THE PASSING OF A GREAT ONE

The world was saddened on Wednesday, February 21, when it was announced that Rev. Billy Graham, 99, had passed away. I was amazed that when the news broke, it showed up on all of my electronic news feeds within seconds. It was a front-page story in the newspaper the next day. What kind of a preacher gets that kind of press nowadays (except for scandals)? Billy Graham was simply one of the greatest evangelists ever. Through the miracles of modern communication, he preached to 100 million people, and 3 million responded to his invitation to accept Christ. ( Christianity Today).  His evangelistic association was a well-oiled machine, and he made use of evolving technologies (radio, television, satellite, internet) to reach people with the gospel of Jesus. I heard Graham preach in Little Rock at the crusade of 1989. Being the young whippersnapper preacher at that time, I remember not being that impressed with the sermon itself. But I was impressed with Graham’s presence, with the sense of expectation in the crowd, and with the response to his altar call (even though I understood that the first few hundred people who came down were the volunteers who had been trained to pray with those seeking Christ).  Billy Graham and I could have had a spirited discussion on several points of doctrine and practice, but I truly admired him nonetheless. His integrity was always rock-solid. His focus was always on the main thing, which was bringing people to Jesus. He “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” In his last syndicated newspaper column, published the day after he died, the (pre-arranged, I’m sure) question was, “Mr. Graham, how would you like to be remembered?”  Not surprisingly, his answer was all about Jesus: “I hope I will be remembered as someone who was faithful — faithful to God, faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and faithful to the calling God gave me not only as an evangelist, but as a husband, father and friend.” The last paragraph of Billy Graham’s communication on earth was an invitation: “Do you know you will go to heaven when you die? You can, by committing your life to Jesus Christ today.” Then he quoted the verse that had formed the basis of hundreds of his sermons, if not his whole ministry: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) What a way to be remembered! Few of us will make the internet news feeds or the front page of the paper when we die. But for those who know us, the question is critically important: “How would you like to be remembered?” What will your legacy be? Integrity? Faithfulness to family, church, and community? Focused dedication to Jesus Christ? How can you live today so that your legacy will please God and make you (in a good sense) proud?   ______________ 1 http://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180221/billy-grahams-last-column-by-time-you-read-this-i-will-be-in-heaven

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

THE INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY OF (UNITED METHODIST) CHRISTIANS

Our Confirmation lesson on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral opens with a satirical video about a common sin among siblings: theft. In this case, the property in question is a piece of gum. Upon the scene arrives, “Scripture Man” who suggests that according to Exodus 20:15 (You shall not steal) and Matthew 18:8 (If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.) the younger brother ought to cut his own hand off. “Captain Reason” with his moral calculator concludes that the punishment ought to fit the crime. “Mrs. Tradition” suggests that Christians practice grace and forgiveness, perhaps with no punishment at all. Finally, the “Human Diary” knows from experience that people will only continue to steal if they are not properly held accountable. What then, should be done? If you remember your own lesson on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, you know this phrase was coined by Professor Albert Outler of SMU as a way to describe and employ the Wesleyan theological system. For any given issue or topic, we begin first and foremost by asking what (1) Scripture teaches, then consider the Christian (2) Tradition, our ability to (3) Reason, and finally human (4) Experience to discern our way toward a Christian conclusion. Hence, the Quadrilateral. The point that I mean to make here is that no issue worth considering is simple. Scripture alone is not simple and is not enough to discern the world’s most pressing questions. Therefore we must also lean into other sources include learning from the great many Christian thinkers, using our own minds, and taking account of human experience. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral in itself is an attempt at intellectual integrity. Fundamental to our faith is the admonition that most issues can be understood differently from various perspectives (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience). Thus we weigh these ways of seeing against one another, not scoring them and looking for a winner, but searching them through moral and theological reasoning hoping to reach an end that is fitting with the Gospel. This is no small task.   In a world of all-or-nothing politics, every issue is trivialized. Everything must be black and white and everyone’s positions must be clearly named. However, if a hot-button issue is raised at our church, or countless churches like ours, you are unlikely to get a straightforward answer. In fact, you’ll probably hear, “It’s complicated.” War. Homosexuality. Immigration. Homelessness and hunger. Gun control and violence. The economic divide. Each of these are deeply intricate issues with no simple answers. Yet many talking heads try and convince us they hold the key that is the solution to every crisis. Wendell Berry says this is the temptation of modernity, to believe that complex problems have simple answers. On the contrary, complex problems demand a multitude of solutions, few of which are simple.  I offer this piece to you as a way of giving you permission to admit that the day’s issues are not simple. Perhaps one of the best and most needed gifts the UMC and other similar churches can give to our secular world is intellectual integrity shaped by humility. Whether it’s the Quadrilateral or some other system you employ, I invite you see every issue from as many angles as possible. And then humbly seek the collective end that best honors the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dane Womack Executive Associate Pastor dwomack@fsfumc.org

