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REMARKS W
hat have you done so far to prepare for Christmas? Decorated your tree? Set up a manger scene? Sent any Christmas cards? Baked any cookies? The season of Advent (Latin, “coming toward”) is intended to prepare us for the joy of Christmas, the first time Jesus “came toward” us. At the same time, we wait with hope for the second coming of Jesus Christ. You would think, therefore, that we would fill these weeks leading up to Christmas with spiritual devotion, acts of service, and generous giving to people in need. Instead, Advent has sadly turned into a shopping frenzy! Let’s admit it: the Christian message of Jesus’ birth has been co-opted by the marketplace. Go shopping. Buy stuff. Buy more stuff. And when you don’t have enough money to buy more stuff, just charge it. These are the messages floating in the air we breathe during “the most wonderful time of year.” Clever marketing agents have convinced us that our loved ones will love us in return if we would only buy them the perfect gift. These assumptions drive us further and further away from the manger in Bethlehem. Have you noticed how stores and restaurants stay open longer during this season? And have you also noticed how shoppers are often terse, rude, and impatient with store employees? Every year, I see more restaurants advertising “Open 24 Hours, including Christmas and New Years.” It all seems to start during the week of Thanksgiving, gaining downhill force like a snowball rushing into January. I wonder how many of these employees are forced to miss family time. If they refuse to work on a holiday, will their Ebenezer Scrooge boss come down hard on them? Granted, they choose to work in these stores and restaurants. Nonetheless, the larger question is this: what has become of our culture that we compel stores and restaurants to stay open, even at the risk of employees sacrificing their holiday? In light of this – rather in the Light of the star shining over Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus – let me modestly suggest that we: • give simple home-made gifts. • invite a friend to eat a special meal with you during December. • not go out shopping or eating on holidays or during late night hours; maybe, just maybe, the managers will realize once again the value of closing the doors and turning off the lights. • treat the employees in stores and restaurants with dignity, kindness, compassion, and patience. • trust that our loved ones really do love us, regardless of the gifts we give. You can live in the Light, trusting that God really does love you! Because at Christmas, God gave His only begotten Son. Whoever believes in him will not perish under holiday pressure, but have everlasting life!
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Advent and Christmas blessings, Pastor Mark
An Opportunity to Serve
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e have an opportunity for you to serve on a monthly basis to connect our homebound members to the life of the church through serving communion. The bread and the cup is offered as an extension of our table after we experience communion to those who are unable to attend worship. All people are invited to experience the love and grace Christ offers at the table. If you are willing to serve on a monthly basis, please call Reverend Erin Michelle Weaver at (704) 636-3121, ext.107.
ADVENT STUDY “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them…” (John 17:18)
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od sent Christ at Christmas. In turn, Christ sends us into the world to be his hands and feet, head and heart. Dynamic pastor Jorge Acevedo leads us on a 5 week Advent journey to discover how, where, and why we are sent. Joining him on the journey are four young clergy including Jacob Armstrong, Rachel Billups, Justin LaRosa, and Lanecia Rouse, who challenge us through story, art, and Bible study. The book is not required for the study; however, you can order a book, you can order it at Cokesbury or Amazon at a cost of $10. There are two opportunities to participate (Thursday mornings at 10am or Thursday evenings at 6:30pm). We will meet December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 in the Seekers Classroom. Reverend Erin Michelle Weaver will be facilitating the class. If you would like more information, please contact her in the church office at (704) 636-3121 ext. 107 or erinmichelle@ fumcsalisbury.org.
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An Advent Series Fridays@First
An Advent Series
December 2 Jeffrey Price
tenor
With pia nist Ma tthew Ma nwa rren
An array of sacred and secular music of the season
December 2 Jeffrey Price tenor December 9
With pia nist Ma tthew Ma nwa rren
Biggam ob oist An array Mark of sacred and secular music of the season Wi th pia nist ma tthew micha el brown
Francis Poulenc’s hauntingly beautiful Oboe Sonata and December 9French carols arrangements of traditional
Mark Biggam
ob oist
Wi th pia nist ma tthew micha el brown
Francis Poulenc’s hauntingly beautiful December 16 Oboe Sonata and arrangements of traditional French carols
Jacqueline yost
orga nist
Festive organ masterworks by Bach, Dupré, and others .
.
December 16 Jacqueline yost orga nist All concerts are a gift to our community
Festive by Bach, Dupré, and others andorgan beginmasterworks at 12 noon.
