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The Story November 2017
310 S. Main Street, Lexington NC 27292 • www.fumclex.org • 336-248-2886
From the Pastor’s Corner
Reformers, Saints, and Remembering Our Way Forward
I’ve started this article several times over the past week, only to be interrupted by life events that redirect my thoughts and work. Most recently it was the death of my father, James M. Armstrong (Sr.) on Sunday morning, October 22. My dad lived a rich full life and, until a stroke in April of 2015 confined him to a wheel-chair, his life was a vibrant, strong witness to the love of God in the world. His pastoral ministry stretched over 57 years, but his “ministry” spanned a lifetime. We celebrated that life together on Saturday, October 28 at the church he served as founding pastor. Each year, clergy of the annual conference are listed in the journal in chronological order of when they were “admitted” to the conference. I’m not sure where dad was on the 2017 list, but it was somewhere in the mid 20s. As we continue to celebrate dad’s life, ministry and career, I’m mindful of his many peers who have gone on before him. They were the giants of my childhood and the early years of my pastoral service. And, I miss their boldness and passionate leadership.
But as my friend Ken Carter reminds us in a sermon he preached this fall in Berlin and in Ireland on the 500th year of the Protestant Reformation,
But God is never without witnesses. Men and women of conscience have come along as witnesses to truths that had been buried in the ground, like treasure waiting to be rediscovered. In 1934 a church in Atlanta, Georgia, sent their pastor, Michael King, to the Holy Land and to Germany, the land of the Reformation, in appreciation of his ministry. He was so moved by the depth of commitment expressed by the Reformers that upon his return he changed his name, and he changed his son’s name and baptized him as Martin Luther King, Jr. God is never without a witness.
So over the next couple of weeks, we’ll celebrate the lives of saints (and sinners) who paved the way for us. We’ll remember great voices of history, especially an Augustinian Monk in the college town of Wittenburg, Germany, who shook the world, as he poured himself into the study of the Bible. I’ll remember the words of another great German theologian of the 20th century, Karl Barth, who insisted “the Church is always being transformed according to the word of God.”
When we relaunched our website a couple of years ago, I added these words to our welcome page. May they continue to echo down the halls of time.
As part of the United Methodist Church, we have deep roots in the Methodist movement, which emphasizes that God is reaching out to all people and inviting them into life-giving relationships with God and with each other. When we respond, God’s grace continues to work in our lives, shaping us into the people we were created to be – people of love, mercy and hope. While we are deeply rooted in where we’ve been, we are actively listening to where God is leading us!
Until we meet again…
Jamie Armstrong [email protected] 828-292-3966 (cell phone)
PS. Thank you for your continued prayers and expressions of love and grace shown to me, Elizabeth and my family. My wound issues are as of yet ongoing, with a stubborn little place that is simply not healing, but we are trying everything! Elizabeth’s response to chemo continues to be amazing – her blood markers are good, the tumors are reduced and she will have surgery on November 9. You can continue to follow Elizabeth’s cancer story on www.CaringBridge.org and enter the name Elizabeth Graves.
All Saints Sunday November 5 • This is a time in the midst of our worship service where we give thanksgiving to God for the Saints of the church, those who have moved from the Church on earth to the Church Triumphant in the Heavens. We will light a votive candle on the altar in their memory and each name will be read during the communion liturgy.
First UMC Notecards & First UMC Plates On Sale Sunday, November 5 (9:30a—11:00a) Narthex, United Methodist Women Group 12 will have First UMC notecards (10 pack of note cards & envelopes) and First UMC Plates on sale. The notecards are $4.50 per pack and the plates are $10.00 each. Proceeds will benefit local missions.
Poinsettia Sale begins Sunday, November 5 Sponsored by United Methodist Women Group 12 Proceeds will benefit local missions • Order forms will be available in Sunday bulletins,
from UMW Group 12 members, and the church office. Price: $10 each Poinsettia Color: Red or White in 6” pots Foil Wrap: Green or Gold • ALL orders must be Pre-ordered & Pre-paid • Order deadline November 30 • Poinsettias will be available for pick up Friday, December 8
Sunday, November 5 (2:00pm) Fellowship Hall You, your family, friends and neighbors have an opportunity to be the hands of Jesus when First UMC hosts a Rise Against Hunger event. Rise Against Hunger (formerly known as Stop Hunger Now) is a non-profit hunger relief organization that distributes food to the world’s most vulnerable. With everyone and every age working and
having fun together, we will package over 10,000 meals that will be weighed, sealed and boxed to be sent to people all over the world who don’t receive enough nutrition to lead an active, healthy life. Invite your family members and neighbors to join you, and plan to be a part of a hands-on mission experience.
