Lebanon First United Methodist Church

Lebanon First United Methodist Church
415 West Main St.
Lebanon TN 37087
615-444-3315
IMPORTANT NOTICE: To ensure the deductibility of
your church contributions, do not file your 2013 income
tax return until you have written acknowledgment of
your contributions from the church. Some contributions
may not be tax-deductible if you file prior to receiving a
written acknowledgement of contributions from the
church. Year end statements will be mailed next week.
EMAIL:
[email protected]
WEBSITE:
www.lebanonfumc.com
Jan. 8, 2014
Next issue
Jan. 22
Golden Agers, Jan. 9,12:00-2:00 come join us as we
celebrate our January birthdays, lunch and short program.
Game Day, Jan. 23, All Adults Invited- 10–2, Fellowship
Hall. Come for a fun time and $5 lunch.
Volunteers Needed
Prayerfully consider
assisting in the needs of
these areas:
January 14, Tuesday Trip to the Frist Center to see the
Norman Rockwell exhibit. We will leave church at
9:00 am. Lunch will be Dutch treat.
Children’s Church,
Ushers, Greeters, or
Family Care
Ministry
Call the church office to
Volunteer
615-444-3315
Pickle Ball Clinic Sat., Jan. 18, 9:30-10:30 am
If you are interested in learning how to play pickle ball,
join us for a morning clinic on rules and scoring.
All equipment will be provided. This is a fun way to burn
off some of those holiday calories!! Questions?
Call or email Ruth Cardwell 444-4320 or
[email protected]
Sit n Stitchers Saturday group
will now be meeting at 9:30 to
11:30 on Saturday mornings in
the Family Life Center. Please
come join us for fellowship and
stitching of any kind. All are
welcome, men too!
W
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orship and Pot Luck with Pickett-Rucker UMC
on Jan. 19
Our 8:30am service will be held as usual.
We will be worshiping at 11:00 am with the members
of Pickett-Rucker UMC on the Sunday of the Martin
Luther King, Jr. weekend.
Our choirs will sing. Our preachers will preach.
We'll have a potluck dinner in the FLC together after
the 11:00 am service. So bring your favorite dish.
Snow Policy… In the event of substantial ice
or snow, early service and Sunday school will be
canceled. For those who are able, we will have one
worship service at 11:00. For last minute information,
please call the church office. If lines are busy, feel
free to call a staff member at home. Weekday
activities follow the public school schedule. If schools
are closed, other activities may be canceled.
Check Facebook and Twitter
February 14, 9:30 am-Tour/lunch of Second Harvest
Food Bank. Our church is a member agency of Second
Harvest We purchase our food for the backpack program
from them and some items for our pantry. It is amazing
to see how they keep track of all the donated food they
receive with the assistance of a large group of volunteers.
The café is staffed by volunteers who create a wonderful
all-you-can eat buffet. The buffet costs $12, Dutch Treat.
Sign up in the Church Office.
"Recommended Resolutions"
Early in the morning I work out "religiously." So
do several other church members. As they say,
"Whenever this many Methodists are at the same
place at the same time, take up an offering."
The time is so early that the numbers are small
enough that you know who the regulars are. New
persons are easily detected.
Over the years I've observed a rush of new persons
after January 1. There's no mistaking the the fact that
beginning a physical fitness program was on the list
of New Year's Resolutions.
Changing old habits and forming new ones requires
intentionality, willpower, discipline, commitment,
dedication, and perseverance.
Inner resources and character traits that most of us
find in short supply.
If you've made some New Year's Resolutions, I'm
sure it's because you believe they'll be good for you.
Exercise, a balanced diet, rest and recreation are good
for you.
Will you allow me to add to your list? You would
expect a pastor's recommended resolutions to be
"churchy." I won't disappoint.
1. Simplify your life, so that there is time and space
in it for rest, reflection, and re-creation. God rested
after six days of work. So, even if we think we're
God, it's OK to rest and observe sabbath.
2. Spend time each day in prayer. Jesus had a habit of
leaving the crowds who needed him in order to honor
his own need for time with the Father. However you
pray, just do it.
3. Practice the attitude of gratitude. Each week write
letters to 5 persons. Express that who they are and
what they do blesses you. I gave you this assignment
in my sermon on Thanksgiving Sunday. More than
one person has told me how much receiving such a
letter meant to them. Practicing gratitude will help to
create a culture of gratitude in our church. When we
are grateful, we're usually humble, positive,
respectful, forgiving, and loving. Gratitude affects
the way we treat others as we want to be -- and
have been -- treated.
