FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Luke 3:7-18

7  John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’

10  And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ 11 In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ 12 Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ 13 He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’
14 Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’

15  As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

18   So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

 

Advent Cantata

This Sunday, the choirs at First United Methodist Church will share the Advent cantata ’Twas the Night Before Advent.  This cantata was arranged at the same time as our 2024 Lenten cantata ’Twas the Night Before Lent.  The program centers around the familiar book by Clement Clarke Moore.  The readings are shared in a familiar rhyme, and each  musical  arrangement focuses on the preparation of our hearts for the coming birth of Jesus. 

The Children’s Choir, Adult Choir, Men’s Choir, Handbell Choir, and the Dulcimer Group will be participating.  The children will be using the desk bells and the Orff instruments as an added touch.  The Men’s Choir will be accompanied by Roger Lowe on the guitar. Please join us for this special worship service.

 

‘Twas the night before Advent, and all through the earth,

Every creature was stirring, awaiting a birth.

The time for Messiah was certainly near,

The prophets foretold it; the Bible was clear…..

 

Church Calendar

  • The Asbury Sunday School Class will meet this Thursday, December 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Church-wide cantata – This Sunday, December 15, during the morning worship service at 10:30 a.m.
  • Gifts distributed to RCS students/families – next Monday and Tuesday, December 16-17.
  • Preschool Christmas Program – Next Wednesday, December 18, at 10:00 a.m.
  • The WoW Factor will have a catered Christmas meal and Secret Santa next Wednesday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a gift priced $10.00 or less.
  • Moravian Love Feast – Next Sunday, December 22, in the morning worship service.
  • Christmas Eve Service – Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Church Offices Closed – Tuesday-Friday, December 24-27.
  • The Admin Council meeting is postponed until January 13, 2025.
  • The Ladies Sunday School Class is studying The Angels of Christmas by Susan Robb. The class meets in the room across form the pastor’s office at 9:30 a.m.
  • The Mountain Dulcimer Class will meet on Tuesday at 10:00 am to prepare for the Christmas Eve service. If you are a part of this group, please make every effort to join us for this rehearsal. We are looking forward to hearing the Dulcimers play in the Advent Cantata next Sunday, December 15.
  • 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. Please join us!
  • The Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. We are looking forward to hearing the Handbell Choir in the Advent Cantata this Sunday, December 15.
  • He-Brews Coffee and Conversation meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at Hope House Coffee Co. 1066 S. Broadway in Forest City.  Our current study: Acts: Lessons From Our Backstory by Jim Dalrymple. This week is our last meeting until January.

 

FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, December 15 – Youth meet promptly at 5:00 p.m. for our annual Christmas Shopping Trip. Please be on time as we will leave promptly at 5:00.
  • Next Sunday, December 22 – no UMYF
  • Sunday, December 29 – no UMYF
  • Sunday, January 5 – UMYF resumes

 

Income and Expenses 

Weekly Budget Needs: $8,798.41

Tithes and Offerings December 2-8 – $3,751.00

Expenses December 2-8 – $20,734.67

Received YTD – $329,187.04

Budget needs YTD – $431,122.09

 

Worship Helpers

 

This Sunday, December 15

Lector – Katherine Earley

Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin

Greeters – Linda Cross, Bobbi Pinson, Judy Toney

Ushers – Jim Still, Tyler Brown

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

 

Next Sunday, December 22

Lector – Sharon Shipley

Finance – Chris Cross, Tim Ridenhour

Greeters – Pam & William Blice

Ushers – Tripp Flack, Brian Gooch

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

 

December Birthdays

Matthew Bright           12/04

Norris Phillips             12/04

Bette Newton             12/05

Lincoln Garland         12/07

Meredith Street          12/07

Michael Earley          12/09

Shirley Shehan          12/09

Ken Collins                12/11

Sharon Shipley          12/13

Felicia Beaver            12/14

Rebecca Humphries   12/15

Hallie Sims                12/16

Jane Hill                    12/17

Robbie Iwerks           12/19

David Smith              12/19

Diony Hernandez      12/20

Mark Holmstrom       12/21

Jonathan Humphries  12/21

Collin Eaker               12/23

Linda Greene             12/25

Sharon Porter            12/25

Deborah Smith           12/26

Chuck Summey         12/28

Lois Hasty                  12/29

Ashley Garland           12/30

Marilla Okpych           12/31

The FUMC Newsletter

This page in the church website will be 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.