FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

1  What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.

13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

16 For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

 

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.

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. The children will be sharing more information about this project during our worship service this Sunday.

 

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

Day 59   Sat. Feb. 28   Judges 9-12

Day 60   Sun. Mar. 1   Judges 13-16

Day 61   Mon. Mar. 2   Judges 17-21

Day 62   Tue. Mar. 3   Ruth 1-2

Day 63   Wed. Mar. 4   Ruth 3-4

Day 64   Thurs. Mar. 5   I Samuel 1-3

Day 65   Fri. Mar. 6   I Samuel 4-7

Day 66   Sat. Mar. 7   I Samuel 8-12

Day 67   Sun. Mar. 8   I Samuel 13-15

Day 68   Mon. Mar. 9   I Samuel 16-17

Day 69   Tue. Mar. 10   I Samuel 18-20

Day 70   Wed. Mar. 11   I Samuel 21-24

Day 71   Thurs. Mar. 12   I Samuel 25-28

Day 72   Fri. Mar. 13   I Samuel 29-31

Day 73   Sat. Mar. 14   II Samuel 1-4

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.

 

Fellowship Hall in Use March 3-4

The Rutherford County Board of Elections will be using our Fellowship Hall as a voting location during the primary election next Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3-4.

 

Church Calendar 

  • Spring Forward – Next Sunday, March 8 – We set our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet on Tuesday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Wonderful Wednesday returns on Wednesday, March 11. 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 Worship Committee will meet on Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The Friendship Circle will meet on Friday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • The WoW Factor Senior group will be out to lunch on Wednesday, March 18. We will be leaving the church at 10:00 a.m. to travel to Abele’s Family Restaurant in Morganton. Please RSVP to George Holleman at (828) 755-4830 or georgeholleman@gmail.com to make your reservation.
  • 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, meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the church office.
  • 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.

 

FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, March 1 – Confirmation class with Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
  • Next Sunday, March 8 – Confirmation class with Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 13 – We will leave the church at 4:00 p.m. for a Confirmation Retreat at Lake Junaluska. We will return on Sunday, March 15 in the afternoon. 

 

the Confirmation Class of 2026

The Youth, led by Pastor Bill, will gather at 5:00 p.m. for Confirmation Classes. All youth are warmly encouraged to participate, including those who were confirmed in previous years. Adults are also invited to join the group to support and guide our students as they rediscover what it means to be a United Methodist Christian. Please keep this group in your prayers as they continue their important journey of faith, learning, and discipleship. For more information, please contact Pastor Bill or the church office.

 

Income and Expenses

Tithes & Offerings February 1-22 – $45,865.25

Expenses February 1-22 – $17,497.44

Received YTD – $67,530.00

Budget Needs YTD – $61,398.05

 

Worship Helpers

March 1

Lector – Freida Phillips

Finance – Scott Webber, Michele Smith

Greeters – Suzan Rhyne, Sharon Shipley

Ushers – Cooper Flack, Steve Roper, Gary Shipley

Head Usher – Matt Bright

Communion Stewards – Cathy Hoyle, Judy Toney

 

March 8

Lector – Lea Danner

Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin

Greeters – Suzan Rhyne, Sharon Shipley

Ushers – Parker Tate, Mark Holmstrom, Chuck Summey

Head Usher – Matt Bright

 

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

 

February Birthdays

Christy Brown            02/25

Tripp Flack                 02/25

Josh Roper                  02/25

Barbara Millwood       02/26

Iris Sechriest              02/26

Jennifer Thompson      02/26

 

March Birthdays

Tom Spradlin              03/02

Christopher Fowler     03/03

Jonas Fowler               03/03

Jase Warner                03/03

Owen Hopper             03/06

Brenda Danner           03/08

Holly Keever              03/10

Libby Cheshire           03/11

Leigh Danner             03/11

Todd Calvert               03/12

Lisa Webber               03/12

Baxter Carpenter        03/13

Olivia Taunton            03/13

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

 

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.