F IRST UNITED METHODI ST CHURCH
Winter 2016
The Messenger Today, the temperature is 80 degrees and there’s a threat of a hurricane named Matthew. Soon, there will
be trees without leaves, much colder temperatures and the festivities of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Although today these holidays seem distant, in reality they are only weeks away. The time has come to mark our
calendars and begin our preparations.
Merchants have already begun to fashion their displays of merchandise to bring on the “Christmas spirit”.
I was shocked to see that Walmart has started displaying Christmas trees. There used to be an unwritten rule that
Christmas stock was not to be displayed until Thanksgiving. On that weekend, there would be the Christmas
parade downtown, Santa would arrive and toys, decorations and gifts would be unveiled. These events and
experiences signaled the beginning of the season. Of course, everyone knew that the real “official” notice of
Christmas was the arrival of the “wish book” from Sears.
These events serve to jolt our senses and inspire our preparation for the Christmas season. Advent
serves this same purpose in our Christian calendar. Advent means “a coming”. One might say the Wright
brothers flight at Kitty Hawk was the advent of aviation. For us, Advent is the coming of Christ. During this
season, we look back more than 2000 years to celebrate a past event—a birthday. We remember that God came as
Immanuel—God with us. Christmas is more than memory. We are in a state of past, present and yet to be! The
coming of the Messiah was promised, prophesied and expected with yearning. On that first Christmas, the
promise came to fruition. We continue to hold to the promise that He will be with us even to the end of the age.
We are also reminded that we should look forward to his promised return.
Years ago, I loved to go with my grandfather on drives through the countryside. One of his favorite past
times was looking for deer along country roads. Back then, deer were rare - just the glimpse of a deer was the
subject of conversation for days. Once, while driving to our farm, we saw a truly magnificent deer standing in the
corner of a small field. The sighting was a source of excitement and fueled conversation for some time. The
impression it left upon my grandfather was far from temporary. From that time on, he would slow or stop to gaze
into the field and scan the tree line, hoping for another glimpse. Since the deer had been there once, it could be
there again!
Jesus fulfilled the promises and hopes of God’s people with his birth. He was the promised one—
Messiah Savior, and we hold to the promise that He is coming again as Lord and King. Our faith that He is
coming again is bolstered and made sure by the fact of His coming. Advent calls us to heed the call of John the
Baptist (Matthew 3:3) and the Prophet Isaiah (Is 40:3) to prepare our hearts and lives for his promised return.
Let us be prepared and live in the light of His truth. Blessings, Carl
Pastor’s Ponderings
Winter 2016
On Tuesday, November 22nd, First Methodist will host the
Community Thanksgiving Service. Time: 7 PM
Please bring “snack-type” food for light refreshments after the service.
Offering will go to the County Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Smith & Buckner Service of Remembrance
will be Sunday, November 20th, 4 PM
at First United Methodist Church
The church office will be closed on 11/24 and 11/25.
Homecoming November 6th
11:00 AM followed by a covered
dish meal in the Fellowship Hall.
In January, we will begin plans for our new Church Directory. More information will be provided soon.
Holiday Bazaar First United Methodist Church
Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 AM
From our kitchen to yours! Chicken Pie, Vegetable Beef Soup, Ham Biscuits, Cakes, Cookies
and Pies, Lasagna, Chicken Tetrazzini, Poppy Seed Chicken, Breads and Rolls, Pickles, Jams and Jellies, Brunswick Stew, Spaghetti Sauce, Hot Dog Chili, Turkey Dressing,
Salad Dressings, assorted casseroles and other food items.
Sponsored by Women of First United Methodist Church
1101 West Raleigh Street, Siler City
Winter 2016
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
December 24th, 7 PM
Service of Lessons & Carols
December 25th, 11:00 AM
Beginning October 17th, FUMC will be collecting Flood Bucket Materials.
Details can be found at: http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning
You can also get a list of supplies
at the church office or on Facebook.
Calling all volunteers! Our Apostle Build is looking for help to build Habitat homes. No Experience Necessary. Meeting on Saturday, November 12 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Locations - 1208 and 1210 N. Chatham Avenue, Siler City. Call Mike DeAngelo if you need more info at 919-799-7168. If you can work an hour, two or all day - whatever you are able to do will be greatly appreciated.
Salvation Army bell ringers will be needed for TH, F, & SAT,
December 1, 2, & 3. For more information, call Joan Thompson at
919-742-5442.
Not a Silent Night
by Adam Hamilton
Bible Study starting at FUMC November 9, 16 & 30, December 7 & 14
Two times available: 11 AM & 7 PM
Please turn your Serving Servant Schedule for January - June 2017 into the office by December 1.
Nursery
Altar Guild
Acolyte 11 AM
Acolyte and Crucifer 8:30 AM
Lay Readers 8:30 & 11 AM
Greeters for each month
Ushers for each month
You are invited to our Parsonage Open House
&Fellowship December 4th (time to be announced)
Hurricane Matthew came into the East Coast and our state the weekend of October 7th. The damage in our area was minimal - mostly power outages and tree damage. From Sanford and east is a totally different story. This area is currently expe-riencing massive flooding with at least 18 dead. Homes and business have been total-ly destroyed. Shelters in the area are filled to capacity. We are in a state of emergency and many of our NC neighbors are suffering. Often, after ascertaining “I am alright”, we ask, “How can I help?” I highly recommend the work of the church through the NC Conference and UMCOR. The overhead is paid through operating expenses under apportionment. One hundred percent of your contribution is used for emergency relief and the money stays in North Carolina unless designated other-wise. Another important aspect is that UMCOR is in it until completion—not just until some-thing somewhere else provides another opportunity. The work will include clean up and rebuild. Here is a list of ways to help.
Pray for those affected and those working in after-disaster relief. Money is needed. Please designate on your offering and give through our church or online
through UMCOR. Flood buckets: http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning (list available at FUMC office) Volunteer at the MERCI center to help in assembling and shipping Flood Buckets Clean up—Can be picking up debris on the outside, chain saw work or can be mucking
out and emptying inside to dry and rebuild At a later date and probably for two years or more there will be rebuilding efforts. At this time is is requested that teams be formed (40 or more) and be as self-sufficient as
possible. Tools, food and linens are required. There are volunteer fire departments and churches with shelters or day trips are possible.
Poinsettia Order Form
I would like to purchase a Poinsettia (s) to be used on Christmas Eve and Sunday, December 25th. The cost of each poinsettia is $20.00. $5.00 from the sale of each poinsettia will be donated to our Missions projects. The deadline for orders is Monday, December 5th . Please use an extra sheet or the back if more than one poinsettia is ordered. Please print information exactly as you would like for it to be listed in the bulletin.
DONOR_________________________________________________________________ IN HONOR Of_____________________________________________________
IN MEMORY OF __________________________________________________ Total number of plants _________ (Make check payable to FUMC - poinsettias)
Winter 2016
Our Loved Ones in Long Term Care Facilities
—Ashton Place: Helen Burns 5533 Burlington Road, McLeansville 27301 —Avante: Myrtle Stephens 4801 Randolph Rd., Room 121A, Charlotte, NC 28211 —Coventry House: Joan Armstrong (Peggy Wood’s mother) Louise Sparks (John Daniel’s mother) 260 Village Lake Road, Siler City 27344 —Genesis Rehab:
—The Arbor House at Galloway Ridge:
Zouline Machado
300 Clynelish Close, Pittsboro, 27312
—Universal Health Care:
Maurice Tanner
7166 Jordan Rd., Ramseur, 27316 —Village Lake Inn: Ada Jo Burke Eunice Terry (member of Seniors on the Go) Betty Pollock (member of SHARE and Seniors on the Go)219 Village Lake Road, Siler City 27344
Those who have moved away:
Jackie Ellis: 83 Jupiter Hills Dr., Weaverville, NC 28787
Please take time to send a card or visit!
