November & December Newsletter
A Note From the Pastor
Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ! The One Who Is, Was, and Is to Come!
In our October sermon series, I invited us to consider our work in light of our citizenship in God's soon-coming and already-arriving Kingdom I suggest that our best understanding of work is found by following the maxim of "beginning with the end in mind " On the side of our ethical behavior toward work, I suggested John Wesley's "General Rules," that is, "Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God." Mr. Wesley added when considering the use of money, that we "gain all we can, save all we can, and give all we can "
My study partner for this sermon series was Ben Witherington's books Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor (2011) and Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis (2010). Witherington, a fine Wesleyan theologian and biblical scholar, reminded me that work has been with us from the beginning as humans placed in a garden by our God, and were invited "to keep and till the earth" as our first assignment. When Isaiah envisioned a reconciling en and warfare, Witherington noted that sw plowshares and spears into pruning hoo war stoppage, but not a work stoppage. attention! That is, our eternal reward wi garden of the Lord The Bible intends t closing chapters of Revelation and find city with a garden at its center.
Witherington invited me to consider an Rudyard Kipling's "The Glory of the G lingered were:
Our England is a garden, and such gar By singing: “Oh, how beautiful!” an have included this poem so that you m at the glory of the Lord's garden. If yo "Haymount" for "England" you begin richness
Surely the building of the Haymount and its surrounding properties is a wondrous sight We could sing of Haymount's beauty, but Kipling reminds us that persistent and dedicated work is required of each of us in order to enjoy sitting in its shade Some may "pot begonias" and others may bud roses, while others trim and sift, and still others grub weeds with "broken dinner-knives " We say this another way when we say each of us is called to worship, belong, and serve We come together in worship to praise our God, find a place of belonging among our many classes and groups, and extend our hands and feet in service to each other and the broader community
The month of November will find us celebrating the saints who died in the past year, welcoming new persons into our midst, anticipating the coming year's ministry, and celebrating 80 years of ministry as Haymount United Methodist Church! So, please make your calendars with the All Saints Service on November
November & December Birthdays
November 1
Richard Liebers
November 2
Sarah Basamania
Mack Brooks
November 3
William Dwornicki
Evan Smith
November 4
Daniel Dickey
John Phillips
November 5
Maddie Byrd
Miles Dent
Loren Galaviz
B G Moore
November 6
Hannah Black
Lena Miller
November 7
Peyton Johnson
Jude Powers
November 8
Kathy Carnevale
November 9
Lindee Luper
November 10
Carl Creech
Mike Gaillard
David Guy
Susan Miller
Taylor Whitley
November 11
Aiden Miller
Rebecca Reynolds
November 12
Berry Bostic
Deb Happel
Rita Taylor
November 13
Eli Rowlette
November 14
Lexi Smith
November 18
Will Miller
Jayden Ross
Penelope Sims
November 19
Charlotte Lane
November 20
Peggy Harkey
Pam Pennabaker
November 22
Shelby Miller
Kristina Prince
November 24
Sophia John Tristan Alexandra Ross
November 26
Phil Black
Mary Cate Howard
November 27
James Richardson
Bud Symond
November 30
Rebecca Belliveau
Kathy Birke
Carl Combs
Sammie Oliver
December 1
Jonathan Holloway
Eric Rowe
December 2
Tricia Brookover
Morgan Galaviz
David Grzybowski
Lucy Jones
Alyssa Pryzgoda
December 3
John Wheeler
December 4
Ruthie Dent
Mary Moody
Zelda Murray
Barb Speir
December 6
Morgan Bunker
Kevin Hight
Natalie Smith
Dot Wyatt
December 7
Amy Dean
December 8
Anne Fry
Adam Hurley
Kathy Mathis
Carole Wells
December 10
Adrian Madsen
December 11
Nicole Andre
Eliza Ortiz
Kathy Shuman
