THIS SUNDAY
September 4, 2022
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In Person, Facebook Live & YouTube
Rev. Bud Reeves
Offertory “Whither Can I Go From Your Spirit?”
Soloist: Gaye Mings
Organist: Benjamin Henderson
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In Person. Facebook and YouTube @ 6pm
Rev. Terry Gallamore
“Forever”
“Our God”
“Blessed Assurance”
“Holy Spirit”
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In Person,Facebook Live,
YouTube and FM 103.5
Rev. Bud Reeves
Anthem “Whither Can I Go From Your Spirit?”
Offertory “Hymn of Assurance”
Chancel Choir
Gaye Mings, Chancel Choir Director
Benjamin Henderson, Organist
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Sunday, September 4
8:30 am Roebuck Chapel Service
9:30 am Holy Grounds
9:45 am Sunday Small Groups
11:00 am Connexion Worship, In Person
11:00 am Sanctuary, In-Person,
Live Facebook/YouTube & FM 103.5
5:00 pm NO Youth
6:00 pm Connexion Worship, Recorded Facebook & YouTube
Monday, September 5
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED - LABOR DAY
Wednesday, September 7
12:00 pm Senior Care Alliance Aging Conference, FLC, Narthex, Loft & Rooms 201, 301, 303 &312
6:30 pm Praise Band Practice, Great Hall
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, September 8
9:00 am Senior Care Alliance Aging Conference, FLC, Narthex, Loft & Rooms 201, 301, 303 &312
11:30am Modern Widows Club, Aldersgate Room
Friday, September 9
9:00 am Senior Care Alliance Aging Conference, FLC, Narthex, Loft & Rooms 201, 301, 303 &312
Saturday, September 10
7:00 am Market Ministry, Farmers Market on Garrison
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In the polar vortex of February 2021, we experienced snow and extremely low temperatures for several days. The shrubs next to our driveway, some nice big loropetalums and elaeagnus, took the brunt of the cruel north wind. When spring arrived, the foliage on both was shriveled. As the summer came, they just turned brown. In the fall of 2021, we had the shrubs cut down and hauled away. At some point, I was going to dig up the stumps and plant something new and more resistant to weather. | |
Fortunately, I never got around to that chore. In the spring of 2022, I began to notice green sprouts again on the shrubs. Almost all of the plants came back. The foliage above ground died, but the life in the roots survived. This summer, they have already grown back to a respectable size, and it won’t be long before they are as big as they were before the freeze.
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If that’s not a parable, I don’t know what is! We all go through the “hard freezes” of life, but we can always come back. The church went through a “COVID-vortex” in 2020 and 2021, but we stayed rooted in the mission. We were knocked down, but not out. (See 2 Corinthians 4:8-9) This year, we have seen new growth, and we are coming back! | |
We are now entering a new season under the theme “Come Together.” I asked you this summer to be praying for the church to come together in a time of revival. Now it’s time to put actions to those prayers. September and October are “A Season Of Invitation.” Think of those church friends who have not come back since the pandemic; let them know they are missed, and invite them back. Think of new people–friends, family, co-workers–who need a church home. Invite them to come with you. We will give you some invitation cards to pass out or mail. Wear your nametag; greet new people; make our church a place where anyone would want to be a part. | |
This is not a new idea; it’s Vital Church 101. But after a long season of struggle, we will have to be intentional about growing back into full flower. It’s all for the mission–to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It’s all for the glory of God! | |
Join me in this exciting “Season of Invitation” as we come together at First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith! | |
Join Us for Dinner Church… | |
The church as we know it today did not always look like this…people gathering on Sunday mornings, sitting in straight rows, singing with a choir or worship band, listening to a speaker for 20 minutes, bowing their heads for a benediction, and then streaming out the same exact way they came in. This is not how our founders celebrated their faith. Rather than a proclamation-based church, the first church was actually a dinner church. While the proclamation-based churches have done many great things for worshippers through the centuries, the dinner church offered a very different spiritual experience. The great writer and theologian Henri Nouwen once stated, “If there is any concept worth restoring to its original depth and evocative potential, it is the concept of hospitality.” | |
Jesus spent much of his ministry around the table with others. Gathered with friends and strangers alike, Jesus demonstrated the impact made when we share a meal together. Even John Wesley himself knew the importance of gathering with others for a meal. Wesley believed in a good potluck, and in those days a church potluck was spoken of as an extension of Holy Communion. He insisted on close, face-to-face relations among different kinds of people as they sat around the dinner table together. | |
As a community of faith, in a fragmented world, we have the opportunity to call ourselves back to the table and experience once again the very same hospitality Jesus shared with his followers and John Wesley created around a shared a table. Beginning on Wednesday, September 14th, at 5:30pm you are invited to Dinner Church. Gather with friends and family, old and new…all ages welcome…where we will eat together, build friendships, and share in discussions about Jesus. We will pray together, laugh together, sing and play! Sounds like family, doesn’t it? | |
City Play Day, Back to School Bash,
Blessing of the Backpacks…OH MY!
