February Newsletter HAYMOUNT
February 2025
A Note From the Pastor
Sisters and Brothers:
This past Sunday, I introduced Matthew and Ami to our congregation and performed their marriage ceremony during the 9:00 worship celebration. They have been worshiping with us for several months and came to talk to me about their wedding plans earlier in the week. Their purchase offer for a home in Detroit had been accepted, and they anticipated moving in the coming weeks. We thought of planning something simple at the church with a few witnesses when I offered to bless their marriage during worship that Sunday. They said, "Can we just get married on Sunday?" This would have been the norm for many people seeking to marry a century ago. The minister would perform the ceremony with a few witnesses during the week or perhaps at the close of the Sunday morning worship service.
It may surprise many that I function as an officer of the state when I preside at weddings. In the early church, a couple seeking to marry would go to the magistrate to fulfill the legal requirements to create their family and then go by the priest's home to receive a blessing. When the Roman Empire collapsed, the church became the repository of legal documents across much of Europe. So, a couple would come to register their marriage with the town clerk at the cathedral and then move to the sanctuary to be blessed by a clergy member. Note that our words for clerk and clergy are the same in Latin. This two-step process faded, but our wedding ceremonies contain contractual and legal actions. Note that our wedding vows traditionally state the duration of the contract as "from this day forward" and "until we are parted by death." The conditions of the contract are listed as "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and to love and to cherish."
I suggested to Matthew and Ami that the word covenant, rather than contract, pointed to what we seek in marriage In Hebrew, the word covenant implies that " we bind ourselves together in a moment of strength so that in moments of weakness we cannot break free " Matthew and Ami's vows included promises "to give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond, and in all our life together to be loyal to one another " As we move into February and celebrate familial love on Valentine's Day, I pray that your family and our congregation will rest in the strength of the marriage
Haymount United Methodist Church
1700 Fort Bragg Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
910.484.0181
Lead Pastor
Rev Allen Bingham allenbingham@haymountumc com
Pastor
Rev. Donald Warren donaldwarren@haymountumc com
Director of Contemporary Worship
Katie Powers katie@haymountumc com
Director of Traditional Worship
Wes Lockfaw weslockfaw@haymountumc.com
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Rachel Madsen rachel madsen@haymountumc com
Director of Youth Ministries
Jessica Scott jessica@haymountumc com
Director of Special Projects
Karen Barkman karen barkman@haymountumc com
Director of Finance
Nicole Andre nicole@haymountumc com
Communications Coordinator
Morgan Bunker morgan@haymountumc com
February Birthdays
February 1
Amy Hoffman
Erik Ingraham
Emma Joyner
Andy Kounas
February 2
Isabelle Phillips
February 3
Steve Driggers
Steven Maier
Allie Nash
Christina Torbett
February 4
Anna McCormick
February 5
Melissa Bieniek
February 6
Julie Vurnakes
February 7
Jan Allen
James Herring
February 8
Jack Powers
February 9
Emma Belliveau
February 10
Samuel Davis
Rob Nelms
Cindy Owen
Jim Thornton
February 12
Colin Bunker
Jackie Kubinski
Hayes Rabon
February 14
Al Miller
Hannelore Otten
Scott Pope
February 15
DaniLynn Bullock
February 17
Denise Brisson
February 18
Will Brown
Donna Lloyd
Mandi Smith
February 19
George Dubois
February 21
Inez Hatcher
Todd Nixon
February 22
Jay Gothard
February 23
Bill Spade
Jennie White
February 24
Roma Askea
Sheila Hanrick
Benjamin Prince
Jason Ross
February 25
Mack Roessler
February 26
Kennedy Dine
February 27
February 28
Carla Council
Virginia Davis
February 29
Joan Allen
Franklin Johnson
Memorials and Honoraria
Memorials have been given to the glory of God in the memory of:
John Bergland by: Rick & Brenda Booth, Phil & Katherine Pugh, Rick & Libby Daniel
Ruth Ruppe by: Phil & Katherine Pugh, Reginald & Regina Edwards, Suzanne Uzzell, Lonnie Player, John & Margaret Wheeler, Jonathan Hayes, Tim & Vicki Richardson
Bryan Weber by: Greg & Taylor Whitley, Rick & Libby Daniel
Alex Batdorff by: Phil & Katherine Pugh, Tim & Vicki Richardson, Rick & Libby Daniel
Clara Koonce by: Phil & Katherine
