Digital Newsletter

March 25, 2023 - March 31, 2023

Sunday, March 26th

Sermon:

"Jesus-Shaped Life: Mission Focused"

Luke 19:10, Matthew 28:18-20

BAPTISM & NEW MEMBERS!

This past weekend we celebrated the baptism of Megan Hanson! We also had the privilege to welcome Megan and her husband Justin as new members of our church. Justin hails from Jacksonville, AL and attended Jacksonville State University, while Megan is from Morris, AL and went to the University of Mississippi. Justin works as a staff accountant for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and we are keeping Megan in our prayers as she seeks employment.

Justin is transferring his membership from Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery. They found their way to FUMC when they moved to Prattville and attended our Christmas Eve service. They were so impressed with the welcoming atmosphere and meaningful teachings straight from Scripture that they came back for New Year’s Day and knew they had found their church home.

Welcome to FUMC, Justin and Megan Hanson! We are thrilled to have you as new members of our church family.

Dodgeball Tournament - 5th Annual Dodgeball Tournament to support our youth ministry! April 1st @ the Bradford YMCA! REGISTER NOW!

Palm Sunday: April 2nd

This powerful service is a reminder of the splendor and joy expressed with Christ's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. The crowds waved palm branches and proclaimed, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" As we worship together, we will reflect as our hearts reverently turn from a spirit of jubilance as we are reminded of the events of the week ahead. Join us as we begin Holy Week together and remember Christ's journey to the cross.

Modern Holy Week Service: April 5th at 7:00pm (Pratt Hall)

Our first Modern Holy Week Service promises to be a dynamic experience, as we come together to reflect on the solemn days of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We are excited to share this meaningful and reflective time with our community, and hope that it will deepen our understanding of the Easter story.

Senior Adult Lunch: April 6th @ 11:30am at Rock's BBQ

Call the church office to RSVP (334) 365-5977

Maundy Thursday: April 6th at 7:00pm (Sanctuary)

Maundy is an old English word that is derived from the Latin mandatum meaning "mandate." At this service, we will hear Jesus' mandate from the Gospel of John: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." We will commemorate the Last Supper recalling the evening meal Jesus shared with his disciples.

Good Friday: April 7th at 7:00pm (Sanctuary)

A Tenebrae service is one of the oldest traditions of the Christian Church during Holy Week. From the Latin word meaning shadows, the service of Tenebrae presents the story of Jesus' passion, and as it unfolds~ the symbolic candles are extinguished and the worship space is darkened to remember the death of our Lord.

Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt: April 8th

Join us on Saturday for the Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt!

We will gather on the Bell House Lawn from 2-4pm for a time of fun and fellowship! We will have an Easter Egg Hunt for children 5th grade and younger! We hope to see you there!

Easter Sunday: April 9th. Christ is risen! Alleluia! Join us to worship and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at any of our triumphant services. Bring flowers for the flower cross!

Traditional 8:30am & 11:00am, Sanctuary

(please note that early service is at 8:30 instead of 9am on Easter)

Modern 11:00am, Pratt Hall

Reception on the lawn near the flower cross - following 8:30am

service

Confirmation Sunday: April 16th @ 9am and 11am worship services

Hymn Sing: Sunday, April 30th @ 6pm (Sanctuary)

2023 LENTEN SERMON SERIES

What if we could . . . Break free from self-destructive sins? See and value people like Jesus does? Reflect Jesus’ love, joy, and peace to others?

We are constantly being influenced by outside forces—our families, the media, and even our cell phones. Yet God promises to shape us into the image of Jesus. A Jesus-Shaped Life invites you to invest forty days into learning how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as he transforms you from the inside out. Throughout the course of six weeks, we will explore selected aspects of Jesus’ character and learn how God’s grace can be reproduced in his followers and we can become the people God has created us to be.

