January/February 2014 Celebration Newsletter by Natalia Fomin

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 (NIV)

January/February 2014 OUR VISION: To become a disciple making church

OUR MISSION: To make disciples by Loving God, Growing in Christ, and Reaching Out to Others

OUR CORE VALUES:

University City United Methodist Church 3835 W WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28269 phone: 704-369-8000 fax: 704-369-0481 www.ucumc.org facebook.com/ucumc1 twitter: @UC_UMC Worship Times: 9:45am - Traditional 11:00am - Contemporary Quarterly Celebration Sunday: one service at 10am Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

A message from Pastor Ron... Several weeks ago I shared, with those attending the 9:45 service, “The One Word Plan.” The One Word Plan was started 14 years ago by a pastor in another church and since then it has become an annual tradition in that church. Now Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page have written a book about The One Word approach and it has taken hold in sports, business, and in academic circles. When applied to Churches, instead of making “New Year Resolutions” church members are encouraged to ask God to give them His one word for the year to guide them throughout the year. No long list of resolutions, no list of things to remember, no list of things to do – just one word to guide them in every aspect of their lives throughout the New Year. Only 12% of people keep their New Year Resolutions – but everyone can keep their “one word.” NOTE: The word must come from God and not from us. Here’s why: Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (NLT). God has a plan for our lives and will give us the one word that will enable us to fulfill that plan if we ask Him. James tells us in Scripture that, “… you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (NLT). So here’s the 3 step process: Step 1: Prepare your heart (by searching it) Read Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV): 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Answer these three questions – What do I need? What’s in my way? What needs to go? Step 2: Discover your word (by asking God and then being on guard that old ways and the ways of the world do not rob you of it’s focus and power.) Read Mark 4:19 (NIV): 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. and remember: James 1:5 (NIV): If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Step 3: Live out your word (remember to stay focused or everyday life will distract you if you don’t have “your word ever before you!”) Read Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV): 3 so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Let Nehemiah be your model. If you will email me (rsmith@ucumc.org) and let me know your word I will pray for you daily by name and by word. So far I have 14 people who have sent me their word. I promise to pray for you each day by name and word. Have a great 2014!

Ron Smith, Senior Pastor rsmith@ucumc.org, 704-369-8005

Table of Contents

Committed to Growing in Christ

Unlimited Hospitality

Administration Weekday School

Uplifting Passionate Worship

Called to Serve & Missions Focused To explore the Monthly Newsletter, click on any of the icons above to go to that Core Value’s page. On each page of the newsletter there is a link on the bottom left corner that says “Back to top”; click that link to return to this page.

Unlimited Hospitality Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. —Galatians 6:8-10 My encouragement to you this month is to not grow weary in doing good; in trying to “touch” those around you and showing them your joy because you live with Christ in your heart. Continue to pray for those you know who are far from God. Continue to be a beautiful example to them. And, continue to invite them to join us in one of the many ways we learn about and celebrate Christ here at UCUMC – worship, small groups, service opportunities, missions. Do not grow weary in doing good and planting seeds, my friends. Many Blessings to you—Tammy

Praise The Lord:

Membership & Church Orientation Class: Beginnings of Discipleship class has begun! We kicked off a new class on January 19. The next class we’ll offer will be June 6/7, as a condensed weekend class.

Learn More about Faith: Studies to learn more about Faith begin on Wednesday, February 19th. See the @UCUMC Spring 2014 book for The Reason for My Hope by Billy Graham and Leading Your Child to Jesus by David Staal for Parents & Grandparents of all aged children. We hope you will join us for these awesome studies geared to those New in their Faith (The Reason for My Hope) and those who want to talk to children about Jesus (Leading Your Child to Jesus). New UCUMC Invite Cards are NOW available for you to take and give away! These well-done, informative cards have been designed for your use to hand to others and invite them to come to Worship, Small Groups, and Service Opportunities. Please be sure to take some cards and give them out to friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, and/or those you encounter in our community. They can be found in the pew holders in the Sanctuary and Information Centers on campus.

My Hope Blog: Weekly inspiration about how to find your hope in Christ is found here in this Blog. You will also learn about how to put faith into action in normal day to day living. Check it out and sign up to receive Blog posts each week. We love your feedback on posts too! Click Here to start reading!

