january 2014 the first...

JANUARY 2014 "Every Member a ‘Minister’”

The First Methogram Making Disciples for Jesus Christ through Love & Service!

JANUARY 2014

Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe it, but a New Year is about to arrive. Looking back, God has done amazing things at

FUMCG and I am confident that great things are still in store as we look ahead to 2014 and beyond. Here are a

couple of things I would like you to keep before you as we dream and plan for future ministry together:

1) Beginning on January 12th, I will be kicking off a six part sermon

series titled “The Externally Focused Life” based on the book by

the same name, written by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. In addi-

tion, we will also be shifting our weekly external prayer focus on

the community to a monthly emphasis, going from 52 in 2013 to 12

in this coming year. In doing so, I am personally inviting you to

take this prayer opportunity a bit further. As we approach each

month, continue to pray for each organization, but consider also

reaching out, visiting, dropping a note to staff or volunteers, or as-

sisting with a donation or a specific need. We will lift that need up in worship for the entire month, and

may also consider inviting persons who represent that ministry or group to join us one Sunday in the

month.

2) Good things to God Things – Strategic Visioning: What is God’s

preferred future for FUMC Graham? What things are going well?

What would you like to see more of? If you could dream in a big,

audacious, God-empowered kind of way, what would ministry look

like here in 5 years? In 10 years? These are just some of the kinds

of questions we would like you to consider as we dream about where

God may be leading us as a church. Our

Church’s Administrative Council has partnered with Plowpoint ministries to

lead us in a church-wide season of discernment. More information will be

coming soon, but for now, I hope you will pencil in our first ever church-wide

visioning retreat that will launch us off on this season, scheduled for Saturday,

January 25th. We are inviting all of our church membership to participate in this

time of prayer, dreaming, and discernment.

Leaning forward with you in Jesus’ name,

Pastor Kevin

Church Address:

303 North Main Street

Graham, NC 27253

Ph. 336-226-4343

Fax 336-226-0874

[email protected]

Lead Pastor:

G. Kevin Baker

[email protected]

Website:

www.fumcgraham-nc.org

http://www.fumcgraham.com

“Every member a ‘Minister’” JANUARY 2014

NOVEMBER MEMORIALS

Ann Fenton Michael & Katherine Liles

Ann Fenton Soroptimist International

Mary Harden Peggy Jenks

Hazel Craig Peggy Jenks

Phyllis May Peggy Jenks

Phyllis May Greta Johnson

J. C. Bolick Raymond & Frances Heath

Phyllis Ricks May Eddie & Carol Wilkes

Phyllis Ricks May Mimi Saunders

Edith Satterfield Max & Judy Way

Carleton Hardie Max & Judy Way

Sybil Walters Max & Judy Way

Jerry Shouse Max & Judy Way

William Johnson Max & Judy Way

Mary Harden Max & Judy Way

Mary Harden Raymond & Frances Heath

Esther Pike Max & Judy Way

Hazel Craig Max & Judy Way

Hazel Craig Gretchen Briggs

Mildred Walker Max & Judy Way

Louella Hall Max & Judy Way

Opal Narron Max & Judy Way

Mae McGee Max & Judy Way

Ann Fenton Max & Judy Way

Ann Fenton Raymond & Frances Heath

Jerry Hux Denny Wise

Elvin Briggs Anne Briggs

Otto Hardt Dot Lee

Joe & Linda Boggs Linda Whitson

El & Barbara Lowe Lib Shoffner

Betty Lou Perry Carol Gates

Vivian Williamson Doris Riley

Lauren Wilburn Alexis Duncan

Clutch Martin Bill Barbee

Janice Stutts Donna Barnes

Emma Lou Rinaldi Andy Rich

Mimi Saunders Toni Ennis

Louise Hardie

IN RETIREMENT

OR NURSING FACILITIES

Monteze Anglin-Alamance Health Care

Nettie Ruth Bason-Hendersonville, NC

Mary Briggs-Alamance Health Care

Amy Buckner-Edgewood Skilled Nursing

Mabel Cheek-Blakey Hall

Frank Griffith-Alamance Health Care

Rala B. Hardie– Wilmington, NC

Mary Helen Linens-Liberty Commons

Kathryn Lockamy-Blakey Hall

Dobby & Betty May-The Hamlet

Ardith Salisbury-Twin Lakes

Margaret White –The Homestead

In The Military

Travis Woody, Andrew Crissman,

Tim Dehner, Noel Peyton,

Michael Jon Woznick,

Ryan Adamski, Keegan Lax,

Dylan Bowes

An honorarium was given for:

Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Staton

By:

David & Carol Steele

In Memory of Fern Pike

Max & Judy Way

Raymond & Frances Heath

Charles & Camille Staton

Julia Howard

Gordon Painter SS Class

Jerry & Diana Cummings

Gene & Elaine Caudill


Bobby & Brenda Loy

Janet Woody

El & Barbara Lowe

Andy & Mary Evelyn Rich

Eddie & Carol Wilkes

Pat Dixon

Mimi Saunders

Peggy Edwards

Class of 1945

McLeansville High School

Cornerstone Community

Church

Jack Henderson

Jerry & Patsy Clapp

Floyd & Linda Ingold

Wayne & Judy Shambley

Gretchen Briggs

In Memory of Terrell Lamb

Don & Dot Lee

Julia Howard

T.J. Whitehead Class

Loby Phillips

Janet Woody

Gil & Becky Dodson


Max & Judy Way

United Methodist Men


Young In Heart




Bobby & Brenda Loy

El & Barbara Lowe


Gretchen Briggs

Mrs. Lila P. Friday

Mr. Claude Phelps

Jack & Dorothy Lindley

Al, Ione, Carl & Lindley Taylor

Henry & Dawn McPherson

Samuel G. McKinney

Thomas Lindley Family

Paul & Cynthia Phillips

Wayne & Judy Shambley

In Memory of Janie Edwards

Max & Judy Way



Young In Heart

Julia Howard



Bobby & Brenda Loy

El & Barbara Lowe


Pat Dixon

Mimi Saunders

Peggy Edwards

Gretchen Briggs

In Memory of John Clark




United Methodist Men


El & Barbara Lowe

Marie Hagerman

Gretchen Briggs



1/01 Mark McIntyre

1/01 Marian Whittemore

1/02 John Fabbri

1/03 J. J. Kelley

1/04 Charley Kelley

1/04 Timothy Kelley

1/05 Margaret Taylor

1/06 Vicki Brown

1/06 Sherri Lewis

1/06 Janice Stutts

1/07 Chad Fogleman

1/08 Katelyn Beaver

1/08 Fran Bryant

1/09 Ashley Lewis

Dear Church

Family,

It has been a

pleasure getting to

know you all over

the last couple of

months. I am

looking forward

to continuing

growth and op-

portunities in the music ministry of FUMC

Graham, and in the church as a

whole. Excited and anxious don't even begin

to describe the level of anticipation that I have

about seeing what God has in store for us in

this next season.

A little about me: I grew up here in Alamance

County, played football at Western Alamance,

graduated in 1990. Enlisted in the North Car-

olina National Guard while enrolling at NC

State University. I finished my undergraduate

studies in Pre-law at Campbell University and

then continued on to law school at Campbell,

graduating in 1998 and passing the North Car-

olina State Bar. I have had a law practice in

Graham for the past 15 years. Music has al-

ways been my passion, although I picked up

the guitar late in life. I played in a few rock

bands locally and owned a live music ven-

ue. In the past four to five years I have dis-

covered that for me, it doesn't get any better

than using music as a means of bringing my-

self and others closer to God. I have been

involved in several praise and worship pro-

grams locally and regularly tour the Southeast

and beyond to see CCM artists perform. I es-

pecially love seeing my 10 year old son Dylan

enjoy the music and learn more about the love

of Jesus.

