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The past week or so, I have been seeing the commercial for Academy Sporting Goods that says, “Welcome to long weekend season!” Indeed, school is out; Memorial Day is past; summer is officially here. In some ways, I am excited about that. Our rhythm at the church is a little different during the summer, although we are still plenty busy with summer ministries. I look forward to my own vacation time with my family, for sure. It’s time to spend at least part of my physical activity in the yard and on the golf course. It’s good time.
On the other hand, “long weekend season” sort of makes me cringe. It means I won’t be seeing some of my favorite folks very often for a while. People will be vacationing, traveling, out having fun, and their lonely little spot in the pew or the chair will be empty. I try not to be a grump about summer, but I really do like it when the church is more full of people!
That vent being over, let me suggest some ways you can be consistent in your walk with God (which is the important thing, every day), even if your attendance this summer is sporadic.
Stay consistent with your prayer life. God listens every day. Don’t give up--or even do better with--your devotional time with God.
Keep up with your giving. Even with a lighter schedule, the expenses for our ministry stay pretty consistent through the summer. Worshipping God through our gifts works all year ‘round. Remember to drop a check in the mail or give online if you are out of church for a bit.
Worship when you’re away. There are churches almost anywhere you go. And nobody is expected to dress up any more, especially guests. Christians everywhere worship every Sunday! Have unique experiences in other churches this summer. If you run across a good idea, I’d like to hear about it.
If you’re in town, we’re here for you. We don’t shut down for summer. I’m proud that our choir and band lead worship every week. Sunday School and Wednesday Communion service will happen all summer long. We have some very special things going on--Vacation Bible School, Pastors’ Bible Studies, Music Camp, Church Picnic, etc. If you’re in town, there are great opportunities for you to be in fellowship with your church family and to grow as a disciple of Jesus.
Have a great summer. Remember Jesus. Remember church. I’ll look forward to seeing you as often as I can. Blessings!
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Senior Pastor
breeves@fsfumc.org
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United Methodists in Washington
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I am writing you this month upon returning from a brief trip to Washington D.C. I was invited by the Arkansas Conference to attend this Young Adults educational opportunity as an, ummm...chaperone. After I got over that shot to my ego, I agreed to go! The Conference along with the Arkansas United Methodist Foundation sponsored this week-long training for Young Adults (mostly college students) in conjunction with the Conference’s current “200k Reasons” initiative (200kreasons.arumc.org/) which includes raising money and awareness surrounding childhood hunger in Arkansas as well as encouraging local churches to focus mission and ministry toward such ends where applicable.
If you have visited D.C. (this was my first time!), you may have noticed the odd-shaped United Methodist Building that sits between the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court Building on Maryland Ave. The Methodist presence on Capitol Hill dates to 1923. This is an unique location for church offices on prime real estate - the only non-government building on Capitol Hill! Our group met there with the UMC General Board of Church and Society for 3 days for a seminar on Faith and Poverty that included lessons from experts on hunger, public policy, the federal budget, and non-profits/organizing. It was a very informative experience. We also had a chance to meet with Senators Boozman and Cotton as well as Representative French Hill.
I could share plenty more about this trip and what I learned, but I’ll leave you with two quick observations. First, you should continue to be proud of the United Methodist Church’s political witness. Unfortunately, “political” has become synonymous with some four-letter words. That’s a shame. Because in the best sense, to be political simply means to be actively involved in seeking the common good for society - locally, regionally, nationally, and even globally. Our United States’ two-party system is incredibly inadequate. Christians are not people who are primarily democrat or republican; we are people who are seeking for God’s “will to be done on earth (even Fort Smith) as it is in heaven.” I was encouraged by the Dems and GOPers involved with the work of the United Methodist Church’s GBCS seeking justice and peace for all people. We Christians can be effective through our political witness if we remember we are united by something deeper and more significant than party-lines.
Second, I was inspired by the Young Adults on this trip. Most are planning on careers in areas such as law, dentistry, or physical therapy; a few are considering ministry. But each of them, even at a young age, are thinking about how to serve God in the present and future such that they are agents of care, grace, and justice. One student has already been involved in an effort at the U of A to connect uneaten cafeteria food with non-profits and feeding ministries. How cool is that? We all know the church is changing, but thank God people continue to respond to the strange call that is being a disciple of Jesus within and beyond the church.
