IN THIS ISSUE

October 2013

the Beacon

First United Methodist Church

Marion, NC

Seeking to be a Lighthouse guiding

people in Worship, Discipleship,

and Christian Service.

A Word from Pastor Kent Page 1

Members in Action Page 2

October Calendar Page 2

Children and Youth Page 3

Sister Chicks for Christ Page 4

Thank Yous Page 5

LifeMinistries Outreach Page 5

October Birthdays Page 6

The Word is Out!

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to keep exciting news to yourself? I

have a hard time keeping gift ideas or a spontaneous get-a-way plan silent, even

when they are supposed to be a surprise. Good ideas, great and exciting events

just have a way of getting noticed, no matter how hard you and I may try to fly

under the radar of others.

The things we have been up to as a church, the ways God has utilized us as an

instrument of grace have been recognized by our denominational leaders in the

Conference office. Our Bishop, Larry Goodpaster, and our District Superinten-

dent, John Boggs, have identified First UMC as a vital congregation primed to

make a significant transformation in McDowell County. They have witnessed us

in ministry and want to help us reach our full potential.

First UMC has been selected to participate in a new initiative designed to solidi-

fy our church leadership, sharpen our missional focus, and implement a ministry

plan. We are among 21 churches invited to participate in this transformational

journey. The Bishop and cabinet have called on Plowpoint Ministries to walk

alongside of us in a three year program known as Intentional Vitality for Change

(IVC).

Beth and Kelly Crissman, the founders of Plowpoint Ministries, are also Elders

in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Their home is currently in Graham, NC. The two of them are committed to walk

with us through the entire three year process of discernment and implantation.

Beth and Kelly meet with members of the church council early in September to

give us an overview of IVC.

That night we had a group of 20 ministry leaders together to receive a snapshot

of the potential IVC offers our church. I have invited seven of those same leaders

to become our IVC leadership team. They will dream and vision, discern and

strategically plan alongside me as we continue to be shaped into a people of

faith. Together we will listen and pray for God‟s Spirit to lead us into rich areas

of ministry and engage with community around us. (cont.)

We ask for your support throughout this

journey. Please begin praying for us as we

begin this new endeavor. Look for updates

on our progress in the Beacon. One

overarching desire in IVC is to keep the

entire congregation attuned to the progress

being made.

Again, all this has happened because

FUMC has been a steady and faithful

witness of God‟s transforming power and

grace. I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic

faith community. I am also delighted to

know that others have witness the same

great potential I saw when I first came to

be your pastor. God is truly up to

something good.

