March Ecclesia

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REMARKS F

leming Rutledge, in her extraordinary book, The Crucifixion, makes a persuasive claim about a Christian’s perspective toward life. She makes her assertion relative to the two most well-known seasons of the liturgical calendar: Advent and Lent.

As we recently experienced, Advent locates a Christian’s life during “in between” times, namely between the birth of Jesus Christ and his second coming. That’s where Advent invites us to imagine the story of God’s salvation, and that’s where we live throughout the year. No matter what the date is on the calendar, whether its January or July, we still live in the Advent mode.

Rutledge observes, however, that we are drawn to the cross of Christ, not thanks to its beauty, but because the mystery of God’s love is on full display.

The season of Lent creates space for us to ponder deeply, this mystery. We live in anticipation of Christ’s second coming, yet we cannot shake loose the horror and ugliness of the Cross. The beginning words in Jürgen Moltmann’s The Crucified God startle us: “The cross is not and cannot be loved.” What was originally the Roman Empire’s means for public humiliation and execution has now become the world’s most universally recognized religious symbol.

Think about how frequently you see the cross: in home décor, advertisements, and of course jewelry. Do these public appearances in any way soften or even romanticize the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?

Jesus’ crucifixion – his brutal suffering and death upon the cross – is the central defining act in God’s story of salvation. And what a scandalous act it is! “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,” says the Apostle Paul, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).” At the core of Christian theology is the unwavering conviction that Jesus’ death on the cross somehow provides people access to God’s forgiveness, reconciliation with God, the opportunity for new life, and the gift of eternal life in heaven. But HOW is this power at work?

During Lent, let us reflect more deeply upon “the power of God” in the cross. This may be a difficult task for at least three reasons. First, as mentioned earlier, we may be too familiar with the cross that its harsh reality is lost. Second, we are too easily satisfied with a surface level understanding, and we move on to the next captivating idea. Third, and most importantly, the cross names what we are afraid to face: how our sin demands confession, and our lives need saving.

May the saving power of God work within you.

Grace and peace, Pastor Mark

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SAVE THE

DATE

MARCH 19 What’s the Difference: A Panel Discussion 4:00 pm

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hristians are called to bear witness to the love of God in this world. As Jesus said, his disciples would be known by the way they love one another (John 13:34-35). How we talk with one another and engage in daily life matters. Amidst all of the conversations we have related to refugees, public policy, marriage, gender, violence, education, and generational identity lies a basic question: “How do we live together?” The purpose of this panel discussion is to offer our church and the community the biblical, theological and intellectual tools needed to think and live faithfully in our increasingly diverse world.

Rev. Kevin Wright Minister of Education, The Riverside Church in New York City

Mrs. Betty Jo Hardy former Lay Leader and General Conference delegate for the Western North Carolina Conference member at Milford Hills United Methodist Church

This will be interactive with questions and answers.

The Rev. Dr. Ken Walden

Dr. Maria Vandergriff-Avery

Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling; Director of United Methodist Studies; Director of Supervised Ministry Hood Theological Seminary

Professor of Sociology and Director of the College Honors Program Catawba College member at First United Methodist Church of Salisbury

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oday, I stand with colleagues representing several faith traditions to strongly denounce President Trump’s widespread attack on immigrants and refugees.

President Trump’s reckless, ill-conceived executive orders will divide families, impose a religious test for Muslims facing forced migration, penalize communities providing sanctuary and wall off the United States from our neighbors. These actions are expensive, unnecessary and profoundly antithetical to our values of compassion, dignity and justice for all individuals regardless of nationality, religious affiliation or legal status.

The biblical witness is clear and unambiguous. Walls are unbiblical. Hospitality is biblical. Denying one’s neighbor is unbiblical. Welcoming the stranger is biblical. It is not surprising that Judaism, Christianity and Islam teach the reign of God as a banquet to which all peoples are invited. We are to welcome the sojourner, love our neighbor and stand with the most vulnerable among us. These very values from our sacred texts and faith traditions are currently reflected in the mandate of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and must not be usurped by any executive order. Orders, legislation or administrative actions that would have the U.S. State Department disqualify refugees from protection and resettlement based on their nationality or religion are a denial of the very principles this nation was built upon, contradict the legacy of leadership our country has offered the world, and dishonor our shared humanity.

Jesus was explicit in his teachings. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus says, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”

(Matthew 10:40).

Refugees and immigrants arrive among us, not only with their needs, but also bearing gifts of energy, resourcefulness, love of liberty and hope. These gifts have always contributed to the renewal of our society and the church.

