news January 2015 - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurch34...WELCOME persons into the body of Christ The Joyful Believers ( group 2) will meet on Monday,

First United Methodist Church Newton, North Carolina

Loving People into the Kingdom of God in the Heart of Catawba County

First United Methodist Church exists to glorify God as we Welcome persons into the body of Christ,

help them Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and Send them to serve in the world.

New Sermon Series for 2015

Finding Joy in Real Life Holy Habits for Living Well

Relationships, jobs, health concerns, and finances can sometimes complicate life, leaving us frustrated, unhappy,

and restless. We wonder if life could be more meaningful and joyful. All of us have been created to experience joy,

but many persons struggle to find it.

Join us on January 4 as we begin a new sermon series that will explore how we can find joy in our lives as we prac-

tice the Holy Habits for living well!

The Gold Standard

The Requirements of the Lord

Six Words to Set You Free

The Secret to True Wealth

The Most Important Thing of All

Looking for a place to connect and grow in your faith?

Looking for a way to get to know people and talk about God?

Get Ready For Small Groups

God designed us to live out our spiritual journeys in community. Small Groups provide a place to build friendships,

grow spiritually and live out the mission God has given us. Beginning in February, First Methodist will offer a vari-

ety of small group opportunities.

Small Groups will meet at different times of the week and at all sorts of locations such as homes and restaurants.

Groups will be made up of 8-15 adults who will gather every week or every other week to learn and grow spiritu-

ally together through studying the Bible or reading topical books about the Christian life. In addition, each Small

Group will have a mission project that group members will choose and focus on together.

Small Groups will be open for anyone to join at any time. A complete listing of Small Groups, their leaders, and

meeting times will be available in mid January with groups beginning in early February.

If you’re interested in being a part of a Small Group, we would love to help you get connected! For more informa-

tion, please contact Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene at [email protected] or 828.464.8422

WELCOME persons into the body of Christ

The Joyful Believers ( group 2) will meet

on Monday, January 5, at 10:00 am in the

Gomedela Room. Betty McGee will continue to

lead us in the "Spiritual Stretchers" pro-

gram. This consists of gentle movements using a

stretch band and can be performed in a sitting

position. It is relaxing and is suitable for all

ages. It also offers great benefits to the body and

is a lot of fun. Bands will be provided. All

women are invited. Hope to see you there.

January 6th

1:00pm

Gomedela Room

This is for both men and

women; you are encouraged

to bring a friend. Twelve

games will be played with

prizes and refreshments

furnished.

Methodist Women Group III will meet on Mon-

day, January 5th at 2:00pm in the Gomedela

Room. Continuing from an earlier talk on records

of First Methodist in the local newspapers, for

this program John Smith will present a collection

of articles from the World War I era that will

show what the church and community were do-

ing as the nation prepared and local soldiers were

called up for ser-

vice in this first

global conflict.

Everyone (both

men and women)

are invited to hear

this informative

talk on that period

of time in our

church history.

New Member

Polly Pearson

903 S. Caldwell Ave.

Newton, NC

GROW as disciples of Jesus Christ

Before Amen : The Power of a Simple Prayer Journey Christian Fellowship will resume on January 11 with the Max Lucado study, Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer. In Before Amen, Max reveals his strug-gles with prayer and how he discovered that it is not a privilege for the pious or the art of a chosen few but a simple tool everyone has been given to have a conversa-tion with God. Through the use of a simple, easy-to-remember, pocket-sized prayer that he distilled from the prayers in the Bible, he shows how everyone can build a prayer life that is stronger, better and deeper. God wants to talk with you. Even now He taps at the door. Connecting with Him each day can mean all the difference in your life and how you experience God. God will change you through such moments. Please join us at 4:00pm on Sunday, January 11th in the Gomedela Room.

2015

CONFIRMATION CLASS

for

YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE

“Christians are made, not born” – said Tertullian, the

great Christian author. Following Jesus is not something that comes without time and training. Confirmation in the

United Methodist Church is the historic means of making Christians. This spring, the Youth of First Methodist have

the opportunity to continue their faith journey with a four month course entitled CREDO. Through CREDO, youth

will learn the Christian story, confirm their faith, and be prepared to live out their commitment to Jesus.

An Orientation Session for youth and their parents will be held on Sunday, February 1 at 4:00pm. Classes will begin

on February 8 and run through May 17. They will be held on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-4:30pm and taught by

Revs. David and Lara “Willis” Greene. All youth, 6th

Grade and up, who have not yet been confirmed are invited to

be a part of this experience.

Register your child by calling the church office at 464.8422 or e-mailing Lara “Willis” Greene at

[email protected]. We look forward to having your youth in the 2015 Confirmation Class.

