FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from Matthew 5:13-20

13  ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Service for Polly Holland

The service for Polly Holland has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 21. Please continue to keep Gerry and family in your prayers.

 

Confirmation Class of 2026

Do you remember your Confirmation Class? If you were raised in a Methodist, or for many of us, a United Methodist home, then Confirmation may have been an important part of your life. It was during Confirmation that we moved from being children in the church (truly a wonderful thing to be) to adults in the congregation with all the rights and responsibilities that brings. It was a time to make significant life decisions. Our Confirmation Classes helped provide the information we needed to make these important spiritual decisions.

My own Confirmation experience happened when I was a seventh grader attending Irving Park UMC in Greensboro. Confirmation was led by our pastor, Rev. Lawrence McCleskey, who led us on a journey to understand what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a United Methodist, and how we can live out our faith each and every day. I didn’t know then that I would one day be called into Ordained Ministry. Rev. McCleskey didn’t know that he would one day become the Bishop of our Conference. He helped everyone in our class understand our faith in Jesus Christ as a powerful and holy presence giving direction and encouragement to each of us.

I am excited that, starting later on in February, we will begin a Confirmation Journey with our young people. We intend to offer this during our weekly 5:00 p.m. Sunday Youth meetings. Many of our Youth have already completed Confirmation in recent years, but their presence will add to our weekly conversations because of their own experiences as young leaders in our church. Along with these youth and the sixth graders who will be joining them, I want to open our class to anyone who wants to participate. Perhaps you took Confirmation fifty or more years ago, as I did, but would like a refresher course. Perhaps you transferred to the United Methodist Church from another denomination that didn’t offer Confirmation. Perhaps you have been visiting with us for a few weeks or a few years, and you want to know more about what membership means. Or, maybe you are simply curious. Please know that you are invited to participate with our 2026 Confirmation Class each Sunday that we meet.

Now, I do have one request for the adults that join in with these young people: let’s allow the young people to drive the conversation! After all, they are our primary reason for offering the class and they deserve every opportunity to learn. But, along with this, I think we may learn a great deal from them as well. I think our young people have much to teach us about how to follow Jesus and how to be a good church member. So, adults should know they are invited, and we want you to join the conversation after the young folks have their turn, but our motto in Confirmation will be “young people first.”

Sixth graders and above who have not already completed Confirmation, we REALLY want you to be a part of this important class. Other youth who have already been confirmed, please be on hand each week to offer your wisdom and to help us all learn something new. And, adults of all ages, come join the fun. The word confirmation is built upon the idea of being formed together, together with each other, and together with Christ, we become the church.

 

The Lord be with you!

Rev. Bill Roberts

 

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 34   Tue. Feb. 3   Numbers 1-4

Day 35   Wed. Feb. 4   Numbers 5-7

Day 36   Thurs. Feb. 5   Numbers 8-10

Day 37   Fri. Feb. 6   Numbers 11-14

Day 38   Sat. Feb. 7   Numbers 15-18

Day 39   Sun. Feb. 8   Numbers 19-21

Day 40   Mon. Feb. 9   Numbers 22-25

Day 41   Tue. Feb. 10   Numbers 26-31

Day 42   Wed. Feb. 11   Numbers 32-36

Day 43   Thurs. Feb. 12   Deuteronomy 1-4

Day 44   Fri. Feb. 13   Deuteronomy 5-8

Day 45   Sat. Feb. 14   Deuteronomy 9-1

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 

  • Souper Bowl Sunday is this 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.
  • Scout Sunday is this Sunday, February 8.
  • The Administrative Council will meet this Monday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will this coming Tuesday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet this coming Tuesday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Wonderful Wednesday comes out of hibernation next Wednesday, February 11. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $5/person, $15/family.
  • Winter Wonderland Dinner – Next Sunday, February 15, at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost $15.00/person. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 11 to the church office. Menu: herb roasted chicken, green bean and carrot almondine, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, salad, rolls, and homemade desserts.
  • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner – Tuesday, February 17, from 4:30-6 p.m. Donations are welcomed, and will be given to Yokefellow Ministries. Thank you for your support of our outreach and ministry programs.
  • The WoW Factor Senior group will be going out to lunch on Wednesday, February 18. We will be leaving the church at 10:30 a.m.—so be there before that—to travel to Landrum, SC for lunch at Southern Manners Restaurant. Please be on time as we are trying to beat the lunch crowd and sit together. Please RSVP to George Holleman at (828) 755-4830 or georgeholleman@gmail.com to make your reservation.
  • Ash Wednesday Service – Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Forest City. First Presbyterian will be hosting FUMC and First Baptist Forest City. Join us as we remember our faith and usher in the season of Lent.
  • 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. 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. 

     

    FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, February 8 – No UMYF
  • Next Sunday, February 15 – Winter Wonderland Dinner – meet at 4:00 p.m.

 

Income and Expenses

Weekly Budget Needs: $8,771.15

Tithes and Offerings Jan. 26-Feb. 1 – 

Expenses 26-Feb. 1 –

Received YTD – 

Budget needs YTD – 

 

Worship Helpers

 

February 8

Lector – Marla Morgan

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Judy Toney, Bobbi Pinson

Ushers – Russ Garmon, Brian Gooch, Parker Tate

Head Usher – Chuck Summey

Communion Stewards – Russell Spicer, Christy Brown

 

February 15

Lector – Cooper Flack

Finance – David Eaker, Mike Gavin

Greeters – Keely Somerset, Jessica Anderson

Ushers – Tim Ridenhour, Chris Cross, Tyler Brown

Head Usher – Chuck Summey

 

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

Gaye Ridenhour         02/01

Russ Bennett              02/02

Gladys Hernandez      02/02

Egan Newton             02/02

Claire Jackson             02/03

Joanne Eaker              02/04

Gerald Holland           02/08

Jexxton Smith             02/09

Josh Duncan               02/10

Chris Cross                 02/11

Jonathan Warner         02/13

Don Heath                  02/15

Tyler Brown               02/17

L A Rhyne                  02/21

Tim Arnold                 02/22

Brennan Jacob             02/22

Joyce Waters               02/24

Christy Brown            02/25

Tripp Flack                 02/25

Josh Roper                  02/25

Barbara Millwood       02/26

Iris Sechriest              02/26

Jennifer Thompson      02/26

 

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.