ALL Women of First United Methodist Church Thursday, November 9 (12:00 p.m.) Piedmont Crossing You are invited to join UMW Group #2 for a Fall Luncheon • MENU: Baked Spaghetti or Tilapia w/ Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green Beans, & Garlic Bread • S’mores Cupcakes • Coffee, Tea, & Water • Cost: $8.00 per person Carpooling available—Meet at the church (11:15a) Sign-up at the Volunteer’s Desk.
Sunday, November 12 (10:00a) Fellowship Hall Featuring The Wildcat Mountain Boys, Chancel Choir, ALIVE Praise Band, and congregational hymn selections. Light breakfast refreshments served at 9:45a.
We hope that you can join us for First UMC’s very first bluegrass worship service at 11:00a in the sanctuary.
Old
Time
Hymn
Bluegrass Worship Service
and
Andrew Vernon Darr November 12, 2016
William “Bill” Blanton Trollinger December 15, 2016
Frances Swing Everhart January 9, 2017
Geraldine “Gerry” Redding Johnson January 17, 2017
Raymond “Ray” Henry Cates, Jr. February 1, 2017
Vavaneen Huggins Lewis February 2, 2017
Patricia Jane Spraker Leonard February 15, 2017
Shelly Nicole Wills Roberts February 16, 2017
Tina Josephine Teague Swing February 28, 2017
James Harrell Flynt March 22, 2017
Dr. Charles Wayne Hoover March 28, 2017
Natalie Blomquist May 17, 2017
Jerry Fry May 19, 2017
Sherman Lory Rawdon June 18, 2017
Debbie Cecil July 9, 2017
Louise Fry July 12, 2017
Margaret Pegge Louise Wood Mundy Copley July 18, 2017
Etta Dorsett Bowers August 19, 2017
Gladys Jordan Johnson September 23, 2017
Mary Kathryn Nifong Neal October 2, 2017
CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 2017
Daylight Savings Time ends
Sunday, November 5—FALL
BACK ONE HOUR
Evangelism Monday, November 6 (6p) Conference Room
United Methodist Women Group 2 Tuesday, November 7 (10a) Fellowship Hall
REPORTS DUE for Charge Conference Wednesday, November 8 (4p) UMW Luncheon Thursday, November 9 (12p) Piedmont Crossing
Davidson Prison Ministry Thursday, November 9 (12p) Parlor
Faithseekers Gathering Thursday, November 9 (6:30p) Home of Toni Burchette
Endowment Sunday, November 12 (5:30p) Parlor
Trustees Sunday, November 12 (7p) Parlor
FUMC Book Club Tuesday, November 14 (11:30a) Village Grill
United Methodist Women Group 12 Tuesday, November 14 ( 7p) Fellowship Hall
Newsletter Articles Due November15 for December Issue
United Methodist Men Sunday, November 19 (8:30a) Fellowship Hall
Finance Sunday, November 19 (7p) Parlor
Altar Guild Tuesday, November 21 (5:30p) Fellowship Hall
Serve meal at Crisis Ministries Tuesday, November 21 (5:45p) UMW Group 12 Contact: Kay Wilson
Fidget Quilt Ministry We will not meet in November.
