“The Paradox of Faith”

With the testing comes the provision.

Genesis 22:1-14

Hebrews 11:1, 17-19

Communion

In Person

Rev. Bud Reeves

Offertory “Agnus Dei”

Rylee Norton and Jackson Utz, Duet

Organist: Benjamin Henderson  

11:00 am Combined Service Sanctuary

In Person,Facebook Live,

YouTube and FM 103.5

Rev. Bud Reeves

Anthem “Come, My, Way, My Truth, 

My Life”

Offertory “Eternal Life”

Chancel Choir

Gaye Mings, Chancel Choir Director

Benjamin Henderson, Organist

AFFIRMING OUR CONNECTION

There are basically three reasons I am a United Methodist. One has to do with family history. I am a cradle UM, born, baptized and raised in the United Methodist Church, and I never had any issues with the church that were so strong that I felt I must leave it.

The second reason has to do with our doctrine. As I grew in my understanding of United Methodist beliefs, as I studied John Wesley in college and seminary, and as I have pastored churches for over 40 years, I still believe that the United Methodist interpretation of the Christian faith is faithful to Holy Scripture and relevant to our day and time. I love John Wesley. I love the theology of grace–prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying–that characterizes Methodist theology. I love the emphasis on growth toward perfection in love. I love that we are grounded in Scripture and in the classic, orthodox doctrines of Christianity. I was born a Methodist, but I stayed a Methodist because I believe as one.

The third reason I am a United Methodist is our connection. I have always believed that the church is bigger than the local congregation. We are stronger when we are connected to a network of churches and ministries that increases our reach and ministry. I have always been proud of the United Methodist connection across the state, nation, and world, and I have been amazed over the years at the vast influence the United Methodists have around the world. Missions, disaster relief, education, medical care, and evangelism are all done on a global scale in our name and through the support of our local church.

The importance of connection is one thing that saddens me about many of the disaffiliations from our denomination. Of course, we are no longer connected to those people, and that’s unfortunate. While some of the breakaway churches are joining denominations that will attempt in a smaller way to do what the United Methodist Church does, many of those churches are deciding to stay independent, without a connection to the larger church. An “independent Methodist church” is an oxymoron, and the existence of such surely has Mr. Wesley spinning in his grave!

Along with DeeDee Autry, Larry and Sharon Weir, Carey Reeves, Ashley McNeal, and Brandon Bates from our church, we experienced a great affirmation of our connection at Annual Conference last week. From the beginnings of Methodism, John Wesley gathered his preachers together for an annual conference to answer the questions, “What will we teach? How will we teach? What will we do?” Then he would ask, “What is God’s design in raising up the people called Methodist?” Today’s annual conferences are a bit more complicated, and half of the members are lay people, but the spirit is the same. It is a gathering to affirm our relationships to God and one another, plan for ministry in our area, and be revived and inspired for another year of service.

In the last few years, the Annual Conference has been more contentious, as the divorce became imminent. But this year, with most of the disaffiliations behind us, the spirit was again joyful and hopeful. We still have many challenges ahead of us, but there was a feeling of meeting those challenges with a unified spirit, joined arm in arm, and with joy in our hearts. Almost everybody who was at the conference wanted to be there. Our new leader, Bishop Laura Merrill, is awesome, and she led the conference with skill and grace. She led worship the same way, even singing the Great Thanksgiving in our opening Communion service, to the surprise and delight of everyone. (She will be in Fort Smith to preach for us on September 10.) 

The theme of the conference was “Come To The Table,” emphasizing our spirit of welcome to all people. We held discussions around tables with folks we didn’t know well, and the discovery was that there are signs of hope and vital ministry going on in virtually every UMC in Arkansas, small to large. New congregations are being organized; new disciples are being made. We are not only staying United Methodist, we are staying the course of the Kingdom and doing the business of ministry God is calling us to do.

I don’t know about you, but there are many reasons I am proud to be a United Methodist today. And I am looking forward to another year of fruitful ministry with all of you at Fort Smith First United Methodist Church!

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Want to learn music, the story of Daniel, and make friends along the way?

