APRIL 2019 Page 1 “Every member a ‘Minister’” APRIL 2019 FUMC-Graham—303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343 Pastor—G. Kevin Baker Lent is not just a season; it is a journey. It also recalls many journeys taken throughout salvation history. When rain fell upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights, God bore up Noah and his family on a seafaring journey that led to new beginnings for humans and animals alike. When God led the Israelites to Mount Sinai, Moses journeyed to the summit and returned 40 days later with a word from the Lord about what the people’s next steps should be. It also took the people of Israel 40 years to journey from slavery to promise as they wandered, and walked, and prayed, and faltered until they finally arrived at their anticipated destination. Each year Christians around the world take that same journey, constituting the 40 days from ashes to empty tomb. It is good to pace ourselves because Scripture reminds us that this is a spiritual journey that requires some interior work and preparation. We all want God to roll away the stones in our lives that keep us from experiencing new life in its fullest, but few of us are willing to count the cost, to consider the road less traveled, and to pick up our cross and follow Jesus in his journey from Galilee toward Jerusalem. As we enter the month of April, I want to invite us not to speed up but to slow down and ponder. Make these last steps toward the Great Three Days intentional and deliberate. Spend a little more time in daily prayer and meditation if you can. Make time on your calendar to pray with your family, and not just at meal times. Avail yourself of the special Lenten worship opportunities that are offered here at the church. Consider practicing a few of the spiritual disciplines that you may not have experienced or tried before. Don’t try and sprint to the end of this journey, for that is often how we can easily miss the new Easter miracle that awaits us yet again. God is still inviting us to new life, new beginnings, and new opportunities that we have not yet imagined. Pace yourself. It is still Lent, but Easter is coming. Refer to the chart at the top of page 3 for worship opportunities enabling us to prepare ourselves as we purposefully and intentionally journey toward Easter. Come let us journey together in faith and love, Pastor Kevin The First Methogram Making Disciples for Jesus Christ through Love and Service! FUMC-Graham—303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343 Pastor—G. Kevin Baker
Transcript
APRIL 2019 Page 1
“Every member a ‘Minister’”
APRIL 2019
FUMC-Graham—303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343
Pastor—G. Kevin Baker
Lent is not just a season; it is a journey. It also recalls many journeys taken throughout salvation history. When rain fell upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights, God bore up Noah and his family on a seafaring journey that led to new beginnings for humans and animals alike. When God led the Israelites to Mount Sinai, Moses journeyed to the summit and returned 40 days later with a word from the Lord about what the people’s next steps should be. It also took the people of Israel 40 years to journey from slavery to promise as they wandered, and walked, and prayed, and faltered until they finally arrived at their anticipated destination. Each year Christians around the world take that same journey, constituting the 40 days from ashes to empty tomb. It is good to pace ourselves because Scripture reminds us that this is a spiritual journey that requires some interior work and preparation. We all want God to roll away the stones in our lives that keep us from experiencing new life in its fullest, but few of us are willing to count the cost, to consider the road less traveled, and to pick up our cross and follow Jesus in his journey from Galilee toward Jerusalem. As we enter the month of April, I want to invite us not to speed up but to slow down and ponder. Make these last steps toward the Great Three Days intentional and deliberate. Spend a little more time in daily prayer and meditation if you can. Make time on your calendar to pray with your family, and not just at meal times. Avail yourself of the special Lenten worship opportunities that are offered here at the church. Consider practicing a few of the spiritual disciplines that you may not have experienced or tried before. Don’t try and sprint to the end of this journey, for that is often how we can easily miss the new Easter miracle that awaits us yet again. God is still inviting us to new life, new beginnings, and new opportunities that we have not yet imagined. Pace yourself. It is still Lent, but Easter is coming. Refer to the chart at the top of page 3 for worship opportunities enabling us to prepare ourselves as we purposefully and intentionally journey toward Easter. Come let us journey together in faith and love,
Pastor Kevin
The First Methogram Making Disciples for Jesus Christ through Love and Service!
