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CLARKSBURG, WV
PERMIT #74
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 A.M. …… SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45 A.M. …… ALL ARE WELCOME!
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
117 N. Second Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
Phone: 304-623-3397
website: www.cfumc.org
E-mail: [email protected]
FUMC Staff
Rev. Rick Sale, Senior Pastor
Rev. Harry Jenkins, Associate Pastor
Don Gardner, Director of Music and Operations
Jocelyn Blackwell, Children’s Director
Ethan Rapking, Youth Director
Elizabeth Etnoyer, Pianist/Accompanist
Debby McCune, Secretary
John Greaver & Don Barickman, Custodians
O P E N H E A R T S . . . O P E N M I N D S . . . O P E N D O O R S
T H E P E O P L E O F T H E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H .
CL
AR
KS
BU
RG
FIR
ST
UN
ITE
D M
ETH
OD
IST
FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR
M A Y 2 0 1 6
T H E G R A P E V I N E
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
F R O M T H E
D E S K O F T H E
A S S O C .
P A S T O R
2
P A R I S H
E V E N T S /
A N N U A L
C O N F E R E N C E
3
M U S I C &
W O R S H I P 4
F U M C W O M E N
M I S S I O N
G A L A
5
M O T H E R -
D A U G H T E R
B A N Q U E T /
G R A N D A G E R S
B A N Q U E T /
V E S P E R S /
B R E A K I N G
B R E A D
6
O U T R E A C H /
M E A L
P R O J E C T
7
S T E P H E N
M I N I S T R Y /
5 T H S U N D A Y
S E R V I C E
8
M E E T I N G S /
B I R T H D A Y S /
U S H E R S /
V A N D R I V E R
9
C A N - D O K I D S
B R E A K A W A Y
Y O U T H
1 0
M A Y
C A L E N D A R
1 1
“Called”
In the book of First Samuel, it
tells how Samuel at a young age, be-
comes an assistant and understudy to
Priest Eli who is in charge of the Taber-
nacle at Shiloh which was the religious
center for the Israelite tribes during the
early settlement period. The Tabernacle
housed the Ark of the Covenant which
contained the two stone tablets inscribed
with the Ten Commandments. The Ark
was a tangible sign of God’s presence.
While studying to be a priest, one of
Samuel’s responsibilities is to be the
caretaker of the Ark. So one night while
sleeping in the Tabernacle watching
over the Ark, God “calls” Samuel. The
Lord calls out to Samuel several times
before Samuel realizes its God calling
him. Why does Samuel not know it’s the
Lord calling him? I believe verse (I Sam.
3:7) offers an answer: “Samuel did not
yet know the Lord, and the word of the
Lord had not yet been revealed to him.”
So maybe our ability, like Samu-
el’s ability, to hear and respond to God’s
“call” has to do with our being in tune
with God, spiritually, through God’s
Word. I believe you and I are more able
to hear God’s “call” and to be receptive
to his calling; and, we are more likely to
respond to it when we read and study
God’s Word, regularly, and are in rela-
tionship with God. So I challenge us in
the upcoming busy months of travel and
vacations, to make a special effort to be
in relationship with God through worship,
studying God’s Word, church activities
and ministries, so you will be able to
clearly hear when God calls you.
We all are “called” by God to
serve, in particular, to serve him through
one of our ministries at First Church.
God calls some of us to ministries of
compassion, service and mission. Oth-
ers he calls to ministries of music and
praise, ministries of teaching, hospitality,
witness, and ministries of healing, pray-
er and proclamation. In his book, Wish-
ful Thinking: A Theological ABC, Freder-
ick Buechner says, “There are all differ-
ent kinds of voices calling you to all dif-
ferent kinds of work, and the problem is
to find out which is the voice of God ra-
ther than of Society, or the Superego, or
Self-interest.”
Buechner continues to say, “The
kind of work God usually calls you to, is
the kind of work you need most to do
and the world most needs to have done.
The place God calls you to, is the place
where your deep gladness and the
world’s deep hunger meet.” What do you
get excited about? What area of ministry
are you passionate about? Where do
you believe God is “calling” you — that
place where your deep gladness and the
world’s deep hunger/need meet?
With Deep Gladness,
Rick
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
(UMH #593)
Page 2 T H E G R A P E V I N E
FROM THE DESK OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR-Rev. Harry Jenkins
A Walk in the Woods
Last Sunday was such a beautiful day I couldn’t wait to get
outdoors and exercise. I decided to try the newly construct-
ed rail trail going from the VA Park toward Mt. Clare. But, I
discovered, after you go through the tunnel it ends after a
quarter mile or so and then the trail becomes two narrow,
rocky lanes. Now it’s a hike through the woods along the
river. It was there I saw it—a tombstone all by itself! The
person had died in 1943 at the age of 38. Directly in front
of the grave was a single white plastic chair slightly weather
beaten. I was so struck by this. Someone marked the trail.
