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We need peace. In our frequently troubled and fragmented world, we learn of the devastating impact of earthquakes, hurricanes, violence, kidnappings, and murder. It seems like our federal government is in constant turmoil. Some politicians, news broadcasters and other leaders in our society resort to bombastic rhetoric instead of civil discourse. This can increase fear and anxiety. We can worry about our health, family, jobs, finances and numerous other concerns.
We need peace. Where can we find it?
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the coming Messiah would be known as the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) At Jesus' birth, a multitude of angels rejoiced at the Messiah's arrival and proclaimed to frightened shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest . . . peace on earth." (Luke 2:14)
Peace is a gift from Christ. Jesus told his disciples, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27) The Apostle Paul shares that peace is one of the fruit
of the Holy Spirit. It occurs and grows within us as we are in a saving relationship with Christ. (see Galatians 5:22-25)
Peace is a gift from Christ. There are certain spiritual disciplines that we can practice that put us in a position to receive this peace. Prayer and meditation, Bible reading, listening to Christian songs and singing hymns, worship and Christian service are all channels to help us receive peace.
This Advent season may Christ's peace come to you as you open your heart through spiritual disciplines to receive it.
~Jim
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Share the Good News!
It is our privilege this month to share the Good News of Christmas in a world of
uncertainty,
fear and sadness. People truly need hope and good news today. One important way that we share the gospel is by inviting people to worship God.
80% of the people who come to church for the first time do so because they are invited by a friend, neighbor, coworker, relative or classmate. Attractive Christmas invitation cards are available at the welcome center for you to use in inviting your friends. They list all of the special services at our church in December.
Be praying about who you can invite to worship - and then do it!
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Music Ministry
Carol Service - December 9 at 11:00 a.m.
The Chancel Choir and Friends will present Come Ye Faithful, a Service of Carols,
December 9 during the 11:00 service. Selections of lighter and mostly familiar carols with string quartet; Keith Beck on percussion; Juliano Aniceto on flute; William Alston on trumpet; bell players; soloists, Mary Beth Cameron and Constance Prince; and Douglas
Blackwood on organ.
Selections will also include Carol of the Turning, a recent addition the to the carol repertoire written by Rory Cooney in 1990 and set to the Irish tune Star of the County Down. With text based on "Mary's Song of Praise" or Magnificat (Luke 1:46-58), this carol brings out the words in a fresh new way and has become a worldwide favorite. This will be sung by the women of the choir.
Singers gathering for Christmas Eve service. . .
Any who would like to sing for the 5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve service are invited to meet at 4:15 p.m. December 24. So, if you're just getting into town or haven't been able to attend regular rehearsals, this is a good opportunity to join in.
We will also be practicing the previous two Wednesday nights at 7:00.
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December 24
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Services
Family Worship, featuring children participating
in the Christmas story at
5 p.m.
Service of
Holy Communion at
9 p.m.
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Preparing for Messiah
December 2-30, 2018
Advent reminds us that we live in the "already but not yet" time. The kingdom of God came to earth in a powerful way when
Jesus entered the world. God's kingdom continues today, and it will arrive in its fullness when Jesus returns. These Advent sermons based primarily on the lectionary will help us prepare for the
Messiah and then to celebrate his birth.
December 9: "Get Ready-He's Coming!"
Luke 3:1-6
As people have been preparing for the arrival of Jesus Christ in their hearts for centuries,
we prepare also.
The Chancel Choir and Friends will present
Come Ye Faithful,
a service of carols
during the 11 a.m. worship service.
December 16: "Knowing Jesus"
Luke 1:46-55
God in Jesus entered our world, so that we could see his beauty, goodness and truth,
and He could become our King.
December 23: "She Believed"
Luke 1:39-55
When we believe that God loves us, we rejoice.
December 30: "Growing Like Jesus"
Luke 2:41-52
Jesus was fascinated to learn more and more about God's law.
This will be one service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Worship themes are prayerfully and carefully selected.
Make regular worship a priority in your life.
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Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Our thanks to everyone who packed shoeboxes. We turned in 236 boxes this year. We are also very grateful to Riverside Veterinary Hospital for contributing 27 boxes to FUMC. Filling these shoeboxes was a fun and simple way to send God's love to children all over the world!