Come have fun with “Rescue in the Night” Music Camp; July 24-28!

For children entering 2nd through 7th grade. 9am-2pm

We’ll sing, play handbells, make crafts, read about trusting in God, and share all our hard work in a production on Friday night, July 28 at 7pm. Hope to see you there!

If you would like to volunteer to help or have any questions, please contact Benjamin Henderson.

Join our chancel choir for the summer 

(and beyond!). Every Wednesday at 7:00pm!

Interested in helping to start a new handbell group for fall? Let me know! 

(bhenderson@fsfumc.org or 479-782-5068)

FUMC KIDS

VBS 2023

was a

SUCCESS!

The kids made crafts, sang songs,played games, and experienced the Bible with story time.

We saw an awesome turnout of fantastic kids who were eager to learn about Jesus!

None of it would have been possible withoutour awesome volunteers. We can’t wait to do itall again next year!

OUTREACH

We’re gearing up for the September Mission Trip to UMCOR Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA. All types of skills are needed for this mission trip. The cost is under $400 a person for the week. We’ll leave on Sunday, September 17th, and return on Friday, September 22nd. Our work may consist of receiving, sorting, packing, and shipping supplies for disaster relief. Community projects and campus maintenance may also be in need at the time of our arrival. The church team is excited to see and be a part of the work behind many of our contributions to disaster relief. Our team will also enjoy a day of sightseeing and fun activities like the Tabasco Museum and Jungle Gardens on Avery Island. We still have slots available for this mission trip and would love to have you join the team.

Cooking classes are coming up in July and August. These are 6-week classes that teach basic cooking skills and how to cook meals that are low cost. Those in attendance will learn how to read nutrition facts, budget skills, and how to shop at the grocery store efficiently. Each week we’ll give out a free kitchen tool and groceries to replicate the recipe taught in class. We are excited to offer this in the evening with programming for kids included for the first three weeks and the kids involved in the learning for the final three weeks. Join us by spreading the word to those who could benefit. Pray for this ministry to help families in Fort Smith.

Neighborhood Eats had its second month of giving groceries to over 30 families. The grocery bags included meat, produce, vegetables, staples, and books for children. We need more volunteers as we anticipate more growth. We give out groceries on the last Thursday of the month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Volunteers will organize groceries, prepare bags, interact with recipients, load groceries in vehicles, and more. We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in our neighborhood in need. Thank you for continuing to serve others.

PACESETTERS

Both of Pacesetters’ June programs connected us with happenings in east Fort Smith, one from long ago, and one from recent years. Jay Randolph, Director of Ben Geren Regional Park and Golf Course Superintendent, described progress being made on the restoration of Massard Prairie, estimated by surveyors in 1829 at approximately 10,500 acres of tall grass prairie in south Sebastian County. Today less than 150 acres remain, all of which post for sale signs. His photos showed brilliant native wildflowers and plants, once again flourishing from seeds collected and scattered by Master Naturalists and other volunteers.

Susan Devero, Director of Marketing and Communications at Chaffee Crossing’s pride and joy, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), led us on a virtual tour of the ever-expanding campus and programs. The college now offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant degree programs. The recently purchased Golden Living building houses a health and wellness center and research center, the largest research institution of any osteopathic school in the nation.

June 13 Pacesetters were treated to an unexpected free sneak peek of Fort Smith’s long-awaited U. S. Marshal’s Museum. Last year officials from the museum presented a program in the Fireside Room, which was followed by Pacesetters’ personal tour of the incomplete facility. After the June 13 tour, Louise located the brick that Pacesetters purchased to help complete the museum for its July 1, 2023, official opening.

Please join Pacesetters in July for two interesting programs. July 7, Dr. Taylor Prewitt returns to share his research on The Second Great Awakening, during which Methodist circuit riders contributed to the fervor of a great spiritual movement throughout American Protestantism. July 21, we meet in the North 16th St. church parking lot at 9:45 to load onto the van, which will LEAVE at 10:00 am and head to the Bakery District at 70 S 7th Street. We will visit Sara Putman at her bookstore, Bookish, hear a history of the original Shipley Baking Company building, and eat lunch.

