THIS SUNDAY - July 1

8:30 am - Roebuck Chapel - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Come Share the Lord” Sandy Hunt, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist   11:00 am - Sanctuary - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory Anthem “Joy in the Morning” Communion Anthem “Come Share the Lord” Chancel Choir Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist   11:00 am - Connexion FLC - Rev. Dane Womack “Come to the Altar”  “Come Thou Fount” “All I Need is You”  “O God Forgive Us” “Dry Bones”

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN AND A UNITED METHODIST!

The Bible clearly warns about idolatry of nation: “Put not your trust in princes…” (Psalm 146:3). Though Jesus and Paul both counsel respect for governing authorities (Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1-7), it is the clear Biblical teaching that people of faith are subject to a higher authority and citizens of a greater Kingdom than any nation on earth. (Philippians 3:20) Still it is customary around the birthday of our nation to thank God for our country, and I do, even more than once a year. I love our country, our vast and beautiful nation, our history of democracy, our values--when we’re at our best--of democracy, liberty, openness, and generosity. We are planning on visiting some great American historical sights this summer on our family vacation. Though our country seems wracked by conflict, turmoil, and division at the moment, I still believe the fundamental values of our nation transcend our present difficulty. We are still a nation in which the people rule. Recently when a policy was enacted to separate immigrant children from their parents in detention centers along the Mexican border, there was a massive outcry, particularly from faith groups across the nation. The policy was soon reversed. Americans are a decent people, by and large. And despite the decline of traditional church attendance across the nation, religious faith        is still a key factor in our national consciousness. Religion is almost always a factor in our political discourse (not always a good thing), and even if the politicians misquote Scripture or misinterpret the faith, there is still the assumption that at some level, everyone has to answer to God. Our recent national travails have been likened to another period of disruption: 1968, the year both MLK, Jr., and Bobby Kennedy were shot. The country was “coming apart at the seams,” Walter Cronkite said, with race riots, protests over Vietnam, political violence--and hippies! Also in 1968, the United Methodist Church was born. For 50 years, United Methodists have been making a witness to God’s transforming grace in lives, communities, and the world. For 46 years, United Methodists have been arguing about issues of human sexuality, resulting finally in 2016 in an intractable, stalemated conflict which has resulted in prognostications of the schism or demise of our denomination. But at our recent Annual Conference, the gathering of United Methodists from across the state, I saw a different future. Extreme positions on either end of the spectrum were voted down. There was a groundswell of support for a unifying, centrist vision of the church. There was hope expressed for the “Way Forward” that will be considered next year by General Conference. Make no mistake, there are still disagreements; no consensus miraculously appeared. Like America, the UMC has had rough patches. But also like America (or America like the church), if we hang on to our fundamental values, we will be victorious. We will experience shalom.  Because the God who transcends both the United States and the United Methodist Church is a God of peace and power, and God’s will ultimately and undeniably will be done. P.S. The highlight of the conference came at the end when I was reappointed for my fourth year as one of your pastors. Carey, Abby, and I are thrilled to be part of this community and family of faith, and we are excited for the next year of ministry with you!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

BETTER TOGETHER

Praying alone is difficult. The silence of a solemn moment can be deafening. The temptation to reach for my phone, check my email, and turn on some music is palpable. On the other hand, I rarely feel the temptation to distraction during worship or when gathered for a small-group meeting. My faith finds comfort when I am able to share my time and spirit with others. This month we continue our “Songs of the Heart” sermon series based on the book of the Psalms. In my preparation for these Sundays I have been reading various books including, Answering God: The Psalms As Tools For Prayer by Eugene Peterson. I have greatly enjoyed this book, a short read that anyone would profit from. Order a copy! In the most recent chapter, Peterson says, “Biblically, we are not provided with a single prayer for private devotions. The community in prayer, not the individual at prayer, is basic and primary. Prayer requires community. The assumption that prayer is what we do when we are alone is an egregious, and distressingly persistent, error.” Of course Peterson goes on to say that the Psalms might also shape private prayer, but they are primarily and essentially a lesson in communal worship. I write to you this week having just returned from Annual Conference - the yearly, statewide gathering of our denomination’s pastors, laity, and other contacts. We worship, enjoy lessons from renowned teachers, receive updates on conference business, and occasionally debate resolutions and petitions. Being relatively new in ministry, I’ll admit I found my first few years of Conference confusing if not boring. But the old guard always seems to be having such fun. As they explained to me many times over, Conference is their chance to see their friends. I have begun to take my turn in this pattern too. I greatly look forward to and was happy to spend time with some of my best friends and colleagues who live elsewhere. We talked ministry, family, hopes, fears, sports and so on. We need one another, even if we only see each other occasionally. Conference ends by announcing and finalizing pastoral appointments. I am blessed and thrilled to be returning to this church and its people for a fifth year. Fort Smith and FUMC have become our home and we are so very happy to be here. First, I return with enthusiasm about the administrative and facilities work before us. After a fantastic campaign, demolition began this week as we renovate our Family Life Center. But more than business meetings and construction plans, I return to Fort Smith FUMC so that we might continue to pray together. As the Psalms, Peterson’s book, and even Annual Conference have reminded me, we are fundamentally a people set apart to pray with and for each other. We are better together. Every meeting, every song, every sermon, every scripture lesson and every small group gathering are but different expressions of our need to pray and our need to do so with one another. We have been given to each other so that we might not pray alone. What a gift, to be a part of this church, so that we might pray together in all things. I look forward to continuing to join you in prayer.