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Congratulations to Ethan Everett
On November 18, Ethan Dailey Everett, a member of Boy Scout Troop 7 and son of Tim and Jill Everett, received the honor of Eagle Scout. Ethan
elected to do a project for our church, First United Methodist. Our preschool program was in need of new fencing for the playground area. Ethan's project involved removing the old fencing and other playground equipment that was no longer used. He raised funds to replace the fencing and also cleaned the play area. Ethan raised $3,942.00 and had over 1,241 man-hours. FUMC is very proud of Ethan and appreciates his vision and work on the playground area!
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Monday Morning Community Breakfast
Piggly Wiggly Gift Cards for Christmas
If you want to help, you can place
your donation in the offering with a note that indicates Piggly Wiggly cards.
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Heritage District Christmas Offering
The 2018 Christmas Offering will support the restoration of 30 parsonages and 90 churches devastated by Hurricane Florence in September 2018. When wind and water closed many doors, churches, despite damage, remained open, serving the needs in their communities.
We hope you will give to this very special Christmas Offering to restore our churches in worship and ministry. Please make checks payable to FUMC and include "Heritage-Christmas Offering" on the memo line. Thank you for your gifts.
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We are having T-shirts made celebrating the 30th anniversary of our mission teams to Costa Rica. If you would like to purchase one of these
($12.50),
please contact Suzanne Dempsey (903-0292) or Llewellyn Edmondson in the church office (977-0400) with size and number
.
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HONEY FOR SALE
Delicious local honey, perfect for Christmas gifts and holiday baking, is now on sale from Conetoe Family Life Center. There are three sizes:
16 oz./$10, 5 oz./$5 and 2 oz./$2. The deadline to order is December 10. Please call the church to place your order. Checks may be made payable to Conetoe Family Life Center with "Honey" on the memo line. All proceeds will benefit the Conetoe Family Life Center.
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United Community Ministries
Holiday Fundraiser
United Community Ministries (UCM) is trying to eradicate homelessness in Rocky Mount. A holiday fundraiser to help their cause is available to you. "Honor Cards" will be sold for $5 each. These cards depict a painting, by artist William Mangum, called
"Almost Home."
To promote this cause, William Mangum donates his talent and these cards every year with assistance from Wells Fargo Bank. All proceeds benefit United Community Ministries of Rocky Mount.
For questions or to purchase "Honor Cards," please contact Dave Johnson (210-2892) or Bridget Rogers (450-0860). Cards will also be available in the church office.
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Christmas Caroling - December 9!
Come join other FUMC friends and families as we team up
to
sing Christmas carols to some of our church members Sunday, December 9, at 3 p.m. We welcome EVERYONE to participate--kids and adults! So...bring your voices and your instruments and meet us in the fellowship hall.
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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 Tuesday,
December 11,
2- 3 p.m.
in the annex. 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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Empty Holidays . . .
Managing the First Holiday Season
Without Your Loved One
If you have recently lost a loved one and you're wondering how you're going to make it through this holiday season, please join us for our "Empty Holidays" Outreach Program.
Thursday, December 13, 7 p.m.
Nash General Hospital Auditorium
(Enter the Nash General Hospital main entrance
and follow signs to the hospital auditorium.)
For more information or to RSVP, phone 252-962-8124 or contact:
Keith Griffin, Hospital Chaplain
Nash UNC Health Care
2460 Curtis Ellis Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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You're invited to a
Holiday concert by the Nash Central High School jazz band at FUMC on December 14 at 7 p.m. See Michelle Batchelor for $10 tickets in advance. The cost of a ticket will be $15 at the door. Childcare will be available by FUMC youth.
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College Student Christmas Brunch!!
(And High School Seniors)
Sunday, December 16
10:00 a.m. in the Annex
All College Students home for
Christmas are welcome!
High School Seniors come hang out
with old friends!!
No RSVP needed! Come hungry!
For questions, call Lori Stanovich @ 252-443-6830.
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CHRISTMAS CARENOTES
The display in The Hub has been restocked with titles for children and adults
throughout the Advent season.
Take One ! Give One !
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Christmas Eve
Offering
The offering at the 5 and 9 p.m. worship services on Monday,
December 24,
will go to the Pastor's Benevolence Fund. This fund will provide support for various needs throughout 2019. Please prayerfully consider supporting this fund.
