Hello First Methodist,

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

April 13th

Palm Sunday Luncheon

supporting the Hospice House

Register Here!

Youth/Kids Sunday Nights

5:00-5:30:

Choir and Youth Band

5:30-7:00:

Youth 6-12th - On Campus

Kids K-5th - On Campus

CRMP 5K/1Mile Fun Run

If you are interested in sponsoring or racing register by April 24th to have your logo included and to receive a t-shirt.

LENTEN LUNCHES

Tuesdays at 12:10pm

THESE ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Lenten Lunches will begin on Tuesday, March 11th @ 12:10pm with a brief service in the Sanctuary followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and no reservations are needed. This Lenten season, we welcome six Lay speakers to share their wisdom and experiences with us. If you miss one, you can catch up online.

March 11th

Mrs. Diane Hardee

Lunch by Methodist Women

March 18th

Mr. Jay Smith

Lunch by Catherine Parker & Friends

March 25th

Mrs. Sherry Correll

Lunch by Doris Wade & Friends

April 1st

Mr. Ken Bobbitt

Lunch by Anne Lindsay & Friends

April 8th

Mrs. Susan Santoli

Lunch by Randy Hingson, Harry Smith, & Friends

April 15th

Mr. Fletcher Poulk

Lunch by Waylon Bell and friends

Palm Sunday Luncheon - April 13th

We are looking forward to having lunch together! Please register and donate to support the Crystal Coast Hospice House!

The Palm Sunday Luncheon fundraiser tradition continues in supporting the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House. Join us for a home cooked meal including Ham, Fried Chicken legs, Potato Salad, Baby Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Homemade Yeast Rolls, and Homemade Desserts! Make your reservations online or by calling the church office at 726-7102. If you’d like to make a donation it will go to support the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House. We also need volunteers to help prepare, serve, clean, and deliver meals.

Holy Week Worship Services

Maundy Thursday @ 7:00pm

in the Fellowship Hall

The word "maundy" comes from Latin, meaning mandate or command. On this night, we celebrate Communion, the Holy meal and last supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples in the Upper Room on the night before he died, the meal he "commanded" them to share in remembrance of him. Participate in foot washing to commemorate Jesus' act of humility when he washed his disciples' feet, showing love and servanthood. (children are welcome to attend)

Floral Cross in the Courtyard

Join us on Friday at 11:30am for a special Floral Cross Dedication in our courtyard. As we celebrate the beauty and the hope we find in Christ, we invite you to be a part of this beautiful tradition. The floral cross represents renewal, resurrection, and the vibrant life we have in Jesus. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and dedication. Whether you want to honor a loved one, offer a prayer, or simply take a moment to appreciate the season, the floral cross will be a place for us to gather and share in the joy of

Old Rugged Cross in the Sanctuary

We invite you to bring your burdens, prayers, and personal reflections to the Old Rugged Cross in our sanctuary. Whether it’s a struggle, a prayer, or something you're letting go of, we are offering a meaningful opportunity to nail it to the cross as a symbol of surrender and faith.

Good Friday @ 7:00pm

in the Sanctuary

Experience Christ's crucifixion through Tenebrae, a service of shadow and darkness, with Scripture readings that share Jesus' final acts on the Cross and music from the Chancel Choir. (childcare available for those who may not be comfortable as the candles are extinguished and the Sanctuary becomes dark)

Easter Sunday

6:30 Sunrise in the Courtyard

8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

8:30 and 9:45 Contemporary The Rise Worship in the Fellowship Hall

Easter Lily

Honor and remember your loved one by purchasing an Easter Lily to be placed in the church on Easter Sunday. Last day to order will be Sunday, April 13th. The cost is $25 each.

Floral Cross

The Methodist Women are receiving donations for dedications for the Floral Cross. Forms are available in the Atrium or the Church Office. Please make checks payable to Methodist Women's Ministry.

Hello everyone,

Join us this Saturday at Brandywine Bay Golf Club for a meaningful day of connection, reflection, and friendly competition. We’ll begin at 11:15 a.m. with a devotion led by Dykeman Baily, followed by lunch (the kitchen is open again!), and a 12:30 p.m. tee time.

Whether you're coming for the fellowship, the golf, or both—it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of friends old and new. Feel free to invite a friend, we’d love to see you there!

God Bless,

Spence and John

Spence Cosby 252-917-3418

   John Boney 919-608-3182

Extended Table

The Extended Table will be serving bag lunches to our homeless community on Wednesday, April 16th and April 30th.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, April 28th from 9-3 in the Fellowship Hall. Our donors love homemade treats after donating. If you would like to make some goodies you can drop them off on Sunday or Monday Morning.