Above all, these strangers bring to us the Christ. When we welcome a stranger we welcome Jesus, and when we welcome Jesus we welcome our creator. Refugees, immigrants, those yearning to be free—these are the ones whom Jesus spoke about when he said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).

Repeatedly Jesus tells his disciples: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

(Matthew 16:25)

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The original Greek language is far more poetic, powerful and prophetic. In finer translations of the Greek language, we hear Jesus saying: “Whoever seeks to build a wall around their soul shall destroy it; whoever tears down the wall (around their soul) shall bring their soul to a living birth.”

The very soul of our country is at stake. When we abandon strangers who are at risk of bigotry, xenophobia and violence we not only destroy their hope, we destroy our own souls. When we fail to assist the refugees fleeing danger, we not only place them in harm’s way, we do harm to our own souls. When we build walls of concrete, or walls of divisive rhetoric, or walls of fear, or walls of immoral immigration policies, we build a wall around our own souls.

Christ calls us to tear down the walls around our souls that we might live fully and abundantly. Thus, I call on the Trump administration and the U.S. Congress to rescind the harmful executive orders and save the soul of our country. I call upon the people of The United Methodist Church to see the face of Christ in the refugee. Say “no” to the walling off of our country and our hearts and say “yes” to their hope – our hope – for new life. Let us unite and work together to bring the soul of this country to a living birth!

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church January 30, 2017

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

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oin Pastor Mark for a closer look at the Scriptures found in A Love That Never Dies, the devotional prayer journal everyone at First United Methodist Church is invited to use. This study will tie together the Bible with group discussion and one’s personal reflections through the week.

THURSDAYS IN LENT March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13 10:00 am – 11:00 am The Seeker’s Classroom

LIVE in LENT A 5-minute devotional on Facebook Live Every Wednesday in Lent, beginning March 1 9:00 – 9:05 am (“Friend” Pastor Mark Conforti on Facebook, and then click on his profile at 9:00 am every Wednesday during Lent)

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HAVE YOU PICKED UP YOUR DEVOTIONAL PRAYER JOURNAL

THE METHODIST CONNECTION

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ethodist Connection meets Tuesday, March 14, for a St. Patrick’s Day feast and celebration. Our Sparks Circus program will be given by Terry Holt, President of the Rowan History Museum. Come and enjoy this festive meal and presentation complete with popcorn. Cost for meal is $5.00. Please call Carol Bachl at (704) 798-2333 by Sunday, March 12 to make your reservation.

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1707 S. Main Street in Salisbury, NC MONDAY-SATURDAY: 9 am-5 pm 704-642-1222 Shop the ReStore or donate, because the revenue generated from the ReStore supports this vital Christian ministry in our community.

THE ROY AND LULA GOODMAN SCHOLARSHIP

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Scholarship Fund was established in 1968 to assist church members with the expense of obtaining a college degree. The principal balance was not to fall below $5,000; however, in 2001, an additional $100,000 was donated by Roy and Lula Goodman in memory of their son, Larry. Earnings on the principal or additional donations (not earmarked as principal) can be used to provide scholarship assistance.

To be eligible to receive a church college scholarship, one must be a member of First United Methodist Church of Salisbury; be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program of an accredited college, university, or community college; and have a financial need for scholarship support. Undergraduates of any age are eligible. Applicants can apply each year as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program. Funding will be awarded depending on availability of funds determined by the Scholarship Committee.

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Applications have been mailed to participating college members and to graduating high school seniors. Please let the church office know if anyone has been omitted.

Meantime, let us assist our scholars as they prepare their packages for submission to the scholarship committee, In addition, we encourage you to pray for them and for the committee as decision time approached. Additional forms are available in the church office or on the church’s website.

5K RUN/WALK FOR MISSIONS

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1 MILE FUN RUN MARCH 19 2:00 PM CITY PARK

Atlar Guild Memorial TT

he Altar Guild and Worship Committee of First United Methodist Church expresses gratitude to Doris

he Altar Guild and Worship Committee of First United Methodist Church expresses gratitude to Doris Faggart for her recent gift of beautiful new linens for the Sacrament pair of brass urns for altar flowers. These items were lovingly provided in honor of Ronnie Clement, Drew of Holy Communion and a new pair of brass urns for altar flowers. These items were lovingly and Trey Collier, Clay Leary, and in memory of Doris’s daughter, Carol E. Collier Clement who entered the provided in memory of Doris’s daughter, Carol E. Collier Clement who entered the Church Triumphant on March 1, 2015. Carol was an active participant in the Altar Guild of Christ Episcopal Church Triumphant on March 1, 2015. Carol was an active participant in the Altar Guild of Church in Greenville, SC, so it is fitting these new additions, which beautifully aid our worship, be used Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville, SC, so it is fitting these new additions, which during the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, March 5. beautifully aid our worship, be used during the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, March 5.

