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Lent
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,
(2)
where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days; and when they were over, he was famished." Luke 4:1-2
Friends, Lent has begun. We are now a few weeks into the 40-days' journey towards Easter. I remember when I first was introduced to Lent. I was in my first year of college. My sister, five years my senior, told me over the phone one March evening how she had been suffering from headaches because she had given up coffee. To which I responded, "How did you get out of bed? Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?" We both grew up in a tradition that didn't observe things like Lent and also drank lots of coffee. We knew only about Christmas and Easter but not Lent. My sister explained to me about this cool new-to-her tradition called Lent.
Lent is when you give something up to make more room for God to speak to you. Somehow over time, we allow things to come into our lives that crowd out God's voice. It's like when you're in your favorite coffee shop having a good conversation with a best friend, and no one else is in the shop but you two and the barista. But then a few people come in, order coffee, sit down and begin to talk. Then a few more people come in, order coffee, sit down and talk. Next thing you know, it's the breakfast rush; and the line is out the door. The solo barista works as fast as he can, but is unable to keep up with all the customers who are now loudly complaining about the slow service and the poor quality of service. Now, the quiet conversation you were having has progressed to a shouting match and then silent frustration. If you want to get something out of this conversation, aside from a hoarse voice, you're going to have to leave.
Lent is leaving. It's finding a place to listen to God by saying "no" to some things and saying "yes" to others. It may mean saying "no" to coffee. It may mean saying "yes" to giving more money to those in need. Now that you're not spending $4 for coffee, you have extra income, so why not? Perhaps the budget has become crowded with more "me and mine-centered" items than other-centered items. It may mean saying "no" to binge watching TV. It may mean saying "yes" to opportunities of service. Having those hours back from not binge watching, you now have time to explore what it means to be in service to others. Has your schedule become so crowded with entertainment and activity that you've neglected helping others? Life becomes overly crowded, so that we cannot hear God speak. It's time to leave and find space to listen. This is wilderness.
Having experienced Lent for myself, year after year, I have discovered a rich place of learning and renewal. Each year I try to explore different ways to stretch my faith so as to find a place where I might hear God's voice again. I leave behind old routines for new routines, even if for a short time. Lent has become one of my favorite church seasons. I hope you find the same joy this Lent. Even if you haven't participated, it's not too late to start.
May this Lenten journey lead you to places unknown, places that can only be described as wilderness. May you come to see your faith expanded, your hope renewed, and your love for God and others refreshed.
Peace,
Rev. Matt Seaton
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A One-Woman Passion Play
with
Olivia Woodford
Sunday, April 7
One Worship Service
10:00-11:30 a.m.
The Dunn Center @ NC Wesleyan College
Scripture comes to life with this inspiring script and performance. The play brings to life the spirit of Easter through the love, faith, and triumph of the gospel women as they each experience a personal awakening that brings them closer to Jesus. Pastor Jim Bell said about the play, "The characters Olivia portrays are so alive! The variety of emotions they express make them so real. We were transported back in time by her outstanding writing and acting skills. She has an undeniable ability to create a place and mood for the audience. I found myself riveted to the portrayals."
Our worship service will be held at The Dunn Center on April 7 instead of our church. There will be no charge for this presentation. However, an offering will be received as usual. Child care will be provided for children 4 years old and younger.
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"Practical Christian Living -
the letter of James for Today"
Frequently during Lent, we focus on spiritual disciplines that can bring us closer to God. This Lenten series focuses on the letter of James and its very practical, down-to-earth message. This letter is a "how-to-do-it manual" for those who deeply desire to know how we can follow Jesus as Lord day by day. We will learn how to develop perseverance, how to obtain wisdom, how to express our faith, and how to communicate. By nurturing an active and vital Christian lifestyle, we grow in our relationship with God and in our relationship with others.
March 17: "A Dead Faith?"
James 2:8-17
As we trust in Jesus as Lord, we honor him in what we think, say and
do.
