The First Word - First United Methodist Church of Rutherfordton, NC

May 2015
First United Methodist Church
264 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
www.fumcrutherfordton.org
Vol. 3, No. 9
The First Word
UMW Mission Yard Sale
Saturday, May 2
8 am until 2 pm
Have
you
finished
your
Spring
cleaning? Drop off your "treasures" on
Friday, May 1st at the Perry-Moore
House from 4 to 6 pm. Thank you for
contributing to our annual sale for
missions.
Yard Sale
GOOD TASTE
I never turn down a good, tasty meal (which one look at me confirms!). And at First Church, we
have plenty of opportunities to eat well. Eating well…. Good taste…. Where do these come from?
While we know it takes a lot of culinary skill and experience to prepare a tasty meal, we also know
that there are those intangible elements that raise the meal to a whole different level.
Recently, someone from the community came to the Church Office asking for a bag of groceries
from our Food Pantry. And as Pam Craft was getting her bag, the woman said how grateful she was
for the Welcome Table meal she receives every Monday night. She mentioned that this wasn’t a
place where the server just shoved a plate or a bowl at you like you were in a soup kitchen; that you
could tell that those serving through Welcome Table really cared.
Later, at Staff Meeting, as Pam was telling the story, she remarked that the hospitality and smiles
“makes the food taste better.” Makes the food taste better…. Hmmm.
Good taste. While the physical nourishment is important, Jesus always offers more than food.
Hospitality is that “hidden treasure” Jesus spoke of in Matthew 13:44: the presence of God’s
Kingdom revealed!
When a Soul Food meal is personally delivered with a smile and pleasant words of greeting,
God’s Kingdom is revealed.
When one of our community neighbors whose appearance and demeanor indicate that
they have had a tough day, receives a warm greeting at the door followed by more smiles
and kind words from those serving the meal on real china plates followed by yet another
smiling person asking if there is anything that could be brought and then sitting down at the
table with the person and the smile is returned…, God’s Kingdom is revealed.
What an incredible privilege we have as Easter people, because we get to see resurrection – new
life! – happening all around us as we offer hospitality in the name and Spirit of the living Christ.
So, enjoy your meals at home or out. Enjoy the tastiness of the food and all that happens with it
which awakens us to God’s graciousness and hospitality. “O taste and see that the Lord is good,”
the Psalmist declares (34:8).
Gratefully,
Jack Knoespel
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A STEPHEN MINISTER?
First Church plans to train another class of Stephen Ministers beginning in late
summer. Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastor to care, encourage, and
provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a
difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, terminal illness, chronic illness,
relocation, unemployment, or loneliness. If you have gifts for caring,
encouragement, and listening, please begin to prayerfully consider whether you
might want to be part of this exciting ministry.
On Sunday, May 3 at 10:00am, we will have an INFORMATION SESSION about Stephen Ministry which
will offer information, testimonies from present Stephen Ministers as well as the opportunity for you to
ask questions. If you think you might be interested, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders:
Susie King, Dan Smith, Bobbie Tedford, Stacey Watkins-Griffith, or Jack Knoespel.
Page 2
NEX T NEWSLET T ER DEADLINE
May 20 at 12:00 noon
SUNDAY BULLET IN D EADLINE
Every Monday at Noon
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Send your Newsletter/Bulletin information,
inserts, etc. to: [email protected]
The children are enjoying going on field trips.
So far we have been to Tiffani’s Family Fun
Center, Main Street Coffee and Ice Cream,
Library, Crestview Park, and Putt-Putt. This
month, we will be taking the children to
Bubba’s, gem mining, KidSenses, and to
Odean and Barbara Keever’s for horseback
riding.
UNION METHODIST CHURCH
You are invited to attend the annual
Memorial Service at Union Methodist Church
on Sunday, May 17th, 2015 at 3:00 pm. Come
and honor history and worship with the
families who gather to remember their loved
ones buried in the Union Methodist Cemetery.
Union Church is on Union Road, and is near
the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road & Baber
Road.
