FUMC Words for Wednesday: 01-05-2022

Happy New Year Church,

I hope this finds you doing well in the New Year! I want to thank our new Director of Pastoral Care, Mack Riley, for preaching over the past two weeks. This past Sunday, he offered Three Great Resolutions for the New Year as he reflected on 1 Corinthians 13. They are to be grateful, to be gracious, and to be generous. Since his sermon, I have been reflecting on these resolutions myself. Thank you, Mack! And if you weren’t able to worship on Sunday, you can, of course, check it out on YouTube.

Also, our (fairly) new Nursery Director, Allie McTureous, is in search of persons to help with the nursery on Sundays at 9:30. She will be sharing a Ministry Moment later this month. If you are interested in serving, please let Allie or the church office know. You will be blessed by your service and so will the kingdom. It is to such as these that it belongs.

Speaking of worship, in conversation with the medical advisors from our Health and Welfare Team, masks and distancing are being strongly recommended again for worship. See their words immediately below.

Grace and Peace in the New Year,

Don

The medical advisors from our FUMC Health and Welfare Committee have agreed that it is prudent to return to masks and social distancing for church services. This is because of the rising number of COVID cases in our county, which is now in the “Red Zone.” These measures are undertaken not only to protect the unvaccinated and medically vulnerable, but also to protect those who may be fully vaccinated and boosted, yet susceptible to the virus variants. We are so fortunate to be able to continue to worship together in person while so many across our country and region have returned to virtual worship for the time being. Of course, we hope as much as anyone to return to more normal operations when the numbers have stabilized, and we are no longer in the red zone. The cooperation of our congregation is most appreciated.

Children and youth will meet this Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

Adult Bible Study will start back up next week.

If the Union County schools go to “Online or Virtual Learning” due to winter weather conditions, the MAC and church offices will be closed. The school information is typically announced on all local news channels and through various Facebook accounts. This closing will include any evening activities at the MAC as well. Information about future closings or schedule changes will be communicated on our church Facebook page: First UMC of Union County

Altar Flowers are now $40.00. The Sunday sign-up book for flowers is out on the narthex.

Night to Shine-Thru Parade

Saturday, February 5

10:00-Noon

Please go to the church web page firstmethodistblairsville.com

At the bottom of the page is a link for Night to Shine.

Click the link and sign up as a Volunteer.

Please do not tell us verbally or through private email. (thanks)

We have 13 stations for our guests to stop and pick up “goodies.”

At this point, all the give a-ways are purchased or are in the works. We simply need smiling, energetic hosts to greet the guests and shower them with love and the give-a-ways we’ll have.

MAC Walking Track Hours…

*** Monday-Thursday 8am - 3pm ***

Play Pickleball! The Blairsville Pickleball Club is playing in the MAC on Tuesdays from 8am until noon and Thursdays from noon til 3pm. Everyone is welcome! Come join us!

Fitness 2022… Join Us!

“BalloFlex”: A seated chair fitness program for all ages and fitness levels meets Mondays & Thursdays at 1:00pm in room M- 0 (1st floor). Cost is $3.00 per class (free to 75 and over) and is led by certified BalloFlex instructor Cynthia Lyles.

 “Tai Chi”: (BEGINS JANUARY 11TH) Led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 8:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring a mat!

“Christ-Centered” Yoga: led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 9:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring your own yoga mat.

Line Dancing Thursdays Have Begun!

Classes offered…

*LOW BEGINNER… 9:15am-10:00am For those new to line dancing.

*HIGH BEGINNER… 10:00am-10:45am If you have mastered the basic dance steps.

*INTERMEDIATE… 10:45am-11:30am Experienced dancers only.

Classes meet in the MAC gym and are suitable for all ages.

No pre-registration needed. For info contact Rita at  vckids2001@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Gwen Graphman on the birth of her granddaughter Kinsley Mae on Tuesday, January 4th. Parents Ashley and Trey are doing well.

Former FUMC member and Clemson Tiger football legend, Fred Cone passed away on December 31st at the age of 95. Cards may be sent to his widow Judy Cone at 111 Elizabeth Lane – Pickens SC 29671.

Fred’s story of how he came to play for the Clemson Tigers and his accomplishments there as well as in pro ball can be read online at

https://clemsontigers.com/clemson-legend-fred-cone-passes-away-at-95/.

Please Help Us at the church by keeping us informed of any sickness or procedures that you or any of our family members may be experiencing. You may contact Pastor Mack for your prayer requests at mack.riley@ngumc.net or call the church at 706 745 2073.

Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:

Please help us keep this list updated by notifying the office of any changes.

SPECIFIC:

RECOVERING FROM SURGERY

HEALTH ISSUES and CONCERNS:

IN NURSING HOMES and ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES:

If you haven’t signed up yet for online giving, it’s as easy as going to our website (firstmethodistblairsville.com), scrolling down on the front page and hitting the online giving button.

A Note from Your Finance Team THANK YOU!!!

………………………… Received…………YTD Received

January 2nd……..$13,477………………$13,477

Please continue to remember your Church in your legacy trusts & wills - that gift is also greatly appreciated!

STAY CONNECTED

 First United Methodist Church of Union County

938 Highway 515 Blairsville, Georgia 30512

(706) 745 2073

Rev. Don Landen, Pastor

Church Website: www.firstmethodistblairsville.com

Email: blairsvillefumcevelyn@gmail.com

      We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation!