FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Matthew 21:1-11

1  When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ 4 This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5 ‘Tell the daughter of Zion,

Look, your king is coming to you,

humble, and mounted on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

‘Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ 11 The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

 

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.

 

Mile of Money – Children’s Service Project

Our children are leading the way in service through the Mile of Money project! This hands-on ministry invites children to collect loose change and dollar bills with a goal of raising $1,000 to support the ministries of Yokefellow, an organization that provides food, comfort, and care to neighbors in need. We are close to our goal!

This project helps children learn that even small gifts can make a big difference when shared in love. As they give, they are living out the words of Scripture:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…for God loves a cheerful giver.”

(II Corinthians 9:7)

Thank you for encouraging our children as they grow in faith, generosity, and compassion while serving others in meaningful ways.

 

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

Day 83   Tue. Mar. 24   I Kings 17-19

Day 84   Wed. Mar. 25   I Kings 20-22

Day 85   Thurs. Mar. 26   II Kings 1-8:15

Day 86   Fri. Mar. 27   II Kings 8:16-10

Day 87   Sat. Mar. 28   II Kings 11-13

Day 88   Sun. Mar. 29   II Kings 14-17

Day 89   Mon. Mar. 30   II Kings 18-21

Day 90   Tue. Mar. 31   II Kings 22-25

Day 91   Wed. April 1   I Chronicles 1-9

Day 92   Thurs. April 2   I Chronicles 10-12

Day 93   Fri. April 3   I Chronicles 13-16

Day 94   Sat. April 4   I Chronicles 17-22

Day 95   Sun. April 5   I Chronicles 22:2-27

Day 96   Mon. April 6   I Chronicles 28-29

Day 97   Tue. April 7   II Chronicles 1-5:1

Day 98   Wed. April 8   II Chronicles 5:2-9

Day 99   Thurs. April 9   II Chronicles 10-13

Day 100   Fri. April 10   II Chronicles 14-16

Day 101   Sat. April 11   II Chronicles 17-20

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

 

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 

  • The N. O. W. (Nurture, Outreach, Witness) Committee will meet this Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Palm Sunday -This Sunday, March 29 – Following the worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, we will have a covered dish lunch in the Fellowship Hall, and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. The church will provide meat, rolls, and drinks. Please bring enough side dishes for your family and more. Hope to see you there!
  • Maundy Thursday Service – 7:00 p.m. next Thursday, April 2, at FBC Forest City.
  • Good Friday Service – 7:00 p.m. next Friday, April 3, at FUMC Forest City. Join us as we welcome FBC Forest City and First Presbyterian Church of Forest City. There will be a joint choir, and we welcome Bonnie Scruggs on the cello. 
  • The Sunrise Service will be here at FUMC -7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 5. Weather permitting, we will meet at the cross and move to the chapel. The service will be followed by a churchwide breakfast at 8:00 a.m. All are invited! 
  • Easter Service – Sunday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. On Easter, we are going to decorate the large cross in the sanctuary with flowers from our yards, gardens, or the florist shop if you prefer! Please bring your flowers into the Sanctuary on Easter morning and place them in the cross before the start of the 10:30 a.m. service. The flowers on the cross will reflect our joy in the Lord’s resurrection and his gift of new life!
  • The Church Offices will be closed on Monday, April 6, for the Easter holiday.
  • Wonderful Wednesday is wonderful again on April 8. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5/person, $15/family. Pastor Bill will be hosting a discussion group on the Bible Year readings afterwards.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet on Tuesday, April 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, April 14, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • 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, will not meet until Tuesday, April 21. See you then!
  • 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 rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
  • 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.

 

Looking Ahead

  • VBS is Sunday, June 7 through Thursday, June 14. (Note date change.) Please see Kristin if you would like to help.
  • Camp Promise will be July 20-24, concluding with a special worship service on Sunday, July 26.

 

 FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, Palm Sunday, March 29 – Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill
  • Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, April 5 – No UMYF
  • Sunday, April 12 – Regular UMYF at 5:00 p.m.

 

Income and Expenses

Tithes and Offerings March 16-22 – $4,456.66

Expenses March 16-22 – $7,088.65

Received YTD – $88,092.31

Budget needs YTD – $99,573.95

 

Worship Helpers

March 29

Lector – Roger Lowe

Finance – Freida Phillips, Gary Shipley

Greeters – Paula Rogalski, Judy Toney

Ushers – Don Hastings, Marc Duncan, Gerry Holland

Head Usher – Matt Bright

 

April 5

Lector – Katie Bass

Finance – Scott Webber, Michele Smith

Greeters – Russ & Cherry Garmon

Ushers – Jim Still, Chris Cross, Russ Garmon

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

Communion Stewards – Gary Shipley, Keeley Somerset

 

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

 

March Birthdays

Michele Smith            03/16

Laela Humphries        03/17

LeeAnne Summey      03/18

Kellan Jones                03/23

Will Taunton              03/23

Pat Cline                    03/24

Benjamin Eaker          03/27

Steven Jones               03/27

Jim Anderson             03/28

April Birthdays

Landon Gooch           04/01

Steve Roper               04/08

Susan Reepe              04/11

Brian Gooch              04/12

Harper Melton            04/15

Charles Bass              04/16

Michelle Okpych        04/17

George Holleman       04/19

Carol Holder              04/21

Logan Gooch             04/22

Ella Bass                    04/24

Linda Cross               04/25

Jasper Fagan              04/25

Sydney Flack             04/25

Grayson Hill              04/26

Maggie Taunton         04/26

Harrison Bass            04/29

 

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.