Suzanne Uzzell
December 12
Linda Phillips
Lily Reid
Susan Walters
Milliana West
December 13
Glo Aaron
Pat Spiller
December 14
Ella Cole
Bill Vurnakes
December 15
Will Pryzgoda
Katherine Pugh
December 16
Ray McCormick
December 17
Roland Lingle
Kathy Miller
Owen Vanias
December 18
Greg Foxx
December 19
Joseph Cole
Harper Hurley
December 21
Robin Hurmence
Alli Middleton
Mary Frances Morketter
Timothy Whitehouse
December 22
Helen Bostic
Max Canady
Cathy Howard
December 23
Carol Briggs
Sabin Passacantando
December 24
Edward Jones
December 25
Ken Plummer
Charles Smith
December 27
Addison Luper
December 28
Karen Barkman
Katy Blanton
December 30
Lauren Dempster
Larry Krieger
George Shepherd
December 31
Wes Jones
Martha Owen
Joy Thompson
Memorials and Honoraria
Memorials have been given to the glory of God in the memory of:
Jim Kizer by: Frances Stone, Richard & Kimberly Bradshaw, Tim & Vicki
Richardson, Rick & Brenda Booth
Linda Kizer by: Beth Keever, Bob & Genny Lou Exum, Lauren P Muller, Frances Stone, Richard & Kimberly
Bradshaw, Wes & Lucy Jones, Suzanne Uzzell, Tim & Vicki Richardson, Dot Miller, Moorman, Kizer & Reitzel
Honorariums have been given to the glory of God in the honor of:
Kelly Puryear by: Wes & Lucy Jones
Davis Puryear by: Wes & Lucy Jones
Lynn Benson by: Wes & Lucy Jones
Special Gifts Were Given To: Columbarium
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 Families 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
Surviving the Holidays Workshop
Sunday, November 23
Join us on Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 PM in our Commons Room for Griefshare’s workshop, “Surviving the Holidays”. This is a workshop designed to help people cope with grief during the holiday season. It provides a supportive environment where individuals can find encouragement and practical tools to navigate the unique challenges of grieving a loved one during this time. The workshop invludes a video with real-life stories and tips, as well as opportunities for discussion and sharing in a small group setting. Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes This event is open to the community Please call the church office (910-484-0181), email Dorothy Funkhouser@gmail com, or visit our website to register
HUMC 80 Anniversary th
Join us for our celebratory luncheon!
We will be celebrating our 80 anniversary on Sunday, th November 23! We hope to have you join us in service as we take time to intentionally celebrate the ways the Lord has blessed our church and it’s members throughout the past 8 decades. Haymount UMC has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of its members, o the country, and around the world through our outreach and mission to extending our impact over the years to come.
Join us at 10:00 AM on Sunday, November 23 in our New Life Center as we enjoy a congregation-wide brunch. This event is free and open to our entire congregation!
Available Altar Flower Dates 2026 Reservations Now Open!
Altar flowers for the 2026 calendar year may now be reserved The dates below reflect the available Sundays where you may reserve the Altar Flowers in honor or in memory of someone, or to commemorate a special day in your life The cost of reserving the altar flowers will be $115 beginning in 2026 To reserve your altar flowers today, contact our Church Office
January 04
January 11
January 18
January 25
February 1
February 22
March 1
March 15
March 22
April 12
April 26
May 03
May 10
May 17
May 31
June 7
June 14
June 21
June 28
July 05
July 12
A Blooming Ministry Arranging Flowers to Nourish the Soul
July 19
July 26
August 2
August 9
August 16
August 23
August 30
September 06
September 13
September 20
September 27
October 4
October 11
October 18
November 15
November 29
Many years ago, Margaret Miller arranged flowers from her beautiful garden and put the arrangements on the tables for Wednesday Evening Fellowship Then she began to take the altar flowers and arrange them into vases The vases were delivered to members who could not get to church.