Church Office Closed Wednesday, Nov 22 (12p) Thursday, Nov 23 & Friday, Nov 24—All Day
Amazing Grace Seekers Tuesday, November 28 (7p) Home of Lynn Rowe
Monthly Meetings Weekly Group Meetings
Youth Choir To be announced
Teens of Life Youth Ministry Sundays at 5p Youth/Scout House
Boy Scouts & Venturers Mondays at 7p Youth/Scout House
Cub Scouts Mondays at 7p 2nd Floor Classrooms
Theology Pub Tuesdays at 7p High Rock Outfitters
Prayer Breakfast Wednesdays at 7:45a Cagney’s Restaurant
Chancel Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays at 7p Choir Room
Chancel Bells Rehearsal Wednesdays at 6p Bell Room
Men’s Devotion & Fellowship Thursdays at 7:45a Biscuit King on Main Street
Worship
Early Worship 1st & 3rd Sundays at 8:30a Sanctuary
2nd & 4th Sundays at 8:30a Fellowship Hall
Morning Worship Each Sunday at 11:00a Sanctuary
Mid-Week Family Fellowship
All Ages at 9:45a
Sunday School
Children’s Ministries
Staffed Child Care Birth—5 years Both Worship Services and Sunday School (Children’s Ministry Area, Ground Floor)
We Worship with the Children Each Sunday during the 11:00a Morning Worship Service
Children’s Worship Each Sunday following We Worship with the Children. K-3rd graders are invited to follow the Worship Leader to the Children’s Ministry Area, Ground Floor.
November 5 Amanda Bostick November 12 Christa Weeks November 19 Laurie Briggs November 26 Emy Garrett
Children’s Ministry (K-1st-2nd) Wednesdays (6:30p-7:30p)
Children’s Ministry Area
Ground Floor
HIS Club (3rd-4th-5th) Wednesdays (6:30p-7:30p)
Children’s Ministry Area
Ground Floor
Calendar Events are subject to change—Refer to the Weekly Calendar in the bulletin or visit us on the web at www.firstumclex.org
UPCOMING Events
RISE Against Hunger Sunday, November 5 (2p) Fellowship Hall
Old-Time Hymn Sing Sunday, November 12 (10a) Fellowship Hall
Charge Conference Thursday, November 16 (7p) Fellowship Hall
Parents’ Day Out Saturday, November 18 (9a-5p) Fellowship Hall
Evening Service & Pie Fellowship Sunday, Nov 19 (7p) Evening Service & (8p) Pie Fellowship
Wednesdays at 6p Fellowship Hall Adults $6 Child $4 Family $20 (maximum)
November 1 Menu: Spaghetti & Pizza Program: ALIVE Praise Band
November 8 Menu: Grilled Chicken Program: Susan Hilton from Nature’s Cottage
November 15 Menu: Turkey and Dressing Program: The Bible in Black & White
November 22 NO meal or program Happy Thanksgiving!
November 29 Menu: Ham Program: Who Knew?
FUMC Book Club Tuesday, November 14 (11:30a) Village Grill Our reading selection: The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale
——-We will take our Christmas break in December——-
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 (11:30a) at Village Grill Our reading selection: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman translated by Henning Koch
Member Care Birthday Card Ministry Let us joyfully unite to remember the birthdays of our shut-ins and nursing home residents. Card collection baskets are located near the 4th Avenue entrance and the main hallway near the workroom. Pastor Doug will personally deliver the cards to these dear folks.
November 16—Louise Pope November 28—Bonnie Cates 2017 Charge Conference Thursday, November 16 (7:00p) Fellowship Hall • Year-End Reports should be submitted by committee chairpersons to the church office by Wednesday, November 8.
Celebrating Our 2017 Laity Service Award Recipients In the words of Lauren Hall, Lay Leader/Lay Speaker, as she prepared to announce this year’s Laity Service Award recipients on Sunday, October 15, This year we have chosen two persons whose DNA, I believe, forms the words “Kingdom Of God.” They both do so much for so many, without seeking recognition. It is just the natural thing for them to do. As someone said on one of their nomination forms, “they have a heart for service.” First UMC celebrates and honors Peggy Lamoureaux and Asher Ellis with a Lay Servant pin and plaque. Thank you for your service Peggy and Asher!
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Relay Center Drop-Off Dates Monday, November 13 9a-6p Tuesday-Friday, Nov 14—Nov 17 10a-4p Saturday, November 18 11a-1p Sunday, November 19 12p-4p Monday, November 20 10a-2p
Please sign-up to volunteer at the Relay Center on a date & time listed above. Also, sign-up to travel to the OCC Processing Center in Charlotte (Tuesday, December 12) to help sort and process shoeboxes before they begin their journey around the world. Sign-up sheets are located at the Volunteer’s Desk. Questions? Contact Judy Deal (336-956-6150.
Mark Your Calendar! Saturday, November 18
(9a-5p) Fellowship Hall
Let us watch the kids for awhile…
Toddlers through 5th grade • There is no charge for this day – it is a gift from the church to you!