I‟ll look for you,

-Pastor Kent

October Calendar

Wonderful Wednesday Schedule 5:00 pm Mid-week Communion

5:15 pm Wonderful Wed. meal

6:00 pm Children’s Worship Arts

Pre-teen Power Hour

Adult Bible Studies

7:00 pm Psalter Choir Practice

Page 2 THE BEACON

Acolyte Oct. 6 Olivia Bell

Oct. 13 Maggie Vaughn

Oct. 20 Dylan Kagan

Oct. 27 Thomas Moomaw

Crucifer Oct. 6 Claire Hollifield

Oct. 13 Maggie Buckner

Oct. 20 Christina Atkins

Oct. 27 Ben Kagan

Children’s Church Oct. 6 Anita Laffoon

Oct. 13 Jennifer Smith

Oct. 20 Amy and Megan Moomaw

Oct. 27 Angela Bryan

Sunday School Younger Elem. Brenda Salsman

Pre-teens Mary Ruth Hollifield

Youth Anita Laffoon

Ushers Oct. 6 Billy and Chandler Bell

Harold Davis

Fred Dodge

Oct. 13 Billy and Chandler Bell

Harold Davis

Fred Dodge

Oct. 20 Kenny Hollifield

Chris Vaughn

Tony Long

Adam Kinninger

Oct. 27 Kenny Hollifield

Chris Vaughn

Tony Long

Adam Kinninger

Lector Oct. 6 Amy Moomaw

Oct. 13 Leslie Smith

Oct. 20 Tom Atkinson

Oct. 27 Tom Atkinson

Sound Chris Goudreau

Coffee Clean-up Neel Parker Class

Tues., Oct. 1 9:30 am-Ladies‟ Bible Study

Wed., Oct. 2 5:00 pm-Wonderful Wed. activities

Thurs., Oct. 3 11:00 am-Children‟s Chapel

Fri, Oct. 4 12:00 pm-Set-up for Rummage Sale

Sat., Oct. 5 7:00 am-Rummage Sale

Sun., Oct. 6 12:00 pm-Youth painting project

Tues., Oct. 8 9:30 am-Ladies Bible Study

7:00 pm-Worship Committee meeting

Wed., Oct. 9 8:00 am-Men‟s Bible Study

9:00 am-Coffee Club

10:00 am-Morning Circle

Thurs., Oct. 10 11:00 am-Children‟s Chapel

Fri., Oct. 11 9:00 am-Quilted Hugs

Sat., Oct. 12 2:00 pm-Baby Shower for Cole and

Stacey Conner

Mon., Oct. 14 7:00 pm-Mayme Tainter Circle

7:00 pm-Adult Discipleship Meeting

Tues., Oct. 15 9:30 am-Ladies Bible Study

7:00 pm-Finance Committee Meeting

Wed., Oct. 16 8:00 am—Men‟s Bible Study

Thurs, Oct. 17 11:00 am-Children‟s Chapel

Fri., Oct. 18 6:00 pm-Fall Festival

Sun., Oct. 20 12:00 pm-Youth Lunch and Corn Maze

2:30 pm-Charge Conference

Mon., Oct. 21 5:00 pm-Deadline for Newsletter

6:00 pm-Day Care Board Meeting

7:00 pm-Trustees Meeting

Tues., Oct. 22 9:30 am-Ladies Bible Study

Wed., Oct. 23 8:00 am-Men‟s Bible Study

9:00 am-Coffee Club

5:00 pm-Wonderful Wednesday Activities

Thurs., Oct. 24 11:00 am-Children‟s Chapel

Sun., Oct. 27 6:00 pm-Community Worship Service

Carson Chapel

Wed., Oct. 30 8:00 am-Men‟s Bible Study

Thurs., Oct. 31 Youth to help Trick-or Treaters (Time to

be announced)

Children & Youth

Children’s Worship Arts

The children‟s worship arts will

meet every Wednesday except Oct.

16th.

We are having fun learning new

music and sharing new fun games

and stories. We will resume on Oct.

23 and then we will get started on

the Christmas Program. Hope to

see all the “little ones” on

Wednesday nights!

Fall Festival !!!

Friday, October 18

6:00 pm

Pre-K through Third graders

Pre-teens, we need your help with running the games

We also need some adult volunteers!!!

Candy donations are needed for prizes…

Please drop them off in Anita’s office.

Fun

Games! Hot Dogs!

Youth

We are busy people!!

Dates to Mark:

Oct. 6—painting our room

Oct. 20—CORN MAZE!

Oct. 27—UMYF night at

Carson’s Chapel at 6 pm

Halloween night—we will

be giving out candy...check

the calendars on the

bulletin boards and in

your emails!

Pre-teen Power Hour The pre-teens are currently practicing songs to

preform for the residents at Rose Hill and

Autumn Care. We will take a break on Oct. 16, and then begin to work on our

Christmas Program on Oct. 23. Hope to see you on Wednesday nights!

UMW Rummage Sale

The United Methodist Women will have their annual

rummage sale on Saturday, October 5 from

7 am until 12 pm.

Items Needed

Good used furniture and home décor

Kitchenware

Sporting Equipment

Clothes and shoes

Toys and books

Holiday decorations

Please start bringing items in on Sunday, Sept. 22 and

put them on the stage in the Fellowship Hall.

Thanks so much for your support!

Page 4 – The Beacon

Baby Shower for

Cole and Stacey Conner

Saturday, October 12

2-4 pm

In the Parlor

They are registered at Babies R Us and Pottery Barn Kids.

United Methodist Women

Circle Meetings

Mayme Tainter Circle

Monday, October 14 at 7 pm

Morning Circle

Wednesday, October 9 at 10 am

Sister Chicks for Christ

Mark your calendars for our 5th annual

McDowell County Sister Chicks for

Christ rally!

