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Digital Newsletter
August 5th - August 11th, 2022
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Blessing of School Backpacks - August 7th
(9 & 11am in worship)
All children and youth are encouraged to bring their school backpacks to be prayed over for the coming school year. All teachers and administrators who attend either worship service in person that day will receive a token of our appreciation.
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Back to School Giveaway - Sunday, August 7th
All teachers, administrators, and school support personnel are invited to register in-person, at either worship service (9am traditional or 11am modern), for a wonderful Back to School gift basket that includes gift cards, snacks, a Yeti cup, and other items to start the year off right. A winner will be drawn on Monday, August 8th. Invite your friends and we will see you on Sunday!!
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Backpack Ministry Food Drive BEGINS
This year our food drive will begin on Sunday, August 7th when you are encouraged to bring items listed on the shopping list (found later in this newsletter) to be dropped off in the church office or in the narthex throughout the month of August.
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TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
SUNDAYS @ 9am (Sanctuary)
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Our traditional worship service gathers at 9:00am every Sunday morning in the sanctuary. In our traditional service, you will experience rich fellowship, liturgy, wonderful hymns and a relevant sermon. This service also offers a children's moment, chancel choir, and communion on the first Sunday of the month. | |
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MODERN/CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
SUNDAYS @ 11am (Sanctuary)
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Modern Worship is our contemporary worship experience that meets at 11:00am on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The service is aimed at creating an environment for all to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Here, you can expect a dynamic blend of Biblical teaching, modern worship music with a live band, and a casual, friendly environment. | |
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Youth Parent Meeting - Sunday, August 7th @ 10am (Youth Room)
All youth (7th - 12th grade) parents are invited to attend and hear more about the great fall plans for our youth ministry, including the starting back of youth dinners and small groups from 6-7pm on Sunday nights.
Choir Celebration Dinner- Wednesday, August 10 @ 5:30 (Pratt Hall)
At the conclusion of this celebration dinner, fall choir rehearsal will start back in the choir room from 6:30-8pm. Anyone is invited to participate.
6th Grade Confirmation Progressive Dinner & Lock-In - Friday, August 12th @ 6pm
Contact Stacey Lewis (slewis@prattvillemethodist.org) for more information on these events or to sign-up your child for our upcoming confirmation class.
Fall Kickoff Event - Sunday, August 14th @ 10am (Pratt Hall)
Join us as we celebrate a return to church and classes on Sunday mornings for the fall. We will have a special treat in Pratt Hall and all are invited to join us before heading off to classes for children, youth and adults.
Concert featuring Jeremy Pyles - Sunday, August 14, 6pm (Sanctuary)
The concert will feature Broadway hits and is free to the public.
Town Hall meeting with DS - Tuesday, August 16th at 7pm (Sanctuary)
All members of FUMC are invited to attend our second town hall meeting on August 16th featuring a time of Q&A with our district superintendent.
6th Grade Confirmation Meeting - Wednesday, Aug. 17 @ 6pm (E206)
All 6th grade parents are encouraged to attend this important interest meeting.
Back-2-School Bash @ Bradford YMCA - Sunday, August 21 @ 5:30pm
Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event to help kick-off the return to school for the fall semester! There will be dinner, swimming in the outdoor pools (both regular and baby pools), basketball, volleyball, corn hole, indoor child playground, bingo with prizes
Fall Wednesday Night Activities - BEGIN August 24th
Dinner 5:15-6:15pm (Pratt Hall)
Children's choirs @ 5:45pm (Various locations)
Youth activities @ 5:45-7:30pm (Youth room)
Children's Bible study/activities @ 6:45-7:30pm (Epworth)
Adult studies@ 6-7pm(Various locations)
Adult choir @ 6:30-8pm (Choir room)
Children's Ministry Parent Meeting - Wed., August 24 @ 6p )
Q&A with Bishop Graves - Sunday, August 28th at 4:00pm
This event is scheduled at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery and everyone is invited to attend.
Youth Sunday Night Schedule Begins - August 28th
Genesis Singers (Youth choir) will meet from 5-6pm, followed by a new option for our youth from 6-7pm including dinner and small groups. Also, one Sunday night per month there will be a fun children's activity offered!
