First Methodist Church - Steeple Call

Greetings!

We are built in love! Join us this Sunday as we return to our full worship schedule. Our new sermon series begins with Pastor Sarah preaching in the Traditional services and Pastor Powell preaching the The Rise services.

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

Undecorate the church with us today at 1:00pm
WaveRunners Trip to Yoder's Dutch Pantry
High School Youth Ski Trip Registration is Open
Kids Sunday School returns at 8:30 and 9:45am
Kids (K-5) and Youth (6-12) Sunday Nights at 5:30pm

DOWNLOAD TRADITIONAL WORSHIP BULLETIN

BUILT IN LOVE - NEW SERMON SERIES JAN 11

“Built in Love” comes from Ephesians 4:15-16, where the Apostle Paul describes how the church grows and is sustained. The church is portrayed as a living body, under construction, with Christ as its head and love as the binding force. Built in Love reminds us that the church grows as each member faithfully lives their covenant with Christ as the head and love as the bond that holds us together.

This sermon series focuses on the membership vows of First Methodist Church. Each week centers on one promise we make to strengthen the ministry of the church. Prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness are practical expressions of what love looks like when we live it out together. These vows are how love takes shape in the everyday life of the church.

SUNDAY NIGHTS

Kids and Youth back on campus! Kids (K-5) & Youth (6-12) Sunday Nights return at 5:30pm on Sunday, January 11th. Youth will be playing BINGO for some great prizes!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Great news, Sunday School is back this Sunday morning at 8:30 and 9:45.

Serve in Kids Sunday School

KIDS CHOIR

Kids Choir will start back up on Sunday, Jan 25th at 5:30pm.

YOUTH SKI TRIP

Registration is OPEN - February 20th-22nd

High School Youth Ski Trip to Massanutten Ski Resort!

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure! Our High School Youth Ski Trip booked. Registration is $300 per youth (scholarships available). We will leave Friday after school and return on Sunday.

GOLF FELLOWSHIP

Dear Golf Fellowship Friends,

We hope everyone is off to a great start to the year. With busy schedules and many other obligations on the calendar, we’ve decided that the next Golf Fellowship gathering will be in April. This timing should give us all a chance to get through the winter months and come together when spring weather and the course are in full swing. Thank you for your understanding and for being part of such a fun and encouraging group.

Looking forward to seeing you in April!

God Bless,

Spence & John

Spence Cosby 252-917-3418

John Boney 919-608-3182

WAVERUNNERS ADVENTURE - JANUARY 12, 2026

WaveRunners will be traveling to Yoder’s Dutch Pantry, located between Grifton and Vanceboro. Yoder’s Cafe is a simple cafe and market set in a farm supply store. It serves comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Their store is filled with unique items and everyday home hardware and garden items.

Leaving church at 9:30 and having lunch at 11:30. Register online or in the church office and join us for a day of Christian fellowship!!

ELIJAH: A STUDY BY PRISCILLA SHIRER

JANUARY 22 AT 10:00AM

Happy New Year! As we begin the year, we invite you to join us as we dive into God’s Word through our new study, Elijah by Priscilla Shirer, beginning Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 AM.

We will meet in the Stanley Harrell Classroom. This is a 7-week study, concluding on March 5. The church will be ordering the study books through Lifeway, so please let us know this week if you would like a book ordered for you. The cost is $25.00. As always we love being with you, our friends and studying God's Word together!

Kitty, Margie, Sherry, and Susan

2026 VISION AND VALUES NIGHTS

JANUARY 28-29, 2026 AT 5:30PM

As we begin a new year together, join us for a two night gathering including dinner, worship, and informational meetings. It is so important to remember the vision and values that we share together at First Methodist Church - who we are, why we are here, what we are doing, and how we can understand and accomplish the ministry that God has planned for us here on our little corner. Everyone is welcome! All committee chairs and members, all church members, even visitors! If you don’t know where you fit in the mission and ministry of our church, come and find your place to serve and to belong!

CARNEGIE HALL CHOIR WATCH PARTY

FEBRUARY 12, 2026 AT 5:30PM

Join us for a special evening of celebration and gratitude at our Carnegie Hall Choir Watch Party and Thank You Dinner on February 12 at 5:30 PM.

This gathering is hosted by our choir as a heartfelt thank you to our church family for your incredible support. Because of your encouragement and generosity, our choir had the extraordinary opportunity to attend and sing at Carnegie Hall, participating in the world premiere of Gloria by Mary McDonald.

Come celebrate with us as we give thanks and watch the performance together.

PROVIDE A MEAL FOR HABITAT VOLUNTEERS

We are looking ahead to 2026 and inviting individuals, families, or groups to sign up to provide a meal for the Habitat ReStore volunteers in Newport. Meals are delivered to the ReStore by 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month and typically serve about 12 volunteers.

Would you be willing to give of your time and help support this important ministry in the coming year? Providing a meal is a simple way to show appreciation and care for those who serve our community.

Use the link below to view the calendar and sign up for an available date.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AA4AD2DA5F4C52-61319570-habitat

Thank you for your continued support! Please contact Jenn Hill, our missions chair, if you have any questions.

NEW MEMBERS

We are delighted to welcome Grayson and Emily Ketterer to our church family. If you see them, please take a moment to say hello and invite them to join a ministry you participate in!

BAPTISM

We rejoice in the baptism of Elizabeth Briggs Watters. She was baptized wearing a gown that has been passed down and worn by five generations of women, a beautiful reminder of faith rooted deeply in family and tradition.

ALTAR FLOWERS

The Altar Flowers are presented in loving memory of our own tenor, Robert Brooks. May he sing to the glory of God eternally in heaven. Presented by the FMC Chancel Choir in appreciation of his gifts and to the advancement of Christ's kingdom.

Adult Sunday School Classes

We are excited to welcome new members to our Adult Sunday School Classes! Classes are open throughout the year and meet at 9:45am on the second floor of the atrium building. To find the classes, simply use the stairs or elevator and follow the hallway to the office reception area. From there, take the hallway to the left and you will find the following Sunday school classes in the order listed below:

Classroom 1 - Faith and Life: Fletcher Poulk

Library - Jackie Eure Class: Vivian Forehand

Classroom 3 - Buck Matthews Class: Diane Hardee and Ken Bobbitt

Classroom 4 - Stanley Harrell Class: Stanley Harrell

Large Conf Room - Bible Study Class: Jay Smith

We hope you will join us for a time of learning and fellowship!