FUMC Words for Wednesday: 11-02-2022

11-02-2022 FUMC Words for Wednesday

As the congregation enters a season of education, prayer, reflection, and discernment about the future, I am reminded of the prayer of St. Francis. You can find it below and on page 481 in our hymnal.

Within our congregation, there are a broad range of theological perspectives. The one thing we all have in common, though, is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is who binds us together. Let us not forget that. Let us not lose sight of him.

On Sundays over the past couple of weeks, we’ve heard about choosing. It occurs to me that this prayer from Francis of Assisi is about that very thing…

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

In Christ,

Don

FROM THE DISCERNMENT TEAM:

Thank you to everyone for your patience, prayers and faithfulness during this time of change and discernment. As indicated on Tuesday night, below is a schedule which has been developed to address the United Methodist matters ahead of us:

Sunday, November 20, 2022 2:00 pm in the MAC “In House” Townhall Meeting presented by the Discernment Team

Sunday, November 27, 2022 3:00 pm Townhall Meeting with Rev. Dr. Douglas Gilreath, Northeast District Superintendent

December 2022 This is Advent Season where we reflect on preparing our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. So please take the Advent season to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus.

Early January 2023 Townhall Meeting addressing Disaffiliation

Early January 2023 Townhall Meeting addressing Remaining United Methodist (“non” disaffiliation”)

Late January 2023 Church Council meeting to determine whether to proceed with application to disaffiliate, or to remain United Methodist (remaining requires no further action)

IF THE DECISION IS MADE TO APPLY FOR DISAFFILIATION:

February 28, 2023 Deadline for submission to District Superintendent of application for disaffiliation

After March 1, 2023 District Superintendent schedules church conference

May 31 to June 3, 2023 North Georgia United Methodist Church Annual Conference to consider all applications for disaffiliation

All Townhall meetings will be held in the MAC. Also, they will all be recorded and available for viewing on YouTube.

Please submit in writing any questions you may have and place them in the “treasure chest” either outside the MAC or outside the Sanctuary. In order to assure that the presenters are adequately prepared, all questions must be submitted no later than the Thursday prior to a Townhall meeting.

TONIGHT…..

5:00 Supper for chicken tenders, mac ‘n cheese completed with a slice of eclair cake

6:00 Bible Study for all ages

WELCOME TO OUR FAITH FAMILY – TIFFANY MARTINEZ

Tiffany is a familiar face around the Contemporary service crowd. She is the pianist for that service. She joined the church in the 9:30 service on Sunday. We’re glad to have her be a part of our FUMC Faith family.

Lectionary Readings for the Week:

11/2/2022

Psalm 72:1-14 - A Prayer for Israel’s King

11/3/2022

Psalm 20:1-9 - A Plea for God’s Aid

11/4/2022

1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon Goes Astray

11/5/2022

1 Kings 12:1-24 - The Kingdom Is Divided

11/6/2022

2 Kings 5:1-15a - Elisha Heals Naaman

11/7/2022

2 Kings 6:1-7 - Elisha and the Axe Head

11/8/2022

2 Kings 16:1-20 - The Reign of Ahaz

11/9/2022

Isaiah 7:1-17 - Isaiah’s Message to Ahaz

The Times They are A-Changing !!!

Office hours are now –

Monday-Thursday 9:00 am till 4:00 pm.

The MAC will be open Monday-Thursday 8:00 am till 4:30 pm

Beginning this Sunday, November 6th –

The Casual service will begin at 8:30 am.

The Contemporary and Traditional will remain at their times of 9:30 am and 11:00 am respectively

This Sunday the time changes. Be sure to change your clocks back an hour on Saturday night before you go to bed.

The Turkey Tree will be set up in the MAC this evening! Please take a paper turkey and purchase the suggested item. You may then bring the item and place it under the tree (Turkeys should be placed in the freezer in the MAC Kitchen, please!) FUMC Youth will use these items to fill Thanksgiving Dinner boxes for families in Union County.

The Morning Glory Circle will distribute their coats on November 17th. The last day to donate a coat is Sunday, November 13th. We still have a need for XXL size coats. These may be new or gently used coats. You may drop off any coats in the MAC closet across from the welcome desk.

The Wednesday Women’s Zoom Bible Study

Advent Study begins on November 9th.

We’ll be studying “Our Hope Has Come” by Lifeway.

Please order your book in time to have it for the 9th.

Operation Christmas Child is Happening Now!

How to pack a shoebox… Item ideas… Toys: Toy cars, jump ropes, yo-yos, musical instruments, toys that light up and make noise, Personal care items: Toothbrushes, washcloths, combs, hairbrushes. School Supplies: Pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, coloring books, solar calculator. Accessories: Socks, sunglasses, jewelry, watch, flashlight (with extra batteries). DO NOT INCLUDE: Candy, gum, scary or war-related items, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, vitamins, breakable items or glass containers.

Pre-printed shoeboxes and labels are available now in the MAC lobby.

Night to Shine is back AND in person!!

Already we have had about 30 guests register and we are expecting a total around 100-120, so we are looking for 350-400 volunteers.

Volunteer Registration is open and online:

http://firstmethodistblairsville.com/events-night-to-shine/

We look forward to working with you in serving this special group within our community!

Scott & Elizabeth Terry

Night to Shine at FUMC of Union County

ntsfumcuc@gmail.com

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner is once again offered to all who would like a Thanksgiving meal who otherwise wouldn’t have one. You can dine in, pick it up or have it delivered. If you are interested in receiving a meal, please contact the church office and register with Evelyn. The meal is offered on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24th at House of Prayer chur. Deadline to register is November 18th.