LENTEN ROUTINES

I’ve been focusing on my daily routines lately, to only be thrown into a new routine for a week in Guatemala. Everything I know-- drinking the tap water, hot showers, using the faucet while brushing my teeth, making hot coffee in the mornings--- fall out of place while traveling and serving in a developing nation. Now getting back to life in Arkansas, I’m having to remember it's okay to put my toothbrush under the faucet; I need to walk and feed by pups; I can have warm water in the shower… these sort of routines fall out of practice and back into normal routines with travel. Similarly, Lent is a season of falling out of routines and adding new routines giving up chocolate, abstaining from drinking, adding a morning devotional, or saying more prayers. Whatever you’ve taken on or given up think about how that will bring you closer to God by Easter. Not only is our Lenten practice to bring us closer to the cross by Easter Day, but also a deeper discipleship the rest of our lives. Perhaps these Lenten routines are much needed changes in patterns and behaviors that shape our daily living. Not only a routine for 40 days but a routine for life. Getting into the swing of a routine can be challenging, but the practice is transforming. May you find the swing of this Lent to change you, not only for 40 days, but for all the days ahead.

Rev. Sara Bayles Associate Pastor sbayles@fsfumc.org

MISSION SPOTLIGHT

Each month, we’ll feature a short article on one of the many mission ministries of our church. We hope to let our church family know of the ongoing missions and the ways in which they can support this great work.

SAVE THE DATE: WNL Grand Finale Project- - Wednesday March 14th At the conclusion of our Spring WNL semester, join us on Wednesday March 14th at 6pm at the Antioch Discover Garden, at North 7th and L Streets. We’ll have food trucks to provide dinner options, so bring some cash for some fresh and local foods. The Antioch Garden is part of the Antioch Food Pantry under the leadership of Charlotte Tidwell. This garden provides local and fresh vegetables, herbs, and learning opportunities for our community. Local elementary schools work in this garden in the spring and fall to learn about gardening, the environment, and healthy eating. The crops of this garden are distributed thru the Antioch Food Pantry along with classes on how to cook and eat fresh produce. Our Spring Project work will be to prepare the garden for the Spring Planting, a vital and necessary tasks to turn over the soil, prep the ground, plant the first seeds, and prepare for the garden’s upcoming season. Join us on the 14th→ we’ll have dinner and a fun time together! → Bring money for dinner, wear clothes and shoes you can get dirty, bring your small gardening tools, and bring a friend.

Roshondra Graham has been the FUMC Child Enrichment Center Director for one year. She has a lovely 3-year old daughter named Raya. When asked about what are some of her favorites, she answered “This Is Us” as her favorite television show and for food it was Tacos Carne Asada.   Some more fun facts about Roshondra: Does not like yard work First Concert: Lil Wayne (college years) Grew up in Fort Smith Favorite team: Oklahoma City Thunder Currently reading “TD Jakes Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven” Considers herself a quiet person Loves to sing And she loves 90s R&B music   When asked to describe FSFUMC in 3 words: Passionate Kind Love

Roshondra Graham

THIS SUNDAY - MARCH 4

GRATITUDE SUNDAY   8:30 am - Roebuck Chapel - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Consider the Lilies of the Field” Janie Weber, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist   11:00 am - Sanctuary - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory  “ Hymn of Abundance”       Communion Anthem   “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” Chancel Choir Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist Anna Claire Roberts, Dylan White, and Mary Vivian Ivey, Acolytes   11:00 am - Connexion FLC - Rev. Dane Womack "You Are Good" "Come Thou Fount" "Thank You, Hillsong" "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" "Once Again, Matt Redman"

FIRST KIDS

After 20 years of being the Director of the Children’s Day Out program, Tiffany Null has decided it is time for a change. She will leave her position at the end of the current school year. We have been blessed by Tiffany’s leadership and years of dedicated service. Beginning this summer, the CDO will become part of the Weekday School; the board voted and approved the merging of the two programs. Combining them just makes sense as they have always operated as a team.  Christie Jacobs will take on Directorship of the entire school. She is excited and qualified to guide the combined programs into the future. Christie loves that we are a Church based school, where we can teach the children the love of Jesus Christ and help them start their journey through faith.    We have an outstanding group of Directors, teachers and assistant teachers who will continue to teach and love all of the children in their care for years to come.

Sally Ware Director of Children's Ministries sware@fsfumc.org

UMW CIRCLE MEETINGS

UMW Circle Meetings: March 13 at times listed: Circle: Ruth, 10:00 a.m., FLC 101 Circle: Rebekah, 10:00 a.m. at the home of Becky Phillips Circle: Hannah-Elizabeth, 1:30 p.m., Friends Class   UMW Unit Meeting, March 20 at 10am, Fireside Rm. Hostess: Ruth Program: 200 Years of Fort Smith History Mission Highlight: Guatemala Mission Trip

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Christian, Kimberly, Joseph, Connor, and Kaitlin Swaim joined FSFUMC Jan. 14 in the Connexion Service. Dan Reedy joined FSFUMC on Feb. 4 in the Sanctuary Service. Don Lumpkin joined FSFUMC Feb. 11 in the Connexion Service. David, Vicky, Emily, and Luke Stouffer joined FSFUMC Feb. 11 in the Connexion Service. Saige Small joined FSFUMC Feb. 25 in the Connexion Service.

Christian, Kimberly, Joseph, Connor, and Kaitlin Swaim

Dan Reedy

Saige Small

IN OUR PRAYERS

For those in Sparks Hospital: Nina Makin For those in Mercy Hospital: Joe Haynie We mourn with: Mike (Kelly) Jacimore, Sydney, Abbey, and Maggie Jacimore in the loss of their mother and grandmother Linda Gatlin Jacimore. Linda (Darrell) Dooly in the loss of her aunt Norma L. Harmon. George Johnson, Brett (Nicole) Johnson, and Cole (Jo) Johnson in the loss of their wife and mother Mary Jane Johnson. Courtney (Trevor) Hardcastle in the loss of her grandfather Russell LeRoy Thurman.

DOWNTOWN CHURCHES LENTEN LUNCH SCHEDULE

Please join these services of worship each Monday in Lent! ·  Lunch: 11:45 am-12:15 pm & 12:45 pm-1:15 pm ·  Service: 12:15-12:45 pm FSFUMC offices will be closed during these times so that staff and pastors can attend.

CAMPUS MINISTRY AT UAFS

A person’s college years are a time when possibilities seem endless. Not only is the young academic preparing for their future career, but they are also experiencing new freedoms. Their current worldviews are being challenged almost daily. A new opportunity arises as students can be their own person apart from their parents. As you can imagine, all of these things create a very unique environment for ministry! First United Methodist has had varying degrees of involvement at University of Arkansas Fort Smith over the past several decades. After a lot of prayer, strategizing, and dreaming, our church has rebranded and recreated the college ministry we offer to UAFS students. Formerly known as The Bridge, our college ministry is now known as House Fire. The goal of this new ministry, House Fire, is to offer Christ to college students through radical hospitality, connection to the local church, and worship services. From my own experience, I know that it can be intimidating to join a new church when you move to a new city. Try to put yourself in the shoes of a new resident in Fort Smith visiting at First United Methodist. Without knowing anyone, there's a lot of new territory to map out. Which doorway do they enter in through? Where do they sit? Which Sunday school class should they plug in to? What if no one greets them? I hope you’re starting to see how it can be challenging for our visitors. If a college student faces all of those challenges, well, it may just be easier for them not to go at all. We want to take away as many of those deterrents as we possibly can with House Fire. We meet in a small house close to campus, which can be much less intimidating than a big multi-level church building. House Fire leaders are always intentional about greeting newcomers and making people feel welcome. We love to see new faces! There’s also a time to play games at House Fire, that way students can take their minds off of school for a while and share some laughs together. With that being said, I’d like to invite you to pray for our college students and our college ministry. If you have a college student that you would like us to connect with, you can contact me at mmings@fsfumc.org . You can also tell them that we meet on Thursday nights from 7PM-9PM at 500 N 49th Street. Dinner is free! Thank you in advance for your prayers, folks! Let’s work together to bring God’s Kingdom to UAFS.

Michael Mings Director of Youth Ministries mmings@fsfumc.org

RECENT MEMORIALS

Recent Gifts in Memory of:   Ila Sass by Marlin & Janet Fretheim, Alan & Lisa Hope Nancy Christy by Ted & Ginger Taylor Ernest Bartlett by Aaron & Nell Barling Bernie Forsgren Houser by Aaron & Nell Barling Czarina Carter by Kimberly & Phil White James A. Strang by Richard & Kay Aclin Jennifer Jesson Karber by Aaron & Nell Barling Johnnie Dickey by Aaron & Nell Barling David Hardin by Bill & Nancy Blume, Aaron & Nell Barling   Recent Gifts in Honor of:   David Adrion by Ted Goodman Steve Thomas by Ted Goodman Nadine Hardin Miller’s Birthday by Lori Hardin & Mike Willis Mardell McClurkin by James DeJarnett

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, March 4-Gratitude Sunday 8:30am Classic Worship, Roebuck Chapel 8:45am Holy Grounds, Narthex 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Classic Worship, Sanctuary 11:00am Contemporary Worship, Family Life Center 4:00pm Confirmation Class 5:00pm Youth, Loft   Monday, March 5 12:15 Lenten Lunch Service, FSFUMC 2:00pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:00pm Cub Scouts, Third Floor 6:00pm Women’s Bible Study, Fireside Room 6:30pm Boy Scouts, Third Floor   Wednesday, March 7 9:15am Women’s Bible Study, Fireside Room 10:00am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 3:30pm Children’s Choir 5:30pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel 5:45pm Shared Dinner, FLC 6:30pm Wednesday Night Life, Various Rooms 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal   Thursday, March 8 7:00am Youth Breakfast Club, Chick-fil-a 10:00am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex 12:00pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch, Fireside Room 12:00pm Habitat Collegiate Challenge   Friday, March 9 6:30am UMM Bible Study Breakfast, Fireside Room

FIRST UNITED METHODIST NEWS published weekly except the last week of the year by First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.

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