FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Matthew 4:12-23

12  Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,

on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

16 the people who sat in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death

light has dawned.’

17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’

18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

 

Equip & Connect Laity Conference

Pastor Bill invites all church leaders to participate in the Equip & Connect training on January 25, 2026, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Lake Junaluska Harrell Center. Connect with other leaders across your district and learn about roles, best practices, and new ideas for ministry. This session is designed for and open to all local church leaders serving as Lay Leaders, or on Church Councils, Trustees, Pastor Parish Relations Committees (PPRCs), or Finance Committees.

The church will provide transportation for those who request it.  Please let the office know as soon as possible so that we can arrange for drivers.  We will depart from the church at 12:00 noon, and stop for lunch on the way to the event.  We appreciate your service to the church. We will keep you updated on changes due to weather.

 

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.

 

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

Day 20   Tue. Jan. 20   Exodus 15:22-18

Day 21   Wed. Jan. 21   Exodus 19-21

Day 22   Thurs. Jan. 22   Exodus 22-24

Day 23   Fri. Jan. 23   Exodus 25-27

Day 24   Sat. Jan. 24   Exodus 28-30

Day 25   Sun. Jan. 25   Exodus 31-34

Day 26   Mon. Jan. 26   Exodus 35-40

Day 27   Tue. Jan. 27   Leviticus 1-4

Day 28   Wed. Jan. 28   Leviticus 5-7

Day 29   Thurs. Jan. 29   Leviticus 8-10

Day 30   Fri. Jan. 30   Leviticus 11-14

Day 31   Sat. Jan. 31   Leviticus 15-18

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.

 

Church Calendar

  • The Wow Factor Senior Group will meet on Wednesday, January 21, in the Church Fellowship Hall for lunch and a discussion with Clark Poole, a representative of Rutherford County, about challenges facing seniors in Rutherford County. Please contact George Holleman at 828-755-4830, to make your reservation. We look forward to your participation and to sharing a meaningful time of fellowship together.
  • Trustees Meeting – Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The FUMC Community Meal has been moved to Monday, February 2, from 4:30-6p.m.
  • Souper Bowl Sunday – February 8. Join us for Souper Bowl Sunday as we come together in fellowship and generosity. Please bring cans of soup, vegetables, and other non-perishable food items to the morning worship service to be shared with Yokefellow. Monetary donations will also be accepted, and 100% of all money donated will be given directly to Yokefellow to support their food and emergency assistance ministry. Everyone is invited to participate as we care for our neighbors and share God’s love in practical ways.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Ash Wednesday Service – Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of 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, 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. If you would like to join this group and sing with the choir on Sundays, please see Jane. 
  • 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.
  • Wonderful Wednesdays will be on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Bill will be hosting a discussion group on the Bible Year readings afterwards. We hope to see you there.
  • Handbell rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, and will resume in January. If you would like to join this group, please see Jane.

  • 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.  In this eleven-session series, Pastor Greear guides us through the first 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.

     

    FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, January 25– No UMYF.
  • Next Sunday, February 1– Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m.

 

Confirmation Class of 2026

Beginning on Sunday, February 1, 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

Weekly Budget Needs: $8,771.15

Tithes and Offerings Jan. 12-18 – $1,757.25

Expenses Jan. 12-18 – $13,548.72

Received YTD – $17,602.00

Budget needs YTD – $26,313.45

 

Worship Helpers

January 25

Lector – Cooper Flack

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Judy Toney, Bobbi Pinson

Ushers – Russ Garmon, Brian Gooch, Parker Tate

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

February 1

Lector – 

Finance – 

Greeters – 

Ushers – 

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

 

January Birthdays

MacKenzie Brown             01/01

Micaela Brown Endicott    01/01

Ronda Eaker                     01/01

Jamey Anderson               01/04

Sharon Still                       01/05

Anna Feagin                      01/10

Angela Flack                     01/10

Margaret Brooks                01/11

Frances Hernandez           01/11

Elaine Wolf                       01/13

Braxton Flack                    01/15

Trent Parris                       01/15

Keely Somerset                  01/16

Jim Still                             01/16

Tonya Wright                    01/21

Judith Harrill                     01/24

Emersyn Tate                    01/24

Zachary Eaker                   01/25

Caleb Hoyle                       01/27

Patti Hopper                      01/29

Matthew Trout                   01/30

 

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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