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We started August off by participating in City Play Day at MLK Park. Tiffany and I set up a booth with crafts, connect four, and popsicles! We were able to tell attendees all about our upcoming Back to School Bash. | |
As you can see, Back to School Bash was a success! We gave away backpacks, shoe vouchers, free haircuts, books, popcorn, water, and popsicles. We had games and an inflatable slide for kids. It was a very hot day, but it was SO good!! Our volunteers showed up and worked hard throughout the event. It couldn’t have happened without them! We look forward to a bigger and better Bash next year. | |
We rounded out August by blessing backpacks and teachers for the upcoming school year. We saw so many familiar faces that Sunday and felt a strong sense of fellowship while doing the blessings. We are in continual prayer for all of the students and teachers as they journey into a new school year. | |
Looking to September, we are excited to kick off a new adventure for Wednesday Nights, Dinner Church. As you’ve read about in DeeDee’s article, dinner church is multi-generational. It’s going to be a time for EVERYONE. We are working hard to ensure everyone from our youngest of kids to our most senior members are engaged and enriched by the experience. I pray that our families will embrace this opportunity for growth and fellowship. | |
OUTREACH had a Great Month of Being Out in the Community | |
Our team went to two Teacher Appreciation Breakfast events where we thanked teachers, handed out pencils, and gave away two teachers a $50 Sonic gift card. The ladies that won were thrilled to win the gift cards (classroom fuel) and were incredibly grateful to receive our church’s prayers for the school year. Alma Flores was one of the gift card winners and is a kindergarten teacher at Spradling Elementary School. The second winner was Crystal Eckels from the Future School of Fort Smith where she’s the Advisory Coordinator, Senior Advisor, and English teacher. Please pray for these two teachers and all teachers as they transition back to the school setting.
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We wrapped up showing support to teachers with breakfast served at Darby Middle School. There are some great cooks in this church, and we made a home cooked breakfast for teachers as they prepared to begin the school year. We plan to continue supporting our partner schools as the school year continues. Be looking for some of those serving opportunities. Huge thanks to all the church members that helped with these teacher appreciation events. | |
School started back up for college students as well. The staff enjoyed passing out 200 cookies at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. It was great to give a treat with encouragement as they started a new semester.
We’ll be having a Pet Blessing in October for the medical school students to continue to show support and encouragement to these students.
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The outreach team went to the Chaffee Crossing Farmers & Artisans Market in August. We passed out reusable shopping bags with information about our church services, resources, and community groups. It was great to interact with people in our community. We gave out 250 shopping bags and will pass out more on Saturday, September 10th, at the Farmers Market on Garrison. | |
The Guest Services team is ready for Fall! The team and new team members had a night of fun, fellowship, and training. This team is committed to creating an experience where everyone feels welcomed and known. We still have room for new members, so contact me with any questions. | |
Refuge is an opportunity for Jr. High/Middle School youth to be introduced to the connectional events of ACCYM. They enjoy a weekend in the beautiful outdoors, focusing on Christ, developing friendships, and having fun while getting away from the busyness of life. They have a chance to refocus their hearts and minds on God without the distractions back home. This event will be held at Shepherd of the Ozarks, a great setting filled with large, comfortable log cabins surrounded by bluffs and a creek. | |
Registration includes transportation, meals, lodging, most activities (some special ones will be available for $10 paid onsite), and a tshirt. | |
The Council on Young Adult Ministries in the Arkansas UMC will begin hosting a monthly zoom book club on Sunday, September 11 from 8-9 pm on Zoom. We’ll be reading the book The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone over three months. Each month when we meet, we’ll discuss a section of the book together. Questions? Contact Lauren DeLano at lauren.delano@arumc.org | |
Also, in September we are beginning our Young Adult Happy Hours as a time to connect and fellowship. Free Appetizers will be provided but if anyone is hungry or thirsty, you’re welcome to get something for yourself. Questions: bbates@fsfumc.org | |
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YOUth SEPTEMBER
Sept. 4: NO Sunday Night YOUTH
Sept. 11: Parents/Guardians, please join us as we are having a battle of the ages, youth vs. adults that night, plus a time of worship, and a parent meeting where I will be sharing dates and opportunities for folks to serve. During the parent meeting, YOUth, be ready to play 9 square! 5-7PM
Sept. 18: We eat and then compete.