Fast forward to more recent years, Martha Owen wondered what happened to the flowers on the altar. She volunteered to arrange vases on Monday morning and our present day Flower Ministry began. Currently we have a dedicated group of volunteers who create the vases (Carole Wells, Jan Gothard and Donna Frazelle). Along with these 3 women, Marilynn Winters, Stephanie Campbell, Martha Owen, Lani Dickey and several others deliver the flowers to our members at home, at nursing facilities, and families who have a loved one who is ill or has died We often receive notes, reminding us of the impact of a beautiful vase of flowers If you know of someone who would benefit from this invaluable ministry, or if you know someone who would enjoy arranging or delivering the flowers, please contact Katherine Pugh at 910-797-9278
MomCo is an international organization whose mission is to encourage and equip moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders in relationship with Jesus and in partnership with the local church.
We enjoyed welcoming 19 new and familiar faces at our first two meetings along with spending time with MomCo families at our Fall cookout, graciously hosted by the Lewises! Our little ones loved getting dressed up and Trunk-or-Treating at the annual HUMC Trunk or Treat! Join us for more fun in November and December!
At our monthly meetings and events we enjoy time to fellowship with other moms, engage in meaninful discussions, and grow in our faith and God-given calling as mothers. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining MomCo at HUMC, we would LOVE to have you! Please reach out to us at haymountmops@haymountumc.com for more information about joining our next meeting or event!
November & December 2025 Events
Thursday, November 13: MomCo Meeting 5:30-7:00PM (HUMC Room 208) childcare provided
Saturday, November 15: Morning Coffee & Fire Station Visit 10:00-11:00 AM, families welcome
Sunday, December 7: HUMC Journey to the Manger 3:00 PM-4:30 PM, families welcome
Thursday, December 11: MomCo Meeting 5:30-7:00 PM (HUMC Room 208) childcare provided
CPR and First Aid Training Available December 6 at 2:00 PM
CPR and First Aid training with certification open to anyone that would like to attend. Cost of the course is $20, payable the day of training. Maximum number of people that can attend is 35. Childcare is available with reservation. Registration for course and childcare is required no later than November 30. rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
HUMC KIDS WINTER EVENTS
Journey to The Manger
December 7 at 3 PM
SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING
Join us on November 12 at 6:30 PM! This training is an annual requirement for all that serve with vulnerable populations at Haymount United Methodist Church Come for dinner and stay for the training! It is an easy and essential way for you to start your journey in serving with others at HUMC! Those that attend this training will receive one voucher for a Wednesday Evening Fellowship dinner. Childcare will be provided. To Register, email Rachel Madsen.
Join us on our Front Lawn to experience a live Nativity Story followed by fellowship, music, and crafts as we celebrate Jesus' birth by throwing him a birthday party in our Fellowship Hall! This event is completely free and open to the public! Come out to kick off your Christmas season with this fun, family-friendly gathering! For questions, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Rachel Madsen.
Creativity with Christ
December 10 at 6:30 PM
Join us for this special holiday themed gathering to create a Gingerbread house! Our meeting will have a brief time of devotion, and bring together all generations of our Church! For more details, or to register, contact Rachel Madsen.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered with our children this fall! Without you, our programming and community events would not be possible! If you are looking to get involved in the New Year, we are always looking for additional volunteers!
For more information: rachel.madsen@haymountumc.com
Music Ministry News
Celtic Christmas Lovefeast
December 14 at 4:00 PM
On December 14 at 4 pm, the Music Ministry will present our annual Christmas Lovefeast In addition to familiar carols, the choir and musicians will perform Karen Marrolli’s newest Christmas Collection, Light of Peace This year’s Christmas music will exude the energy and passion of the Irish musical sound you won’t want to miss!
Doors will open at 3:30 pm and extended prelude music will begin soon after doors open. Haymount members are encouraged to bring family and friends. For those who are willing to help with the distribution of buns and coffee during the program, please contact weslockfaw@haymountumc.com as soon as possible.
