FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from I Samuel 16:1-13

1 The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’
2 Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Take a heifer with you, and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.” 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.’ 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ 5 He said, ‘Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.’ And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.’ 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ 10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ 11 Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’ And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.’ 12 He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

 

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 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

Day 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 this 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 

  • The More or Less Circle will meet this Tuesday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet this Tuesday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Wonderful Wednesday returns this 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 this Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The Friendship Circle will meet this 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 next 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 at 7:00 a.m. followed by a churchwide breakfast at 8:00. 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 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. 
  • This Sunday, March 15 – No UMYF
  • Next Sunday, March 22– Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill
  • Palm Sunday, March 29 – Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill
  • Easter Sunday, April 5 – No UMYF

 

Income and Expenses

Tithes and Offerings March 2-8 – $4,089.75

Expenses March 2-8 – $13,024.29

Received YTD – $82,031.65

Budget needs YTD – $78,940.35

 

Worship Helpers

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

 

March 22

Lector – Marla Morgan

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Linda Cross, Bobbi Pinson

Ushers – Parker Tate, David Eaker, Tyler Brown

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.