Digital Newsletter

September 16th - September 22nd, 2022

Join us for our CURRENT sermon series:

"All In: Heart, Mind, and Soul" 

September 18th

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8

Sermon Title: "Captivate"

Special music provided by the handbell choir at the 9am service!

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.

Sunday Night Live: Prek4 - 6th grade!

Games, Pizza and Ice Cream

Sunday, September 18th

5:00-7:00pm (Bell House lawn,145 E. 4th St.)

Young Adult & Young Family Social - THIS SUNDAY @ 5pm

Single, young couple, young family, new to Prattville, looking for a place to raise a family….this is the place for you! We are forming small groups that focus on topics and teachings that will impact your life and the way you interact with the world around you. Join us THIS SUNDAY @ 5 PM to hear about how we will study, serve and connect with each other and our community. Also, there will be FREE dinner catered by Mexico Tipico….yum. We have been praying that God will use this opportunity to help you connect with others and strengthen your faith. There are children's and youth activities happening at the church that night from 5-7 pm so if you have children....bring them as well.

Sunday Night Live: Prek4 - 6th grade- Sunday, September 18th @ 5:00-7:00pm (145 E. 4th St.) Pizza and Ice Cream! Games on the Bell House lawn!

20s-30s Couples, Singles and Young Families Social - Sunday, September 18th @ 5-6:45pm (Location - Wesley Hall, Rm.104)

Senior Adult Lunch - October 6th @ 11:30am

Fat Boys BBQ (154 1st St, Prattville, AL 36067)

Rise Against Hunger Serve Opportunity - October 16th @ 5-7 pm

This church-wide serve event is a great way for all ages to serve together as we put our faith into action to fight to help end global hunger. We will have a tailgate-style dinner in Pratt Hall (hotdogs and hamburgers provided) and ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share (+ serving utensils). There will be a halftime show in Pratt Hall as we swap the two serve teams in the gym. We can't wait to serve with you all!

Fall Festival - October 30th @ 4:00 - 6:00 pm (FUMC)

Sunday School is also available for Preschool and Kindergarten and a nursery for children under 4!

SUNDAY NIGHTS @ FUMC

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) - SUNDAYS

Where: Choir Suite

When: 5:00-6:00pm

MOMS STUDY 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 - 6-7pm

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 as we start this exciting new aspect of youth ministry. Invite a friend! 

Sunday Nights @ 6pm

Sanctuary 202

Contact Pastor Chris for more information

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES

UPCOMING FALL BIBLE STUDY OPTIONS:

THE CHOSEN 2 BIBLE STUDY

"The Chosen" is a TV series that brings the story of Jesus and the Bible to life. Join one of our groups on a journey that will give new insight into the story and life of Jesus and inspire great conversation and fellowship. There are two fall meeting options at the church for all to consider:

• Monday Morning Group @ 10am, led by Karen Powell
• Wednesday Evening Group @ 6:15 pm, led by Pastor Chris McCain

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN BIBLE STUDY

This study is an examination of the themes in the gospel of John based on John 20:31, These words are written so that you may believe (or strengthen your belief) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. All are invited to attend.

Teacher: Cathy Latham

Wednesdays @ 6pm (Wesley 104)

Join us on Sunday, September 25th from 10:00am-10:45am in Pratt Hall for the baby shower for Chris, Jessy, and Baby Emersyn McCain. Eva is ready to be a big sister!! 

IMPORTANT Church Discernment Process Update!

Church-Wide Prayer (Monday, September 19th)

Our sanctuary will be open for our day of prayer. This is the second day during this discernment period that our sanctuary will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for prayer. We ask you to come and pray. Pray for wisdom, pray for guidance, pray for our church, pray for all our church leaders and our clergy, pray for God's will to be done.

Church Council Meeting (Tuesday, September 20th)

The council will meet for discussion and to receive additional information as well as updates from discernment subcommittees.

Global Methodist Church Informational Gathering (Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 5pm, 130 Commerce St., suite 800, Montgomery)

As part of our discernment process, we are informing you of educational sessions to learn about our options as a church. Just as we advertised the Q&A with the bishop about the future of the UMC, another educational session is being offered only 14 miles from our church. If you are interested in learning more about the Global Methodist Church, this free event in Montgomery is open to all, and offers us a unique opportunity to hear from the denomination's senior executive officer.

If you are interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church, utilize the links below:

UMC Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference Website

United Methodist Church Website

As time progresses, you will receive information on many things pertaining to the future of Prattville First United Methodist Church. Please receive this information with grace and treat others that may not agree with your views with love and understanding.

United Women in Faith Salad Supper

Monday, September 26 at 6:00 pm in Pratt Hall

• Join us in Christian fellowship.
• Enjoy a variety of salads and desserts.
• Hear Denise Brown, Director of the Autauga Interfaith Care Center, describe the role of this important ministry in our community.
• Be uplifted and inspired by the beautiful voice of Melissa Amos.

Mark your calendars and spread the word! Email Carol Pearson to RSVP! We look forward to having you with us! 

Please register your child for choir and Wednesday night activities.

School Backpack Ministry Update

Early each school year, we begin the good work of collecting food items and packing and distributing backpacks to our local schools to help children and families who suffer from food insecurity. Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting the much-needed food items that will fill these backpacks and serve to bless the families who receive them. We need your help and ask that you pick up a few of these on your next trip to the store or purchase them online and have them shipped directly to the church office. Please follow these guidelines when purchasing items:

• Items must be in individual servings.
• Items must be in original, sealed packaging.
• Any brand, any flavor – generic is great, too!
• PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES

Items can be dropped off at the church office during the week, or left at the Backpack Ministry display in the church narthex/lobby on Sunday mornings!

Wednesday Night Cook and Serve Teams!

It has been two years since our teams were able to work and serve together in the kitchen due to Covid restrictions, and now we are looking forward to getting back in the kitchen to cook and serve up some delicious Wednesday night meals for our church family. If you are interested in returning to or joining a team, please contact Luann Williams!

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)

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 become 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!

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!

This fall there will be 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 AND YOUNG FAMILIES

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

Starting this fall!

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.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST PRATTVILLE

Church Family:

Sabrina McDaniel-Colburn, Mike Harris, Rev. Leonard & Carly Howell,

Frank Lamar, Leslie Lewis, Marion Lewis, Betty Mashburn, Joan McCloskey,

Rob Mitchell, Louise Moody, Bob Olson, Eddie Pope, Bill Tatum

(New prayer needs) Sonya Murphree

Extended Family:

Jan Baker, Al Benninger, Baker Brownell, Ben Calvert, Carol Carroll, Darlene Clark, Gibbs Couch, Stephanie Freeman, Leighton Howe, Jonathan & Beverly Howell, Patricia Lee, Kim Miers, Terrell Moorer, Deborah Sturdivant, Ryleigh Wright (New prayer needs) Allen Moates

A memorial has been given in memory of:

Jean Crouchet, Willis Bradford, and Lucy Cate Riley by Steve and Chris Banks.

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

and in honor of Darlene Daffin by Paul Daffin.

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 9/11/2022

Worship Services (In-person & On-line): 426

Sunday School: 225

• Adult: 143
• Youth: 40
• Children: 31

2022 Operating Budget: $1,535,576

2022 Disbursements Year-to-Date: $711,457

2022 Received Year-to-Date: $696,221

*Financial update reflects month ending June 2022

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.