This Sunday November 4, 2018

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Gift of Glory” Keely Sattazahn, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory Anthem “Clouds of Witnesses Surround Us” Communion Anthem “Lord, Remember Me” Chancel Choir Gaye McClure, Chancel Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist

Rev. Dane Womack “Here’s My Heart Lord” “Do it Again” “You Say” “Build my Life” “The Lion and the Lamb”

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

It’s the season of Thanksgiving, and we have so much to be thankful for! I know there are many struggles and obstacles we face: political chaos in our nation and world, uncertainty about the future of our denomination, personal struggles with illness, grief, financial hardships, and relationships; you can make that list as well as I can. But God is so good, and we have many more blessings than problems, don’t we? I am thankful at FUMC that we are a growing church. As I talk to pastors and lay people from other churches, it seems that almost everyone is experiencing decline. I am so thankful that we have been experiencing a period of growth. Our worship attendance has stayed above 500 all year, and our average is currently 512, a 2% growth over last year--still a good sign in our current climate. We have taken in 65 new members this year. Our finances have remained good and steady. Our programs for children, youth, Wednesday Night Life, and choir have all shown growth. I am thankful that we are now enjoying our newly-renovated Family Life Center. Kudos to Dane Womack, our renovation committee, our Trustees, our contractor and all the workers who made this possible. Thanks to everyone who made commitments to the Faith Forward campaign to underwrite the project. The FLC is beautiful, and it will enhance our ministry for years to come. I am thankful for the great response to both of our financial campaigns this year. Faith Forward was a capital campaign to do the FLC renovation and endow our Foundation. Taking the Next Step was all about our annual giving. We had a great initial response to Taking the Next Step, and we are still receiving estimates of giving. Both campaigns were based in prayer and a spiritual understanding of stewardship. In both campaigns, we had excellent lay leadership who did most of the work of the campaigns. I know two campaigns in one year is alot. But the goal (unanimously approved by our Finance Committee and Administrative Board) was to lay a spiritual foundation for giving that would give us financial strength for a long time to come. Not that we won’t talk about money any more, but hopefully everyone understands that giving is part of our faith and a basic practice of discipleship. There are also many personal things to be thankful for--my family, our community, our country, the changing leaves, hot chocolate--everywhere you look a blessing! I hope you have a thankful November and that God will surround you with grace, peace, and strength during this upcoming holiday season. There will be lots to celebrate for the FUMC family!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

WE ARE STILL TAKING THE NEXT STEP!

We had a great initial response to our Taking the Next Step campaign. Commitment Sunday was  October 28, and we received 178 cards from those gathered for worship that day. The first-day total of commitments was $1,024,960. That’s an excellent start. This week, letters and estimate-of-giving cards have gone out to those who were not in attendance Sunday or those who did not turn in a card. We encourage the rest of the congregation to follow the leadership of those 178 families and return their cards as soon as possible. Estimates of giving can be returned by: bringing the card for worship on November 4 mailing the card in the envelope provided bringing the card by the church office during the week filling out the estimate of giving online at fsfumc.org. We will gather the estimates through November 9, and announce the total of the campaign on November 11. Be a part of this great victory for our church and the Lord!

