This Sunday, January 6, 2019

Rev. Dane Womack Offertory “The Lord Is My Light” Louann Dooly, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Dane Womack Offertory “Send us Thy Heavenly Light” Communion Anthem  “The Lord Is My Light” Louann Dooly, Soloist Chancel Choir Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Bud Reeves “We Three Kings”  “The Light of the World”  “Angels From the Realms of Glory”  “How Many Kings”  “Adore”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 @ 2:00 PM   Vivian Apple Presents: 4th Annual Piano Recital To support 2019 FUMC Guatemala Mission Trip   In the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church.   Join Vivian for an afternoon of classical favorites and modern surprises, along with interludes about the composers and their music. No admission fee, but a love offering will be collected to support the Guatemala Mission trip.   Special appearance by her sister, Katherine Apple!   Vivian and Katherine are students of Mrs. Tanya Ellezian.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

If I can borrow the line from Shakespeare, I want to say that we certainly ended 2018 on a high note! We had a great year overall--many new members, growth in worship and programs, staff transitions, two great financial campaigns, and lots of ministry done to meet the needs of God’s people in our church and our community. As the dust clears, we will publish all the relevant numbers, but take it from me, we had a great year! The last half of December was a remarkable exhibition of teamwork and talent. It is amazing how many talented folks we have at the church. From decorations to musical instruments to vocal offerings, we had a cornucopia of praise as we celebrated the birth of Jesus in magnificent fashion! Add to the talent all the people who shared their gifts behind the scenes-staff, ushers, greeters, Share team, child care, etc.--it took dozens of people to pull off Advent and Christmas Eve. I am so grateful to everyone who pitched in. Our Christmas Eve attendance was wonderful! Now we are at the brink of a New Year. The staff has taken a few days off, and we are ready to roll again! I believe 2019 is going to be another great year for us. We are going to hit the ground running with Wednesday Night Life starting up January 9. (Sign up online or by calling the church office.) We have a great special weekend coming up January 26-28 focusing on Worship, the Arts, and our Wesleyan heritage. I plan to do some leadership training and strategic discussion with our church leaders. And we will start a new worship series January 13 called “The Disciple’s Path.”  Good stuff, and all coming up quick. 2018 was a year that we focused much of our attention on stewardship, the spiritual foundation of our financial giving, and we were able to complete our renovation of the Family Life Center and significantly increase our commitments to support our ministry. In 2019, we are going to focus on discipleship, growing deeper in our relationship to God, following Jesus more closely, opening ourselves to the Spirit’s gifts, and broadening the outreach of our church. It is going to be an amazing adventure, as it always is when we walk the Disciple’s Path. I hope you’ll join me at a new and deeper level than you ever have. I know God will bless you!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

NEW YEAR, SAME GOSPEL

Another year behind us with 2019 on the horizon! I am writing this January newsletter article a few days before Christmas Eve, so I have not quite turned my mental calendar to the new year yet, but it’s coming! I am counting my blessings from 2018. I am thinking particularly of all the hard work that went into the renovation of the Family Life Center including the details overseen by committees and Trustees as well as the excellent support of the Faith Forward campaign. We are thrilled with the look and function of the building. But we had other successes this year too including new members, baptisms, repeat guests and new babies born into our congregation! In many ways it was a very productive and fruitful year! I am also thinking about the Saints we lost this past year. We will begin 2019 without some of our most regular and faithful church members. I am hopeful about the new year. We have some facility work to be done, but given the FLC renovation is behind us, we will spend more time energy this year focused on ministry programs and discipleship. You can see in this newsletter information about the upcoming Wednesday Night LIFE as well as a special Worship & Arts Weekend at the end of January. We are also expecting another artist’s visit in Lent as we prepare for Easter. We are making a conscious effort to give attention to the practical realities of discipleship and faith. How do we help people to better know, love, and follow God? That’s not an easy question but that is our guiding reflection this year. I am hopeful 2019 finds us all drawn closer to one another and Christ. Will 2019 be different? In some ways, yes. You will hear different themes and emphases around church. But in other ways, 2019 will likely be similar to years past, including some surprising victories and unexpected disappointments. Things will go well, but they may not always go our way. And yet, with every new year, or month, week or day, we are reminded that our Gospel hope has not changed. Jesus is Lord. This we confess and believe and remind one another daily. Jesus is Lord of 2019. Jesus is Lord of our church. Jesus is Lord of our lives. This is our hope as we begin again together.

