FUMC Newsletter

The scripture Lesson for this Sunday is from Galatians 5:1, 13-25

1  For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

 

Annual Conference Report

Dear Church,
This year’s Annual Conference was the most dynamic I have ever attended. Our theme was Rebuild My Church. Events beginning with the Covid Pandemic, the Disaffiliation of some of our churches and Hurricane Helene have caused us to look at who we are and to take some steps toward honoring more closely the connectional importance of our United Methodist Church. Our Conference vision statement was Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully and Lead Courageously.
Our sermons and workshops all spoke to this vision statement and showed that we are at our strongest and best when we work together to learn, know and practice God’s Will for us. In keeping with the theme and the vision statement of the Conference our speakers shared with the us that we are indeed called to do God’s Will. We are to heal wounds, speak the truth, build bridges, practice forgiveness, embody hope and most importantly reflect the love and character of Jesus himself. To show that we are “practicing what was preached” the designated offerings were to provide funding for the repair of Historically Black churches and to have a covenant relationship with the Ukraine/Moldova Provisional Annual Conference. Dynamic Bishops from other conferences delivered heartfelt and passionate sermons thanking and challenging us to continue deepening our faith by our outward actions in God’s World.
Meeting old friends, former pastors and making new friends was also a very real part of the experience. Having the opportunity to spend time with Bill and Lisa was of course meaningful and lots of fun! Thank you for the privilege of being your delegate to the 2026 Western North Carolina Annual Conference.

Gratefully, 

Judy Toney

 

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

Day 181   Tue. June 30   Song of Solomon 5-8

Day 182   Wed. July 1   Isaiah 1-4

Day 183   Thurs. July 2   Isaiah 5-7

Day 184   Fri. July 3   Isaiah 8-11

Day 185   Sat. July 4   Isaiah 12-16

Day 186   Sun. July 5   Isaiah 17-23

Day 187   Mon. July 6   Isaiah 24-27

Day 188   Tue. July 7   Isaiah 28-31

Day 189   Wed. July 8   Isaiah 32-35

Day 190   Thurs. July 9   Isaiah 36-39

Day 191   Fri. July 10   Isaiah 40-44

Day 192   Sat. July 11   Isaiah 45-48

Our study of the Bible Year will continue next Wednesday, July 8, at 5:30.  Since the Wonderful Wednesday cooks are taking a well-earned break for the summer, we will bring our own supper.  It can be a Big Mac from McDonald’s, a fried bologna from your own kitchen, or anything else your heart and stomach desire.  Just remember that we will all be responsible for our own clean-up when we are done!  You are welcome and invited to join our conversation!

 

Camp Promise 2026

Peace Like a River

Monday, July 20-Friday, July 24 from 9:00 a.m.-12 noon at FUMC

For children K-5

Join us for Camp Promise 2026 as children discover the peace that only Jesus can give.

Throughout the week, campers will learn that God’s peace flows through every season of life. Through Bible stories, worship, crafts, games, STEM activities, and mission projects, children will discover how Jesus helps us when we are afraid, worried, in need of forgiveness, facing conflict, or stepping into something new.

Come join us as we discover God’s peace flowing like a river through our lives.

 

Church Calendar 

  • The Church Offices will be closed beginning this Thursday, July 2, through the weekend for the Independence Day holiday. The offices will be open on Monday, July 6.
  • Bring a bag dinner for the Bible Year discussion on Wednesday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Worship Committee Meeting – Next Thursday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.

  • Youth Mission Trip – July 12-17. Our youth will return to Long’s Chapel UMC in Waynesville, NC 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.

  • The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The Administrative Council will meet on Monday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom.
  • The WoW Factor Senior Group will not meet in July. See you in August!

  • 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. If you are interested in volunteering for one or both 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.
  • 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 upstairs conference room.
  • Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • 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. Upcoming rehearsals TBD. 
  • 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 Choir rehearsals TBD.
  • 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. July studies will be led by a different member each week. All are welcome to attend this study group.

 

 FUMC Youth

  • This Sunday, July 5 – No UMYF
  • Next Sunday, July 12 – We will leave after the morning worship service to go on the Mission Trip to Long’s Chapel UMC in Waynesville, NC.

 

Income and Expenses

2026 Weekly Need: $8,771.15

Tithes and Offerings June 22-28 – $5,072.00

Expenses June 22-28 – N/A

Received YTD – $188,096.39

Budget needs YTD – $222,370.05

 

Worship Helpers

July 5

Lector – Marc Duncan

Finance – Matt Brown, Denise Gavin

Greeters – Scott & Katie Roach

Ushers – Gary Shipley, David Eaker, Steve Jones

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

Communion Stewards – Judy Toney, Cathy Hoyle

 

July 12

Lector – Katie Bass

Finance – Freida Phillips, Gary Shipley

Greeters – Russ & Cherry Garmon

Ushers – Jim Still, Tim Ridenhour, Brian Gooch

Head Usher – Mike Gavin

 

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

Or scan this QR code:

 

June Birthdays

Diane Warner             06/21

Sara Gooch                06/22

Dawson Ridenhour     06/24

Jessica Anderson        06/25

Marla Morgan             06/27

Jessica Hernandez       06/27

Ronnie Porter             06/27

Barbara Anderson      06/29

Wanda Hastings          06/29

Missy Landis              06/30

JuLY Birthdays

Kim Warner               07/02

Johnny Earley            07/04

Richard Smith            07/04

Ruth Calvert               07/05

Shane Earley              07/06

Trey Summey            07/09

Martha Jones               07/11

Dupree Calvert            07/12

Ritchie Garland           07/12

Scott Webber              07/12

Jackie Watkins            07/14

Sandra Kelly               07/16

Carlene Adair             07/16

Rosemary Sayre         07/18

Bruce King                 07/19

Ron Mauney              07/19

Parker Tate                 07/20

Tucker Warner           07/22

Harper Eaker              07/23

Matt Brown                07/23

Jordan Landis             07/25

Nathan Bass               07/27

Sheila Carpenter         07/27

Simon Phillips            07/28

Lynn Tate                   07/28

Ariana Wilson            07/28

Suzan Rhyne              07/31

 

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.