Hymn Sing

May 4th

Join us on the 1st Sunday of the 2nd month of every quarter in the Sanctuary from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Whether you love to sing or simply enjoy the music, all are welcome to join us for this special hour of worship and fellowship.

Handbell Concert

May 18th at 3:00pm in the Sanctuary

We are excited to invite you to a Handbell Concert on May 18th at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Join us for an afternoon of beautiful music and celebration, showcasing the talents of our handbell choir. We look forward to seeing you there!

WaveRunners Trip to Bath

Join us for a day trip to Bath and Washington! We’ll depart from the church at 8:00am and head towards the historic town of Bath. We’ll enjoy a walking tour of the old homes and the beautiful historic church. We will stop in Washington on our way home for a dutch lunch and shopping. Sign up online or in the church office to reserve your spot.

WaveRunners Trip to Lost Colony

WaveRunners are traveling to experience the drama, history and mystery under the stars. We will depart at 9:30 AM for a trip to the Lost Colony. We’ll be staying at the Hotel Manteo in double occupancy rooms. The hotel cost is approximately $75 per person, and you are responsible for paying for the hotel. Tickets to the Lost Colony are $35 each.

On our way home, we’ll stop at Roanoke Island Park, where you can purchase an $11 ticket for entry that day.

Make sure to sign up and plan for the costs accordingly. We look forward to an amazing trip!

In July we will be returning with a team of youth and adults to Costa Rica. We have been in partnership with missionary Wil Bailey and Costa Rica Mission Projects since 2011. Through our partnership we have worked to build churches, Christian education buildings, parsonages, and more. We have also financially supported CRMP's childcare program, provided food for the children, helped Wil create a mental health counseling program for women and families, provided safe housing for female college students, and worked to spread the gospel alongside the Costa Rica Evangelical Methodist Church.

We are currently looking for corporate and individual sponsors, as well as runners! Our 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run are both meant to be family friendly events! Our events are not officially timed and participants are welcome to run or walk. Pets and children are both welcome!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Project MHC is a mission experience that is designed to be a mission trip experience without leaving our county. We will only be working a few short miles away from the church, but for many of our youth, they will be stepping into a world entirely different from their own. This is designed to be an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith while serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Youth who have completed grades 5-11th (Rising 6th-12th graders)

*Former participants in 12th grade (rising College Level) and up are welcome to apply as counselors!

Registration Fee - $150 (This cost goes to support the houses that we are working on by providing materials, tools, and more as well as providing for some meals and fun activities for the youth).

We are looking for adult volunteers for Project MHC the week of June 16-18. You can serve as a project leader, small group leader or helper, shower host, prayer partner, small group transportation driver, meal deliverer, or overnight chaperone. If you are thinking that this might be for you, please register in the volunteer link below.

Senior Sunday

We are so excited about celebrating our Senior Class at First Methodist Church on Sunday, May 4th. We invite our 2025 class to wear their cap and gown and attend worship during our 9:45 Rise Service. Following the service, we ask our seniors to stay if they are able to also be lifted up in prayer at the beginning of our 11:00 service so that our whole church family has the opportunity to celebrate them. 

If you are planning on attending Senior Sunday, please email Pastor Sarah and send a picture that can be included in the bulletin. 

Also - please note that our FMC Scholarship application has been posted online! All scholarship applications are due May 31st! 

We are praying for your family in this season and we know that God has big plans ahead for all of these kids. 

Scholarships

The FMC Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to deserving students as funds permit. Priority for awards goes to members of First Methodist Church. Members of the community at large who are not FMC members may also be considered for awards when qualified FMC members do not apply. Previous recipients may re-apply but must demonstrate progress toward a degree for consideration. 

Applications will be considered upon financial need, letters of recommendation, academic standing, and extracurricular activities. Applicants may be called for interviews with the Scholarship Committee. Applications and accompanying documentation are due no later than May 31st of the current year. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Awards will be announced in June of the current year. Email forms to info@firstmethodist.life or submit them in person to the church office.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child Collection Drive – April Update!

This month, we are collecting personal care items to fill the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! You can place your donations in the collection baskets located in the Atrium or the Fellowship Hall Lobby.

Items needed include: Combs and brushes, Toothbrushes, Washcloths and bath sponges, Hair ties, and Small water bottles.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated small stuffed animals over the last two months! Let’s keep up the great work as we continue to bring joy to children around the world! 