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Thank You!
What a fun time we had beginning our Advent Season in this way. Thank you to those of you who came out to fellowship together and learn the meaning behind the things we do at Christmas. I hope that you and your families have continued the conversations around edible manger scenes, the meaning behind the candy cane, and will carve out time to use your Advent log. I'm looking forward to continuing our time of celebrating the coming of our Savior this season.
Stephanie
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School/Recreation Activities
We would love to support your students in the many activities
they are involved in!
Please email me a copy of their schedules!
There are many fundraising opportunities coming up to help with our trip to
BigStuf
summer
camp!
We are requiring that if your student is planning to attend camp and are seeking financial aid, that he/she participate
in 3-of-4
(75%)
of the fundraising events, unless otherwise decided by the FUMC staff. Otherwise, you have the option to pay for the trip in full
if you don't wish to fundraise.
Here are the list of fundraisers:
December 14: Parents Night Out (Students will be offering childcare.)
February 15-16: Marriage Retreat
(Students will be offering childcare.)
March 10:
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (Students will help run.)
Selling Car Wash Tickets
We encourage you to stay connected with what's going on in youth group!
You can do that through our
Remind app
Or follow us on our FUMC Family Ministry Facebook page
The FUMC Youth will be partnering with Alan Minard
and the E. L. Roberson Senior Center, of Tarboro, NC,
on December 13 for an evening of service to the community.
The youth will be serving dinner to the seniors
and spending
precious time learning their story.
Please let Daniel know if you plan to attend.
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December 8
Cost: $25 per student
Sign-up Required
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June 8-15, 2019
$50 Deposit Due: December 15
Sign-up Required
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January 25-27
Lake Junaluska, NC
Cost: $75 per student
Sign-Up Required
(by January 1)
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DON'T FORGET!
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Sunday Nights
5-7 p.m.
Annex (Dinner Provided)
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Wednesday Mornings
6:30 a.m.
Chick-fil-A
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Sunday school
10 a.m.
Rooms 35 & 36
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Dear Friends,
We always love to talk about the children at Agape Orphanage, but at this holiday season we would like to talk, instead, about who made Agape Orphanage possible.
Ten years ago when we first went to Africa, we had no idea we would find ourselves where we are today.
In June 2009, we made our first trip to Zambia. After spending two weeks in Zambia, we never really intended to return. However, a few months after that first trip we felt called to go back, but we were not sure exactly why we were returning.
Six months later in December 2009, without having a plan or any significant financing, but knowing we needed to revisit Zambia, we returned. Upon our arrival there, it was immediately obvious to us that God not only had a plan, but He was also beginning to make the resources available to carry out His plan. All that was required of us at that point was to
show up
,
be still
, and
listen
. That was probably the hardest part.
We truly believe in miracles and know that God is all powerful, but we were still amazed to witness so many miracles taking place during that return trip to Zambia, and in such perfect order. We found our faith being tested but, also, growing by leaps and bounds. God was moving us so fast that we could hardly keep up.
Now, as we look back over the last 10 years, we marvel at what God has accomplished in the Zambian bush.
AGAPE VILLAGE SCHOOL
AGAPE VILLAGE FARM AND GARDEN TODAY
We thank God for using Agape Village Foundation to help relieve suffering for many orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia, Africa.
And, because we believe it pleases God to move in answer to the prayers of His people, we thank you for your relentless prayers for the ministry of Agape Village Foundation. We, also, thank you for your generous support that has made it possible for us to continue this work in Zambia, Africa.
We wish for you and your family a blessed Holiday Season.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to His power that is at work within us,
to Him be glory." ~Ephe
sians 3:20
The Baileys
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Our Big Night Studies for January 2019
Our Big Night returns
Wednesday, January 9
. This is an opportunity to gather together as a church for fellowship and spiritual growth. A buffet-style meal will be offered 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Children's
programming will begin at 6 p.m. Adult studies will begin at 6:30 p.m.
(Note: Covenant class will begin at 6 p.m.)
Sign-up sheets will be in The Hub. Please check out the adult studies listed below:
Christian Cancer Support Group
The Christian Cancer Support Group for any individuals (either inside FUMC or outside FUMC) with any type of cancer and their caregivers/loved ones will resume January 9,
6-7:30 p.m. at the home of Garry and Virginia Ward (3320 Cornwallis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804). This group will meet the second Wednesday of each month thereafter. Garry and Virginia welcome your questions!