The first Moravian Lovefeast was served in Germany on August 13, 1727, following the Renewal of the Moravian Church Lovefeast is styled after the common meal
partaken in love and fellowship by the early Church (as described in the Book of Acts) After the memorable celebration of the holy communion on August 13, seven groups of the participants continued to talk over the great spiritual blessing which they had experienced and were reluctant to separate and return to their own homes for the noonday meal. Count Zinzendorf, sensing the situation, sent them food from his manor house, and each group
partook together, continuing in prayer, religious conversation, and the singing of hymns. This incident reminded Zinzendorf of the primitive agape, and the idea was fostered until lovefeasts became a custom in Moravian life. They were introduced wherever new settlements were founded and so came to America.
Children’s Christmas Musical
Presented on December 21
On Sunday, December 21, the Children’s Choirs (Preschool-Grade 5) will present a Christmas musical at the 11am worship, “The Feedbox Carol” by Besty Henderson and Kimberly Ingram. All children are invited to participate, and rehersals begin in room 222 on Wednesday, November 5 For more information or to enroll, please contact weslockfaw@haymountumc com
About The Musical: When the cast of the annual Christmas show is revealed, one child has only three initials by their name: B.O.B And so
a mystery begins: Who is B.O.B.? Is there a Bob in the Christmas story? Is Bob a shepherd? A Sheep? The mystery grows until the final rehearsal, when we learn the meaning of B.O.B. and discover that sometimes, no words speak as clearly as our attitude and actions
Beginning Wednesday, November 5, 7-8 pm, singers will begin weekly music preparations for this year’s Christmas Lovefeast
This year’s work is a Celtic inspired celebration of carols by Karen Marrolli, Light of Peace Singers throughout the area are also welcome to join, so if you or friends you know would like to participate, let us know! Also joining this year’s program are the Cherub and Gabriel choirs who will present a very special anthem in collaboration with the Christmas Choir and instrumentalists that will warm your heart! If you like to sing, be sure to join us this Christmas season and use your voice for Jesus! To join the Christmas Choir or for more information contact weslockfaw@haymountumc.com .
Music For A Great Space Concert Series Upcoming Concerts
November 2 – Wonder, Love, and Praise: A Hymn Festival Exploring the Poetry of Music
January 11 – Key Conversations- Two Masters, One Dialogue, Endless Possibilities. Featuring Donna Davenport and Wes Lockfaw
February 8 –Ron McFarlane, Grammy-nominated lutenist and Caroline Surrick,Viol de Gambe
March 1 – Olivier Latry, Organist Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris
May 17 – Prelude to Memorial Day Spectacular
(Each Concert takes place at 4 pm on scheduled Sundays unless otherwise indicated )
Cherub Choir (Ages 3 – Kindergarten) – Room 120
Wednesdays 5-5:45 pm beginning September 10
Gabriel Choir (Grades 1-5) – Room 220
This Choir includes Singing & Handbells
Wednesdays 5-5:45 pm beginning September 10
Youth Worship Arts (Grades 6-12) – Rooms 220 & 222
This year’s emphasis is on drama. Handbells and Vocal Ensemble will also be offered to those interested in either of those musical ensembles.
Wednesdays 5-6:30 pm beginning September 10
Men’s Chorale (Ages 15 and up) – Sanctuary
Wednesdays 6:30-7 pm beginning September 17
The Carillonneurs (Adult Handbells) – Room 220
Thursdays 5:30-7 pm beginning September 4
Poinsettias for Advent 2025
This year we continue our tradition of inviting you to make a contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one
Contributions will be used by our Altar Guild for poinsettias and seasonal decorations throughout Advent and Christmas. The suggested contribution is $20 per memorial or honorarium.
Order forms will be available on Sunday mornings, as well as at our Church Office beginning November 9, 2025 and must be returned with payment prior to December 8, 2025.
For questions, contact our Church Office.