Pugh, Diann & Michael Bullard, Bells Seed Store, Barrington Bible Class, Tim & Vicki Richardson, Alonis & Dolores Metz
Kay Bundy by: Faith Parese
Jeb Bingham by: Phil & Katherine Pugh, Rick & Libby Daniel
Tweens in the Trees at Camp Rockfish
Are you and your tween looking for some time in the open-air? Join us for Tweens in the Trees. 3rd through 5th grade students are invited to spend two nights with us in the treehouses of Camp Rockfish March 13-15! We will be departing from HUMC on Wednesday evening, and returning to the church for pick up on Saturday. For additional information, please contact Rachel Madsen at rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
Ladies of all ages are cordially invited to join us at 10 o’clock in the morning on May 3, 2025 for a Ladies Tea. We will enjoy a tasting of traditional, decadent and savory tea-time bites along with a selection of teas. Hats and fascinators are encouraged! Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased through Realm, by check or cash. Ticket purchase deadline is April 19. All proceeds will benefit Children and Families Ministries programming. You may contact Rachel Madsen, Director of Children and Families Ministries with any questions. rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
Ladies Tea
Creativity with Christ
March 2 from 4-6PM
Join us for our very first Creativity with Christ where we gather in community and create together! This is a multigenerational group gathering together to create a variety of arts and crafts. Each meeting will have a creative project paired with a brief time of devotion. For more details and to have your questions answered, contact Rachel Madsen at rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
Easter Eggstravaganza
Join us for our annual Easter Eggstravaganza on April 5th! We will have games, crafts, photo opportunities, and our much anticipated egg hunt! Each age group will have their own egg hunt, so that children of all ages can enjoy the fun! To make this treasured event possible, we will need your help! Our Children’s ministry is in need of filled plastic eggs with small treats. Donations should not contain money, or any nut products. If you would like to pick up empty eggs from Rachel Madsen, fill the eggs, and then return them, that is also possible! Donations will be accepted through March 23rd. If you are willing and able, our Children’s ministry will also need volunteers to make this event possible! Interested? Contact Rachel Madsen at rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
HUMC Kids Volunteer Luncheon
HUMC Kids volunteers are invited to a volunteer appreciation luncheon on February 23 at 12:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP no later than February 9 to attend. All volunteers are welcome to invite a “plus one”. For questions or to RSVP contact Rachel Madsen
the life of composer Vincenzo Galilei, whose influen restore the day multiple recordings and radio performances. Admission to this concert is free, but a free-will offering of $20 is encouraged. For questions or concerns, contact Wes Lockfaw.
season of its Music for a Great Space Concert Series. The upcoming concerts of this series are made possible through the generous support of its patrons through donations and free-will offerings All concerts take place in the sanctuary of HUMC at 4:00 PM unless otherwise indicated.
March 23: Ensemble Galilei- A Celtic Ensemble April 18, 7pm: The Seven Last Words of Christ, presented by Choir and Orchestra
May 18: Prelude to Memorial Day Spectacular
Make a New Year s Resolution Join a choir!
Cherub Choir (Ages 3 – Kindergarten) – Room 120 Wednesdays 5-5:45 pm
Gabriel Choir (Grades 1-5) – Room 220 This Choir includes Singing, Handbells, and Royal School of Church Music Curriculum Wednesdays 5-5:45 pm
Youth Worship Arts (Grades 6-12) – Rooms 220 & 222
This group includes handbells, vocal music, instrument music and visual arts. Wednesdays 5-6:30 pm
Men’s Chorale (Ages 15 and up) – Sanctuary Wednesdays 6:30-7 pm
The Carillonneurs (Adult Handbells) – Room 220 Thursdays 5:30-7 pm
Chancel Choir (Ages 14 and Older) – Choir Room Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm
We want to thank everyone who has donated to the Souper Bowl of Caring! With your help we are helping ensure that no one in our community goes without the food they need We are still accepting donations until Sunday, February 9! So bring your cans and non perishable goods to the marked bins outside of the Church Office and in the lobbies of our Sanctuary and New Life Center. The proceeds will go towards FTCC Food Pantry and Fayetteville Urban Ministry’s Food Bank.
