wellspring september 2014

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“This Is For Everyone” As I turned up the street from the house, I pulled in behind a school bus full of young children talking and laughing. They were headed off to their first day of school. The morning was a little cooler, the air was a little crisper, and I was reminded the hot summer days were drawing to a close. Fall will be here before we know it. I love this time of year, especially around the church, as activities for all ages and seasons of life move into full swing. In a few days, the hallways will be full of folks. Every day and every evening people are going to Bible Studies, small groups, children and youth activities, ministry, mission and service teams, music, bells and choir groups, worship activities, preschool. Our congregation is active with just about anything you can think of as it relates to church and family life. This is what the church is all about! It is about people of every age and sector connecting with God and connecting with others. And it doesn’t just happen on this property since we have small groups meeting all over our community. Here is what I know: Life that makes sense is life that finds its source in God and is lived out with other people. I love what my young pastor friend Eric Marshburn who serves The Edge (UMC) says about church: “We’re just regular people who love God. We want to express to the world how much we love Christ and Christ loves the world. What we are trying to relay is that this is for everyone. It is not about status or who you are, because we are all very precious in his sight.” I want you to know there is a place for you here at FVUMC whatever your need or situation may be. What do you need as an individual, a couple, or a family to find your source in God? What do you need to live that out together with other people who are seeking to do the same? Come discover that place where you can connect to God and to others. When you do, life begins to make sense, and you’ll know you’re not alone in this crazy world. Begin connecting through a Covenant Study or helping in the garden or one of the many other opportunities we offer here at FVUMC. If you’re looking for a place to start, consider coming to one of our Starting Point: Intro sessions (check out page 3 for info) or visiting the website at fvumc.org. Click “News” or any of the menus to find places where you can get started. Let’s get to know each other! I hope to see you sometime soon at one of these gathering places. We’re all “regular people” who are finding God as our source and living life together in community. See you in worship! Pastor Gene The Wellspring SEPTEMBER 2014 Fuquay- Varina United Methodist Church

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Page 1: Wellspring September 2014

“This Is For Everyone”As I turned up the street from the house, I pulled in behind a school bus full of young children talking and laughing. They were headed off to their first day of school. The morning was a little cooler, the air was a little crisper, and I was reminded the hot summer days were drawing to a close. Fall will be here before we know it.

I love this time of year, especially around the church, as activities for all ages and seasons of life move into full swing. In a few days, the hallways will be full of folks. Every day and every evening people are going to Bible Studies, small groups, children and youth activities, ministry, mission and service teams, music, bells and choir groups, worship activities, preschool. Our congregation is active with just about anything you can think of as it relates to church and family life.

This is what the church is all about! It is about people of every age and sector connecting with God and connecting with others. And it doesn’t just happen on this property since we have small groups meeting all over our community.

Here is what I know: Life that makes sense is life that finds its source in God and is lived out with other people.

I love what my young pastor friend Eric Marshburn who serves The Edge (UMC) says about church:

“We’re just regular people who love God. We want to express to the world how much we love Christ and Christ loves the world. What we are trying to relay is that this is for everyone. It is not about status or who you are, because we are all very precious in his sight.”

I want you to know there is a place for you here at FVUMC whatever your need or situation may be. What do you need as an individual, a couple, or a family to find your source in God? What do you need to live that out together with other people who are seeking to do the same?

Come discover that place where you can connect to God and to others. When you do, life begins to make sense, and you’ll know you’re not alone in this crazy world. Begin connecting through a Covenant Study or helping in the garden or one of the many other opportunities we offer here at FVUMC.

If you’re looking for a place to start, consider coming to one of our Starting Point: Intro sessions (check out page 3 for info) or visiting the website at fvumc.org. Click “News” or any of the menus to find places where you can get started. Let’s get to know each other! I hope to see you sometime soon at one of these gathering places. We’re all “regular people” who are finding God as our source and living life together in community.

See you in worship! Pastor Gene

The

Wel

lspr

ing

SEPTEMBER2014

Fuquay-VarinaUnited

Methodist Church

Page 2: Wellspring September 2014

It’s not too late to join the conversation Starting the week of September 7, we are launching a program called Covenant that we pray brings many in our church into authentic community and deep exploration of God’s Word.

