This Sunday September 2, 2018

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “An Offering” Gaye McClure, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory Anthem “Bring Us Together, Lord” Communion Anthem “A Blessing” Chancel Choir Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Dane Womack- 3rd Floor Loft “Even So Come”  “1000 Voices” “Christ Be All Around Me” “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”  “Spirit of the Living God”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE...

I am excited to be starting our fall program back this month! Check out this newsletter for info on all the great things happening at FUMC. It takes literally hundreds of people to do all the ministry we do, both in our church and in the community and beyond. The “ministers” of the church are not just the four ordained people on staff. They are every disciple of Jesus who serves in any capacity, and most of them are lay people.  Lay ministry is the key to vitality in the church and our hope for the future. Historically, the ministry of the church was in the hands of the laity. In the 20 th century, as the ministry became more “professional,” clergy began to dominate, and churches began    hiring staff to do ministry. As the church began to decline 40 years ago, the paradigm began to shift back to our historic roots, and the empowerment of lay ministry became a critical component of church growth. Nowadays, vital churches have abandoned the “attractional” model of the past century and adopted a “missional” model that reaches outside the church, mostly through lay people, to transform lives, communities, and the world.  Lay ministry is a response to a CALL.  We all have a call from God to be in ministry, and God has given each person gifts to perform ministry. (See Romans 12:3-8 and I Corinthians 12:4-27) Some are called to representative ministry as pastors or full-time Christian workers. Most of us are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our everyday lives, in our workplace, school, and home. God does amazing work through ordinary folks who actually have more contact with the lost, broken, hurting people of the world than those of us who spend most of our time inside our church walls. Lay ministry can be so much more FRUITFUL than professionalized ministry. Remember when Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38) One professional scythe-slinger can only cut so much grain, but put 200 workers in the field, and they are through before lunch. A handful of pastors and staff in a church can work themselves to exhaustion and still not get everything done. But if 200 lay people serve the Lord only 2 or 3 hours a week, it exponentially multiplies the ministry. The Kingdom work bears more fruit. Lay ministry can be more EFFECTIVE.  I was called and gifted to be in ordained ministry; hopefully I have been effective at the tasks I do. But our church would not be effective if we had to rely only on the things I’m good at. I have seen people do amazing works of God in areas that are beyond my capability: ministry with the sick and grieving, children and youth ministry, music leadership, and involvement in community missions. We have excellent lay people in all these areas, and they make the church more effective. Lay ministry brings its own REWARD . Service does not escape God’s notice. Jesus said, “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42) This is not the reward of salvation; we are saved by faith, not by works. But it is the reward of satisfaction and joy at making a difference in the lives of others and in the Kingdom of God. Deep down, I think we all long to hear those words from Jesus at the end: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master!” (Matthew 25:23) The vitality of the church now and forever belongs to the vast majority of disciples of Christ who are not ordained, professional Christians. For almost four decades I have been privileged to serve in ordained ministry. But it would have been a long, hard, lonely and unproductive road without the dedicated and effective lay ministers who have walked the path with me. Thanks be to God for that incredible gift!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

‘TOWN HALL” TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

For over 40 years, there have been debates in the highest levels of the united Methodist Church over the issue of human sexuality, in particular how we should view homosexuality, gay marriage, and the ordination of gay persons. In 2016, the General Conference (Methodism’s highest legislative body) appointed a Commission on the Way Forward to develop a plan to submit to a special General Conference on February 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis.  On Sunday, September 16, at 3:00 p.m. in Roebuck Chapel , Revs. Bud Reeves and Dane Womack will present the proposals of the Commision, the current state of the debate, and what might happen at General Conference in February.

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS & SUMMONS

September is the new January. September & Labor Day signify a new season. School is back in session. Parents and children are settling into new rhythms. As I write this newsletter, Maverick and Grizzly football kick off this week. It is a change of season at the church too. Folks have returned from a summer of scattered travel and activities. This month we look back to celebrate this past summer and we look forward to what is coming this fall. We had a great summer at FUMC. Mrs. Hillary Key and Children's Director Sally Ware, along with a host of wonderful volunteers, led us in a fantastic VBS. Michael and his intern from Lydia Patterson Institute, Peter, were gone nearly all summer as they led the youth to multiple mission camps and conference events. We were thrilled with the participation level and reports of positive experiences from our youth. Our church sponsored four church league t-ball & baseball teams! The pastors led Bible study and small groups on Wednesday nights. We enjoyed a wonderful summer picnic with fellowship and water games. And of course, we have been in the process of renovating our Family LIfe Center. We wrapped up our unofficial summer season with the Blessing of the Backpacks on August 12 - what a great crowd! At our August Financial and Administrative board meetings, we reported and celebrated that both giving and attendance held relatively strong over the summer! That is is not always the case - especially considering our relocating the Connexion service. I express my sincere thanks to you for your continued participation and support of our church this summer through extracurriculars, Sunday worship, and in giving. And even more so, we give thanks to God for God’s faithfulness toward us during a busy and exciting time. Amen! We are praying our momentum from this summer propels us into an equally exciting fall. As you will read in this newsletter, September initiates a number of our fall programs. September 5 we will celebrate another Pack Shack party by packing 20,000 meals as we gather at the Tilles Elementary Tornado Shelter. September 12 will mark the beginning of our Wednesday Night LIFE GROUPS. We look forward to welcoming our new staff member Rev. Don Thrasher as Minister of Adult Discipleship. Our Sr. High Youth are going on retreat to New Life Ranch. We have multiple opportunities for fellowship and welcoming friends and neighbors. And we’ll end the month with a beautiful Organ Concert and Hymn Festival on September 23. Of course, we are looking forward to returning to the FLC in early October. (Y’all pray for those contractors and equipment deliveries and my sanity!) More details forthcoming. I hope you sense both spiritually and given a number of tangibles - it is a great time to be plugged into Fort Smith FUMC! Our church is going strong. Which means, even more so, it is a great time for you to invite someone to get plugged into Fort Smith FUMC. I’ll remind you as I so often do - almost all of our guests and new members come because someone they know and trust invited them. And September is a great time to help new folks plug into church as we enter this new season of ministry and service. I want to challenge you to bring one new person to any one church activity this month. Worship, Sunday School, Pack Shack, Men’s Football Watch Party, Young-ish Adults hangout - whatever! Bring someone new! Let’s share the joy and energy of our church with others.