The doors will open at 9:00 am. A light breakfast/snack will be provided upon arrival, as well as lunch and an afternoon snack. Children should be picked up from the church no later than 5:00 pm.
While advance reservations are not required, contacting the church office by phone or email (336-248-2886 or [email protected]) by Friday morning, November 17, would be appreciated.
Sunday, November 19 During the 11:00a worship service, the Chancel Choirs of First UMC and First Lutheran will join together in an anthem to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Evening Worship with Communion & Pie Fellowship Sunday, November 19 (7:00p) Join us for an evening worship service & communion in the sanctuary. Immediately following the service, we gather together in the fellowship hall for a time of fellowship over pie (cake, dessert, etc.) with coffee and drinks provided. Bring enough pie (cake, dessert, etc.) for your family and plenty to share.
Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Sale November 23—December 10 Location: “Your Pharmacy” 100 West 3rd Street in Lexington Hours: Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday 9a to 8p Weekdays 10a to 8p • Saturdays 9a to 8p • Sundays 10a to 8p We look forward to greeting and serving you with quality Frazier Fir Christmas trees, wreathes, and garland. If you have questions, please contact Mickey McCrary (336-242-3015).
Altar Guild Decorates for Advent & Christmas Saturday, November 25 (9:00a)
Children’s Ministry Events and Happenings WEDNESDAYS (6:30p-7:30p) (Ages: K-5th grade) Children’s Ministry Area, Ground Floor • Following the Mid-Week Family Fellowship meal.
November 1st Remain in fellowship hall, ALIVE Praise Band November 8th Thankful Part 1- Leaf Scavenger Hunt November 15th Thankful Part 2 -What Are We Thankful For? November 29th Game Night—Bring your favorite board game December 6th Remain in fellowship hall, ALIVE Praise Band December 13th Advent Celebration, Children’s Ministry Area, Ground Floor Christmas Program Rehearsals Sundays (11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10)
(9:30a) before Sunday School Parents’ Day Out Saturday, November 18 (9a—5p) Fellowship Hall Advent Fair Sunday, December 3 (9:45a) 2nd Floor Children’s Classrooms Children Sing Sunday, December 3 (During 11:00a Worship Service) Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 10 (6:00p)
Please call Amanda Bostick (336-596-1363) for detailed information
Our SOUND TEAM Needs YOU! Would you like to serve one Sunday a month on our Sound Team? If so, we offer FREE training and other opportunities to serve in this vital ministry at First UMC. Please contact the church office 336-248-2886 or Ron Leonard 336-956-1397 if you are interested.
For more information about Teens of LifeYouth Ministry: Lee Mabe, Director of Youth Ministry 336-248-2886 or [email protected]
Mission Project: RISE Against Hunger Event
Teens of Life Youth Ministry Events & Happenings
Sunday, November 5 2:00p-5:00p Fellowship Hall RISE Against Hunger Event
Sunday, November 12 5:00p-6:00p Youth/Scout House “Relationship Before Religion”
Saturday, November 18 NC State @ Wake Forest Football Game Tickets: FREE Time: To Be Announced
Sunday, November 19 Fall Fellowship Hayride & Wiener Roast 5:00p-7:00p at the home of Terry & Deborah Arnold 2426 City Lake Road, Lexington, NC
Sunday, November 26 No meeting—Enjoy being with your family for Thanksgiving!
Advent and Christmas
December 3 First Sunday in Advent 9:45a Children’s & Youth Advent Fair (2nd Floor Classrooms) 11:00a Children’s Choir sings during the service 12:00p Homemade Soup & Sandwich *Fundraiser sponsored by Koinonia Sunday School *Donations received at the door & greatly appreciated!
December 10 Second Sunday in Advent 11:00a Carols with Chancel Choir and Orchestra 6:00p Children’s Christmas Program
December 17 Third Sunday in Advent 11:00a Chancel Handbells play during the service. Chancel Choir sings Hallelujah Chorus. 7:00p Carols and Love Feast
December 24 Fourth Sunday in Advent Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Communion 11:00a Family friendly, less formal 11:00p Traditional
December 31 New Year’s Eve 11:00a One Service of Worship
The Story (USPS 198-740) Published Monthly First United Methodist Church Bulletin
310 South Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292-3233
Senior Pastor: Jamie Armstrong
Office: 336-248-2886 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: THE STORY 310 S. Main St., Lexington, NC 27292-3233 Periodicals Postage Paid at Lexington, NC 27292
"Return Service Requested"
We’re on the web! www.fumclex.org
Church Staff
Rev. Jamie Armstrong, Jr.