On May 14, we will have our End of the Year
program. The children are going to act out
the story of The Samaritan under the direction
of Bobbie Tedford. The children are going to
recite Bible verses and sing We Are Marching,
This Little Light of Mine, Lord, I lift Your Name
on High, This is the Day, and Jesus Loves Me.
These are just a few of the songs that Glenda
Fuhrmann taught them during music. All
church members are invited. At the end of
the program, we will have graduation for our
4th graders (Hasia Allen, Lilly Gilliam, Abigail
Hudgins, and Mykierra Surratt). We hope that
you will attend Friendship Club End of the
Year Program.
INFORMATION ON
GRADUATES NEEDED
Sunday, June 7th is Graduate Recognition
Day at First Church. If you have a high school
or college graduate in your family, please email their name and their school’s name to
[email protected] by May 20th.
On May 18, we will have a swim party for the
4th graders. After the party, Alice and I will
take the fourth grades out to eat at a
restaurant of their choice.
The children are looking forward to going to
Camp Tekoa June 22-26. If you would like to
make a donation, please see Cindy or Pam in
the Church’s office.
We have had a great 2014 – 2015 year. We
have seen the children grow physically,
socially, and spiritually. All because of this
Church’s generosity. FUMC has made a big
difference in twenty-four children this past
year. Thank you for all of your support and
prayers.
A CHANGE: Please make note that Cheryl
Waddingham can be reached at 828-4292296 (no more at the 287-5343 number) and
that her mailing address is 236 Cardinal Road,
Rutherfordton, NC 28139 not Spindale.
THANKS!
The Friendship Club Staff
Connie Mills and Alice Wright
Page 3
Coming Soon . . .
2015 TLC Summer Bible Adventures!
Below is a tentative schedule for our program (9am – 12pm):
June 2nd - 4th: THE AMAZING BEGINNING WEEK
(Creation, Adam and Eve, The First Sin)
June 9th - 11th: CRAZY ANIMALS WEEK
(Noah’s Ark)
June 16th - 18th: LET’S GO ON AN ADVENTURE! WEEK
(Story of Jonah)
June 23rd - 25th: KINGS AND QUEENS WEEK
(Queen Esther’s Courage, King David)
June 30th - July 2nd: SUPERHERO WEEK
(Jesus is my Superhero! He can do miracles!)
July 7th - 9th: KIDS IN THE KITCHEN WEEK
(Moses and the manna from Heaven/Feeding 5000)
July 14th - 16th: MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ WEEK
(Making a Joyful Noise!)
July 21st - 23rd: GET FIT WEEK
(Running the race with Jesus!)
- $25 Registration fee must be prepaid
by May 6th. This covers insurance,
educational materials, and snacks.
- Cost is $240, due by June 2nd.
- Questions? Please contact Kathy
Watson @ 980-3368! Thank you!
Page 4
STORIES OF CHRIST’S LIGHT SHINING
WELCOME SAM HARRIS—
Duke Field Ed Intern
Sometimes you’re not the candle burning,
you’re the match!
One of the requirements of students
attending Duke Divinity School is that they
participate in at least two units of field
education. And we at First Church are
delighted to welcome someone that many of
you already know. For the past school year,
Sam Harris has immersed himself in the study
of Christian theology, biblical studies and
church history. Now, for ten weeks beginning
in late May, he gets to experience life as a
pastor from the leadership side. While I will
serve as Sam’s Supervising Pastor, a Lay
Mentoring Team chaired by Shirley Koone will
also meet regularly with Sam.
A story that illustrates just this comes this
month from the Tot Learning Center. Since our
pre- school program began 30 years ago,
one individual has consistently been the
“match” that has helped Christ’s light to shine
in the classrooms of these young children.
Since 1985 this person has paid, each year, for
the TLC teachers to go to the 2 day Preschool
Workshop that is conducted by the Western
NC Methodist Conference. What’s more, it
has always been done anonymously and it
still is!
We’ll never really know how bright Christ’s
light has shown nor how far it has spread
because of this generous effort. Light is like
that. When the spark is lit, it has a life of its
own, reaching dark corners that we may
never envision.
Please be in prayer for Sam as he finishes with
his coursework and exams and prepares to
join us.