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

Fall is right around the corner, and so is an exciting line-up for the Wednesday Night LIFE (WNL). Please consider joining a LIFE Group as we learn and grow in our Christian faith. Not only will we take the time to study and learn together, we also will get the opportunity to partake in Communion at 5:30, followed by sharing a meal. Mark your calendars as we kick-off Fall Wednesday Night LIFE with exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and fellowship together! WNL Dates: begins on Wednesday, September 5th with the Pack Shack Kick-Off. LIFE Groups begin Wednesday, September 12th and ending Wednesday, November 14th, the week before Thanksgiving.

Sign Ups: You can sign up online at  http://fsfumc.org/discipleship/nightlife , or by calling the church office, or at our kickoff event September 5.   Meals (5:45pm - 6:30pm): Dinner is $5.00 per person, with a $15.00 limit for families. If the cost is a concern for anyone, please speak with a minister. This will be a brief, simple meal as we quickly transition to 6:30 LIFE Groups. Until the FLC opens back up, we will serve in the Narthex.   Pack Shack WNL Kickoff Event September 5th 6-7:30pm at Tilles Elementary Tornado Shelter at 815 N. 16th Street, Fort Smith Join us at the tornado shelter for a light meal at 6:00 followed by the Pack Shack event from 6:30-7:30. We will pack 20,000 meals to be used in local hunger relief for the children and youth of our neighborhood partner schools, Tilles, Darby, Northside, and Belle Point Center. This is part of the Arkansas United Methodist Conferences 200,000 Reason Initiative. There will be information about all the studies being offered for WNL, and you may sign up at the Kickoff!

FALL LIFE GROUPS 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**   UNITED METHODIST ESSENTIALS with Rev. Dr. Bud Reeves What do Methodists believe? Who was John Wesley, and why is he important? How are we organized? Why do we do some of the strange things we do? What do we believe about social issues? If these or a hundred other questions have ever occurred to you, maybe you need to be in "United Methodist Essentials" with Bro. Bud this fall. It's an introduction and overview of all things Methodist--perfect if you're new or coming from another faith tradition, but also great if you need a refresher course in the UMC.   LITURGY OF THE ORDINARY by Tish Harrison Warren with Rev. Dane Womack Many of us go through the day feeling like we cannot connect with God. But God can become present to us in surprising ways through our everyday routines. Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices and the habits that form us. The author, Rev. Tish Harrison Warren, is an Anglican priest, friend, wife, and mother. She relates daily activities to spiritual practices and Sunday worship. Come and discover the holiness of your every day with Rev. Dane Womack.   UNAFRAID-LIVING WITH COURAGE AND HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES by Adam Hamilton with Rev. Janice Sudbrink & Connie Adrion Rev. Adam Hamilton draws on research, real life examples and fresh biblical insight to show us how to untangle the knots we feel about disappointing others, failure, financial insecurity, insignificance and aging. For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions. Join Rev. Janice Sudbrink and Mrs. Connie Adrion for this exciting study!   JOHN: THE GOSPEL OF LIGHT & LIFE with Rev. Don Thrasher (Two class times to choose: 4:30 pm or 6:30 pm) The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels and is filled with rich images and profound truths. And John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.” Join our newest staff member, Minister of Adult Discipleship      Rev. Don Thrasher, for this compelling Bible Study of John using Adam Hamilton’s study book.    CARING THROUGH CARDS with Kelly DeSoto & Gail Oakes 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) Teacher with 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!   PILGRIMAGE (YOUTH-HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & JUNIORS) with Michael Mings The Pilgrimage is a nine month Senior High Covenant Discipleship Group. On this journey, high school juniors and seniors will be challenged to go deeper into their faith as they read through the Bible, serve in missions, and discover the great joys of following Jesus daily. In the summer of 2019, Pilgrim students will travel together to a surprise location for study of Methodist history, volunteer opportunities, and church partnerships. Interested students are invited to speak with Michael about this group and its expectations.   CHILDREN with Sally Ware, Karen Wyatt, Randy O’Kelley and Kelly Jacimore 1 st through 6 th children will be taking on “Mission Impossible” . We will have challenges, games and learn cool things about the Bible! Nursery available for ages 0-Kindergarten with Ms. Linda and Ms. Kerri.