Church and Family Members Away From Home
*Alex Daniels, US Navy, stationed aboard the USS OAKHILL (son of Le and Marti Greene)
IC2 Daniels // USS OAK HILL LSD 51 // Unit 10034 //
Box 1202 // FPO AE 09573 *Doug Sparrow, US Army, Alaska (son of Bernie
and Sara Sparrow) *Wes and Stephanie Helmer Lail and son, Tel-
lur, Teaching in Colombia (daughter of Stephen and Susan Helmer)
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Peggy Wood 2 Austin Tate, Hadley Brewer 3 Ronnie White 4 Marion Wren, Bob Andrews 5 Beth Wrenn, Mylie Cardman 6 Anne Caviness, Luke Deaton, Ross Kotoris 7 Logan Joyner 8 Billy Tanner 9 Jordan Snipes, Ella Baxter 10 Joan Thompson 11 Jill Hudson 13 Edith Johnson, Phillip Cardman 14 Virginia Townsend, Ryan Yoder 18 Nancy Burke 19 Lily Graham 24 Sallie Milholen, Michael Andrews 26 Amy Brewer, Charles Stackhouse 27 Alice Clark, Tillie Thornburg 31 Chuck Hughes
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Jennifer Dameron, Sandy Morse 2 Ross Kirkman 4 Lilly Stackhouse, Carolyn Clark, Cal Brewer, Denise Brooks Barnwell, Jeff Snipes 6 Stephen Wood 7 Jane Butler, Brennan Pore, B. J. Hoffman 8 Mary-Maxton Andrews, Chad Moore 9 Lisa Ross 12 Amy Stackhouse 13 Mary DeAngelo, Bob Frickey, Stephen Helmer 15 Melodye Hadley, Heather Belcher 16 Theresa Joyner, Elizabeth Meadows 17 Jordan Mullis 18 Helen Mathias 21 Deb McManus 23 Hal Milholen 25 Tyler Haiges 27 Alec Brewer 28 Jeff Brewer 29 Raymond Brewer, Willis Wrenn 30 Patsy Andrews, Sherri Powell
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
3 Murphy & Ashley Milholen 12 Charles & Robin Stackhouse 27 Bob Andrews & Jane Butler
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
06 Mark & Dawn Murphy 10 Carl & Terry Belcher
12 Al & Rene Gainey 20 Willis & Sara Wrenn
21 Robert & Jane Andrews 23 Dennis & Nina Sawyer 24 Dennis & Diane Brooks 27 Rick & Melodye Hadley
The Dine Around Girls are now meeting the first Thursday of each
month at Haley Bales Restaurant in Siler City,
The Messenger Winter 2016
Serving Servants for November and December (list subject to change)
Acolyte & Crucifer Schedule
8:30 AM 11 AM
11/6/2016 Cindy Dameron/Jennifer Dameron 11/6/2016 Breanna Armstrong
11/13/2016 Debbie Fields/Rick Fields 11/13/2016 Austin Greene
11/20/2016 Sallie Milholen/Patsy Andrews 11/20/2016 Abigail Steele
11/27/2016 Carolyn Clark/Sylvia Reavis 11/27/2016 Olivia Meadows
12/4/2016 Cindy Dameron/Jennifer Dameron 12/4/2016 Hunter Murphy
12/11/2016 Debbie Fields/Rick Fields 12/11/2016 Olivia Steele
12/18/2016 Sallie Milholen/Patsy Andrews 12/18/2016 Austin Greene
12/25/2016 no service 12/25/2016 need someone
Altar Guild
11/6/2016 Evelyn Tidy
11/13/2016 Veterans - Altar Guild
11/20/2016 Diane Hobbs
11/27/2016 Jane Butler
12/4/2016 Rosa Sharpe
12/11/2016
12/18/2016 Poinsettias
12/26/2016 Poinsettias
Greeters
November: Craig and Peggy Wood
December: Robin, Amy & Hanna Stackhouse
Nursery Schedule
11/6/2016 Amy Brewer, Blair Baxter
11/13/2016 Amy Stackhouse, Robin Stackhouse
11/20/2016 Susan Helmer, Maria Tanner
11/27/2016 Angela Lawrence, Harriett Riley
12/4/2016 Lisa Haiges, Peggy Wood
12/11/2016 Debbie Fields, Katie Palmer
12/18/2016 Dawn Murphy, Amy Brewer
12/25/2016 Marti Greene, Amy Stackhouse
Lay Reader 8:30 AM 11:00 AM
11/6/2016 John McSween Louise Adcock
11/13/2016 Mickey Pore Brenda Dunn
11/20/2016 Sallie Milholen Jane Butler
11/27/2016 Joan Thompson Adam Wrenn
12/4/2016 Kathy Grigg Elizabeth Meadows
12/11/2016 Mary John Resch Carol Davidson
12/18/2016 Susan Helmer Sherri Powell
12/25/2016 no service need someone
Ushers
Nov Jay Palmer Chief, JP Joyner &
Robert Andrews
Dec
November Church Events HOMECOMING, Sunday, 6th 11 AM
Handbells, 5:45 PM each Tuesday, Choir 7 PM each Tuesday Dine-Around Girls Thursday, 3rd, 11:30 AM Haley Bales