March 24: "Conversing Like Jesus"
James 3:1-12
We follow Jesus when our words are true, gracious, respectful, and civil.
March 31: "Wisdom from Above"
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
People who maintain their relationship with God demonstrate peace,
mercy and fruitfulness.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion at all three services.
April 7: "The Heart of the Cross"
A One-Woman Passion Play
with Olivia Woodford
One worship service - 10:00-11:30 a.m.
The Dunn Center @ NC Wesleyan College
April 14: "Living Your Faith"
Palm Sunday
Confirmation at 11 a.m.
James 1:17-27
We respond to God's generosity as we act on our faith.
Worship themes are prayerfully and carefully selected.
Make regular worship a priority in your life.
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Dear FUMC family,
Maggie, Brooke, Allison, and I would like to express our greatest appreciation for the warm welcome we have received into this congregation. We have enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you, even if you might have to remind us your name the next time we see you. Thank you so much for your graciousness and hospitality!
~ TJ Shirley
Contemporary Worship Leader/Communications Director
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HELP WANTED
The Finance Ministry Team is looking for two people to serve on a small
internal audit team. The team will be verifying that church financial activity
is being done in compliance to our financial policies during 2018. Under
the leadership of Mark Russell, you will be observing financial/accounting
transactions and validating accuracy and completeness. Between April and
June, it will require about 25 hours of your time. All work will occur at the
church.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Dave Johnson at 955-0533 or e-mail
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Music for Sunday, March 17
At the 11 a.m. worship service, the Chancel Choir with soprano soloist Bailey Sutton will sing "Sing them over again to me" in modern arrangement by Gilbert Martin.
For March 24, the Chancel Choir will sing "O Love, how deep" arranged by Carl Schalk.
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You are invited to join us for mid-week Lenten worship services beginning at 12 noon, followed by a light meal. This year FUMC will be partnering with Englewood United Methodist Church, Lakeside Baptist Church and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Please see the schedule below:
March 20
Host Church: Saint Andrews Episcopal
Guest Pastor: Rev. Jim Bell
March 27
Host Church: First UMC
Guest Pastor: Rev. George Greer
April 3
Host Church: Lakeside Baptist Church
Guest Pastor: Rev. Savanna Becker
April 10
Host Church: First UMC
Guest Pastor: Rev. Terry Williams
(Note: A Palm Cross Workshop will be held immediately
following lunch in FUMC fellowship hall.)
April 17
Host Church: Englewood UMC
Guest Pastor: Rev. Jody Wright
We hope to see you at these services!
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With the handicap-accessible
reconfiguration of the sanctuary, we have a select number of church pews to give away. There are twelve 5-foot pews and four
10-foot pews and a limited number of pew ends and "legs." We can provide the name of a master craftsman to create pew ends for you. If you would like a church pew, please email Wendi
Beck (
wbeck@fumcrm.org
)
Monday, March 18,
beginning at 8 a.m. Please indicate the size
requested along with any pew ends or "legs." Emails sent prior to 8 a.m. will not be accepted. Pickup of pews can be arranged beginning the week of March 25.
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Gideons' Report & Offering - March 17
We will welcome Mike Green, a representative of the Gideons International, to our worship services
this
Sunday. He will share a report about the significant Bible distribution ministry of the Gideons in our area and beyond. We will receive
a "retiring offering" for this ministry at the conclusion of each service. Mr. Green will stand at the door, and you will have the opportunity to make a contribution to the Gideons.
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Join the NC Council of Churches, people of faith, and the community alike for a summit on the opioid epidemic in North Carolina. Come learn more about the opioid crisis, and hear from fellow North Carolinians who have been personally impacted. We will also use this time to collectively discuss solutions moving forward.
The event will be at the NC Museum of History in Raleigh. The goal of the event is for people to know more about the opioid crisis and how access to affordable health care is fundamental to mitigating the crisis. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and will end at approximately 11:30 a.m.
