Digital Newsletter

November 19th - November 25th 2022

November 20th

Join us for our sermon series:

"The Harvest: Leading People to Jesus"

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

Sermon: "How to be Thankful”

9am service will include remarks by David Lewis

and a baptism!

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 9am (Sanctuary)

Our traditional worship service gathers at 9:00am every Sunday morning in the sanctuary. In our traditional service, you will experience rich fellowship, liturgy, wonderful hymns, and a relevant sermon. This service also offers a children's moment, chancel choir, and communion on the first Sunday of the month.

MODERN/CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 11am (Sanctuary)

Modern Worship is our contemporary worship experience that meets at 11:00am on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The service is aimed at creating an environment for all to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Here, you can expect a dynamic blend of Biblical teaching, modern worship music with a live band, and a casual, friendly environment.

Veterans Recognition Sunday

Thank you to the men and women who have served! Your sacrifice means the world to us and we can never thank you enough!

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES ON NOVEMBER 23RD!

Happy Thanksgiving - November 24th (church office closed Wednesday - Friday)

Hanging of the Greens Service - Sunday, November 27th @ 9am

Modern service in Pratt hall: Sunday, November 27th @ 11am

Blood Drive: Sunday, November 27th @ 9:00am - 12:30pm

Prattville Christmas Parade: Friday, December 2nd @ 7pm

Senior Adult Trip- Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens - Saturday, December 3rd (SIGN UP DEADLINE IS TODAY!)

Children's Choirs' Christmas Concert: Wednesday, December 7th @ 6:15pm (Sanctuary)

Breakfast in Bethlehem: Saturday, December 10 @ 8:30-10am (Pratt Hall) 

Chancel Choir singing at Alabama Governor's Mansion: Monday, December 12th @ 5:30-8:30pm

Modern Worship Christmas Service: Friday, December 23rd @ 6pm

Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 24th

Come and Go Communion: Noon-1:00pm (Sanctuary)

Family Worship (child-friendly, interactive service): 3:00pm (Pratt Hall)

Candlelight Communion Services: 5pm & 7pm (Sanctuary)

One Combined Worship Service: December 25th @ 10am, Sanctuary

One Combined Worship Service: January 1st @ 10am, Sanctuary

New Sermon Series: "Pray First" starting January 8th

IMPORTANT Church Discernment Process Update!

RESOURCES TO HELP WITH CHURCH DISCERNMENT

(supplied by our Church Council)

On Tuesday night, our church council voted 18-2 to advance the discernment process to a church-wide vote on Sunday, February 19th at 2pm (please put this event on your calendar). This vote will be a decision to determine if we will remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church. There will be much more information on the vote and other related issues communicated in the weeks to come.

You are encouraged to continue in your personal discernment process to seek God's will for FUMC Prattville. Below are two links that may help you in this process. The first is an extensive list of websites, videos, articles and letters written on this topic that provide a broad view of the issues facing the UMC from diverse perspectives. The second link will take you to an informal straw poll that will help our church leaders discern where we are in this process and also give you an opportunity to voice your perspective and seek additional information if needed.

WELCOME THE LITAKERS TO FUMC!

We welcome our newest members, McKenzie and Baron Litaker and their one year old son, Graves! McKenzie is a social worker for Montgomery Cancer Center. Baron is a compliance officer with the Alabama On-site Waste Water Board, and a Captain in the Army National Guard. Baron joins on profession of faith, and McKenzie transfers her membership from the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Montgomery. The Litakers' favorite thing about FUMC is the warm and welcoming hospitality of the members.

Welcome to the FUMC Family!

This past Sunday we celebrated the Baptism of Graves Edward Litaker.

"Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign; With this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine."

Join us for our Advent Sermon Series beginning on Sunday, November 27th and continuing through Sunday, December 18th.

Upcoming Youth Events:

Stayed tuned for more information about each event!! We are so excited about everything that is taking place in the lives of our youth!

Youth Winter Retreat 2023

Come have an incredible couple of days filled with excitement and anticipation for what God is stirring up in our hearts! This year's theme is: REVIVAL! The cost for this year's retreat is $150 per child. It would be awesome to really try and have everyone signed up by Sunday, December 4th! We will be staying at the 4H Center on Lay Lake in Columbiana, AL. This year's speaker is Danny Freed, the same speaker from last year's retreat! He is a youth pastor in Minnesota, and he is ecstatic to come share with our students! We will have impactful worship experiences led by Mat Napp and our very own FUMC modern band! We will try to leave Prattville on Friday late afternoon around 4pm on January 13th, we will return Saturday night, January 14th, and we will all go to the modern service at 11am together on Sunday morning! We ensure your student will have a fun, challenging, and SAFE weekend as they retreat from their normal lives to encounter Jesus in new and powerful ways! This is a weekend that you won't want to miss!

