The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Luke 14:1, 7-14
1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’
12 He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’
Leadership Planning Retreat
Mark your calendars! You’re invited to our Leadership Planning Retreat next Sunday, September 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
This will be a time for us to come together as a church family, prayerfully seeking God’s vision for our ministry. Each of us has been blessed with unique gifts and talents, and together we can use them to glorify God and strengthen the mission of our church.
Whether you already serve on a committee or are still discerning where God is calling you, we encourage you to come and be part of the conversation. Your voice, your perspective, and your presence matter.
Thank you for the many ways you serve, and for your willingness to step forward in faith as we plan for the future.
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 FUMC Preschool year begins this week on Wednesday and Friday, August 27 and 29. We are looking forward to another great year.
- The Church Offices will be closed this Monday, September 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
- Leadership Planning Retreat for church officers, and any others interested in serving in the church, next Sunday, September 7, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
- The Administrative Council will meet next Monday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
- The More or Less Circle will meet on Tuesday, September 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
- The Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
- Choir Practice will be on Tuesdays beginning September 9 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.
- Handbells will begin on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
- The WoW Factor adventure for September will be on Wednesday, Sept. 17. We will leave at 9:30 a.m. for a trip to Lake Junaluska. Lunch will happen (more info later), and then Pastor Bill will lead a tour of the chapel, auditorium, and grounds. On our way home, we will stop at DairiO for ice cream.
- The Community Meal will resume on Monday, September 22.
- Wonderful Wednesday – The wonderfulness will return on October 8 in the Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendars and come hungry! Food will be served at 5:30 p.m. Watch for more information.
- FUMC-ERHS Baking Ministry – happens on second and fourth Tuesdays in the kitchen from 8:45-10:45 a.m.
- 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. We are studying The Book of Hebrews by Derwin Grey. Everyone is invited to attend.
FUMC Youth
- This Sunday, August 31 – No UMYF
- Next Sunday, September 7 – UMYF led by Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 14 – UMYF led by Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 21 – No UMYF
- Sunday, September 28 – UMYF led by Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
Income and Expenses
Weekly Budget Needs: $8,479.33
Tithes and Offerings August 18-24 – $5,882.75
Expenses August 18-24 – $21,516.83
Received YTD – $246,037.62
Budget needs YTD – $279,817.89
Worship Helpers
This Sunday, August 31
Lector – Russell Spicer
Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin
Greeters – Russ & Cherry Garmon
Ushers – Gary Shipley, David Eaker
Head Usher – Chuck Summey
Next Sunday, September 7 – correction
Lector – Marla Morgan
Finance – Chris Cross, Tim Ridenhour
Greeters – L.A. & Suzan Rhyne
Ushers – Cooper Flack, Brian Gooch
Head Usher – Matt Bright
Communion Stewards – Martha Jones, Lois Hasty
The food item for Yokefellow Sept.-Dec. is any variety of canned beans. Please bring items to the office.
August Birthdays
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
Madison Ruff 09/11
Georgia Foster 09/13
Edy Price 09/13
Beckett Webber 09/14
Jaxon Benson 09/16
John Landis 09/16
Kristin Holmstrom 09/16
Neil Haynes 09/18
Pamela Blice 09/21
Jamie Keever 09/23
Jason Ruff 09/24
Gary Shipley 09/24
Jef Flack 09/27
Mary Jones 09/27
Rhonda Shelton 09/29
Zola Smith 09/29
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 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.