Acting on a strong faith and a strong belief in
well prepared teachers - plus a love for little
children - this action has improved the quality
of our pre-school program over the years, as
well as helping to shine the light of Christ to
countless youngsters.
Save the Date
Tuesday - Friday
August 4 - August 7
I’m sure there are many more “matches” out
there; people who have sparked the Light for
others through words or deeds that are
enabling or encouraging. Whether you’re a
burning candle or the match that lights it, this
blessing is for you! Thanks for keeping the light
going!
5:30 - 8:00 pm
VBS Family Night: Saturday, August 8
4:00 - 6:30 pm
(I’d like to share your story. Call Shirley Koone at
287-3730 or email [email protected])
CHURCH OFFICE NEWS
The church office will be closed on Monday,
May 25th (Memorial Day). The cut off for the
May 31st Bulletin is on Thursday, May 21st.
NEW MEMBERS TO BE RECEIVED
New members will be received into our
church family on Sunday, May 31. If you have
been attending for a while and would like to
make First Church your church home, please
contact Jack Knoespel at 828-287-3704, ext.
102, or at [email protected].
Thank you, Pam Craft
Page 5
TOT LEARNING CENTER
THE FOLLOWING MONETARY GIFTS HAVE
BEEN RECEIVED:
WOW! Where did our year go? May is here
and our busiest month of the year - but we
are planning to make it our very best!!! As
May moves on we look forward to our second
annual "Family Day - Picnic in the Park" on
Friday, May 8 at Crestview Park. At this time
we will celebrate family and friends as well as
good food and fellowship on this special day.
Children will also present their families with a
"one of a kind" gift to let each know they are
loved and appreciated. It will be great fun for
all!
In memory of Bruce Waddingham from Alan
& Sherry Henderson, Helen Trevathan, Lucy
Daniel, Vern & Peggy Schoeneman, Bob &
Teresa Bourne, Brad & Paige Warren, The New
Beginnings Sunday School Class, designated
for “Missions”; Mattie Lackey, designated for
Operation In As Much; Margaret Clark & Ann
Moore, designated for the Keenagers; Jane
Waters, designated for the General
Operating Fund & B. L. Basden, designated for
Habitat; David & Peggy Truscott, designated
for Outreach Missions.
Class photos as well as grad photos make us
very aware of how each child has grown and
the realization that soon this month we will
graduate a new class of four year old's to
begin a new chapter in their lives toward
kindergarten....a proud but bittersweet time
for each TLC staff and myself. All of us are so
proud of each child and they will be greatly
missed. Come join us for this graduation
celebration of song and wonderful things the
children have learned on Tuesday, May 19 in
our sanctuary @ 6:30. A reception will be held
afterwards on the preschool floor. We
cordially invite you to this special evening!
In memory of Lucy Phillips, mother of Nanette
Edwards, from Jane Waters, designated for
the Welcome Table.
In memory of Martha Novak, mother of Tim
Roach, from Betty Lane, designated for the
Soul Food Ministry.
In honor of the Soul Food Committee from
Ron & Dorothy Parker, designated for Soul
Food.
In memory of Ted Tedford from Charles & April
Tubbs, designated for the General Operating
Fund.
TLC "Field Day" will be held on Wednesday,
May 20 (last school day of this year) on the
playground. The "grand finale" indeed to
another fabulous year at Tot Learning Center!
WORDS OF THANKS
I continue to be blessed daily by this church
family with your continued prayers, cards,
phone calls, food and many donations to
various organizations in loving memory of my
husband, Bruce. It is with much gratitude and
love that my family extends sincere
appreciation for the many, many kindnesses
shown to us during this time. Special thank
you to everyone who had any part in the
service and in the preparation of the
wonderful reception that followed. Words
cannot do justice of how much my family and
I appreciate each and every one of you.
Also, take note of enclosed information about
"TLC Summer Adventures" scheduled to be
held at our church. This program operates
Tues/Wed/Thurs for eight weeks beginning
Tuesday, June 3 till July 23. Crafts and
activities are planned as well as continuing to
study God's word in the summertime. Spread
the word to friends and families of three, four,
and five year old's as we join together for lots
of fun in the sun with the Son!
