Kids Can Make a Difference! This month in Children’s Sunday School, 1 st – 6 th graders have learned about people who made a difference in the Bible and how people make a difference in our lives today by following the example that the Bible teaches us. We will be having an interactive Sunday School lesson on July 29 th by making a difference in others lives in our own community. It will be another special Sunday at First Kids Sunday School!

THIS SUNDAY - July 29

8:30 am Roebuck Chapel - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory “Come, Let Us Sing” Caroline Beneux, Soloist Nancy W. Vernon, Organist   11:00 am Sanctuary - Rev. Bud Reeves Offertory Anthem “He Never Failed Me Yet” Anthem “Be Still and Know That I Am God” Chancel Choir Louann Dooly, Assistant Choir Director Nancy W. Vernon, Organist   11:00 am 3rd Floor Loft - Rev. Dane Womack “Do it Again”  “Psalm 46” “Great I Am”  “Your Love Never Fails” “How He Loves”

GREAT TO GO; GREAT TO GET BACK!

We thoroughly enjoyed our family vacation in July. We spent 11 days on a trip to New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, seeing as many sights as we could and taking in lots of history. The most moving day for me was July 4, when we spent the morning in the 9/11 museum and memorial, then spent the afternoon at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (We were there just before the woman climbed up on the Statue in protest.) It was a lesson in the true spirit of America. We followed that trip by getting reacquainted with the Arkansas heat at a junior tennis tournament in Little Rock. I really enjoy my time away, not because I don’t like my job or the people I deal with. Quite the contrary. Ministry can be exhausting, and in order to give the Lord and the church my best, I have to recharge my batteries from time to time. And being away always makes me anxious to get back home and start again doing what I love to do. As soon as I got back this year, Pastor Dane and I attended a conference in Dallas called Uniting Methodists. As you know, the UMC is facing some big decisions about the future of the denomination. Dane and I are both dedicated to doing our small part to see that the ministry of FSFUMC and the UMC continues to grow, expand, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe that mission can best be accomplished by finding a way to stay united despite our differences. This conference was an educational event to learn more about the “One Church Plan,” which is the plan recommended by the special commission that studied our situation and by the council of bishops of the church. We are going to take a few weeks to read, learn, and digest some more, then after summer is over, we will have some sort of church-wide meeting to inform everyone about the various plans (There are more than one.) and the status of the conversation. We want everyone who is interested to be informed, but we are not going to make our denominational issues the priority, front-burner issue for the fall. It’s not the main thing. The main thing is helping our people grow spiritually into deeper disciples of Christ, reaching out to new people with the love of Jesus, and helping to serve real human needs in our community and the world. I am excited about the fall coming up. We will gear back up after summer with children’s, youth, and adult ministries. Wednesday Night Life will start back. Worship will be awesome. And before we can turn around good, it will be the holidays! I had a great time with my family on vacation. But I am thrilled to be back with my larger family at FSFUMC. I’m excited about the opportunities we have and the ministry God is calling us to do. Let’s do this!

Rev. Bud Reeves Senior Pastor breeves@fsfumc.org

FAMILY LIFE CENTER UPDATES

Friends, I am writing this month to highlight a couple of updates to our renovations of the Family Life Center. I realize the space is practically inaccessible during this time. Diane has shared a few photos on Facebook and I include a couple here. You’ll notice in the picture of the gym-space at large you can see a great deal of natural light! Those clerestories had been blocked years ago to keep the light from overwhelming our earliest projectors. We are so excited to have the natural light back in the room. What joy! We are including motorized blinds on these clerestories as part of the renovation. This will give us the opportunity of controlling the amount of natural light in the room. For example, on Sundays we will have those windows closest to the stage closed, but perhaps the one furthest back could be open. During the week, they should all be open while the children play. The control of the natural light is going to be a great improvement. You will also see here a shot of the former men’s locker room. As you probably know, the locker rooms and showers have largely been unused in recent years. We are maintaining the showers and a changing space in each bathroom. But we are adding laundry space and a family-style single bathroom on the men’s side. We are converting a portion of the women’s locker room to a more friendly nursing space/lactation room. Regarding the possibility of a covered entrance between the FLC double doors and the breezeway, no plans are underway for construction. The FLC renovations committee and the Trustees named a possible covered entrance as a “priority Z” - a last case scenario if possible. Our committee considered a couple of covered walkway options, but were not enthusiastic about them. For the time being, we agreed to table this feature until we had greater clarity about its purpose and style relative to our many entrances/exits. Our contractors are doing a great job of keeping us up to date on our progress. We understand everything is going well and on schedule (knock on wood!). Demolition is complete. Electrical is nearly complete. Soon, crews will begin installing new fixtures. Perhaps the work will be even further along by the time you read this message! In the meantime the Connexion worship service continues in the LOFT. Thanks to everyone for finding their way to worship and continuing to support the church! What a great season in the life of our ministry!