The Covenant studies are shaped around Life Groups where people form genuine relationships as they study the Scriptures together. This is not “just a Bible study” where you learn stuff. This is a transformational experience that can greatly change and shape our church community.

Learning togetherAs you participate in Covenant, daily emails are delivered to your inbox which include the full text of the Bible readings. The program is organized into three 8-week segments exploring a third of the Bible.

Creating the Covenant begins in September, and goes through October. In the new year, the study continues with Living the Covenant and Trusting the Covenant. Our schedule pauses during special seasons including Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and spring break.

Creating the Covenant 8-Week Session Begins

the Week of September 7

Register for adult and youth Life Groups online at fvumc.org/covenant or call the office at 919-552-4331

Learning, Growing and Adventure!

1st-5th Grade Boys Invited to Join Cub Pack 320Have a son or grandson who is in the 1st through 5th grade? Interested in watching and helping your son learn, grow, and adventure in a safe environment founded on principles?

Then you may be interested in learning about or joining Cub Scout Pack 320. It’s one of the biggest and best Cub Scout Packs in our area and one of the many ministries Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church offers for our children.

Beginning September 2, the Pack meets every Tuesday at the church from 7:00-8:00pm. You are more than welcome to attend any Den or Pack meeting to explore our program and determine if Cub Scout Pack 320 is right for your son and family.

For more information or just to ask questions and inquire more about our pack, email our Cubmaster, Bobby Lumsden, at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Page 3: Wellspring September 2014

As I walked from the church parking lot to my office recently, the carillon was chiming “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” It caught my attention a little more than usual because I was thinking about prayer for this September issue of The Wellspring.

Luke 11 describes Jesus away in a certain place finishing His time spent in prayer. The disciples are present, and one asks Jesus to teach them how to pray. Together they spend some time as Jesus teaches them about this wonderful opportunity of holy conversation with God. While Jesus spent time alone in prayer, He also prayed with people in a variety of situations: stormy seas, scarcity of food, funerals, and more. Praying together has its place!

When we come together for worship on Sunday mornings, the order of worship includes specific time set apart for the Prayers of the People in which we pray for the Church, its mission, etc. During these moments, we also lift up to God the joys and concerns written by congregants on the black pad at the entrance doors of the centrum. At the close of the service, anyone in the congregation who desires prayer is encouraged to drop by the prayer chapel where they may choose to pray alone or with someone.

As Pastor of Congregational Care, I would like to make you aware of yet another prayer option: Did you know that you can submit prayer requests online? It’s easy to do! Go to fvumc.org/prayer-request and type in your request. When you click Submit, your request is emailed to the pastors, and we pray over every single one! If you prefer, you can also call the church office at 919-552-4331 and select option 6 to leave a voicemail prayer request.

Reflecting upon John Wesley instructing us to engage in prayer, a means of grace through which God is at work in us strengthening our faith, I was reminded of the hymn I heard chiming throughout the community. It’s always a sweet hour for prayer.

Pastor Valerie

PrayingTogether

3

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace, I’ll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

The family of Catherine Brainard, Jakob Kish, The Pearce Family, Carole Nanzetta, Nancy Nason, Debbie Corr, Lou Cardin, Tamara Anderson, Rob Matney, Bob Griffith, Carter Williams, Annette Ragan, Shane Bridgers, Beth Silveira, Cindy Travers, Iris Brown, Caroline James, Tristan Wachter, Logan Thomas, Bob Pavone, JoAnn Heiser, Dee Chisenhall, Jeff Fox, Emily Ashworth, Craig Judd, Clay King, Jill Zatyko, Sue Simkiss, Virginia McLeod, André Carson, Mary Rose, Bill Young, Tom Myatt, Bob & Katharine Kinton, Howard Hanmann, Fran Applegarth and PJ Ramsey

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Page 4: Wellspring September 2014

Staff Parish UpdatesIt is a exciting time at FVUMC, and the SPRC is pleased to announce that Bobby Rackley is joining us as our new Director of Youth & Family Ministries on September 2. Bobby is married to Amanda Rackley, our new Director of Children & Family Ministries. Read more about them both below.

SPRC continues interviews for the Director of Traditional Music and Facilities Manager positions. Thank you for your prayers! We know that the Lord is guiding us to the right individuals to fill these vital positions.