FUMC-Graham—303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343
Pastor—G. Kevin Baker
Page 2 “Every member a ‘Minister’” APRIL 2019
Evangelism Messages:
For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son that who so ever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life.
—John 3: 16
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
—John 11: 25
PAINTED LADY
BUTTERFLIES Since March 31, our children have
been watching their caterpillars
transform into beautiful Painted
Lady Butterflies. Please join them
on Easter Sunday, April 21, at
10:30am as the butterflies will be
released on the front lawn of the church.
Worship THE BODY OF CHRIST
by Pepper Choplin On Palm Sunday, April
14, at 5pm, the choirs of
First United Methodist
and Emmanuel United
Methodist Churches will
join to present the new
musical The Body of
Christ. Following the
service, our United
Methodist Women will
host a time of fellowship
and refreshments in
Stafford Hall.
Throughout scripture,
the words The Body of
Christ appear in several representations. There is,
of course, the physical body of Jesus that walked
on the earth, touching, healing, and speaking the
Word of God, wore a crown of thorns, and was
sacrificed so we may be free from sin.
Jesus explained The Body of Christ as bread and
wine, given as a reminder of His sacrifice.
Then, there is The Body of Christ made manifest
in the church, passing on Christ’s truth and
mission to those who follow Him
In the closing words of the musical, we are
reminded that “Christ is our head, and though we
are many, His Spirit will make us one. . . . Go now
as the body of Christ.”
Please join us on April 14 as we share in worship
and fellowship with our friends from Emmanuel
United Methodist Church.
Palm Sunday and Easter Children’s Processionals Children from birth through the 5th grade are invited to process into our worship spaces with palm branches on Palm Sunday, April 14, and with flowers on Easter Sunday, April
21, at the beginning of each worship service. Children at The Well service are asked to meet by 8:55am in the coffeeshop area, and children at the 11am service are asked to meet by 11am in the sanctuary breezeway. Children will process during the opening song and then have a seat with their parents. Palm branches and flowers will be provided.
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool found in many cultures and religious traditions. Early Christian labyrinths date back to the 4th century. In the Middle Ages, Christians were expected to travel to the Holy Land at least once during their lives. As travel became more dangerous during the Crusades, certain cathedrals throughout Europe were designated as pilgrim cathedrals. Christians would travel to those cathedrals where they would walk a labyrinth laid in the cathedral’s stone floor, often praying in the process. As part of our focus on the spiritual disciplines during Lent, FUMC will have a canvas labyrinth set up in our chapel April 13-16. Individuals, families, and small groups are invited to walk and pray the labyrinth on those days. The E-News will have more information about this experience as well as links to sign up for a specific time. Please contact Brian Yoder ([email protected] or 919-428-1841) if you have any questions.
