1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

 COSTA RICA .............. 1
 RUN
FOR
February 23, 2014
G OD ........... 2
 THOSE W HO S ERVE.... 3
 W EDNESDAY
SUPPER .. 4
 B ASKETS
HOPE ..... 5
OF
 M USIC NEWS ............. 6
First views
THE PURPOSE OF FUMC IS TO INVITE ALL PEOPLE TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS
CHRIST, GROWING TOGETHER IN LOVE AND SERVICE TO GOD AND NEIGHBOR.
Costa Rica Mission Trip: Why am I going?
—by Laura Eckard
I have to be honest here: the words “Mission Trip” fill me with a whole host of conflicting emotions. How
will we know the best way to help people in a foreign culture, in a foreign land, in a foreign language…..to
experience God’s love? I wrestled with the issue. I talked to God, I prayed, I reread the book of Acts, and I
tried to listen to what God has to say on this issue. And in return, I have been flooded with images and
memories—an infusion of yearnings to not only pay it forward but to pay it back. I looked at old photographs,
reread journal entries, and buried myself in memories I have collected along my various journeys abroad. I
overwhelmingly recalled the hospitality I have experienced from people the world over; recalled how I have
witnessed the plights of many from tour bus windows and by walking the streets of foreign lands. I have seen
some of the depths of human degradation and need and have had the opportunity to do little more about it
than to offer a shy smile, snap a few pictures, and write a few heavy-hearted journal entries.
But my heart remembers them, each one of my brothers and sisters in all their varied circumstances, mired in
things I cannot, from my own perspective, even begin to fathom. And I think I am hearing God correctly in
the voice that urges me forward on this mission; the voice that tells me “Go! Just do it. Don’t overthink it, just
do it. They are your family too.”
Through this one small act perhaps I can also contribute to the building of God’s kingdom here on earth and
share God’s love with our friends in Costa Rica. I can be a part of a team that will do something concrete to
help cement our universal human connection with God. This mission trip gives me the opportunity to not only
pay it forward, but to help make God’s message of love and unity reach beyond our own church’s doors. God
is urging me, urging us, to take this opportunity to reach out and to share our blessings and our love.
And besides, I absolutely love those fried plantain chips they make down there, and I think palm trees are
really groovy.
So, as our friends in Costa Rica say, “Pura Vida!” and off we go…..
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Come Join Us!! This new and exciting ministry begins Sunday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m.. All age groups welcome, no
prior running experience needed. Join others for fellowship and wellness as we train to complete the Compassion
5K on Saturday, May 31, sponsored by FUMC.
You Will Need: Comfortable shoes and $20 for your book.
When & Where: Run/Walk Times: Sundays - 6:00, Mondays - 6:30, Wednesdays - 4:30 & Thurs at noon & MON/
WED/FRI - 7:45am. Meet at FUMC. Devotional meetings will be each Monday at 7:00 p.m. led by Troy Howard &
each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. led by Pastor Craig.
How To Sign Up: Complete paper registration form (attached to the newsletter, on the FUMC website, or found
in church office) and return to Beth Hampton, Julie Zimmerman or church office. You can also print/download
registration forms and email them to Beth or Julie. For any questions or concerns contact:
Beth Hampton: [email protected] or call 828-234-3666 .
TABLE OF GRACE
On the third Saturday of each month, FUMC prepares a hot, home-cooked meal for
homeless and low-income people. If you would like to help, we have different jobs
available. Come for the whole time or just part of the morning. We start cooking the
meal around 9am. We set-up tables and chairs at 10am. Then, when the meal is over,
usually around 12:30, we clean up the CLC and kitchen.
Upcoming dates for the TABLE OF GRACE:
March 15, 2014 - April 19, 2014 - May 17, 2014
CATAWBA VALLEY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN DISTRICT PRAYER BREAKFAST
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014
GASTONIA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, GASTONIA, NC
TIME: Breakfast 8:15 a.m. – 9: 30 a.m.
Cost is $8.00
Program begins at 10:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Patricia Meyer, Professor of Christian Education
and Practical Theology at Pfeiffer University, special singers and music.
Please give Unit Treasurer, Jennie Cheek your $8.00 so it can be sent in
by March 1. Start your new year out right and attend!
2014 Lake Junaluska Peace Conference
March 27 – 30
Registration is now open for this year’s Peace Conference at Lake J. This year’s theme is Faith, Health & Peace:
Seeking the Basic Right to Good Health for All God’s Children. Leadership includes: Dr. Christoph Benn, Director of
External Relations and Partnerships Cluster for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria; Dr. Gary Gunderson,
VP of Faith and Health Ministries at Wake Forest Baptist Health; Dr. James Cochrane, Professor in the Dept. of Religious
Studies & Senior Research Associate in the School of Public Health & Family Medicine at the University of CapeTown,
S. Africa; Dr. Henry Perry, founder of Andean Rural Health Care and Sr. Associate at Johns Hopkins School of Public
Health; and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Presiding Bishop of the NC Conference of The United Methodist Church. With
such outstanding leadership, this is sure to be an enlightening and interesting conference. Registration information is
located on the “Lake J.” bulletin board just outside the chapel.