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Executive Associate Pastor
dwomack@fsfumc.org
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Ordination: A Gift from God, Spirit Empowered, A Gift to the Church
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On June 20th, my 2 years of work seeking ordination as an Elder in full connection will end, as will the 7 year journey that has lead me down this path. Back in 2010, the Spirit was stirring in my heart as I began to pursue the call to a lifetime of ordained ministry. I’ve had the opportunity to attend Duke Divinity School and serve churches in Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana as well as a year long chaplain residency at Duke Hospital. All along this path to ordination, I’ve been surrounded by God’s grace and the people of God.
The ordination process involves four partners: the local church, the annual conference, the pastor, and God. These last two years with you all have been transforming and affirming of my call to a lifelong covenant of service as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Ordination is a gift from God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, evaluated by the local church and annual conference, authorized by the annual conference and Bishop, then ultimately a gift to God and the church.
This local church, Fort Smith First UMC, has been, and still is, an incredible partner in this dance along the path to ordination. I give thanks to God for each of you who’ve helped me grow as in my role as a pastor as we have worshipped, prayed, studied, served, visited in the hospital, shared in the work of church, and committed ourselves more deeply to the kingdom of God. My heartfelt thank you to each of you along our shared journey of salvation. I’m excited to see what lies ahead in the next year.
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Associate Pastor
sbayles@fsfumc.org
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SPOTLIGHT ON FSFUMC MISSION: Red Shield Diner
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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.
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Over eight years ago, we began serving dinner at 4:30pm on the third Sunday night of the month at the Salvation Army as part of Red Shield Diner. The menu is decided and an email sign-up is sent out to all the volunteers using PerfectPotluck.com. This makes it very easy to sign up to provide a particular food and/or to serve that evening. Menus are kept very simple so anyone can help cook and provide food.
Here are some things that make this mission interesting: We never know how many we will be serving. It could be 50 — it could be 100 or even 150!. We’ve learned, as we’ve done this, which foods are well liked and which foods to avoid. When Rev. Sudbrink helped start our involvement in this ministry, she suggested that we actually serve the diners at their tables rather than have them go through the typical serving line. A child was overheard telling his mother, “Mommy, this is just like going out to eat.” So many things that we take for granted are very special to the diners at Salvation Army. Fresh fruits and homemade desserts are big hits. Our point of contact at the Salvation Army told us a few months ago that FUMC has the reputation of providing delicious food so we sometimes have a larger crowd than other nights. Newborn babies, veterans, school-aged children, homeless, single parents, residents of Salvation Army, and the elderly are all part of the crowd we serve on the third Sunday of each month.
We have an amazing group of volunteers who work well together to prepare the food, set up for the dinner and serve the diners. All ages and abilities are welcome to serve in the mission, This is a great mission for families and youth, as well as those who like to cook, those who can supply food, or those who like to serve. Our next meal will be on Father’s Day, June 18th, and we could use your help! If you would like to join this group, please call Jeanne Starr (479-650-2183) or email her at nean695@gmail.com.
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Be a Hero!!!
VBS
June 12-16
Registration and T-Shirt Sales Going on Now!
Be a hero; volunteer for a wonderful week of VBS. You will get to learn about having heart while teaching amazing children God has a big heart for each of us! You will get to show courage to younger heroes.
We will all share Wisdom with each other throughout the week!
There will be lessons on “Hope” and who doesn’t need hope no matter what your age. The last day of VBS we will learn about how we all have the power because God gives us the power.
Remember to check out the VBS giving tree located in the Narthex. The items on the tree are to help us keep cost down for VBS. Register your children, your grandchildren and your friend’s children today!! Registration forms are available in the church office and online at www.fsfumc.org.
For more info, contact Christie Jacobs VBS Chair (414-5768) or Sally Ware Director of Children’s Ministries (782-5068)
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Director of Children's Ministry
sware@fsfumc.org
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SOS,VBS, OMP, Assembly, Ashram
SUMMER ’17
It’s summertime, folks! We’ve got some really awesome things on the church calendar for FIRST YOUTH. Please join us in prayer as we set off for big adventures!
Our Senior High students will be going to Memphis, TN from June 4-10. We are teaming up with a faith-based home-repair ministry called Service Over Self. SOS specializes in roofing homes, which is a major need for Memphians living in impoverished areas around the city. Please pray that we would be an extension of God’s love and care!
