August 18, 2022
DISCERNING THE WAY FORWARD
Dr. Robin Scott | August 23

The Methodist Men invite everyone (men & women) to join them as they host Dr. Robin Scott of Asbury Church on Tuesday, August 23 at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center. Dr. Scott will share about the independent church movement and Asbury Church. Nursery will be available.

For questions, contact
Steve Moultrie, Methodist Men
GFUMC TOWN HALL MEETING
August 21 | 5:00 PM | WC


We will have a town hall meeting this Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the Worship Center to address any further questions and have a time of prayer regarding the Disaffiliation process. An Administrative Council vote unanimously received the recommendation of the Discernment Team for a church-wide disaffiliation vote and set a date of September 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center to have a Church Conference vote for disaffiliation. Each member of the Guntersville First UMC will have a vote on whether or not to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. Save these dates and be in prayer for our church.
KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY
Mission #69 to St. Clair

We are excited to share that Kairos #69 is scheduled for the weekend of September 8-11, 2022. The Kairos ministry is very dear to the hearts of GFUMC. We ask you to join us in committing to pray without ceasing for the lost at St. Clair and for the men and women who will serve in this ministry. Kairos weekends are a battlefield where strongholds are taken down, and lives are changed! Your time committed to pray will be used in creating a powerful prayer chain that will surround the rooms-spiritually and literally, your prayers will cover the inmates and servants on all sides! How awesome is that?
Kairos #69 needs 600 hundred dozen cookies, yes, you read that right-600 dozen cookies. The how-to for cookies is in this Sunday's bulletin, along with the prayer vigil, meal tickets, and a prayer chain strip. If you haven’t had the opportunity to be a part of Kairos yet, don’t wait...sign up now! Here's the recap of what you can do and the dates when needed.

  • *Prayer - Sign up to pray and return the prayer vigil sheet by 09/01/22 at the church office/or in the offering plate or go to www.3dayol.org for the online prayer vigil.
  • *Cookies - We need cookies, 600 Dozen! Due by Noon 09/07/22 -See baking guide insert titled: “10 Commandments of Cookies”.
  • *Meal Tickets - For every meal ticket you purchase, you provide not just the cost of their meal–but the impact of Matt. 25:35-40, which is love! Tickets are just $5 each, so we encourage everyone to buy more/impact more! Meal Tickets are due back by 08/29/22.  Please make checks payable to: GFUMC and note on the memo line for Kairos. You can donate to Kairos online by clicking the link below, selecting the Missions fund, then the Kairos subfund.

For more information about Kairos,  
Call: GFUMC church office, (256) 582-2001
or visit the website by clicking the button below
SUNDAY WORSHIP
August 21, 2022

Traditional Service:
8:45 & 11:00 am Pastor Ricky Smith
Message: Guatemala Mission Team

8:45 am Contemporary Service:
8:45 am Pastor Michael Wilder
Message: Guatemala Mission Team
*To view FB Live-Stream you must have a Facebook account. 
A DAY OF BLESSING
The Maksimowski Family

We want to celebrate what God is doing through families! On Sunday, August 14, we were blessed to share a prayer of thanksgiving for William Maksimowski, the infant son of Joey and Alexandra Maksimowski. What made the day even better was receiving Alexandra into the family of Guntersville First as she took membership vows. If you haven't met them, we invite you to introduce yourselves. We celebrate what God is doing in and through this precious family. (Joey is the son of Richard and Jerrie Maksimowski.)
C.A.S.T. for KIDS
October 8, 2022

Calling all our fishing friends! Registration is open for the 2022 Lake Guntersville C.A.S.T. for Kids event on October 8, 2022. This is a wonderful ministry providing a fun-filled fishing day for awesome kids! Boats, captains, and volunteers are needed to make this day special for the kids and families. Please see flyer for details. You can register using the link provided below.

For questions, contact
Jeff Barnes, CAST for Kids
A CALL TO PRAYER
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

Hello Church Family,

In consideration of the decisions we have before us as a church with regards to disaffiliation, I am using our normal time of prayer and fasting in August to focus our attention on seeking God’s will concerning our church’s path forward. I invite you to join me in a season of prayer and fasting from August 15 through September 4, praying specifically for God’s guidance in these matters. We have two primary matters to consider in prayer:

1. We have an in-person disaffiliation vote (yes or no vote) on September 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. This vote will determine whether or not we disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church.

2. If the September 12 vote affirms disaffiliation, the Discernment Team will then make a recommendation to the Administrative Council with regards to affiliating with another Wesleyan denomination or existing as an independent Wesleyan congregation. The Administrative Council will then act on their recommendation. If the recommendation is affirmed, the Congregation will then have a second vote on affiliation or continuing as an independent Wesleyan congregation. These dates and times have not been set.

So, please join me in prayer for these two matters and for the ministry of Guntersville First. I am using Romans 12:2 NRSV as a scripture reference for my time in prayer. “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Loving being your pastor,
Ricky
LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Library Kiosk at WC

Great news!! The Library Kiosk at the Worship Center will now be on display EVERY Sunday! This is a convenient way to check out and return books for those who attend the Contemporary service.  The self-serve station offers a rotating selection of books and is located in the refreshment area of the Worship Center.

We are excited to offer this option to promote our library and make our fabulous library resources more accessible! 

