Happy Father's Day!
Mid-Week Updates
June 16, 2021
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Thankful for Your Partnership
I am now preparing to become the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Wilson. I am also reflecting on the past seven years of ministry here. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Lead Pastor.
One of the great blessings of my life was to return to the church where I began my full-time ministry – as Associate Pastor in 1982 – 1985. It was wonderful to renew old friendships and to develop many new rewarding relationships as one of your pastors.
The Apostle Paul expresses how I feel in his letter to the Philippians. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all of my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)
I deeply appreciate all of the ways that you have encouraged me in my ministry here. Thank you for all that you do to support the significant ministry of our church – in praying, attending, giving, serving and witnessing. We have accomplished a great deal in seeking to fulfill our mission – to know Christ and to make Christ known. Children, youth and adults have been transformed through your dedication! Thank you!
Next month, I will no longer be one of your pastors. Because of this, I will not be returning to conduct funerals or weddings or perform other pastoral functions. I will continue to love you and pray for you. There will always be a special place in my heart for First United Methodist Church.
With love and appreciation,
Jim Bell
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"Saying Goodbye: Thankful for Your Partnership"
June 20, 2021
The theme of our worship service on Sunday,
June 20, at 10:00 a.m. is Saying Goodbye: Thankful for Your Partnership. The scripture lessons are Philippians 1:3-11 and John 15:12-17. The theme of the sermon is “I am grateful for your partnership in the gospel as I have served as the Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church.”
We will continue to wear masks, so that we can have congregational singing in a way that is safe. Children wearing masks will come forward for the children’s sermon.
There are two entrances open at the rear of the sanctuary: Sunset Avenue and the ramp door under the steeple into the narthex (along Church Street).
Parking is available in the gravel lot south of the church, adjacent to Bulluck Furniture Company.
The flowers on the Sanctuary altar this Sunday are given to the glory of God and in memory of Janet Marie Keyes and in honor and memory of our fathers and the special men in our lives. (Please see the Father’s Day booklet here.)
All worship services will be livestreamed at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays on
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Pastoral Transition Update
The month of June will be a time of change for our congregation as Pastors Jim Bell and Matt Seaton receive appointments to other churches. Rev. Jim Bell will become Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Wilson. Rev. Matt Seaton will become Lead Pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Pastor Jim will preach here for the final time on June 20. His sermon is Saying Goodbye: Thankful for Your Partnership. This message is based on Philippians 1:3-11 and John 15:12-17. He will express his gratitude for our partnership in the gospel during his service here.
The Rev. David Joyner, currently serving as Pastor of Red Oak and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches, will be appointed as our Pastor at the NC Annual Conference later this month. He will officially become our Pastor on June 29. His first Sunday leading worship will be Sunday, July 4.
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Farewell Reception
A farewell reception for Pastors Jim Bell and Matt Seaton will be held on Sunday, June 20, following worship under the portico to express appreciation for their combined 12 years of dedicated service to our congregation. June 20 will be their final Sunday in worship as our pastors. SPRC hopes that the congregation will be able to stop by and share their love and well wishes for both of our ministers.
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Your Choice Resource Center
Baby Bottle Blessings
This is your last opportunity to help fund the life-saving, life-changing ministry of the Your Choice Resource Center with a check, cash or silver. You may collect your money at home and then deposit your monetary donation in the Big Baby Bottles available, one at each entrance to the sanctuary, this Sunday, Father's Day, June 20!
What a special way to say Happy Mother's & Father's Day!
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STEPHEN MINISTRY
As reported during the worship service this past Sunday, our association with Stephen Ministries International is drawing to an end. Because of the cumulative effect of the Covid impact over the past year, as well as some health considerations, we will not be continuing to offer the 1:1 caring relationships.
After about 25 years of providing congregational care, training new Stephen Ministers as needed, and offering a confidential space for persons to seek God in the midst of their distressing life situations, it is extremely difficult to end. It is our desire to continue to serve Christ in any way needed by our new pastor, just in a different way, as well as to help the church resume delivery of Homebound Communion and copies of the worship services as Covid considerations evolve and permit.
It is good to remind ourselves that we are each ministers -- remembering to notice the people whose paths we cross -- really notice -- be available. The goal remains that no one should ever feel alone.
All blessings from your Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders. It has been our humble Joy. . .
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Registration
FUMC Kindergarten and Preschool registration
for the 2021-2022 school year is underway for currently enrolled preschoolers, FUMC family, and the public. Please call Cheryl Stanton in the Preschool/K office for a registration form at 252-977-0475.
FUMC is a happy place for children!!
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2021 Preschool Summer Camp
Camp 2 - Let's Go Camping
July 19-23, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This week, we will go camping. The students will experience what it's like to sleep in a tent, have a campfire, make s'mores and other outside events while camping. It will be a fun-filled week of adventure.
The camp is $175 for the week. Registration fees are nonrefundable. Exceptions will be considered in the case of illness or family emergency if requested in writing. You may register here and then mail payment. However, your child is not officially registered until payment is received.
Preschool Summer Camp applications are available in the preschool office and the church office as well. If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Stanton, Preschool Director, at 252-977-0475 or preschool@fumcrm.org.
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The Upper Room
The July-August 2021 edition of The Upper Room is now available in the welcome center. Small copies are $1.00; large copies are $1.50. We have a limited supply of the large copies, so please call the church office at 252-977-0400 to reserve your large edition.
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Online Giving
Did you know that one-third of our congregation gives electronically? And the majority of those who give electronically have chosen to maximize their impact by setting up a recurring donation which automates their gift to give on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule. We give thanks for your continued support and for sharing the love of Christ to others during this time of great need.
To set-up your recurring gift, or to give a one-time gift, visit our website at fumcrm.org/give; give via our church app (see below how to download); or by sending your check to:
First United Methodist Church
100 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Our Church Family
Honorariums and Memorials
In Honor of Rev. Matt Seaton (Peacemakers) by Stephen Ministry Team.
In Memory of Lucas Jesus Martinez, M.D. (Boy Scout Troop 5) by FUMC members: Sonya G. Bowen, Will & Celeste Pittman, Powell & Marilyn Jenkins, Lee & Sylvia Harriss, Henry & Lucy Hinson, David & Susan Johnson, Ed & Emily Vann, Diana D. Rackley, Larry & Suzanne Dempsey, David & Misty Schmitt, Keith & Wendi Beck, and Gus H. Tulloss.
Celebrations
Congratulations to John and Velda Williford on their 50th wedding anniversary, June 19.
Prayer Concerns
Please lift up in prayer:
- The Keyes Family
- Rev. Milton Mann
- Bob Allen
- Stephanie Ronan
- Grace Sumner
- Shirley DeBruhl
- Beverly Rackley
- Bob Steele
- Jim Patton
- Barbara Taylor
- Steve and Sandy Pernell
- All Hospital/Medical Personnel and First Responders
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Contact Info
First United Methodist Church
252-977-0400 Office
252-977-0475 Preschool
252-977-1748 Fax
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