This month, our mission focus is on our Food Ministries, and we are so thankful for the many ways our church is able to serve through the gift of a meal.

Each month, we provide lunches to Habitat for Humanity volunteers, supporting those who are building homes and hope in our community. Twice a month, we offer meals to families staying at the Hospice House, bringing comfort and care during difficult times. We also provide community meals to our local teachers and high school teams, letting them know they are appreciated and supported.

Our Extended Table ministry continues to serve faithfully at Martha’s Mission and within homeless camps, ensuring that everyone we encounter experiences the love of Christ through both food and fellowship. Thank you to every person who prepares, serves, delivers, and prays over these meals—you are making a real difference, one plate at a time.

Sunday School

Our little ones have a wonderful time learning and growing together at Sunday School! We’re so thankful for our amazing teachers who help guide these young hearts on their spiritual journey!

This weekend Kids will be creating Holy Week Boxes and Resurrection Eggs! These will be keepsakes and lifetime learning tools for your kid to treasure and learn about the resurrection of our Savior!

Egg Hunt and Cookout

Thank you to everyone who came out to Camp Albemarle to hunt 6,000 eggs and enjoy a beautiful day with our FMC family! Share your pics and tag us!

Acolytes - Carrying the Light of Christ

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. We need two people per service on Communion Sundays and one server on the other Sundays (can have 2 but only 1 needed). This is a great opportunity to serve in the church. Thank you all for considering this opportunity 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. Click below to view the sign up schedule.

SAVE THE DATE!

August 4-8

Registration opens May 1st

Finding your way in a world gone wild. We have Jesus—our true north! Give kids a rock-solid foundation and point them to Jesus, their unmovable, unshakable friend forever!

Pastor Powell's Retirement Celebration

Still soaking in the joy of Sunday’s incredible celebration for Pastor Powell. We are grateful for all who came to show their love and support. Thank you to Staff Parish and all the hosts that had a hand in this celebration.

Lenten Lunches

The season of lent is like tending a Garden…what are you planting in your life? As we approach Easter we anticipate the blooms of new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed such a beautiful outpouring of faith and growth in our church family. We have welcomed many new members, celebrated confirmations, and rejoiced in several baptisms! Welcome!

We are so grateful for this amazing group of women who, every season, come together to prepare our outreach signs—putting in the wire stakes and organizing them into delivery routes. Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you more than words can say!

ALTAR FLOWERS

THE FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR are dedicated to the Glory of God and given in Honor of Mary Lynne & Powell Osteen for their years of dedicated and loving service to First Methodist Church culminating in 40 Years of service to our Lord Jesus Christ by a grateful congregation.

STEEPLE LIGHTING

The Steeple is lit the month of April to the glory of God and in memory of Carol Andrews Southerland, by her sons, John Isaac and Andy, and her husband, Ike.

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Memorial gifts were recently received in loving memory of Prentiss Scott and Bill Ward. Memorials were also received in celebration of Powell Osteen. Memorial gifts are a beautiful way to honor and remember loved ones.

Week of Apr 10 - Apr 16

10 Debra Ball

10 Amy Byrd

10 Evonne Carawan

10 Oakleigh Goodwin

10 Mitchell Melkonian

10 John Whitehurst

11 Celia Haines

11 Cooper Grace Johnson

11 Hazel Petrilli

11 Janice Pridgen

11 John Wade

11 Gray Williams

11 Lindsay Osteen

12 Tyler Chase

12 Zac Everhart

13 Eliza Scott Baker

13 Mike Moran

13 Laura O’Brien

14 Elizabeth Bradley

14 Ted Collins

14 Meredith Decker

14 Mary Beth Garrison

15 Dean McDonald

16 Ben Beck

16 Lynne Miller

16 George Moffitt

16 Savannah Penny

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 - Book of James

Classroom 2 - Jackie Eure Class: Lynne Miller, Janet Roberts, Joyce McCollum, and Celia Haines - Scarlet Thread

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

Classroom 4 - Stanley Harrell Class: Stanley Harrell - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus

Large Conf Room - Bible Study Class: Thor & Kay Coole - Chronological Study of the Bible

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

2025 Blood Drives

April 28th

June 23rd

August 18th

October 20th

What an incredible evening at the FCA Banquet! It was such a privilege to come together and support the amazing ministries of FCA. We are grateful for the leadership and dedication of the FMC members who serve as leaders and super volunteers—your passion is truly inspiring!

If you're looking to invest in these life-changing ministries, we have commitment cards available in the church office. Let's continue to support our future leaders!