Missions Meeting, Thursday, 3rd at 7 PM Fuel Up, Thursday 3rd, Wednesday 9th, Thursday 17th at 1 PM
SHARE, Wednesday, 9th at Noon “Not a Silent Night” Bible Study, Wednesday, 9th 16th & 30th, 11 AM and 7 PM
Charge Conference/Church Council Meeting, Thursday, 10th, 7:30 PM Apostle Build, Saturday, 12th at 8:30 AM
Threads of Faith, Monday 14th & 28th at 10:30 AM Church Bazaar, Saturday, 19th at 10 AM
Smith and Buckner Service of Remembrance, 20th, 4 PM, FUMC Community Thanksgiving Service, FUMC hosting 7 PM
JOY Group, Monday 21st, 1:30 PM Seniors on the Go, Monday, 28th at 12 Noon at FUMC
December Church Events Handbells 5:45 PM each Tuesday, Choir 7 PM each Tuesday
Dine-Around Girls Thursday 1st, 11:30 AM Haley Bales Fuel Up, 1 PM Thursday 1st, 8th, Thursday 15th
“Not a Silent Night Bible Study,” Wednesday, 7th & 14th, 11 AM and 7 PM SHARE, Wednesday, 14th at Noon
Threads of Faith, Monday 12th JOY Group, Monday 19th, 1:30 PM
Advent Events: Parsonage Open House, 4th, time TBA, Candlelight Service, 24th at 7 PM, Christmas Day 11:00 AM Service of Lessons & Carols
January Church Events Handbells 5:45 PM each Tuesday, Choir 7 PM each Tuesday
Dine-Around Girls Thursday 5th, 11:30 AM Haley Bales Fuel Up, 1 PM Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
SHARE, Wednesday, 11th at Noon Threads of Faith, Monday 9th & 23rd JOY Group, Monday 16th, 1:30 PM
Seniors on the Go, Monday, 30th at 12 Noon at FUMC
Lions Club, 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:30 PM
Scouts, Each Tuesday, 6:30 PM Links to Freedom, Sunday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00 PM
Flexercise, Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30 AM Chatham Literacy, Tutoring throughout the week and Saturdays
Reverend Carl Belcher cell 919-215-5598
Reverend Travis Owen, Pastor Emeritus
S. Timothy Davidson, Director of Music [email protected]
Pam Whitaker, Financial Secretary
Judy Herndon, Admin. Assistant [email protected]
919/742-2722
Jeff Brown, Custodian
Facebook: Siler City First United Methodist Church
1101 W. Raleigh St.
PO Box 212
Siler City NC 27344
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 71
Siler City, N. C.
Address Service Requested
F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H
Church Office hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday – Thursday
Phone: 919-742-2722 Fax: 919-663-5640
Sunday Morning Schedule
8:30 am and 11:00 am Worship
9:45 am Sunday School for all ages.
Worship Service CD's are available, please contact
the office.
Daily Reflections for Advent Walk in Trust November 27. Mary Trusted the Word, Luke 1:34-38 28. Trust in Holy One of Israel, Isaiah 30:15-18 29. Trust in God, Psalm 28:6-9 30. Trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-10 December 1. Trust God, Romans 4, 1-8 2. Jesus Trusted the Father, I Peter 2:21-25 3. Trust in God to Deliver you, Ps 91:1-4 4. Mary and Joseph Obey the Decree, Luke 2:1-5 5. Obedience to the Government, Romans 13:1-7 6. Obey Teachers, Hebrews 13:17 7. Obey God not Men, Acts 5:27-32 8. Jesus was Obedient to Death, Philippians 2:5-11 9. Obey Christ in your Thoughts, II Cor. 10:5 10. We Obey God’s Commandments I John 5:1-5 Walk in Love 11. Love as Jesus, Ephesians 5:1-2 12. Love One Another, John 13:34-35 13. God is Love, I John 4:7-12 14. God sent His Son in Love, John 3:16-21 15. Love God’s Word, Psalm 119:97-104 16. Love Fulfills the Law, Romans 13:8-10 17. Love is Patient and Kind, I Cor. 13:1-13 Walk in Witness 18. Shepherd’s Spread the News, Luke 2:15-18 19. Anna Speaks of Messiah, Luke 2:36-38 20. Apostles Witness, Acts 4:18-20 21. Defend Your Hope, I Peter 3:13-16 22. Striving for the Gospel, Philippians 1:27-30 23. Faithful Witnesses Surround, Hebrews 12:1-2 24. Jesus is the Faithful Witness, Revelation 1:4-7 25. Born for Us, Luke 2:8-14