FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Luke 24:13-35

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ 19 He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25 Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

 

THis Sunday is Native American Ministries Sunday

United Methodists honor the gifts and leadership of Native peoples and acknowledge our call to deepen understanding of Native cultures. Fifty percent of this special offering stays within the conference to support local ministries through the Committee on Native American Ministries, 25% provides scholarships for Native students preparing for ministry, and 25% funds new programs such as mentoring, peer support, economic development, and the revitalization of traditional practices. Together, we uplift and celebrate Native American voices across the church.

 

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

Day 107   Fri. April 17   Ezra 4-6

Day 108   Sat. April 18   Ezra 7-10

Day 109   Sun. April 19   Nehemiah 1-4

Day 110   Mon. April 20   Nehemiah 5-7

Day 111   Tue. April 21   Nehemiah 8-10

Day 112   Wed. April 22   Nehemiah 11-13

Day 113   Thurs. April 23   Esther 1-4

Day 114   Fri. April 24   Esther 5-10

Day 115   Sat. April 25   Job 1-5

Day 116   Sun. April 26   Job 6-14

Day 117   Mon. April 27   Job 15-21

Day 118   Tue. April 28   Job 22-31

Day 119   Wed. April 29   Job 32-37

Day 120   Thurs. April 30   Job 38-42

Day 121   Fri. May 1   Psalms 1-4

Day 122   Sat. May 2   Psalms 5-8

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 

  •  Wonderful Wednesday will be wonderful again this coming Wednesday, April 22. Menu:BBQ and fixings. 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 FUMC Community Meal will be next Monday, April 27, from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Pentecost/Confirmation Sunday is May 24. We will celebrate Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday as our youth affirm their faith and step into the life of the church with new commitment and joy. A reception will follow worship. Please keep our youth in your prayers as they continue growing in Christ.
  • The Ladies Sunday School Class is studying Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda. This study focuses 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 meet again next Tuesday, April 21. 
  • 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.
  • The Handbell Choir will not meet again until the summer.
  • 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 2 by J.D. Greear. In this twelve-session series, Pastor Greear guides us through the second 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. 

 

Looking Ahead

  • VBS is Sunday, June 7 through Thursday, June 11. This year’s VBS, “Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23,” invites children into a joyful journey with God as the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects. Through stories, music, and hands on activities, kids will explore moving from fear to faith and finding peace in God’s care.

  • Youth Mission Trip – July 12-17. Our youth will return to Long’s Chapel this summer to serve in Hurricane Helene relief, helping families rebuild and recover. We invite you to join this effort through prayer, presence, or hands on service as we support our neighbors in need.

  • Camp Promise will be July 20-24, concluding with a special worship service on Sunday, July 26. Children are invited to a creative worship camp, where they’ll learn ways to praise God through music, movement, and worship arts. More details to come.If you are interested in volunteering for one or more of these programs, please contact Kristin.
  • Homecoming – Sunday, August 9. This will also be Back-to-School Sunday. We will have a covered dish lunch afterwards.

 

 FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, April 19 – Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill
  • Next Sunday, April 26 – Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill

 

Income and Expenses

Tithes and Offerings April 6– 12 – $7,474.15

Expenses April 6– 12 – $17,418.82

Received YTD – $115,540.99

Budget needs YTD – $125,887.40

 

Worship Helpers

April 19

Lector – Carlene Adair

Finance – Chris Cross, Tim Ridenhour

Greeters – Barbara Millwood, Martha Jones

Ushers – Kevin Keever, Brian Gooch, Baxter Carpenter

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

April 26

Lector – Patti Hopper

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Lois Hasty, Russell Spicer

Ushers – Chuck Summey, Mike Gavin, Tim Ridenhour

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

 

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

 

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!

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