Something happened here. What’s the story? Why so
close to a former railroad track? The local cemetery is so
close by. Does someone(s) still come and sit, to pray, to
remember, to grieve, or is this person now forgotten? For me it was an invitation to sit and say a
prayer—to remember a person I never knew.
Then I wondered how many places are unmarked, unnoticed, forgotten, without a chair in
lonely abandoned places. But, there are people in our midst still alive who feel the same way. How
do we share the Gospel of love and affirmation to them? The Good News is that each person is an
unrepeatable gift of God who has already been “noticed”. How do we sit awhile with them in pray-
er?
Human Beings are symbol makers creating signs and marking meaningful feeling levels
events. They are powerful reminders of who we are and what we value. For me the empty cross is
at the center of my “symbol system”. God reveals God’s true nature by way of the cross. The way
is redeeming Love. A love for all creation marked and unmarked. The other day I was telling a
member of this community about my decision to return to work part-time. She was trying to figure
out where First Church was located. She said: “Oh you mean that church that puts up that cross
with flowers on it each Easter?” “Wow”!
The Easter cross is a marker—a sign to all who pass by. As we witness to this city, may we
all remember to lift high the cross.
Lift High the Cross
The Love of Christ Proclaim
Till All the World
Adore his sacred Name (UMC hymnal)
Sun. 1— 9:30 am Church School
10:45 am Worship / Communion
Children’s Church during worship
12:00 pm Children & Youth Lunch
12:15 pm Children & Youth Choir
1:00 pm Can-Do-Kids (till 2:00 pm)
1:00 pm BreakAway Youth (till 2:00 pm)
Mon. 2— 6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee
Tue. 3— 12:15 pm Monastic Meal
Wed. 4— 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
5:00 pm All in the Family Vespers & Class
5:45 pm All in the Family Prepared Dinner
Thur. 5— National World Day of Prayer
4:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal
5:30 pm On the Way Home
7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Fri. 6— 6:00 pm Mother / Daughter Banquet
Sun. 8— 9:30 am Church School / Mission Meal
10:45 am Worship / Mother’s Day
Children’s Church during worship
12:00 pm Children & Youth Lunch
12:15 pm Children & Youth Choir
1:00 pm Can-Do-Kids (till 2:00 pm)
1:00 pm BreakAway Youth (till 2:00 pm)
Tue. 10- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal
5:15 pm Finance Committee
Wed.11- 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
5:00 pm All in the Family Vespers & Class
5:45 pm All in the Family Prepared Dinner
Thur.12— 4:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal
5:30 pm On the Way Home
7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun.15— 9:30 am Church School
10:45 am Worship
Children’s Church during worship
12:00 pm Children & Youth Lunch
12:15 pm Children & Youth Choir
1:00 pm Can-Do-Kids (till 2:00 pm)
1:00 pm BreakAway Youth (till 2:00 pm)
Mon.16 –12:00 pm Feed My Sheep
Tue. 17- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal
RCB Baccalaureate
Wed. 18—4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
5:00 pm All in the Family Vespers & Class
5:45 pm All in the Family Prepared Dinner
Thur.19—12:00 pm FUMC Women
4:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal
5:30 pm On the Way Home
7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun. 22— 9:30 am Church School
10:45 am Worship / Graduate Sunday
Children’s Church during worship
12:00 pm International Dinner
12:45 pm “Bind Us Together” Musical
Tue. 24- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal
5:00 pm Outreach Committee
6:00 pm Church Council Meeting
Wed. 25- 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
5:00 pm Trustees Meeting
6:00 pm Grand Agers Banquet
Thur.26— 4:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal
5:30 pm On the Way Home
7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sun. 29— 9:30 am Church School
10:45 am Worship in Fellowship Hall
Children’s Church during worship
Mon. 30 - Memorial Day—Offices Closed
Tue. 31 - 12:15 pm Monastic Meal
** Staff Meetings — every Wednesday @ 11:00 am ** NA Meetings — every Mon., Wed. & Thurs.
@ 7:00 pm ** AA Meetings — every Mon., Tues., & Wed.
@ 12 noon ; and Tues. at 7:30 pm All NA & AA meetings take place in the Library.
“Bind Us Together” Musical
will be performed on Sunday, May 22nd following the International Dinner.
