FIRSTUNITEDMETHODISTCHURCH

SALISBURY, NCest. 1783

January 2016

fumcsalisbury.org

REMARKS

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH217 South Church Street Salisbury, NC 28144 (704) 636-3121

Taking time for rest rarely happens. The demands on our schedule too frequently snuff out our chance to stop, ponder Gods presence in our lives, and feel refreshed for whatever is ahead. Nearly every day, we fill our hours with tasks upon more tasks. Errands need to be run. Children need to be transported. Meals needs to be prepared. Laundry needs to be folded and put away. Leaves need to be raked. Flower beds need weeding. What else? How does your list continue? After all, what really needs to happen? We approach our day presupposing that we need to accomplish our inordinately long list of tasks. Yet we seldom reflect our need for God in our schedules.

Its quite simple, but so elusive.

Beginning in January and extending beyond Easter, RESToration will be our ministry theme at First United Methodist Church. This ministry theme unites a real world need with Gods desires as revealed in the Scriptures. In the Genesis story about God first creating, we read about God creating on the first six days and then resting on the seventh day. If God saw reason to rest, then why dont we? Why do we feel the compulsion to toss aside our moments to rest? To help us understand more deeply our need for rest, I invited Dr. Matthew Sleeth to preach on January 10 at both worship services. You will not want to miss Dr. Sleeths powerful message! A former emergency room physician, Dr. Sleeth resigned from his position as chief of the medical staff and director of the ER to teach, preach, and write about faith and the environment. Since founding Blessed Earth with his wife, Nancy Sleeth, he has spoken at 1,000 churches and schools throughout the country. Dr. Sleeth is the author of Serving God, Saving the Planet: A Christian Call to Action, the introduction to The Green Bible, and 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life.

In addition to Dr. Sleeths visit, my sermons in the coming weeks will connect to RESToration. Plus, we will offer some small group learning opportunities. During Lent, which begins in early February, we will explore more closely the value of prayer undergirding our rest. Through it all, we seek to find balance and wholeness, to be perfectly restored in Thee, as Charles Wesley wrote. Grace and peace, Pastor Mark

Dr. Matthew Sleeth

SAFETY SCHOOLFINANCES

FR IENDS

HAPPINESS

childrenWORKCHURCH F A M I L Y

D E B T

DEATHholiness

HEALTH

EXERCISEFUTURE

SLEEPWEATHERMEET I NGS

BILLSPOLITICSHOMEWORK

UNEMPLOYMENTCOLLEGE HOMEG A S P R I C E S

life

RESTORATIONrenewal. balance. discipleship.

Pastor Mark will lead a series based on Dr. Matthew Sleeths book, 24/6, incorporating a video segment, Bible study, and group discussion. The class will meet on Tuesday, January 12; Thursday, January 14; Tuesday, 19; Thursday, January 21; at 2:00 pm in the Seekers classroom.

Ministry Intern Tangela Cameron will lead an Adult Seminar entitled Sabbath in the Bible. These sessions, which will look closely at the biblical texts related to the Sabbath, will meet in the Golden Rule Class on Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 and February 3, at 6:30 pm.

IN CHRISTKIDS FIRST

FUMC SALISBURY

Go Fish! Go Fish is an opportunity for Kindergarten through 5th grade kids on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm in the Nest!

2016: Dont be bored this Winter! Join us on Wednesday nights for Go Fish and Board Games! Chutes and Ladders, Battleship, Operation, Connect Four and more...Come check out these games and the message that Jesus wants us to hear. Fun skits, crazy games and awesome message for your child and family!

Chill Out! UMW Winter Reading ChallengeJanuary-February all children are being challenged to get into a good book!

Heres how it works: 1) Pick up a reading list sheet from the childrens ministry bulletin board to record all that you read.2) Visit the NEST and check out some of our newest books as well as older ones (books need to be faith-basedat least 7 books need to be from the NEST).3) Read as many books as possible from January to February. Those reading over 15 books will receive a COOL giftcard from Cold Stone (please return books as you finish so that others can check them out).4) Forms must be turned in to Pat McKim no later than February 28.

Here are two of our newest books!

