FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday Is from I Peter 2:19-25

19 For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.

22 ‘He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

 

National Day of Prayer

I’ve always been a fan of President Harry Truman. His life’s story is filled with down-to-earth stories and, yes, some very salty language. But, he was what we could certainly call an “everyman” who achieved greatness because of who he was and not because of family wealth or lofty pedigree. He was a Missouri farm boy, a combat veteran, a failed businessman, who built his reputation on hard work and integrity, and thus became one of the most respected presidents our nation has ever known, leading through one of the darkest periods in our history.

Perhaps his greatness is illuminated by one important act. In April of 1952, Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress thus issuing Presidential Proclamation 2978 calling for a National Day of Prayer that was planned for July 4th of that year. The purpose of this National Day of Prayer was that we might collectively pray for wisdom and strength for our nation.

It was a good idea then, and it remains a good idea today. The Nation Day of Prayer has seen at least one major change. President Ronald Reagan moved this annual observance from July 4th to the first Thursday of each May. It has also seen some controversy. In my years of ministry, I have heard some critics say that the day has been taken over by one political ideology or another, or by one theological extreme or another. If these criticism are true, I think the best corrective is for ALL people of ALL political persuasions and ALL faith convictions to participate. If we ALL take time to pray, and the Lord will get to hear ALL of our voices fairly, and the Day of Prayer will belong to ALL of us and not a subset of any of us.

And so, to help us move toward that goal, I am issuing a Pastoral Proclamation proclaiming May 7, 2027, the National Day of Prayer, as a Prayer Vigil for First United Methodist Church in Forest City, its members, visitors, and guests. (If such a proclamation seems beyond my authority, let’s simply call it an invitation!) On that day, we will open our Sanctuary from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. so that you may drop by at your convenience for a time of prayer. You are welcome to pray for a few minutes or for much longer as you feel led, and we will even have suggestions for prayer on our screens to assist you should you desire to use them. Others may be praying while you are there, and that is okay. You can share in a prayer time with family and friends, or you may find a quiet place by yourself for your own time of meditation. As long as we are respectful of the prayer needs of others, there are no restrictions. And, if your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to come to the church, I encourage you to find a time and place on that day to lift up your prayers. The time and location are secondary. The act of prayer is what is important.

Imagine if every member of our church took time that day for prayer. Imagine if every person in Forest City took that time. Imagine if every resident of North Carolina and every citizen of these United States took time that day for intentional prayer. I believe it would make an important difference, so important that it might well happen again the next day, and each following day. Perhaps soon we would see every Christian around the world, perhaps even every person of every faith, taking time for daily prayer. Soon we would see that prayer isn’t our last resort in times of trouble, but the first step toward lives of peace. Soon we would see that Harry Truman was right, we need to pray for wisdom and strength, and that God is eager to answer that prayer.

The Lord be with you!

Rev. Bill Roberts

 

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

Day 111   Tue. April 21   Nehemiah 8-10

Day 112   Wed. April 22   Nehemiah 11-13

Day 113   Thurs. April 23   Esther 1-4

Day 114   Fri. April 24   Esther 5-10

Day 115   Sat. April 25   Job 1-5

Day 116   Sun. April 26   Job 6-14

Day 117   Mon. April 27   Job 15-21

Day 118   Tue. April 28   Job 22-31

Day 119   Wed. April 29   Job 32-37

Day 120   Thurs. April 30   Job 38-42

Day 121   Fri. May 1   Psalms 1-4

Day 122   Sat. May 2   Psalms 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.

 

Bud Vases Needed

Please bring your extra bud vases to the church office. Lisa Roper delivers the fresh flowers used in the sanctuary to those who cannot get to church. Thank you for supporting this visitation ministry.

 

Church Calendar 

  •  Wonderful Wednesday will be wonderful again this Wednesday, April 22. Menu: BBQ and fixings. 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 FUMC Community Meal will be this coming Monday, April 27, from 4:30-6 p.m.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The More or Less Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parlor.
  • The Grace Circle will meet on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • Pentecost/Confirmation Sunday is May 24. We will celebrate Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday as our youth affirm their faith and step into the life of the church with new commitment and joy. A reception will follow worship. Please keep our youth in your prayers as they continue growing in Christ.
  • The Ladies Sunday School Class is studying Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda. This study focuses 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.
  • 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.
  • The Handbell Choir will not meet again until the summer.
  • 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 2 by J.D. Greear. In this twelve-session series, Pastor Greear guides us through the second 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. 

 

Looking Ahead

  • VBS is Sunday, June 7 through Thursday, June 11, from 6-8:00 p.m. This year’s VBS, “Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23,” invites children into a joyful journey with God as the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects. Through stories, music, and hands on activities, kids will explore moving from fear to faith and finding peace in God’s care.

  • Youth Mission Trip – July 12-17. Our youth will return to Long’s Chapel this summer to serve in Hurricane Helene relief, helping families rebuild and recover. We invite you to join this effort through prayer, presence, or hands on service as we support our neighbors in need.

  • Camp Promise will be July 20-24, concluding with a special worship service on Sunday, July 26. Children are invited to a creative worship camp, where they’ll learn ways to praise God through music, movement, and worship arts. More details to come. If you are interested in volunteering for one or more of these programs, please contact Kristin.

  • Homecoming – Sunday, August 9. This will also be Back-to-School Sunday. We will have a covered dish lunch afterwards.

 

 FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, April 26- Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill
  • Next Sunday, May 3- Confirmation Class at 5:00 p.m. led by Pastor Bill

 

Income and Expenses

Tithes and Offerings April 13– 19 – $2,328.60

Expenses April 13– 19 – $12,923.35

Received YTD – $116,606.49

Budget needs YTD – $134,658.55

 

Worship Helpers

April 26

Lector – Cooper Flack

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Lois Hasty, Russell Spicer

Ushers – Chuck Summey, Mike Gavin, Tim Ridenhour

Head Usher – Cooper Flack

May 3

Lector – Denise Gavin

Finance – Freida Phillips, Gary Shipley

Greeters – Keely Somerset, Landon Gooch

Ushers – Marc Duncan, Don Hastings, Jimmy Okpych

Head Usher – Tim Ridenhour

Communion Stewards – 

 

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

 

April Birthdays

Landon Gooch           04/01

Steve Roper               04/08

Susan Reepe              04/11

Brian Gooch              04/12

Harper Melton            04/15

Charles Bass              04/16

Michelle Okpych        04/17

George Holleman       04/19

Carol Holder              04/21

Logan Gooch             04/22

Ella Bass                    04/24

Linda Cross               04/25

Jasper Fagan              04/25

Sydney Flack             04/25

Grayson Hill              04/26

Maggie Taunton         04/26

Harrison Bass            04/29

 

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 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.