Finance Update
From your Finance Committee
On behalf of your Finance Committee, I would like to thank each of you who has funded or will continue to fund Haymount’s 2025 budget. This year’s budget is a little tricky because the budgeted expenditures exceed our anticipated receipts. For those of you who like numbers, we ’ ve received $912,914 of our expected $1.293M in revenue (~70%) as of the end of September. These receipts are ~67% of our $1.360M operating budget. Our actual expenses year to date are $917,325 We celebrate that at the end of the 3 rd quarter our expenses are within $5,000 of our receipts
At Haymount, it is typical that we receive receipts of over $300K toward the operating budget in the last quarter of a year and that our actual operating expenses are typically shy of the originally requested amounts That being said, with your continued support, I do believe revenues will exceed our expenses in 2025
Church finances are intricate for several reasons One- only 75% of this year’s budgeted requests are covered by “estimates of giving” or pledges The remaining dollars planned for the budget are based on leadership’s best guesses as to potential receipts Also, as we ’ ve mentioned previously, in addition to current special or designated gifts being essential to fund programs and update/repair our church facilities, we also rely heavily on output from endowments to support Trustee and programming needs. Finally, this year in particular, the Trustees were able to accomplish many repairs using a low interest loan ($325K @ 3% paid back over 15 years) from North Carolina’s UMC Annual Conference. This loan results in a $2,244 monthly expense going forward but allows for repairs that would have been difficult to undertake otherwise.
If your love for Haymount leaves you wondering about “legacy giving” to a specific or non-specific cause for Haymount, please reach out to Lucy Jones, our Endowment Committee chairperson. I know she would gladly dialogue about the process and/or existing endowments to which you might like to contribute.
Additionally, if you have interests in current Trustee projects and would like to know more about how you can support immediate needs, please reach out to Mark Fincher (Trustee Chairperson) or Berry Bostic, who many of you have probably seen overseeing recent projects to include siding and windows replacement, roof repair and installation of automated doors And as always – if we can answer any other financial questions you might have, please reach out to any of your Finance Committee members We’re happy to share!
Warmly – Mandy Barkman Middleton
Legacy in Action: The Impact of Endowment Giving
The Story of Recent Recipients of the Ammons-Ciriano Memorial Scholarship Fund
Alora Soultren will begin her second year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall She is double majoring in business administration and public policy Her goal is to attend law school, Alora has already earned her Associate of Arts degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College
In high school, Alora participated in the North Carolina Mock Trial Program The puprose of the NCMTP is to educated NC high school students about our system of justice and trial by jury, as well as build useful analytical and life skills
Alora is an accomplished and effective public speaker, leading her high school mock trial team to several awards, and advancing them to the National Tournament in Tennessee During her first semester at UNC, she was invited to speak to the North Carolina Conference of Superior Court Judges about her experience in the NC Mock Trial Program
At Carolina, Alora is now a member of the Executive Board of the UNC Mock Trial team She also participates in the Summit Church small group Bible Study.
In a thank you note for the scholarship, Alora wrote: “I want to thank you all so much for your support of my education, and for encouraging me to continue pursuing my degree and passions. I am extremely honored to receive this award and will use it as a reminder of the support I have back home, as I continue my academic and processional journey.”
Owen Markham graduated from Durham School of the Arts in 2022, and enrolled in the University of Colorado. During his second semester, he suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing He was unconscious for nearly two months in Boulder hospital
When he regained consciousness, he spent an additional five months in inpatient rehab Each day was grueling, filled with physical, occupational, and speech therapy as he relearned how to swallow, speak, and stand He then returned to North Carolina and transitioned into outpatient rehab
He now relies less and less on his wheelchair, and he can walk short distances with a cane He is determined to walk independently again While continuing his cognitive recovery, he began studying psychology at Durham Tech He did well academically, and has now been accepted as a transfer student at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Owen wants to pursue a degree in psychology at Carolina. His long-term goal is to become a licensed therapist specializing in trauma recovery. This scholarship will help him, and his family manage costs associated with his injury and his education.
