FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Luke 15:1-10

1  Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

3 So he told them this parable: 4 ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

8 ‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

 

Church-wide Leadership Training

     My thanks to all who were able to attend the Leadership Training event this past Sunday afternoon. I felt that it was a great opportunity to celebrate the giftedness of our church’s leaders and to determine shared directions for our various committees and teams as we prayerfully discern where the Lord is leading us. Each leader is important in our work, and each member is called to be a leader!

     One of our first tasks is our preparation for our annual Charge Conference, which, we have just learned, will take place at 3:00 p.m. on October 5. The District Office has determined to do cluster Charge Conferences this year with the United Methodist Churches in each county meeting together. So, we will be gathering with our sister Rutherford County churches at Spindale UMC, 185 Mill Street. While all members of our Administrative Council are required to attend, all members are invited to attend this important meeting.

     Other meetings will soon be scheduled in preparation for Charge Conference. We will announce all of these meetings as they are scheduled. A brief called meeting of the Administrative Council will take place immediately following worship on Sunday, September 28, in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom. We thank each of you for your support of our church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness!

 

The Lord be with you!

Rev. Bill Roberts

 

Church Calendar

  • Handbells will begin this Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
  • The Lay Leadership Committee will meet this Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs conference room.
  • The WoW Factor adventure for September will be next Wednesday, Sept. 17. We will leave at 9:30 a.m. for a trip to Lake Junaluska. After a box lunch, Pastor Bill will lead a tour of the chapel, auditorium, and grounds. On our way home, we will stop at DairiO for ice cream. Please RSVP to the church office at 828-245-6446 and select either a ham or turkey sandwich. Your lunch depends on it.
  • The Community Meal will resume on Monday, September 22, from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Administrative Council Called Meeting – Sunday, September 28, after the morning worship service in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Charge Conference will be on Sunday, October 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Spindale UMC, located at 185 Mill St. Everyone is invited, Admin. Council members are required to attend.
  • Wonderful Wednesday – The wonderfulness will return on October 8 in the Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendars and come hungry! Food will be served at 5:30 p.m.  Watch for more information.
  • FUMC-ERHS Baking Ministry – happens every other Tuesday in the kitchen from 8:45-10:45 a.m.
  • The Mountain Dulcimer Group – first and third Tuesdays of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Choir Room.
  • Choir Practice is now 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.
  • Handbells rehearse on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
  • He-Brews Coffee and Conversation meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at Hope House Coffee Co. 1066 S. Broadway in Forest City. We are studying The Book of Hebrews by Derwin Grey. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, September 14 – UMYF led by Pastor Bill and Lisa at 5:00 p.m.
  • Next Sunday, September 21 – No UMYF
  • Sunday, September 28 – UMYF led by Pastor Bill and Lisa at 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday October 5 – Corn Maze Adventure!

 

Income and Expenses 

Weekly Budget Needs: $8,479.33

Tithes and Offerings September 1-7 – $12,462.25

Expenses September 1-7 – $31,386.49

Received YTD – $262,770.47

Budget needs YTD – $296,776.55

 

Worship Helpers

This Sunday, September 14

Lector – Gerry Holland

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Sharon Shipley, Martha Jones

Ushers – Matt Bright, Steve Roper

Head Usher – Matt Bright

 

Next Sunday, September 21

Lector – Roger Lowe

Finance – Freida Phillips, Gary Shipley

Greeters – Barbara Millwood, Lois Hasty, Russell Spicer

Ushers – Gerry Holland, Jim Still

Head Usher – Matt Bright

 

The food item for Yokefellow Sept.-Dec. is any variety of canned beans. Please bring items to the office.

 

September Birthdays

Lauren Harrill            09/03

Anna Duncan             09/06

Madison Ruff             09/11

Georgia Foster           09/13

Edy Price                   09/13

Beckett Webber          09/14

Jaxon Benson             09/16

John Landis                09/16

Kristin Holmstrom      09/16

Neil Haynes               09/18

Pamela Blice              09/21

Jamie Keever              09/23

Jason Ruff                  09/24

Gary Shipley             09/24

Jef Flack                     09/27

Mary Jones                 09/27

Rhonda Shelton          09/29

Zola Smith                 09/29

 

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 have requested it. If you no longer need the printed copy, please let the church office know. 

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.