ALCOA 1stNEWS January 1 ~ 31, 2020 First UMC Alcoa Vision Inspired by God’s unconditional love, we unite in worship, grow in discipleship, and serve in love. Happy New Year! New Year often brings new beginnings. It is the season for resolutions, promises, new directions and for many goal settings. As you might think about a newness of time, it is a good season to contemplate our minds, bodies, and souls. Here are three good questions to ask this season: What can I do for my physical wellbeing? What can I do for my mental wellbeing? What can I do for my spiritual wellbeing? If you have drifted from church or the fellowship of the church family, please know – you are loved, you will be welcomed, and we all need to grow more spiritually in this New Year. Let these scriptures resonate as you hear a calling to press on and increase your spiritual wellbeing this New Year. Hebrews 5:7-14 (NIV) 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Happy New Year – peace and joy, Pastor Todd. Winter Events Are On the Way! Here is just a quick sampling of dates and events you will not want to miss at First United Methodist Church Alcoa. • January 5 th – China Missionaries to speak at AFUMC. • January 12 th – Pastor Todd to start a preaching series on the Book of Hebrews. • January 19 th – Community Martin Luther King Celebration at AFUMC – 3:00 p.m. NO EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE. • January 24 -26 YOUTH Resurrection 2020 in Gatlinburg. • February 2 nd – YOUTH choir from Broad Street UMC to sing at both worship services. Followed with a youth luncheon. Joint youth group fellowship. • February 9 th – JOY ministry Senior Trip at AFUMC – 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets NOW. • February 16 th – Host the Senior Adult Handbell Choir from Roswell UMC, Roswell, GA during the first service. • February 22 nd – United Methodist Men’s Annual Chili Cook-off. • February 26 th – Ash Wednesday Evening Service – 6:00 p.m. • March 1 st – Celebrate with Johnny Walker – as he celebrates 30 years at AFUMC • March 1 st – Host the Children’s Choir from Roswell UMC at the second service. • April 5 th – Palm Sunday • April 12 th – Easter Sunday As you can see – much is being planned – mark these important dates on your calendars. More information on all these events will be in up- coming newsletters, bulletins, and First Things @ Alcoa emails.
Transcript
ALCOA 1stNEWSJanuary 1 ~ 31, 2020
First UMC Alcoa Vision
Inspired by God’s unconditional love, we unite in worship, grow in discipleship, and serve in love.
Happy New Year! New Year often brings new beginnings. It is the season for resolutions, promises, new directions and for many goal settings. As you might think about a newness of time, it is a good season to contemplate our minds, bodies, and souls. Here are three good questions to ask this season: What can I do for my physical wellbeing? What can I do for my mental wellbeing? What can I do for my spiritual wellbeing? If you have drifted from church or the fellowship of the church family, please know – you are loved, you will be welcomed, and we all need to grow more spiritually in this New Year. Let these scriptures resonate as you hear a calling to press on and increase your spiritual wellbeing this New Year.
Hebrews 5:7-14 (NIV) 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Happy New Year – peace and joy, Pastor Todd.
Winter Events Are On the Way! Here is just a quick sampling of dates and events you will not want to miss at First United Methodist Church Alcoa.
• January 5th – China Missionaries to speak at AFUMC.
• January 12th – Pastor Todd to start a preaching series on the Book of Hebrews.
• January 19th – Community Martin Luther King Celebration at AFUMC – 3:00 p.m. NO EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE.
• January 24 -26 YOUTH Resurrection 2020 in Gatlinburg.
• February 2nd – YOUTH choir from Broad Street UMC to sing at both worship services. Followed with a youth luncheon. Joint youth group fellowship.
• February 9th – JOY ministry Senior Trip at AFUMC – 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets NOW.
• February 16th – Host the Senior Adult Handbell Choir from Roswell UMC, Roswell, GA during the first service.
• February 22nd – United Methodist Men’s Annual Chili Cook-off.
• February 26th – Ash Wednesday Evening Service – 6:00 p.m.
• March 1st – Celebrate with Johnny Walker – as he celebrates 30 years at AFUMC
• March 1st – Host the Children’s Choir from Roswell UMC at the second service.
• April 5th – Palm Sunday • April 12th – Easter Sunday
As you can see – much is being planned – mark these important dates on your calendars. More information on all these events will be in up-coming newsletters, bulletins, and First Things @ Alcoa emails.
OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXPRESSED TO...Ivan Cheroni and family in the passing of Joan Cheroni onNovember 25.
To the family of Michael Cain who passed away December 12.
CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to Elaine Bowers and Bill Collins, who were married on December 14, 2019.
MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS
Bill Bailey Scholarship FundIn memory of Bill Bailey and in honor of Doris Bailey by;Huong Le Nguyen and Thank Nguyen
Building FundIn memory of Martha Cobb, Janet Murrian and Joan Cheroni by; Emmit & Betty Rawls
Children & NurseryIn honor of Marvin & Barbara Adkins by; David & Darunee Lawson
Family PromiseIn honor of Doris Bailey by; David & Darunee Lawson
Faith PromiseIn memory of Joan Cheroni by; the Nova SS Class
Henderson SettlementIn honor of Doris Luttinger, Theresa Albanese, Linda Roberts, Curtis & Rita Allin, Dorothy Smith and Mary Cook by; Jack & Faun Norton
Louisville Christian Assistance CenterIn honor of Dorothy Haislip and Tony Graf by; Dick & Peggy Abbott
Mr. P’s Helping HandsIn honor of Jim & Brenda Pershing by; Ed & Karen PershingIn memory of J.E. & Lola Pershing by; Jim & Brenda Pershing
Operational GivingIn honor of Margie Davis by; David & Darunee Lawson
AttendanceDECEMBER 1 8:30 Worship........................................7311:00 Worship......................................104Hanging of the Greens.........................136Total Worship.......................................313Sunday School.....................................134
DECEMBER 8 8:30 Worship......................................170 11:00 Worship......................................102Sunday @ Six......................................118Total Worship......................................390Sunday School.....................................137
DECEMBER 15 8:30 Woship.......................................11011:00 Worship......................................191Sunday @ Six........................................13Total Worship.................................... ..314Sunday School.....................................156
DECEMBER 22 8:30 Worship......................................10411:00 Worship......................................134Sunday @ Six........................................26Total Worship.......................................264Sunday School.....................................122
DECEMBER 24Christmas Eve.....................................324
DECEMBER 29 8:30 Worship........................................7711:00 Worship......................................100Total Worship.......................................177Sunday School.....................................121
First United Methodist Church Alcoa617 Gilbert St. ~ Alcoa, TN 37701
Beth Green Music&[email protected]#is(423)331-7451Work#(865)982-5551
Thank You from the Staff!The staff at Alcoa First United Methodist Church wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the staff appreciation Christmas Gifts. It is truly an honor and privilege to service such a loving and wonderful church congregation. As we move into the New Year, please let us know how we might serve you all better. Blessings and again, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!AFUMC – Staff.
“WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY”
Good Food, Good Friends Good Fellowship AND Good Fun
January 8, 2020 ~ 5:30 – 6:30 in the Green Room
“Comfort Food!”Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Desserts and Beverages!
Reservations must be made by NOON, January 6
Drop your reervation in the offering plate on Sunday OR contact the church office at 982-5551 to make (or cancel) your reservation. Please be sure to cancel if your plans change, so
extra food isn’t prepared.
Nursery provided for children ages 2 years and under.
First UMC AlcoaIn the event of snow, ice or other hazardous
weather…
The church office will be closed and all evening functions cancelled in the event hazardous and unsafe
road conditions close Alcoa Schools.
When Sunday morning services must be cancelled, a Calling Post message will be sent out as soon as
the road conditions have been assessed. We will also communicate with the local TV stations to have our cancellations and/or delays listed, and you can check
our website, alcoafumc.com
We love you and your safety is extremely important to us, so please use care and caution when getting out
or driving and don’t take any chances.
DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD!
Join us for
GAME DAY!Thursday, January 23, 2019
10:00 amFood, Fun & FellowshipLight lunch served at noon.
Please call 982-4354 if you have any questions.
Henderson SettlementOn Wednesday, December 11, four folks made the trip to deliver Christmas to Hen-derson Settlement. Parents were able to shop for their children and were given wrapping paper and tape to wrap their gifts. Special thanks to John Huffman for using his truck and trailer to transport many items for the Henderson Settlement Thrift Store. It was loaded! Connie Clure donated 15 bags with school supplies for the kids. Our monetary gift was $4,420. It is truly a blessing to be able to share God’s love with the families in Appalachia.