In July our Junior High students will get to team up with Ozark Mission Project in Mountain Home, AR. Many of our Confirmands will be going on this trip with us, most of whom have never been on a mission trip before! OMP has done a phenomenal job of serving Arkansas since 1986. This should be a rich experience for our Junior High group! Please pray that God would prepare our hearts to be in service to those in need.
Another fun thing that we’ve got going on this summer is Worship Jam. Worship Jam is an informal time of worship where students of varying musical abilities can come and play worship music. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or if you’ve never played an instrument before. Worship Jam is for everyone! We also have a need for an acoustic guitar. Please contact me if you can donate a guitar to the youth group!
I want to thank you personally for all the prayers you’ve lifted up for myself and for our youth group. Many of you have come up to me and told me the specific ways you are praying for us. God is listening to our prayers and He is at work among us! This summer will be a time of great spiritual growth for our church and our youth group. I look forward to diving deeper into God’s love with you all in this upcoming season!
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Director of Youth Ministries
mmings@fsfumc.org
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“Pentecost”
Acts 2:1-21
8:30 am - Roebuck Chapel - Rev. Bud Reeves
Offertory “Holy Spirit, Flame and Fire”
Rylee Norton, Soloist
Nancy Vernon, Organist
11:00 am - Sanctuary - Rev. Bud Reeves
Communion Anthem “Come Down, O Love Divine”
Offertory “Fresh Fire”
Chancel Choir
Lori Fay, Violin
Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director
Nancy Vernon, Organist
Acolytes: Elizabeth Ivey, Micah Alt, & Meg Norton
11:00 am - Connexion FLC - Rev. Dane Womack
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Sunday, June 4
8:30am Worship, Roebuck Chapel
8:45am Holy Grounds, Narthex
9:45am Sunday School
11:00am Worship, Sanctuary
11:00am Worship, Family Life Center
12:00pm Newcomer’s Lunch, Fireside Room
12:00pm VBS Teacher Meeting, Conference Room
Monday, June 5
2:00pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room
6:30pm Boy Scouts, 3rd Floor
Wednesday, June 7
10:00am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor
5:30pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel
6:00pm Pastor’s Summer Bible Study, Fireside Room
7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, June 8
10:00am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex
12:00pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch, Fireside Room
Friday, June 9
6:30am UMM Bible Study/Breakfast, Fireside Room
6:30pm Naturals Game, Springdale-Arvest Ballpark
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Pacesetters meets in the Fireside Room of the Family Life Center these dates:
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- June 2 - Dusty Helbling, historian, will come from Ozark and talk about the “Trail of Tears” plus a man who developed his own language. $5 Lunch menu-Pot roast with vegs., cornbread, fruit jello.
- June 23 - Bill Mason, from the “Old Guard” Fort Smith Air National Guard, will share some facts that you will be glad to hear & know. $5 Lunch menu-Fried catfish, baked beans, hush puppies, birthday cake.
Call (479)782-5068 if you need a ride. Everyone is welcome to attend. Invite a friend!
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Circle Hannah/Elizabeth will meet June 13 at 1:30pm in the Aldersgate Room.
Circle Naomi will meet Tuesday, June 20 at 10am, at home of Ann Woods.
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In Memory of:
Bill Hutcheson by Linda & Byron Ware
Iris Bates by Patty Payne
Herschel McClurkin by Johnnie Dickey, Helen Lanier, Don & Kelly DeSoto
Dr. Robert Janes by The Discussion Class, Colby, Courtney, Caroline & Benjamin Beland, Ted & Ginger Taylor, Judy & Bob Dawson, Kimberly & Phil White, Carl Corley, Janice & Bob Powell, Kay & Richard Aclin, Linda & Marvin Mumme, Rebecca Phillips
Dr. Harold Mings by Patty Payne
Janie Atwood May by Ben & Lane Shipley
Marion Thomas by Carole & George Beattie
June Alexander by Linda & Byron Ware, Judy & Bob Dawson
In Honor of:
Nancy Vernon by Mardell McClurkin
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Recently FSFUMC was recognized for Outstanding Community Partnership Award by Belle Pointe Center.
The award is on display in the Narthex.
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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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