UPCOMING CHILDREN'S EVENTS:

Blue Lake Winter Retreat

Join Prattville FUMC as we venture down to Andalusia for a weekend of worship, fun and fellowship! We will have 3 days filled with learning about our Lord, campfires, and lots of fun! We will depart from the church at 3:30pm on Friday, February 3 and return on Sunday, February 5 around 12:00pm. Cost is $135.00 and should be paid through Cognito Forms.

SAVE THE DATE:

Breakfast in Bethlehem

Saturday, December 10th

Register Below!

Children's Choirs' Christmas Concert will be at 6:15pm on Wednesday, December 7th.

Family dinner will be from 5:15 -6:00pm in Pratt Hall and the children will meet in their choir rooms at 5:45 to rehearse. The Children's Choirs' Christmas Concert will start at 6:15pm in the sanctuary. This will be our last Wednesday night together for the fall.We invite everyone to come and enjoy this wonderful event that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!

New Sunday morning Life Group!

LEGACY PRAYER TEAM!!

Join us on Sunday, November 27th @ 8:20am in the church parlor for the kickoff meeting of the Legacy Prayer Team!

Have you felt The Lord calling you to do something that is bigger than yourself? Come be a part of our Legacy Prayer Team!!

Matthew 21:13 "And Jesus declared to them, It is written: My house will be called a HOUSE OF PRAYER!"

If you feel called to this team and would like to learn more information please contact our executive adminstrator, Jennifer Aughtman.

MOMS STUDY - Sundays @ 5PM

(Wesley 102)

Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today with sections addressing:

• Lies about God
• Lies about Friendship
• Lies about the Future
• Lies about Myself 
• Lies about Boys
• And more!  



Lies Girls Believe is designed to help your daughter fully understand the Truth so she can live the way God meant for her to live—free!

A Mom’s Guide to Lies Girls Believe, the companion book to Lies Girls Believe is your tool to come alongside your daughter in the fight against the lies the world is telling her. The Mom’s Guide provides research, cultural trends, and case studies about the problems tween girls face, but also offers encouragement and biblical insight to empower you to talk with your daughter about God’s truth.

SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH ACTIVITIES @ FUMC

No Sunday night youth THIS WEEK - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) - SUNDAYS

Where: Choir Suite

When: 5:00-6:00pm

Sunday Night Youth (6-7:30pm)

All youth, grades 7th-12th, are invited to join us for a fun night of food and small groups! Following youth choir, come to the youth room for this exciting aspect of youth ministry. Invite a friend!

Sunday Nights @ 5pm

Wesley 104

Led by Mat and Christen Napp

NOVEMBER BIBLE STUDY:

STUDY - JOHN WESLEY, HOLINESS OF HEART AND LIFE

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Wesley 104, 6-7pm

Teacher: Dr. Tony McCullough

WILL NOT MEET THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd

As a church, we are in a season of discernment when we are exploring where God is leading us, and developing our faith as disciples is an important part of the process. Want to learn more about Wesleyan theology and how it applies to our lives today? Join Pastor Tony for this 4 week study (November 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th).

MUSIC MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Chancel (Adult) Choir Rehearsals

Wednesdays

6:30-8:00pm

Choir Suite

Children's Choir Rehearsals

Wednesdays @ 5:45pm

PreK-1st Grade: Wesley 102

2nd-3rd Grade: Wesley 203

4th-6th Grade: Sanctuary 203

Fifty Forward Singers' Rehearsals

Wednesdays

11:00am-12:00pm

Choir Suite

Handbell Choir Rehearsals

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30pm

Sanctuary 204

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) Rehearsals

Sundays

Every Sunday @ 5pm (Choir room)

2022 Operating Budget: $1,535,576

2022 Disbursements Year-to-Date: $1,054,922

2022 Received Year-to-Date: $947,515

2022 Net Loss Year-to-Date: $ - 107,407

*Financial update reflects month ending September 2022

Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or by transferring your membership from another congregation. If it fits in your schedule, Pastors Tony or Chris would like to set up an appointment to meet with you; please email or call them at the church. They will also send you a membership form with general questions so we can get to know you better. There are two primary ways to join. Some prefer to walk forward and join the ministers at the altar rail during the closing song at either the modern or traditional service. Others have been introduced to the congregation in a brief video Q&A that is played in the modern service. 

Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Adults and youth older than 6th grade who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Children are considered preparatory members and their membership becomes official when they participate in confirmation class in the 6th grade. For more information or to set up a meeting with our ministers regarding membership, please contact the church office.

From the app, you can watch services live, get access to our digital newsletter, safely give your offerings to the church, check the full prayer list, read the Bible, and check on upcoming events and so much more! Right from your cell phone!

Download it today from Apple or Android app stores and type “First Methodist Prattville.” It only takes a few seconds, but will keep you better connected to all that is happening at the church whether at home or on the go!

This fall there is a change to how we refer to our adult small groups and Sunday school classes. This ministry area is being rebranded to better communicate our desire to have adult groups where people can share their lives, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life. Life Groups will gather on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and throughout the week in church classrooms, homes, coffee shops, and other places where people love to connect. We encourage everyone to find a life group!

