Phillips 08/07
Mason Street 08/11
Powell Okpych 08/11
Wendell Shelton 08/12
Jeff Hill 08/13
Ruby Blanton 08/13
Austin 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
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 have requested it. If you no longer need the printed copy, please let the church office know.
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.