Serving Christ in the River Region since 1819






FIRST NEWS
In This Issue
Quick Links
Sanctuary Renovation
Stewardship
Online Giving
Our Website
February 2016  

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WETUMPKA, AL

306 W. Tuskeena St.
Wetumpka, AL  36092
Worship - 8:15 & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School - 9:20 a.m.
FROM THE PASTOR
It's meeting season in the church! All the various committees are in the process of meeting, talking and planning for the year ahead. These gatherings are not only taking place at first United Methodist of Wetumpka, they are taking place all over the annual conference. Methodist are a people who meet. Although it's easy to get wrapped up in agendas, minutes, and officers, we are diligent to remember a very important aspect of all our meetings.
 
Whether a meeting with one or two people, a meeting with a large committee, a meeting at first United Methodist of Wetumpka surrounded by towering pine trees at Blue Lake Camp or amidst the hive of activity at the Annual Conference offices-our meetings always begin and end with prayer. It's a constant reminder that our work is bigger then the people who are seated around the table. When we begin our meetings with prayer we are reminded what we are doing belongs to God.
 
Jesus promises to be with us wherever two or three are gathered in His name-this includes our meetings! John Wesley called it holy conferencing and it's a means of God's grace. Holy conferencing allows the Spirit of God to work in and through our conversation and perfect the things we do.  The ideas we have are shaped and molded by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is in these moments when we see the Holy Spirit at work we come to realize that the work we do is holy work.  
 
We are inspired, lifted up and equipped for work in God's kingdom. As our meeting season continues, keep the committees and the people of our church in your prayers as we discern the path of fruitful discipleship. I am so excited to see where God is leading us! It is a joy and a privilege to experience these remarkable gifts of God as we find our way forward together. I am confident the greatest days in the life of our church are ahead of us!
 

Yours in Christ,                                                           Brennan    
SENIOR ADULT NEWS
 
The Sr. Adult Council and Keenager's Committee met on January 19th to make plans for the coming year. Many shared new recipes for lunches and ideas for out-of-town trips. The first "Keenager's Luncheon" is on Tuesday, February 23rd at noon in the Family Life Center.  Menu for the day is: Chicken Paprikash, Egg Noodles, Green Beans, Pear Salad, Crispy bread, Cherry pie & vanilla ice-cream.  Come and bring a friend.
Prayer Shawl continues to meet every Friday at 10 a.m. in the Depot.  Come and join our time of gathering in knitting, making prayer beads and a new project is starting this Friday.  We would love you presence.

On March 10th we are planning to visit the exhibition of "ABANDONED RURAL AMERICA" at Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery in Wetumpka, then travel to The         Plantation House & Restaurant in Millbrook for lunch, so put this date on your calendar to attend. We will leave the church at 10 a.m.

As I mentioned from our meeting, we had many new ideas about day, out-of town travels. American Village in Montevallo, Irondale Cafe, Brundidge, Biscuits Ball game, Warm Spring, Ga. Museum of Fine Arts, Old Alabama Towne, Clown Troupe, Hyundia.  If you have an idea, please share it with me.

Blessings,
Celestra
YOUTH

The youth has started out the year renewing of their spirit on our winter youth retreat to Pigeon Forge, TN. We had our share of fun watching the boys have a chicken nugget eating contest on the first night to the Smoky Mountains. The next morning we started out the day with eating at the famous Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. The youth had some down time riding go carts and skiing before heading for our first session. Just before leaving to go see Toby Mac in concert and hear Rick Burgesses speak, Dalton Deep fell and broke his ankle. I am thankful for great chaperons to help ride along in the ambulance with him and make sure he was going to be ok. Sunday morning we worshiped with Rush of Fools and heard another great speaker. We ate lunch at the Applewood Grill and returned to the hotel for rest before our night session. During      Sunday night service, Meredith Andrew and JJ Weeks lead us in worship. Scott Dawson, founder of the Strength to Stand Retreat, spoke and moved many of our youth to rededicate their lives to Christ. We had 10 youth to rededicate and 2 receiving Christ for the first time. It was a powerful night! When we returned to our hotel for group discussion God's spirit was moving among the youth. We had a time of group discussion and after the boys and girls met in their own. The kids were on a Spiritual High and took a while for them  to go to sleep. On Monday morning we had our last session and even though they were tired their hearts were on fire for Christ!  I can never express my gratitude to the adults who helped me on this trip and supporting the youth to go. Church family, you are making a difference in the lives of these youth through your gifts, prayers, witness and love!  Through learning about the love of Jesus their lives are being changed.  On Wednesday nights we are studying a series called  "What Does Love Have To Do With It?"  This study will help in understanding God's love and how God says we should love. There are a lot of wonderful adults assisting in youth           discussions and allowing every youth to fee heard and know more about Gods love for us.  February is going to be a great month and  I look forward to seeing God continue to move in these young people's lives.