Do you LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, FOLLOW, TWEET, and/ or RETWEET?! If you do, you know I’m talking Facebook and Twitter language. We have incredible things happening at UCUMC that we regularly post in both places. Don’t miss out on connecting with us in this way so get started today by LIKING our UCUMC Facebook page – Click Here and FOLLOWING our Twitter page – Click Here. Then, SHARE and RETWEET away so that your friends know about these incredible happenings around here!! Wonderful Wednesdays: We are back in full swing! You can enjoy fellowship before dropping your kids off or going to your Life Group. Come join us on Wednesday nights for food, fun and fellowship! Click Here to sign up for our next meal!

Upcoming Events: • Celebration Sunday – March 2: 10 am service with Fellowship afterwards. • My Hope Gathering – March 11 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall: Bring a friend and get ready to watch another great video from the Billy Graham Association. We will hear some awesome testimonies and enjoy some food and fellowship together. Contact Kristen Hickling khickling@ucumc.org if you have any questions. • Bring a Friend Sunday - April 6: More information to come soon!

Tammy Cline, Director of Evangelism tcline@ucumc.org, 704-369-8018

Committed to Growing in Christ Hey! I hope everyone’s New Year has gotten off to a tremendous start!! I loved the past couple of months here at UCUMC! The Advent season and Christmas was incredible! Our theme of Giving Christmas Away was powerful and I’ve heard many stories of how people were touched/impacted because of “Giving Christmas Away”…Way To Go Y’all!! I also truly enjoyed speaking at the worship services on December 29th and January 5th…it was a wonderful time of reflection upon how God provides for us and also of putting God back in the place of first priority in our lives and looking forward to what He is calling us to in 2014, as individuals and as a church…I’m excited for all that He is going to do in and through us! Pastor Ron and Pastor Chad challenged us on January 12th to ask God for “one word” or “one verse” that we could begin to focus on and live out in 2014…I know that many of you are doing this. I want to encourage you to share those words and verses with our staff and others at church so we can pray for you in the weeks and months ahead as the Lord reveals Himself to you in powerful ways! It’s going to be exciting in December 2014 when we look back and can see all that He has done, revealed, provided and set in place! I’d also like to challenge you to consider being part of a small group in 2014. We have many opportunities: adult Sunday school classes, LIFE Groups, Mom’s-Time-Out groups, Men’s Huddle Up groups, short-term classes/studies and even a few Wonderful Wednesday Speaker Series events in the coming months. You can find out about all of these opportunities by going to the church website (www.ucumc.org) and clicking on the “Find A Group” link at the bottom of the home page. One of our Core Values here at UCUMC is being “Committed to Growing In Christ” and I believe there’s no better way to do that than in a small group…it allows you to know others and to be known and to grow and learn together. Check it out today and make it part of your journey for 2014…I believe you’ll be glad you did! Also, make sure you save the date for the BSA Troop 13 Annual BBQ and Silent Auction coming up March 7th and 8th. BBQ will be served on Friday, lunch & dinner and Saturday, lunch; dine in or take out. You don’t want to miss the delicious BBQ! The 8th Annual Silent Auction will be on March 7th and March 8th; online bidding begins Saturday, March 1st. Be sure to like Troop 13 on Facebook to see items that will be available for auction: http://tinyurl.com/T13Facebook. Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you at church soon!!

Bert Giles, Director of Discipleship

Bert Giles, Director of Discipleship bgiles@ucumc.org, 704-369-8020

adult ministries Praise The Lord:

Making a difference: UCUMC’s Women’s Ministry has been recognized by the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women for contributing to the organization’s 5 Channels of Undesignated Mission Giving in both 2012 and 2013. As well, Women’s Ministry was blessed to give over $3500 to local missions and ministries in 2013! We are celebrating all University City women who are giving to make a difference in the community and the world!

There is still time to sign up for a Spring 2014 LIFE Group! Join a group to learn how to apply & practice what you hear about in Worship, and meet people just like yourself! We have the largest selection of groups ever—47! The Spring @UCUMC Brochure will full descriptions of each group meeting and events happening is available now online (Click Here) or around campus. Check out the topics offered this Semester: • Learning More About the Bible: 12 Sunday School classes, LIFE01, LIFE15, LIFE19, & LIFE20 • Christian Living Topics: LIFE03, LIFE04, LIFE09 (begins Feb. 5th), LIFE10 (begins Feb. 19th), LIFE11 (begins Feb. 19th), LIFE16, LIFE17, & Holy Yoga • Women’s Groups: LIFE02, LIFE07, LIFE14, Mom’s TIME Out Groups, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Sew and Sew’s, & 3 monthly groups (Heavenly Readers, M&Ms, His Helpers) • Men’s Groups: LIFE05 & 3 Huddle Up Groups • Others: Young Professionals (LIFE08 - begins Jan. 28th), Goodtimes (Senior Adults), Forever Family Adoption Ministry (LIFE18), Wednesday Night Speaker Series (once a month) Questions? Contact Ceil McGee cmcgee@ucumc.org or 704-369-8006.