All concerts are a gift to our community and begin at 12 noon. STANBACK DEPARTMENT OF SACRED MUSIC FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SALISBURY
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MISSIONS MOMENTS
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he late Betty Feezor, longtime local TV home economist, once shared this thought from her father, “Live your life so that after you’re gone it mattered.” In 2016 FUMC through your Mission Team, set out to do just that. Here is a brief summary of our projects and successes, which have made a difference: 1. In January, the Super Bowl of Caring paired with Scouting for Food and a Super Bowl challenge to support our own Carolina Panthers. On Super Bowl Sunday, Scouts from Troop 442 delivered 775 pounds of non-perishable food to Rowan Helping Ministries. Not only did they unload the food, but also restocked the shelves in the Community Pantry. 2. Our Day of Serving began with a Lenten Calendar challenge. With this Bible study and time of prayer FUMC members donated $1,531.59 toward funding the “Stop Hunger Now” food packaging event. 3. The Hedrick Friendship Class has supported Rowan Helping Ministries’ unsponsored meals in the amount of $404.00 to date. 4. FUMC supported Rowan Helping Ministries with $13,000, in addition to amounts given by individual FUMC members. 5. Every second Thursday of each month, members from FUMC prepare and serve dinner and help in the laundry at Rowan Helping Ministries. The following morning another team of early risers prepare breakfast for those same guests. On average, we served about 80-90 meals this year resulting in a total of at least 2,040 meals. 6. FUMC members deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound Rowan County residents every first and third Tuesdays, as well as two fifth Tuesdays. 7. FUMC’s volunteer cooking team sponsored a Wednesday Night Supper and donated all the funds to pay part of the cost of supplies for Stop Hunger Now food packaging event. 8. A Day of Serving, co-sponsored by the Mission and the Evangelism Teams, sponsored three events: A. A team of UMW volunteers worked to beautify the front gardens of Capstone Recovery Center. B. Another team of FUMC members cleaned,
painted and repaired the Ketner Building at Rowan Helping Ministries. C. At the Fellowship Hall, Boy Scouts and members of all ages gathered to package 20,000 bags of dehydrated meals for “Stop Hunger Now.” 9. The Mission Team helped sponsor our Youth Mission trip to Honduras with a donation of $3,400. 10. FUMC sponsored meals for the Girls Softball Tournament which were generously covered by personal donations. Even with the extreme heat, FUMC was well represented and the effort was much appreciated. RHM and other groups within the church and community shared the extra food. 11. September began with an appeal for school supplies for Isenberg Elementary School and One Church One Child. (Mrs. Sara Hill reported those figures in the October Ecclesia.) 12. September 10th marked the official beginning of our Habitat for Humanity Home in Salisbury’s Morlan Heights. Teams of volunteers have been working hard each weekend, even one very rainy day in October. The home is on schedule and should be completed sometime near the end of November. 13. Our Uwharrie District sent out a desperate call for Flood Buckets to help with the devastating flooding from Hurricane Matthew in eastern North Carolina. Within one week, members of FUMC responded with 38 completed buckets and extra cleaning items that were delivered on Sunday, October 30, 2016. 14. Each month we delivered at least 10-20 pounds of donated food to Rowan Helping Ministries. 15. Our December challenge is to help members of the Isenberg Elementary School Community and One Church One Child at Christmas. I am sure that response will be fulfilling for those giving and those receiving. Speaking for your Mission Team 2016, thank you for making a difference. Your mission outreach mattered to a great many people.
Sincerely, Taffy Jordan, Chair Mission Team 2016
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MISSIONS MOMENTS cont.
T
We helped build a Habitat house!
his project required the efforts of many of our members, and we appreciate every single one of you who made it happen, from those who hammered nails to those who fed the workers. Angela Pipes did a great job organizing all of the food, and Larry Cordts made sure we had volunteers every week. (A special shoutout to Ginny Wilber, who brought cookies every week!) Big thanks go to Mark Park, who, besides logging countless volunteer hours leading our construction efforts, managed to regularly post photos of the project on a church bulletin board. It’s been great getting to know each other in a fun work environment while doing something positive for our community. Margie, the homeowner, was a delight to work with and has been so appreciative.
So thank you, everyone!
Matt and Becky McLaughlin were faithful workers throughout the Habitat project, working almost every Saturday.
