Hello First Methodist,

One more Viral Verse to share this Sunday... Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK:

• NEW Our Daily Bread devotion books are here!
• Chancel Choir is rehearsing on Thursdays at 6:30pm and Handbells will rehearse on Tuesdays @ 6:00pm. If you are interested, please contact Phil @ phil@firstmethodist.life.
• Fall Kickoff is scheduled for September 8th! Don't miss out on joining a team or coming to one of the big games (events)!

We need ADULT volunteers to help staff a mission project at Crystal Coast Palooza - as part of the Palooza youth will have the opportunity to visit our booth and help to pack Hygiene kits for homeless men and women in our area. The event runs 10-4 and we will need help from 9-5 to include set up and clean up. Sign up for a two hour shift or for the whole day!

At the Crossroads Sunday Small Group

Grow in your knowledge and faith of God. Strengthen bonds within families, friends and within the community. Parents and Youth in Middle and High School, meet us in the Loft on Sunday mornings at 9:45am. We will gather together for prayer, scripture, devotion and then break into separate sessions for parents and youth to connect and reflect individually.

Women's Picnic

All women are invited to a Picnic Lunch on Monday, September 9th @ 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food, great company, and enriching conversations. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring along friends or family. For our working women, we’d love for you to join us during your lunch hour—come and take a break with us! This is a free event, and if you need a ride, just let us know—we’d be happy to arrange transportation. RSVP online or at the church office by August 30th. 

Women's Ministry of First Methodist Church

Monthly Meeting on Oct 7th @ 12:30pm

(not meeting in Sept because of the Women's Picnic)

The purpose of the First Methodist Women's Ministry is to encourage one another in our church and faithful service to our community through loving as Christ loves all.

We meet the first Monday of each month at 12:30pm in the Stanley Harrell Classroom. Please consider attending a meeting to learn more about our group.

Beaufort Families

You don't have to cross the bridge! Anyone interested in a monthly gathering in Beaufort to eat, pray and study together… come to Pastor Sarah’s House on Sept 13th at 6pm. Kids are welcome. RSVP to by sept 8th by contacting Pastor Sarah at swilliams@firstmethodist.life.

September 15th @ 9:30-11:30

Float in and out around your worship service and Sunday school class to join us for Brunch in the Loft. This is a great opportunity for fellowship and getting to know others in our church while enjoying brunch. It's also a great way to invite someone to church! Registration is not necessary for this event. Just come and enjoy!

Confirmation Meeting

Sunday, Sept 15th @ 4:30pm

As young people begin to explore faith, we here at First Methodist Church want to offer a path of support and encouragement, teaching and practicing faith, all leading to a personal decision to entrust their life to Jesus and begin to walk as his disciple day by day.

Confirmation has classically been a group process for youth 10-14 years of age. We are embracing a new path – fully individualized as a youth is ready and genuinely interested in exploring faith. Each youth will be paired with an adult mentor from our congregation who will meet regularly to listen and talk over questions of faith. Teaching sessions will be provided by the pastors both in print and by video. Activities of worship, service, and discipleship will be offered. Parent conversations will be integrated into the process.

This is a year-round opportunity. It begins and ends according to the youth’s interest, participation, and decision. When they are ready, baptism (if needed) and profession of faith will be scheduled in a worship service.

If you are interested in knowing more so you can share with your son or daughter and gauge their interest or mentoring a youth, or you are in the process of mentoring, this meeting is for you.

Sojourners Bible Study Group

Starts September 19

As Autumn rolls in it is time to begin a new Bible Study…..Marjie, Sherry, Susan, and Kitty are looking forward to studying an 8 week study with you on “The Psalms” by Sandra Richter. We will begin on September 19th at 10:30am this year in the Stanley Harrell Classroom.

If you decide to join us for the study on Psalms, we welcome you all for spending time in GOD’s WORD and fellowship together. 

Register here or in the church office and we will order a book for you.

HOW I LOVE ALL YOU LADIES AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AGAIN!

Kitty Simmons

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd and come celebrate the vibrant world of the arts with us! This special event will showcase the incredible opportunities to participate in children's choir, handbells, chancel choir, rise praise band, audio/video tech, orchestra, dramatic arts, and more. A light lunch will be served.