In the hospital: McKee Cox (Sparks)   We mourn with: Randall Johnson in the loss of his wife Mary Johnson. Carole (George) Beattie and Lisa (Larry) Evans in the loss of their brother-in-law and uncle Bruce Maxian. David (Judy) Staggs and Mike (Susan) McFerran in the loss of their cousin Susie Eacret.

FIRST YOUTH IN FULL SWING

We’re rockin’ and rollin’ through the start of our Fall semester at FIRST YOUTH! We got to set it off at our Back 2 School Bash with fun carnival games and a concert from artist YH Sound! Check out some pictures from the event! Join us in praying that our students will shine the light of Christ in their schools!

Circle Meetings for September 11 as follows: Ruth: 10 am, Friends Class Deborah: 10 am, Home of Wilma Hill Naomi: 10 am, Home of Mary Prewitt Rebekah: 10 am, Home of Dixie Spears Mary: 7 pm, Home of Margaret Thompson September 18 : Hannah/Elizabeth: 1:30 pm, Friends Class   United Methodist Women Unit Meeting September 18 at 7:00 pm in the Aldersgate Class

RECENT MEMORIALS

Recent Gifts in Memory of:   Harry Shipley by Henry & Melissa Udouj, Don & Kelly DeSoto, Jerry & Barbara Carter, Jim & Dixie Spears, Hugh Kincaid, Ann S. Winters Doug Parker by James & Lavonne Hayes, Henry & Melissa Udouj, Tony & Lynnell Leraris, Ann S. Winters Donna West by L.L. Hardin & M.D. Willis Ernest Bartlett by L.L. Hardin & M.D. Willis Boyd Saviers by Patrick & Emily Carrigan, Connie Buckingham, Bob & Jan Cooper, Scott & Terri Seller, Dr. Sam & Mitzi Bradley, Myrna Sue Lough, Daryl E. Coker, Jack & Louanna Green, Richard & Jan Beauchamp, Mr. & Mrs. Dorsey Jackson, Andrew & Nancy Kumpuris, William & Sheryl Walker, Larry & Nancy Bittle, Tommy & Robyn VanZandt, Jane C. Williams, Robert & Elizabeth Knox, Harry & Eleanor Foltz, Jerry & Jane Hartfield, Jr., Floyd Sagely Family, George & Carole Beattie, Randall & Janie Goins, Ewell & Nancy Lee, Joseph & Mickey Searcy, Jeffrey & Tracey Geren, Mark & Leslie Lee, Staff of BancorpSouth, John & Rebecca Womack, Nancy Wenderoth, Larry & Jan Nelson, The McClanahan Family, Marlin & Janet Fretheim, Bob & Nadine Miller, Henry & Melissa Udouj, Ben & Lane Shipley, Betty Stanfield, Marystel Appleton, Michael & Pam Carroll, Ron & Becky Yates, Phil & Kimberly White, Cole Goodman, Kent & Nancy Blochberger, Floyd & Judy Bradberry, Frances Bateman, Richard & Mary Kay Aclin, James & Lavonne Hayes, Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Atwood, Randy & Jane Bittle, Paul & Suzanne Henson & Family, Mrs. Helen Couvillion, Bob & Judy Dawson, Patricia Janes, John & Jayne Alford, Mrs. Douglas Parker, Harry & Nancy Robinson, Jr., Randy & Pam O’Kelley, John & Rose Mary Ayers, Fred O. Williams, Mark Rumsey, Dell & Carolyn Nelson, Dr. & Mrs. Vent Murphy, Joel & Sandy Parker, Sue Colley, Douglas & Patricia Rogers, James & Billie Rutherford, Gary & Robin George, Beall Barclay & Co., Jim & Judy Irwin, Don & Kelly DeSoto, Ann S. Winters

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, September 2 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, 3rd Floor Loft   Monday, September 3 Church Offices Closed   Tuesday, September 4 9:30 am Staff Meeting, Conference Room   Wednesday, September 5 10:00 am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 5:30 pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel 6:00 pm WNL, Pack Shack, Tilles Elem Tornado Shelter 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal   Thursday, September 6 7:00 am Youth Breakfast Club, Chick Fil-A 10:00 am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex 12:00 pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch, Friends Classroom   Friday, September 7 Youth Fall Retreat (Sr. High) 6:30 am UMM Bible Study Breakfast, Friends Class 11:00 am Pacesetters, Western Sizzlin—Rogers Ave.

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, 3rd Floor Loft   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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