(Virginia @ 252-903-0353/Garry @ 252-903-2436)
Please note that this group will meet December 12, 6-7:30 p.m.! Join us!
Trusting Participant Guide: Life, as we all know too well, is imperfect. Difficulties are inevitable. That's why the final eight-weeks, Trusting the Covenant, looks at the crises that sometimes call covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen. This module discusses the loss of hope, and how it is restored by faithfulness in the midst of suffering. From the story of Job, to the Hebrew exile, to the apocalyptic visions in Daniel and Revelation, we learn how faithful love is at work in everything--to restore hope, freedom, and wholeness to our lives. It is not necessary to have taken Modules 1 and 2 before signing up for this class.
This study, which will meet at 6 p.m., will be facilitated by Rev. Lynn Benson.
Film, Jesus, and Theology
Do you love movies? Do you love Jesus? Want to learn more about who God is? If you answered 'yes" to any of those questions, then come check out this new class. One way of describing God is as a story teller. We see this in the way Jesus related to those around him and the parables he told. He did this because stories have a way of changing us and shaping us. Movies that tell a good story can do the same thing for us today. Let's look at some films together where Jesus may not be explicitly portrayed on film, but his Spirit is definitely there.
This study will be facilitated by Will Geanes.
GriefShare
is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. Don't go through your grief journey alone. Melissa Bynum will lead this wonderful class Sunday afternoons, 3-5 p.m., beginning January 13. For more information or to sign up for the class, please contact Melissa
at
bynum.melissa@gmail.com.
Parent Every Week Like It Counts
"Parenting is harder than you think. Parenting is lonelier than you think."
This parenting discussion group will help parents become more intentional at home and more connected to our church. The group will learn about phases, timeframes in a student's life when we can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future for good. The group will reflect on the book, Don't Miss It - Parent Every Week Like It Counts by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy. We will learn how the Orange model of an intentional partnership between the home and our church can enrich parents and students. Rev. Jim Bell will facilitate this class.
Focusing on learning how to inductively study scripture, this class will read through the Gospel of Luke together. The inductive method of bible study is an essential tool used by many to understand scripture. Learning this method will make for a more robust study of scripture and give you new insights into God's Word. Come and discover anew what God has to say to you through Luke's Gospel.
This study will be facilitated by Rev. Matt Seaton.
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Save the Dates!
Parents Night Out
Friday, February 15
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Bring the kids to the church for an evening of fun with the youth
and enjoy the evening with your spouse doing, well, whatever you'd like.
Couples Connection
Saturday, February 16
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Come enjoy an evening of fine dining and reconnect with the love of your life.
Make it a priority to focus on your marriage and
encourage the richness of your relationship.
Join Marty and Danelle Cauley for a guided journey
to celebrate your marriage
and your partner.
Childcare provided.
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CHURCH COUNCIL APPROVES NEW STAFF POSITION
The Church Council approved a recommendation from the SPRC to convert our part-time Contemporary Worship Service Leader position to a new, full-time position:
Contemporary Worship Service Leader and Communications Director. This new position will be responsible not only for leading our Praise Band and directing and facilitating excellent, passionate worship at our 9 a.m. service, but also for coordinating communications in our congregation - and beyond - to promote the church's mission and ministries.
This will include oversight of our website, new digital board, monitor in The Hub, church App, and other social media, and also the regular production of videos and slideshows of our ministries. After a discernment process and study of other churches, SPRC believes this new position will attract a deeper pool of candidates with the complimentary skill sets and talents to help grow our church and its impact in many ways that we have been dreaming about for years. We are excited about the possibilities!
For those who are interested in applying, please send a letter of interest,
resumé,
and three references to the Rev. Jim Bell, Lead Pastor, jbell@fumcrm.org.
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Please note that the church office will be closed
Tuesday, December 25,
and
Wednesday, December 26,
in observance of Christmas!
The office staff will operate on "holiday hours"
December 27, 28, and 31.
Please call the church (977-0400) to confirm that the office is open.
The church office will also be closed
Tuesday, January 1,
in observance of New Year's Day!