Youth groups from Charlotte, Waynesville, and Asheville will be gathering for a fun filled weekend of worship, group discussions and loads of hot chocolate. The Christian musical band, Lost and Found, will kick off their farewell tour with us; you will not want to miss it. Registration and a fee of $75.00 per per-son is due on Monday, Jan. 5th. The balance of $50.00 will be due Jan.17th. Scholarships are available, please con-

tact Julie Fowler, 828-464-8422 or [email protected] with questions.

Youth Happenings

Winter Retreat 2015 Saturday-Monday, Jan. 17th-19th Camp Cedar Creek at the Cove

$125 per person

Summer

Camp Dates

GROW cont’d

SEND them to serve in the world

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sundays

Bring a new, plastic container of

peanut butter or jelly

for the Backpack Project!

On the first Sunday of every month, First UMC will celebrate

PB & J Sunday, a day designated for

everyone to bring either a plastic

container of peanut butter or a plastic

container of jelly. These gifts will be

given each month to the Backpack

for Kids Program at South Newton

Elementary School.

Children's Sunday School Sundays at 10:00 am

January theme : The Disciples, Luke 5: 1-11, 8: 1-3 and Matthew 4: 18-22, 9:

9-13, 10: 1-4. We will explore these readings with cooking, art, games, mu-

sic and video. Please join us!

Kids 4 Christ Wednesdays 3:00-5:30 pm

Kindergarten - 6th grade

Activity Room

K4C will ring in the new year with lots of fun, music, crafts and games.

Mark you calendars. Our first singing for the church will be on Sunday, Feb. 11 that the 11:00 service. This is

an open school year ministry, so if you are not already coming for some after school fun, start 2015 off right

and come to K4C ! Contact Julie Fowler, [email protected] with any children's ministry questions.

Address for Rolen Benson

SR Benson, Rolen, G.

Ship 04 Div 806

3600 Ohio Street

Great Lakes, IL 60088-7103

Mark Your 2015 Calendar . . .

Mission Trip - June 21-27 for Youth 6th through 12th grade Camp Carolwood - July 6-10 for rising 1st through 6th grade children Wilderness Trail - July 22-28 for rising 7th graders through adult Vacation Bible School - August 2-6 for all ages

December Memorials Margie Powell Music Fund

Margie Powell Robe Fund

Margie Powell Capital Building Fund

Dr. Allen Bandy, Sr. Capital Building Fund

Dick Wyatt Capital Building Fund

John Caldwell Capital Building Fund

Wilma Waters Music Fund

December Honorariums Hazel Sims Capital Building Fund

Jackie Bandy Capital Building Fund

Charlie/Tommi Anderson Robe Fund

Polly Pearson Music Fund

Choir Music Fund

Brent Roland Music Fund

John Coffey Music Fund

JANUARY BIRTHDAYSJANUARY BIRTHDAYSJANUARY BIRTHDAYSJANUARY BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESJANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESJANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESJANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Brown, Carolyn 1/1