BACK IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER

I am happy to report as of October 14 we have transitioned back to using the Family Life Center for the Connexion worship service, shared meals, the children’s play area, and countless other ministries! Yay! The renovation of the Family Life Center has been the major focus of our shared work at FSFUMC this past year. Bud Reeves led our church and its leadership through a Capital Campaign (“Faith Forward”) with a goal of approximately 2.4 million with the understanding that at least one million would go toward supporting the renovation of our Family Life Center and one million toward our church’s Foundation. Bro. Bud was the leader of the campaign while I oversaw the renovation of the Family Life Center. This was an approximately year-long project beginning with informal strategy meetings about the building and its use. Besides a general renovation, an ad hoc Renovation Committee agreed to focus on updating the space for the sake of worship and in support of the Connexion service including a updated stage and improved technology (lights, sound, display, video, etc.). From there we began working closely with our Trustees, an Architect, Interior Designer, and General Contractor. I am pleased to report that the renovation project has been a success. We stayed at budget (approx. ~1.3 million plus costs of furnishings) and experienced no major crises or change of plans. The project ran very smoothly. The relationships between our staff, Trustees, committees, and our professional support persons were the strength of the project. Everyone was supportive, helpful, professional and gracious. I am happy to have worked with all of these people on a great project. We had our first Sunday of worship back in the Family Life Center on October 14. We had a great crowd of folks for an open house and prayer of blessing at 9:45 and well over 200 for our 11am Connexion service. With respect to this work, there are many people who deserve thanks and praise. First and foremost. I am thankful to the congregation of FSFUMC for your generosity. As noted above, the Faith Forward campaign is helping to pay for this renovation as well as supporting our church’s Foundation. I have been totally overwhelmed by people’s support - financial and otherwise. This is YOUR church and your facilities. Thank you for providing the support to keep them updated and relevant for present and future ministries. Countless people helped to shape this renovation into a successful project. A few deserve special mention. We are duly indebted to Tony Leraris (Architecture Plus) and Ann Appleton (Appleton Design) for the professional expertise, service and support of their church. I would also lift up Larry Weir as a member of our Trustees and retired engineer for the countless hours he spent helping look over plans, inspect our building, and keep our project on track. With respect to the staff, I would make note of Todd Jeffery and Trevor Hardcastle. Todd was hired after the FLC renovation project was underway but his insight and dedication improved the process and outcome. Trevor helped guide the worship/technology components of the FLC renovation including many late nights perfecting the system. Outside of the church, we share our thanks with Beshears Construction (Travis Behsears & Mike Weir) for their leadership as general contractor and Cinemation Design (Joe Miller) for their technical guidance surrounding our worship stage and multi-media needs. There were a number of challenges associated with the renovation of the Family Life Center. The FLC was out of commission from mid-June to mid-October. While the FLC was closed, the Connexion service was held in the “Loft”, our Youth space on the 3rd floor of our main building. While the Loft is not as large or as convenient as the FLC, I am thrilled to report that our attendance seemed to be unimpaired by the temporary relocation. Likewise the children’s play area was out-of-commission as well. I appreciate the schools and their teachers for making do in the meantime. The kitchen, dining areas, and classrooms were also temporarily relocated. I appreciate the staff and church members for their patient understanding while things were out of sorts. I am thankful to everyone who approached this season of renovation with a spirit of collegiality and gratitude. During a project like this is, it can be hard to see the forest for the trees. But as we celebrate we look forward to the ways in which the renovation of our Family Life Center strengthens our ministries and enhances opportunities for the future. Let’s put these buildings to work!

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

FIRST KIDS HAPPENINGS

Our Explorers class was so much fun and we learned how to use our new Bibles. On a treasure hunt, the Scriptures led us outside to the Cornerstone and throughout the church, until we discovered the true treasure IS the Bible.

Children's Choir in the sanctuary on Sunday, October 21st, blessed the congregation with cheerful voices.

Children love our interactive Kid's Connexion time on Sunday mornings. 1st -6th grades meet together for the first 15 minutes of the Sunday School hour to recite the Bible verse of the month and the Bible Pledge, to sing praises to the Lord, hear announcements and Pray.

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. One type is service which Martha displayed and the other type is listening which Mary displayed. Yet of those two types, there is one that is most important. That type is listening in which we try to hear God speak to us. In my personal faith journey, I have heard God speak in several ways. One way is that I am spiritually drawn to something. I found myself drawn to the campuses of Georgia College for my undergraduate studies and to Southern Methodist University for my seminary studies. In fact, during my senior year of high school, I found myself drawn to the pictures and drawings of the new buildings (including my new dorm at Georgia College) through their catalog. I could imagine myself being a student there.  On the day that I arrived as a student at Georgia College, I found that the Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Church on college or university campuses) was located right next door to my dormitory. I was involved at Wesley from my first day on campus until the day that I graduated. It provided the guidance for me to accept my call into the ministry for which I did in my room next door in the dormitory that I was originally drawn to. I have been drawn to several churches that I have served on staff. Another way that I hear God is through surprises. God has surprised me in many different and wonderful ways over the years. I have received unexpected calls from churches to serve on their staffs. I have experienced unexpected new ideas to help churches expand their ministry for which I give God the credit for helping me be at the right place at the right time. I have experienced God in the silence – and listening to silence for the reassurance that God is with us. I am sure all of us have ways and experiences in which God speaks to each of us. Mary of the Mary and Martha story showed us the deep need for us to listen to God. It is a choice that we each need to make every day. We can get distracted by our lives and what we all deal with each day. We can misinterpret signs. Such distractions and misinterpretations can cause us to miss opportunities for spiritual growth. Yet, if we try to focus on God, we can receive clearer directions for our lives. All we need to do is to listen.