4. Find a Spiritual Friend or group of Spiritual
Friends. Jesus needed a group of friends to travel
with him on his faith journey. By ourselves we are
susceptible to skewed thinking, loneliness,
discouragement, and self-righteous pride. Study
with them, share with them, serve with them, pray
with them--be real with them. Let them be Jesus for
you.
5. Do something that brings you joy--something
that you've been putting off. Jesus knew how to
have a good time. That he had the reputation of
being a glutton and a drunkard is proof. So do what
enlivens your soul and confirms God's goodness in
your life and in the world. You know what it is. Just
do it.
Security on Church Grounds
Security & Safety is always a concern in our
buildings, especially when only one person is in
that building. We are sorry for the inconvenience,
but when no one is in the FLC the doors will be
locked. You need to check in at the main office for
a key and return the key when you are finished
walking. This eliminates walk-ins or anyone who
does not have a reason to be in the building. There
may also be times when the main doors are locked,
especially when only one woman is in the office. If
the lights are out, the office is closed. We try to
keep regular office hours but sometimes closing
the office is unavoidable. .
Rainbows support group assists children and their
families who are grieving a death, divorce or other
life-altering crisis, meeting in the Spain House at
First United Methodist Church.
Check out www.rainbows.org. Contact Brenda Gill,
[email protected], 444-7321, Teresa,
[email protected], 444-3315, or Bucky,
[email protected], 444-3315.
Offering Envelopes: Please complete an envelope
from the pew or use the envelopes you receive in the
mail. It is very helpful to our volunteer counters.
Thank you in advance.
Electronic giving, www.lebanonfumc.com,
Click to give
Thank you notes: Thank you
everyone who is a part of the Family
Care Ministry. I so appreciated each
of you that took time from your own
preparations for Thanksgiving Dinner to
prepare and serve a delicious meal to
my family. My Mom would have been
awed by your caring spirit and so was I. Sincerely,
Beverly Long and Ellen Bobo’s Family;
-First UMC, I want to express how appreciative I am
to have such a caring church family. From the sweet
service that Mike and Bucky conducted for my Mother.
The delicious meal prepared and served by the Family
Care Ministry, and the visits to the funeral home,
cards, food and memorials. All were greatly
appreciated by myself and my family. We are blessed
to have First UMC as our church family. Beverly and
Larry Long and Ellen Bobo’s Family.
-On Behalf of Wilson County Christmas For All, I
would like to thank you for your donation of toys to the
2013 campaign . Your donation helped us provide
gifts and food to over 2,500 children and elderly
residents of Wilson County this holiday season.
Thank you for making the holiday season a special
one for so many Wilson County citizens. Alan
Ricketts, President, Wilson County Christmas For All
-Dear Church Staff and Members: I want to thank you
all for what you do for me. I really enjoyed the Ann
and Jim Harper family for coming to sing Christmas
Carols and the poinsettia the church sent me. I always
enjoy “Bucky” visit, particularly because our families
go way back to when I was a child. Wishing the best
for the church in 2014. I wish I could attend, but I just
can’t make it. Sincerely, Estelle Jewell
-Prayer Ministry, I was expecting that my blood
numbers would be down to where the doctor ordered
chemo the week before Christmas, and lo, it came not
to pass. The numbers improved slightly and allowed
me another 2 month reprieve. Thank you for your
prayers and my stubbornness to improve my
leukemia, if that is His will. Thank you, unknown
people, who bless me with your prayers and awesome
support! May God bless you all richly in your ministry.
Sincerely, Bob Capes (Em’s Dad) Survivor because of
your prayers and hope in Him.
Visitors: Dec. 15-Jessica Cowan, Kristy Leach,
Terrell and Judy Key, Alex Cope, David Balsbaugh,
Carson McCrae, Shim Jesai, Noah Chance, Abby
Chance, Jerry and Barbara Christenburg, Sue and
Galen Lester, Amanda and Olivia Lester, Tina Dyer,
David Lampley, Vickie Bowman, Dick and Jan Lufkin;
Dec. 22-Darla and Carey Smith, Sabrina Fava Coby
Campbell, Ron Nokes; Dec. 29-Alissa Benhane, Rev.
and Mrs. Mark Locke, Nathaniel and Jonathon, Mrs.