Blessings,
Renae
                          
It is February and we have a few things coming up on our calendar. Please be in prayer for Signed, Sealed and Delivered Winter Retreat at Blue Lake, February 5th-7th. This is a wonderful experience for 3rd-5th graders and the volunteers. Pray God's presence is with each and every person there. Children's Choir will be singing and handing out valentine's to the residents at Merrywood Lodge and Wetumpka Health and Rehab after the New Member Luncheon, February 14th.  Each and every year, the children bless them in so many ways. They truly look forward to hearing them. We will start a BIG Brother/Sister Program this month. The youth and children will be paired together to encourage one another in their faith and daily lives. On February 26th we will begin our 3 day class Created By God for our 5th-7th graders. Be in prayer for the Facilitator, parents, volunteers and children. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our Children's Program and all involved.

Blessings,
Nicole
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
Lee & Janice Cash
Feb. 7th
Ed & Gloria Johnson
Feb. 14th
Hilton & Barbara Knight
Feb. 14th
Chuck & Allison Johnston
Feb, 24th
Jerry & Sharon Potts
Feb. 27th

 
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

  

D.L. Abernathy
Feb. 1st
Caleb Justiss
Feb. 1st
Diane Tyler
Feb. 1st
Jonothon Segars
Feb. 2nd
Beth Coleman
Feb. 3rd
Britton Sansone
Feb. 5th
Jane Gilliand
Feb. 6th
Lynnes Justiss
Feb. 6th
Sharon Segars
Feb. 6th
Myrtice Chrietzberg
Feb.7th
Sonya Arnold
Feb. 10th
Sally Blackwell
Feb. 12th
Melanie Gregory
Feb. 12th
Kristen Everett
Feb. 13th
Edna Lemon
Feb. 15th
Spencer Coleman
Feb. 18th
Lisa Hughes
Feb. 18th
Caroline Macon
Feb. 18th
Dot Williams
Feb. 19th
Asenath Coker Feb. 22nd
Jo Glenn Feb. 23rd
Joseph Macon Feb. 23rd
Jacob Macon Feb. 23rd
Mae Lindsey Feb. 25th
Mariella Easterling Feb. 26th
Celestra Rowell Feb. 26th
Ronnie Lee Feb. 27th

 
Support Group

Fresh Start Recovery Group will meet each Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Overcoming problems, fears, and/or addictions. 

For more information please contact Paul Henderson at 334-201-5428.
 UPCOMING MEETINGS
2/11 - Safe Sanctuary Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the library.
2/21 - Children's Council Meeting 4:00 p.m. in the library.
 UPCOMING EVENTS
2/7 - Men's Breakfast will be held at  7:15 a.m.  in the Family Life Center.  Due to Valentine's Day falling on the second Sunday of the month, we have moved the Men's Breakfast to the first Sunday for the month of February only.  Felix Dudley will be delivering our devotional. Hope to see you there .
2/23 - Senior Adult "Keenager's" Luncheon at 12:00 noon in the Family Life Center.
 UPCOMING CHILDREN'S EVENTS
2/5-7 - Children's Winter Retreat at Blue Lake Camp - Signed, Sealed, and Delivered.
2/14 - Children's Choir Valentine Outing - We will sing and handout Valentine cards to the residents at Merrywood Lodge and Wetumpka Health and Rehab.  We will leave the church at 1:00 p.m. and should return no later than 3:00 p.m.  Please let me know if your child will be participating.
2/26-28 - Created by God is for 5th-7th graders.  Sign up by February 12th.  The cost is $25.00 per child or $35.00 for 2 children. Fees are due by February 26th.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
2/14 - Progressive Dinner-We will meet at 4:30 p.m. in the FLC and return by 8:30 p.m. Please let me know if you plan to attend and if you are bringing a friend. We will be eating dinner at the Williams home and eating dessert at the Dasinger's home.It is going to be a fun and special night!
2/17 - Big Brother & Big Sister Night
2/19-20 - DNow Weekend-We will join other churches in our area to worship and hear Gods word together.  We have people who will be hosting the youth in there homes. Please contact Renae at renae@firstwetumpka.com if you would like to be apart of this great weekend.
3/11-13 - Jr. High Girls Retreat-We will be having a girls retreat on the lake at the Williams home.  It will be a great weekend of fun while digging into God's word.  Please contact Renae if you would like to attend this event. You can email renae@firstwetumpka.com.
3/31 - Newsboys Concert-We will be attending the Newsboys concert in Montgomery. If you would like to attend this event please contact Renae at renae@firstwetumpka.com.
First United Methodist Church |  alice@firstwetumpka.com | http://www.firstwetumpka.com