Rise Against Hunger Serve Opportunity - October 16th @ 5-7pm
This church-wide serve event is a great way for all ages to serve together as we put our faith into action to fight to help end global hunger. We will have a tailgate style dinner in Pratt Hall (hotdogs and hamburgers provided) and ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share (+ serving utensils). There will be a halftime show in Pratt Hall as we swap the two serve teams in the gym. We can't wait to serve with you all!
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We welcome Veronica and Steve Bossert who joined in our modern service this past Sunday! Originally from Essex, Illinois, Steve is a supervisor at USCIS Montgomery. Veronica is from Raymore, Missouri, but originally from Pucallpa, Peru. Their son, Patrick, will be in the 2-year-old class at FUMC's Early Learning Academy in August. The Bosserts join on profession of faith, and their favorite thing about FUMC is "the great family environment to grow our spiritual life." | |
Madeline Lewis Testimony!! GOD IS GOOD | |
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This past Sunday, Madeline Lewis shared her testimony in both of our services on the goodness of God's love and mercy. She reminded us how the simple act of being invitational to someone can truly change their lives! We want to challenge you to be invitational to someone and invite them to church with you this Sunday. You never know the impact you could be making on someone's life. Allow God to work through you!!
If you feel called to share your testimony with our church family, please contact Pastor Tony.
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Please register your child for choir and Wednesday night activities. It begins on August 24th. | |
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August 7th - Blessing of the Backpacks
9am - Traditional
11am - Modern
All children are encouraged to bring their school backpacks to the services to be prayed over and to get a blessing bag tag. Also we invite all teachers and administrators to both worship services to be prayed over and receive a special gift from our church.
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Register at either worship service on Sunday, August 7th
All teachers, administrators and school support personnel are invited to register in-person for a wonderful Back to School gift basket that includes gift cards, snacks, a Yeti cup and other items to start the year off right. A winner will be drawn on the following Monday.
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August 14th - Fall Kickoff Sunday
Everyone is invited to join us on this day as we kick off our fall life groups for children, youth and adults. During the fellowship time in Pratt Hall from 10-10:30am there will be a special treat for children, youth and adults to enjoy and a time of celebration before heading to their classes. All adults, youth and children are encouraged to attend and find your class as we kickoff fall together!
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IMPORTANT Church Discernment Process Update! | |
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Announcement from Mike Renegar, Church Council Chair:
Monday, August 15, 2022 @ 7am-7pm (Sanctuary)
The church will host a time of prayer and discernment for all church members. This time of come-and-go prayer will allow members time to focus in prayer on the issues surrounding disaffiliation, seeking the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 @ 7:00pm - Town Hall Meeting (Sanctuary)
This will be a time of questions and answers with the District Superintendent and a great time to hear about the future of the United Methodist Church and the path toward possible disaffiliation. This is a question and answer meeting designed to better inform you. Please come with your questions ready, possibly written down, and be respectful of others' time. This is not a time to promote your personal agenda or a time for a vote, but rather a time to seek information.
August 28, 2022 @ 4:00pm - Q&A with Bishop Graves
First United Methodist Church of Montgomery
This event is designed and open to all lay members of our annual conference to hear from our episcopal leader about issues facing the future of our denomination and specifically our conference.
September - Prayer and Discernment Events (Sanctuary) TBA
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School Backpack Ministry Update
Early each school year, we begin the good work of collecting food items, packing and distributing backpacks to our local schools to help children and families who suffer with food insecurity. Over the next few weeks we will be collecting the much needed food items that will fill these backpacks and serve to bless the families who receive them. We need your help and ask that you pick up a few of these on your next trip to the store or purchase them online and have them shipped directly to the church office. Please follow these guidelines when purchasing items:
- Items must be in individual servings.
- Items must be in original, sealed packaging.
- Any brand, any flavor – generic is great, too!
- PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES
Items can be dropped off at the church office during the week, or left at the Backpack Ministry display in the church narthex/lobby on Sunday mornings beginning August 7th!
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August 21st - Backpack Ministry Celebration
9 & 11am services
In both of the worship services we will communicate information about our Backpack Ministry and its impact on our local school and community in helping to fight food insecurity and adolescent hunger. We will have a few of the backpacks displayed in both services and offer a prayer once the mission moment is complete.