Faggart for her recent gift of beautiful new linens for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and a new

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YOUTH MINISTRY

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Compassion Experience

e had the opportunity to visit the Compassion Experience when it was hosted by another area church. The experience is a creation of Compassion International, an organization that pairs children in need with sponsors.

When we arrived, there were two doors and two different stories. Each person was given headphones and a device that had an audio recording of the child’s story. Half of our group heard the story of Jay, a boy who grew up in Kenya. Jay is now grown and working as a disc jockey for Christian concerts. The other half learned the story of Yanelly, a girl who grew up in the Dominican Republic.

Today Yanelly is a doctor serving the same community where she was raised.

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Lock-In

n the first weekend in February, Salisbury Youth teamed up with Milford Hills Youth to host a Mystery Lock-In. We had over 30 students, and we all met at FUMC, listened to a talk about what faith looks like, then departed for our mystery destination.

Our first stop was to Dave & Busters where the students had an hour to play games. After, we went across the parking lot for milk shakes. It was nearly two in the

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As we came back to the church and discussed our experiences, several students remarked on being struck by the level of poverty they saw. Hearing personal stories is often the fastest way to break through misunderstanding and fear. Hearing the stories of Jay and Yanelly was a great way to open eyes to the real life problems of poverty.

morning when we returned to the church for a late night discussion on the Trinity, and fell into our beds.

As the students came downstairs a delicious breakfast was waiting for them. We ate together, and the students did a great job putting classrooms back together after we used them as our sleeping area. The adult volunteers we had with us for the lock-in were amazing! Thank you to everyone who helped make our overnight a success!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Winter Jam

rowder. Britt Nicole. Tenth Avenue North. Andy Mineo. And even more! Salisbury Youth will be organizing a trip to WinterJam when they come to Greensboro on March 25. Four hours of music, and tickets are just $10. We suggest that you bring $30 to cover your concert ticket and food while we’re out.

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Stations of the Cross April 5

ark the date on your calendar. You won’t want to miss Salisbury Youth’s creation of the Stations of the Cross during Midweek @ First. After dinner that night we will be inviting people to walk through a series of stations depicting Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Traditionally, this is a Catholic practice, but we will be adapting it for a Methodist audience. All are welcome to see and experience the stations, so invite your neighbors and friends to join you as we walk with Jesus.

Stations will be open for viewing from 6:15 pm to approximately 7:15 pm.

If students in 6-12 grade would like to be involved in the creative process of designing the stations, please contact Jenni.

FUMC PRESCHOOL

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ur FUMC Preschool has had an amazing school year! We have loved, learned and laughed with 45 terrific children from our church and community families. It is now time to offer our program for the 201718 school year. I know it is hard to believe it’s here already! Registration, has begun. A deposit of $85 holds their spot for 2017-18. Two year-olds must be 2 by August 31, 2017. If you have any questions, please call Lindsay Wineka (704) 798-4902. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We look forward to seeing everyone at our (soon to be announced) Picasso & Pastries Art Show!

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Check out our Family Ministry trip to Ray’s Splash Planet!

Each Sunday in March, all K-5th Graders are invited to a hands on experience to meet the Disciples Jesus called.

Here are a few pictures from our cooking station from “Jesus Meets the Teachers.”

Mar. 26 Assembly of “Ready to Go Packs” for the homeless.

All 4th-5th Graders are invited to bring a friend and join us at 5:30 pm every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.

We share a meal with our youth and then join in a preteen group that centers on growing in faith and missions.

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FUMC AFTERSCHOOL

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he children at the After-School Child Care program have been busy! We sent Valentine’s Day cards to about twenty college students. In the cards, we asked a simple question and are hoping we will soon recieve a response. This is part of our mission’s ministry.

We have twenty-four children currently enrolled and a few vacant spaces. Please tell a friend about our program if you know someone who is looking for a great place for their child after school. We serve five schools, kindergarten through fifth grade, picking up children each day or getting them off of the bus at the church.

We have playtime outside if weather permits, a healthy

snack, homework assistance and are open each day until 6:00 PM. Character development is an important part of our program with our ministry outreach and devotions each day. Please come by and visit!