Upcoming Events: Women’s Night Out 2014 - Tune Up Your Life: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from 7 to 8:30 pm Join LaDonna Gatlin as she headlines the 2014 Annual Women’s Night Out. Laugh and be inspired to tune up your life to find the song in your heart. Gatlin may seem like a familiar name because LaDonna is the sister of the famous, country singers The Gatlin Brothers. Tickets are $10 and include desert and coffee. Childcare available. These tickets will make a great gift for girlfriends, wives & moms! Click Here to reserve your spot. Questions? Contact Ceil McGee cmcgee@ucumc.org. Are you a Senior Adult (65+)? Then you’re INVITED to the youth-sponsored Valentine’s Banquet! Join us at 11:00am on Sunday, February 16th for BINGO, lunch, dessert, door prizes, sweets and more, as we honor you and show our love for all you do! Contact Pat Toney, (704) 536-6118, to RSVP.

Heavenly Readers - Women’s Book Club: Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30pm in the Guest Café. This month’s reading selection will be I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls’ education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons. It will make you believe in the power of one person’s voice to inspire change in the world. Questions? Contact Cindy Leap for more info - cslgrantwriter@gmail.com.

Ceil McGee, Adult Ministry Director cmcgee@ucumc.org, 704-369-8006

youth ministries Praise The Lord: Renovation Youth Choir and the FUSION Praise Band were privileged to sing at the Billy Graham Library on Saturday, December 14th. January 12th – Theme Night at FUSION: “Neon Night”!

FUSION Praise Band

Renovation Youth Choir

FUSION Christmas Celebration – December 16th Over 100 FUSION youth and adult leaders got together for pizza, inflatables, dancing, games, and more, to fellowship together right before Christmas!

January 26th – Brinner (breakfast for dinner) & Movie Night – UC Kids and FUSION Youth. We got together (some of us in our jammies!) for breakfast and a viewing of Despicable Me 2 – on the big screen. All generations were represented for this church family movie night!

Upcoming Events:

For more information, go to www.ucumc.org/youth or contact Megan Leap - mleap@ucumc.org or (704) 369-8014.

Senior Adult Valentine’s Banquet - February 16th from 11am-1pm: Join us in a wonderful opportunity to serve the older members of our church and help them feel special on this day that celebrates love. High school Sunday school classes will set up for this event. Lunch will be served at Noon. February 16th: Theme Night @ FUSION - America Night! Come in your red, white & blue, or whatever you think represents America! In honor of Constitution Day and Presidents’ Day (both in February)! Middle School Mania Feb. 22, 8am-10pm: It’s gonna be a CRAZY FUN day - we’ll be on the go & at it all day long! You won’t want to miss the fun and fellowship with your friends! Cost is $40 per person; includes a service opportunity, LaserQuest, lunch, Faith & Family night with the Charlotte Bobcats (concert & basketball game). Visit www.ucumc.org/youth and click on Upcoming Events to find more information about sign ups. *Adult chaperones needed!* Deadline to sign up is February 9th.

Megan Leap, Youth Ministry Director mleap@ucumc.org, 704-369-8014

children’s ministries Praise The Lord: UC Kids & Christmas! Children and their great families had a wonderful time this Christmas season, at UCUMC! We were very blessed to be able to take part in some wonderful activities and services. The Saturday prior to the Nativity taking place (December 21st), we had a smooth rehearsal with more children participating than we had the year before. Over 80 children took part in bringing to life, the reason we celebrate Christmas. After the rehearsal, families gathered in the Fellowship Center to decorate our Christmas tree with ornaments and decorate hundreds of delicious cupcakes. Thanks to the Dads and Moms who helped make the event possible! Sunday, December 22nd, we were able to present the Nativity and enjoyed seeing all the parts played out by the wonderful children of UC Kids and UCUMC! After the service, the church family gathered in the Fellowship Center for a quaint Happy Birthday Jesus Party! All who attended had a great time! Christmas Eve we were able to enjoy time together at the 4pm Family Service. Funny and meaningful videos kept us on track as to whom and why we celebrate Christmas! We sang carols together, gave Him our offering, received communion and had special prayer. It was a sweet, fun, enjoyable and memorable evening together and a truly wonderful way to remember Christ this holiday season.