Get Ready For
Coming to you July 17th, 18th and 19th 5:30 — 8:00 pm.
Start making plans for an "Out of this world" amazing time!
May 22nd is a big day for the youth this year.
We have two events going on that involve our youth.
The first is the recognition of our four high school graduates. This year’s graduates are:
Avery Thrush Luke Dyer Logan Faris Will Lopez
Our second event is our annual International Dinner. Come down to the fellowship hall
after worship and enjoy some food from around the world.
Entry is by donation. There will also be a program by the children after the dinner.
Can-Do Kids N ews for Ch i l d ren & The i r Fami l i e s !
Eve r y Sund ay 1 :00— 2 :00 P .M.
Page 10 T H E G R A P E V I N E
B R E A K A W A Y Y O U T H ! E V E R Y S U N D A Y 1 : 0 0 — 2 : 0 0 P . M .
If you have any questions or would like more information on BreakAway Youth,
you can contact Ethan Rapking at 304-677-9378 or e-mail [email protected].
If you have any questions or would like more information on Can-Do-Kids,
you can contact Jocelyn Blackwell at 304-669-3675 or e-mail [email protected].
PARISH EVENTS
THE WEST VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The West Virginia Annual Conference will be held June 9-12
on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.
Fifth Annual 5-K Run for Open Hearts and One Mile Run
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Registration: 7:00 a.m.—8:15 a.m. at the Freedom Shelter
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mayor’s Fitness Trail, Clarksburg
The 5K Run begins in the parking lot closest to the pool and will be two loops
around the scenic Mayor’s Fitness Trail.
The one mile run begins on the Mayor’s fitness trail and
finishes in the parking lot by the Freedom Shelter.
For more information on race details: www.runfor openhearts.weebly.com
Awards will be provided to the overall top three finishers (men & women’s divisions).
Additionally, medals will be awards to the top three finishers in each age group (both divisions).
All proceeds from the 5-K Run for Open Hearts will go to the Open Heart Ministries.
3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament—Three Point Shooting Contest—Foul Shooting Contest
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Register early to ensure to reserve a spot before all spots fill up.
Location: Stealey Park, Clarksburg
Two Divisions: Male and Female— Groups: Middle School, High School, 18-35, 36+
3 vs. 3 Tournament: $20/player $80/ team
Awards: Medals will be awarded to each of the four members of the winning team from each group.
======================================================
Three Point Shooting Contest—$10 Free Throw Shooting Contest—$10 Both Contests—$15
Groups: under 18 years old, 18+ - Men & Women
Event Details: www.ohm3vs3basketball.weebly.com
Sunday, May 22
Aldersgate Sunday -- the day we recall John Wesley’s “heartwarming” experience that
happened on Aldersgate Street in London.
It is appropriate that, on this day, we sing a Wesley song, “Covenant Prayer”. Though the
text is old, the setting is new and lively.
You may remember this from early January, when we presented this in observance of
United Methodist Covenant Sunday.
==================
John Wesley’s journal entry for 24 May 1738
In the evening I went unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate St, where one was reading
Luther ‘s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter to nine, while he was
describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my
heart strangely warmed.
I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me
that he had taken away my sins, even mine and saved me from the law of sin and death.
=======================
This will be quite a day for us at First Church, since in addition to the Aldersgate and United Methodist Heritage observances, we will also celebrate the graduation of our high school seniors. But even then, it is not over, for after church, all are invited down to enjoy the International Dinner Buffet and a brief musical program “Bind Us Together” by
our children and youth.
Sunday, May 29
It has been a while since we held a
“Fellowship Worship” in our dining hall. As a
5th Sunday, today is the day!
The anthem by the Chancel Choir is a rela-
tively new one — for them and for you. “Holy
Is God, Holy and Strong” is a song of joy and
praise, and one that will fit nicely in the more
casual setting of our Fellowship Hall.
As always, we’ll enjoy a covered-dish
brunch at 9:45 a.m., prior to the service. This
is a great opportunity to invite friends and
neighbors (and family members) who have
been absent from worship, to share your faith
and your church family!
Blessings to you,
Don Gardner
Sunday, May 1
A Service of Holy Communion
Two anthems this morning, both with a lilt-
ing Irish feeling to them.
“Gather Us In” is a great song to sing on this
day of Holy Communion! We have two sacra-
ments in United Methodism — baptism and
communion. Obviously “communion” is tied to
“community” — a time when the family comes
together to remember, to rejoice. So, the call to
“Gather Us In” is fitting.
Our response?
“We shall arise at the sound of our name!”