Sunday Mornings -

COLLEGE AND CAREER 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 206)

Starting late fall!

YOUNG ADULTS - Couples and Singles

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

A class for singles, couples, and young families in their 20's and 30's.

YAMS - Robyn and Stephen Davis  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)

A class for singles and couples in their 30s and 40s, this class studies topics relevant to life experiences. They invite all adults to join them as they learn and grow together.

JOURNEY - Dave Dageforde

(LOCATION: WESLEY 208)

This class, composed of single and married individuals in their 30s and 40s, focuses on finding Christ in all aspects of life. Dave Dageforde teaches this class and invites you to join the journey.

LIFE 101 CLASS - Wayne Lambert  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 207)

With a versatile group of singles and couples (30'-50's, this class studies social topics of today from a Christian perspective. Wayne Lambert teaches this class and uses contemporary resources to study God’s word in today’s world of challenges.

NEW AGAPE - Jennifer Humphrey, John Story, Brad Robbins (LOCATION: WESLEY 202) 

A melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and ideas forms the membership of this class. This discussion-based class has a strong emphasis on Church and Community Service. The doors of the class are always open to anyone who is seeking to begin a journey to a closer relationship with God.

JOHN WESLEY CLASS - Billy and Michelle Taylor  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 203)

A newer class for adults is the John Wesley class. Anyone who is not currently attending another class is invited to join them. They study different topics based on scripture for today’s world. They are taught by Billy Taylor.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS - Cathy Latham

(LOCATION: WESLEY 210)

The Friendship Class has a relaxed atmosphere made up mostly of empty nesters of all ages. The class format is discussion style and includes fun, fellowship, and friendship. Interactive studies focus on living the Christian life in today's world.

CARE AND SHARE CLASS - Susan Poteat  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 101)

This eclectic group of women meets to share concerns and care for each other through their studies which revolve around Biblical applications to the trials of life.

DAVID R. WHITE CLASS - Karen Powell 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 212)

The David R. White Sunday School Class was named for a former Methodist minister and member of this class. It is composed of singles and couples in their 50’s & 60’s. This class is informal with lots of discussion and participation. Topics are centered around current issues based on biblical scriptures with insights and thoughts of popular, present-day authors such as J. Ellsworth Kalas and James W. Moore.

POWELL FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Carol Risher 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104, ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM)

A mixed group of active retired (or soon to be retired) members who love learning of all types, but especially learning the Word. They share concerns, pray about and act on them, sing traditional hymns, and study the Bible. Leaders expand the prepared material with historical background and current relevance.

PAIRS AND SPARES/NEW ERA CLASS

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104)

Sunday Nights -

YOUNG ADULTS - Pastor Chris

(LOCATION: SANCTUARY 202)

This group meets at 6 pm on Sunday nights for fellowship, sometimes dinner, and growing together in faith.

MOMS STUDY

(LOCATON: WESLEY 102)

This group meets at 5 pm on Sunday nights. Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the Enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today.

Church Family:

Sabrina McDaniel-Colburn, Ann Fuller, Mike Harris, Rev. Leonard &

Carlyn Howell, Frank Lamar, Cathy Latham, Joan McCloskey, Louise

Moody, Sonya Murphree, Bob Olson, Eddie Pope, Jerry Schannep

Extended Family:

Amber Bailey, Jan Baker, Lorriene Benninger, Ben Calvert, Robert Hoffman, Jonathan & Beverly Howell, Olga Lira, Paul Mayo, Kim Miers, Terrell Moorer, Rita Peak, Eunice Weihert (new prayer needs) Deborah Sturdivant, Shane & Deanne Trego

Death: Gayle Pinckard

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God

and in celebration of the 46th anniversary

of Don and Glenda Armstrong.

Sanctuary Altar

Flower Calendar

THERE ARE SUNDAYS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH FOR YOU TO HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE!

Contact Freda Clark ([email protected]) or (334-365-5977) in the church office to reserve your date on the calendar for the upcoming weeks and months.

WEEK OF 11/13/2022

Worship Services (In-person & On-line): 395

Sunday School: 203

• Adult: 145
• Youth: 32
• Children: 36

Capital Improvement Project

Click on the link below or contact the office to make a gift and continue your partnership with God and the church to further the gospel of Jesus Christ for generations to come!

Add the Instant Church Directory App Today!

Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download. Go to the App Store on your phone. Search for Instant Church Directory. Download the app. Sign in with your email address and create your own password (you don’t need an administrative password to access the directory). Anytime updates are made to the directory, they will update on your device too. In the app, you will be able to search for church members' photos, and can call, email and text right from the app! Please check your information on the app and make sure it is correct. If any of your contact info has changed, please call or text Carmen McCullough at 334.301.4641. The online directory is separate from the church database, so call Carmen with any edits/changes to your contact info, or if you would like to update your photo in our online directory.