Our theme for the night is “Towers and Bases” 5-7PM
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Thank You!!!
to the 26 Music Campers, the many adults and teen helpers and all parents, friends and supporters who came to “By the Sea” Music Camp 2022! We sang, rang, spoke, danced, painted, studied, learned and rejoiced in stories about Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee.
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Thanks to the children’s work and your generosity, we were able to send $2,670 to our mission project: ANTIOCH for Youth and Families. We hope to ERADICATE HUNGER in our community.
We honored Ms. Charolette Tidwell, founder of Antioch, during our show. If you would like to know more about Antioch, just ask any Music Camper!
Thank you to all who came to support our children in their mission effort!
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UPCOMING MUSIC DEPARTMENT DATES
Starting Sept. 14 Children’s Choir -
Wednesday nights at 4pm-5:30pm
Starting Sept. 14 Ladybells -
Wednesday mornings at 10am-11:30am
Oct. 23 - 4pm Organ Concert by Benjamin Henderson
Dec. 1 Fort Smith Chorale Concert
Dec. 18 Lessons and Carols
UPDATE
March 14, 2023 - 7pm The Concordia Choir Concert
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Ashley McNeal is on staff as our Children’s Minister and has four fur babies.
She is transferring from another denomination.
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David Hightower is retired from the health care industry and has two sons, one of whom gave his life serving our country. | |
ElizabethYarbrough is a consultant and recently moved home to Fort Smith. | |
Kevin and Margaret Ross are returning to membership in our church. Kevin is an assistant principal in Van Buren schools, and Margaret manages Hope for Autism. They have two children, Dillon and Abby. | |
Dwight Curry is a businessman and supporter of the arts in
Fort Smith and is coming home to FUMC.
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We celebrated the baptism of Gloria Grace (Gigi) Mock on Sunday, August 28.
Her parents are Matt and Jackie Mock,
grandmother Susan Foree, and big brother Wesley.
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You can support First YOUth and YOUth Ministries when purchasing some mums.
Pre-orders can be done by clicking the button below. You can pay by credit card on the site if you wish, or by check when you pick them up. (On the registration/summary page click on your name and mum options will appear as well as quantities)
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IN MEMORY OF:
Myra Smith
Jim & Dianne Campbell
Suzanne McCord
Robert & Nadine Miller
David & Joanne Phillips
Ted & Virginia Taylor
Sherron Shuffield
John & Rose Mary Ayers
Bob & Jan Cooper
Paul & Jane Bowles
Dr. Bill & Tracy Culp
James & Barbara Saviers
Diane Snow
Sherron Shuffield
Ted & Virginia Taylor
Jim & Dixie Spears
Mike Willis & Lori Hardin
Dr. Bill & Tracy Culp
James & Barbara Saviers
Ann Smith
Rick Beauchamp
Rev. Aaron & Nell Barling
Suzanne McCord
Richard & Ann Hinkle
Linda Mumme
Jerry & Jane Hartfield
John & Harriett Beasley
Mary Kay Aclin
Frank & Mary Shipley
Richard & Jean Mauroner
Center for Hearing & Balance
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Becky Evans
Gary & Tracy Keifer
Dwight Curry
James & Patty Hudson
Marlin & Janet Fretheim
John & Harriett Beasley
Jerry & Jane Hartfield
Jack & Louanna Green
James & Tricia Sloan
George & Marcy Bujarski
T.W. Brown
Kerry Bliel
Christie Daly
Joe & Carla Byars
James & Barbara Saviers
Bob & Jan Cooper
Dr. Bill & Tracy Culp
John & Rose Mary Ayers
Patricia Payne
Sherron Shuffield
IN HONOR OF:
John & Rose Mary Ayers
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Next Meeting
September 8, 2022 @ 12:00 Noon
Video @ 11:30am
We will be gathering in ALDERSGATE ROOM 105 in the main building.
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We will be serving
chicken spaghetti, green beans, bread sticks and cobbler
Please RSVP by
Tuesday, September 6th
fortsmith@modernwidowsclub.org
or 479-459-0479
Our program topic is
Self Care Challenge
Pillar: Physical Health
Rachel Wright from Wright Podiatry will be discussing diabetic foot care
as well as other foot health issues.
As we all know we must keep our feet healthy!!
Save the dates
Book Club – September 22,2022
Crystal Bridges Day Trip – October 8, 2022
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Thank You! Thank You Wisters!!
You donated
13 bottles of glue, 63 glue sticks, 22 folders, 93 markers and highlighters, 31 boxes of crayons, 17 boxes of color pencils, 210 pencils, 8 pencil boxes, 5 boxes of Kleenex tissue, 9 packages of wipes, 7 pencil pouches, 1 water bottle, loose leaf paper and binder, 10 scissors and 250 erasers and monetary donations.
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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. | | | | | |