The second song is “Across the
Lands”….again Celtic in flavor, again providing a
call for folks of all times and places to be the
church family as we gather in God’s name.
Sunday, May 8
Although Mother’s Day is not a liturgical
holiday, it felt appropriate to me to select an
anthem that would celebrate some aspect of
this cherished and uniquely West Virginian day.
This gentle setting of the Beatitudes, “Blessed
Are Those Who Love You”, seems to me to cap-
ture both the sacred and secular as it seeks
God’s anointing spirit upon those who daily
show the “greatest of these” — love.
Sunday, May 15
Pentecost — the birthday of the church! On
this day, we rejoice in the working of God’s
Holy Spirit in us as individuals and as the church
family gathered for worship and service.
HeartSong presents, “In Spirit and Truth”,
which uses a simple, sprightly tune to call us to
praise. The Chancel Choir continues with the
celebratory mood with “Send Us Your Spirit”. I
am hoping that our kids will have learned the
chorus of this so that they can join with the
adults on this lively anthem.
Finally, and more introspectively, is “Veni
Sancte Spiritus” / “Come, Holy Spirit”. This chant
-like song comes from the Taize tradition, and
contains a very repetitive chorus over which the
several verses float.
MUSIC AND WORSHIP IN MAY
Light and Life
“Gather
us in,
and hold
us
together.
We shall
arise at the
sound of
our
name.”
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MAY BIRTHDAYS
05/01 Staclyn Evans
05/01 Julia Lopez
05/01 Drew Blurton
05/02 Jane Lynn Squires
05/02 Beth Skidmore
05/02 Brett Floyd
05/03 Amy Reinhart
05/03 Joyce Anderson
05/05 Carl Hatfield
05/05 Jeremy Thomas
05/05 Patrick Fubio
05/06 Patrick Moore
05/07 Carter Allen
05/07 Thatcher Allen
05/08 Rod Rogers
05/08 Katie Seybert
05/09 Fred Siegrist
05/09 John Hubbard
05/10 Ray Myers
05/10 Tim Dyer
05/10 Tom Dyer
05/10 Alexander
Richards
05/11 Mary Demoss
05/11 Kolby Keister
05/12 Mike Cunningham
05/12 Clarice Jenkins
05/13 Bill Yoke
05/13 Suzanna
Goodyear
05/13 Gary Mills
05/13 Misty Tichenor
05/13 Danielle Sexton
05/13 Eric Phillips
05/15 Elizabeth Baker
05/15 Victoria Tayman
05/15 Vince Patton
05/17 Eric Lewis
05/17 Ben Smith
05/18 Lauran Kirk
05/18 Kristin Fornash
05/19 Betty Tonkin
05/19 Cathy Wilson
05/19 Shirley Corder
05/19 Ben Davisson
05/19 Spencer Cox
05/21 Betty Jackson
05/22 Robert Williams
05/23 Will Schindler
05/24 Laura Rodriguez
05/25 Betsy Turner
05/25 Rolland Schindler
05/25 Brandon Kroll
05/27 Curt Diaz
05/27 Shirley Murphy
05/29 Mike Dyer
05/29 Susan Wilmerink
05/29 Jason Williams
05/29 Coleman Wait
05/29 Hope Blackwell
05/30 Debbie Lear
05/30 Kim Caruso
05/30 James Allen, V
Happy Birthday to All!!
COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE
JUST A
REMINDER …
Monday, May 2
6:00 pm SPRC Meeting
Tuesday, May 10
5:15 pm Finance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 24
5:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
6:00 pm Church Council
WEDNESDAY, May 25
5:00 pm Trustees Meeting
PLEASE MAKE NOTE AND PLAN TO ATTEND.
If there are
corrections
or omissions,
please accept our
apologies,
and let us know.
Thank you
MAY USHERS
Scott Wilson, Parke Thrush,
Chuck Kersting,Tom Dyer &
Mike Smith, team captain.
MAY VAN DRIVER
Carl Lantz
Sunday, May 8
Page 8 T H E G R A P E V I N E
STEPHEN MINISTRY … CARING MOMENTS
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16).
Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of church congregations to increase
care and outreach to hurting people, and that includes here at our own First United Methodist
Church. Through our Stephen Ministry, and with the blessing and help of you, the congregation, we
have been able to equip and empower a team of lay people – the Stephen Ministers - who provide one-
to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing difficulties such as grief, unemployment, hospitaliza-
tion, age-related lifestyle changes, terminal illness, loneliness, divorce, financial stress or other life
changing events.
In those times of illness, injury or heartsick situations that surround us, the challenges can seem over-
whelming and blessings can seem few. Uncertainty and doubt may cloud the vision of the path that
seems decidedly different from that which had been planned.