Easter Sunday Morning
April 21
7am
Providence Church
Community
Easter
Sunrise
Service
The Labyrinth: A Prayer Walk
APRIL 2019 Page 3
“Every member a ‘Minister’”
4.1 Dan Brown 4.1 Gabriel Quiroz 4.3 Tripp Sharpe 4.5 Nathan Gant 4.5 Matthew Rollins 4.6 Emily Fenton 4.6 Alison Lopez 4.6 Janelle Woody 4.8 Mary Michael McClure 4.7 Julia Buffington 4.8 Faye Waddell 4.9 Scott Ferguson 4.9 Kaitlyn Jones 4.9 Ronald Pryor 4.10 Clara Bayliff 4.10 Morgan Whitney 4.11 Meagan Nicholson 4.11 Justin Donley 4.12 Kay Kelly 4.12 Justin Brumble 4.13 Emily Varner 4.14 Mike Beaver 4.14 Mike Kelley 4.14 Rodney Shotwell
4.15 David Steele 4.15 Jim Fabbri 4.16 Keller Linens 4.16 Kyle Evans 4.17 Emily Lewis 4.17 Hugo Almodovar, III 4.17 Maddie Crissman 4.18 Ellen Nash 4.20 Nolan Wyatt 4.20 David Fabbri 4.20 Reece Cummings 4.20 Marie Ward 4.20 Harper Cook 4.22 Paul Fine 4.22 Charlotte Varner 4.24 Greg Staton 4.24 Bill Barbee 4.24 Kirsten McCoy 4.25 Jacob Fulkerson 4.26 Cooper Martin 4.26 Lisa Hoosier 4.27 Ryan Adamski 4.27 Jude Whitney 4.28 Pat Hall 4.28 Mary Young 4.28 Julian Doby 4.28 Harper Long 4.29 Jennifer Vass Snyder 4.29 Graysen Thornton 4.30 Nancy Gant
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Looking ahead:
Confirmation retreat 5 . 3 . 19—5 . 5 . 19
Youth Sunday 5 . 19 . 19
April Birthdays
Connect
Wednesday April 3 12noon Chapel (Rm. 102) Midday Worship with Eucharist: “Practicing Wonder”
Sunday April 7 9am & 11am
Stafford Hall (Rm. 125) & Sanctuary (Rm. 101)
Sunday Worship: “Hunger for Intimacy”
Wednesday April 10 12noon Chapel (Rm. 102) Midday Worship with Eucharist: “Contemplation of an Icon”
Saturday April 13 11am Church grounds Community Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday-Tuesday
April 13-16
Individually scheduled
Chapel (Rm. 102) Prayer Labyrinth (See p. 2.)
Sunday April 14 9am & 11am
Stafford Hall (Rm. 125) & Sanctuary (Rm. 101)
Palm Sunday worship services with processional (See p. 2.): “Craving a New Kind of Leadership”
Sunday April 14 5pm Sanctuary (Rm. 101) The Body of Christ cantata (See p. 2.)
Wednesday April 17 12noon Chapel (Rm. 102) Midday Worship with Eucharist: “Practicing Fasting”
Thursday April 18 7pm Maundy Thursday service: Communion Stafford Hall (Rm. 1215)
Friday April 19 7pm Good Friday service: Stations of the Cross Sanctuary (Rm.101)
Sunday April 21 7am Historic Providence Church Ecumenical Sunrise Service (See. p. 2)
Sunday April 21 10:30am Front lawn Butterfly release (See p. 2)
Sunday April 21 9am & 11am
Stafford Hall (Rm. 125) & Sanctuary (Rm. 101)
Easter Sunday worship services with processional (See p. 2)
Sun. 4 . 7 5-6:30pm REFUGE—
Regular Meeting
Sat. 4 . 13 10:15am-
1:15pm
Easter
Egg-stravaganza—
Help with games
Sun. 4 . 14 5-6:30pm REFUGE—
Regular Meeting
Sun. 4 . 21 No REFUGE—Easter Sunday!
Sun. 4. 28 5-6:30pm REFUGE—
Regular Meeting
Page 4 “Every member a ‘Minister’” APRIL 2019
Diane Turner Barnes Pam McDonald
Gretchen Briggs Worth McPherson
Jane Bryan Sarah Baker Miller
Priscilla Chrismon Revonda Barnwell Mosher
James Church Heidi Newberry
Nancy Clark Loby Phillips
Jackie England Jim Pike
Alma Euliss Frances Price
Michael Few Mary Evelyn Rich
Nancy Fisher James Ryan
Gay Euliss Foley Mimi Saunders
Gwen Hall Tennessee Shipman
Betty Hardt Mike Smith
Velma Hauser Susan Stapleton
Julia Howard Janice Stutts
Brenda Hudson Linda and Wayne Triesche
Elizabeth King Clyde and Marie Ward
Susan King Max Way
Carolyn Lapham Charlie Whittemore
Lynn Lloyd Vivian Williamson
Barbara Lowe Sue Willson
Betty May JoAnn Witherow
Call the church office (336/226-4343) with changes.