David G. Knox, chair [email protected] or 919-906-6499

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Meet BobbyMy name is Bobby Rackley, and I am joining the FVUMC family as the new Director of Youth & Family Ministries. As way of introduction, here is a little more about me and my background:

I grew up in eastern North Carolina in Haws Run, just outside of Jacksonville. I crossed the state and earned my undergraduate degree in Secondary English Education from Western Carolina University. During college, I nurtured my call to ministry working summers at Lake Junaluska in Youth & Children’s Ministries and as a worship leader each academic year.

Upon graduating in 2003, I taught high school English for five years at Lake Norman High School, while serving as the Youth Minister for Christ-Boulevard UMC in Statesville, NC.

In 2008, I left my teaching career to attend Duke Divinity School, where I met my wife Amanda (yes, the lovely Director of Children & Family Ministries!), and earned my Master of Divinity degree in 2011.

Discerning a call to enter the teaching ministry of the Church, I am in the Doctor of Theology program at Duke, with concentrations in Wesleyan and Patristic (early church) studies. I am a certified candidate for Elder’s orders in The United Methodist Church.

As a pastor in the Methodist tradition, I am passionate about Christian formation and helping teenagers develop into life-long disciples of Jesus Christ. It is an honor to work among you, and I am excited to work with your middle and high school youth!

Bobby

Meet AmandaI am Amanda Rackley, the new Director of Children & Family Ministries – or maybe better known as “the new Emily!” I am beyond thrilled to have joined the FVUMC family and have had a great time getting to know your new faces and names.

I grew up in Duplin County in Beulaville and moved to Raleigh in 2002 to attend Meredith College. Graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, I taught at West Smithfield Elementary School in Johnston County for three years. In 2009, I moved to Durham to enroll in the Master of Divinity program at Duke University.

I have 12 years of combined teaching and ministry experience including serving as Music Minister in four churches and serving as a Chaplain at UNC Hospitals.

I am passionate about working with children, sharing music, and being involved in mission opportunities. Some of my hobbies include cooking, cake decorating, and ballroom dancing.

My husband, Bobby, and I just recently moved to Fuquay-Varina and are very excited to be part of this great community. We do not have human children at this time, but we do have furry and feathered children: our miniature schnauzer, Sebastian, and our parrot, Rio.

I look forward to getting to know you better, serving alongside of you, and being open to the many things that God will do not only in our Children & Family Ministries, but also in our entire church!

Amanda

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Youth: Let’s Get RealLifelineSundays 6:15-8:00pm — September 14, 21, 28Let’s Get Real. 7th-12th grade students join us each Sunday night for Lifeline! We meet together to hang out, worship God, and hear a message that makes a difference in our lives. This year, we are focusing on getting real together and asking what it means to be an authentic Christian. Join us especially for our Kickoff on September 14 for a cookout and meet our new Director of Youth & Family Ministries, Bobby Rackley!

Life GroupsWednesdays 6:30-8:00pm — September 10, 17, 24Life Groups are put together by age (middle school or high school) and gender. They are places to belong and find deep community and growth in our walks with God. All 7th-12th graders are welcome to join a Life Group, even if they have never come before! This year, youth Life Groups are focusing on the same Covenant themes as the entire church family!

Confirmation Sundays at 4:30pmConfirmation starts Sunday, September 14 from 4:30-6:00pm in the Centrum. It is designed for our 6th grade students and for any middle school students who have not yet been confirmed. Parents are invited to join us for the first Confirmation session on September 14. Confirmation Sunday is on March 1, 2015, and we will meet for 18 weeks leading up to this big step in our faith journeys! If you have any questions, contact Pastor Kevin at [email protected]. Sign up at fvumc.org/confirmation.

Meet Bobby!Bobby Rackley is our new Director of Youth and Family Ministries! Read more about Bobby on page 4 and come meet him at our 9/14 Lifeline kickoff.

Looking Ahead:Pilgrimage Weekend (sign-ups coming soon): Nov. 7-9

Discovery Weekend: January 23-25, 2015

High School Retreat: March 6-8, 2015

Subscribe to Lifeline email: contact Bobby ([email protected])

Twitter: @LifelineFVUMC

Text: Give Bobby your cell # for text updates!