Mid WEEK
@
Midweek at First will be taking a hiatus Dec. 21, 28, and Jan. 4. Enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Join us again on Jan. 11 for fellowship and community building at 5:30pm
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FIRST
Dinner served at 5:30 pm. All are welcome
DECEMBER 7 Youth Christmas Program
DECEMBER 14 “Watch and Wait” Gift Wrapping for Isenberg Schools
FFESTIVAL of ESTIVAL of N INE LESSONS NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Co’clock AROLS December 18,AND 2016 Five in the afternoon A A
December 18, 2016 Five o’clock in the afternoon
Music of Paul Halley, Morten Lauridsen, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Music Paul Halley, Lauridsen, RalphBradley Vaughan Williams, Bobof Chilcott, Kim Morten André Arnesen, William Roberts, Bob Chilcott,and KimJohn André Arnesen, William Bradley Roberts, Rutter, accompanied by and Johnorgan, Rutter, accompanied brass quintet, harp, oboe, and by timpani. brass quintet, organ, harp, oboe, and timpani. STANBACK DEPARTMENT OF SACRED MUSIC F IBRASCTK UDNEI PT AE RD TM CRHEUDR CMHU S I C STAN M EE T NH T OODFI SSTA C BU NO TO H DCI SATR O F I RSSATL IUS N I TREYD, M E TR H CLHI UN RA C H SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
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YOUTH MINISTRY Riverbanks Zoo Overnight
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he South Carolina trip was a fun and educational trip. This was a good opportunity for the our middle
school students to get closer, and a fun way to learn about the Lord. We went to the South Carolina Zoo on Friday, and stayed the night in their learning center. Although we arrived a bit late, we got to go behind the scenes to meet some cool animals, as well as see what the zoo looks like after hours. We came back, got ready for bed, then the zookeeper who stayed with us gave us a chance to see and feel a tortoise and a snake. We learned about genetics, and how there can be many genetic backgrounds in one species. As we talked about genetics, we incorporated a lesson on how God made all of us and gave us all different parts to play. If God had not made us all different and unique in our own ways, there would be so much boredom in life. The next day we packed our stuff, and had a few hours to look around. We wanted to see the other animals too! We not only learned about God in many different ways, we were all able to connect with each other, make new friends, and just chill out.
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– Written by Emily B., Grade 7
F
The 2016 Church-Wide Hoedown all is a beautiful time of year, and in the past several years it has been celebrated at First United Methodist
by the church members being invited to the Langford’s home outside of town. The celebration this year included some fantastic homemade dishes brought to share with the group. Many people brought lawn chairs, played corn hole, roasted marshmallows, and went for a hay ride. It was wonderful to see people of all ages gathering and enjoying a perfect fall evening together.
Middle School Students Volunteer
D
uring the same weekend our middle school students went on their zoo adventure, they also
took time to volunteer at Rowan Helping Ministries. Their time of service happened during one of our Sunday Night Gatherings, so dinner was expedited and the vehicles were loaded. When they arrived at RHM the process was explained, and our students wasted no time. Their project that night was to pack boxes of food which would later be distributed to families supported through the USDA. Each box is filled with a variety of food and designed to be distributed once a month. Students’ responsibilities were to gather the items for each box from around the warehouse and bring them to their team who would assemble the box and set it on the pallets used to store them until distribution. The students took their jobs very seriously-no one has ever gathered groceries as quickly as Lindsay Conrad! And at the end of the night they had packed 75 boxes! Now that is some serious teamwork! We couldn’t be more proud of how the group worked together that night, and the high schoolers have their work cut out for them to beat that record when they go to RHM in December.
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Friday@First: An Advent Series December 2 | 12:00 pm Songs of Longing and Expectation Renowned pianist Matthew Manwarren joins tenor Jeffrey Price in a performance of music by Schubert, John Jacob Niles, and others.
December 7 | 5:30-7:00 pm Youth leading program - Midweek @ First Salisbury Youth invites you to catch a glimpse of the first Christmas as if it were frozen in time. Several of our students will take part in leading the evening.
Friday@First: An Advent Series December 9 | 12:00 pm Musique Français Oboist Mark Biggam is joined by pianist Matthew Brown in a performance of music by French composers, including Francis Poulenc’s hauntingly beautiful Oboe Sonata and arrangements of traditional French carols.