Pat McKimDirector of Childrens Ministries

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CHILDRENS MINISTRIES

SCENES FROM ADVENT AT FIRST

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Dudley meets Santa Claus at the Watch and Wait Breakfast

Samantha and Collin Hensley are suited upfor Bed, Bethlehem, and Beyond

A scene from Bed, Bethlehem, and Beyond, our Nativity Play

Mia and Gracie meet Santa, too!

Gift-wrapping for Isenberg families at Watch and Wait

UMW tree at ARC Festival of Trees Delivering goodie bags to Isenberg

Each month we are highlighting teachers from one of our childcare programs. This month, we would like to introduce you to Patsy Langlais and Jodi Rocco , teachers of the 4s class.

First United Methodist Churchs Children Programs are bustling with growth, learning, service, and love. We are so thankful for all our teachers and volunteers for making the FUMC Preschool, Child Development Center, and After-School Childcare Programs successful. God shines brightly in the smiles of our students. For more information on these programs, check out fumcsalisbury.org/children-and-youth.

Jodi RoccoBirthday: August 3rdGrew up in Iowa and ArkansasGraduated from University of Miami and received a Masters Degree in Accounting from University of Virginia.Lived in Tampa and Charlotte before moving to Salisbury eight years ago to live on High Rock Lake.Husband: Mike; Children: Kyle (7), Colby (5), and Jax the Boxer.Member of FUMC Salisbury for six years.Hobbies/Interests: I love camping, spending time on the lake, and game nights with family and friends.

This is my third year at FUMC Preschool. Previously, while maintaining a professional business career, I enjoyed volunteering with children through programs such as America Reads and Junior Achievement. After having children, I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for several years, and of course, substituting in the preschool! I feel privileged to have a job where I truly look forward to coming to work everyday! I love experiencing the eagerness to learn and the joyfulness that young children bring to school everyday.

Patsy LanglaisBirthday: February 8thHusband: Charlie; Son: Charles (17); Stepchildren: Michael (31), Elaine (27).Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, playing games, spending time with family.

I moved to Salisbury when I was ten. I graduated from Catawba College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught in the Rowan-Salisbury and Sumter, SC, School Systems for twelve years. After meeting my husband who was an Air Force Pilot, I spent ten years in South Carolina, New Mexico, and Virginia, raising our children and being an Air Force wife. We moved back to Salisbury after my husband retired from the Air Force and I began teaching at FUMC. I am currently in my tenth year.

Hanging out with the FUMC Preschool

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CHILDRENS MINISTRIES OUTREACH

The mission of First United Methodist Church is to make and nurture Christian Disciples through the presence and power of God.

In 1916, First Methodist Church built the great Tabernacle to house the congregations worship while the new sanctuary was being built. The Tabernacle, built amazingly in ONE DAY, sat on Presbyterian property down Fisher Street. To mark the occasion of the Tabernacles first worship service, Dr. T.F. Marr welcomed Bishop John C. Kilgo to preach and Mr. Julian P. Moorman to lead the singing.

N.B. With gratitude to Betty Dan Spencer for furnishing these images

HERITAGE MOMENT

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YOUTH MINISTRIES

Winter/Spring 2016 Youth EventsJanuary 10: YouthJanuary 17: Ice Skating trip after 11am serviceJanuary 24: YouthJanuary 31: YouthFebruary 7: YouthTuesday, February 9: Shrove Tuesday Pancake SupperFebruary 14: YouthSaturday, February 20: Day trip to Raleigh for Black History MonthFebruary 21: YouthFebruary 28: YouthMarch 6: YouthMarch 13: Trip to the Pit after 11am serviceMarch 20: YouthMarch 27-April 3: No YouthSaturday, April 9: Trip to the ZooApril 10: YouthApril 17: YouthApril 22-23: Ptchs ProjectApril 24: YouthMay 1: YouthMay 8: Trampoline Park after the 11am serviceMay 15: YouthMay 22: YouthMay 29: No YouthJune 5: Senior Sunday, End-of-Year Picnic after 11am service

2015 was fantastic. I couldnt be more excited to see where 2016 takes the Salisbury Youth. Last year, we served on mission in our local community and in Western North Carolina. We worshiped, fellowshipped, traveled, learned, and grew together. This year, we are going to continue to serve and grow as Christs disciples from Salisbury all the way down to Honduras.

On June 19, a group of youth and adults from FUMC will travel to San Pedro Sula, then on to the mountains of Honduras to provide orphan care. Over a week, we will spend time in many different orphanages working to meet spiritual and social needs of children and physical needs of their homes. If you are interested in learning more, or providing financial support for the mission trip to Honduras, please contact me.