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Shoes 4 Miles Helps Runners!
Shoes 4 Miles is a recently-created non-profit organization collecting running gear for runners affected by Hurricane Florence and other natural disasters. Many people's running shoes were destroyed in the flooding from the hurricane, and we wish to help them get back on their feet, and back out running. This includes high school cross-country and track participants. Running is a great stress reliever for people of all ages, and a great source of competition as well.
Leaders of the group are a couple of United Methodist high school students in Cary. Our church will be receiving new or gently-used running shoes and track spikes in a bin in the fellowship hall labeled "Shoe Drive."
The North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church is providing drop-off locations and promotion for donations. More information is available at www.shoes4miles.org.
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Williford Elementary needs...
Volunteers to read with or read to K-2 students chosen by their teacher. 30 min.-1 hr. once/week, one-on-one.
Library Helpers to read to a class during their library time, or assist the librarian with the class activity, or assist the librarian with other chores. Unfortunately, the librarian is only at Williford on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as she has been assigned to serve two schools. She welcomes any assistance for any amount of time!
Donated school supplies and classroom essentials: (Just drop off in designated space at the rear of the fellowship hall.) Bandaids, Kleenex, Lysol wipes, construction paper, pencils, erasers(snap-on or pink block), glue sticks, hand sanitizer, wide-ruled notebook paper, ziplock bags(all sizes needed), and 2-pocket folders w/out prongs.
Money donations for Williford library books and/or other classroom essentials as needed by teachers.
Remember that a NRMS approval is required to work with the children, but the application process is easily done on the NRMS website. Contact Bridget Rogers at bridget.rogers@suddenlink.net or 252-450-0860 for questions. Please consider helping out our neighbors in any of these ways. Thank you!!
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Military Prayer List
Lifting up prayers that our military families are blessed with peace wherever they are stationed this holiday season.
Our thanks to the families who keep us updated (Velda Williford at 443-3005). This listing is maintained as a service of the Stephen Ministry.
U.S. Army:
2nd Lieutenant Brooks Parisher, Fort Hood, Texas; Master Sergeant Michael McCumbee, Special Forces, Fort Bragg, NC; Major Gene Pursifull, Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC.
U.S. Marines:
Lt. Col. Brian Davis, Cherry Point, NC; Sergeant Andrew W. Sammons, Training Group, Fort Story at Little Creek, VA; RCT Valery Kleinfelt, 1st RtBN Co., Parris Island, SC.
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Child Care Workers for December
12/9 9:00 Debra Boudreau, Katie Harrison
11:00 Hadley Gross, Addie Jones
12/16 9:00 Kim Sieracki, Kelley Tyndall
11:00 Reilly Kerr, Jessie Langley
12/23 9:00 Melody Bell, Beth Joseph
11:00 Fran Glover, Amber Hinson
12/30 11:00 Michelle Batchelor, Kitty Turner
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Our Church Family
Memorials
In Memory of Phyllis Bradley Ray
(Chadwick Scholarship) by FUMC Stephen Ministry.
Celebrations
We welcome Neill and Stella Nelson to our fellowship. Neill is transferring from St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount, NC; Stella is transferring from First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC. Their fellowship friends are Keith and Wendi Beck.
Neill and Stella Nelson
23 Carr Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
We welcome
Danny and Linda Johnston to our fellowship. Danny and Linda are transferring from Nashville United Methodist Church. Their fellowship friends are Bob and Annette Allen.
Danny and Linda Johnston
145 Parkridge Court
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
We welcome Glenn, Barbara, Austin and Sean Johnston to our fellowship this morning. They are transferring from Nashville United Methodist Church. Marty and Danelle Cauley are their fellowship friends.
Glenn, Barbara, Austin and Sean Johnston
2912 Jason Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27803
Congratulations to Ethan Everett who was awarded Eagle Scout on November 18.
Ed Jolley
has moved. His new address is:
Ed Jolley
The Albemarle, Apt. E205
200 Trade Street
Tarboro, NC 27886-5042
Sympathy
The pastors and staff of FUMC express their sympathy to the family of Laura Haynes in the death of her brother,
Thad Chesson.
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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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Worship Services Available
Please be reminded that if you miss a worship service, you still have the opportunity to listen to any of the FUMC sermons via our
Facebook page.
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"To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known"
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