This event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact the North Carolina Council of Churches at info@ncchurches.org or 919-828-6501.
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Women's Lenten Bible Study begins March 27
The Women's Lenten Bible study will focus on the book,
"The Women of Easter," by Liz Curtis Higgs. This four-week study explores the stories of three women all named "Mary," who played a vital role in the life and ministry of Jesus, as well as in the events of that first Holy Week that first Easter. Join us Wednesday mornings,
March 27 through April 17,
9:30-11:30 a.m., in the annex. (Please note the time change due to the Lenten services at noon.) Jena Katkaveck is the facilitator. Sign-up sheets will be available in The Hub.
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FUMC Preschool Fundraiser -
Family Pizza Night!
Come join the Preschool for a Family Pizza Night fundraiser,
Wednesday, March 27,
5:15-6:30 p.m. The meal is $5 for everyone and will feature pizza, salad, pizzert, tea and lemonade. OBN participants will sign up as usual in
the welcome center. Funds raised will be used
to purchase new games/activities for each classroom. Be sure to mark your calendar for this
fun-filled night of pizza, fellowship and laughter!
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UMCOR Sunday - March 31
We will receive donations to support UMCOR Sunday, March 31. Because you give, the United Methodist Church's compassionate response to human suffering continues. Your gift allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ's church, moving toward the most vulnerable in their darkest days. Together we are assisting those impacted by crisis or chronic need. It's your generous giving that allows The United Methodist Church to respond when disaster strikes. Please prayerfully consider supporting this important ministry.
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If you would like to honor or
remember a special family or church member with a lily at Easter, please complete
an order form, available in the
welcome center and The Hub, or call the church office by Monday,
April 8
. Lilies are $15.00.
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Palm Cross Workshop
A Palm Cross workshop will be held in the fellowship hall Wednesday,
April 10
,
immediately following the Lenten luncheon. If you are interested in making crosses out of palms, please just show up. Thanks for your help!
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April 14 - Palm Sunday
Children will process with palm branches. All children are invited to carry and wave palm branches in both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. For the 9 a.m. service, children
are to meet in The Hub at 8:50 a.m.; for the 11 a.m. service, children are to meet in the chapel at 10:50 a.m. Confirmation will be during the 11 a.m. worship service.
April 14 - Children's Egg Hunt
During Sunday school (10 a.m.), the children pre-school through 5th grade
will participate in age-specific egg hunts.
April 17
Youth Lenten Breakfast, 6:30 a.m. at Chick-fil-A
April 18 - Holy Thursday
A worship service celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion
will be held
at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary
(Child care will be available.)
April 19 - Good Friday
The Stations of the Cross, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, is an individual, meditative prayer experience in the sanctuary based on the Via Dolorosa, "the way of the cross," the route that Jesus took through the streets of Jerusalem between his condemnation by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and his crucifixion and burial.
At 7 p.m., an informal service of Tenebrae or "shadows" is held in the fellowship hall.
The suffering of Christ is recounted in 7 passages from Matthew's gospel--from Jesus' betrayal by Judas to his burial--as candles are extinguished and the shadows lengthen. "What wondrous love is this?" (Child care will be available.)
April 21- Easter Sunday
We rejoice in Christ's resurrection at 8:30, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. The message,
"The Last Laugh,"
celebrates the victory of Jesus over sin, evil and death.
We will catch a glimpse of the great joy Jesus' resurrection brings us.
The barren cross is transformed into a resurrection cross with beautiful flowers.
Please remember to bring flowers (spring, garden-type, etc.) to place on the cross Easter Sunday. During the singing of the first hymn at all three services, the congregation will have an opportunity to come to the altar and place flowers on the cross.
Please note the church office will be closed Easter Monday, April 22.
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all those who came out and supported the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament that was hosted by the FUMC Youth at Rocky Mount Academy! It was a great success! It was so wonderful to see the bleachers filled with people laughing and enjoying good fellowship time together, along with some good memories made on the floor amongst the teams playing!
