Sunday, January 15, is designated Human Relations Sunday in the United Methodist Church, which coincides with the national observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. We will be privileged on this Sunday to have Rev. LaToya Shepherd, pastor of Mission UMC in Fort Smith, as our guest preacher in the chapel and sanctuary services. In the sanctuary, we will also have the congregation of Mission UMC, an ethnically diverse congregation located at 721 N. 10th St., worshiping with us.

On Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m., at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4916 High St. in Fort Smith, will host an ecumenical Concert of Prayer at their church as part of the community-wided MLK Day observances. We are invited to join them for a time of worship and prayer for elected officials, educators, medical workers, law enforcement, and clergy in our city.

Join us for these inspiring times!

In Person, Facebook Live & YouTube 

Rev. LaToya Shepherd

& Mission UMC

 Offertory “How Will They Know”

Soloist: Rylee Norton

Organist: Benjamin Henderson  

In Person. Facebook and YouTube @ 6pm

Rev. DeeDee Autry



“Make Us One”

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”

“Amazing Grace”

“How He Loves”

In Person,Facebook Live,

YouTube and FM 103.5

Rev. LaToya Shepherd

& Mission UMC

Anthem “How Will They Know”

Offertory “Canticle of Fellowship”

Chancel Choir

Gaye Mings, Chancel Choir Director

Benjamin Henderson, Organist

NEW THINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone had a good holiday, a blessed Christmas, and a Happy New Year. As we enter into 2023, it’s a good time to evaluate, adjust, and initiate new things. Sometimes that takes the form of New Year’s resolutions, which are notoriously short-lived. I hope whatever personal changes you choose to make are long-term and beneficial. And I hope part of your New Year’s plan is to grow closer to Christ and better at discipleship. That’s what I’m hoping for!

At the church, the New Year kicks off a season of planning for the ministry we are called to do.  This includes crafting a budget for the coming year, based on anticipated income. It includes leadership training for our Administrative Board. And it includes goal-setting by our staff. All of those processes are happening right now, but they are not always visible to the whole church.

A very visible new thing will be a different format for the sermons in the Connexion service. For some time, DeeDee and I have been thinking about how to be more strategic in our pastoral leadership to help the church grow and prosper. When we re-started three services after the worst of the pandemic, we tried scheduling the services so one preacher could prepare and preach on each Sunday, freeing up some time for pastoral leadership in other needed areas. That proved unpopular, so we reverted to the old schedule. Still, as our pastoral staff has reduced and the demands of ministry have changed, we sought a way to be more effective. Studying, preparing, writing and delivering a sermon takes about half of a pastor’s week. We felt like much was being left undone. Last fall, at Leadership Institute in Kansas City, as we watched video presentations from some great leaders, DeeDee had a brainstorm. What if I would record my sermon for the Connexion on most weeks? That would allow her to pursue some of the strategic work that we hadn’t had time to do. Many churches have a live pastor and worship team with a recorded sermon from a lead pastor, and it has proven effective.

We mulled the idea, developed it, discussed it with the Staff-Parish Committee, Administrative Board, and Connexion attenders, and now we are ready to try it on for size. Starting January 22 with the new sermon series, I will pre-record the sermon for the Connexion service at least three Sundays a month. DeeDee will be present in the service to lead, pray and greet every Sunday. On Communion Sundays, usually the first Sunday of the month, she or I will preach live in the Connexion.

The purpose of this change will be to allow DeeDee, who has a gift for strategic ministry initiatives, to work on the types of ministry that are necessary in our post-pandemic context, in order to maintain and enhance our effectiveness in ministry. Our goal is to do our mission better–to make disciples of Jesus Christ–and so to grow the church. An added benefit will be more consistency of messages throughout the three services.

For me, I think this is an exciting way to use technology to further our spiritual purposes. It will mean some adjustments in my schedule (Gotta get the sermon done earlier in the week!), but even old dogs can learn new tricks. I hope if you attend the Connexion, you will give this effort your prayerful support and continue to invite your friends to this wonderful worship experience that complements all our others each Sunday.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS SHARE HOLIDAY BLESSINGS

Over the holidays, we receive three special offerings for missional needs in our community and state.

For the second year, we produced a folder of memorials and honorariums to our loved ones, but instead of using the money to buy live poinsettias, which are soon discarded, we applied the gifts to our “Feed the Fort” feeding ministries in the community. We raised $2,382.45 to help feed hungry people through this effort.

On Christmas Eve, we designated our offering for homeless ministry through our partners Next Step and the Riverview Hope Campus. As you recall, that was the week of sub-zero wind chills in our area.) We received $3,121.41 to be equally divided between those two agencies who care for our homeless population in Fort Smith.

Our third special offering was for Methodist Family Health (formerly the Methodist Children’s Home), which operates a statewide ministry for at-risk youth and families. Because many of those gifts were given directly or online, we are still working on a total to report.