I am blessed immensely to work with the students of First United Methodist Church, and I consider it a privilege to walk with them in their growth as disciples. 2015 was fantastic and 2016 will be even better! -Briana McLeod Director of Youth and Media

Youth laying hands on a globe, praying for the world.

One good looking group!

YOUTH MINISTRIES

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In December, 21 youth and adults travelled to Washington DC. During the weekend, they toured The Capitol, visited many museums, memorials, and monuments, worshipped at the National Cathedral, and served in meal preparation at the DC

Central Kitchen. It was a wonderful trip, and they cant wait to go again!

The group at the White House

Sarah, Lindsey, Taylor, Megan, Caroline, and Marisat the Washington Monument

Laura and Addison posing with a statueat a Smithsonian Museum

Corydon reflects on what he learnedat the Holocaust Museum

Taylor and Mary Alice slice up strawberriesat the DC Central Kitchen

Earle and Joel cut up complicatedcantaloupe during Meal Prep at the

DC Central KitchenSandy, Will, and Caroline cut and bag

squares of cornbread to be delivered tolocal shelters

The group after worship on Sunday at the National Cathedral

The DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is not a soup kitchen. Though their headquarters is a bustling kitchen, they serve no meals there. Every day, they transform 3,000 pounds of leftover, unwanted food into 5,000 healthy meals. DCCK staff loads these meals onto their fleet of trucks and delivers them to 80 partner agencies in the Washington metropolitan area, including homeless shelters, rehabilitation clinics, and afterschool programs.

Our group greatly enjoyed partnering with DCCK on Monday morning. The experience was unforgettable.

Learn more about DCCK at www.dccentralkitchen.org.

Ethan peels, slices, and dices tomatoes

FUN WITH FOODfJoin us orin February!LEARN RECIPES AND TIPS FOR HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOOD FROM:

Tuesdays in February at 2:00pm in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church

Leslie DunkinSALISBURYS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Toi DegreeROWAN COUNTY FAMILY AND CONSUMER

EDUCATION AGENT

DAndrea LawsonCATERING FIRM DIVINE APPETIT

Betsy SeymourDAVIDSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

2PM Bulletin Deadline4:30PM Novice Choir5:00PM Choristers5:30PM Midweek Meal6:30PM Go Fish!6:30PM Midweek Meditation7:30PM Chancel Choir

7:00 PM AA8:00 PM Alanon

District Meeting7:00 PM AA

7:00 PM AA

Church Office Closed7:00 PM AA

7:00 PM AA

8:30 AM Worship Service9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship Service

6:00 PM Girl Scouts 10:00 AM Staff Meeting6:00 PM SPRC

8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship 2:00 PM Uwharrie District Conference5:30 PM Club 455:30 PM Salisbury Youth7:00 PM Private Recital

9:00 AM Eve Circle 10:00 AM Naomi Circle 10:00 AM With These Hands5:30 PM Beginners Running Class6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:15 PM Witness Team

10:00 AM Staff Meeting6:00 PM Trustees Meeting

2PM Bulletin Deadline4:30PM Novice Choir5:00PM Choristers5:30PM Midweek Meal6:30PM Go Fish!6:30PM Midweek Meditation7:30PM Chancel Choir

7:00 AM Men's Prayer Breakfast6:00 PM Rowan Helping Ministries7:00 PM AA8:00 PM Alanon

6:00 AM Rowan Helping Ministries7:00 PM AA

District Event7:00 PM AA

8:30 AM Worship Service9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship Service5:30 PM Salisbury Youth

5:30 PM Beginners Running Class6:00 PM Girl Scouts

10:00 AM Staff Meeting6:00 PM Church Council Meeting

2PM Bulletin Deadline4:30PM Novice Choir5:00PM Choristers5:30PM Midweek Meal6:30PM Go Fish!6:30PM Midweek Meditation7:30PM Chancel Choir

7:00 PM AA8:00 PM Alanon

7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM AA

7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM AA

Children's Ministry Retreat8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship 5:30 PM Youth

7:00 AM Men's Prayer Breakfast7:00 PM AA8:00 PM Alanon

10:00 AM Staff Meeting6:00 PM Autusm Society Meeting

10:00 AM With These Hands10:30 AM UMW Board Meeting5:30 PM Beginners Running Class6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting

8:30 AM Worship9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship 5:30 PM Club 455:30 PM Salisbury Youth

2PM Bulletin Deadline4:30PM Novice Choir5:00PM Choristers5:30PM Midweek Meal6:30PM Go Fish!6:30PM Midweek Meditation7:30PM Chancel Choir

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JANUARY CALENDAR

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BIRTHDAYS1st Robert Anderson, III Amber Braddy Eulalia Conrad Tom Paffrath Andy Storey Nancy Zimmerman2nd3rd Nolan Meyerhoeffer Sophie Wainright

4th Chad Cross Beth Yelvington

5th Brielle Dibley Ellis Hartsell Jenny Nussman 6th Britni Branson Spencer Storey

7th Edith Holshouser

8th Andrew Goodwin Ken Ingram Caroline Johnson

9th Matt Clement Bill Stanback

16th Coleman Bready Evan Koontz Mary Anne Laningham Suzanna Maxwell Greg West

17th Kahlil Cross Wayne Hager

18th Jim Molitor Nelson White

19th Dan Sullivan 20th Dee Brinkley Norman Clark Eli Robinson Robbie Watts

21st Olive Robinson

22nd Kathi Allen Deona Doby Betty Wilhelm

23rd Liz Snyder

24th Jim Martin

25th Tim Bivens 26th Cress Goodnight Gracie Lineberry Sara Jean Maness

27th Roland Fowler Wesley Ludwig Andrew Newman Mike Shuler

28th Wayne Cline

29th Corey Basinger Dot Peacock 30th Jeff Insley Mike Jordan Marie Lomax Susan Maxwell Teague Rowland

31st Bruton Allen, III Trish Dufresne

10th Shirley Dissler Wendy Douglas

11th Hazel Kirk Alisha Mastro Hannah Parker Lois Poteat Russ Snyder Cecelia Hedrick Strickland

12th Christie Chea Nancy Sherriff Jean West

13th Kim Grenoble Rikki Spencer Katelyn Storey Brad Williams

14th Joel Goodwin, II Scott Johnson Dr. Byron Perry Parker Reische

15th Lisa Hinson Joe Horn Kyle Rocco

CELEBRATIONSIn December, the United Way and the Rowan Rotary Club named students who conduct themselves with Service Above Self. Many students of First United Methodist Church were nominated, and several received awards for their acts of service.

Jude Smeltzer won First Place in the middle school category. After Judes sledding accident, Jude became committed to donating books, toys, and art supplies to children who are hospitalized.

Bailey Walker was named the runner-up in the middle school category. Bailey organized item collections for Rowan Helping Ministries and led her Girl Scout Troop to collect items, too.

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CHURCH STAFFThe Reverend Doctor Mark Conforti Senior PastorMs. Becca Blackmon Business AdministratorMr. Matthew Brown Director of MusicMr. Murl Leazer Building SuperintendentMrs. Pat McKim Director of Childrens MinistriesMs. Briana McLeod Director of Youth and MediaMrs. Betty Slife Lead Teacher of After School ProgramMrs. Lindsay Wineka Director of PreschoolMrs. Vicki Wood Director of Child Development CenterMs. Beth Yelvington Lead Teacher of Summer Camp Program

Phone Number: (704) 636-3121Fax: (704) 637-2933

Email: (firstname)@fumcsalisbury.org

CONTACT USIf you would like to submit a churchwide announcement for the Sunday Worship bulletins, please send your announcement to bulletin@fumcsalisbury.org by Wednesdays at 2:00pm.

To submit stories, articles, pictures, event announcements, etc. for the Ecclesia, please send your submissions to ecclesia@fumcsalisbury.org by the first Friday of the month prior to the monthly edition.

UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL NEWS

A leadership training event for United Methodist congregations in the Uwharrie District

Hosted by the Rowan Missional NetworkSunday, January 10, 2016

2:00 4:30 pmFirst United Methodist Church of Salisbury

Inspiring Worship led by Rev. Laura Auten, District Superintendent Informative Classes with practical take-away ideas for church

committeesCokesbury Display

UMAR Craft Sale

ECCLESIAPublished by:

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH2 1 7 S O U T H C H U R C H S T R E E TSALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA 28144