Transition Team Update

The Transition Team is hard at work on all the tasks associated with disaffiliation. We have received the initial information request from the Alabama West Florida Conference so that they can begin the preparation of our disaffiliation documents.  

Transition Update 3/24/23:

Here are the Transition Team updates for this week. It is important to note that the Transition Team will not make any decisions. Rather we will make recommendations to the Church Council and the Council will make any decisions, including whether to send anything to the congregation for a vote.

Legal Subcommittee – working on locating all property deeds, secured outside counsel to help with the legal tasks before us, reviewing sample bylaws for adoption, reviewing existing articles of incorporation, Church Council approved the recommendation that our new name be Prattville First Methodist Church Incorporated, will create new tax ID now that the new name is approved

Finance Subcommittee – discussed a loan for the disaffiliation cost (final cost expected by April 10^th) with a local financial institution, new tax ID to move forward on loan, discussing pledge campaign to pay back loan (in the meantime, any contributions to disaffiliation costs can be made with a memo on your check to “disaffiliation”)

Personnel Subcommittee – The SPRC and Pastor Tony are working on revisions to the Associate Pastor's role following Pastor Chris' reappointment by the Conference last week. The SPRC is also updating other job descriptions as a routine task and will complete its employee handbook review this week. The Personnel Subcommittee is researching benefits and personnel policies in other denominations.

Unity and Communications Subcommittee – established points of contact for Global Methodist, Free Methodist and the Association of Independent Methodists for more information on each denomination, working towards future congregational information sessions, recommended to the Church Council that we not move forward with reaffiliation until after May 7 due to the tremendous amount of work to meet our disaffiliation deadlines

Questions/Comments Received this Week:

1) Question: Doesn’t the option of moving into Global Methodism before disaffiliation on May 7 cut in half all the work our Transition Team is trying to accomplish and isn’t it much cheaper to join Global first rather than becoming an independent church first since many of the expenses of insuring our church staff and searching for a minister can be helped by the Global denomination?

  Answer:  According to our research, affiliating does not cut in half the work to be done. While there may be some benefits around pastoral selection and their personnel benefits, the rest of the work must be done regardless. We do not have the time to thoroughly vet all the options before May 7th and that is why we have tabled reaffiliation until after the disaffiliation. Please note that there are other options being considered besides Global.  

2) Comment:  Prattville First Methodist Church is an appropriate name, but please do not have the word "Incorporated" on the logo.

  Answer: Our legal name must include the Incorporated but we believe we do not have to include this on our logo. We are double-checking this with our legal counsel.

Please direct any questions or concerns to the Transition Team via:

1) emailing transition@prattvillemethodist.org

2) dropping a note in one of three boxes at the church (Sanctuary, Pratt Hall, church office)

To contact the Transition Team, please click on the link below or send an email to transition@prattvillemethodist.org:

2023 FUMC Financial Update

YTD General Fund Budget: $264,387

Total Funds Received (as of January 31, 2023): $252,521

Total Expenses (as of January 31, 2023): $254,674 

Net Overage/Shortfall for Year: - $2,153

Easter Lily Order Information

🌺🙏 This Easter, help adorn our Sanctuary by ordering a beautiful Easter lily for just $16! The deadline to place your order is April 5th, so be sure to call the church office at 334-365-5977 to reserve your lily. You can even dedicate your lily in memory or honor of someone you love. Let's celebrate the season together with this meaningful gesture. 🌺🐰

Holy Week & Easter Videos

We encourage you to share these videos with friends and neighbors in the coming days through email and social media as a way of inviting them to all of the wonderful services and activities planned between now and Easter Sunday!

Maundy Thursday April 6th at 7:00pm

Good Friday April 7th at 7:00pm

Spring Celebration & Easter Egg Hunt,

April 8th 2pm - 4pm

Bean Boozled Easter Jelly Bean Challenge

Easter Services - April 9th @ 8:30 & 11am

Upcoming Children's Activities

CANDY, CANDY, CANDY

Candy collection for our annual Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt has begun. Please bring candy that will fit in an Easter Egg and won’t melt in the heat.