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/LifelineFVUMC/

Instagram: instagram.com/lifelinefvumc

fvumc.org/youth with an up-to-date Google calendar

Conn

ect

Life Groups for Parents

Youth Parents: Sundays at 6:30pm or Wednesdays at 6:30pm

Confirmation Parents: Sundays at 4:30pm

Parents, since you are dropping off your student for their groups, we built in times intentionally for you to be a part of our Covenant study. Gather with other parents of teens as you grow in community and study God’s Word! If your student is part of a Life Group, then you will study some of the same material! Visit fvumc.org/registrations to sign up.

Page 6: Wellspring September 2014

Senior Celebration!It’s that time again, when we celebrate the ladies and gents over 60 years of age!

The celebration dinner is set for Saturday, Sept. 13 at 5:30pm. Through this event, we show our love and gratitude to many of those who are the foundation of our church family.

Seniors: Mark your calendar for Sept. 13, and sign up in the church office! This year’s theme is “The Cup of Our Life.”

For more information, call Lynne Sorrels at 919-557-1568.

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Rough Cut Men - UMM EventSeptember 13, 2014

9am-4pm Jonesboro UMC407 W. Main Street, Sanford

TICKETS $20 (includes BBQ lunch)

In the movie industry, a “Rough Cut” is a first edition of a movie which gives an idea of the finished product, where it has problems and where it excels. Presenter David Dusek uses movie clips, Biblical passages and personal testimonies to lead men through a no-holds-barred exploration of issues such as greed, stewardship, lust & personal integrity with the goal of helping begin the communication & growth that will lead them from being “Rough Cut Men” to the finished product. Contact Bob Roach, President of the FVUMC UMM, at 919-557-2066 or [email protected] for tickets or additional information.

I sometimes feel like a broken record in that I keep saying the same things every month, but it is a real blessing to be able to continue to say that we are doing well financially!

We continue to track slightly behind budget on Contributions, but lower than budgeted Expenses have more than made up the difference from Contributions. The lower expenses are mainly due to staff vacancies in the Youth, Children’s and Music areas. Our wonderful staff and SPRC committee have filled some and are working hard to fill the remaining vacancies.

This year we have been blessed to be able to fund the upfront costs for the church-wide Covenant Bible Study, as well as funding many significant Mission programs from local to international, and much-needed infrastructure improvements

for our church facilities.

Contributions and Attendance are both trending ahead of 2013 and 2012, so those are positive metrics that show we are a growing and vibrant church! As you can see from the monthly Attendance figures, summer attendance is lower, but this is consistent with historical data.

We are gearing up for an exciting Fall and remaining 2014. Thanks to everyone for giving your time, talents and tithes!

If you have a question or would like more information, please feel free to call me at the number listed below, or Joan Thomas, Director of Finance & Administration. You are also welcome to attend any Finance Committee meeting on the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm at the church.

Donna Massengill, [email protected] 919-623-0834

Finance Committee Report

NOTE: Beginning in October, we are shifting

to monthly financial reporting in this

newsletter rather than in the weekly bulletin.

Page 7: Wellspring September 2014

Serving & Sharing God

There Are Openings for Habitat Workdays This FallThis fall, FVUMC is working with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County and partnering with 6 other area churches, including St. Bernadette’s here in Fuquay, as well as the corporation of Cisco Systems, to help fund and build a house for a family from Kenya. Veronica and her daughter have been in the US for about 3 years. Our assigned work days (primarily Saturdays) are listed below where we need YOU to sign up in advance at the following website: http://vhub.at/southwestcoalition

Our assigned work days are as follows:• Saturday, September 6 – Ground “blessing” day,

need 10 volunteers• Thursday, September 25 – Wake County traditional

calendar schools are OUT this day – need 10 volunteers age 16 and older.

• Saturday, October 25 – Need 15 volunteers for our Serve and Share Weekend

• Saturday, November 8 – Need 9 volunteers• Saturday, November 22 – LAST VOLUNTEER DAY –

Need 5 volunteers

Questions? Contact Mark Bethea at [email protected].

Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food PantrySeptember Requests:

Pasta Sauce (no glass), Pasta, Toilet Paper 7

How Might You Serve?FVUMC has a long history of strong, faith-filled lay leadership. Have you considered how you might serve God and your church in the coming year? The Committee on Lay Leadership is starting their annual discernment process to develop recommendations for the leadership of our congregation. Nominees are approved at Charge Conference this fall and begin serving in January 2015. If you are interested in serving in this way or would like to nominate someone, contact Pastor Gene at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 101.