Upcoming Events: • UC Kids Family Sweetheart Dance - February 8th from 5-8pm (drop-in event). You don’t want to miss out on this special night for all your loved ones! Bring them all for a night of dancing, fun, & food as we share HIS love with all those around us. We’ll have heavy hors d’oeuvres, photos, a craft for the kids, and dancing. To sign up for this free event visit: www.ucumc.org/familyevents. • Mar 22 - “In Flight” Movie Night: Join us in the Fellowship Hall as we set it up to be ‘aviation friendly’ while we eat popcorn, sip on drinks, and enjoy the movie, PLANES! There are surprises planned so stay tuned to the details that will follow closer to the event. • WinShape Camp ‘14 - June 16 - 20 First time ever - WinShape Kickoff event Feb. 21st - For more information contact Tim Patrick. • VBS ‘14 - July 14 - 18 • Sept 7 - Children / Youth Picnic at the YMCA • Oct 18 - Fall Festival • Dec 21, 2014 - Children’s Nativity Look for more information on these events in UCUMC Publications as the time gets closer.

Tim Patrick, Children’s Ministry Director tpatrick@ucumc.org,704-369-8023

Weekday School Praise The Lord: Check out what our Weekday School students have been up to: Some of the themes we are learning about in January are winter, polar bears, penguins and hibernation. Classes have had PJ day, played with “shaving cream snow”, and painted with ice Our Chapel stories for the month of January were about how God never sleeps. He created the sun for the day and the moon & stars for the nighttime. They are also learning the story of Noah’s Ark and how God always keeps his promises.

Robert Lowery also known as the ‘Music Man’ visited the Weekday School on January 16th. The 3 and 4 year olds sang, danced, learned about musical notes and listened to Mr. Lowery play several different instruments. The teachers and kids had a great time with him!

Upcoming Events: On January 28th & 29th we will celebrate our dads with our annual “Donuts for Dads” party. 2014 – 2015 Weekday School Registration: Currently enrolled families: January 27th – February 14th Prospective families: February 10th – February 21st UCUMC is proud to offer a developmentally appropriate faith based experience for children ages one (must be one by May 15, 2014) to five. We work to help children become engaged and enthusiastic lifelong learners, provide learning opportunities for parents and the community, and to support the ministry and mission of UCUMC. Visit www.ucumc.org/wds to find registration information and online form. For more information and to set up a tour contact the WDS office at 704-598-3577 or email Blair, bluther@ucumc.org February 11 at 9:30am in room 418 we will hold an information meeting about TK. This class is designed for children who will be 5 years of age before August 30th 2014.

Blair Luther, Weekday School Director bluther@ucumc.org, 704-369-8010

Uplifting Passionate Worship Praise The Lord: Happy New Year! It is great to be worshipping God in 2014! The Renovation Youth Choir participated in the Christmas Musical in December helping lead UCUMC in worship this Christmas Season. In addition, they teamed up with the FUSION Praise Band and provided music at the Billy Graham Library on December 14th.

December was an uplifting month in Worship at UCUMC as we celebrated Advent! On Dec 1, 8, and 15 Pastors Ron and Chad presented messages that showed us how to “Give Christmas Away.” Tim Patrick, our Children’s Ministry Director shared that before we can give away the love of God, we must first receive it, as we can’t give away what we don’t have. Right after Tim’s message, the UC Kids Ministry gave their talents to God and us as they presented the 2014 Children’s Nativity.

UCUMC presented many special worship services and events during December. To see more of each event check out our photos on Facebook: Children-Youth Christmas Collage: On Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM The kids of CrossTraining (Children’s Music and Arts Ministry), HIS HANDS Puppet Ministry, and Joybells (Youth Handbell ensemble) presented their Christmas concert. Christmas Musical: A University City Christmas: On Friday, December 20 at 7pm and Saturday, December 21 at 3pm (matinée) the Celebration Choir, Exaltation Ringers, Narrators, Percussion Ensemble, Psalm 150 Orchestra, Renovation Youth Choir, Spirit Singers, Tech Team, 11:00 Worship Team, and guests: The University YMCA Senior Elite dancers, presented A University City Christmas. Nearly 1000 people experienced these concerts as either presenters or attendees.

Christmas Eve: More than 1400 worshippers drew close to God to celebrate the birth of Jesus at our three Christmas Eve Worship Services. That was a very special evening, and we were blessed to see UCUMC members (and their family members who were home for a visit) as well as many guests.