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

2018 FSFUMC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Please join in by congratulating the following students for receiving the FSFUMC Scholarship for $500 this year. This is a one-time scholarship and these students have promising futures in their professions as well as in their church participation.

THANK YOU!

VBS was a wonderful success as we were all “Rescued By Jesus”, after being SHIPWRECKED while on a “Three Hour Tour”. We can never be lost from Jesus. We shouldn't worry; he helps us when we struggle. We all need to practice turning our worries over to Jesus!

Todd Jeffery has been on staff for 3 months as the Business Administrator. He is settling in and has already experienced God at work in ministry on a daily basis with all of the individuals and groups that provide goods and services for the church and members, our community and people in need around the world. When asked to describe FUMC in 3 words, he said, “Exciting, inspiring, and family”.     Fun facts about Todd include: Grew up in Fort Smith Wishes pizza had zero calories Favorite TV show is anything on the MLB (baseball) Network Favorite hobby outside of baseball is working with his hands in the yard                                               and on home improvement projects Dislikes folding clothes First concert was The Beach Boys in 1987 Favorite sports teams are the Cardinals & Red Sox Favorite song on repeat in his car is Safari by Greta Van Fleet Dog lover Hopeless romantic Active in church league and/or fall baseball for the past 9 years

Todd Jeffery Business Administrator

Curtis Sawyer (Mercy)

FIRST YOUTH

Joy in Service   “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” — John 3:8 As God has guided our youth ministry this summer, the words in John 3:8 come to me like a summary of our adventures. Lately many of our students have done their part to open their sails to wind of the Holy Spirit. What an incredible privilege it is to live with Christ as our Lord! In June we went on a mission trip to Memphis, TN to partner with Service Over Self. Our students got to serve a wonderful Christian woman named Mrs. Lula, who was very deserving of the free roof she received. God used us to bring a bit more wholeness into someone’s life. Big props to our students for living into the gospel! We also had over 50 teen helpers at Vacation Bible School! They did their part to teach the gospel through art, science, drama, and snacks. I can testify that there were many holy moments at VBS this year. Great job, teen helpers! Many exciting things to come this month as we go to OMP in Fayetteville and a worship conference at Hendrix. Please be in prayer for more holy moments as we continue to open our sails that the Lord may lead us. Amen!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

McClure Family Robert and Claire McClure joined FSFUMC and their daughters Maggie (age 3) and Hannah (age 1) were baptized on Sunday, June 17. Claire is a Secondary Specialist at Northside High while Robert is a prosecuting attorney with Sebastian County. Please help to welcome them to FSFUMC!

RECENT MEMORIALS

Recent Gifts in Memory of:   Betty McClendon by Janice Sudbrink Harry Shipley by Marc & Gingie Watson, Larry & Janet Nelson, Anthony & Lynnell Leraris, Richard & Ann Appleton, Larry & Janet Nelson, Hugh Kincaid, Floyd & Judy Bradberry, David & Leanne McClanahan, Kent & Nancy Blochberger Sam Bateman by J. David & Patricia Hightower Doug Parker by Kent & Nancy Blochberger Chris Corley by Carco Rentals General Office Carolyn Peer by Gladys Whittenberg, W. Harris Crane, Betty J. Campbell   Recent Gifts in Honor of:   Jay Hightower by Pat Hightower

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, July 1 8:30 am Classic Worship, Roebuck Chapel 8:45 am Holy Grounds, Narthex 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Classic Worship, Sanctuary 11:00 am Contemporary Worship, 3rd Floor Loft 5:00 pm Youth, Loft 6:00 pm Church-wide Picnic   Monday, July 2 2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:00 pm Women’s Bible Study, Friends Classroom 6:00 pm Cub Scouts, Room 309, 3rd Floor 6:30 pm Boy Scouts, Room 300, 3rd Floor   Tuesday, July 3 1:30 pm First Youth Jam Circle, Loft 5:00 pm First Tuesday Downtown   Wednesday, July 4 Church Office Closed   Thursday, July 5 10:00 am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex 12:00 pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch   Friday, July 6 6:30 am UMM Bible Study Breakfast 11:00 am Pacesetters Lunch, Golden Corral

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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