1st UMC Alcoa Women
Upcoming Bible Study“the Book of 1 Peter”
A 3-week dialogue focused study will begin on Sunday, February 16 and end March 1. The study will be led by David Lawson. Please contact David or Darunee if you have questions.
Jan. 1: Charlotta StewartJan. 5: Ashling WolfeJan. 7: Brian Waters, Lindsay RogersJan. 9: David SaundersJan. 10: Wes Chamberlain, Anna PughJan. 11: Teresa WalkerJan. 12: Garrett Hawkins, Jim Hafner, Charleen Reynolds Jan. 13: Tom WerkemaJan. 17: Waverly MaplesJan. 18: Van LidvallJan. 19: Josh DavisJan. 20: Nancy Reeves, Alan GilesJan. 21: Gene Reynolds, Steve BledsoeJan. 22: Liam Garris, Sara TravisJan. 23: Debbie RobertsJan. 24: Kathy Burns, Christy Buchanan, Harrison InmanJan. 25: Don Galbraith, Debbie WestJan. 27: Matthew GibbsJan. 30: Brooke GivensJan. 31: Ainsley Pfeiffer, Leanne Gibbs, Karen Gourley
As we begin a new year, your General Mission’s Team wants to say thank you to everyone who provides support to the Mission’s at Alcoa 1st UMC. We have much to be thankful for in 2019, and we believe that 2020 will continue to bring honor and glory to Christ, our Lord and Savior.
In our upcoming first committee meeting of 2020, we will be reviewing the current missions/ministries that are currently financially support. We ask that each of you do two things for us. First, we ask that everyone adds this team to your daily, weekly and monthly prayer list. Or task is to serve our commitments, but the primary focus is to serve and support those who have committed their time and their lives to be the hands and feet of Christ. The second is to continue to show your support through your generous contributions and donations to the General Missions Fund.
Currently, there are 6 missions which are supported through your contributions via Alcoa 1st. The following is a list of those missions:
• Louisville Christian Assistance Center – Louisville, TN • Sharon and Graham Nichols – Santo Domingo, Ecuador • Allison Neubert – Campus Outreach @ the University of Memphis • Sharon and Lynn Fogleman – Uganda & South Sudan • The Willis Family – China • Henderson Settlement
It is amazing how God uses our church to bless those locally and throughout the world. In 2019, Alcoa 1st came to together to collect over 2,000 jars of peanut butter in support of LCAC and those families who depend on food to survive. God gave us an awfully big challenge, though many felt maybe it was a bigger task than our little church could support. The challenge was met with love and grace. Alcoa 1st was able to deliver 2,075 jars of peanut. Nehemiah would be proud!!
God invites us into His ministry, not we invite God into ours. Through your prayers and your support in this ministry, many children will not need to worry if they will eat this holiday season. Thank you!!!
Another miracle through your generosity was Christmas for Henderson Settlement. Mrs. Charlene Reynolds and a number of others were able to take wrapping paper and many other items to Henderson Settlement on, Wednesday, December 11th. They also were able to take over $3,500 in donations to assist with Christmas presents for the children. More information to come.
We share all of this to ask and remind you that we are not done yet!!! We have not finished the job of supporting the missions that God has placed before us. There are many scriptures that relate to serving and one of those ways is your financial support.
As you prepare for gifting family and friends this holiday season, please consider our missions budget. The church budget does not include funding for missions. All missions support comes from your generosity and gifts. We are all about using your gifts wisely and to honor and glorify God. Remember to mark your Mission’s gifts for “Alcoa General Missions Fund”.
As a reminder, we will have the Willis family from China visiting with us the first Sunday in January 2020. The date is January 5th, 2020 that the Willis will come to share regarding the ministry in China where God has called them to serve.
Thank you to everyone who supports Alcoa First Missions. Your faithfulness and support are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions/concerns or something you’d like to see included in the “Mission’s Moment” section, please feel free to send an email or write, in a letter, and deliver to the church office. Currently, please send emails to: [email protected]. In our next mission moment, we will provide an email address for Alcoa Missions.