It is more than an honor to be a member of

your staff and of your church. God is moving

to heal people's brokenness and provide a

warm, loving, welcoming environment for

those that have not been churched and have

gotten away from God. "The Well" is not just

another early service, it's an opportunity to be

disciples for Christ- which is our highest call-

ing. Julian Doby

1/09 Karoline Chavis

1/10 Carey Crissman

1/13 Gabriel Wilson

1/15 Elwyn Lowe

1/16 Kristin Vincent

1/16 Mary Jane Salter

1/17 Donald Hardie

1/18 Carolyn Burton

1/18 Carolyn Lapham

1/18 Wendy Sykes

1/19 Eric Crissman

1/19 Dawn O'Neal

1/20 Valerie Clark

1/20 Josh McDonald

1/20 Sharon Wyatt

1/20 Alvis Webster

1/21 Shelby Snyder

1/22 George McGonagle

1/24 Tyler McGonagle

1/30 Jerry Priska

1/31 William Jones

1/31 Davis Young

"Gather 'Round the

Table", our church cookbook has

arrived! The New Horizons Sunday

School class is selling these for $20

each to help support their backpack

ministry and other mission projects

throughout the year.

The cookbook is over 300 pages and contains nearly 500

recipes. This makes a great gift and keepsake in celebra-

tion of our 75th Anniversary in 2014. If you would like to

purchase one, they are available for sale in the coffee shop

and the narthex each Sunday, you may see a member of

the New Horizons class or send an email to cook-

[email protected] to get a copy.

Please make checks out to New Horizons Class and note

"cookbook" in the memo line.

mailto:[email protected]



The UMYF look forward to kicking off a new year with

our first meeting on January 5th. Bring your friends for a

night of worship and fun as we anticipate all that God

will do through our group in 2014. We would like to wish

you all a very Merry Christmas!

NEW Children's Worship Arts Program for children in grades 1-5,

Starting Sun, Jan 12 from 3-5pm

FUMCG Praise Kids exists so that children can learn

different ways to praise God, build relationships with their peers

and loving adult leaders, experience spiritual and talent growth,

and develop their worship leadership skills.

Regular Weekly Schedule 3-4PM Ring & Sing Choir : Includes singing &

playing hand chimes led by Doug Rayle.

4-4:30PM Kids on A Mission: Includes a short

devotion and a mission project led by

Elizabeth Sutton.

4:30-5PM Creative Crafts (Jan 12-Feb 23) led by Amy

Royal. Children will engage in craft pro-

Jects which will be delivered to a local

Nursing facility on Feb 23.

Creative Movement (Mar 2-April 13)

Led by Erin Mercs. Children will learn dance

movements to songs that will be performed

During the 9 & 11am worship services.

Children can choose to be involved in the entire program or

participate in only one area. Creative Crafts will be offered the first half of the semester & Creative Movement the second. Each week, parents are asked to sign their child in indicating which part of the program he/she will be experiencing (enter through the choir door – located next to the church playground). Questions? Contact Brian Yoder at [email protected]. Visit our church website for the complete FUMCG Praise Kids calendar (http://www.fumcgraham-nc.org/)

2014 Confirmation Program

Pastor Kevin and Brian Yoder will be

leading a confirmation class for youth

in 6th grade and up starting in mid-

January (Wednesdays from 5:30-

6:30pm). Confirmation is one of the

most significant moments when a

young person affirms the faith into

which he/she was baptized. Many peo-

ple tend to view Confirmation as a time

when the youth "officially" join the

church, but it is so much more than

that. Youth who were baptized as in-

fants became members of the church

when their parents recited their baptis-

mal vows for them. Confirmation gives

them the opportunity to stand before

the congregation and take the vows for

themselves...to profess their own faith

in Jesus Christ. This is a time for youth

to say "yes" to God and to claim the

name Christian. Confirmation is also a

great time for youth who have not yet

been baptized to make their profession

of faith. Class sessions will focus on

discussing basic Christian and Wesley-

an beliefs in a fun and interactive way

with many special trips planned. If

your child is interested in participating

or if you have any questions, please

email Brian at [email protected].


http://www.fumcgraham-nc.org/

http://www.fumcgraham-nc.org/


BACKPACK

BLESSINGS

Want to help fight hun-

ger right here in Ala-

mance County? Check

the Narthex or Coffee

shop for a list of items

needed for backpacks

being delivered to

South Graham Ele-

mentary and drop off

in the Blessings Bucket at the back of

Stafford Hall or in the front breezeway

by the Sanctuary. Monetary donations are

also welcome. The New Horizon's Sun-

day School Class would like to thank the

Sunday School Classes, Committees

and individuals who have so generously

donated toward our Backpack Bless-

ings. This is a very important endeavor.