Thursday, October 14

From 6-8 pm

East McDowell Jr. High

Tickets are $10 and will include a light

supper, if tickets are purchased

by Sept. 30.

The speaker is Mrs. Eva Self, originally

from Concord, NC but now living in

KY. When Eva was 17 years old,

tragedy struck her life and she was

paralyzed. Her story is a powerful

testimony of God‟s grace and provision.

Overcoming tragedy to find purpose and

joy in life, Eva is an inspiration to all.

Mrs. Janet Roller of Rutherford

County, a former Miss SC, was with us

last year as a soloist and our emcee, and

she will be back again to lead us in

music, praise and worship.

Tickets are now on sale and can be

purchased from Kathy Rabb or by

contacting Donna Ledford at 724-4808.

Dear Friends at First United Methodist Church,

Thank you very much for your contribution to

the McDowell Mission Ministries. We typically

care for 25 adults and 9 children per night at

our shelters, providing food, room, and

security, medical help and transportation to

each. We also work to help all to return to an

independent and productive life.

We appreciated your generosity greatly.

Sincerely,

Marion Baker

We wish to thank our church

family for the many cards,

phone calls, flowers, visits, as

well as their prayers during

our illness. We would also

like to thank Pastor Kent for

his visits, his prayers, and his

spiritual support during this

time. We feel that we are truly

blessed by being a part of

such a loving and caring

church family.

Mary and Garner Hallman

New Wednesday Night Curriculum for Adults

Beginning Oct. 23, we will have Cheryl Wallen, Givens Estate‟s director of LifeMinistries Outreach presenting

a series of programs about health and healthcare. Cheryl helps with developing health and wellness programs

that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life.

The first program, on Oct. 23 is titled Does the Church Have a Role in Healthcare?

In this presentation, we will examine God‟s standard of healthcare, explore the church‟s connection with

healthcare in the past, present and future. We will consider how the “Body of Christ” can take an active role in

creating healthier congregations and communities through health and wellness outreach ministries.

On Oct. 30, Cheryl will present Stroke: What You Need to Know

The interactive presentation explains what a stroke is, the two main types of stroke, their causes and treatment.

She engages audience participation in identifying symptoms of stroke and how to act F.A.S.T. if someone is

experiencing a stroke. She emphasizes stroke as largely preventable through identification of personal risk

factors and how to reduce them, understanding cholesterol numbers, and consideration of lifestyle changes.

On Nov. 6, The Sweet Surrender: Sugar and Sugar Substitutes will be presented. This one explains the

differences in refined sugars, natural sugars and artificial sweetners. She reviews 3 of the most commonly

consumed artificial sweetners and potential health risks. She provides examples of „natural alternatives‟ to

processed sugar and sugar substitutes.

Let’s Get Healthier Together!

Page 5-The Beacon

March Birthdays

October Birthdays

A Lighthouse guiding people in Worship, Spiritual Growth, and Service.

First United Methodist Church 176 Robert St. Marion, NC 28752 828-652-7010 marionfumc.com

Oct. 1 Morgan Franklin

Thomas Moomaw

Oct. 2 Virginia Cross

Oct. 3 Cassandra Kagan

Paige Salsman

McKinna Young

Oct. 4 Lamar Green

Oct. 5 Jacque Kelly

Kenneth Rabb

Oct. 6 Jack Bryan

Griffin Evans

Oct. 8 Marian Kessler

Oct. 9 Jennifer Blake

Gail Dobbins

Oct. 10 Lydia Smith

Oct. 11 Stephanie Goudreau

Oct. 12 Alayna Blalock

Sophie Fowler

Oct. 13 Melanie Buckner

Oct. 14 Jim Kilbourne

Oct. 15 Chris Kagan

Oct. 16 Macs Brown

Karen Hannon

Oct. 17 Marilyn Evans

Oct. 18 Leslie Smith

Oct. 19 Sandra Brown

Oct. 21 Mack Kidd

Oct. 23 Eugene Cross

Oct. 24 Jerry Carroll

Oct. 25 Kay Tate

Oct. 26 Billy Bell

Paula Bruce

Oct. 29 Charlie Gowan

Oct. 30 Henry Brown