We also want to extend a huge thank you to all those who volunteered to make the day possible and to Rocky Mount Acadamy! We could have not done it without you! So, we greatly appreciate your willingness and availability to help!
Congratulations to "The OM" (Old Men) who won the championship!
We are looking forward to next year when we get to do it all over again!
Blessings,
Daniel Mullens,
Youth Pastor
Confirmation Class
Confirmation class will be held during the Sunday school hour
(10 a.m.) in the annex on March 17.
The confirmation retreat will be held March 22-24
at Lake Junaluska, NC.
Participants will leave FUMC at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 22.
Confirmation will be held Palm Sunday, April 14, during the 11 a.m. worship service.
NEXT YOUTH STUDY
Sexual Integrity
Starting March 31, the youth group will begin a study on sexual integrity - the primary focus of "love life, love others." This study will be centered around understanding God's design for sex, and how that there is much more to it than we think.
We want to make parents aware that this topic of discussion is coming up so that you will have plenty of time to ask questions or express any concerns regarding your student.
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Let Us Know...
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We would love to come see your student participate!! Whether it be in sports, dance, plays, etc, we want to be there to support them!
Please send us a schedule to help know when!
Email Daniel at dmullens@fumcrm.org.
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On Wednesday, March 20, those going to Costa Rica
will host a fundraiser meal
for Our Big Night!
Please arrive to help by 4:30 p.m.
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Upcoming Schedule
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Due to extra youth group events happening in the month of March,
please notice our schedule alterations.
March 17:
Family/Youth Bowling - 3-5 p.m.
Westview Lanes, Wilson, NC
NO normal youth meeting!
March 24:
No youth due to the Confirmation Retreat!
March 31:
5-7 p.m. - Annex
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Sunday Afternoons
5-7 p.m.
in the annex
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Wednesday Mornings
6:30 a.m.
at Chick-fil-A
Please note that we have begun our Lenten devotion time as we prepare for Easter!
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Sunday School
10 a.m.
Rooms 35 & 36
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Boy Scout Spaghetti Plate Fundraiser
Friday, April 5
FUMC Portico
Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner: 4-6 p.m.
Take-out Only! $5.00 per plate
(Donations also accepted.)
Orders of 10 or more plates can be delivered
upon request. Email Tamara Bass at
twbnnc@gmail.com
with orders.
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25th Anniversary Schedule of Events:
April 8: Children's Parade
April 9: Party in the Park
April 12: Fore Every Child Golf Classic
April 25: Anniversary Celebration Event
For more information about these events, please contact Henrietta Zalkind, Executive Director, at 252-985-4300.
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"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." ~Matthew 25:35
We will be distributing food to those in need on Tuesday,
April 9
, 2-3 p.m. You can help by picking up a bag and filling it or by donating money. Please write "Food Bags" on your check, and the money will be used to purchase food. Thank you for helping those less fortunate.
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FUMC Kindergarten and Preschool registration for the 2019-2020 school year is underway. Preschool registration continues through this month for currently enrolled preschoolers and FUMC family as well as the public. FUMC Preschool and Kindergarten offers: Mother's Morning Out for babies (aged
2 months-1 year), Mother's Morning Out for toddlers/
preschoolers (aged 1-4 years), pre-school for 2- and 3-year-olds, pre-kindergarten for
4-year-olds, and a state-certified, half-day kindergarten. Please see Debbie Ray in the
Preschool/K office for a registration form or
call 977-0475.
FUMC is a happy place for children!!
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Preschool Book Fair
FUMC Preschool Book Fair is scheduled for April 8-12. Be sure to stop by and check out the books for sale! Proceeds go the Preschool program.
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Preschool Cookie Night
Thursday, April 11
6:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Church members are invited to attend and celebrate this night
with our preschoolers!