In applying for the Ammons-Ciriano Scholarship, Owen wrote: “This experience has changed me. It reminded me of the kind of person I truly want to be. My therapists were lifelines, not just helping my physical recovery, but also showing me, I could reclaim my life. In the hospital I met others whose lives had been shattered by strokes, car crashes, and other traumatic events. I saw the pain and isolation they carried. I felt it myself. But I also witnessed their grit, their small victories, and their moments of hope. I want to be someone who understand that pain, and who can offer perspective, empathy, and solidarity. My accident did not end my life; it reshaped it into something with deeper meaning. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey, it would help me build a future where I can be there for others in the way I needed most”.
Christmas to Remember 2025
Finding The True Joy in Giving This Holiday Season
Christmas to Remember is an annual challenge we raise to our congregation to give as much funds to our specially chose projects as you spend on gifts for family and friends The Missions Committee and Church Council have chosen three special projects to receive our Christmas to Remember offering-one local, one national, and one international Our local project this year is Fayetteville Family Life Center Our national/US project is The Jeremiah Project Our international project is Impact Global Health Alliance If you would like to participate in our Christmas to Remember, you will be given the option to designate the exact project you would like your funds to support, or you could give to Christmas to Remember, in which case your funds will be split evenly between the three projects If you would like to learn more about each of our carefully chosen projects, we encourage you to read below and prayerfully consider our challenge to make this a Christmas to Remember
Fayetteville Family Life Center: The Fayetteville Family Life Center has provided spiritually integrated psychotherapy and pastoral counseling to individuals and families of Cumberland and surrounding counties since 1974. As a Church-related non-profit ministry they can continue to provide counseling services to the community because of support they receive from their partners and gracious donors Anyone who seeks counseling that the Center is equipped to provide will be served They do not turn people away because they cannot afford care If a client requires services that the Center cannot provide, they do their best to refer the individual to any agency that can provide those services The FFLC does all it can to ensure that all who would like to receive counseling may do so And so, the FFLC enlists help from local friends to cover other expenses, such as building rent, cost of administration support, utilities, and client aid assistance
The Jeremiah Project: The Jeremiah Project was founded in 1997 by three Youth Pastors who all felt there was a tremendous need for a Christ-centered mission trip experience designed specifically middle school students Selecting Jeremiah 1:7 as the foundational scripture, the Jeremiah Project was born In recent years, JP has embraced ministry to high school students as well If The Jeremiah Project sounds familiar to you, that would be because our HUMC Youth attend The Jeremiah Project each summer! The funds we are collecting during Christmas to Remember would go towards purchasing building materials for middle and high school students to use during their mission trips
Impact Global Health Alliance Togo Project: HUMC has worked with Impact Global Health Alliance (previously Curamericas) for many years Their mission is to partner with underserved communities to make measurable and sustainable improvements in their health and wellbeing We have sent numerous church members on medical and construction work teams through this organization Previous projects we have funded through Impact Global Health Alliance include providing transportation resources to midwives and pregnant women in remote areas of Bolivia, and providing solar panels to help provide electricity for birthing hospitals in Kenya Our funds collected from Christmas to Remember last year provided funding for microgrids for two maternal health centers in remote areas of Guatemala which are deeply impacted by civil war and systemic challenges
This year’s funds will go to support Impact Global Health’s new Togo project In partnership with the Methodist Church of Togo, they are working to transform maternal and child health in rural communities of the country. Through long-term collaboration grounded in shared values, they are working on strengthening local health systems while equipping mothers and families with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. They are accomplishing this goal through training and supporting local health workers, improving health center staffing and services, and mobilizing community leadership to ensure long-term impact.
Angel Tree 2025
Beginning November 23
Angel Tree is a program of Prison Fellowship Ministries Through Angel Tree, Haymount can embrace the children of prisoners in our community by providing them with a Christmas gift, given in love, on behalf of their incarcerated parent Each child has two Angels on the Angel Tree A gift wish is written on the Angel tag Please try to stay in the $25 range when purchasing gifts. Some families have numerous children on the Angel Tree. We desire to have all the children feel equally loved and remembered by his or her parent.