Celebrating all year!
Happy 150th Birthday to United Methodist Women!
(Continued from March Methogram): The educator, Isabella Thoburn, and doctor, Dr. Clara Swain, sent by the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society arrived in India and got to work. Ms. Thoburn began a school with six
young girls in Lucknow. This school expanded to include Isabella Thoburn College, the first women’s college in Asia. Dr. Swain began her medical work, resulting in the establishment of he first women’s hospital in Asia. Both of these institutions are still serving the people of India today!
This year, we celebrate 150 years of changing the lives of women, children, and youth around the world!
First United Methodist Church has four active UMW circles, all of which meet on the first Monday of every month. We are one of the most active groups in this church! This month, our UMW will host a reception following the Easter musical on Palm Sunday. (See article on p. 2.) We are also planning a 150th birthday party for the UMW on May 4 to which all women in the church are invited! (See article above.) Contact the church office (336/226-4343) or visit our website http://fumcgraham-nc.org/connect/prayer-interest-groups for more information about UMW or if you would like to join one of our circles. You will be glad that you did!
In Our Thoughts and Prayers
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA SATURDAY, April 13 (rain or shine) Market Street and Stafford Hall
What? 150th Birthday Party/ Potluck Salad Luncheon for the United Methodist Women
When? Saturday, May 4, 2019 11:30am
Where? Stafford Hall (Rm. 125)
First United Methodist Church
What do I bring? Any type of salad to share in a salad buffet.
(Please bring dressing if your salad needs it.)
What will be provided? Crackers, drinks, birthday cake (of course!), cupcakes, and special party favors!
ALL LADIES, COME JOIN US FOR FUN AND
FELLOWSHIP AS WE CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF UNITED METHODIST WOMEN IN MISSION!
1869-2019
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“Every member a ‘Minister’”
Library Lowdown April
Are you using the FUMC Web OPAC (online public access catalogue) to shop our shelves? Go to the following website, search for “Easter” or “Lent,” and you will find a host of books and DVDs to read or view this season: https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Search
The following links can help get you started. Reminder: You don’t have to log in to search the online card catalogue!
• Are you adopting a butterfly from Mr. Brian to watch its development until its release on Easter Sunday? Use this link to our library to discover Born to Be a Butterfly (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8245405) (See article on p. 2.)
• Need a book of devotions? Use this link to find Reaching Toward Easter (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8245404)
• Can’t find time to fill your garbage bag for the Gordon Painter challenge to pass on 40 items to Trollinger Treasures? Use this link to find Life Management for Busy Women (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8245302) (See article on p. 7.)
• Does your LIFE group need a new series? Use this link to find Bread in the Wilderness: Spiritual Famine or Gospel Feast? (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8246012)
• What did Christ do for you? Read 24 Hours That Changed the World.(https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8247223)
• Want to share an Easter story or DVD with your children? Here are three suggestions and their links: Ready, Set, Find Easter (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8246342),
The Story of Easter (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8247525), Easter: Read and Share Bible (https://16638.rmwebopac.com/Item/Detail/8245771)
ROAD TRIP ON SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Come join us “On the Road Again” with a trip to the Rudy Theater in Selma, NC to enjoy an Easter Musical show on Saturday, April 13, 2019. We will depart from the church parking lot at 9:30am. Cost of show ticket is $22.50 per person (non-refundable) + $5 per person for the bus ride (+ tip for the driver) and money (~$10-$12) for lunch.
Join us for a delightful day of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment. Call Lydia Ricks (336/270-6359) to reserve your seat NOW.
Page 6 “Every member a ‘Minister’” APRIL 2019
Send a Child to Camp! Would you like to help offset the cost of summer camp for children in kindergarten through 8th
grade? If so, consider donating $120 to our campership fund or providing a full campership
Rm. 114 and buy the candy requested. Bring your candy to Mr. Brian’s office (Rm. 111) by
Monday, April 8.