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Free One-Day Workshop - "Moving Out of Poverty"
Rocky Mount Peacemakers is conducting a free workshop
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Lunch is included. The workshop is designed to answer the question: "Why are the materially poor not moving out of poverty?" With all the food and clothes that have been given away, the poverty needle is still stuck. This workshop will provide a framework for how Christians who really want to make a difference in their community can move forward.
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Altar Flowers
If you are interested in placing flowers in the chapel, fellowship hall, or sanctuary on Sunday mornings during the year, please call the church office to request a date. Please note the the cost of the arrangements: chapel - $40; fellowship hall - $40; and sanctuary - $75. Rosebuds (to celebrate births) are $10.
The following dates are available:
May 5; June 2; July 28; August 18; September 1, 15, and 22; October 27; November 17; and December 29.
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Flower Vases Needed
The Altar Guild is in need of flower vases. When floral arrangements are given on Sundays, these flowers are later rearranged in vases and delivered to our sick and/or homebound church members. We have plenty of "bud" vases, but if you have any medium-size vases that you do not need, please bring them to the church office.
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Thank You
Thank you to those who donated money and/or books to the Williford Elementary Book Drive in February. These were much needed books for the K-2nd grade classrooms.
Additionally, we are grateful for the volunteers who helped with the second "Wildcats Wild About Reading" celebration held on February 28. It is always great to see the number of students who have met their reading goals!! Lots of fun was had by the students and the volunteers!
As always, thank you to those who tutor weekly, help out in the library, assist with Teacher Appreciation events, Picture Day and the Mobile Dental Clinic, and donate school supplies.
Our neighbors at Williford Elementary are very appreciative of all we do! More fun activities and appreciation events are being planned for the spring.
If anyone wants to learn more about how to become involved at Williford (a lot or a little), please contact Bridget Rogers (bridget.rogers@suddenlink.net or 450-0860).
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Camps Don Lee, near New Bern; Rockfish, southeast of Fayetteville; and Chestnut Ridge, west of Durham, offer many wonderful summer camps for children and youth and also have retreat centers for families. If you have any questions or would like to get a group together to attend one of these camps/retreats, please check out the links below:
Brochures are also available in The Hub.
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Child Care Workers for March and April
3/17 9:00 Addie Jones, Katie Harrison
11:00 Bridget Rogers, Kitty Turner
3/24 9:00 Amy Luttrell, Lindy Williams
11:00 Fran Glover, Addie Jones
3/31 9:00 Mary Lew Benson, Heather Kim
11:00 Michelle Batchelor, Debbie Ray
4/7 9:00 Debra Boudreau, Kim Cross
11:00 Gaye Brinn, Hadley Gross
4/14 9:00 Melody Bell, Beth Joseph
11:00 Amber Hinson, Beth Pearsall
4/21 9:00 Kim Sieracki, Jenny White
11:00 Emily Ballance, Reilly Kerr
4/28 9:00 Annette Allen, Susan Johnson
11:00 Melissa Bynum, Heather Freeman
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Our Church Family
Memorials
In Memory of Monroe Reid Jones (
Children's Ministry) by Mr. & Mrs. Kay Carroll and Mr. & Mrs. John Williford, Jr.
Sympathy
The pastors and staff of FUMC express their sympathy to Gale Trevathan and her family in the passing of her brother,
Monroe Reid Jones, and to The Rev. Robert Eric Bergland (former FUMC pastor) and his family in the passing of his mother,
Barbara Benfer Bergland.
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Attention Amazon Shoppers
Here's an easy way for your dollars to benefit First United Methodist Church and our ministries. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to our church.
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Give anytime, anywhere! We welcome your online donation, where you can schedule your recurring donation or your one-time gift. It's fast and easy.
Click here to get started or visit our website,
fumcrm.org .
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Live Worship Services Available
You may join in our services live at 9 a.m. each Sunday. Past worship services are also available via our You Tube channel. Be sure to "subscribe" to our channel to ensure you receive updated content.
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"To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known"
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