After selecting an Angel, please record your name beside the child’s name and code # on the master list located beside the Angel Tree. Wrap each gift and detach the top portion of the Angel tag on the outside of the gift. Return all gifts to the Church Office no later than December 8 ! Angels will be on the tree in the Narthex and in the NLC lobby by November 23. th Right now, an estimated 2.7 million children have a mom or dad in prison. This outreach ministry gives us the opportunity and blessing to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me ” Matthew 18:5
For questions or to learn how to get involved with this ministry, contact our Church Office.
Liturgical Ramblings
With Donald Warren
All Saints Day celebrates all the saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown, on November 1st or often the Sunday closest to that da The Christian celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day stems from belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (the "Church triumphant"), the living (the "Church militant"), and the "Church penitent" which includes the faithful departed
All Souls Day focuses on praying for the departed, in particular in Roman Catholic tradition, where prayers are offered for souls in Purgatory. It is celebrated on November 2nd.
Christ The King Sunday is celebrated on the last Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, the Sunday immediately preceding Advent. The feast celebrates Jesus's kingship and authority over all of creation.
Dios de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday celebrated mainly on November 1 and 2, in which family and friends gather to pay tribute to and remember loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is widely celebrated in Mexico and in other countries in Central America and the Andean region of South America It has become tied loosely to the Christian All Saints Day and All Souls Day but has its own distinctive history It is not a liturgical holiday
Veterans Day is a U S federal holiday observed annually on November 11 to honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces, service men and women who are still living It is not a liturgical holiday
Thanksgiving Day is a U S national holiday where people gather with family and friends to give thanks, most often through a large meal featuring turkey and stuffing It traces its origins back to a 1621 harvest feast between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people, and became a national holiday through a proclamation by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Thanksgiving is not a liturgical holiday.
Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, focusing on both the first coming of Jesus at Christmas and his second coming. Common practices include lighting candles on an Advent wreath, reflecting on biblical readings, and preparing Nativity scenes. The candles represent the journey from darkness to light and the anticipation of Christ's birth.
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 and for the twelve days following, as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world The English word Christmas is a shortened form of “Christ's Mass ”
Missions News
November Garage Sale Save The Date!
Our next garage sales will be held on November 21st & 22nd and will benefit Habitat for Humanity and the HUMC Missions Fund. Put these dates on your calendar and tell your friends! We are already accepting donations, and have begun pricing items in the basement!
We also want to say a huge “Thank You” to everyone who donated items to our Holiday Garage Sale in October. Our sale was a huge success and raised upwards of $4,500!
If you are interested in joining our Garage Sale Team, or want to learn more about ways to get involved, contact Karen Barkman at 910-818-9050
Holiday Food Drive
To Benefit Fayetteville Urban Ministries
Throughout the month of November, we will be accepting canned goods and non perishable goods to help Fayetteville Urban Ministries keep their food pantry fully stocked during this Holiday season! We will be accepting items such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, oatmeal, boxes of stuffing, instant rice, instant mashed potatoes, and more! Please bring all donations to the designated boxes outside of the Church Office and in the lobby of our New Life Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding the food drive, contact Laurie Doherty or call our church office!
In addition to our Holiday Food Drive, we will also be going to Fayetteville Urban Ministries to help their team pack Thanksgiving Boxes to distribute to those in need in our community. We will be meeting on Saturday, November 22 at Fayetteville Urban Ministries. If you would like to join our team as we pack Thanksgiving Boxes, be sure to contact Laurie Doherty by November 15. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join!
2026 Summer Mission Trips
El Salvador Team August 1-8, 2026
El Salvador team August 1-8, 2026. 8 team members have committed [3 under age 15]. In-country travel/room/board: $550/person plus airfare. El Salvador is among the safest countries in the Western hemisphere. Team interest meeting: Thursday Nov. 13 at 7 PM at Wes and Lucy Jones, 320 Summertime Rd, Fayetteville. Contact: Wes Jones, 910-977-2568 or jwesjonesmd@gmail.com.