What Are Some Ways to Serve through
First United Methodist Church? 1. C4C (Congregations for Children)
In response to a call from the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church to adopt a local school,
our church partners with South Graham Elementary School in a number of ways. Contact Margaret
Skulnik if you would like to help with this ministry.
2. Music
Vocal groups lead worship at our two services each Sunday. Contact Doug Rayle if you would like information about our Chancel Choir (11am
service) or Paul Abbott if you would like information about our Praise Team (The Well service). We also have a handbell choir called Praise Ringers.
Contact Doug Rayle for information about handbells. All three of these groups practice weekly.
3. Kids on a Mission
Our children’s ministry team sponsors Kids on a Mission activities throughout the year, allowing our children to put their faith into practice. Contact
Brian Yoder for information about upcoming Kids on a Mission activities.
4. United Methodist Women (UMW)
Our church has 4 women’s circles which meet monthly. The mission of the UMW is to serve women, youth, and children throughout the world. Our
circles have mission projects throughout the year. Contact Susan Rayle for information about our UMW circles. (And see articles on p. 4.)
5. Prayer Shawl Ministry
FUMC Graham is blessed with several people who knit and/or crochet and are using their talent to make prayer shawls to give to those who are in
special need of God’s love, comfort, and compassion. If you would like to request a prayer shawl or would like to join this group, please contact
Jeanne Owen or Nancy Gant.
6. Communion for our Homebound Members
A group of devoted servants delivers consecrated communion elements to members of our church family who are unable to attend services on site.
These people also maintain frequent contact with our shut-ins to help them continue to feel connected to our church. Contact Marsha Jones if you
would like more information about this ministry.
7. Scouts
Our church sponsors Scout Troop 41, Cub Scout Pack 41, and Girl Scout Troop 13217. Please contact one of the following leaders for more information
about scouting at FUMC: Noel Peyton (Troop 41), Mike Robinson (Pack 41), Candice Smith (Troop 13217).
8. REFUGE Youth
Our young people (grades 6-12) participate in mission activities throughout the year. Those entering grade 9 through those who have just finished
grade 12 are invited to be a part of our annual Robeson County work team in the summer. Contact Paul Abbott to find out more!
APRIL 2019 Page 7
“Every member a ‘Minister’”
In Memory Of By
Kathryn Lockamy Mary L. Loy
Kathryn Lockamy James and Jenny Dixon
Kathryn Lockamy Don and Dot Lee
Kathryn Lockamy Donald and Penny Hardie
Kathryn Lockamy Sherrie Moore
Kathryn Lockamy Gretchen Briggs
Jim Perry Gretchen Briggs
In Honor Of By
Gene and Elaine Caudill Donald and Penny Hardie
Gene and Elaine Caudill Doris Steele
Bill and Fran Bryant Elvin and Anne Briggs
Gretchen Briggs Doris Steele
Dianne Barnes Doris Steele
Nancy Clark Doris Steele
Julia Howard Doris Steele
Barbara Lowe Doris Steele
Tennessee Shipman Doris Steele
Vivian Williamson Doris Steele
Irene Martin Doris Steele
Carol Wilkes Doris Steele
Memorial and honor gifts
UMW Mission Focuses for APRIL Women’s Shelter—Needs: 1. Diapers, 2. Wipes, 3. Coffee Veterans—Needs: 1. Plastic baggies, 2. Safety pins, 3. Hand sanitizer
Dear Church, Thank you so much for all the ways you remember me! I really appreciate the cards, calls, and visits, and I love when you speak to me when I am able to come to worship. It is so
nice to be remembered! I love you, Vivian Williamson
LENTEN PROJECT
The Gordon Painter class is sponsoring a Lenten challenge. Each of the forty days of Lent, remove one clean and usable item from your home and put it into a trash bag. On Easter Sunday (April 21), bring your bag to the Gordon Painter Sunday School Class in the chapel (Rm. 102). Class members will deliver the items to Trollinger Treasures. See a class member if you would like more information about this project.