God, This Is Just Not a Good Time!

...Felix became alarmed and terrified and said, “Go away for the present; when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25

The Bible tells a story about a man who did not follow God because doing so would have been inconvenient. This man, named Felix, asked Paul to come and preach the Gospel to him. But when Paul started talking to him about right living, purity of life and controlling his passions, Felix became alarmed and frightened. He told Paul to go away and that he would call him at a more convenient time.

At times in life, we can see how this story clearly depicts the way that we are. We don’t mind hearing about how much God loves us and about the plans He has for our lives, but when He begins to tell us what to do that is not in our regular schedule or correct us in any way, we try to tell Him that “now” is just not a good time.

When the Israelites were traveling through the wilderness, they were led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the cloud moved, they moved. And when it hovered, they stayed where they were. The Bible says that sometimes it moved during the

Continued on page 9

Page 8: Wellspring September 2014

Grow Proclaim ServePlease visit fvumc.org/childrens-lessons

for summaries of the weekly lessons for 9:30 & 11:00 Sunday School

Children Learning God

New Children’s Message at 11:00 Worship

Starting September 14, the 11:00 service will begin incorporating a children’s message into the order of worship.

All children in an 11:00 K-5th grade Sunday school classes will accompany their parents to the centrum for worship instead of going directly to their Sunday school class.

Parents will check in with a designated leader stationed at the centrum entrance so that we know which children are attending Sunday school after the children’s message.

The children will be escorted to Sunday school after the children’s message, and parents should pick their child up from his or her registered classroom when worship is over.

Parents, it’s imperative that you register your child for Sunday school so that we can make sure each child is accounted for!

Promotion Sunday Is Set for September 7It’s that time of year again! Promotion Sunday is September 7, and this is the day that students are promoted to their next grade/age level

Sunday school class. This also officially marks the kick-off of our fall programming on Sunday afternoons: FaithWeaver Friends and Kids for Christ (KFC). Sunday school registration is now open; register online at fvumc.org/registrations or fill out a hard copy found on the children’s wing or in the church office.

Calling All 3rd Graders!Bible Presentation Sunday Sunday, September 21 is Bible Presentation Sunday for 3rd graders. If you have a child in 3rd grade for the 2014-2015 academic year, you hopefully have received an information packet already. If you have not receive a packet in the mail or know that your 3rd grader is not on our roster, please contact Amanda Rackley at [email protected] or at (919) 552-4331, ext. 113, to ensure that we have a Bible for your child.

3rd Grade Bible Exploration RetreatAll 3rd graders are invited to an overnight retreat here at the church on October 3-4 to learn about the Bible, how it’s arranged, and practice using their new Bibles in interactive and fun ways! The fun begins at 5:30pm on Friday, October 3 and goes until Saturday, October 4 at 2:00pm. The registration and payment deadline for the retreat is September 21. Register online at fvumc.org/registrations.

Covenant Kids FYIThis isn’t a new program, it’s just a new name! Children’s Church is changing to Covenant Kids and is a Sunday school class designed for Kindergarten through 2nd graders. In September, the lessons and activities are following the same outline as the message shared in 9:30 worship. Talk with your children about what they learned and what you learned! 8

Preschool’s Back!Our preschool teachers have diligently worked to set up rooms for the children who will be ‘in the house’ starting Tuesday, Sept. 2. We are looking forward to a great school year with our little worshippers. Congregational prayers are always a plus!

Blessings, Ms. Lynne

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Staff Grateful for Opportunity Attend Leadership InstituteSeptember 23-26, many of our staff are traveling to the Leadership Institute offered at Church of the Resurrection (COR) in Leawood, KS.

One of the largest United Methodist Churches, COR offers the annual Leadership Institute as a ministry to support and train other churches in best practices. As the staff evaluated continuing education opportunities, the consensus was that this event offered the most useful, practical training at a very economical cost.

Workshops range from worship arts and age-level ministries to facilities management, congregational care, communications and strategic planning. Featured speakers include COR Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton, Dr. Len Sweet, and the Rev. Christine Chakoian (one of the pastors in our Covenant Study videos).

Your prayers for traveling mercies are appreciated, and many thanks to Pastor Kevin and to Jane for taking care of the church office that week. The staff is grateful for your faithful support which made this continuing education opportunity possible.

day and sometimes at night. Sometimes it rested for a few days, and sometimes it moved after resting for only one day. But every time they were told to move, they did. They didn’t put “do not disturb, this is not a good time” signs on the outsides of their tents.