“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, make this world a beautiful garden.”

Donna Frederick, Lead Teacher First United Methodist Church After School Care afterschool@fumcsalisbury.org

Camp Discovery Preview If you are interested in serving as a mentor at camp this summer and are 16 years or older, please join us on March 5! Hear from past mentors, check out what camp is all about and fill out an application.

SUNDAY Mar. 5 Following the 11:00 am service. A light lunch will be provided.

Summer 2017

July 23–27

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FUMC CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

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ll the children at FUMC Child Development Center would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I know it is hard to believe March is here already!

The children are having so much fun learning, playing, and making friends at school. Every day is full of exciting learning experiences. We serve children ages three to five years old, Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:30 am and 6:00 pm. Our program is a 12-month program and we accept children year round. We still have a few openings in our center, if you know anyone looking for an AWESOME Five Star Day Care Center for their child give us a call. For a tour or questions about the center please call Vickie Wood 704636-3121 ext. 110.

Happiness is reading with a friend!

Vicki Wood, Director First United Methodist Church Child Development Center cdc@fumcsalisbury.org 704-633-7209

Using our imagination and having fun with play doh!

Easter Day after 11:00 am service.

Orders for the butterflies begins March 12.

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“WITH THESE HANDS”

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ur ladies craft group, “With these hands”, recently supplied these handmade monkeys to Prevent Child Abuse of Rowan County. The monkeys will entertain children in their playroom or go home with a child as a security gift. What happy monkey business!

APRIL M

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oms save the date!

April 30 at Dan Nicolas Park there will be a Family Cookout and Playtime beginning at 4:00 pm.

March 16

6:30 pm | Seekers Classroom

April 30 is also the launch date for D.A.D.S.!

Come and

enjoy family time with old and new friends.

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 the church office.

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MISSIONS MOMENTS

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he liturgical season of Lent is traditionally a time of penitence and self-sacrifice in preparation for the great Easter festival. It is a time when many Christians give up something as an act of self-discipline. The word Lent comes from the old English term “Lencten” that expresses the lengthening of days until spring. It is a spiritual trip to the bright light of resurrection at the end of a long tunnel.

Yet what if this year instead of OR in addition to sacrificing something you also make it a time for giving? Unlike Christmas when we over-indulge our families and friends, Lent is a time to freely give to those who cannot reciprocate.

It is a directed journey through Jesus’ teaching; a sort of intensive study before the ultimate test of arrest, trial and crucifixion. For these 40 days (Sundays not included) we are on an inward retreat of fasting, study, prayer, reflection and worship.

I challenge each of you to enrich one another as you deny yourself. I invite you to give:

YOUR TIME: - just two hours ONE Tuesday a month to drive for MEALS ON WHEELS. - two hours to prepare or serve a meal at Rowan Helping Ministries - one hour collecting foods from a local business and delivering to RHM

- for interviewing at RHM’s Crisis Ministry to aid someone in need - any amount of time working in the community pantry at Rowan Helping Ministries.

YOUR LOVE: - Spend time with a child in our Child Development Center who needs a friend.

- Help a child with an art project for the Child Development Center’s spring event.

- Become a substitute or helping teacher in FUMC’s Sunday school.

- Volunteer to take communion to a church member who cannot attend worship.

YOUR TALENT: - FUMC is assembling building and cleaning teams to help those in need in the Lumberton area. We need your willing hands and loving hearts. Sign Up!

YOUR FUNDS: - On Saturday, April 29, FUMC will celebrate our DAY OF SERVING. We will fill 20,000 food bags for RISE AGAINST HUNGER (formerly Stop Hunger Now).

- Follow your Lenten Calendar and donate to your own Lenten Bank for this event.

Lent is a journey of self-examination, study, meditation and benevolent generosity. Let’s travel the road together.

THE LUMBERTON DISASTER RELIEF

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he Mission committee is fully behind this effort. Fred and Taffy Jordan took a day to travel to Lumberton to check out the need, facilities and possibilities. With many details and ideas they pursued many channels that included other area churches with volunteers, transportation and tools for the jobs needed to be done. Volunteers for Lumberton mission teams that our church organized in cooperation with other area United Methodist Churches drove to Lumberton on Sunday evening February 19 and returned Wednesday, February 22. The volunteers divided into multiple teams with some doing reconstruction and some doing interior salvage and demolition. There is still much to do.

We’re rebuilding God’s kingdom in Lumberton, NC!