Gene Bain, Kenneth Hughes, Harry, Louise and
Katherine O’Brien; Jan. 5-Sarah Carpenter, Neal and
Kim Nevenschwander
Memorials given for: Ruth Wilfong
UMW Groups: Jan. 20, Ruth Group will NOT meet this
month, Martha Group will meet 6:30 in the Parlor.
UMW Bake Sale Huge Success!
Thanks to all you bakers and buyers, we netted $512
from the pre-Thanksgiving sale. This will be helpful in
meeting our missions giving goals. LFUMC can always
be counted on to support extra-mile efforts by all our
groups. The UMW are very thankful for all of you who
helped!.
UMM We will be having our meeting on January 19 at
7:30 am. We plan on going over several things
including activities for 2014 and a planned new
President election. Everyone is welcome. As always, a
good breakfast will be provided.
Women’s Bible Studies: Sunday Night, 5-7 pm,
begins again in January with Beth Moore’s “When Godly
People do Ungodly Things”.
Monday Morning Bible Study/Prayer Group 9-11 am.
A study of James will begin Jan. 27. Both studies meet
in the Thackston Classroom.
Preschool would like new or gently used 2nd or 3rd
generation IPads for instructional purposes. Please
contact Erin Stone, [email protected] for details.
Nursery worker needed for Wednesday night choir
practices. Hours are 5:15 to 8:15 pm.
Contact [email protected] or
444-3315 for more information. We are
in need of fitted sheets for pack-n-play
for our nursery.
Free Dementia Workshop Jan, 14, College Hills
Church of Christ, light dinner at 5:00, Training Worship
6:15, Call to make reservations at 444-3568. Provided
by Senior Helpers Caregivers.
DON’T MISS OUT! Bi-monthly newsletters and weekly
email updates are sent to members and friends. Read
the newsletter and weekly e-mails to stay informed! If
your address changes inform the church office.
How to Become a part of First Church Forever…
A Legacy … Our Endowment Fund
Only the income is available to spend. The principal is
protected so it can continue to produce income yearafter-year and grow as gifts are added to our
Endowment Investment Fund. Where can you start?
Careful estate planning requires the advice of a
professional. Your gift can be a tax-wise investment.
Living gifts and bequests can help us now, as well as
future generations. Call 444-3315 for more information.
2014 Schedule: UMYF will resume on January 12th. 5:00 pm
PULSE Wednesday evenings 5:00 pm
You can still register for Warmth in Winter
Registration for Warmth in Winter there is a link on the website for
forms. Date: Jan. 31-Feb. 2.
Address Service
Requested
Dated Material
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Lebanon TN 37087
Permit No. 94
Worship with us
Sundays 8:30 & 11
Fellowship Time 9:15
Sunday School 9:45
Ministry Staff of Lebanon Firs t
Attendance and Offering Report
Dr. Mike Ripski, Pastor
Rev. David Hesson, Minister of Discipleship
Programming Staff: Ruth Cardwell, Adults;
Emily Capes, Youth; Teresa LaFevor, Children;
Music/Worship: Charles Overton, Minister of Music and
Worship; Joseph Walker, Accompanist;
John Oakley, Sound & Media;
Administrative Staff:
Lisa Durham, Business;
Pam Vandever, Communications;
Cori Brantley, Congregational Care;
Patty Caldwell, Finance
Facilities Manager: Larry Talley
Children’s Staff: Jennie Howell, Parent’s Day Out;
Erin Stone, Director/Preschool 4 Teacher;
Danielle Pruitt, Preschool 3 Teacher
December 15
Worship 740 (8:30-354; 11-386) SS-n/a
Budget $13,866; Building $884
Communion $30; Memorial $100
Brooks House $50; UMCOR $270
December 22
Worship 449 (8:30-267; 11-182) SS-217
Budget $;15,902 Building $2,860;
Friends of Music $1500; Pre-school $250,
Communion $70
December 29
Worship 372 (8:30-183; 11-189) SS 211
Budget $22,531; Building $470; Communion $370
December 31
Budget $7140; Building $340
Alicia Stephens $3000; Columbarium $10,054
January 5
Worship 513 (8:30-273; 11-240) SS 303
Budget $13,572; Building $605
Friends of Music $420; UMCOR $100;
Brooks House $25; Pre-school $200;
Memorials $250
Lebanon First United Methodist
415 West Main, Lebanon 37087
615-444-3315 Fax 615-444-3385
[email protected]
www.lebanonfumc.com
Join us on Facebook
Church debt for capital improvements $43,900
Monthly Electronic— General $15,036,
Cap. Imp. $1408; Communion $100