FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Romans 5:1-11

1  Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

 

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 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

Day 74   Sun. Mar. 15   II Samuel 5-7

Day 75   Mon. Mar. 16   II Samuel 8-10

Day 76   Tue. Mar. 17   II Samuel  11-14

Day 77   Wed. Mar. 18   II Samuel  15-19

Da  78   Thurs. Mar. 19   II Samuel 20-24

Day 79   Fri. Mar. 20   I Kings 1-4

Day 80   Sat. Mar. 21   I Kings 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.

 

UMCOR Sunday

UMCOR Sunday is next Sunday, March 15.

UMCOR Sunday seeks to increase awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday play a vital role in enhancing the church’s global humanitarian response because these funds cover UMCOR’s administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it’s needed most.

 

Church Calendar 

  • Spring Forward – This Sunday, March 8 – We set our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time.
  • The Administrative Council will meet next Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet next Tuesday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet next Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Wonderful Wednesday returns next 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. Menu: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert.
  • The Worship Committee will meet next Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The Friendship Circle will meet next Friday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • UMCOR Sunday, March 15. We will have a special offering to support UMC global humanitarian response for on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts.
  • The WoW Factor Senior group will be out to lunch on Wednesday, March 18. We will be leaving the church at 10:30 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 FUMC Community Meal will be on Monday, March 23, from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Wonderful Wednesday happens again on March 25. 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 N. O. W. (Nurture, Outreach, Witness) Committee will meet on Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Palm 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. More details to come.
  • Maundy Thursday Service – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at FBC Forest City.
  • Good Friday Service – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, at FUMC Forest City.
  • 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.

 

Easter Sunday at FUMC

Join us for a Sunrise Service here at FUMC followed by breakfast. Times TBD. Our Resurrection Celebration continues with Sunday School classes at 9:30 a.m. followed by the morning worship service in the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m.  Stay tuned for more details.

 

Looking Ahead

  • VBS is Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18. 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, March 8 – Confirmation class with Pastor Bill at 5:00 p.m.
  • Next Friday, March 13 – We will leave the church at 4:00 p.m. for a Confirmation Retreat at Lake Junaluska, and will return on Sunday, March 15 in the afternoon. 
  • Next Sunday, March 15 – No UMYF

 

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 and Offerings Feb.23-Mar. 1 – $10,411.90

Expenses Feb.23-Mar. 1 – $14,871.44

Received YTD – $77,941.90

Budget needs YTD – $70,169.20

 

Worship Helpers

March 8

Lector – Lea Danner

Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin

Greeters – Lois Hasty, Martha Jones, Russell Spicer

Ushers – Parker Tate, Mark Holmstrom, Chuck Summey

Head Usher – Matt Bright

 

March 15

Lector – Russell Spicer

Finance – Gary Shipley, Tim Ridenhour

Greeters – Keeley Somerset, Jessica Anderson

Ushers – Tim Ridenhour, Brian Gooch, Gary Shipley

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

 

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.