A new Lake Junaluska event calendar has been posted to the bulletin board. Please check out the opportunities
available to you in 2014.
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Sunday, February 23, 2014
Seventh Sunday after the
Epiphany
8:30 a.m. - Early Worship
11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship
11:10 a.m. - Children’s
Church (K-3rd grade)
Message:
“You Shall Be Holy”
Rev. Troy Howard
Scripture:
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Kingston:
Bennett Cale, speaker
Tracey Horton, pianist
Nursery:
Leanna and Lark Bodnar,
Amber Weeks
God’s Time:
Stacie Surridge, David Surridge
Sumrell VanMeter, Patrick
VanMeter
Acolytes:
Emma Crawford, Rebecca
Kirkland, and Owen Byas
Ushers:
Scott Davis, Captain
Don Mitchell, Lieutenant
Tim Kirkland, August
Macijewski, Johnny McGuire,
Harvey Scott, Jack Carmichael,
Joe Palermo, Paul Jackson,
Helen Boyd, John Teeter,
Scott Bolick
Greeters:
Jack and Linda Wade
Offering Stewards:
Buddy & Lou Lassiter
Sunday School Greeters:
Trinity Class
Donut Rotation:
February - Timotheans
March - Adult Fellowship
Office Volunteers:
Claudene Smith, Jane Lindsay
Donna Waldron, Lil Hendricks
Cathy Jones, Diane Creasman
Olivia Griffin
WEEKLY CALENDAR
8:15 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
9:50 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 23
“Changing the Conversation”
Journey Group
Early Worship Service
Orchestra Rehearsal
Donut Time - Comm. Rm.
Wee Singers
Sunday School
Kingston Service
Worship Service
Pipe Band Practice
Agape Kids
Disciple I - Scout Room
Youth Handbells
“Sticky Faith” Journey Group
Youth Group
Monday, February 24
6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Tuesday, February 25
9:30 a.m. Craft Ladies
6:30 p.m. “A Disciple’s Path”
Wil’s home
6:30 p.m. “A Disciple’s Path“
Gil’s home
Wednesday, February 26
High School Youth Breakfasts
1st Chimers
1st Ringers
Son Singers Youth Choir
Wednesdays at First!
Youth Group
“A Disciple’s Path”
Gentry Conf. Room
6:30 p.m. Chancel Ringers
6:30 p.m. Wesley & Aldersgate
Children’s Choirs
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal
7:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:20 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 27
10:00 a.m. “A Disciple’s Path”
Troy’s
1:30 p.m. “A Disciple’s Path”
Sandy’s
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Friday, February 28
10:30 a.m. “Sticky Faith” Journey Group
6:00 p.m. Jr. High Girls Night Out
Gifts to the Church
In Memory of Beverly Rowe
Howerton
Margie Russell Rowe (Music)
In Memory of Jewel Church
Margaret Edwards (PEF)
Carolyn Garrett (PDF)
Attendance for
February 16, 2014
8:30 service
Kingston
11:00 service
Total
84
29
363
476
Sunday School
320
Saturday, March 1
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Sunday, March 2
8:15 a.m. “Changing the Conversation”
Journey Group
8:30 a.m. Early Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Orchestra Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Donut Time - Comm. Rm.
9:30 a.m. Wee Singers
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
9:50 a.m. Kingston Service
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
4:00 p.m. Agape Kids
4:00 p.m. Disciple I - Scout Room
4:00 p.m. Youth Handbells
4:30 p.m. “Sticky Faith” Journey Group
5:00 p.m. Youth Group
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Calling all Agape Kids!
Get ready! Get set! Run (for GOD!) This Sunday afternoon the AGAPE KIDS will be talking about the
importance of physical activity and learning about FUMC’s “Run for God” ministry that will prepare us all
for participation in this year’s Compassion International 5K. Don’t miss this!
We’ll meet at our usual time – 4 p.m. Leaders are Beth Hampton and Hilary May.
Come, join us! Questions?
Contact Holley Dagenhardt, [email protected]
This past Sunday we baked cookies for the Kairos Prison Ministry. The cookies will be taken to Alexander
Correctional Institute by Rev. Wil Posey and Jim Chandler and shared with the inmates who participate in the
of prayer, teaching, worship, and sharing of Jesus Christ. Thanks to Karl and Wendi Byas, Mike Watson, James
Dagenhardt, and Mary Howard for supervising the cookie making and to Kevin and Kelley Young for baking
the cookies.