Carpenter, Bethany 1/1

Cook, Fred 1/1

Killian, Mary 1/1

Driscoll, Mason 1/2

Bump, Joseph 1/3

Burnette, Brandy 1/3

Caldwell, Crystal 1/3

DeVos, Jerry 1/3

Gibson, Kaleb 1/3

Cloninger, E. Janet 1/4

Phillips, Laurel 1/4

Bollinger, Bradley 1/5

Caldwell, Lindy 1/5

Pawlik, James 1/5

Shillito, William 1/5

Shrum, C. Ray 1/5

Cooke, Frankie 1/6

Kelley, Tracie 1/6

Brown, Courtney 1/7

Mayberry, Lori 1/7

Miller, Staci 1/7

Byrd, Bradley 1/8

Campbell, Rebecca 1/8

Britt, Patricia 1/9

Ervin, Vance 1/9

Hunter, Jamie 1/9

Ryan, Nancy 1/9

Wyatt, Jeffrey 1/9

Mull, Donna 1/10

Caldwell, Michael 1/11

Clapp, Helen 1/11

Smith, Kristy 1/11

Hardin, Sandra 1/12

Miller, Matthew 1/12

Donley, Harper 1/13

Jones III, Harrison 1/13

Lynch, W. Harold 1/13

Robison, Emma 1/13

Trivette, John 1/13

Beiler, Jo-Anne 1/14

Hunter, Bray 1/14

Winstead, Jennifer 1/15

Blalock, Kirby 1/17

Hasty, Wilson 1/17

Lawing, Forrest 1/17

Sigmon, Jackie 1/18

Natoli, Melissa 1/19

Natoli, Michael 1/19

Vanover, Christy 1/19

Boylan, Kathy 1/20

Miller, Caleb 1/20

Sherrill, Sara 1/20

Simpson, Amanda 1/20

Arndt, Melinda 1/21

Deal, Lori 1/21

White, Railey 1/21

Sigmon, Brett 1/22

Stone, Walter 1/22

Lewis, David 1/23

Rights, Elizabeth 1/23

Fair, Madyson 1/24

Fowler, Robert 1/24

Kelly, Marion 1/24

Coley, Teresa 1/25

Kosar, Linda 1/25

Saunders, Brenda 1/25

Underwood, Beverly 1/25

Harman, Luke 1/27

Harman, Maggie 1/27

Burnette, Lee 1/28

White, Christopher 1/28

Calloway, Martha 1/29

McLawhorn, R. Bradley 1/29

Couture, Faith 1/30

Dixon, Thomas 1/31

Laney, Michael 1/31

Sain, Edward 1/31

Robert & Barbara McLawhorn 1/1

Clark & Teresa Fletcher 1/2

Jeff & Sarah DeBerardinis 1/8

Rob & Debbie Rights Jr. 1/21

Khampan & KhemKham Chanthakouman 1/24

Tony & Jill Philmon 1/30

A calendar is

being pre-

pared for

those wishing

to furnish

altar flowers

in 2015. Please fill out the form below and return it

to the church office to reserve the

Sunday of your choice.

I will furnish altar flowers in 2015 as follows:

Date_______________________

In Memory/Honor of

_____________________________________________

By___________________________________________

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 9:00

take down

Christmas

decorations

4

6:00 Disciple

III

5 9:00 Preschool

10:00 Group II

2:00 Group III

6 9:00 Preschool

1:00 Bingo

7 9:00 Preschool

3:00 Kids for

Christ

7:30 Choir

8 9:00 Preschool

1:00 Prayer

Shawl

9 9:00 Preschool

10

11

4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple

III

12 9:00 Preschool

6:00 Trustees

13 9:00 Preschool

14 9:00 Preschool

3:00 Kids for

Christ

7:30 Choir

15 9:00 Preschool

1:00 Prayer

Shawl

16 9:00 Preschool

17

18

4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple

III

19 20 9:00 Preschool

21 9:00 Preschool

3:00 Kids for

Christ

7:30 Choir

22 9:00 Preschool

1:00 Prayer

Shawl

23 9:00 Preschool

24

25

4:00 Journey 6:00 Disciple

III

26 27 28 9:00 Preschool

3:00 Kids for

Christ

7:30 Choir

29 9:00 Preschool

1:00 Prayer

Shawl

30 9:00 Preschool

31

W e l c o m e , G r o w , S e n d

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5

Phone: 828-464-8422

Fax: 828-464-8423

www.fumcnewtonnc.org

300 N. Main Ave.

Newton, NC 28658

F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t

C h u r c h

8:30am Informal worship in the sanctuary

9:00am Contemporary service-Fellowship Hall (entrance off of Ashe Ave.)

10:00am Sunday School for all ages

11:00am Formal worship in the sanctuary

Nursery is provided during all worship services and Sunday School.

Youth Retreat

17-19

A word from the Pastor …….

Did you hear the one about the hats? Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other,

“You stay here, I’ll go on a head.” Okay, I know that’s a silly joke but it does make a point. We have a choice in life

… either to hang out where we’ve always been or to go on ahead. The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to take

the second option. As we all know, time passes and the seasons roll along and the world inevitably marches forward.

We can’t change those things but we can choose how we will respond to them. Do we move forward or do we try to

stay put?

As I get older, I confess that I become more nostalgic about the way things use to be. Things seemed safer and more

innocent when I was younger. Life seemed a lot simpler back in those days. Whenever I find myself getting overly

nostalgic, I remember something Tom Stanton said to me years ago. Tom was the manager of the soda fountain where

I had my first job. Oftentimes customers would sit at the counter and reminisce about “the good old days.” One time

Tom said to me, “David, I remember those days and how things were supposedly so much better back then … hot

dogs were only a nickel, but we were so poor that I didn’t have a nickel.” Tom’s point was that the past wasn’t al-

ways as good as the way people portrayed it, and he had no desire to go back to the way things use to be.

I appreciate what Tom taught me that day and I’m saddened by the fact that he is no longer with us. But even though

I can’t bring Tom back doesn’t mean I have to let go of all the insights and wisdom he shared with me. To embrace

the future doesn’t mean we have to let go of the past. The lessons and values we learned don’t have to be abandoned

just because time marches on.