You can drop it off in the church office anytime,

Monday-Thursday from 8-5 or Friday 8-12!



Our Spring Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 8 from 2-4 in the afternoon on the Bell House Lawn.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SAVE THE DATE:

JUNE 26TH - JUNE 29TH

Upcoming Youth Activities

April 1st @ 4:00pm - Dodgeball Tournament

July 9th - 14th : Youth: Street Reach Mission Trip (Memphis)

2023 DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

(Youth and Adults)

Does your team have what it takes to win the 5th annual FUMC Student Ministry Dodgeball Tournament? The tournament is APRIL 1ST AT 4:00PM. It will be held at the Bradford YMCA on McQueen Smith Road in Prattville. There is a maximum of 6 on a team (including captain). You may have less. We have a student division and an adult division so make sure you get your team signed up!

Youth: Street Reach - Memphis, TN

July 9th-14th

SIGN UP TODAY - SPACE IS LIMITED! FINAL SIGN UP IS APRIL 30TH.

The trip is JULY 9TH-14th, 2023. Once again the Student Ministry is headed to MEMPHIS,TN! We are partnering with a ministry called Street Reach Ministries. Street Reach exists to bring the gospel to those around them. We will be have VBS in the morning in neighborhoods and then connect with others through service and community centers. Due to inflation, costs to participate in Street Reach have gone up, making the total cost for the trip this year $250, with a deposit of $100. However, don't let finances be the reason you don't come! If you need help, contact Owen. (owen@prattvillemethodist.org).

The Backpack Ministry is a vital program that helps families in need by providing them with essential food items that they need. With only 11 weeks left in the program, we are in dire need of all the items on our shopping list. We currently have very few, if any, of each item, and we want to be able to continue providing for these families.

We urge you to consider donating to our cause by reviewing the shopping list below. Your contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of these families who are struggling to make ends meet. Your kindness and generosity will help ensure that they have access to the basic food essentials they need.

We believe in the power of giving and the impact it can have on both the giver and the receiver. Your donation can make a significant difference in the lives of these families, and it can also bring blessings to you.



We appreciate any help you can provide, and we thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Wednesday Night Dinner and Activities:

• Dinner @ 5:15 – 6:15 pm (Pratt Hall), Adult Meal: $8, Youth & Children: $6, $30 MAX/family

• Adult Studies -
• A Jesus-Shaped Life - led by Daniel Patrick which follows our current sermon series. (Wesley 104) at 6:00pm.
• The Chosen - Season 3 Study (Wesley 202) at 6:15pm

• Youth @ 6:00– 7:30pm with worship, discipleship & games (Youth room - Epworth Hall)

• Children’s Ministry – 
• Children’s Choirs @ 5:45 – 6:30pm (PreK4-1st in Wesley 102, 2nd-3rd in Wesley 204, and 4th-6th in Sanctuary 203)
• Children’s activities @ 6:30-7:30pm (gym and Epworth)



• Chancel Choir @ 6:30-8:00pm (Choir suite)

CURRENT WEDNESDAY NIGHT STUDY

Daniel Patrick is leading a Bible study during Lent! He is following the series ”A Jesus-Shaped Life” as shared by Pastor Tony in his sermons. All are invited to participate.

LEGACY PRAYER TEAM!!

Sundays @ 8:20am in Sanctuary 202!

Have you felt The Lord calling you to do something that is bigger than yourself? Come be a part of our Legacy Prayer Team!!

Matthew 21:13 "And Jesus declared to them, It is written: My house will be called a HOUSE OF PRAYER!"

If you feel called to this team and would like to learn more information please contact our executive administrator, Jennifer Aughtman.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH @ 6pm

Do you have a favorite hymn? One that, as soon as you hear it, transports you to that place of worship? Then join us on Sunday, April 30th at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary for Hymn Sing!