UPCOMING YOUTH CONFERENCES
Global Vision March 7-10
Kalidescope March 28-30
Breakaway June 23-28
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
Our Youth Ministry is always in need of volunteers willing to donate their time to help with various youth trips or activities. If you are willing and able, please contact Jessica Scott at jessica@haymountumc.com for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Endowment Committee Announces a New Endowment Fund
We are excited to announce our newest endowment fund created by Dick Hensdale, long-time member of HUMC He has established the Raye King Hensdale Charitable Endowment for HUMC at the Cumberland Community Foundation Created in loving memory of his wife Raye, this endowment will provide annual support for our Stephen Ministry, which Raye helped start at HUMC many years ago. Our church is so blessed to have the Stephen Ministry Program, which provides one-onone Christian care to those experiencing difficult times, such as grief, loneliness, hospitalization, disability and so on
United Women in Faith January Update
Did you know that you are helping a Methodist Home for Children (MHC) child when you purchase a $2.00 dessert at WEF or a $1.00 bag of cookies at the Garage Sale?
Here is one story of a child at MHC by its President/CEO, Bruce Stanley.
“Brayden’s mother told him to lose her phone number a week before Mother’s day They argued because Brayden wanted to go home in October He’s been with us since March, and his time is running out at our transitional living home.
But his mother said no. She was making space at home – not for him, but for his older brother, due back from prison. She has no place for Brayden. In truth, home is no place for Brayden
The Stephen Ministers are well-trained members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through these tough times For as long as needed, the Stephen Ministers will provide this comfort and support to those they serve. A big thanks goes to Dick Hensdale for developing this endowment in Raye’s memory. This endowment will certainly bless, support and enrich this one-on-one caring ministry at HUMC
By: Lucy Jones
We know that – and he knows it too: Home is dangerous. Home is surrounded by crime and people who take advantage of him. Home is what got him into trouble to begin with. Still, he’s hurting. No matter how bad things are at home, it’s still home.
Brayden is learning he can choose another way He’s taking classes for his GED in the mornings, working afternoons in food service, and going to the community college at night for a welding certificate. He’s got the best attendance record of anyone in his welding class.”
NOW, don’t you feel better about eating that dessert? YOU are making a difference in a child’s future! You can help even more by making a contribution to the church for MHC
Spring Garage Sale
March 28-29
We are excited to announce that our next garage sale is scheduled for March 28-29! We welcome donations for this meaningful event, which will be accepted until the very day of the sale. The funds raised will play a vital role in supporting our Youth Ministry and will go towards supporting our upcoming El Salvador mission trip this July. We invite everyone to join us in this opportunity to uplift our community and empower our youth. Your generous donations and unwavering support have always amazed us, and they are truly the lifeblood of our efforts. If you wish to get involved, please reach out to Karen Barkman at 910-818-9050.
A Christmas To Remember 2024
Thank You!
During our annual Christmas To Remember, we challenge our congregation to give as much to our specially chosen projects as they spend on their gifts for family and friends. We know, it seems like a big ask, but in our congregation’s usual spirit of charity and generosity, we were blown away by the response. We collected donations during the months of December and January, and while the final total had not been tallied by the date of this publication, our most recent numbers have the grand total of giving for Christmas to Remember 2024 as $66,789.46!