Call
or
email
Kathy
Watson
at
[email protected] should you
need more information. She is always glad to
assist.
Blessings to you all,
Cheryl Waddingham & family
Happy May Everyone!
Page 6
CHILDREN'S CORNER
Bible Verse: But me! I am filled with
power, with the spirit of the Lord. Micah
3:8
Leap of Faith: The Holy Spirit is always
with me.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11,
Galatians 5:22-25, Acts 6:1-17, Acts 2:141, Acts 8:26-40
What a busy month for us. We will be
learning about the "Spirit", the different
kinds and how God uses these "Spirits" to
move us closer to him.
Crafts and Activities: Special gift,
Mother's Day Breakfast, "Fruit of the Spirit"
rocks, clay hands of thanks, celebrating
Pentecost and making scrolls.
The Children's Choir will be singing on
Pentecost Sunday, don't forget to wear
something red.
Come and join the fun, as we grow
together in our faith!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mother's Day Breakfast
for our Children's
Mothers and Grandmothers
May 10th at 9:45am
in the Fellowship Center
MAY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
Nursery
First Sunday
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday
Fifth Sunday
Children’s Time
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday
Fifth Sunday
Emily Yelton
Naomi Yelton
Nanette Edwards
Susan Keever
Margaret Britt
Laura Powell
Sheila Deck
Adam Myslinski
Eric Wells
MAY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS cont.
Greeters (8:45)
First Sunday
Rory & Jeannie Kiser
Second Sun.
Eric & Terri Wells
Third Sunday
Jennifer Carver, Nick & Alex
Fourth Sun.
Sandra Turner & Betty Lane
Fifth Sunday
Mabel Satrape & Laverne Petrucka
Greeters (11:00)
First Sunday
Edith Edwards & Betsy K. Woolridge
Second Sun.
Shirley Koone & Betty Arnold
Third Sunday
David & Peggy Truscott
Fourth Sun.
Dillard & Carolyn Morrow
Fifth Sunday
Grant & B. J. McRorie
Acolyte
First Sunday
Second Sun.
Third Sunday
Fourth Sun.
Fifth Sunday
(8:45 am)
Jackson Powell
Campbell Powell
Amanda Griffith
Nicole Mercer
Maris Rogers
Sound System
First Sunday
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday
Fifth Sunday
(11:00 am)
David Griffith
Mackenzie Malone
Taylor Wright
Hannah Shelton
Laurie Griffith
Joy Piper
Russell Wicker
Eric Wells
Don Harris
Steve & Alice Wright
Ushers (8:45) Ken Sanford, Pete Russell, Doug Melton
Ushers (11:00) David Covington, Dewey Whitaker,
Wayne Keever, Barry Hunter, Randy McDaniel,
Charles Wright, David Best
Bread Makers
First Sunday
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday
Fifth Sunday
Debbie Stowe
Jennifer Carver
Helen Rogers
Lynn Black
Brenda Gibson
Door Steppers
First Sunday
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday
Fifth Sunday
Jeep & Johnnie Martin
Dillard & Carolyn Morrow
Bud & Joy Deck
Jane Waters & Vanessa Harbison
Charlie & Emily Yelton
Prayer Steward
First Week
Second Week
Third Week
Fourth Week
Fifth Week
David & Peggy Truscott
Bobbie Tedford & Betty Peck
Emily Yelton
Dan Smith
Shirley Koone
Page 7
First United Methodist Church
264 North Main Street
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
We’re on the Web!
www.fumcrutherfordton.org
Find us on Facebook!
FIRST UNIT ED MET HODIST CH URCH ST AFF
Phone and Extension: (828) 287-3704
Jack Knoespel, Ext. 102
Pastor
[email protected]
Glenda Fuhrmann, Ext. 114
Organist and Interim Director of Music
[email protected]
Cindy Hill, Ext. 101
Business Manager
[email protected]
Pam Craft, Ext. 100
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Connie Mills, Ext. 107
Friendship Club Director
[email protected]
Kathy Watson, Ext. 103
TLC Preschool Director
[email protected]