HELP US BUY A VAN!
WE’RE HALFWAY THERE!
Our Board of Directors has asked us to
consider prayerfully helping to raise
money to purchase a new-to-us van.
Our van is used extensively for bringing
people to church and for transporting
youth, children, and adults to
participate in church projects.
Our goal is for 150 gifts of $100 apiece,
payable in increments if desired. If you
would like to help, please mark your
gift “Van Replacement Fund.”
EASTER FLOWERS 2019 Once again, our church worship spaces will be decorated with colorful potted spring flowers for Easter Sunday. These plants are offered for you to purchase in honor of or in memory of
your loved ones. A complete listing of these dedications will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletins (April 21). Following the 11am service on Easter Sunday, you may take your plants home. This year, the spring flow-ers are $10 per plant. If you would like to participate, please fill out the form in your bulletin on April 7 or 14, attach your check or
cash, and place in the offering plate or return to the church office. DEADLINE FOR PURCHASE IS NOON ON MONDAY, APRIL 15.
Page 8 “Every member a ‘Minister’” APRIL 2019
The First Methogram—(USPS 715-740) Periodicals Postage Paid at Published Monthly by Graham, North Carolina 27253 First United Methodist Church 303 N. Main Street Graham, North Carolina 27253
WE THANK GOD FOR:
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: The Well Service 9am, Sunday School: 10am, Traditional Worship Service: 11am
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 10am Circle 2
2pm Circle 1
2pm Circle 3
6:30pm Discover the Journey
7pm Friendship Circle
2 10:30am Young In Heart
6:30pm Discernment
Team
7pm Cub Scouts
7pm Boy Scouts
7pm Crochet
3 12pm Wednesday Worship
5:30pm Confirmation Class
6:30pm Book Club
6:30pm Handbells
7:30pm Choir
4 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast
6:30pm Girl Scouts
7pm Praise Team
5
6
7
7am Men’s Breakfast
2pm Wedding Shower
5pm Youth
8 10am Library Ministry Team
9 7pm Board of
Directors
7pm Cub Scouts
7pm Boy Scouts
7pm Crochet
10 12pm Wednesday Worship
1pm Young In Heart Fun Day
5:30pm Confirmation Class
6:30pm Book Club
6:30pm Handbells
7:30pm Choir
11 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast
6:30pm Administrative Council
7pm Praise Team
12 13 10am Cantata Rehearsal
11am Eggstravaganza
14 Palm/Passsion
Sunday 5pm Cantata
5pm Youth
6pm Girl Scouts
15 Deadline for
MAY Methogram
16
7pm Finance
7pm Cub Scouts
7pm Boy Scout
7pm Crochet
17
12pm Wednesday Worship
5:30pm Confirmation Class
6:30pm Book Club
6:30pm Handbells
7:30pm Choir
18 Maundy
Thursday 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast
6:30pm Girl Scouts
7pm Maundy Thursday Communion
19 Good Friday
7pm Good Friday Service
20 8am VBS Decorating Team
21 Easter Day 7am Sunrise Service
22
23
7pm Stewardship
7pm Cub Scouts
7pm Boy Scouts
7pm Crochet
24 9:30am Newsletter Volunteers
5:30pm Confirmation Class
6:30pm Book Club
6:30pm Handbells
7:30pm Choir
25 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast
7pm Praise Team
26
27
4pm Peak Worship
28
5pm Youth
6pm Girl Scouts
29 6:30pm Missions
30 7pm Cub Scouts
7pm Boy Scouts
7pm Crochet
APRIL
Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The First Methogram 303 N. Main Street Graham, North Carolina 27253