FirstKids and FirstYouth participated in the Boo Bash hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Monday, October 31, 2022. Thank you church family for donating all the candy.

Dear Church Family,

To everyone who bought a ticket or donated money to FERST READERS Union County for our “Sons of the Pioneers” concert, thank you so much. The concert was a big success and will help us send books to many children from birth to five years old in our county!!

Thanks again!

Pam Jordan

Please stop by and say a prayer over these quilts. Tying a knot lets the receiver know that people care and that we have prayed for them.

Paula Kelly - brain cancer receiving radiation

Victor Gaul - has lung cancer with a leg amputated 2 years ago. Brother to Pat Clay.

MAC Walking Track Hours…

Beginning October 31st hours change to Monday-Thursday 8am - 4:30pm

Pickleball! The new Blairsville Pickleball Club schedule is Mondays from noon til 3:00pm & Tuesdays from 8:00am until noon. PLEASE MAKE NOTE! Everyone is welcome! Come join us!

Fitness Classes For You!

“Tai Chi”: 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.

MAC After Dark?

There has been some interest expressed in opening the MAC during the evening hours for walking and other rec opportunities. To do this we would need volunteers willing to man the desk as well as be responsible for opening and closing. Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5pm-8pm or 6pm-9pm have been suggested. Anyone interested in volunteering for an evening at the MAC can contact Stan at the church office or email fumcblairsvillestan@gmail.com.

Community Heath Fairs are a great place for people to receive health information and testing. Union General Hospital is sponsoring one on November 5th here in Blairsville. We encourage you to come out and discover new resources here in our community.

3 – Susan Forrester, Judy Haygood, Samuel Lewis, Patty Norwood 4 – Jane Cruce, Diane Simonsen 5 – Tonia Albright 6 – John Hahn, Nikki Schuknecht 7 – Sue Giorgi, Pam Kocher, Larry Rosenberry, Ron Schultz, Ann Smith 8 – Diane Bauman, Elmo Giorgi 9 – David Hand, James McTureous 11- Darryl Blalock, Ron Taylor, Karen Williams 12 – John Wischmeyer 13 – Jesse Eady, Jana Howe 14 – Pat Box, Jacqueline Davis, Roger Pope 15 – Michelle Hernden, Emma Lander 16 – Joe Kennard, Julie Rittenhouse, Carol Rogers 17- Stephen Lewis 18 – Joyce Byers 20 – Alice Janessa, Rick Stamper, Brenda Turner 22 – Sharon Hess, Chuck McGinn 23 – Larry Culpepper, Marcie Culpepper, Taylor Schuknecht 24 – Kelly Schuknecht 25 – Max Mashburn, Sarah Partain 26 – Doug McGinnis 27 – Wayne Jones(married to Barbara) 28 – Braedyn Robbins 30 – John Cook, Steve Reno, Mac Warren

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:
Prayers for God leading the right person to us as Youth Director
Norma Jean Anderson’s brother Wendell -recovering from jaw surgery
Clint Blackmon - cancer
Jack & Jackie Bowlin’s friend - Allen Davenport - prostate cancer
Diane Brackett - taking physical therapy on shoulder and arm
Kathy Brandenburg- recovering from knee replacement surgery
Joyce Byers - numerous medical issues
Joyce Byers’ sister-in-law Shirley Kelley - had a mastectomy
Pat Clay’s brother Victor- health issues

Maggie Guerrier - recuperating from kidney transplant
Al Kocher - recovering from surgery
Pat Maryscuk - health issues
Linda McClarnon - recuperating
Maria McGlen - still recuperating from fall
Roger McGlen - had stents put in this Monday
Jeanee and Jerry McJilton’s brother- cancer has returned
Louise McTaggart - recuperating from knee replacement surgery
Patty Norwood’s son, Ryan-serious colon problems
Patty Norwood’s sister, Jan-lung problems
Teresa Price’s grandson Isiah Arrant-long term recovery from burns
Jeannine Riley’s sister Suzanne Mobley - lymphoma

Avis Shaw’s niece Gail Craft - had surgery
Avis Shaw’s sister Mildred Elkin
Lydia Stafford - recovering from arm surgery
Mrs. James Taylor - sister of Michelle Hernden - dementia meds to work
Mac Warren - vertigo
Dennis Wetzel- back surgery and recuperating at the Gobin’s home
Meg Whitley - doing well after surgery; no further treatments needed

HEALTH ISSUES and CONCERNS:

Jim Arthur
Marjorie Bowron
Mike Brandenburg
Shirley Cobb
Jennifer de la Montagne’s mom and dad
Jack Dugger
Jesse Eady
Christine Golden
Kathy Heyer
Wayne Jones
James Jordan
Hugh Lee
Leura Mollnhauer
Elaine Neuhaus
Ray Norwood
Rose Oberlin’s mother, Letha
Jeanne Pickerill
Jerry Price
Jerry Roberson
Carol/Norm Rogers
Avis Shaw
Sue Stewart
Ron and Pauline Taylor
Carole Thompson
Zach Thompson
Carol Warren
Roy Whitelock
Sharon Willits

IN SYMPATHY:

IN NURSING HOMES and ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES:

Polly Conkle - Blue Ridge Assisted Living
Jan Boland’s sister June Gesche - hospice care at Stonehenge
Richard and Shirley McGinnis - Brasstown Manor Assisted Living
Nisia Redgrave - Chatuge Nursing Home
Lois Ward - Brasstown Manor Assisted Living - under hospice care
Margaret Wise - Brassstown Manor Assisted Living

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.