Our Stephen Ministers are available to express God’s love to hurting persons in a tangible way by being
there to provide a non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential listening ear while walking along the
same path beside them providing encouragement.
Persons helped by Stephen Ministry can be a neighbor, a friend, a family member or you; so if someone
you know is going through a difficult time or if you are the one who is struggling, contact our Referral Co-
ordinator Cheryl Moorhead (304-677-9859) or Rev. Rick Sale (304-623-3397). You will be blessed to be
a blessing!
May 5th
MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 30
FIFTH SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP SERVICE
This service will be held on May 29th at 10:45 a.m.
A covered-dish breakfast, prior to the fellowship hall service, will begin at 9:45 a.m.
providing an opportunity, for those who desire, to visit in a relaxed setting.
FUMC OPPORTUNITIES
THE WOMEN OF
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
will meet on Thursday, May 19th at noon in
the Fellowship Hall.
Velma Reeves & Patty Wells will serve
as co-hostess.
Elizabeth Etnoyer will present the program.
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US FOR
A DELIGHTFUL TIME OF FELLOWSHIP.
ELECTION
DAY
May 10th
========
PLEASE VOTE!
You Are Invited to the Clarksburg Mission’s
2016
Gala “NIGHT OF HOPE”
Friday, May 6, 2016 at Bridgeport Conference Center
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
This is the BIG fundraiser for the year. It is to celebrate ministry, tell their story and to raise
money. Featuring live and silent auction items. (Such as artwork from local artists, golf
packages, as well as jewelry from local businesses and individual craftsman.)
A great meal, and storytelling are all a part of this event.
Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased in advance by calling the Mission
at 304-622-2451 or you can purchase them at the door.
Questions …. Contact Cheryl Moorhead, Outreach Chair
Page 5 T H E G R A P E V I N E
Page 6 T H E G R A P E V I N E
Join us for the 2016 series Evening Vespers
Fellowship Meal at 5:30 p.m. Vespers from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m.
SUMMER EVENING VESPERS
June 15 and July 20
BREAKING BREAD This Popular Series of Weekday Luncheon Gatherings
Will Continue in 2016
July 12th —– July 19th ——- July 26th
—————————————————
We’ll enjoy a prepared meal ($5.00 each) in our fellowship hall
beginning at 11:45 am on these Tuesdays.
Following the meal, at 12:30 p.m., guest teachers will lead us in a 1/2 hour program.
Questions? Contact Don Gardner at 623-3397 or [email protected]
“Get out of those rocking chairs and come to the banquet!”
---------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 at 6:00 p.m.
70 years or older? This evening is for you!
Great food -- Great entertainment
All at no charge for you -- be our guests!
Plan now for the 2014 banquet by calling the church at 623-3397.
“GRAND AGERS BANQUET”
MOTHER-DAUGHTER BANQUET
FRIDAY, MAY 6 Each year at Mother-Daughter Banquet,
we honor those women who have guided us in faith and love,
This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, May 6th
, at 6:00 p.m.
Come enjoy a delicious meal, inspiration and lots of fun
Menu : Baked Steak, Scalloped Potato, Spring Vegetables, Garden Salad, and Ice Cream Sundae!
Suggested donation: $6.00 / $3.00 for children 9 and younger
Call the church at 623-3397 to make your reservation to attend this year’s banquet
For more information, contact Don Gardner
Page 7 T H E G R A P E V I N E
OUTREACH INFORMATION
MARK YOUR CALENDARS ...
May Outreach Meeting :
MAY 24th
@ 5:00 PM.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! ROBERT C. BYRD HIGH SCHOOL and
W. I. MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS’ MEAL PROJECT
During the school year, several teachers & parents have been providing meals each weekend
for students in need. These are kids whose only meals are at school.
We’ll provide a small breakfast & lunch for 7 days throughout the summer
for 30+ kids from RCB and W. I.
We have helped with this project the past four years and had a tremendous response from you - our
church members.
Here are ways YOU can help…..
Food Donations – only following items (we are on strict menu)
Juice Boxes Snack Packs (jello or pudding))
Cheese slices (indiv. wrapped) Cereal Boxes
Cheese Stix (indiv. wrapped)
Call Anita Burns if you would like to donate items.
Large quantities can be bought economically at Sam’s Club.
Monetary Donation – Designate cash or checks to RCB Project”
Send to or drop off at church OR place in offering plate
Time Donaton - Sign up to organize for a week.
Contact Cheryl Moorhead (677-9859) or Anita Burns (782-3021)
with questions and if you would like to help.