Greetings!

Formed for Freedom

This Sunday in Exodus 34:1–10, we see God's character revealed as He responds to Israel’s rebellion with mercy, renewing His covenant even after the sin of the golden calf. This moment shows us that God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Our core value of mercy shines through here as God does not abandon His people but meets them with forgiveness and grace. This mercy finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's forgiving love.

Highlights this week:

• Football Team Meal in the Loft 2:45pm
• Football Concessions at WCHS 5:00pm
• Celebration of Life of Nancy Detweiler - Saturday at 11:00am (Visitation at 10:00am)
• Trunk or Treat, Sunday Oct 19th from 5-6pm
• Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct 20th from 9-3pm

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 19th from 5-6pm

Get ready for a treat! We’re hosting Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 19, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Arendell Street parking lot. This is a fun community event for all ages! Free Hotdogs for everyone! Dress up in your favorite costumes and bring a container to collect treats. Don't miss a chance to decorate your trunk and share the fun! Important: Please register online to save a parking space for your trunk decoration!

Acolytes in the Sanctuary

An acolyte is a helper or attendant who bears the flame that lights the candles at the opening of the service and extinguishes them at the service's conclusion. We are searching for Acolytes grades 4th and up (needs to be able to carry the candle, light candles, and hold/serve communion trays if Communion Sunday) to help the Pastors on Sunday mornings in the traditional 8:30 or 11:00 services. This is a great opportunity to serve in the church. Feel free to share with anyone of age that may be interested. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Jean Ham at islandtimeatotyc@gmail.com.

Kids Sunday School

To our Sunday School teachers and nursery caregivers, you are some of the first to introduce Jesus to a brand new flock. You are some of the very first to pastor our children through Biblical creativity, gentle discipleship and sweet stories. We see you and thank you!

If you would like to lead our littles to the feet of a good Father, click below and make a date with these sweet children.

WaveRunners 2025-2026 Schedule

The WaveRunners are an energetic group of adults age 60+ who gather for worship, fellowship, and service opportunities. Register below to join us on our upcoming adventures, or contact Claudia Beamon at cgbeamon@gmail.com or 252-342-8580 for more information.

Chinese Lantern Festival

Wednesday, November 19th

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Join us for a night of light and wonder at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary on November 19! Cost is $30. You may sign up and pay online or in the church office. Space is limited to 24 people, and the deadline is November 10. We’ll depart from the church at 11:30 AM, stop for a meal in Goldsboro at McCall’s, and then head to the festival.

Mike’s Farm - New Venue! “Ho! Ho! Christmas”

CLICK TO REGISTER

Enjoy a festive Christmas show with dinner, followed by an optional hayride after the performance on December 11. Cost is $68. Please sign up and pay online or in the church office. We will depart the church at 12:30 PM. The deadline to register is December 3.

Church-wide Adventure:

December 6th - Singing Tree in Fayetteville

CLICK TO REGISTER

Open to All Church Members. Join us for the Singing Christmas Tree in Fayetteville on December 6! We’ll leave the church at 11:00 AM, stop for lunch in Kinston, and attend the show at 4:30 PM. The deadline to sign up and pay is November 10th Register online or in the church office.

Surviving the Holidays

October 19th @ 3:00pm

The holidays can be tough after the loss of a loved one. Join Pastor Patrick for GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays, a 2-hour seminar with video insights, a Holiday Survival Guide, and support from others who understand.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, October 20th

Join us in the Loft on Sunday, October 26, from 9:30–11:30am for our Mission Marketplace! Explore the various missions that First Methodist supports and discover how you can get involved and make a difference.

Missions Marketplace

Sunday, October 26th

Join us in the Loft on Sunday, October 26, from 9:30–11:30am for our Mission Marketplace! Explore the various missions that First Methodist supports and discover how you can get involved and make a difference. Breakfast biscuits will be available as you visit the mission tables.

Fellowship Fish Fry

Sunday, Nov 2 from 4-6pm

Silos of Newport

We’re excited to invite you to our Fellowship Fish Fry at The Silos of Newport, prepared by Fat Fellas BBQ & Grille! This year brings something new...our kids choir will be singing for everyone to enjoy. Once again, we’ll also be accepting donations to support the Costa Rica Missions Trip, and your generosity truly makes a difference. Bring your family and friends for delicious food, fellowship, a special performance, and fun for the kids with the bouncy obstacle course. Register and donate online today. We can’t wait to see you there!