Submitted By Wes Jones
United Methodist Men Update
The United Methodist Men would like to extend thanks to everyone who attended their annual BBQ! This Fundraiser will allow us to continue our various projects in our church and community. If you are interested in joining the UMM or would like to learn more, we invite you to join us at 8:00 AM in the NLC for our monthly UMM Breakfast at one of the below dates:
November 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
UWFaith Fall Update
Submitted
by JoAnn Stanford
FN
Please plan to join us 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!
The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) held its Annual Meeting October 4 here at Haymount UMC. Reports were given, a budget was adopted, 2026 officers were installed, a Remembrance Service recognized the deceased members and other business was discussed. There were three workshops: UWFaith Making a Difference Around the World, Restorative Justice, and Sustainable Living Practices.
Socks for the Homeless Drive - November 1 - 30 Place new dark colored socks of any size for men and women in containers outside the office and in the NLC lobby These socks go to Operation Inasmuch
In November UWFaith has a World Thank Offering As we give to show gratitude for God's blessings These donations go to assist women, children and youth here and globally
Culver's Frozen Custard will be sold at WEF on November 5 and 12 - $1 00 per scoop!
UWFaith will sell cookies at the garage sale on November 21 - 22..
December
CHRISTMASSEASON WhattoExpectThisDecember
Blue Christmas Service
Join us on December 21 at 4:00 PM for our Blue Christmas Service A Blue Christmas service, also known as a Longest Night service, is a Christian worship service desiged to offer comfort and hope to those experiencing grief, loss, or loneliness during the holiday season. It's a space to acknowledge the pain and sadness that can be intensified by the emphasis on joy and celebration during Christmas, providing a sense of community and support for those who are struggling
Christmas Eve at Haymount UMC
Join us for one of our THREE Christmas Eve Services at Haymount UMC. Join us at 5:00 PM for our family-friendly, contemporary service in our NLC, at 7:00 PM in our Sanctuary for our Traditoinal service, or welcome Christmas Day with us at our 11:00 PM service in our Sanctuary All services are free and open to the public!
Sunday, December 28
Join us on December 28 for a singular service at 10AM in our sanctuary. This service will be shortened. If you would prefer to view the service online, it will also be livestreamed to our website
Church Office Closures
Our Church Office will be closed beginning Wednesday, December 24 and will reopen on Monday, December 29.
Wednesday Evening Fellowship Returns!
We look forward to seeing you at WEF this fall, as you join us for fellowship, food and community. You should have received an email in late August with all the menus and links to register for the whole season or for individual meals as well as to sign up for assisting in some way. We need about 12 volunteers each week to make this ministry function. Please look for the time to work that fits your schedule. To sign up for volunteering, please call Carol Lloyd 910-988-1803 or Susan Black 910-988-1238.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW OPTION: When you register for your meal, either online or on Sunday with an envelope, please read the options carefully. We now offer an UPSize version of the regular meal for our heartier appetites at $10. When registering online, you will first choose Adult Regular Meal THEN CLICK THE UPSIZE BOX BELOW. Trouble registering for the meal, contact Nicole in the church office no later than 5 PM on Mondays for assistance.
Nov 5 Chason’s Stew Beef with rice, cabbage, yam souffle, roll
GF Stew beef with rice, cabbage, sweet potato Kid’s choice: Hot dog, fruit, chips
Nov 12 MiCasita rice bowl with chicken and veggies, chips and salsa GF options available Kid’s choice: quesadilla, rice, fruit
Nov 19 Spaghetti from St. Constantine and Helen Greek Church, salad bar, bread GF Pasta and marinara, salad bar Kid’s choice: plain spaghetti noodles with butter and parmesan, fruit, roll
Dec 3 Chason’s fried chicken, field peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, roll GF Roasted chicken, field peas, mashed potatoes No kid’s choice (can substitute fruit for field peas)
Dec 10 Mellow Mushroom Pizza, salad bar
GF options available. No kid’s choice
