THIS SUNDAY JULY 7, 2019

“The one about the weeds among the wheat ” Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

8:30 am Roebuck Chapel

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Song of the Sower and the Seed” Stella Stites, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

11:00 am Sanctuary

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Come, Ye Thankful People Come” Communion Solo “Song of the Sower and the Seed” Stella Stites, Soloist Chancel Choir Gaye Mings, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

11:00 am Connexion

Rev. Roy Beth Kelley “Open Up the Heavens” “Belong to You”  “Come Thou Fount” “King of My Heart” “Gracefully Broken”

WE’RE ALL ADOPTED IN CHRIST!

On Monday, June 24, we witnessed the fulfillment of a dream. My younger son, John, and his wife Ashley adopted a little boy at birth. They named him Ellis Watson. Until that Monday, his legal last name was different than theirs, but on Monday, they appeared before a judge in Fort Worth, TX (where Ellis was born), and his legal name officially became Reeves. As they asked John a series of questions about receiving Ellis into their permanent care, there was not a dry eye in the courtroom (at least not among the adult family members) as we witnessed the inclusion of Ellis into the family. He was already forever in our hearts; now he is forever in our family. The Bible uses the image of adoption several times to describe our relationship to God. (See Romans 8 and Galatians 4.) Because God loves us before we even know God, and because God reaches out to us in grace despite our sin, we are adopted into God’s family. Like Ellis is now a legal heir to John and Ashley, we are heirs of eternal life through Christ. We are brothers and sisters with Christ, God’s “natural” Son, and one day we will reign on high with him.   Adoption is a sweet deal. It is the culmination of a long, exhausting, expensive process. But it is also just a beginning. John and Ashley are just getting started with Ellis. Walking, talking, going to school, driving, dating, going off to college--all these wonderful experiences await them. I can’t wait to watch from the “Papa” perspective. Our adoption as children of God is just a beginning as well. Once we are “in the family,” our journey is not over. We grow; we learn; we become more like our brother Jesus, until we go home and inherit the eternal life God has for all God’s children.   I am so thankful to be a part of this family that now includes Ellis. And I am thankful to be part of God’s great eternal family as well. Aren’t you? The local chapter of that family meets this Sunday at our church. I hope you’ll be at the reunion!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

HELLO FORT SMITH!

Hello, Fort Smith and FSFUMC! I am so excited to be here and to be in ministry with you all! In fact, I have been excited since I received “the call” from District Superintendent Stephen Coburn in early March about my new appointment. I have always enjoyed the history and eclectic nature of Fort Smith. I am a big fan of Rev. Bud Reeves and his awesome wife, Carey. I had just worshiped in the church’s terrific new space in the Family Life Center, and I truly felt the presence of God in that place—even at a District Conference!  And…. since March 5, I have heard nothing but glowing reviews of Fort Smith, FSFUMC and its good people. I listened intently as people across my connection of folks talked about the town and the church, and I never heard even one negative comment or warning. Instead, I continually heard about a great town and an even greater church--one where people are full of Christ’s love for each other and the community. So, I cannot wait to be a part of all the amazing ways that you are already loving God and your neighbors. God has taken me on the long route to Fort Smith. I taught Junior High English for a few years, went to law school and practiced law for twenty years, and I have been a pastor for eight years. It never ceases to amaze me, how every experience I have had has become a part of my ministry. I am married to Ed Kelley who works for the Arch Ford Education Cooperative. We just celebrated our 36 th anniversary, and we have two grown children, Jonathan who is the City Attorney in Morrilton and Mark who is the head football coach at Searcy High School. Many of you who are my facebook friends already know that Ed and I claim a squirrel named Tripod whom we feed by hand from our deck in Russellville. I mention her because the first question I normally get about my new adventure in Fort Smith is whether Tripod is moving with me. The answer is, “no!” She lives in a tree. I don’t think that would go well. But, you can catch videos and pictures of her regularly on facebook as Ed will be (mostly) staying in Russellville. I just finished my Master’s in Divinity, and in my studies, I focused on church renewal and leadership. I am passionate about reaching out to people in the community who have no idea how much God loves them, and I am constantly looking for ways the Holy Spirit is stirring up new things to help us accomplish our mission of making disciples for Jesus. In my previous appointments, I found that the Holy Spirit was stirring things up around children, youth and their families. So, would you be on the lookout for the work of the Spirit in the Fort Smith community? How is God stirring your heart to participate in God’s work? God is always calling us to a new adventure! I am so ready to begin!