We thank you for your generous hearts and your support of these vital mission efforts!

IN THIS NEW YEAR, “DON’T LOOK BACK!”

Beginning January 22, we will have a new sermon series called “Don’t Look Back!” It will be loosely based on a book by that title by Bishop William Willimon, emeritus faculty at Duke Divinity School. The subtitle for the book is “Methodist Hope For What Comes Next.” In this season in which the splintering of the United Methodist denomination has been so much in the news and on our hearts and minds, how can we look forward in hope? What lies ahead? Over four weeks, we will look at the future God offers a faithful United Methodist people, and the hope and the joy that future will bring! Coming up:

There was a Time when Discipleship was Taken for Granted

It was assumed that people could be persuaded to believe and that each person would step into the path that took them to Jesus. That assumption is no longer valid. As early as the Gospels, Jesus and his biographers recognize that each person brings experience to the journey, which travels through different times and places. 

I hope you will join us for our next Dinner Church series where we will take a look at the discipleship path for each individual disciple as we study the material by Dr. Michelle Morris called “Gospel Discipleship.”

By understanding what type of disciple we are, we can clarify the path we need to walk. Some people love to go on mission trips; some people really thrive learning from a great teacher; some people connect to God through painting and music; and some people just want to have a cup of coffee and talk about life and eventually get around to talking about Jesus. Each week we will discover more about ourselves and learn more about Jesus and his disciples as well.

To get started, and if you would like to see what type of disciples you are, I invite you to take the assessment.

If you plan to participate in Dinner Church we will make sure everyone has an opportunity to take this assessment. So bring your results with you if you choose to take the assessment early. Our first Dinner Church gathering will be January 18th beginning at 6pm.

December was a Month of Generosity and

Fun in the World of Children’s Ministry

We started the month by concluding our Angel Tree toy drive. Because of our congregations’ generosity, we were able to provide 50+ kids in our community with gifts for Christmas. Many thanks to all those who helped make Angel Tree possible this year!

Wonderland Wednesdays were a hit this year! Each child got to make their own Nativity Set while diving a little deeper into the Nativity story. We played games, had delicious dinners, and enjoyed a hot chocolate bar in a room decorated to resemble a gingerbread house.  

I wasn’t sure if the weather was going to cooperate for us to have Cookies for Santa, but we were able to pull it off! We had a rotation of stations for the kids to experience. We decorated sugar cookies for the children to put out for Santa, we made cards for our 80+ congregation members, we made ornaments, and decorated gingerbread houses. The kids had a BLAST, and I think our volunteers had their own fun as well!  

On Christmas Eve we were blessed to have four acolytes in the evening service. Livia Pryor, Caleb and Calvin Fretheim, and Lillian Pierce represented our Children’s ministry well. I am so proud of them!  

Coming up this month you can expect a little bit of a schedule change. Children’s Choir will begin at 5:00, Dinner Church will begin at 6:00, and the Children will start their activities from 6:30-7:30. (Similar to what we did for Wonderland Wednesdays!) We are so excited to have our own time to learn and grow together, and we hope your kiddos can join us.  

Outreach Planning is Underway for the Year

We have more opportunities to continue to share the love of Jesus in our community. We are excited to share that a Prom Closet is in the works for 2023. Prom Closets give students more than just proper prom attire. Students will get to pick out a dress and leave our building with confidence and the love of Jesus. We need your help! Clean out those closets and donate formal dresses, prom jewelry, dress shoes, and handbags. We need clothes racks and nice hangers as well. Monetary donations and being a volunteer are great ways to contribute. Our first team meeting is Sunday, January 15th, in the Fireside room, immediately after our church services. Join us and save the date for our Prom Closet event day, which is on Saturday, April 1st!

An easy way you can help others is by donating blood. We’ll be hosting a blood drive on Sunday, January 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Family Life Center. To make an appointment, visit arkbi.org or call the church office at 479-782-5068. All donors will receive their choice of a limited-edition, long-sleeve T-shirt! Our goal is to have 25 people donate at this blood drive. Sign up today.

As we look at the new year, we can’t forget about our feeding ministries. The Last Sunday Breakfast, Casserole Ministry, and Food Patrol are still in the works for 2023. However, we’re looking at some new ways to Feed the Fort. If this piques your interest, please consider joining our feeding ministry team. Our first team meeting is on Sunday, January 29th, after church in the Fireside room in FLC. 

The year is starting, and we want our church to serve the community well. Join us in prayer that the Lord uses our church in a mighty way for His glory!