Our challenge is to take all that was good from the good old days and use it to create good new days. What if we en-

tered the New Year believing that some of the best days of our lives were going to happen in 2015? I think it is possi-

ble for those of us who, as Jesus put it, “have eyes to see.” One of my minister friends offered the following insight,

“The best approach to a New Year is to look back with thanks and to move forward with faith. Learn from yesterday

to be prepared for tomorrow. Borrow from yesterday to build tomorrow. Celebrate yesterday, but embrace tomorrow.

Look back with gratitude, move forward with anticipation.” As we go on ahead in 2015, I wish for you the best year

of your life. I also wish and pray for one of the best years in the life of this congregation, trusting that we are going to

be held in God’s hand and by God’s grace.

Speaking about the past, I can’t remember a more uplifting Christmas season. One of the highlights was the wonderful

cantata that the choir offered and over 600 people enjoyed. It was outstanding! I realize that many persons contributed

to this moving performance with such beautiful music. There are too many to name here but I do want to say thank

you to Brent Roland. His vision and tireless effort made it all possible and I can’t wait to see what Brent and the

choir will do this coming Christmas. Don’t we have a remarkable group of persons on our staff? I love them and

I know you do too. Willis and I will be hosting the staff at the parsonage on January 9 for our annual Epiphany party

– it’s our way of letting them know how much we appreciate them.

Speaking about the future, I want to offer my sincere appreciation to a number of families that have recently made an

investment in the future of this church. We received a generous gift to our Imagine More capital campaign from

the family of Martha and Jerry Sowers. Also, the estates of Katherine Price and Brevard Arndt recently dis-

bursed generous gifts to the United Methodist Women Scholarship fund. I appreciate the faithfulness that these

gifts represent and the vote of confidence noted by these investments in the ministry of this church. I humbly ask you

to consider including the church in your estate planning. Think of the difference it would make in terms of providing

ministry and maintaining an aging facility if every member of this church designated 5-10% of their estate to First

Methodist. It would be an investment in the future. It would be a way for you to leave a legacy of gratitude and make

a statement about your belief in the future of this congregation to make a difference in this community in Jesus’ name

for His sake.

Don’t forget to invite someone to worship on Sunday. Let’s keep moving ahead and loving people into the Kingdom!

See you then,

David

Loving People into the

Kingdom of God

in the

Heart of Catawba County

Christmas 2014

The Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata was enjoyed by over

600 people at the December 14th worship service.

Angels, Wisemen, Shepherds, and the Holy Family

were present at the Spontaneous Christmas Pageant

on Christmas Eve.

First Methodist members gathered on the front

lawn of Hazel Sims after caroling.

Haley Roberts Brown portraying Mary

during the Cantata.

Youth visited with

Joe Goble at

Abernethy Laurels.

FUMC Youth

Group mem-

bers caroled at

the home of

Inez Drum

while deliver-

ing a bag of

Christmas

cards.

First United Methodist Church Staff

David Greene, Senior Pastor

cell: 828-461-5910

Lara “Willis” Greene, Associate Pastor

cell: 828-461-5918

John Coffey, Organist

Brent Roland, Music Director

Michael Roberts, Director of Praise Service

Rose Bibeau, Children’s Music

Julie Fowler, Director of Children’s Ministry

Ann Cook, Administrative Assistant

Kayla Sigmon, Nursery Ministry

Julia Macemore, Preschool Director

Church office phone: 828-464-8422

Website: www.fumcnewtonnc.org

First United Methodist Church

300 N. Main Ave.

PO Box 926

Newton, NC 28658-926

Return Service Requested

January 2015

Sharing Our Gifts

Sunday Attendance Tithes and

Offerings

Capital Bldg.

Fund

December 7 261 15,020.00 630.00

December 14 595 6,876.51 36,504.21

December 21 291 17,231.00 965.00

December 28 163 11,987.00 215.00

IN MEMORIAM

“Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord for they

cease from their labor and their works do follow them.”

Pat C. Cloninger October 3, 1929 - November 30, 2014

2015

Offering Envelopes

The Offering Envelopes

for next year are located

on tables in the upper

level breezeway. Please

pick up those that be-

long to you and your family. We encourage

you to use these assigned envelopes to save

time for the office staff when preparing the

bank deposit and also to help ensure that

contributions are recorded correctly.

If you need to change

any personal informa-

tion in the church direc-

tory for 2015, please

contact the church office

at 828-464-8422 or

[email protected].

The new directory will

be printed soon, and we would like to have the most ac-

curate information possible. Thank you for your help.