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

Wednesday Night Life begins January 9 Register online NOW! Or you can call the church office 479-782-5068 Holy Communion is at 5:30 pm Shared meal is served from 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm. in the Fireside Room in the Family Life Center Life Groups are at 6:30 - 7:30 pm (Rooms as assigned)

Spring LIFE GROUPS DESCRIPTIONS   (We will offer *one early class at 4:30 pm and all others start at 6:30-7:30) ** Books and materials for each class will be provided at the first life group meeting*   A DISCIPLE'S PATH by Jim Harnish and Justin La Rosa with Rev. Dr. Bud Reeves Prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness…this is what we commit to when we become members of The United Methodist Church, and it’s a big step. But A Disciple’s Path helps us look beyond membership, presenting an engaging approach to discipleship from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. The class perfect for newer members, but also works well for long-time members. Develop your spiritual practices; discover your unique gifts; and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life and to the lives of others and the world. Limit of 12 for class. (An additional early class offered at 4:30 pm with Rev. Don Thrasher.)   MEET THE MINOR PROPHETS with Rev. Dane Womack The Minor Prophets are those fascinating little books at the end of your Old Testament that rarely receive much attention in preaching or in large-group study. Please join this Bible Study as we will explore each of this books and give attention to their historical setting and their often intriguing message!    TWELVE PARABLES OF JESUS by Maxie Dunnam- led by Janice Sudbrink and Connie Adrion Many of us have heard the parables of Jesus all our lives, and we might even know them by heart. So why study them again?     As our life experiences accumulate, we bring a fresh eye to the Scriptures. This is especially true of the parables, as they deal with people and life and everyday events. In many ways, reflecting on the parables in light of our own lives can bring us closer to Jesus.    Whether you are encountering these parables for the first time or for the first time again, you will find them leading you into the mind and spirit of Jesus and offering lessons for living in the kingdom of God.   A BEAD AND A PRAYER by Kristin Vincent with Dixie Spears A BEAD AND A PRAYER introduces us to prayer beads as a way to connect with God. The class will explore the history and art of using beads in prayer, discover ways to pray with beads, and learn how beads can help us deepen our faith, understand Christian beliefs, and listen to God. Instructions for making prayer beads are included.   6 THINGS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GOD by Tom Berlin with Rev. Don Thrasher A spiritual growth study designed not only to help you see all the ways God reaches out to you, but also to help you consider how to reach back. Includes discussion, DVD segments, Scripture, helpful quotations, and journaling.   CARING THROUGH CARDS with Kelly DeSoto & Gail Oakes Is a card-making class for individuals interested in hand-making seasonal and greeting cards. The cards will then be sent to church members as a practice of congregational care and ministry. The class is fun with shared devotionals, lots of fellowship, and no prep work or outside reading.   RE:FORM (YOUTH) led by B. J. Cobb & Kimberly Swaim Re:form Ancestors is a light-hearted study on the similarities between our church ancestors and ourselves. Through videos, crafts, and discussions, our youth will engage with the heroes (and antiheroes) of the Old Testament. We may have a lot more in common with the Israelites 3,000 years ago than we think! It’s time to find out whether history repeats itself!   MISSION IMPOSSIBLE with Sally Ware, Karen Wyatt, and Kelly Jacimore 1st through 6th children will be taking on “Mission Impossible.” We will have challenges, games and learn cool things about the Bible! Nursery available for age’s 0-Kindergarten with Ms. Linda and Ms. Kerri.

Children’s Choirs Begin January 16. All children need to Pre-Register for choir. ·  Choir I (4 years - 1st grade) Aldersgate Room ·  Choir II (2nd grade - 6th grade) Bayliss Hall                4 - 5:30 pm Choir and Handbells Please contact Nancy Vernon at nvernon@fsfumc.org for more info.