NEW MEMBERS

Breck Cogswell, joined in the Sanctuary on October 14 by transfer from another denomination. Breck sings in our choir and is assistant choral director at Chaffin and Southside.

Wes, Brandi, Jonathan, Harley, Lily, and Mati Garner joined October 21 in the Connexion service. Wes & Brandi unite with us from another denomination. Jonathan & Harley transfer from another UMC. Lily & Mati are preparatory members. (No photo available)

James & Hannah (Evans) Masters were married on October 6 and joined the church October 28 in the Connexion service by transfer of membership. James & Hannah have already been highly involved with the church including helping with the Youth. Please help to continue to welcome them to FSFUMC!

In the hospital: Carol Hinton (Sparks) Larry Oakes (Mercy)

YOUTH PILGRIMAGE

Over the past two months, 5 of our youth students have made a very big commitment. They have dedicated their time and energy to read through the Bible in the span of 9 months. Wow! These brave students are a part of a journey that we like to call The Pilgrimage. Already we have shared great discussions on the creation story, Old Testament narratives, the law, and atonement. We're finding things we never knew were in the Bible. The Word of God truly is alive! I'd like to ask you to be in prayer for this group of devotees. Pray that we would have endurance to continue wrestling with what the Bible means for us today. What a great ministry to be a part of!

RECENT MEMORIALS

·  Rebecca Chancey by James & Michelle Glidewell, Dan Young, Scott & Jayne Smith, Jack & Louanna Green, Thelma Carter, Bob & Jan Cooper, Lexicon Management Group, Tamara Berg, William & Sheryl Walker, James & Janet Ellis, James & Wanda Foster, Gladys Whittenberg ·  Dr. Eldon Pence by George & Carole Beattie, Discussion Class ·  Natalie Taylor by Marjorie Gottula, Sam & Mitzi Bradley, John & Harriet Beasley, Glenda Brown, Gordon & Sandie Simmons, Adele Jackson, Hallie Standard, Opal Wasson, Gladys Walz, Scott & Lori Yunker, Leland & Harriet Fretheim, Shaun & Betty McCaffrey, Randy & Jane Bittle, Gary & Tracy Keifer, Kelly & Marilyn Newton, Jim & Linda Kasher, Bob & Jan Cooper, Charles & Jeanne Ledbetter, Tim & Jacque Burroughs, Susan Yates, Jane Nimmo, Bob & Mary Worley, Doug & Gail Buethe, Meganne Finerty, Sally Nimmo ·  Mazie Chesser by Jack & Louanna Green, Nancy Vernon ·  Wanda Shepherd by Glenda Brown, Gary & Tracy Keifer, Nancy Vernon, Charles & Jeanne Ledbetter, Floyd & Judy Bradberry ·  Jane Warmack by Lori Hardin & Michael Willis ·  Doug Parker by Lori Hardin & Michael Willis ·  Dr. Boyd Saviers by Wes & Pamela Robertson ·  Bill Cheyne by George & Carole Beattie ·  Bill Hutcheson by David & Karen Hutcheson  In Honor of: ·  Mardell McClurkin by Nancy Vernon ·  Cynthia Giss’ 80th Birthday by Tony & Lynnell Leraris, Jane Williams

A gift from the estate of Harry Shipley was recently given to the Faith Forward fund to help complete the renovation of the Family Life Center and to endow the FUMC Foundation. The gift is given in memory of Harry and Janis Shipley by the family.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, November 4 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 5:00 pm First Youth, Loft   Monday, November 5 2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:30 pm Scouts, Room 300   Wednesday, November 7 10:00 am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 10:00 am Ladybells Practice 3:30 pm Youth Open Loft 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, November 8 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   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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