Directions: Follow US-70 W/Arendell St Slight right onto E Chatham St Turn right onto Market St Turn left onto Church St Turn right onto Little Deep Creek Road

All Saints Sunday

November 2nd

Join us as we honor and remember the faithful saints who have gone before us. On Sunday, November 2, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday during our worship service, taking time to reflect on the lives of those who have shaped our faith and our church community. We will light candles in remembrance and give thanks for their witness. 

Journey of a Shoebox: From MHC to Malawi

Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM

Join us on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM in The Loft as we welcome Archie and Gwen Davis, longtime leaders with Operation Christmas Child. They’ll share powerful stories from their recent shoebox distribution trip to Malawi, offering a glimpse into how these simple gifts bring joy and the message of Jesus to children around the world. With over 20 years of involvement in OCC, Archie and Gwen serve as Regional Collection Center Coordinators in Morehead City, NC. Come be inspired by how God is using this ministry globally. Refreshments will be provided.

Handbell Choir Festival

Our Handbell Choir will be attending the Capital Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, November 7th, led by the renowned Raleigh Ringers. This all-day event brings together choirs from across the region for workshops, mass ringing, and a closing concert. Please pray for our ringers as they travel and grow in their music ministry!

New Members and Confirmation

On Sunday we celebrated a beautiful morning of confirmation and welcoming new members into our church family! Join us in praying for Tim, Emily, Claire, and Cameron Payne and Dylan, Taylor, and Levi Rhudy and encouraging these families as they continue to grow in faith and service. God is moving in amazing ways here at First Methodist Church!

Football Friday

What a great afternoon serving the pregame meal to the WCHS football team! We’re so thankful for Caleb Thornton’s encouraging message about living with purpose. Not on our own, but rooted in God. He reminded us of the truth in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” A big shoutout to all the helping hands who made this meal possible. Your time, smiles, and servant hearts make such a difference!

Extended Table Ministry

Grilling and serving at the concession stand during the football game is more than just flipping burgers, it’s a chance to have fun, be a little silly, and connect with our community. Our church family shows up in full force, joining neighbors and friends to support our youth and local schools. 

Faith and Blue

We were honored to join with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol this week as they visited three local long-term care communities sharing faith, prayer, and hymns with the residents. This special outreach was part of Faith & Blue Weekend, a time dedicated to building bridges between law enforcement and the community through faith partnerships. Thank you to Pastor Patrick and the NCSHP for reminding us that we are all called to serve with compassion and unity.

WaveRunners Trip to Bath/Washington

What a fabulous day we had visiting Historic Bath, the first town in North Carolina (1705) and home to the state’s first port, first public library, and oldest standing church! We began our trip at the Bath Visitor Center, enjoying excellent exhibits highlighting the area’s early life, Native American history, and the story of this remarkable town. Our wonderful tour guide then led us through the Palmer Marsh House (1751), the oldest and largest residence in Bath, followed by a visit to the Bonner House (1830) with its stunning waterfront views.

Our final stop was St. Thomas Episcopal Church (1734), an active parish for more than 300 years and the oldest church building in North Carolina. What an incredible reminder of our state’s rich history! We wrapped up our day in Washington with a delicious lunch at Mulberry House Restaurant, where good food and Christian fellowship made the perfect ending to our adventure. And of course, a big thank you to Jay Smith, our outstanding and ever-attentive bus driver!

ALTAR FLOWERS

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Susan Norman Craver.

This is a beautiful way to celebrate, remember, and give glory to God through the gift of flowers. To reserve a date, please contact Nancy Willis at contrails2@gmail.com.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

A memorial service will be held for Nancy Detweiler on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00AM. Visitation in the Atrium at 10:00 AM. Come join us in praise as we celebrate her life and our Savior. 

Week of Oct 16 - Oct 22

16 Danny Ball

16 Myra Bradley

16 Allison Faulkner

16 Lisa Harlow

17 Alan Broadhurst

17 Brian Parker

17 Thomas Osteen

18 Chad Mason

18 Frank Nicholas

18 Seth Smith

18 Davis Starling

18 Kara Williams

19 Linwood Brown

19 Christy Wade

20 Tanner Payne

21 Debbie Brown

21 Michael Chambers

21 Virginia Decker

21 Madeleine Walker

22 June Dickinson

22 Ransom Routszong

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: Thor & Kay Coole

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

Crystal Coast Al-Anon Family Group

Meets on Mondays at 6 pm

Stanley Harrell Room

2025 Red Cross Blood Drives

9:00am-3:00pm in the Fellowship Hall

October 20th

December 29th