FIRST KIDS HAPPENINGS Wednesday Night Life-Begins Jan. 9

The children 1st-6th grades will have a couple of mission projects along with Bible challenges, games, prayers and much, much more.... There will be a new twist, so expect the unexpected. We cannot wait to see everybody at WNL!

SAVE THE DATE: Created By God for 5th and 6th graders February 13th, 17th, 24th and March 3rd Further information to follow soon.

SAVE THE DATE: ROAR VBS June 10th-14th

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FAITH MOMENTS

The story of Mary and Martha is one of my Favorite Bible Passages. It is a story that tells the importance of two types of Christian Discipleship. The movers had placed the last load from my apartment in Toccoa, GA. It was Tuesday afternoon, August 28, 2018. I then took one last walk around my empty apartment. I finished loading my Chevy Trax, locked up my apartment for the last time, said goodbye to my neighbors, took my keys to my landlord’s office, and said farewell to my Toccoa years. As I drove out of town, I reflected on the over three and half years that I lived and served in that community. I reflected on the churches that I served. I reflected on my volunteer work with the Toccoa Kiwanis Club. I reflected on the special friends that I made. I was very thankful to have had the opportunity to serve and live there. Those years there especially prepared me for my new ministry in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As I began my trip to my next place of ministry, I chose a route that was scenic. From there, I took a route through the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. The next morning, I left Chattanooga for Fort Smith. When I arrived in Fort Smith that evening, I arrived in my new home that God called me for my Fort Smith ministry. As I moved into my new apartment, my new office at the church, and had the opportunity to get to know the congregation and staff of our church, I began to feel right at home. My office and my apartment are both settled. I am finding my way around Fort Smith (without getting lost and ending up in Oklahoma). I learn something new about the area every day. It is exciting to serve God in ministry with everyone here. The year 2018 is ending but the new year of 2019 is beginning. I am honored and humbled to be here. I am looking forward to serving here in the new year ahead.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

December 9 in the Connexion Service, Todd Jeffery, our Business Administrator transferred his membership from another UMC. December 9 in the Connexion Service, Ben & Karen Baker, transferred their membership from another UMC. Both are retired.

New Sermon Series Begins in January

The Disciple’s Path ·  January 13 - “You’ll Know It When You See It”  What is a disciple? Mark 12:28-34 ·  January 20 - “Can We Talk?  Discipleship is a conversation with God.  Luke 11:1-4 ·  January 27 - Worship & Arts Weekend. Nationally - known worship leaders bring us their best.  Luke 4:14-21 ·  February 3 - “Show Up to Grow Up” Y ou have to be present to win.   John 15:1-11 ·  February 10 - “Given to Give”   We all have gifts to share.   Matthew 25:14-30 ·  February 17 - “Gotta Serve Somebody” Faith at all is faith in action. 1 Peter 4:8-11 ·  February 24 - “Tell Somebody”  We have the greatest story-and the greatest life-to share. John 1:35-51

DREAMS FOR A NEW YEAR

As we march onward through 2019, the time is right to grant ourselves permission to dream again. Eternity has been mapped out for us in Christ, but each step towards the New Jerusalem requires the vision and awareness that we are walking alongside our Lord. In these in between times, sandwiched between the start and arrival, we labor to see the prophetic words of Jesus start and arrive in our lives and our world. And so we seek a common dream with God for First Methodist in 2019. My prayer is that we would find God’s grace in both new and familiar ways at FIRST YOUTH.  I dream of passionate worship to become a norm for us. I hope for Sunday night altar time to continue being an intimate time of communal prayer for our students. I can see FIRST YOUTH students in 2019 expressing God’s love in service to the poor, to flood victims, and to one another. I look ahead at our youth ministry calendar, and there are many of the same events we went to last year, as well as new events to uncover. I wonder how these events will be different? How will they be the same? FIRST YOUTH starts back up on January 6th, we’ve got Veritas coming up on February 15-17, as well as our Spring Break Mission Trip, March 15-22. Would you join me in praying for God’s will, his dream, to be our reality at FIRST YOUTH in 2019?