Senior Minister
Rev. Doug Rowe
Minister of Congregational Care
and Adult Ministries
Lee Mabe
Director of Music and Youth
Phyllis Jones
Organist
Amanda Bostick
Children’s Ministries
Coordinator
Kimberly Leonard
Toddler Nursery
Alma Carlton
Financial Secretary
Donna Huskins
Administrative Assistant
Charlie O’Connell
Kitchen Manager
Sympathy
Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Amy Johnson Nance (Brian),
Joy Johnson Hamlin (Charles), and Larry Johnson (Barbara) upon the death of their mother, Gladys
Johnson, on September 23, 2017.
Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Adrian Neal and family upon
the death of his wife, Mary Kathryn Nifong Neal, on October 2, 2017.
Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Jim Buchanan (Betsy) and family
upon the death of his mother, Georgia Brooks Buchanan, on October 9, 2017.
Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Rev. Jamie Armstrong (Rev.
Elizabeth Graves), Matt & Maggie Armstrong, and their family upon the death of his father, James McCoy
“Jim” McCoy Armstrong, on October 22, 2017.
Sympathy of the ministers and members of the congregation is extended to Alan Cory (Elaine) and family
upon the death of his father, Thomas Cory, on October 24, 2017.
Prayer Requests Rev. Jamie Armstrong Doug Clayton June Craver Steve & Betty Caudill John & Judy Hench Earl Hester Martha Highsmith Miheepa Jones Caron Myers Lib Samuels Donna Smith Paul Smith
Shut-Ins Dot Kinsey Caroline McCree Evelyn Sink Dare Wilson
Alston-Brook Isabelle Trimpey
Bethany Woods (Albemarle) Alvin Pope
Brookdale Opal Bloome Betty Darr
Brookstone Albert Gobble
Genesis House (Salisbury) Julee Smith
Rolling Green Village (Greenville, SC) Peggy Trollinger
Spring Arbor (Albemarle) Bonnie Cates
Wood Haven (Albemarle) Louise Pope
Piedmont Crossing Health Care Margaret Beck Margaret McCrary Carver Margaret Ragan
Piedmont Crossing Residents Jo Doris Beck Herman & Naoma Crabtree Richard & Camille Lawrence Georgianna Niven Madeline Palmer Barbara Proctor Jim Ragan Nancy Wilkinson
Extended Family and Friends Katrina Hunt Bailey Christensen Rev. Russell Brownworth Maretha Melton Rev. Elizabeth Graves Gary Leonard Lillian Shearin Tami Robinson Barbara Merritt Kelli Jones Tom Sigmon Chris Hunt Spencer Davis Faye Graham Gracie Joy Hedrick Kendall Conner David Ogle Tempie Almstead Kelly Michael Kristin Harris Claire Dowling Ann Schaefer Helen Hall David Stafford Cliff Lopp, Jr. Cameron & Pete Dunlap Linda & Tom Dunlap Carol & Steve Harris Peggy Sisk Anna Smathers Pat Wilson Jack Smith
Gene Oldham Nakajah Vaughan Brenda Hipp Jane King Breanna Wilson Ethan Reavis Jason & Stacy Heitman Jenny Rains Jimmy Davis Bentley Leonard John Bruce Davis Eric Leonard Robert, Doris, & Keith Hunt Martha Daniel Debra Ann Leonard Betty Jean Whitaker Len & Dottie Harris Jack & Susan Phillips Jordan Beswick Susan Fritts Regina Chrest Bruce Thornton
Serving in the Armed Forces
Capt. Jarrad Thorley 321 Avondale Lane Bossier City, LA 71112 Birthday: August 17
SMS Jason Brownworth 128 Barkley Street Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473
SGT Alan R. Ingram. USMC 200 Cantle Court Jacksonville, NC 28540
SGT John Hall Deployed to Afghanistan (6/30/17) for 9 months Birthday: August 7
Please contact the church office (336)248-2886 to remove your name from the mailing list. Thank You!