We will have our Wednesday night gathering in the Community Room after the meal, and we have youth on
Sunday evening. Parents and interested adults are more than welcome to come on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Feb 28 - Junior High Girls Night Out: Girls will need $7 for miniature gold, ice cream, pizza, and drink at
Udderly Delicious. Gather at the church at 6 p.m. The evening will end at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5, 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Planning time: any youth who would like to come
talk about stuff to do is invited.
Scripture for the week: Wednesday evening, Luke 13:10-17, Sunday School, Exodus 8:16-19 and
Matthew 23:23-24, Sunday evening, Philippians 3.
The altar flowers are placed
to the glory of God and in
celebration of the birthdays of
Nillah Cody and Melissa Schiffel
Price by Paul & Cathy Schiffel.
The mission team at FUMC is excited to inform you that we
will be participating in Community Rewards. This is an
incredible program sponsored by Food Lion Stores. It will
allow our team the opportunity to earn much needed funds for
our trip to Costa Rica in June. Food Lion is donating up to
$200,000 back to local communities this year. We are asking
for your help to earn a share of those funds. The more enrolled
supporters we have, the more cash we can earn, so ask your
friends and family members to help support our mission team.
All you have to do is fill in the form below and drop it in the
collection plate on Sunday morning:
Your name:________________________________________
Your phone number:_________________________________
Your Food Lion MVP card number:
_________________________________________________
(the 12 digits under the barcode)
Wednesdays at First!
February 26
Menu: Chicken pie, rice
and gravy, salad, rolls, fruit,
and rocky road dessert
Team No. 2 will assist in
the kitchen, and the coordinator is Kitty Sanders.
Meal cost: $5; children 3 and under, free;
and $18 family maximum
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World Day of Prayer
The annual World Day of Prayer ecumenical
worship service will be held at Mt. Olive
Lutheran Church, located at 2780 N. Center St.
in Hickory, on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.
The theme is “Streams in the Desert”. This
service was prepared by the World Day of
Prayer Committee of Egypt. This event is
sponsored by more than 12 area churches,
among them First United Methodist Church.
Childcare will be provided. Refreshments will
be served after the service. Questions? Call
Carole Marmorato at 828-256-8956.
This past year First Church joined in with several
other area churches to sponsor the construction
of a Habitat home for a Hickory family. That
commitment required a contribution of $3500 to
Habitat for Humanity. Those funds were available
thanks to the generous second-mile giving of our
congregation to the “Missions” restricted account.
The availability of those funds allows the Missional
Outreach Team to participate in significant outreach
ministries that arise during the course of the year.
In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more
about the “Faith Build” house and how you can
participate. Thank you for your continued support
of the kingdom building efforts of our church.
I am making ruffle scarves as a fundraiser for Costa Rica. Here is the website with
the information and pictures: http://CraftyCreationsByRenee.weebly.com
If you are interested, please visit the website or see me after church. Thank you.
Renee Shatley
BASKETS FOR HOPE!
Make your plans to attend the annual FUMC YOUTH VS. ADULTS BENEFIT
BASKETBALL GAME. It is scheduled for Sunday evening, March 16, at 6 p.m.
in the CLC.
There will be “baskets” of fun and fellowship plus concessions – hot dogs &
all the fixings, popcorn, chips, candy . . . . Admission is $2.
Proceeds from this year’s game go to the ZOE Ministry. This program,
that helps African orphans and vulnerable children help themselves, is
being promoted by our Western NC Conference of the UMC, and it is
doing amazing work in helping these children be secure and healthy and
prepared to take leaderships roles in their communities. www.zoehelps.org/about-2/
empowerment-program/
ONE MORE THING! Mark your calendars for another exciting sports event to take place in our CLC.
On Sunday, April 13, we are holding a volleyball tournament that we are calling “MISSION BALL!”
The tournament, which will also be sponsored by the AGAPE KIDS, will benefit FUMC’s Costa Rica
mission trip scheduled for this summer. NOW is the time to begin forming your 6-10 person team.
Need more info? Please contact Kelly Cross, 327-3674, [email protected], or Don
Mitchell, 294-0958, [email protected].
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Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
6 p.m.
Christian Life Center
MENU: Pancakes, sausage, syrup, drinks
Come celebrate with the family as we begin our
LENTEN JOURNEY together.
Shrove Tuesday occurs the first Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
It officially ends the season of Epiphany and is the vigil for the starting
of Lent.
LAKE JUNALUSKA MUSIC WEEK JUNE 22-27
On Sunday, March 9, a meeting will be held for all those
interested in going to Music Week, June 22-27, at Lake
Junaluska. Please meet right after church in Rhonda’s office.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR FESTIVAL
March 22, a Children’s Choir Festival will be held in
Gastonia, with Jane Bumgarner as clinician. The bus will
leave at 8:15 from the church. All are invited to the worship
service at 2:45pm at Bradley Memorial UMC, Gastonia.