RECENT MEMORIALS

In Memory of:   ·  Ben Reid by Richard & Mary Kay Aclin ·  Boyd Saviers by Tommy & Blanche Donoho, Susan O. Sullivan, Cindy Saulsberry, Laura Warren,        Kristie Mackey ·  Mazie Chesser by Richard & Jaunice Griffin, Bob & Nadine Miller ·  Rebecca Chancey by George & Carole Beattie, Richard & Jaunice Griffin, Tommy & Blanche Donoho ·  Dorothy Rappeport by Tommy & Blanche Donoho, Phil & Kimberly White, Richard & Ann Appleton ·  David Smith by George & Carole Beattie, Myrna Sue Lough, Uplifters Sunday School Class, Patricia     Payne, Susan Chaney, Mel Santos, Glenda Brown, Jerry & Jane Hartfield ·  Ted Goodman by George & Carole Beattie, Floyd & Judy Bradberry, Jerry & Jane Hartfield, Roundtable Class, Glenda Brown, Cole Goodman, Alan & Lyndley Wright, Jack & Louanna Green, Don & Kelly Desoto, Charles & Jeanne Ledbetter, Pacesetters, Nan Benn, Susan Chaney, Richard & Mary Kay Aclin ·  Thelma Gail Carroll by Discussion SS Class, George & Carole Beattie, Joe & Elizabeth Powers, Floyd & Judy Bradberry, Your Bank For Life, Richard & Mary Kay Aclin, Robert & Ann Burgess, Hugh L. Hembree IV, Jack & Louanna Green, Bob & Janice Powell, David & Karen Cremer, Warren & Martha Stephenson ·  Annetta Collins by Richard & Ann Appleton ·  Myron Rappeport by Phil & Kimberly White ·  Doug Parker by Tommy & Blanche Donoho ·  Bill Hutcheson by David & Karen Hutcheson ·  Natalie Taylor by John & Kirsten Ohle, Mark & Nancy Varicek, Kent & Nancy Blochberger   In Honor of: ·  Fran Bateman by Doris Kittle ·  Steve & Connie Thomas by Marvin & Linda Mumme ·  David & Connie Adrion by Marvin & Linda Mumme ·  Joel & Sandy Parker by Marvin & Linda Mumme ·  Dede Hutcheson by David & Karen Hutcheson

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, January 6 8:30 am Roebuck Chapel Worship 8:45 am Holy Grounds, Narthex 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Sanctuary Worship 11:00 am Connexion Worship, Great Hall 12:00 pm Maridee Schoenfeld Reception, Narthex 5:00 pm First Youth, Loft   Monday, January 7 2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:30 pm Scouts, Room 300 7:00 pm Men’s Dart League, Loft   Tuesday, January 8 10:00 am UMW Circles Meet, Various locations   Wednesday, January 9 10:00 am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 10:00 am Ladybells Practice 3:30 pm Children’s Choir 4:30 pm Early WNL Group, Conference Room 5:30 pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel 5:45 pm Shared Dinner, Family Life Center 6:30 pm Wednesday Night Life Groups, Various Rooms 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal   Thursday, January 10 7:00 am Youth Breakfast Club, Chick Fil-A 10:00 am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex 12:00 pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch, Friends Classroom

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 N. 15TH ST.  FORT SMITH, AR 72901 (479)782-5068 | FSFUMC.ORG Pastor on Call (479)459-5060 Email: fsfumc@fsfumc.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday  8:30AM-12:30PM & 1:30PM-4:30PM   SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30 AM Roebuck Chapel 9:45 AM Sunday School for all ages 11:00 AM Sanctuary (Radio broadcast on 96.7 FM) 11:00 AM Connexion, Family Life Center-Great Hall   WEDNESDAY SERVICE 5:30 PM Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel   Nursery is provided during worship services for birth thru Kindergarten age.

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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