Rev. Roy Beth Kelley Executive Associate Pastor rbkelley@fsfumc.org

FSFUMC COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

A new FSFUMC community grant program to support ongoing and new ministry will open for application July 1. The grants, funded through the FUMC Foundation (without impact to annual budget) will shine the light of Christ (Matthew 25:40) in the community, region and world through a program designed to empower and engage others in meaningful mission.   Funding Priorities: Projects within FUMC not addressed in annual budget which enhance the ministry of the church; Projects designed to help marginalized populations in our community; Projects which address basic human needs – for example, projects to alleviate hunger, provide clean water and address other environmental needs; to combat homelessness; to create safe environments for children, and the like; and, Projects with matching funds or additional sources of financial support.   The above list identifies priorities; however, all grant applications will be reviewed by the foundation grant committee for consideration. Application forms are available on the FUMC website or in the church office. For more information regarding criteria and process, you may contact Patti Cox at 479.263.3032 or online at pcox@fsfumc.org .

Patti Cox Executive Director of the Foundation pcox@fsfumc.org

IN OUR PRAYERS

In the Hospital:   Dustin Hattabaugh-Baptist Health   We mourn with:   Larry (Sonya) Hall and Michael Hall in the loss of their father and grandfather Joe C. Hall.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, July 7 8:30 am Roebuck Chapel Worship 8:45 am Holy Grounds, Narthex 9:30 am Prayer Ministry, Prayer Room 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Sanctuary Worship 11:00 am Connexion Worship, Great Hall 12:00 pm Reception for Roy Beth Kelley, Narthex 5:00 pm First Youth, Loft   Monday, July 8 10:00 am Program Staff Meeting, Conference Room 2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:30 pm Scouts, Room 300   Wednesday, July 10 10:00 am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 5:30 pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel 6:00 pm Pastor’s Summer Bible Study, Aldersgate Rm. 6:30 pm Connexion Band Practice, Great Hall 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal   Thursday, July 11 10:00 am Knitters and Knotters, Fireside Room

If you are interested in volunteering in the church office as a substitute answering the phone in the reception area, please contact Gail Oakes, 479-782-5068 or goakes@fsfumc.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Jeff and Frankie Allred, joined April 14. She teaches nursing, and he works for River Valley Refrigeration.

Evan Dooly was baptized and Melissa Dooly joined by transfer June 9 in Connexion. Chris Dooly is already a member.

Dan and Pat Woodward joined June 9 in the Sanctuary. Dan is semi-retired from high school band teacher; Pat is a retired R.N.

Carolyn Pryor joined in the Sanctuary June 23. Carolyn is transferring from another denomination.

FIRST KIDS HAPPENINGS

VBS was a ROARING GOOD time for all the children who attended. We learned that even when life is unfair, scary, sad or when life changes, God is good! Our lives are wild, but God is good all the time. We had 144 children, 58 adults and 49 teens for a grand total of 251 amazing people and little people on campus each day. We welcomed 10 children from Community Rescue Mission and loved sharing God’s word with them. The kids and adults enjoyed Drama, Science, Art, Music and of course Snacks everyday. Each station helped reinforce the Bible lessons daily. Be sure and ask your child which Bible buddy they liked the most: Mack the Rhino, Hopper the Hoopoe Bird, Marge the Cape Buffalo, Zion the Lion or Savanna the Giraffe!     A huge thank you to all who donated delicious food for the adult and teen rooms! Methodists also bond in fellowship around the potluck table. The kitchen crew was amazing! We greatly appreciate all of those who purchased a VBS t-shirt for a child. We were able to give a t-shirt to approximately 50 children who might not have had one, otherwise. Also, thank you to all those who donated the many crock pot liners, paper towels, cokes and so much more that were used throughout the week. But mostly, thank you for your prayers for the children, leaders and teens. The 5 th  and 6 th  graders participated in different Mission projects throughout the week and learned about community needs and how we can serve. Working at Lincoln Child Care Center seemed to be a favorite.   We donated over 600 items to Community Services Clearinghouse!  It was an amazing week on the safari trek, deepening relationships with God!

July Children’s Bible Verse   The Lord appeared to him from far away, saying, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

The Children’s department will be collecting new and gently used books for the Moffett Schools. Due to the recent flooding, they lost all of their school resources and library books. All types of books are needed for children ages 4 years old through 8 th grade. Drop off books at the shopping cart outside Sally’s office. Sunday School kids will earn 50 points per book for the Trolley Gift Shop.

Thank you FSFUMC for making it possible to have two new playgrounds for the Weekday School and the Child Enrichment Center. We are still accepting donations at this time. If you would like to make a donation, please mark your check “Playground”.

FIRST YOUTH Loving the City

“Flexibility” is a keyword in youth ministry. Just like our lives, things rarely go as planned.  Directly after the flooding, our youth group had planned a week of service in the summer to help with relief efforts. As the time for the service week approached, it became clear that plans were going to change. The relief work being done at the time was only open to certified persons 18+. Again, flexibility is key.  God had other plans for our group. Aside from the flooding, so many needs remain for our community. With our week of service, the youth group partnered with organizations that have been doing the Lord’s work in Fort Smith for many years. We served at Methodist Village, Legacy Health, the Community Services Clearinghouse, Antioch for Youth & Families, Midtown Apartments, and the Salvation Army.  This was such a good experience for myself and for the youth. Together, we are all learning how to love our city and the great people that live here. May we always take the place as the servant of all!

FAITH MOMENTS

With the May tornadoes followed by our historic flood, there is a group of folks that our city is indebted to. Those folks are our police officers, our firefighters, and our emergency medical technicians. They work hard to protect us, our city, and our homes. They work long hours (even longer hours during the flood and the flood recovery) to do their jobs. We are so grateful to them. Since 2009, our church has done a ministry to show our gratefulness to these fine men and women. It is called our “Cookie Ministry”. We deliver cookies to these folks. Each month we alternate our deliveries between fire fighters, police officers, and EMS workers to let them know how much we appreciate all they do for us. Here is how we do this ministry. We have volunteers who bake 1- 4 dozen cookies and deliver them to the church. We then have volunteers who sort the cookies, put them in bags or containers, and add tissue paper and cards. The cards are created by Club 56 and VBS 5th and 6th Graders. Bags are decorated by the Child Enrichment Center. Then, we have volunteers who deliver the cookies for that month. This is usually on a Monday afternoon or Tuesday. This is a great opportunity of ministry for a family or a parent and child to do or even a single adult to do. This ministry can be done by either baking, sorting, or delivering or all three parts. For further information or to volunteer for our “Cookie Ministry”, please contact Gail Oakes ( goakes@fsfumc.org ) or at 479-782-5068. This is a Ministry of Appreciation for our police officers, our firefighters, and our emergency medical technicians. I am so proud of our church for doing this type of ministry for these public servants. It is also a way to show our thankfulness to God for them.

RECENT MEMORIALS

In Memory of:   Larry Oakes by Floyd & Judy Bradberry, Dr. William & Coula Dracos, Richard & Ann Appleton, Jim & Dixie Spears, Shirley Cothren Myra Ward by Floyd & Judy Bradberry, Dr. William & Coula Dracos, Richard & Ann Appleton, Jim & Dixie Spears, Shirley Cothren Dr. A. D. Jenkins, III by Richard & Ann Appleton John Jones by Larry & Janet Nelson, Shirley Cothren Paul Pate by Patricia Jenkins Bob Lucy by Richard & Ann Appleton Linda Cravens by Richard & Ann Appleton Ruth Wolfe by Richard & Ann Appleton Dorothy Doville by Richard & Ann Appleton

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 Nursery is provided during worship services for birth thru Kindergarten age.   WEDNESDAY SERVICE 5:30 PM Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel

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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