Of that total, $11,578.00 was given to our local charity, Myrover Reese. $40,133.47 of that total was given to our national charity, North Carolina Disaster Relief, and finally $15,078 was given to our international charity, Impact Global Health Alliance. We cannot say enough how thankful we are to be blessed with a congregation that follows the Lord’s calling to give to those in need. We will be able to accomplish immeasurable feats with these funds locally, nationally, and globally. Thank You!
Sound Engineering Workshop
February 22
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to mix and engineer live sound, this is the event for you! This event will cover the fundamentals of “running sound,” from wrapping cables to terminating feedback and so much more. No prior audio/visual experience is required to attend. This event is open for both youth and adults. Lunch will also be provided for those who register and attend. Registration for the event is available through Realm. If you have any questions about the event, email Jay Berry at tech@haymountumc.com
HUMC Preschool Seeking New Lead Teacher
HUMC Preschool is hiring a lead teacher in a 4 year old classroom, to begin March 3, 2025. The position works 8:30 AM—1:15 PM Monday through Friday. Experience in a preschool setting is preferred. If you are interested in applying for this position, or would like further information, please contact the Preschool Director at 910-484-5646 or HUMCpreschool@haymountumc.com
First Steps in Music Register Today!
Come make music with us!
First Steps in Music is a curriculum for children ages birth to Age 3 and their caregivers. In our classes, children and their grown-up will explore music and musical concepts through bounces, wiggles, action songs, vocal exploration, movement exploration, ball rolling, playing instruments, and singing! This class is a wonderful opportunity to expose your child to music, help your child interact with other children a similar age, and bond with your child.
Questions? Looking to Register? Contact The Church Office today!
The school year is moving right along! Cumberland Road Elementary School really appreciates our volunteers and the multitude of school supplies and necessary clothing items we have provided. In December, we presented a check to them to use in whatever way they need. Seeing the faces of these children light up when we come into their classrooms is a special gift to those of us who volunteer. It really is fun and fulfilling! Interested? Contact Denise Rowe at beachyneesy@aol.com
March 16th
March 23rd
April 6th
May 4th
May 18th
May 25th
June 1st
June 15th
June 22nd
June 29th
July 13th
July 27th
August 17th
August 24th
September 14th
October 12th
October 19th
November 16th
Finance Snapshot
December 2024
Please plan to join us on February 20 in the New Life Center at noon for lunch and bingo! Only one request, please call or text Katherine Pugh at 910-797-9278 to let her know that you are planning on attending As always, thank you to the Senior Adult Endowment Funds for making this possible. We hope to see you there!
December Revenues: $172,665
December Expenses: $103,672
YTD Revenues: $1,274,080
YTD Expenses: $1,206,772
Essential Personal Documents for Disaster Preparedness
In the face of a natural disaster or fire, there are some important perso documents that you should have stored in safe places and backed up on cloud, where you could access them remotely, if needed You can also s these items digitally on a thumb drive that you can take with you if you evacuate. Storing these documents in the cloud provides a secure and accessible backup in case of emergencies. Here are the key personal documents that you should have copies of that you can grab quickly, have stored on a USB drive, and should definitely have stored in the cloud:
1. Identification Documents: Vital documents such as your passport, driver’s license, social security card, and birth certificate. Having access to these documents can help with identity verification and prevent identity theft.
2. Insurance Policies: Whether it’s home, health, auto, or life insurance, having access to these policies ensures that you can quickly find policy numbers, coverage details, and contact information in case you need to file a claim after a disaster
3. Medical Records: Your family’s medical records, including vaccination history, prescriptions, and allergy information, are essential. Having immediate access to this information can save time and reduce stress if medical care is needed during or after a disaster.
4. Financial Records: Store important financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and credit card information. These can be critical for budgeting, proving ownership of assets, and filing claims in the aftermath of a disaster Having a master list of your account numbers puts these things easily within reach
5. Legal Documents: Legal documents such as wills, power of attorney, and any property-related documents (e.g., deeds, mortgages) should be stored safely in the cloud. These documents are necessary for handling estate matters and legal affairs in case of an emergency.