December 18 | 9:45 am Birthday Party For Jesus! Pre-School-5th Grade
December 18 | 5:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Join us for this annual tradition which welcomes the community for this beautiful service. The choirs of First Church are joined by brass quintet, bells, oboe, harp, and organ. A prelude of music for brass and bells begins at 4:30pm.
December 18 | 6:30-8:00 pm Salisbury Youth and Club 45 Christmas Party Salisbury Youth and Club 45 will be hosting Christmas parties following Lessons and Carols. Join us in celebrating the Advent/Christmas season!
December 24 | 4:00 pm Paper Bag Pageant
December 11 | 4:00-5:15 pm Children’s Christmas Celebration!
December 24 | 7:00 pm A Service of Worship
We begin with a service led by our children in the sanctuary and then conclude with the creation of family Gingerbread Houses in the Fellowship Hall.
December 24 | 11:00 pm A Service of Worship
Friday@First: An Advent Series December 16 | 12:00 pm Organ Masterworks Salisbury native Jacqueline Yost returns to perform works of Bach, Dupré, and other festive music of the season.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Children’s Christmas Joy!
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ll children Pre-School-5th Grade are invited to join in telling the Christmas story through music, scripture and words on Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Family Gingerbread House making follows in the Fellowship Hall. Approximately 20 speaking parts are available as well as all children joining in the singing. On December 4 there will be a short meeting in the Sanctuary with parents following 11:00 am worship service to hand out speaking parts. Wednesday December 7 will be our full practice from 6:30-7:00pm. (Please join us for dinner at 5:30 prior to our practice. Remember to make your dinner reservation through the church office by Monday, December 5)
J
The Birthday of a King
oin the Party on Sunday December 18! Pre-School-5th Graders are invited to join in the fun! Please bring a pack of diapers, wipes, or onsies to share for babies in need. The fun begins at 9:45 am in the After School Care Room (second floor of the education building).
Paper Bag Pageant
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ring your family and friends and step into the Christmas story as it is told. Donkeys, Sheep, and Angels will all be there! Come and share in a wonderful family Christmas service.
Isenberg Christmas Love Bags
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n December 21, the last day of school before Christmas break, we will be giving Christmas Love Bags to all the
Isenberg Elementary School children, teachers and staff. Your support and prayers for this project are greatly needed. Any volunteers who would like to help stuff the bags with goodies on Monday, December 19, in the Fellowship Hall, please contact Sara Hill at (704) 642-1612.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY OUTREACH
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The four and five year olds at FUMC-Child Development Center are having fun cutting out a pattern to make aprons. They are learning about different types of clothes, the features of clothes, how we take care of clothes, and how the cloth is made, where do we get our clothes, and what special clothes do we wear. We are very excited to have parents sharing clothes from Africa and India. Director, Vicki Wood First United Methodist Church Child Development Center cdc@fumcsalisbury.org 704-633-7209 Love never fails! 1 Corinthians 13:8
Cutting out our pattern, making an apron with Mrs. Shirley
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WORLD CHANGERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS “No big deal, just changing the world” World Changers New Sunday School Class for Young Adults
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n October, a new Sunday School class was created to provide an opportunity for young adults at FUMC to meet together in a small group. We would love for you to join us! We meet on the stage in the Fellowship Hall. We will be studying the book of Luke and discussing questions. In addition to our small group study, we have plans for acts of service to carry out as a group. Sunday School starts at 9:45. I look forward to seeing you there!
Christmas Party!
You’re Invited to a World Changers Christmas Party!
December 10th, 2016
5pm-until
At Bob & Caroline Johnsen’s House
528 West Peeler St. Salisbury 28146
For further questions check out our Facebook group: World Changers Sunday School Class OR email Leia Bruton at leia.dewald@gmail.com
Are you a World Changer? Sunday school for ages 20-39 at 9:45am
Wear An Ugly Christmas Sweater
Bring a Finger Food & a $10 gift for White Elephant
*Childcare will be provided*
RSVP to erinmichelle@fumcsalisbury.org
A Fresh New Bible Study
“J
esus is the answer.” You’ve probably seen that on bumper stickers or sung it in church. The perception of Jesus as the divine answer-man is appealing: Life has questions, so you go to the Bible, look on the right page, and find the answers – and everything’s good. But while that approach might work for algebra class, it doesn’t seem to work so well in something called “life.” So what do you do? Take a fresh approach. This study of the gospel of Luke will help you wrestle personally with the often unsettling questions Jesus himself asked. Life is full of questions, and an honest believer learns how to embrace those questions and build a stronger faith in the process. This Bible study is filled with provocative anecdotes and excerpts from literature and current events.
