The NOVEMBER 2016 Newsletter for First UMC Family and Friends First United Methodist Messenger Rockingham, NC Seeing—The Rock In Haiti, our team gathered each evening and we asked the question, “where did you see Jesus today?” When we share our “Jesus sightings”, there were no shortages of witnesses to the presence of Jesus in the world. Especially in Haiti, there are plenty of opportunities to see Jesus. I have attempted to incorporate the question of “where did you see Jesus today?” in my daily life. I must confess, however, that some days are better than others at this endeavor. Often I go several days without asking this important question but when I do remember, I am amazed at how many times I am surprised by the ways Jesus “shows up” several times a day. I enjoy drag racing. I really got the racing bug back in the 60’s when my brother raced his 1953 Olds coupe. His car was the only one in its class so all he had to do was run down the track and receive a trophy. When my brother got the car, my mother told him, “don't ever let me catch you racing this car or I will take it away from you!” Butch couldn’t share his racing wins at home so he put the trophies in the trunk of the car and shared his racing success with friends. What does this have to do with daily Jesus sightings? During this time in my life, nothing. I was not at a place in life that I was remotely interested in things of the Spirit, but fast forward many years and that would change for the better. Pat and I moved to Rockingham in 2009. With The Rock so close, I had a renewed interest in drag racing. I have been to lots of races and even invited my brother to go with me. With eyes and heart open to the Spirit’s leading, I have “seen Jesus” at many events. I talked with one young man who traveled from track to track selling racing goods who was a new Christian. It was refreshing to hear his enthusiastic faith story. I also noticed a Racers for Christ trailer with information about prayer and worship service times. The Racers for Christ website tells what it’s all about. Racers for Christ/Team RFC was established in 1971 by Arnie Krueger and then incorporated as a non-profit in 1978 as fellowship for Christians in the sport of motor racing. It has developed into a growing organization with broad impact across North America and beyond. The overall purpose of Team RFC’s involvement in mo- tor racing is to service emotional and spiritual needs through chapel services, pastoral care, outreach and Christian fellowship. The Christian Motorsports International Inc. family of ministries conducts non- denominational chapel services, invocations, and a pastoral presence for more than 2000 racing events each racing year—including drag racing, open wheel racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, stock car racing, off- road racing, airplane racing, and street rodding events. Professional and amateur racers, crew members, sponsors and officials regularly attend these chapels, with attendance occasionally more than 450. Larry Smiley—president of RFC—also serves as the official chaplain of the National Hot Rod Association, the world’s largest racing organization. One final story. Recently I attended a race at The Rock. The race included lots of cars and many motorcycles. As I stood at the staging lane, the cycles were ready to race. I thought, “this is as rough a bunch of people as I have ever seen”. They were unkempt, dirty looking with wild hair and loud talking. As soon as I thought this, Jesus showed up. The roughest looking of the cyclist threw his arms around three or four more and I heard him say, “let’s pray”. Right there on the staging lane was the most beautiful sincere prayer I have ever heard. It is good for me to be reminded, “don’t judge a book by its cover” unless you read the book. It is also good to be reminded to faithfully watch for Jesus every day because Jesus lives and is the true Rock. See you Sunday! Mike
Transcript
The NOVEMBER 2016 Newsletter for First UMC Family and Friends
First United Methodist Messenger Rockingham, NC
Seeing—The Rock
In Haiti, our team gathered each evening and we asked the question, “where did you see Jesus today?” When we share our “Jesus sightings”, there were no shortages of witnesses to the presence of Jesus in the world. Especially in Haiti, there are plenty of opportunities to see Jesus.
I have attempted to incorporate the question of “where did you see Jesus today?” in my daily life. I must confess, however, that some days are better than others at this endeavor. Often I go several days without asking this important question but when I do remember, I am amazed at how many times I am surprised by the ways Jesus “shows up” several times a day.
I enjoy drag racing. I really got the racing bug back in the 60’s when my brother raced his 1953 Olds coupe. His car was the only one in its class so all he had to do was run down the track and receive a trophy. When my brother got the car, my mother told him, “don't ever let me catch you racing this car or I will take it away from you!” Butch couldn’t share his racing wins at home so he put the trophies in the trunk of the car and shared his racing success with friends. What does this have to do with daily Jesus sightings? During this time in my life, nothing. I was not at a place in life that I was remotely interested in things of the Spirit, but fast forward many years and that would change for the better.
Pat and I moved to Rockingham in 2009. With The Rock so close, I had a renewed interest in drag racing. I have been to lots of races and even invited my brother to go with me. With eyes and heart open to the Spirit’s leading, I have “seen Jesus” at many events. I talked with one young man who traveled from track to track selling racing goods who was a new Christian. It was refreshing to hear his enthusiastic faith story. I also noticed a Racers for Christ trailer with information about prayer and worship service times. The Racers for Christ website tells what it’s all about.
Racers for Christ/Team RFC was established in 1971 by Arnie Krueger and then incorporated as a non-profit in 1978 as fellowship for Christians in the sport of motor racing. It has developed into a growing organization with broad impact across North America and beyond. The overall purpose of Team RFC’s involvement in mo-tor racing is to service emotional and spiritual needs through chapel services, pastoral care, outreach and Christian fellowship. The Christian Motorsports International Inc. family of ministries conducts non-denominational chapel services, invocations, and a pastoral presence for more than 2000 racing events each racing year—including drag racing, open wheel racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, stock car racing, off-road racing, airplane racing, and street rodding events. Professional and amateur racers, crew members, sponsors and officials regularly attend these chapels, with attendance occasionally more than 450. Larry Smiley—president of RFC—also serves as the official chaplain of the National Hot Rod Association, the world’s largest racing organization.
One final story. Recently I attended a race at The Rock. The race included lots of cars and many motorcycles. As I stood at the staging lane, the cycles were ready to race. I thought, “this is as rough a bunch of people as I have ever seen”. They were unkempt, dirty looking with wild hair and loud talking. As soon as I thought this, Jesus showed up. The roughest looking of the cyclist threw his arms around three or four more and I heard him say, “let’s pray”. Right there on the staging lane was the most beautiful sincere prayer I have ever heard. It is good for me to be reminded, “don’t judge a book by its cover” unless you read the book. It is also good to be reminded to faithfully watch for Jesus every day because Jesus lives and is the true Rock.
See you Sunday! Mike
We send our love and prayers to: David Boyette on the death of his parents, David and Patricia Boyette The Family of Juanita Sinclair
In memory of……
Chris Clark (nephew of Ron and Sylvia Ballard)
Keith and Leone McLester Nathan and Marie Davis
David Boyette Glenn and Helen Alexander Keith and Leone McLester Genevra Kelly
Doris Baxley Peggy Leak Covington
Edna Covington Martha Hamer Wayne and Mary Stogner Keith and Leone McLester
Elizabeth Alexander Cassandra Crump Harold Matheson Jean Way Martha Hamer
Juanita Sinclair Ken Bostick Martha Gandy Keith and Leone McLester
Katherine Neal Peggy Leak Covington Jean Way Lib Iseman Cooper and Holleigh McLaurin
Margaret Morse Benny and Ann Morse
Patricia Boyette Jean Way Wayne and Mary Stogner Rockingham High Class of 1951 Keith and Leone McLester Genevra Kelly
Sharpe Ridout Jean Way
In honor of……
Glenn and Helen Alexander By Benson and Ann Crotts
Love God
love others
love the world
November Lectionary Readings
Week of November 6
Haggai 1:15b-2:9
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 (UMH 857)
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Luke 20:27-38
Week of November 13 Isaiah 65:17-25
Isaiah 12 or Psalm 118 (UMH 839)
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
Week of November 20
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Luke 1:68-79 (UMH 208)
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
Week of November 27
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122 (UMH 845)
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Carl Anderson
Claudette Brownley
Peggy Covington
Jean Crouch
Denny Glennon
Helen Goodman
Jean Haltiwanger
Mary Ellen Kindley
Mabel Mossor
Ella Mulkey
Faye Poplin
Billy and Delma Reynolds
Bruce Simmons
All our homebound and shut in members
Our country, Our servicemen and women
Daylight Savings
Time
Ends
Sunday
November 6.
REMEMBER to set your clocks
BACK 1 hour
before going to bed
Saturday night.
Pennies for Zoe Sunday is
November 27
Thank You……
During my recent hospitalization, I was gratified with joy by the visits, cards, phone calls and your prayers. This kind of love reflects the meaning of Church Family, caring for each other through Jesus Christ. I will never for-get your love and support. Blessings to all, Roger Staley
1st Shelby Matheson
6th Cameron Ray
7th Mason Bailey
8th Courtney Deane
12th Neelix McLaurin
13th Barbara Thomas
17th Henry Chance
18th Steve Webb
19th Jerry Thomas
22nd Jean Cain
10th Benson and Ann Crotts
13th David and Mary Ivey Medlin
To add your name and birthday or anniversary to our list, call the church office or email Cornelia at
Once again we are joining East Rockingham United Methodist Church with serving over 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to people in our community. Lots of volunteers are needed to help make this a success! Needed are drivers to deliver meals to shut-ins, greeters to fellowship with those eating in, and servers to help prepare plates. Please call the church office at 895-4027 to let Mary Griffith know if you would like to be a driver, greeter, or server on November 19.
You would like to help but cannot on that day?? Then bake a pound cake. Desserts are needed for the meals. Please call Mary if you would like to provide a cake.
November
6th Leone McLester 13th Chuck Wright 20th Claudette Brownley 27th Kathy Brand Cost is $38 for altar flowers and $28 for flowers on the
organ. Please call the church office to let us know who
you are honoring.
God’s Blessings
A Successful Organ Repair and
Update Campaign
Goal $22,600
Amount Raised $36,010
Thank you to everyone who
generously donated to the
campaign. The repair and updates have begun on the organ.
Funds not used at time will remain in the Organ Fund for
future organ needs.
Happy Thanksgiving
From the FUMC Staff
Ushers Benson Crotts Team
Heat/AC Hilton Haines/Jim Haines
Crucifer Nov. 6 Kevin Aiken Nov. 13 Cameron Ray Nov. 20 Jadyn Johnson Nov. 27 Joshua Griffith Acolytes Nov. 6 Kalei Grant and Olivia Meacham Nov. 13 Lilly Matheson and Abigail Miller Nov. 20 John P. Hutchinson and Parker Medlin Nov. 27 Meredith Gerald and Rebecca Clay TV Ministry Randall Mace Nursery: Nov. 6 Aimee Diggs Nov. 13 Anna Odom Nov. 20 Courtney Deane Nov. 27 Judy Mabe Greeters: Nov. 6 Mike and Debbie Rohleder Cassandra Crump Nov. 13 Thomas and Daphne Smith Dianne Stafford Nov. 20 Jerry and Barbara Thomas Susanne McInnis Nov. 27 Jerry and Connie Eteo Debbie Taylor RC Soup Kitchen Leader: Nov. 23 Peggy Andersen Fellowship: Nov. 6 Benson Crotts Nov. 13 John Thomas Nov. 20 UMM Nov. 27 Bill Rohleder
Hedge Prayer First Sunday Discovery Young Adult Class Second Sunday The Bible Class Third Sunday Cross Currents Class Fourth Sunday Ladies Bible Class Fifth Sunday: Susanna McInnis Hermitage Ministry First Monday East Rockingham UMC Second Monday Third Monday Robert Cain and Joyce Smith Fourth Monday Randy & Margaret Leak, Audrey Ewing
Servers for November
It is again time for the Nationwide Toys for Tots Campaign.
The Marines of Detachment 1252 are looking forward to pro-
viding toys for Christmas to the underprivileged children ages
1 through 12 in our community. We are looking for another
banner year and ask for your continued support and prayers.
A Toys for Tots collection box will remain in the Fellowship
Hall for new, unwrapped toy donations starting Nov. 1 until the
campaign ends on Dec. 16. Also a tax deductible monetary
donation may be made payable to the Toys for Tots Cam-
paign and placed in the Sundays offering plate. For additional
information regarding this campaign, please contact Bill Roh-
leder at 910/997-2298.
Stephen Ministers are trained and ready to
begin serving. There are seven qualified ladies who
are anxious to begin providing distinctively Chris-
tian care giving to those who are hurting. With the
holidays around the corner, the stress of the holi-
days coupled with the problems of those struggling
for whatever reason may find comfort in having a
Christian caregiver to meet with once a week to
help her through the difficult period. Stephen Min-
isters are merely those who use their skills in lis-
tening, caring, and supporting to help the care re-
ceiver through the trials. God is the One who does
the actual healing; Stephen Ministers are merely
using their skills to help lead the hurting sisters
and brothers to God’s healing. God is the One
who heals.
If you, or anyone you know, could benefit
from the services of a Stephen Minister; please con-
tact Mike or one of the Stephen Ministers. This
wonderful ministry offers the love, concern, and
care that we all need from time to time. None of us
is immune from the travesties of life and all of us
have heavy burdens that can be more easily faced
with the support of a Stephen Minister. We look
forward to serving those who are In need. Thank
you, our wonderful church family, for allowing us
this opportunity. We are indeed blessed by your
generosity, prayers, and support of this ministry.
2 0 1 6
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
.
1 10:00 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Chapel
12:30 pm Circle 9 FH 5:30 pm Eat, Pray Learn Meal 6:30 pm Study Begins
5:30 Girl Scouts BB
2
Circle 8
3:30 WW
7:00 Choir Rehearsal
3
7:00 God’s Gorgeous Butterflies BB
4
10 pm 5th Quarter at Mount Olive Baptist Church
5
6
9:30 SS Fellowship 10:00 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12 noon Relay Race For Christ Covered Dish Luncheon
7 10:00 First Place Bible Study
5:30 Handbells
6:30 Trustees Mtg.
8 10:00 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Chapel 10-11:30 Connections BB 5:30 pm Eat, Pray Learn Meal 6:30 pm Study
Bible verse is Colossians 3:23. Her spiritual gifts are
faith, intercessory prayer, giving, and teaching. Pat
is married to Mike Sykes. She is mother to three
and grandmother to four. She enjoys spoiling them
as much as possible!
We are tickled to have Pat join the staff of
First Church. As we move forward, we are excited
about the ministry we will accomplish together.
The Chancel Choir is preparing for its Christmas
music to be presented on Sunday, December 18.
If you would like to participate in this celebration,
please plan to attend all Wednesday evening
rehearsals from 7:00 pm—8:30 pm in the Choir
Room!!
Hope to see you Wednesday!
Wonderful Wednesday Afterschool Program
Wonderful Wednesday will meet from 3:30 pm—5:00 pm on:
November 2, 9, 16, and 30
FUMC Children
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the youth and adults who helped at the Fall Carnival and Trunk or Treat and to everyone who donated candy. We had a great night with lots of fun with family and friends.
“We Gather Together”
“We Gather Together” is a Christian
hymn of Dutch origin written in 1597 by Adrianus Valerius as “Wilt heden nu treden” to celebrate the Dutch victory over the Spanish forces in the Battle of Turnhout.
According to the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, “We Gather Together’s” first appearance in an American Hymnal was in 1903. The hymn steadily gained popularity, especially in services of Thanksgiving on such occasions and town and college centennial celebrations. According to Carl Daw, executive director of the Hymn Soci-ety, the "big break" came in 1935 when it was included in the national hymnal of the Methodist-Episcopal Church.
According to Michael Hawn, professor of sacred music at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology, "by World War I, we started to see ourselves in this hymn," and the popularity increased during World War II, when "the wicked oppressing" were understood to include Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. This hymn is often sung at American churches the day before Thanksgiving.
This hymn was sung at the Opening of the Funeral Mass for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Information from Wikipedia
The holidays are fast approaching and many people use Amazon, so use Amazon Smile! The church will receive a small portion for eligible items on Amazon Smile! Just select smile.amazon.com and look for First United Meth-odist under the charity link!
Nov 11-13 Pilgrimage 2016—Redeemed: Created in Christ
For Good Things! “For we are God’s masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we
can do the good things He planned for us long
ago.” (Eph. 2:10, NLT)
November 11 1:00 pm Leave church parking lot
for Fayetteville, NC
November 13 4:00 pm Return to church
All money is due November 6.
Nov 19 9:30 am-2:00 pm Help with East Rockingham UMC
to deliver Thanksgiving meals to shut-ins in our
community. We need DRIVERS to deliver meals!
TEXT Mary at 995-0473 to volunteer.
Nov 20 10:00 Sunday School
10:55 Worship Service
4:30 pm Bring dinner money—we will go eat
before the Service
6:00 pm Thanksgiving Community Service at First
UMC (everyone is invited).
Nov 21&22 5:30 pm Decorate the Sanctuary — we need all
youth and adults to come and help decorate the
Chrismon Tree and Sanctuary.
Nov 24 We are very thankful for you!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Nov 27 No Youth—Zoe Sunday
Important Dates For Parents
Nov 11-13 Pilgrimage 2016 All money is due November 6 Nov 11 1:00 pm Leave church parking lot
Nov 13 4:00 pm Return to church
Nov 19 Community Thanksgiving Meal Join at East Rockingham UMC to serve over 1,000 Thanks-
giving meals to people in our community, Volunteers are
needed to help.
Nov 21&22 Decorate Sanctuary Watch the bulletin for more details. This is a wonderful family
tradition to prepare our Sanctuary for Christmas. Everyone is
invited to help!
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service
Mark your calendars to be here early to help with Luminaries
and be a part of the “Live Nativity”.
2016 Youth Ski Retreat at Winterplace December 28-31 (Wednesday—Saturday)
Glade Springs Resort
3 nights lodging (7 miles away—with amenities of pool, bowling ($2), arcade, movie theater, and gym)
2 day ski rental 2 day lift ticket (8am-10)
Free Group Lessons This package is $200 per person based on max occupancy
(22 per unit)
The actual cost is $290 per person but with the help of funds from the church and the youth fundraisers, we are able to help everyone with the cost of the trip. The cost will be $200 per person for lodging, a few meals, and 2 day ski/tubing equipment, and lift ticket. We will ask par-ents to help with food closer to the time of the trip. We will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the house.
All families and friends are welcome! Let me know with a $50 deposit if you want to go on the Ski Retreat by Sunday, November 6. The house MUST be reserved!!!