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HERITAGE MOMENT Church Membership Directories: Pictures of our Past

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or many years, our membership directories have provided valuable information about our church facilities, staff, members, worship and music programs, outreach ministries, and service to God and our community.

They are a wonderful tool for members keeping in touch with each other, or welcoming new members to our church family.

In our church archives, one of our earliest directories dates back to 1917. And one of our more historic directories (2008) celebrates the 225th anniversary of our church’s beginnings as we nurtured spiritual roots in Salisbury.

As we prepare to receive the new 2017 directory, The History and Archives Committee will be collecting any old directories you many no longer want – regardless of date, worn condition, or duplication. They may be placed in the History and Archives Committee mail box in the church office, or addressed to the attention of Celeste Ward to pick up at the Volunteers’ Office.

Thank you for helping us maintain these treasures.

Fill the Purse Hand-On-Missions Opportunity for the Mission Study Handbags for the Homeless, Purses for the Displaced, whatever you call it, every woman needs some essential items How many purses are in the back of your closet? Grab one, new or gently used and put in any of the following new items: sanitary supplies, snacks, small working flashlight, makeup, jewelry, hand sanitizer, mints, nard candy, scarves, small toiletry items, tweezers, wet wipes, etc. Pretty much anything you can think of that a lady may need and that will fit in a purse.

Purses received will be distributed to homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters throughout our District. Need More Information? Contact Andrea Mohammad (704) 639-09022 or AHope4UsAll@gmail.com.

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Be Just.

Be Green.

Climate change is not an equal opportunity phenomenon.

While climate change affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally. The simple truth is that the poorest people living in the industrialized and developing nations suffer the estimated 70% of the world’s poor.

Learn more at our 2017 Mission Study

Climate Justice March 25th - Milford Hills, Salisbury (1630 Statesville Road, Salisbury, NC 28144)

Registration: 9 am | Study runs 9:30 am - 2 pm

Easter Lilies The order for the Easter lilies is due to the florist by March 30th. Please fill out and send in the order form that will be in the bulletin ASAP. The cost of the lilies is $16.00 per plant. If you have any questions please contact Pam Cordts at pcordts@carolina.rr.com or (704) 633-0917.

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MARCH CALENDAR SUNDAY

DEDICATION TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY

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ASH WEDNESDAY 2:00 PM

Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:00 PM Choristers 5:30 PM Mid-Week at First 6:15 PM The Casting Queens

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2

3

4

9

10

11

17

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7:00 PM AA 10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study 7:00 PM Alanon

12:00 PM Deadline for Ecclesia articles 7:00 PM AA

7:00 PM AA

6:30 PM

Ash Wednesday Service 7:30 PM Chancel Choir

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8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 12:15 PM Camp

Discovery Mentor Info Session 3:00 PM Steele Memorial Concert 5:30 PM Club 45 5:30 PM Youth

12 8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 5:30 PM Club 45 5:30 PM Youth

19 6:00 AM Boy Scouts -

old bus

8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 2:00 PM 5K Run for

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10:00 AM “With these Hands” 6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting 6:30 PM Hannah Circle 7:00 PM Boy Scouts

on Facebook 2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:30 PM

Mid-Week at First 6:15 PM

The Casting Queens

7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study 6:30 PM RHM Supper 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Alanon

6:00 AM RHM Breakfast 7:00 PM AA

7:00 PM AA

Bible Study (Lewis)

13 6:00 PM Girl Scouts 7:00 PM Boy Scouts

20 10:00 AM “With these Hands” 6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting 7:00 PM Boy Scouts

4:00 PM “What’s the

Difference: A Panel Discussion”

8:30 AM Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 5:30 PM Club 45 5:30 PM Youth

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9:00 AM “Live in Lent”

6:30 PM

Missions

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7

10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 6:00 PM SPRC

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6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting 7:00 PM Boy Scouts

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15

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9:00 AM Methodist Connection 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 6:00 PM Trustees Meeting

9:00 AM “Live in Lent”

6:00 PM Church Council Meeting 10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study 6:30 PM M.O.M.S. 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Alanon

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22

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10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class 5:30 PM Family Crisis Council Board 6:00 PM Autism Society Meeting 6:15 PM Stephen Ministry 7:00 PM

9:00 AM “Live in Lent”

7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast 10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Alanon

7:00 PM AA

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29

30

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10:00 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Chrismon Class

on Facebook 2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements 3:00 PM Archives Committee 5:00 PM Choristers 5:30 PM

4:00 PM Boy Scouts van & old bus 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Mission Bridge Club

6:00 AM Boy Scouts - old bus 1:00 PM Pat McKim 7:00 PM AA

Mid-Week at First 6:15 PM The Casting Queens 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Chancel Choir

on Facebook 2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:00 PM Choristers 5:30 PM Mid-Week at First 6:00 PM Boy Scouts

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25 12:00 PM Bess Johnson Family Reunion 2:00 PM Youth both buses 7:00 PM AA

6:15 PM

The Casting Queens 6:30 PM

Adult Bell Choir

9:00 AM “Live in Lent”

on Facebook 2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements 5:00 PM Choristers 5:30 PM Mid-Week at First

10:00 AM Lenten Bible Study 7:00 PM AA 7:00 PM Alanon

7:00 PM AA

6:15 PM

The Casting Queens 6:30 PM

Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Chancel Choir

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MARCH BIRTHDAYS ________________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

1

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Robert Egloff 22

Jacob Goodnight

Kelsie Crider Isabelle Goodwin

Reid Leonard

Bob Meyers

Steve Mueller

Nancy Rudd ________________________________

2

David Austin Joseph Clark

Judy Doby

Janet Parker

Ginny Wilbur ________________________________

3

Jill Duggan Faith Hager

Bob Johnsen ________________________________

4

Walter Maxwell Barbara Safley ________________________________

5

Thomas Allen Mark Beymer

Kelly Fisher

Jacob Hinson

Steven Martin

Colby Rocco ________________________________

6

Casey Gouge Jennifer Newman

Jeff Schoch ________________________________

7

William Douglas

Christine Maloney

Hilda Pyatt ________________________________

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Sarah Hensley Kerry Kribbs

Jeffrey Lineberry

Murl Leazer

Katherine Miller ________________________________

9

Linda Bowman Donald Carter, Jr.

Shelly Cross

John Ellis, II

James Hudson, III ________________________________

Michael Anderson GJarrett Bradshaw

George Ragsdale

Catherine Warren ________________________________

11 ________________________________ Taffy Jordan 12 ________________________________ Julia Baker 13

Ed Lutz

Robin Safrit

Katherine Zimmerman ________________________________

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Dortha Cuber Nettie Noble ________________________________

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Jim Gilland

Phillip Maness

Benjamin McCubbins

Martha Miller ________________________________

Cherathee Hager 23 ________________________________ William Barber 24

Alex Grenoble

Carolyn Peck

Sonja Summers ________________________________

Lacey Mastro 25

Gerry Spencer

Shully Storey ________________________________

Jo Ann Smith Susan Whitaker ________________________________

Deborah Carter 26

Katie Menees

Annie Joe Ragsdale 16 ________________________________ Norman Clark, III 17

Troy Dibley

Brooke Busby 27

Glenn Moore, Jr.

Gary Price

Jamie Webb ________________________________

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Van Kelly_

________________________________

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Robbie Ladd Ann Morris

Gwen Pendleton

Jessica Watson ________________________________

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Linda Brown

John Hanford ________________________________ Katelyn Bosch 21

Dudley Johnsen

Harriet Murphy

Brenda Newman

James Parker ________________________________

William Ragsdale ________________________________

Allison Robinson

Elizabeth Shafer

Meredith Smith ________________________________

Midji Bost 28

Howard Douglas

Nancy Kirkman

Kay McCartney

Boyd Watts ________________________________

Holland Bradshaw 29

Adrienne Howe

Richard Smith ________________________________

Barbara Senter 30 ________________________________ Katherine Goodman 31 ________________________________

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Dear Friends, I want to express my gratitude to you for completing your conference and district apportionment giving. Your portion provides for ministry in your community, in your region and state and throughout the world. Specifically, the Uwharrie district is able to provide funds for community ministries and outreach efforts because of your portion. We are able to provide resources to congregations for healthy transitions, conflict transformation and strategic planning for vital ministry. As your portion joins the portion of other United Methodists, we are able to be a faithful presence in God’s world! As your missional strategist and superintendent, I thank you!

Grace and peace, Laura H. Auten

CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Doctor Mark Conforti.............................. Senior 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

LENTEN BANNER ON THE COVER: The main cross stands out sharply against the background of white representing purity and innocence. The black thief crosses are obscured by sin and pierced by the background. The mocking crown of thorns is three dimensional. The nails and drops of blood are trompe l’oeil. There is darkness above and below, but a shimmer of hope around the cross.

FI RST

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SALISBURY, NC est. 1783

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