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FUMC AFTER-SCHOOL
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he After-School Child Care Program for 20162017 is exceptional! The program provides a structured environment to support spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual, and creative development and also includes a component to serve others. This program follows the Safe Sanctuary Policy of FUMC which requires a minimum of two adults to be present during all children and youth activities. A structured daily schedule incorporates time for physical activities, devotions and character building, a healthy snack, tutoring and homework assistance, and art and craft projects. A completed application with a $25.00 per child non-refundable registration fee is to be submitted for enrollment. All forms can be found on the church website fumcsalisbury.org under Learn – Children and Youth. Call today to enroll your child in on all the fun. (704) 433-6679.
“Children are one of the greatest lessons in happiness, constantly challenging us to enjoy the moment, as the next one will not be the same.”
Transportation is provided from Hurley, Koontz, North Hills and Granite Elementary. Overton drops students off at the church. We welcome all children and will be happy to provide a tour of our secure facility to share our unique program. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us at (704) 636-3121 ext. 116 or at afterschool@fumcsalisbury.org.
Ready for fall carnival!
Fun with the parachute!
Leaf fun on the front church lawn!
Lego days are always fun in After-School Care.
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We are enjoying getting to know some new children in the program this year and re-connecting with old friends. We have been able to enjoy playing outside just about every day due to the mild fall we have had. After a day in the classroom, the children love free play, an organized game, participating in “kids on the run” or sitting on a blanket and playing cards with friends. Everyday, we also have a healthy snack, devotions and homework. We read books, play indoor games or go to the fellowship hall for basketball and other free play. We also have a prayer request board the children are encouraged to add to and they make and decorate cards we keep on hand to send to members of the community during sickness. Homework lasts up to an hour and is usually done from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Daily, we try to meet each student’s needs whether they need one on one help or minimal assistance.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN MUM SALE: Our mum sale went well. We raised a total of $750 for missions. Thank you to all who sold and purchased mums. ARC FESTIVAL OF TREES: We participated again this year as a UMW unit. Our theme was Away in the Manger and we decorated the tree with different styles of stars. Each circle made 25 stars to use as decorations. The tree was decorated on Thursday, December 1 the F&M Trolley Barn. The donations for our tree went to support Families First. We also collected diapers (all sizes) and wipes. Our UMW Unit meeting will be a brunch meeting on Saturday, December 3rd from 9-11 am. Our own Danny Hunt will be catering the meal so we know it will be great! We will have great speakers for the meeting and we will also be making a Christmas craft. We will give some of the craft items to the shut-ins from our unit and you can also make one to take home. The cost for the meal and craft supplies is $10. All RSVPs must be in to Traci Williams. Either email her at tracimwilliams@gmail.com or call/text her at (704) 232-4725.
The special fairies visited on Halloween!
THE METHODIST CONNECTION
M Our pumpkin weighed over 28 lbs. Congratulations to Johnathon Hebb for guessing closest to the actual weight.
What was your favorite puzzle to do when you were a child?
ethodist Connection will meet Tuesday, December 13, at noon. Come enjoy a delicious spaghetti, salad and dessert meal prepared by Chef Anne and helpers. We will all participate in a musical program using our bells and hope to have a special guest. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift for a special Santa game. Cost is $8. You will not want to miss this holiday treat.
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HERITAGE MOMENT Church Street Sanctuary Dedication – 50th Anniversary December 4, 1966 – December 4, 2016
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n the early 1950s, after much prayerful consideration, the church leaders decided to tear down the existing sanctuary on the corner of Fisher and Church Streets. Thus began the planning and funding crusades for the larger and re-designed worship space, as well as, the parsonage on Colony Road where our current Pastor Mark Conforti and his family live today.