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THE CHOSEN 2 BIBLE STUDY:
"The Chosen" is a TV series that brings the story of Jesus and the Bible to life. Join one of our groups in a journey that will give new insight to the story and life of Jesus and inspire great conversation and fellowship. There are two fall meeting options at the church for all to consider:
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Monday Morning Group (beginning Monday, August 22nd at 10am) led by Karen Powell.
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Wednesday Evening Group (beginning Wednesday, August 24th at 6:15pm) led by Pastor Chris McCain.
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THEY’RE BAAACK!!!
Coming this fall, our Cook, Serve and Ice Teams will be returning to our Wednesday Night lineup!
It has been two years since our teams were able to work and serve together in the kitchen due to Covid restrictions, and now we are looking forward to getting back in the kitchen to cook and serve up some delicious Wednesday night meals for our church family. If you are interested in returning to or joining a team, please contact Luann Williams!
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FUMC Music
Ministries presents:
An Evening of Broadway
Featuring:
Jeremy Pyles, baritone
Christy Henson, piano
Sunday, August 14
6:00pm
Sanctuary
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Chancel (Adult) Choir Rehearsals
Resume Wednesday, August 10
6:30-8:00pm
Choir Suite
Children's Choir Rehearsals
Resume Wednesday, August 24
PreK-1st Grade: Wesley 102
2nd-3rd Grade: Wesley 203
4th-6th Grade: Sanctuary 203
Fifty Forward Singers' Rehearsals
Resume Wednesday, August 10
11:00am-12:00pm
Choir Suite
Handbell Choir Rehearsals
Resume Tuesday, August 9
5:30-6:30pm
Sanctuary 204
Genesis Singers (Youth Choir ) Rehearsals
Resume Sunday, August 28th
5-6pm
Choir Suite
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Back-2-School Bash @ Bradford YMCA
5:30 - 7:30pm
Sunday, August 21st
Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event to help kick-off the return to school for the fall semester! There will be dinner, swimming in the outdoor pools (both regular and baby pools), basketball, volleyball, corn hole, indoor child playground, bingo with prizes, and so much more!!
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Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or transferring your membership from another congregation. If it fits in your schedule, Pastors Tony or Chris would like to set up an appointment to meet with you; please email or call them at the church. They will also send you a membership form with general questions so we can get to know you better. There are two primary ways to join. Some prefer to walk forward and join the ministers at the altar rail during the closing song at either the modern or traditional service. Others have been introduced to the congregation in a brief video Q&A that is played in the modern service.
Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Adults and youth older than 6th grade who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Children are considered preparatory members and their membership becomes official when they participate in confirmation class in the 6th grade. For more information or to set up a meeting with our ministers regarding membership, please contact the church office.
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From the app, you can watch services live, get access to our digital newsletter, safely give your offerings to the church, check the full prayer list, read the Bible, and check on upcoming events and so much more! Right from your cell phone!
Download it today from Apple or Android app stores and type “First Methodist Prattville.” It only takes a few seconds, but will keep you better connected to all that is happening at the church whether at home or on the go!
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Career Opportunities @ FUMC
Join our team!
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Capital Improvement Project
Click on the link below or contact the office to make a gift and continue your partnership with God and the church to further the gospel of Jesus Christ for generations to come!
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This fall there will be a change as to how we refer to our adult small groups and Sunday school classes. This ministry area is being rebranded to better communicate our desire to have adult groups where people can share their lives, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life. Life Groups will gather on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and throughout the week in church classrooms, homes, coffee shops, and other places where people love to connect. We encourage everyone to find a life group! | |
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Sunday Mornings -
COLLEGE AND CAREER
(LOCATION: WESLEY 206)
Starting this fall!
YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUNG FAMILIES
(LOCATION: WESLEY HALL TBA)
Starting this fall!
YAMS - Robyn and Stephen Davis
(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)
A class for singles and couples in their 30’s and 40's, this class studies topics relevant to life experiences. They invite all adults to join them as they learn and grow together.
JOURNEY - Dave Dageforde
(LOCATION: WESLEY 208)
This class, composed of single and married individuals in their 30’s and 40’s, focuses on finding Christ in all aspects of life. Dave Dageforde teaches this class and invites you to join the journey.
LIFE 101 CLASS - Wayne Lambert
(LOCATION: WESLEY 207)
With a versatile group of singles and couples (30'-50's, this class studies social topics of today from a Christian perspective. Wayne Lambert teaches this class and uses contemporary resources to study God’s word in today’s world of challenges.
