MISSION OF THE MONTH
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
On November 7, immediately following the 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service, our congregation and community are invited to gather in Wesley Hall to continue worshipping through service! We will provide a quick lunch and then will work together to pack 20,088 meals in partnership with Rise Against Hunger.
We need 100 volunteers to pack for two hours that afternoon. We respectfully ask that all participants wear masks while serving since this project involves food preparation. We also ask you to donate towards missions throughout the rest of the month to help cover the $7,000 contribution our church will give Rise Against Hunger for meal supplies. Because of your generosity, we already have raised $3,148, so we are well on our way to meeting our goal!
Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable, mobilizing the necessary resources in its effort to end hunger by 2030. Packing the food in an assembly-line process allows us a church to provide meals to people in critical need across the globe.
FINANCIAL GIVING
As of Sunday, October 17, we have received 99.34% of our anticipated giving year-to-date based on our 13-year giving model for our annual mission and ministry plan.
More than $400,684 has been pledged, above and beyond our operating budget, to fund the current renovation projects in the Methodist Ministries Center (MMC) with $49,000 needed to fully fund the projects.
Thank you for your faithfulness to Christ and His Church!
Wesley Fellows: Learn more about including First Methodist in your estate planning and becoming a Wesley Fellow.
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Changes in Children’s Church and Sunday School
Beginning October 31, parents can check in their children ages birth to fifth grade for Children’s Church and Nursery in the Children’s Building beginning at 8:45 am before the Modern Worship service starts at 9:00 am. The Sunday School Hour for children, youth, and adults will continue at 10:00 am followed by our Traditional Worship service in the Sanctuary at 11:00 am. Children’s Church will also be offered for those attending Traditional Worship with check-in beginning at 10:45 am.
“Surviving the Holidays” GriefShare Program
For those grieving the death of a loved one, First Baptist Church on the Square will offer the free seminar, “Surviving the Holidays,” from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 13. To attend, please RSVP by calling or texting Elaine McCook at 706-302-5085 by Wednesday, November 10. (Elaine is helping FBC organizers spread the word and also is coordinating our church’s RSVPs so FBC may plan for lunch.)
TLC Meeting in December
Due to COVID-19 concerns, we are now anticipating our TLC crowd to return just in time to celebrate the holidays on Thursday, December 2. We will keep you posted!
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VOLUNTEER SERVANTS NEEDED
Show the Love of God!
You may sign up for any of the volunteer opportunities below by contacting the person listed. In addition, you can fill out our very short VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FORM on our website. On the home page, scroll about midway down and click on the the red box labeled MAKE AN IMPACT. You also can access the form by scrolling to the dark box at the bottom of the homepage; under QUICK LINKS on the far right, click on VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. The direct link to the form is here
Meal on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is in urgent need of drivers for two routes. You will be sharing your Monday driving responsibilities with another driver, so there will not be a weekly commitment. This is a wonderful opportunity to show your love for FUMC and to help people desperately in need of our assistance! For more details, please call Dorothy Cammon at 706-884-2078.
Expanding Worship Volunteer Opportunities
As we plan for our new Sunday morning routine with the addition of a Modern Worship service on October 31, we need volunteers ready to show God’s love and radical hospitality during the 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 hours. Please prayerfully consider if you could help us in the following areas.
Worship & Production Team Members: If you have a musical background or technical skills, consider learning more about being a part of our new Modern Worship team! We’re looking for those who would like to serve an occasional Sunday, a month’s stint, or for a longer period of time. Even if you think you do not have awe-inspiring talent, God can use your heart for Him in big ways.
Greeters & Parking Lot Team members: As we launch this new service, we hope to expand our existing hospitality as a congregation and meet people with the love of Christ from the moment they drive on our campus. Studies show that we only have seconds to help guests feel that welcome before it informs the rest of their worship experience. Join the team and help us make Sunday the most positive day of their week!
Taste of Home Team: Calling all bakers! We need volunteers to provide baked goods for our new guest gift bags each Sunday. So, bring on the brownies, cookies, bread or other item that is your specialty and let’s share a little bit of “home” with each first-time guest that joins us for worship at First Methodist!
If you are willing to serve in any of these areas, please complete our Online Volunteer Opportunities form or email Pastor Ben Wills or Mary Elizabeth Gerick, Minister of Modern Worship, to get connected with ministry area leaders! Let God use your heart in big ways!
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Updated COVID-19 Protocols
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends indoor mask use in counties with high rates of transmission—even for vaccinated individuals. We encourage each of you to consult with your trusted physician to determine what protocols are best for your overall health.
Our individual actions certainly impact our community of faith. If you have not been vaccinated or if you are immuno–compromised, we respectfully request that you follow the recommendation to wear a mask while inside church buildings. Masks are available at each entry.
May we continue to pray that the epidemiological end to the pandemic is reached soon so we may continue to transition toward normalcy.
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