First UMC Update
September 23, 2020
From the Pastor Indoor Worship Begins October 4             
                                  
September 23, 2020 - Indoor Worship Begins October 4
September 23, 2020 

The psalmist proclaims, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"  (Psalm 122:1)  Pastor Jim Bell talks about the plan to resume worship in the sanctuary on October 4th.       

Please note:  To get an accurate account of those planning to worship indoors on Sunday, October 4, we will need for each person/youth/child to register individually beginning next week.  You may register as directed in our weekly update, via our church app or by calling the church office.   
"The Endurance of Moses"
September 27, 2020

The theme of our outdoor, in-person worship service in our church parking lot on Sunday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m. is The Endurance of Moses.  The scripture lessons are Hebrews 12:1-11 and Exodus 10:3-20.  The sermon focuses on the perseverance of Moses when Pharaoh refuses to listen to him.  God calls us to obey over and over again.  We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. 
 
Please register for the September 27th service here.  Wear your mask.  Bring a lawn chair.  Pray for good weather, and be blessed by the experience!
  
You may also make a reservation for worship through our new church app.  You may download the app here.  The reservation is in case we need to contact you if a worshiper later tests positive for COVID-19.  Please make sure your notifications are on in case we have to cancel worship because of inclement weather.    

Parking will be available in the lot of Southern Bank, the lot of the former Poyner Spruill building, the lot of the vacant building next to FUMC, and the gravel lot between the sanctuary and Bulluck's Furniture.

Watch via the church website:  fumcrm.org
or
Returning to Worship Indoors - Details

Returning to Worship Indoors
Returning to Worship Indoors

Please view this informative video that provides you 
what you need to know as we return to indoor worship. 
Volunteers Needed for Cleaning

As we move to indoor worship in the sanctuary on October 4, we will need volunteers to clean and sanitize the pews, touch points (inside/exterior door handles, light switches, etc.), railings, bathroom areas (door handles, faucet handles, light switches, toilet handles, etc.) after worship each Sunday.  Cleaning supplies and instructions will be provided.

If you are willing to help serve on a clean-up committee, please sign up here.  We are hoping to have enough volunteers to group into teams and rotate the teams during the month.  Hopefully, a team will only be required to clean once or twice a month at best.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to help provide a safe environment for our FUMC family.
Weekday Morning Prayer 
 
Join Pastor Matt for Morning Prayer!  Monday through Friday at 7 a.m.  Get your day started with 10 minutes of prayer and scripture readings with Pastor Matt.  Morning Prayer has now moved 100% to podcast.  Find it wherever you get your podcast.  Or click here.  You may listen to it on your phone or computer. 
 
You may send prayer requests to Pastor Matt and the rest of the staff by emailing prayer@fumcrm.org
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 New church app (see above); or by sending your check to: 
First United Methodist Church
100 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC  27804
Local Missions moving forward during COVID Season

Monday Morning Community Breakfast:  We will continue a modified "drive-thru and pick-up" breakfast on Mondays, 7:30-8:00 a.m.   
 
Please pray for leaders of local missions as they continue to find creative ways to meet the needs of Rocky Mount and the surrounding areas.  
CDC & NCDHHS Recommendations

For essential practices you can do to reduce the impact of COVID-19, click on the links below: 

Our Church Family
  
Memorials

In Memory of Helen Harrod Alston by Bill and Becky Wood. 

In Memory of Lillian Robinson Boney (Backpack Buddies).

In Memory of Christine Vick Joyner by Bill and Becky Wood. 

In Memory of Ellen Faulkner Moore (Mary Hadley Rose's mother) by Blarnie & Olivia Tanner. 

In Memory of Virginia Wood Ward by Bill and Becky Wood. 

Prayer Concerns
 
Please lift up in prayer:
  • Renee Lovell, upcoming surgery October 7
  • Kathy Alston is at home recovering from knee surgery performed on September 22.
  • Cheryl Stanton (FUMC Preschool Director) and family, in the passing of her mother, Jean Elizabeth Medlin Matthews, September 17. 
  • Jena Katkaveck
  • Roxanne Taylor
  • Steve Pernell
  • Mark Hinson
  • J. W. Spencer
  • Bill Thomas
  • Gaye Mann
  • Bob Allen
  • All Hospital/Medical Personnel and First Responders
FUMC APP   

Text "fumcrmapp" to 1-888-364-4483 or go to get.theapp.co/5jbt.
"To Know Christ and to Make Christ Known"
  
Contact Information
FUMC
100 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252-977-0400 Office
252-977-0475 Preschool
252-977-1748 FAX
www.fumcrm.org

Church Office Hours: 
Due to COVID-19, the church office will be closed until further notice. 

STAY CONNECTED:

View on Instagram   Follow us on Twitter   Like us on Facebook  View our videos on YouTube