We appreciate all the extra sup-

port. Thank you

YOUNG

IN HEART

Young In Heart’s

next meeting will be,

January 7th, at 10:30

am in T. J. Whitehead

classroom. This will

be our annual Bingo Party. Please bring a

wrapped prize.

Come join us and bring a friend.

YOUNG IN HEART GAME DAY! Plan to join us for "Fun/Game Day"

Wednesday, January 15th,.

From 1-4pm in Stafford Hall.

FUN, GAMES, REFRESHMENTS,

FELLOWSHIP!

I would like to thank all the men who

helped with the Methodist Men pancake

supper on December 1st.

There were many others involved and I

would like to express my thanks to them

as well. Our donation collected was

$470.00 and this will go towards the Scholarship Fund.

David Steele (President of Methodist Men)

The Board of Directors would like to thank Charles Staton for his

hard work in getting our rental house at 110 Market Street in shape.

Charles painted porches, front and back, replaced screens and paint-

ed steps. Thanks again Charles for your hard work and dedication

to FUMC.

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for the cards, visits and gifts that you have given mother

through the years. The first Methodist Church of Graham was very

dear to my parents’ hearts. Mother kept every card you sent to her.

Many thanks to the members who brightened her day by your visit.

Kay Kelly

Dear Church Family,

We appreciate the lovely ivy/cactus arrangement. They are beauti-

ful. Many thanks, Nancy & Valerie Clark

The Church Staff would like to say a huge THANK YOU for the

delicious venison lunch prepared by several men of the church.

Roger Jones, Jimmy Linens, Tommy Hayes, Jerry Linens, Gene

Caudill, Wayne Shambley, Ralph Pike, & Eddie Wilkes; (better

known as the BBQ Group), very graciously fed us a wonderful meal

and also entertained us with their humor. Thanks guys, we really

enjoyed the food and fellowship!

Evangelism Message–

O Lord, you alone are my hope...

Psalms 71:5 TLB

Hope ---- that bubbling ingredient in life

which is like carbonation in a drink; giving it zest, keeping it in motion,

always pushing it up....

DePree.


Join A LIFE Group Today!!

A LIFE group at FUMCG consists of 6-12 people who meet together weekly for spiritual growth. Every LIFE group strives to reach UP - through prayer, worship, and study; IN - through mutual care, support, and en-couragement; OUT - in mission, service, and invita-tional witness; and FORWARD - empowering and equipping new disciples and leaders.

Check out the list of current offerings below and email the leader if you are interested: SUNDAY First Place Nutrition Group (multigenerational) meets at 5pm at the church Leaders - Susan Rayle: [email protected] & Carolyn Barnes: [email protected]

TUESDAY Multigenerational Group (families w/older children, empty nesters, & retirees) meets at 7pm Leaders - Martin & Marilyn Perkey: [email protected]

WEDNESDAY Multigenerational Group (all LIFE stages) meets at 7pm Leaders - Morgan & Sheri Whitney: [email protected]

THURSDAY Women's Group (all LIFE stages) meets at 7pm Leader - Wendy Yoder: [email protected]

Multigenerational Group (all LIFE stages) meets at 6:30pm Leaders - Max & Judy Way: [email protected]

Please email Brian Yoder [email protected] if you have any questions about the LIFE group ministry.

GREETINGS to CHURCH

FAMILIES

FIRST CHANCE

ENROLLMENT FOR

FALL 2014

JANUARY 15-16, 2014

Families of children currently attending the Play-

school at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

and members of the church have the first chance to

enroll their child for the Fall of 2014 beginning Janu-

ary 15 before registration for the public begins Feb-

ruary 3.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, es-

pecially in the 3-day 3’s class and in the K-4 class;

these classes tend to fill rapidly since there is only

one of each.

Interested families may receive registration forms at

the Playschool between the hours of 9:00AM and

12:00PM or by calling Faye Waddell at the Play-

school office -- 227-9148.

Please take advantage of this early opportunity!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

THE PLAYSCHOOL STAFF!

http://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/yab-fe/mu/MainView?.src=neo&themeName=fresh&bn=54_9414&s=0&isFresh=1&bucketId=0&stab=1379429672988






Library Lowdown

Come visit the Church Library!