The Big Picture From 1951 – 1953: The Building Committee lead by Russell Emerson and Robie Nash (during the pastorate of C.C. Herbert, Jr.) completed the Chapel, Education Building, and Fellowship Hall. From 1957 – 1958: The parsonage was completely built and furnished by a multi-team Building Committee chaired by Dr. J.C. Hall. In 1961: Countless people were led by E. Alvin Goodman, Jr. to raise money for the present sanctuary. The doors of this great church were opened on May 5, 1963 and the cornerstone was laid during the pastorate of Dr. Harlan L. Creech, Jr. The final building crusade from 1964 – 1966 was led by William E. Younts and Lewis E. Waddell to liquidate the remaining debt of $150,000. And the “triumphant feeling of achievement” was blessed and dedicated on December 4, 1966. May God continue to bless the devoted people of First United Methodist Church and lead us in our community outreach. For a more detailed pictorial of this Golden Anniversary Celebration, please visit the display prepared by the History and Archives Committee. The Story Board exhibit can be seen in the Fellowship Hall through Thursday, December 8.
AS WE PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS, the Chrismon Committee once again offers to create Chrismons in memory or honor of a loved one or member of the church. The book of designs is located in the church office. For more information, contact Bobbie Melton at (704) 7984460.
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DECEMBER CALENDAR SUNDAY
MONDAY
50th 4 Anniversary 5 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 12:00 PM Parent
Information Meeting about Christmas Program 4:00 PM Training for New Acolytes 5:30 PM Youth Sunday Night Meetings
11 8:30 AM Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship Service 4:00 PM Children’s Program “Joy” 5:30 PM Youth Sunday Night Meetings
18 8:30 AM
Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM
8:00 AM Adam&Eve bus trip to The Cove 6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:30 PM Hannah Circle - Parlor 7:00 PM Boy Scouts 7:00 PM Eve Circle Unit Meeting
12 Adam & Eve New Bus DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BULLETINS 10:00 AM “With these hands” 5:00 PM Girl Scouts 5:30 PM Boy ScoutsVan and Old Bus 6:00 PM Cub Scouts
19 6:00 PM Cub Scouts 6:00 PM Girl Scouts 7:00 PM Boy Scouts
Worship Service 5:00 PM
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 6:30 PM
Youth & Club 45 Christmas Party
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9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM
Worship Service
26 OFFICE CLOSED
DEDICATION
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
6
8
9
10
6:15 PM
7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 10:00 AM Adult Discipleship Advent Bible Study 12:00 PM Staff Christmas Lunch 6:30 PM Adult DiscipleshipAdvent Bible Study
13
14
15
16
17
9:00 AM Methodist Connection 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 2:00 PM Pastors 5:30 PM Family Crisis Council Board Christmas Reception 6:00 PM Autism Society Meeting 6:00 PM Trustees
2:00 PM
6:15 PM
10:00 AM Adult Discipleship Advent Bible Study 6:30 PM Adult Discipleship-Advent Bible Study 7:00 PM AA 8:00 PM Alanon
20
21
22
9:00 AM Pre-School Christmas Party 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry
2:00 PM
Archives Committee
7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 10:00 AM Adult Discipleship Advent Bible Study 6:30 PM Adult DiscipleshipAdvent Bible Study
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29
10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 6:00 PM SPRC
7
2:00 PM
Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:30 PM
Mid-Week at First The Casting Queens 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Chancel Choir
27 OFFICE CLOSED
Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:00 PM Choristers 5:30 PM
Mid-Week at First 6:00 PM Youth Bell Choir The Casting Queens 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Chancel Choir
Deadline for Bulletin announcements 3:00 PM
5:00 PM Choristers 6:00 PM Youth Bell Choir 6:15 PM The Casting
2:00 PM
Deadline for Bulletin announcements 6:15 PM
The Casting Queens
10:00 AM Adult Discipleship Advent Bible Study 6:30 PM Adult DiscipleshipAdvent Bible Study 7:00 PM AA 8:00 PM Alanon
10:00 AM Adult Discipleship Advent Bible Study 6:30 PM Adult DiscipleshipAdvent Bible Study 7:00 PM AA 8:00 PM Alanon
12:00 PM Deadline for Ecclesia articles 12:00 PM Fridays@First Concert 7:00 PM AA
6:00 AM RHM Breakfast 12:00 PM Fridays@First Concert 7:00 PM AA
12:00 PM Fridays@First Concert 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Mission Bridge Club
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OFFICE CLOSED AT 12 NOON
7:00 PM AA
30
7:00 PM AA
9:30 AM UMW Unit Brunch 2:30 PM Erwin Middle School Concert and Dinner 7:00 PM AA
6:30 AM Boy Scouts - van and old bus 7:00 PM AA
10:00 AM Music Rehearsal 7:00 PM AA
24 4:00 PM Worship Service 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Worship Service 11:00 PM Worship Service
31
7:00 PM AA
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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS ________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
1
9
19
10
Samantha Hensley 20 John Rimmer
Harold Buchanan Doug Miller ________________________________
2
Josie Anne Goodnight Maggie May Goodnight Brittany Thornton ________________________________
3
William Bivens Libby Hollowell Diana Storey ________________________________
4
Sarah Baker John Hedrick Christopher Nussman ________________________________
5
William Austin Stephen Etters Maxwell Foote ________________________________
Steven Anderson 6________________________________ Cooley 7 Phillip Bud Mickle ________________________________
8
Jean Allen Kay Paul Gina Strandlien ________________________________
Megan Bivens Alexandria Hudson Carole Shall ________________________________ James Howe William Mason ________________________________
George Hines 11 Craig Johnson Jenna Robinson ________________________________
Jacob Mills 12 Edward Nicholson, Jr.