Matt Guild, Director of Traditional Worship, 9:45am mguild@ucumc.org, 704-369-8011

Uplifting Passionate Worship Upcoming Events: We have many exciting plans in the Worship and the Arts Ministry for 2014! Guest Preacher: On Sunday, February 23rd at both the 9:45 & 11:00am worship services, we will welcome guest preacher Rev. Larry Goodpastor. Rev. Goodpastor is the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear a great speaker!

The Renovation Youth Choir will be singing the National Anthem at the Charlotte Bobcats game on February 22nd. All are invited to come to Faith and Family night with the Charlotte Bobcats: pre-game concert with Building 429 and then attend the basketball game Bobcats vs. Grizzlies. Click Here for more info and to sign up.

Easter Musical: Our Adult Worship and Arts Ministry Ensembles will combine to present our 2014 Easter Musical on Friday, April 11 at 7:00pm and Saturday, April 12 at 3:00pm (matinée). This is always a powerful time of worship, celebration, and reflection during Lent.

CrossTraining Spring Musical - The Star Factor: Our Children’s Music and Arts Ministry has begun learning our new Spring Musical: The Star Factor. We have opportunities for Children in grades K-5th as singers, dancers, actors, and tech-stage hands. Our 3 & 4 Year Old Little Lambs Choir will also be involved in the presentations. We practice on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 (visit www.ucumc.org/crosstraining for more information). Save the dates of Wednesdays May 7 & 14 to come and see our kids and hear this wonderful message about using our gifts and talents to glorify God and encourage each other.

We pray that God will bless you and your family in many special ways in the weeks ahead. We pray that you will make attending worship at UCUMC a high priority on your calendar during 2014. We always look forward to seeing you because you are important to God and to us.

Lee Zeigler, Director of Contemporary Worship, 11:00am lzeigler@ucumc.org, 704-369-8017

Called to Serve & Missions Focused I have been a staff member here at University City UMC for one and one half year. I love it here. I love the walking legacies who still walk these halls. I love the beauty of the campus in the Spring and its majesty in the Fall. I love the beauty and tranquility of the indoor chapel; I love the “thin place” that is created when I am on the benches at the outdoor chapel. I love meatloaf night of the Wonderful Wednesday Meals. I love the generational diversity that exists here. I love that we can learn from the folks who went before us and are giants in the Kingdom! The one thing that I love above all of those things, however, is the incredible heart that exists here. There is a heart to serve. There is a heart to share hope with many. There is a heart to Be the Change. The heart here is, in practice and in word: Go. Do. I am a blessed man because I serve and attend here. You are a blessed person for the same reason. Thank you. Thank you for serving, loving and for giving this place such “heart”! Sincerely, Pastor Ray

Praise The Lord: University City and particularly, the Missions Committee, thanks Steve Maynard for his years of service as the Chairperson of the Missions Committee. Steve was a very dedicated Chairperson. If you have ever worked with Steve, you will know that he is a dedicated and thorough leader. Steve has many passions and led the team very effectively as its Chair for two years. Steve continues to spearhead the Room In The Inn (RITI) efforts for UCUMC. Steve, we thank you and we honor you for who you are and for all that you have done and continue to do!

You helped 145 Children! Thanks to your generous gifts, 145 impoverished children were able to celebrate Christmas this year. The children, their families, the teachers from the schools, and the neighborhood children thank you very much. There were many tears of gratefulness from the families and squeals of joy from the children. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful church family!

Upcoming Events: Scouting for Food: Please help us support our neighbors in need. UCUMC’s Troop 13 and Pack 13 will be collecting non-perishable food donations on Sunday, February 2 for our annual Scouting for Food drive to support Loaves and Fishes. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will be located in front of the Sanctuary before and after both services to collect your donations. In greatest demand are canned meats, canned fruits, 100% fruit juices, canned pasta (such as Spaghettios), and cereal. We cannot collect glass containers or frozen food. Last year UCUMC collected 1900 pounds for Scouting for Food. Thank you for your generosity and support in helping the Scouts.

Called to Serve & Missions Focused, cont. Upcoming Events: Room In The Inn (RITI): RITI is underway! Each Monday night, until March, UCUMC will provide shelter and food for our homeless neighbors. We will transport guests from the Urban Ministry C enter (uptown location) to the church, offer a place to sleep, warm showers, serve meals, have interactions and then return the neighbors uptown the following morning. Learn more about RITI at www.ucumc.org/riti Last year 150 UCUMC volunteers provided 170 beds and 510 meals to our neighbors. Most of the weeks have been filled. If your group would like to help out in March, please contact Steve Maynard: smaynard@bellsouth.net Red Cross Blood Drive - Tuesday, February 11th from 3-7pm in the Hospitality Suite. Come donate blood with UCUMC to support the lifesaving efforts of the American Red Cross. All presenting donors will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $1500 gift card! Visit www.ucumc.org/blooddrive to make an appointment. If you have any questions please contact Kristin Gable - 704968-7915.