On this special night in the sanctuary, the congregation becomes the choir as we join all of our voices to count down some of your favorite hymns!

We need your help in picking what hymns we are going to be singing! Click the link below to suggest your favorite hymn. The hymns with the most requests will be featured on the Hymn Sing program!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H67BGJC

SUNDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES @ FUMC

MOMS STUDY - Sundays @ 5PM 

(Library)

Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today with sections addressing:

• Lies about God
• Lies about Friendship
• Lies about the Future
• Lies about Myself 
• Lies about Boys
• And more!  



Lies Girls Believe is designed to help your daughter fully understand the Truth so she can live the way God meant for her to live—free!

A Mom’s Guide to Lies Girls Believe, the companion book to Lies Girls Believe is your tool to come alongside your daughter in the fight against the lies the world is telling her. The Mom’s Guide provides research, cultural trends, and case studies about the problems tween girls face, but also offers encouragement and biblical insight to empower you to talk with your daughter about God’s truth.

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) - SUNDAYS

Where: Choir Suite 5:00 - 6:00pm

Sunday Night Small Groups

Sunday Night Youth - 6-7:30pm 

All youth, grades 7th-12th, are invited to join us for a fun night of food and small groups! Following youth choir, come to the youth room for this exciting new aspect of youth ministry. Invite a friend!

Sunday Nights @ 5pm

Wesley 102

Led by Chris McCain

2023 MUSIC MINISTRY UPDATES

Handbell Choir

• Tuesdays
• 5:30-6:30 pm
• Sanctuary 204

Fifty Forward Choir

• Wednesdays
• 11:00-12:00
• Choir Suite

Children’s Choirs - spring concert is May 3rd at 6:15pm, Sanctuary

• Wednesdays
• 5:45-6:30 pm
• Various Classrooms

Chancel Choir (Adults)

• Wednesdays
• 6:30-8:00 pm
• Choir Suite

Genesis Singers (Youth)

• Sundays
• 5:00-6:00 pm
• Choir Suite

Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or by 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.

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!

This past fall there was a change 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!

Sunday Mornings -

YOUNG ADULTS - Couples and Singles - David Lewis

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

A class for singles, couples, and young families in their 20s and 30s.

YAMS - Robyn and Stephen Davis  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)

A class for singles and couples in their 30s and 40s, 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 40s-50s and 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 forms 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 different 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 50s & 60s. 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 and also 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.

Sunday Nights -

YOUNG ADULTS - Pastor Chris

(LOCATION: SANCTUARY 202)

This group meets at 6 pm on Sunday nights for fellowship, sometimes dinner, and growing together in faith.

MOMS' STUDY

(LOCATON: WESLEY 102)

This group meets at 5 pm on Sunday nights. Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the Enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today.

Prayer Concerns

Church Family:

Sabrina Colburn, Greg Fowl, Gracie Fuller, Mike Harris, Carlyn Howell, Frank Lamar, Betty Mashburn, Joan McCloskey, Louise Moody, Hazel Phillips, Eddie Pope, Hutton Riley, Norah Grace Williams (new prayer needs) Arthur Bridges, Jeanne Burson

Extended Family:

Ben Calvert, Angela Falkner, Marzell Fulghum, Darlene Goodhue, Sandra King, Keith LeFevre, Aiden Losik, Kim Miers, Cathy Milliner, Hunter Nanney, Amanda Roy, Jeffrey Schuett, Deborah Sturdivant, Tyler Thompson  (new prayer needs) Sadie Rose Bangen, Amy Mann, Copeland Spires

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God

and in honor of the 59th Anniversary of

Steve and Sue Burton with love from their children,

Lisa, Bob, and Ken.

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.

WEEK OF 3/19/2023

Worship Services (In-person & On-line): 365

Sunday School: 

• Adult: 121
• Youth: 9
• Children: 19

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.