FIRST YOUth

What a whirlwind the last few months have been with First YOUth as we’ve:

• Had our hayride and cookout at the Williams’s.
• Taken 13 youth to Refuge (A conference youth event for grades 6-9).
• Had worship stations in the Sanctuary.
• 3 weeks of Advent missions supporting the angel tree, serving at Community Rescue Mission, and making Christmas cards.
• Had youth worship with an Agape Feast.
• Had a baby food thanksgiving to discuss what we are thankful and unthankful for.
• Had a game night of foot related games that tied into the next week’s discussion of direction and where we are going with Christ.
• A White Elephant Gift Exchange and Potluck.
• Plus much more as we grow in relationship with Christ and with one another.

This semester we have more ministry opportunities with a Sabbath Retreat for High Schoolers in February, Veritas (a conference youth event for grades 6-12), our Spring Break Mission Trip to New Orleans in March.

We also have a YOUth Fundraiser called the Wall of Support, which is a way to directly invest in the ministry of the YOUth, and help us provide opportunities where students can experience Christ. The funds will be used for YOUth Missions, Retreats, Conference Events, New Ministries, and for scholarships to defray costs for any students who want to participate and need assistance. There will be sets of walls around the church, and each of them will have numbered envelopes on them. You’re asked to take an envelope and at least contribute an amount that corresponds to the number on the envelope. (There will be instructions in the envelopes).

IN OUR PRAYERS

In Washington Regional Hospital:

• Lisa Evans

In Baptist Hospital:

• David Hutcheson
• Jimmy Harris

Loss of Loved Ones:

• James Clark Underwood - father of Randa Vernon (Rowland) grandfather of Reis and Raegan Vernon.
• Bob Worley - father of Susan Worley, Stan Worley and Debbie Collyge 
• Ron May - family and friends.
• Glenn Thompson - stepfather of Christie Jacobs(Patrick) and step grandfather of Colby Jacobs (Jaclyn), Cassidy Jacobs and Ryan Jacobs and great step grandfather of Sophie Jacobs.

REV. JANICE SUDBRINK TO REDUCE PASTORAL DUTIES

Due to a change in jobs and family concerns, Rev. Janice Sudbrink, our part-time minister of pastoral care, will be further reducing her hours of work for the church. Her primary appointment will be at Mercy Hospital. Her appointment to FUMC will still include oversight of our ministries of pastoral care. But she will no longer be available to teach classes and only occasionally to lead in worship. We will continue to appreciate and be thankful for Janice and her ministry with the sick, the homebound, and the residents of our nursing facilities.

FINANCIAL NEWS

We had a great response to our “With a Joyful Heart” generosity emphasis during the last weeks of the year. Despite the downturn of the stock market, inflationary pressure, and retirements, we were able to hold our own with our committed income for 2023. We even saw a slight increase in both number and amount of estimates of giving. In 2022, we had 227 commitments for a total of $1,263,994.92. For 2023, we have 230 commitments totalling $1,270,978.88. We appreciate all the estimates that were turned in, and it was really inspiring to see the 84 families who made new or increased estimates for 2023.

Of course, only part of our income for ministry comes from doors who give estimates of giving. We appreciate everyone who gives to help us achieve our mission of transforming lives and our community. Overall in 2022, we received $1,888,564.45, including pledged, non-pledged, and foundation giving.  Our expenses for the year were $1,915,111.87. This left us a small deficit of $26, 547.42, which we can temporarily cover out of restricted funds.

It will be a challenge to maintain our current level of ministry in an economy that has seen prices of everything rise 8-10%. But we can do it! We will have to be very intentional about supporting the church financially this year. Through your continued support, the church will thrive, and God will be glorified by our generosity. Thank you for your loyal support of the ministry of God through FUMC. Bless you!

We have a new name!

Our widows club is now called

River Valley Widows Group

rvwidowsgroup@gmail.com

For more information call Gail -

479-782-5068

IN MEMORY OF:

• Sue Vines by:

Kim Wintory

Sherron Shuffield

Sarah Bullock Wyrick

Thomas & Deana Hankins

Mary Kay Aclin

Byron & Linda Ware

Anne Taylor

George & Carole Beattie

Lori Hardin/Mike Willis

Mike & Susan Schulte

Clay & Lynn Gilliland

Peggy Shoptaw

• Betty McGee by:

Marlin & Janet Fretheim

George & Carole Beattie

• Helen Couvillion by:

George & Carole Beattie

Thomas & Evan Heitzman

• David Cowart by:

Roundtable SS Class

• Bryant Dooly by:

Jerry & Jane Hartfield

Jack & Louanna Green

John W. & Rose Mary Ayers

Marsha Willis

• Suzanne Stephens by:

Jack & Louanna Green

Kyle & Renee Parker

Elizabeth Lusk

Shawn & Sarah Sutherland

• Richard Aclin by:

Mary Kay Aclin

• George Gaines by:

Susan Chaney

IN HONOR OF:

• Ben Henderson, Nancy Vernon, Anne Rosenberg

from the LadyBells