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

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE CHILDREN!

This summer, in Children’s Sunday School, we have focused on people who made a difference in the Bible. The children learned about Esther, Moses and the Roman Centurion; all who made a BIG difference because of their faith and belief. As we continue to teach the children how they can make a BIG difference, we will be having a Jeans Drive for Children’s Service League. The children would like to invite the church congregation to participate by donating new or gently used Jeans (size 5T to adults). Children’s Service League is an organization run completely by volunteers, many of them from our own church family. CSL provides clothing, from shoes and coats to jeans and more, for children in need in the Fort Smith public school system. Children are referred to CSL by the school counselors. With “Back To School’ just around the corner, jeans are in high demand for children in our community. Drop off your donations in the shopping cart by Sally’s office, located on the 2 nd floor of the Children’s area.

Christie Jacobs has been on staff at FSFUMC for 30 years (either as a Temporary Director, Teacher or Sub) but started in CDO first in 2003, then went to the WDS in 2005. She is currently the Weekday School Director. She was born in Fort Smith & only lived away for a couple years in Kansas City. She met her husband, Patrick, at Southside High School in 1982. They dated 6 years through college and married June 25, 1988. Christie and Patrick just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary! Her first son, Colby was born, 1991, in Overland Park, KS. They moved back to Ft Smith in 1991. Christie’s daughter Cassidy was born in Dec., 1992. Then 10 years later, they had a second son, Ryan, who is a Jr. at SHS. Dr. Fred Roebuck officiated their wedding ceremony in the Roebuck Chapel. She has been a member of our church since 1987. Patrick & Christie joined before they were engaged. She loves working with all the wonderful Teachers at FUMC Weekday School, which they all call their “Happy Place!”

Christie Jacobs Weekday School Director

Fun facts about Christie include: Doesn’t consider her job a job because it is a joy to be with children everyday!! Has 3 fur babies, Zoe, Chunky & Bentley James aka “The Weekday School Doodle”. Kids love Bentley! Loves chocolate so much that she has a chocolate drawer at home (She might have one at school too) Loves to binge watch Netflix shows with her husband! She recently went on the most terrifying ride in Vegas & lived to tell about it – The Stratosphere Insanity ride did not disappoint!

We mourn with: Eldon Pence passed away Tuesday, July 24. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made. Max (Polly) Cloninger, John Lawson Cloninger, Sam & Walker Cloninger, Kim Cloninger, Robert (Betsy) Cloninger, and Caroline & Bobby in the loss of their brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather Robert “Bob Cloninger. Karen (Mike) Davis, Cameron Davis in the loss of their father and grandfather Jim Smith. Indra (Tait) Karrant Russell and Jonathan Karrant in the loss of their grandmother Mary Lianon Karrant. Ricky, Kaley, and Ashley Hayes, Jeremy Arndt, Jamie (Ronnie) Garner, Neely (Brian) Spessard in the loss of their mother, daughter, and sister Mellisa “Missy” French. Family and friends in the loss of Louise Leamons.