Pick out a few books to enjoy after the Christmas Rush!

There are many new titles to choose from!

Note to the Library Ministry Team: Our next meeting will be January 8th at 9:30am.

SOUTHERN

ALAMANCE

BELLES AND SONS January 12, 2014

The "Belles and Sons", choral

ensemble from Southern Ala-

mance High School will provide

music for our 11am traditional

worship service on Sunday, Janu-

ary 12th.

Our own Ryan Allshouse is a

member of this group.

We look forward to

welcoming them and their

leader, Ms. Pamela Collings

to our church.

We will be receiving a

Love Offering to support the

choral program at Southern

Alamance High School.

Thanks, Doug

Church Women United will

hold their annual tea on Saturday,

January 18, 2014 at First United

Methodist Graham. Registration is

at 1:45 pm and the tea is at 2:00

pm.

The cost is free but we need the

names of those attending by Janu-

ary 5. All women of the church are

invited. You may give your names

to your circle leaders or call the

church office and give your name

to Lu.

Our speaker will be Brenda

Wills, state president of CWU.

Hats are optional but fun. Invite

your friends. Remember to give us

the names of those attending by

January 5.

About CWU

Since 1941 women of the

Church Women United Movement

have held a vision of Christian uni-

ty and prayerful action. CWU was

founded as a racially, culturally,

and theologically inclusive Chris-

tian women’s movement to cele-

brate unity in diversity and work

for peace in the world.

Women of the Movement af-

firm that prayer and action are in-

separable and that both have im-

measurable influence in the world.

SOUP & SANDWICH

LUNCHEON

The Faith Journeys Sunday

School Class will be

sponsoring a Soup and

Sandwich Luncheon on

Sunday, January 12th im-

mediately following 11am Worship.

Mark your calendars now and enjoy warm

Fellowship and Soup!

(The meal is free, however donations will be accepted for our

Class projects)


The First Methogram – (USPS 715-740) Periodicals Postage Paid at

Published Monthly by Graham, North Carolina 27253

First United Methodist Church

303 N. Main Street Postmaster: Send Address Changes to:

Graham, North Carolina 27253 The First Methogram

303 N. Main Street

Graham, North Carolina 27253

WE THANK GOD FOR:

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6:30pm Bells

7pm Life Group

7:30pm Choir

2 8:15am TPB

6:30p Life Group

6:30 Praise Team

7pm Life Group

3

4

5 7am Men’s

Breakfast

5pm UMYF

5pm 1st Place

6

10am Circle 2

2pm Circle 3

7pm Cub Scouts

7pm Friendship Cir

7 10am YIH

7pm Life Grp

7pm Circle 1

7p Laity Work-

shop

8

9:30am Library

Ministry Team

6:30pm Bells

7pm Life Group

7:30pm Choir

9 8:15am TPB

6:30p Life Group

6:30 Praise Team

7pm Life Group

10

Cub Scout

Lock in

11 Stafford Hall

Reserved-Scouts

12

Soup & Sand-

wich lunch

1:30 Evang.

5pm Baby

Shower Candice

5pm UMYF

13 7pm Cub Scouts

14

7pm Finance

7pm Life

Group

15 6:30 pm Bells

7pm Life Group

7:30pm Choir

Newsletter

Articles Due

16 8:15am Thur.

Prayer Breakfast

6:30p Life Group

6:30 Praise Team

7pm Life Group

17 Stafford Hall

Reserved-set-up

18 Church Women

United “Tea”

Stafford Hall

19 5pm UMYF

5pm 1st Place

20

21 7pm Life

Group

22

6:30pm Bells

7pm Life Group

7:30pm Choir

23 8:15am Thur.

Prayer Breakfast

6:30p Life Group

6:30 Praise Team

7pm Life Group

24 Set up for Pin-

ewood Derby

25

Pinewood Derby

Stafford Hall

26 5pm UMYF

27

28 7pm Life

Group

29 6:30pm Bells

7pm Life Group

7:30pm Choir

30 8:15am Thur.

Prayer Breakfast

6:30p Life Group

6:30 Praise Team

7pm Life Group

31

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: The Well Service 9:00am,

Sunday School: 10:00am Traditional Worship Service: 11:00am

january 2014 the first...

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