NEW AGAPE - Jennifer Humphrey, John Story, Brad Robbins (LOCATION: WESLEY 202)
A melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and ideas form the membership of this class. This discussion-based class has a strong emphasis on Church and Community Service. The doors of the class are always open to anyone who is seeking to begin a journey to a closer relationship with God.
JOHN WESLEY CLASS - Billy and Michelle Taylor
(LOCATION: WESLEY 203)
A newer class for adults is the John Wesley class. Anyone who is not currently attending another class is invited to join them. They study differing topics based on scripture for today’s world. They are taught by Billy Taylor.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS - Cathy Latham
(LOCATION: WESLEY 210)
The Friendship Class has a relaxed atmosphere made up mostly of empty nesters of all ages. The class format is discussion style and includes fun, fellowship, and friendship. Interactive studies focus on living the Christian life in today's world.
CARE AND SHARE CLASS - Susan Poteat
(LOCATION: WESLEY 101)
This eclectic group of women meets to share concerns and care for each other through their studies which revolve around Biblical applications to the trials of life.
DAVID R. WHITE CLASS - Karen Powell
(LOCATION: WESLEY 212)
The David R. White Sunday School Class was named for a former Methodist minister and member of this class. It is composed of singles and couples in their 50’s & 60’s. This class is informal with lots of discussion and participation. Topics are centered around current issues based on biblical scriptures with insights and thoughts of popular, present-day authors such as J. Ellsworth Kalas and James W. Moore.
POWELL FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Carol Risher
(LOCATION: WESLEY 104, ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM)
A mixed group of active retired (or soon to be retired) members who love learning of all types, but especially learning the Word. They share concerns, pray about and act on them, sing traditional hymns, and study the Bible. Leaders expand the prepared material with historical background and current relevance.
PAIRS AND SPARES/NEW ERA CLASS - Rotating teachers
(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)
This senior adult class caters to both singles and couples and strives to offer the study of the Word of God in a welcoming atmosphere. Prayer and mission concerns are part of the ongoing ministry.
Sunday Nights -
YOUNG ADULTS - Pastor Chris
(LOCATION: SANCTUARY 202)
This group meets at 6pm on Sunday nights for fellowship, sometimes dinner, and growing together in faith.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH
FIRST UNITED METHODIST PRATTVILLE
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Church Family:
John Boutwell, Chip Cleveland, Mike Harris, Rev. Leonard & Carlyn Howell, Frank Jones, Frank Lamar, Marion Lewis, Joan McCloskey, Louise Moody, Sonya Murphree, Bob Olson, Eddie Pope, Jim Rawson, Bobo Stanley, Bill Tatum, Pat Trotter (New prayer needs) Barbara Lisle
Extended Family:
Jan Baker, Ben Calvert, Jonathan & Beverly Howell, Kitty Gray Jenkins, John Klug, Lonnie Mead, Samuel Peak, Kay Petrie, Jim Pilson, Neill Stewart, Susan Stoldt, Carol Story, Roscoe Williams, Sherry Wilson, Ryleigh Wright, (new prayer needs) Mark Klug
Deaths: Johnny Green - father of Tabitha Moorer
Preston Nail - grandfather of Elizabeth Woodfin
| The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God. | |
Sanctuary Altar
Flower Calendar
THERE ARE SUNDAYS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH FOR YOU TO HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE!
Contact Freda Clark (freda@prattvillemethodist.org) or (334-365-5977) in the church office to reserve your date on the calendar for the upcoming weeks and months.
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2022 Operating Budget: $1,535,576
2022 Disbursements Year-to-Date: $351,458
2022 Received Year-to-Date: $383,706
*Financial update reflects month ending April 2022
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Week of 7/31/2022
Worship Services (In-person & On-line): 388
Sunday School: 131
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Add the Instant Church Directory App Today!
Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download. Go to the App Store on your phone. Search for Instant Church Directory. Download the app. Sign in with your email address and create your own password (you don’t need an administrative password to access the directory). Anytime updates are made to the directory, they will update on your device too. In the app, you will be able to search for church members' photos, and can call, email and text right from the app! Please check your information on the app and make sure it is correct. If any of your contact info has changed, please call or text Carmen McCullough at 334.301.4641. The online directory is separate from the church database, so call Carmen with any edits/changes to your contact info, or if you would like to update your photo in our online directory.
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