FIRST YOUTH // OZARK MISSION PROJECT // Junior High Students in Service

Earlier last month our junior high students went to Fayetteville, AR to team up with Ozark Mission Project. I’m starting to believe that there is no such thing as a bad mission trip. In my personal experience, no matter what the weather or the circumstances, it seems that Christ is always faithful to meet and guide us whenever we seek to live as He has called us to. Time after time God shows up and shows out! Never underestimate the amount of work that a junior high student can do. Our students, as well as other students from all over the state, did a lot of really great work. They built several wheelchair ramps for disabled folks, they cleaned several yards, they painted houses, improved homes, and so much more! The work was great and very rewarding, but I’m mostly grateful that God has been working to unify the hearts and minds of the teenagers in the church. A revival is taking place, and through our service, seeds were planted. May God bring abundant growth! Check out what one of our youth students, Nicole Yuetterman, had to say about our trip!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Walter Ahart joined FSFUMC July 8 in the Sanctuary by transfer.

On July 22 in the sanctuary, we celebrated the Sacrament of Christian Baptism for Avery Elizabeth Neubauer, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Wohlford) Neubauer, granddaughter of Charles and Kim Wohlford and Joe and Carolyn Neubauer.

RECENT MEMORIALS

Recent Gifts in Memory of:   Harry Shipley by Discussion Sunday School Class, Carole & George Beattie, Rev. Aaron & Nell Barling Carolyn Peer by Thelma Carter Doug Parker by Scott Thompson, Susanna O. Sullivan, Helen Lanier, Hugh & Jane Atwood, Donnie D. Pendergraft, Dudley & Charlotte Flanders, Patricia Janes, Cole Goodman, Mary K. Henson, Ben & Lane Shipley, Guenette Family, John & Harriet Beasley, Hugh & Kate Maurras, Dr. Hugh Lewing & Family, Richard & Mary Kay Aclin, George R. & Karla Jacobs, Combs Family, Ann S. Smith, Kelly & Marilyn Newton, Margaret Thompson, Donna Jamell, Robert P. & Jan Cooper, Eddie & Kathy Beshears, Patricia Hawkins, John W. & Rose Mary Ayers, Frances Bateman, Bob & Janice Powell, James & Wanda Foster, Marlin & Janet Fretheim, John Lehnen, Nancy Wenderoth, Jack & Louanna Green, Sherron Shuffield, Joe & Kathy Chronister, Elmer & Debbie Cochran, Samuel & Leslie Landrum, William & Sheryl Walker, Richard & Jan Beauchamp, Jane C. Williams, Robert & Judy Dawson, David & Leanne McClanahan, Gene & Teija Nelson, Robert Young, Benny & Martha Gooden, Thomas & Susan Webb, Gretchen K. Jacks, Carl D. Corley, Jim & Dixie Spears, Jerry & Jane Hartfield, Jr., Randy & Jane Bittle, Marla Miller, Taylor & Mary Prewitt, Marvin & Linda Mumme, Discussion Sunday School Class, Carole & George Beattie, W. Harris Crane, Rev. Aaron & Nell Barling, Thelma Carter

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, July 29 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 5:00 pm Guatemala Missions Meeting, Narthex   Monday, July 30 2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Conference Room 6:00 pm Women’s Bible Study, Friends Classroom 6:30 pm Boy Scouts, Room 300, 3rd Floor   Tuesday, July 31 1:30 pm First Youth Jam Circle, Loft   Wednesday, August 1 10:00 am Prayer Group, Prayer Room, 2nd Floor 5:30 pm Holy Communion, Roebuck Chapel 6:00 pm Pastor’s Summer Bible Study, Room 201 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal   Thursday, August 2 10:00 am Knitters & Knotters, Narthex 12:00 pm UMM Bible Study/Lunch   Friday, August 3 6:30 am UMM Bible Study Breakfast 11:00 am Pacesetters Lunch, Western Sizzlin on Rogers Ave.   Upcoming Dates to Remember   Sunday, August 12 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks 5:00 pm Finance Meeting 6:00 pm Administrative Board Meeting   Wednesday, September 12 Wednesday Night Life Starts

CLICK THE CALENDAR BELOW FOR LARGER VIEW

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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