________________________________ 13 ________________________________ Chris Sherrill 14 ________________________________ Marjorie Hughes 15 ________________________________ Bret Busby 16 Robert Roakes ________________________________ 17 ________________________________ Mason Lentz 18 Regan Roakes ________________________________
Henry Austin Beverly Hartsell Faye Hollar ________________________________
Davis West Terry Wilbur ________________________________
Delaney Fisher 21 ________________________________ Joshua Smith 22 ________________________________ Anna Maphis 23 ________________________________ 24 ________________________________ Laura Maphis 25 ________________________________ Brianna Brinkley 26 Joseph Carter James Hartsell Hoke Brittain ________________________________
Hannah Baker 27 ________________________________ Phillip Floyd 28 Ellen Mastro ________________________________ Judy Beymer 29 Noah Powell Charles Smith Joseph Steinman Adam White Peggy Yarbrough ________________________________
30 Eleanor Doby ________________________________ 31 Kathryn Baker Wes Fazia Patrick Howard Celeste Ward ________________________________
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THANK YOUS! Thank you for your generosity in providing 38 flood buckets, which will bring much needed cleaning supplies to flood victims on the coast. There are several more buckets to be completed and all additional products will be delivered. God bless each and every one you! Carl & I would like to thank our FUMC family for their cards, calls, flowers and food following my recent hospitalization. We are so blessed to be a part of such a loving congregation.
– Linda Brown
Thanksgiving Blessings Abound Dearest Friends in Christ, It seems time flies in a blink. Also, it’s hard to believe I had open heart surgery 2 weeks ago. As I woke this morning, I am reminded of all your prayers, beautiful cards, flowers, gifts visits, calls, and emails which began a week prior to my surgery and continue today at Autumn Care. I’m so touched by the outpouring of your thoughtfulness, love and support. God is so good! I have felt his guidance and presence in making the right decisions for my care and recovery. His best gift was courage and peace of mind to carry me through this experience. He has been present with my Doctors’ skills, nurses tender care, attentive staff through all levels of care. I see Him in every gentle, loving touch and other expression of love and joy every day. Life is a wonderful gift and I am most grateful for a mended heart which will give me new energy to zip through the many tasks He has before me. “I know He has plans for me.” Heartfelt thanks to you all!
– In Christian Love, Connie Sheehan
From District Superintendent, The Reverend Laura Auten Dear Revs. Conforti and Weaver and friends at First Salisbury, Thank you for hosting the Bishop’s event last week. I am so grateful for your gracious hospitality and for the many ways you share the love of Christ to our community.
– Peace, Laura Auten
CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Doctor Mark Conforti.............................. Senior Pastor The Reverend Erin Michelle Weaver............................... Associate Pastor Mrs. Becca Blackmon............................................................... Business Administrator Mr. Matthew Michael Brown............................................... Director of Music and Organist Mr. Murl Leazer............................................................................ Building Superintendent Mrs. Christine Maloney........................................................... Administrative Assistant Mrs. Pat McKim........................................................................... Director of Children’s Ministry Ms. Jenni Fogt............................................................................... Youth Director Mrs. Donna Frederick .............................................................. Lead Teacher of After School Program Mrs. Lindsay Wineka ................................................................ Director of Preschool Mrs. Vicki Wood.......................................................................... Director of Child Development Center Ms. Beth Yelvington.................................................................. Lead Teacher of Summer Camp Program
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ECCLESIA Published by:
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 217 SOUTH CHURCH STREET SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA 28144
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