All are invited to join Pacesetters the first and third Friday mornings at 10:00 in the Fireside Room. 

Do stay for lunch.

FIRST YOUth JULY

July 2 Sunday Morning Small Group @ 10am

NO YOUth

July 9 Sunday Morning Small Group @ 10am

Movie Night

July 13 Mission Day 8:20am-4:30am

July 16 Sunday Morning Small Group @ 10am

5:30pm Dinner Out @ Hideaway Pizza

July 17-21 JR & SR High Assembly in Conway

July 23 Sunday Morning Small Group @ 10am

12:00pm Naturals Game

July 25 Mission Day 8:20am-4:30am

July 30 Sunday Morning Small Group @ 10am

YOUth Week Progressive Dinner 5pm

July 31 YOUth Week Water Games 6pm

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, July 13

5:30pm - Fireside Room

RSVP by Monday, July 10

Are you ready to play some games?

Our July gathering will be a game night.

We have - 

Baggo/cornhole, Clue, Bunco, 

chess or checkers, Yahtzee, Phase 10, 

Bendominoes, Mexican Train, cards,Connect 4, Guess Who?, etc.  

Feel free to bring any games.

If you do not like to play games please come eat and visit.

We will be serving grilled burgers.

For more information email Gail Oakes at RiverValleyWidowsgroup@gmail.com

Or call 479-388-1523

IN OUR PRAYERS

Loss of Loved Ones:

• Franky Brown - son of Rosa and James Brown, brother of Christina Brown.

IN MEMORY OF:

Janice Powell

Richard & Ann Appleton

Austin & Alice Rowe

George & Carole Beattie

Discussion SS Class

Jack & Louanna Green

Richard & Jan Beauchamp

Gary & Tracy Keifer

Brandon Weeks

Lynnette Barling

Rusty & Karla Jacobs

Thomas & Deana Hankins

Dr. John & Garnet Watts

Kelli Peters

Joe & Elizabeth Powers

Sherri Karber/Norman Wilkinson

Jim & Dixie Spears

Fran Bateman

Floyd & Judy Bradberry

Jerry & Jane Hartfield

Sandra Clark

Tom & Susan Webb

Patricia Jenkins

Paul & Suzanne Henson

Chip & Elizabeth Paris

David & Leanne McClanahan

Kent & Nancy Blochberger

Marlin & Janet Fretheim

Jeff & Laura Palmer

Marty & Gina Clark

Bob & Judy Dawson

Lori Hardin/Mike Willis

Kelly & Marilyn Newton

Don & Pat Tankersley

Robert & Nadine Miller

Lynn Creekmore

Chris & Cathy Rogers

Cole & Staci Goodman

Ann Smith

Sue Cooley

Kevin & Sumer Phillips

Henry & Melissa Udouj

Richard Griffin & Family

Helen Lanier

Ruth Davis

Jack & JoAnn Gedosh

The Paula Glidewell Family

Mary Ellen Fraser

Richard & Ann Appleton

Mary Booth

Fran Bateman

Pat McGowan

Judy Staggs

Chim Stogner

Pat Shaw

Robert & Mary Young

Linda Mumme

Tony & Lynnell Leraris

Discussion SS Class

George & Carole Beattie

Jack & JoAnn Gedosh

Mary Ellen Jesson

Bert & Betsy Rayle

Jack & JoAnn Gedosh

Memorials by Karen Hutcheson

Darin Hutcheson

David Hutcheson

Fred LeValley

Darline & Kenneth LeValley

Dr. T.W. Brown

Dennis Moser

Dr. Pat Phillips

George & Carole Beattie

Discussion SS Class

Ann Woods

Jack & Joann Gedosh

Steve Kavanaugh

George & Carole Beattie

July 21, 2023

Fort Smith Convention Center

55 South 7th St, Fort Smith, AR

*Doors & Breakfast Buffett Open at 6:15 AM*

Featured Speakers: Adrian Branch & John Kopta

To purchase tickets for groups or questions call:

(479) 461-1894

Dependent on seating capacity, tickets will be available at the door.