The festival is open for kids grades 3 – 6.
Sunday School:
Can our faith help us make healthier decisions about what we eat? This week’s FAITHLINK discussion
will center on a subject with which most of us are probably too familiar! It is “Fast Food!” Increasing
concern over fat and calories in fast foods has led to healthier options in many fast-food restaurants. How
can we make choices that contribute to our good health? The class meets on the 3rd floor of the Education
Wing (beside the theater) at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning
Older Adults:
All of you over- 55, we hope you will come to the March GOFORTH CLUB
luncheon!
It is the first Tuesday - March 4 - at 12 noon. This month’s menu is baked
spaghetti with salad, garlic bread, and chocolate/cherry cake. Local pianist
and teacher Joan Readling will provide a musical program after lunch. We
would love to know how much food to cook, so please make your reservation
by Monday morning, March 3.
Class Starts Sunday March 2, 2014
First United Methodist Church
Registration
Name
______________________________________________
Age____________
Telephone
______________________________________________ (Easiest way to contact you)
E-Mail
______________________________________________
Registration Fee $20- for cost of book -checks payable to FUMC
Do you have any experience in running or any other exercise? ( Yes or No )
Please Explain_______________________________________________________
Do you have any medical issues that may be of concern? ( Yes or No )
Please Explain_______________________________________________________
Please complete and return to
Beth Hampton
or
Julie Zimmerman
If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact Beth Hampton at
828--234-3666
Or
[email protected]
RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE
(READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING)
I hereby acknowledge that my voluntary participation in the Run for God Class, sponsored by FUMC (Church hereinafter referred to as the “Sponsor”) may
involve health risks and of bodily or personal injury.
I hereby acknowledge that my voluntary involvement in these activities exposes me to potential risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, slipping and
falling, rope bums, pinches, jolts that could result in contusions, scrapes, twists, scratches, bruises, sprains, lacerations, fractures, concussions, and even more severe life
threatening situations. Furthermore, during any activity I understand that I may have contact with various plants, animals, and insects that could cause injury such as stings,
allergies, and associated diseases such as West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc. More risks include exposure to weather and temperature
extremes such as thunderstorms or extreme heat or cold which could cause hypothermia, hyperthermia, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn, or dehydration. Possible risks
also include exposure to falling objects, structure collapse, injuries resulting from improper lifting or carrying, injuries from walking on uneven terrain, and injuries resulting
from equipment failure. I hereby assume any and all such risks related to this program.
I understand that it is my responsibility to know my own physical constraints and limitations and that I do not participate in any activity in which I feel would be
detrimental to my, or anyone else’s, health and safety. I further understand that it is my responsibility to know what my qualifications, skills, training and preparations are in
order to participate in these activities. I do not expect any Sponsor to know any of the above in regard to me.
I understand that if I require medical, fitness, or nutritional advice that I must contact my own physician or other health care professional, and that I should seek
the advice of a doctor before starting any exercise routine. I understand that the Sponsor is not providing the materials to me for the purpose of giving me any medical advice. The Run for God Book may contain information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment, along with exercise and nutrition protocol. I understand
that such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or a health care professional, and I will not
use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or injury.
I understand that the Sponsors do not provide insurance coverage for me in regard to these activities. I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain my own
accident and health insurance if so desired.
For the sole consideration of the Sponsors allowing me to participate in this program, I hereby release and forever discharge the Sponsor, their members individually and their officers, agents and employees from any and all claims, demands, rights and causes of action of whatever kind that I may have either arising from or by reason
of any personal injury or property damage resulting from or in any way connected with participation in the Run for Life program.
I further covenant and agree that for the consideration stated above I will not sue the the Sponsor, their members individually, its officers, agents, or employees
for any claim for damages arising or growing out of my voluntary participation in this program.
I have received a copy of this document and I certify I am at least 18 years of age and that I have read the above carefully before signing.
This ______ day of _____________________________, 20______.
_________________________________________________________________(Seal)
Signature of Participant
_________________________________________________________________
Participant Name (Print)
Service Opportunity
Call to Worship – if anyone is interested in participating in the
11:00 worship service with the Call to Worship, please contact
Debbie Parker in the church office if you are interested 828322-6058.
N EWSLETTER
I NFO N EEDED
If you want something
in the next newsletter which will be for the
week starting March 2,
2014, please submit
your information by
February 25, 2014.
For the March 9
newsletter by March 4.
Thank you.
First United Methodist Church
311 Third Avenue, NE
Hickory, NC 28601
Telephone: 828-322-6058
Fax: 828-322-1515
www.firstumchickory.org
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