6. Family and Emergency Contacts: Having a list of emergency contacts, medical providers, and family members’ contact details stored in the cloud can be invaluable during an evacuation or when making emergency plans
By storing these essential documents in the cloud, you ensure they are accessible and protected, no matter what disaster may come your way.
One example of a service that can help you get organized is LifeHub from Quicken. At a cost of about $25 per year, you can digitally store all these important documents in one place, and you can designate access to relatives and friends of your choice so they can get to these documents if you are incapacitated
By: Donald Warren
Beyond the Flames
How to Help California After Wildfires
Throu leaving
lived within those walls The loss of a home an abrupt and traumatic event resonates deeply, evoking a profound sense of empathy in all of us, even from afar. As we observed the calamity unfold from the opposite coast, many felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, yearning to provide support to those who, despite the distance, remain close to our hearts. In this moment of collective sorrow, it is imperative to channel that compassion into action. If you feel compelled to assist those affected by these wildfires, I invite you to explore the resources listed below, as every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to the healing and rebuilding of a community in need. Together, we can rise from the ashes of tragedy, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Monetary Donations: UMCOR and it’s partners are constantly responding to disasters not just across our country, but around the globe every day The wildfires in California have been no different UMCOR has awarded two solidarity grants to the California-Pacific Annual Conference to undergird their immediate relief efforts, including needs such as food and essential supplies for evacuees, and support for volunteer efforts and other relief activities You can give to UMCOR today by visiting their website: advance umcmission org Other reputable organizations to donate to include The American Red Cross and The California Fire Foundation among others
Raise Awareness: In the increasing digital world that we live in, word travels fast Consider sharing on your social media different ways to donate to the fire relief effort Or, consider creating a fundraising goal within your Sunday School class! The more information that is accessible to those around us, the greater the impact will be
Donate Blood: Blood donations are always needed in times of crisis. Many people were hurt in their efforts to protect their families and others during the wildfires in California. In addition to there being an increase in need for blood donations due to the injuries in California, the wildfires, in conjunction with the severe winter weather in other parts of the country, have caused many blood donations to go uncollected. The need for blood right now is incredibly urgent. Make an appointment to donate blood today at redcrossblood.org.
While it is easy to underestimate the significance of our individual contributions, it is crucial to recognize that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through the lives of others, creating profound and lasting changes When we collectively commit ourselves to serve the Lord and uplift those who are struggling, we not only provide immediate support to the weak and weary, but we also cultivate a culture of compassion and resilience Let us embrace this calling with open hearts, knowing that together, our efforts can create a tapestry of support and encouragement that uplifts all
By: Morgan Bunker
We look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year! Here are the menus for the winter season and the dates for spring seasons. More menus to come. Prices will remain $5 for the winter season, $8 for upsize, kids 11 and under for free. However, we expect to increase our prices with the spring seasons to $7 for regular, $10 for upsize and kids still free! To register for the whole season, or for individual dates, visit our website!
We need about 12 volunteers each week to make this ministry function. Please look for the time to work that fits your schedule. If you cannot sign up online for volunteering, please call Carol Lloyd 910-988-1803 or Susan Black 910-988-1238
Wednesday Evening Fellowship Menus Winter 2025
Feb. 5 Culvers chesseburger or chicken sandwich with a choice of fries, slaw, or cheese curds
GF: same with GF buns, fries, or slaw
No Kid’s choice
Assorted Custard Flavors for Dessert
Feb. 12 Hunan Garden sesame chicken, rice, egg roll
GF: Moo goo gai pan with white rice
Kid’s choice: hot dog, fruit, chips
Feb. 19 Sammio’s chicken parmesan, salad, bread stick
GF: Penne pasta with marinara and salad
Kid’s choice: plain pasta with butter/parmesan, fruit, roll
UWFaith will be selling deserts
Feb. 26 Chili cookoff, salad bar
GF options available
Kid’s choice: hot dog, fruit, chips
No WEF on March 5 Ash Wednesday
Spring Season 1: March 12 – April 8
No WEF April 15 Holy Week/Spring Break
Spring Season 2: April 22 – May 14