Blessings,
Your General Missions Committee
January Calendar
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSINGS FOR NEW YEAR’S WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 2 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3 SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 8:30 am Traditional Service 9:35 am Sunday School 10:30 am Fellowship: Coffee & Donuts 11:00 am Contemporary Service NO EVENING SERVICE, STARTING BACK JANUARY 12 MONDAY, JANUARY 6 9:00 am Monday Prayer Group WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 5:30 pm Intercessory Prayer, Library 5:30 pm Kids & Youth Meal 6:00 pm Cherub & Children’s Choirs 6:30 pm Bible Studies 6:30 pm Praise Band Practice 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 8:30 am Traditional Service 9:35 am Sunday School 10:30 am Fellowship: Coffee & Donuts 12:15 pm Parent Meeting for Resurrection, Youth Room 4:30 pm Bell Choir Practice, Choir Room 6:00 pm Sunday @Six Worship Service MONDAY, JANUARY 13 9:00 am Monday Prayer Group TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 7:00 pm Mission Ladies, Youth Room WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 5:30 pm Intercessory Prayer, Library 5:30 pm Kids & Youth Meal 6:00 pm Cherub & Children’s Choirs 6:30 pm Bible Studies 6:30 pm Praise Band Practice 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 8:30 am Traditional Service 9:35 am Sunday School 10:30 am Fellowship: Coffee & Donuts 11:00 am Contemporary Service 4:00 pm Martin Luther King Service 4:30 pm Bell Choir Practice, Choir Room 6:00 pm Sunday @Six Worship Service MONDAY, JANUARY 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 9:00 am Monday Prayer Group TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 6:30pmCentennialCommitteeMeeting,Library
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 5:30 pm Intercessory Prayer, Library 5:30 pm Kids & Youth Meal 6:00 pm Cherub & Children’s Choirs 6:30 pm Bible Studies 6:30 pm Praise Band Practice 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 10:00 am Game Day 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting, Chapel JANUARY 24-26 RESURRECTION, PIGEON FORGE SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 8:30 am Traditional Service 9:35 am Sunday School 10:30 am Fellowship: Coffee & Donuts 11:00 am Contemporary Service 4:30 pm Bell Choir Practice, Choir Room 4:45 pm Family Gathering w/Meal, Green Room 6:00 pm Sunday @Six Worship Service MONDAY, JANUARY 27 9:00 am Monday Prayer Group WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 5:30 pm Intercessory Prayer, Library 5:30 pm Kids & Youth Meal 6:00 pm Cherub & Children’s Choirs 6:30 pm Bible Studies 6:30 pm Praise Band Practice 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice
Ministry Assistants For January
Please contact Pat Scott at 681-8156 if you would like more info or you feel called to serve in this ministry.
January 5 Traditional Service
Drive Thru Door: Dick & Peggy Abbott Front Hall: Jim & Betsy Norton
Host: Darryl Reed Drive Thru Door for SS: Jim Hafner
Contemporary Service
Drive Thru Door: Joe Van Cleave Front Hall: David & Janet Nichols
Sanctuary Door: Clint & Darlene Abbott Host: David Duggan
Early Nursery: Charleen Reynolds SS Nursery: April Hawkins
Late Nursery: Leanne Gibbs
January 12 Traditional Service
Drive Thru Door: Dick & Peggy Abbott Front Hall: Josh & Jama Boyd
Host: Pat Scott Drive Thru Door for SS: Ron Scott
Contemporary Service
Drive Thru Door: Bob Humphrey Front Hall: Bill & Carolyn Daugherty
Sanctuary Door: Norma Jones Host: Janet Lidvall
Early Nursery: TBD SS Nursery: Lindy Hill
Late Nursery: Ava Neubert
January 19 Traditional Service
Drive Thru Door: Dick & Peggy Abbott Front Hall: Mark & Mary Waters
Host: Tony Graf Drive Thru Door for SS: Martha Bibee
Contemporary Service
Drive Thru Door: Allen Garrett Front Hall: Emmit & Betty Rawls
Sanctuary Door: Ed & Karen Pershing Host: Joy Garrett
Early Nursery: Waverly Maples SS Nursery: Heather Davis
Late Nursery: Cheryl Varitek
January 26 Traditional Service
Drive Thru Door: Dick & Peggy Abbott Front Hall: Bob & Carol Henry
Host: Barbara Stinnett Drive Thru Door for SS: Larry Willis
Contemporary Service
Drive Thru Door: Martha Bibee Front Hall: Paula Patterson
Sanctuary Door: Ava Neubert Host: Cindy Tom Werkema