At times, we as a people of God are called to move and do things that may not fit into our schedule for that day or week. But we are called to do more, to Love more, Learn more, Serve more, Share more and Read more.

On October 25-26 our church is sponsoring our yearly Serve and Share weekend. We are offering things for all ages to participate in on Saturday, and on Sunday, we will again participate in Stop Hunger Now meal packing project. Sign ups will be available as the time gets closer. But, this is your challenge to find something that is being offered on Saturday and “move” and choose something that may bring life to the hurting of this world. Don’t tell God “this is not a good time.”

Prayerfully yours, Stewardship Committee

Just Not a Good Time - from page 7

September Book Club

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the walls of the Grimke household.

The Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women.

On Sarah’s eleventh birthday, she is given ownership of ten year old Handful, who is to be her handmaid.

We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love.

Inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke, one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women’s rights movements, Kidd goes beyond the record to flesh out this triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved.

To join the dinner and discussion on Friday, September 19 at 6:30pm, contact Suzanne Jones at [email protected] or Matilda Storm at [email protected].

Serve & Share - October 25-26

Page 10: Wellspring September 2014

Youth Music OpportunitiesCheck out these awesome opportunities for YOUTH to participate in the music and worship ministries of FVUMC, and register at fvumc.org/registrations.

• Rebellations Youth Handbells 6th – 12th grade youth Meets 6:00 – 6:30 pm on Sundays 1st rehearsal September 14 No previous experience required

• Youth Choir 6th – 12th grade youth Meets 6:45 – 8:00 pm on Thursdays 1st rehearsal September 11 No previous experience required

• Kidz NPraise 6th grade youth Meets 4:30 – 6:00 pm on Wednesdays 1st rehearsal September 10 No previous experience required

• Pulse Youth Praise Band Open to 7th – 12th grade youth Meets 5:00 – 6:00 pm on Sundays 1st rehearsal September 14

Audition required – see registration link

Loving God Children’s Music Fun

• Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm beginning Sept. 10

• Open to 3 year olds through 6th grade

• Includes choir, rhythm instruments, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, drama, Bible lessons, games and more!

• Online registration available at fvumc.org/kidz-npraise-fall-2014

For complete details on the weekly schedule and age-level programming options, visit the church website at fvumc.org/kidz-npraise-fall-2014.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105.

What Do You Play?The Instruments of Praise is FVUMC’s orchestral ensemble, and additional instrumentalists are always welcome! The group includes woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion, and is open to adults and youth with at least 2 years playing experience.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, beginning September 3 in the Choir Room. The Instruments of Praise play during the 11:00 am worship service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Contact Jennifer Harrenstein for questions.

Worship All WeekInterested in carrying your offering of praise beyond Sunday morning? Check out these local radio stations playing contemporary Christian music. You’ll probably hear some of the same songs we sing during our 9:30 worship service:

• KLove 101.9 or 106.7 or klove.com • Christian 107 on 107.3 or

christian107.com • His Radio on 90.1, 107.7 or 95.3 or

hisradiowrtp.com

Want to download the newest praise and worship songs? We’ll be adding these titles to our 9:30 service lineup during the month of September:

“We Believe” Newsboys“Open Up the Heavens” Meredith Andrews“All the People Said Amen” Matt Maher10

Page 11: Wellspring September 2014

It’s Time to Join the Choir!God calls each of us to serve in unique ways, and for some that calling is to serve in the choir! Choir participation is a great way to offer back to God from the gifts He has blessed you with. It also proves to be a source of abundant blessing through fellowship with the body of Christ.

Praise Choir• Sings weekly on Sundays during the 9:30am

service• Rehearses weekly on Thursdays, 7:00–8:00pm

in the Choir Room• No previous experience required• Join anytime with no registration required –

just show up!

Worship Choir• Sings weekly on Sundays during the 11:00am

service• Rehearses weekly on Wednesdays, 7:15–

8:45pm in the Choir Room • No previous experience required• Join anytime; no registration – 1st rehearsal is

Sept. 3

For information about any of our music ministries, contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105.