Storyline: Working with a life coach to create your life plan can cost hundreds of dollars. But we’ve made life planning efficient and affordable. When you complete the Storyline 2.0 process with, you’ll have a life plan that will give you clarity and direction for living a great story! Amazon gives 4.5 stars to this selection! You will need to purchase a copy of the book prior to group. The materials will be handed out at the first group for $25.00. Group begins January 29, 2014 at 6:30p in Room 108. Contact Pastor Ray McKinnon for more information: rmckinnon@ucumc.org or 704-369-8031

Spiritual Gifts Test: The first step to finding where you will most naturally “fit” in service is to take a Spiritual Gifts assessment. The Christian Service Department are here to do all that we can to lower the hurdle to serving. For that purpose, we have made it very simple to take a test that has been geared and catered for you. Adults may take the Spiritual Gifts assessment by visiting: www.ucumc.org/adultspiritualgifts and Youth may take the assessment by visiting: www.ucumc.org/youthspiritualgifts. We encourage you to take this very important first step to serving. After you have done that, go over to MyUCUMC and find a serving opportunity - Click Here!

2014 Spring Children and Teen Consignment Sale: Friday,February 28th 6-9:30pm & Saturday, March 1st, 8am-2pm (1/2 price sale). Consignor Registration is now open! Visit www.ucumc.org/consignmentsale for more information about the sale and how to become involved.

Pastor Ray McKinnon, Director of Christian Service rmckinnon@ucumc.org, 704-369-8031

Administration Upcoming Dates: For Your Calendar... Guest Preacher: On Sunday, February 23rd at both the 9:45 & 11:00am worship services, we will welcome guest preacher Rev. Larry Goodpastor. Rev. Goodpastor is the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear a great speaker! Church Council Meeting: Our next church council meeting will be Monday, March 3rd at 6pm in Room 120. All are welcome to attend the meetings. We invite you to come and learn more about your church and how we operate!

Jan. 30 - David Cox Curriculum Night Meal Feb. 8 - UC Kids Family Sweetheart Dance Feb. 11 - Blood Drive Feb. 11 - Tune Up Your Life, Women’s Night Out Feb. 16 - Senior Adult Valentine’s Banquet Feb. 19 - Heavenly Readers Feb. 22 - Middle School Mania Feb. 22 - Faith and Family Night Feb. 23 - Bishop Rev. Larry Goodpastor preaching Feb. 28 & March 1 - Spring Consignment Sale March 2 - Celebration Sunday, combined service 10am March 3 - Church Council Meeting March 5 - Ash Wednesday Service, 6:30pm March 7 & 8 - Boy Scouts BBQ and Silent Auction March 8 & 9 - HIS HANDS Puppethon March 22 - UC Kids Movie Night

The next publication of the UCUMC Celebration Newsletter will be Wednesday, April 4, 2014. Do you have information you would like to include in the next Celebration Newsletter? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact the head of the ministry area the corresponds with the information you would like to share: • Unlimited Hospitality: Tammy Cline - tcline@ucumc.org, 704-369-8018 • Committed to Growing in Christ: Bert Giles - bgiles@ucumc.org, 704-369-8020 • Adult Ministry: Ceil McGee - cmcgee@ucumc.org, 704-369-8006 • Youth Ministry: Megan Leap - mleap@ucumc.org, 704-369-8014 • Children’s Ministry: Tim Patrick - tpatrick@ucumc.org, 704-369-8023 • Uplifting Passionate Worship: • Traditional: Matt Guild - mguild@ucumc.org, 704-369-8011 • Contemporary: Lee Zeigler - lzeigler@ucumc.org, 704-369-8017 • Missions Focused: Ray McKinnon - rmckinnon@ucumc.org, 704-369-8031 • Called to Serve: Ray McKinnon - rmckinnon@ucumc.org, 704-369-8031 • Administration: Ria Holtzhausen - rholtzhausen@ucumc.org, 704-369-8015

Ria Holtzhausen, Director of Administration rholtzhausen@ucumc.org, 704-369-8015