WaveRunners Lady Swan Sunset Cruise

Tuesday, September 24th

WaveRunners 60+ are invited to cruise on the Lady Swan. The cost is $33 per person and must be paid when signing up either online or at church office. Arrive at 5:00 to board the boat that leaves at 5.30 and we will return at 7:00pm. Parking is located at Casper’s Marina, 301 S Water Street, Swansboro. Transportation is not provided, but anyone wishing to carpool with someone, please contact Claudia Beamon. You can bring your own food, snacks and beverages. Deadline to register is September 18th.

Mark your calendar for the following adventures:

September 24th - Lady Swan Sunset Cruise

October 10th - New Bern Tryon Palace (Historic Tour and Mum Fest)

November - TBD

December 3rd - Mike’s Farm

January 8th - Cary, Lantern Festival (Walking tour)

February 9th - Valentine Dutch Lunch @ Southern Salt

March 19th - Wilson Whirligig Exhibit

April 3rd - Rudy Theater, Selma - Easter Jubilee

*Times and more information will be coming soon.

Pastor Sarah's Six Week Bible Study

Starting Oct 6th

Wednesdays @ 5:45pm

The Bible can be daunting. It’s ancient, enormous, and sometimes challenging to understand. Long Story Short opens up the Christian Scriptures by sharing the biblical narrative in a way that requires no prior engagement with the Bible. It traces the big story of who God is and how he is saving the world through six simple movements: Creation; Fall, Israel; Jesus; Church; New Creation. With this framework in place, readers will not only understand how the little stories of the Bible fit together into a seamless whole, they will also be compelled to step into the drama to be part of its performance. You can order a study book below at Seedbed.

National Night Out 

NEW DATE: OCTOBER from 6-8pm

Carteret Community College

We're excited that The Extended Table will be at this year's National Night Out in Morehead City serving up delicious hamburgers and hotdogs for all to enjoy. It's a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community, support this ministry, and spread love throughout our neighborhood. Let's gather for a fun-filled evening of good food and even better company. Your presence and support mean the world as we continue to serve and care for our community.

See you there!

Women's Retreat

Finding My Place In The Son

First Methodist is hosting a women's retreat on Friday and Saturday, October 18th and 19th. You are invited to join this event and can register using the sign up sheet.

Our Daily Bread Devotionals

Does this devotional remind you of a loved one who always had a copy close by? For over 85 years, Our Daily Bread daily devotions have been in the hands of millions of people seeking to encounter the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.

✔️Delivered monthly or quarterly right to your doorstep

✔️Encouraging daily Scripture readings

✔️Bible-in-a-year reading guide

✔️Space to write personal reflections, guided prayers, and more!

Encounter the timeless truth of God’s Word—sign up today!

You can also subscribe to daily video devotionals using this link:

https://ourdailybread.org/videos. To learn more view this video.

Sunday Nights kicks off on September 8th. New this year, all ages meet from 5:30-7:00pm.

Kids and Youth Choir and Youth Band kickoff date is scheduled for Sept 15th @ 5:00pm.

We need ADULT volunteers to help staff a mission project at Crystal Coast Palooza - as part of the Palooza youth will have the opportunity to visit our booth and help to pack Hygiene kits for homeless men and women in our area. The event runs 10-4 and we will need help from 9-5 to include set up and clean up. Sign up for a two hour shift or for the whole day!

Sunday Nights are KICKING OFF on September 8th! This year Kids and Youth of all ages are meeting from 5:30 - 7:00pm and dinner is included. If you would like to make a difference in the life of our youth click the link below!

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Donations in honor or in memory of friends and church members are a thoughtful way to share with families that loved ones are special to you. First Methodist recently received gifts in memory of Andy Lloyd and Pete Morey. 

ALTAR FLOWERS

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God and in memory of Heather Boney's mother, Sharon Knisely and John Boney's father, J.W. Boney by John and Heather Boney.

Week of August 29 - September 4

29 Kay Carter

29 John Humphries

29 Christian Garner

30 Kyle Rusthoven

30 Jack Wagaman

31 Charlotte Mirabella

31 John Gallagher

31 William Erickson

1 Adrian Reeves Holler

2 Beatrice Welch

3 Jesse (Carlos) Cannon

3 David Grant

4 Ashlea Humphries

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 - Daniel

Classroom 3 - Buck Matthews Class: Rodney Kemp - Romans

Classroom 4 - Stanley Harrell Class: Stanley Harrell - Purpose Driven Life

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

The Loft - At the Crossroads: Parents and Youth

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