Christmas Cantata ChoirAll are invited to join the FVUMC Choirs in sharing the annual Christmas Cantata! Adult and youth choir members are welcome, and previous experience is not required. Rehearsal CDs are provided for practice at home. Choose to attend the regular weekly rehearsals according to which works best for your schedule: on Wednesdays 7:30 – 8:00 pm, in the Choir Room beginning September 24 OR on Thursdays 7:00 – 7:20 pm, in the Choir Room beginning September 25!

Additional Rehearsals:• Saturday, October 18, 9:00 – 11:30 am• Saturday, November 15, 9:00 – 11:30 am• Wednesday, December 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm• Thursday, December 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm• Saturday, December 13, 9:00 – 11:30 am

Cantata Choir RetreatEach September, the FVUMC Choirs retreat for the weekend at Rockfish Retreat Center just outside of Fayetteville. This is always an awesome weekend of fun and fellowship, a great opportunity to build up the Body of Christ, and some fabulous time for rehearsal on the upcoming Christmas Cantata! All are welcome – including new choir members – and spouses can attend (even if they don’t want to sing)!

Attendance on this retreat is not required for participation in the Christmas Cantata, but

it is definitely a valuable experience that you won’t regret!

Join us Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21. Saturday-only participation is also available. Cost is $75 for the whole weekend (scholarships available) or $20 to just participate for the day on Saturday.

Contact Jennifer Harrenstein as soon as possible to reserve your space for this awesome weekend experience! [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 105

Cantata Worship Services:• Sunday, December 14, 9:30 and 11:00 am

For more information, contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105, or feel free to drop in on a rehearsal and check it out!

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Page 12: Wellspring September 2014

SeptemberSept 2 Seeds of Faith Preschool Begins

Sept 6 Ground-Breaking for Habitat for Humanity Home

Sept 6-7 Youth Life Group Retreat

Sept 7 Covenant Life Groups Begin Sunday School Promotion Kids For Christ and FaithWeaver Friends Begin Meeting

Sept 10 Kids NPraise Starts

Sept 13 Senior Celebration

Sept 14 Starting Point: Intro Lifeline Youth & Confirmation Begin

Sept 19-21 Choir Retreat

Sept 20 Main Street Kitchen

Sept 20 ERT Training

Sept 21 3rd Grade Bible Presentations Starting Point: Membership

Sept 23-26 Staff at Leadership Institute

Sept 27 UMM Breakfast - Featuring Craig Judd as guest speaker (rescheduled from this summer)

OctoberOct 4-5 3rd Grade Bible RetreatOct 12 Starting Point: IntroOct 18 Quilt Sale for Missions

Main Street KitchenOct 19 Starting Point: MembershipOct 24-25 Fair Trade StoreOct 25-26 Serve & Share Weekend -

Service projects for all ages on Saturday, Stop Hunger Now on Sunday morning

Oct 29-31 Clothing Closet Setup

NovemberNov 1 Clothing Closet Giveaway

Fuquay-Varina UMCis a Christ-Centered Community

that Loves God, Learns God, Serves God and Shares God.

100 S. Judd Parkway SE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526919-552-4331 fvumc.org

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:30-5:00pmFriday: 8:30-1:00pm

Lead Pastor Gene Tyson [email protected] Ext. 101 or 910.995.4122

Pastor of Welcoming & Congregational CareValerie Tyson [email protected] Ext. 102 or 910.995.6428

Pastor of Christian FormationKevin Johnson [email protected] Ext. 103 or 919.285.8029

Director of Children & Family Ministries Amanda Rackley [email protected] Ext. 113

Director of Youth & Family Ministries Bobby Rackley [email protected] Ext. 106

Director of Music Ministries Jennifer Harrenstein [email protected] Ext. 105

Lead Accompanist Diana D. Thomas, CAGO [email protected]

Director of Finance & AdministrationJoan Thomas [email protected] Ext. 107

Director of CommunicationsJulie Brown [email protected] Ext. 114

Administrative Support CoordinatorJane Gue [email protected] Ext. 100

Nursery CoordinatorToni Drapkin [email protected]

Director of Seeds of Faith Preschool Lynne Sorrels [email protected] Ext. 110

Administrative Assistant - Seeds of Faith PreschoolDiane Chapman

At their September meeting, the Church Council approved a called Church Conference that will be held this fall with the intention of forming a Building Committee. More information coming soon!