For more information, please contact Kathy Dahlke
FALL STUDIES & CLASSES
Connect with God and Others


PEOPLE TO BE LOVED: Why Homosexuality is Not Just an issue
A study by Preston Sprinkle
Begins Tuesday, August 16 at 9:30 a.m., Room 202
Led by Ricky Smith

Christians who are confused by the homosexuality debate raging in the US and in our churches are looking for resources that are based solidly on a deep study of what Scripture says about the issue. In this study participants are encouraged, on all sides of the debate, to consider what the Bible says and how we should approach the topic of homosexuality in light of it as we struggle to reconcile the Bible’s prohibition of same-sex attraction with the message of radical, unconditional grace. 
 
THE ALPHA COURSE by Nicky Gumble
Begins Wednesday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m., Room 205
Registration Requested (Registration Button Below)
MEAL PROVIDED
Led by: Jim & Barbara Harris

  • Is there more to life than this?
  • Why and how do I pray?
  • Does God heal today?

Alpha looks at these and other questions, during a series of interactive sessions. Explore the meaning of life and discover that Christianity can be every bit as relevant to life today as it was 2,000 years ago. 
 
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD: Five Commitments to Fail-Proof Your Marriage
Study by Craig & Amy Groeschel
Begins Wednesday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m., Room 211
Led by: Ricky & Nona Smith

The choices you make each and every day determine not only your relationship with God but also the quality of your marriage. Discover a richer, deeper, more authentic relationship, and a more rewarding, more passionate love life. This study looks at five commitments to fail-proof your marriage.

TWELVE WOMEN OF THE BIBLE, Study by Lysa Terkeurst
A Lunch Break Zoom class,
Registration Required (Registration Button Below)
Begins Thursday, August 18 at 12:15 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. sharp
Led by: Ann Lee

This study is designed with the working woman in mind and for groups who might want to gather on their lunch break in the office or at home.
To participate in this study registration is required so that the Zoom link can be sent to you each week. TO REGISTER: email ann.lee@gfumc.net and send your name, cell phone number, and email address or go to www.gfumc.net and click on the classes tab.

THE PRISON LETTERS-
Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians (with possibly Philemon as a bonus)
Begins Wednesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m., Room 202
Led by Rev. Terry Bentley

During Paul’s time of house arrest in Rome, he welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."
While in Rome, A.D. 60 – 62, Paul writes three epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians) and a personal letter (to Philemon). Often called Paul’s “Prison Epistles,” Paul’s epistles are enormously rich, and his personal letter to Philemon is a masterpiece of appeal and persuasion.  

THE MAN CHURCH-Disciple Men, Change Everything
Three Class Options to choose from-

  • Begins Wednesday (nights), August 17, 6:00 p.m.
  • Led by Steve Varnell, Room 310

  • Begins Thursday (nights) - August 25, 6:30 p.m.
  • Led by David Kutner, Room 310

  • Begins Thursday (mornings) - September 8, 6:30 a.m.
  • Led by Matt Arnold, the House/529 Blount Ave.

Man Church is a discipleship opportunity created specifically for men. The program includes planned worship events and small group discipleship opportunities through the year. Visit themanchurch.com to better understand the Man Church discipleship program. 
 
STEP CLASS (Membership Class)
Begins Sunday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Led by: Ann Lee, Michael Wilder, & Ricky Smith
Room 203

This class is designed with those seeking a church home, new members, and those wishing to teach in mind, but is open to all who want to know more about the core beliefs of Methodists, what is currently happening in the United Methodist Church, the structure of the church, how GFUMC operates, and where you fit in. Based on the vows we take when we join the church. Discover what the people called “METHODIST” believe. CLASS REQUIRED FOR ALL WANTING TO TEACH IN THE CHURCH. 

Ministry Opportunity/Handbells
Begins Wednesday, August 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Led by Ann Lee, Choir Room/2nd-floor of Main Bldg.

Openings are available for those who read music to come join the fun and community in Handbell Choir. If you enjoy and read music, and haven't quite found your niche at GFUMC, the Handbell Choir may just be the perfect place. t

For questions, contact
Ann Lee,
Director of Discipleship
RESPITE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
August 31, 2022

The Marshall Co. Adult Respite Program will have volunteer training on Wednesday, August 31st, in room 310/Main Bldg. from 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m./noon. This training is for new volunteers and those who missed the retraining.

For more information and questions, contact
Rev. Lula Dobbs,
Director of Adult Respite Programs
256.302.2001, ext. 244
POSITION AVAILABLE
Director of Traditional Worship

We are currently accepting resumes from qualified and interested applicants for the position of Director of Traditional Worship. Please send your resume to the following resume@gfumc.net. A job description is attached for your convenience, click on the button below.
MOMENTUM YOUTH
August/September Newsletter

Momentum Youth students and parents! Check out the upcoming events in the Momentum Newsletter. (Click on the button below)

Contact:
Michael Wilder,
Director of Student Ministries
(256) 582-2001, ext. 214
FINANCIAL OFFICE
August 18, 2022


Giving Made Easy
-Mail to 539 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976
-Online Giving at www.gfumc.net/give/
-Text 2 Give: Text the dollar amount you give to
1(256) 448-3225, follow the (one-time) prompts.

Finance Office (located on the 3rd floor/main bldg.)
Jerilee Gillen, Church Treasurer
(256) 582-2001, ext. 212

Karla Terrell, Financial Secretary
(256) 582-2001,ext. 233













WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
In-house and online

Sunday 08/14/22
586 (209 online + 377 In-house)

In-house Worship
8:45 Traditional - 134
8:45 Contemporary - 160    
11:00 Traditional - 83
Total:  377

Online Worship
FB: 98 (8:45C/61;11T/37)
Website: 94 (8:45C/33; 8:45T/43; 11T/18)
YouTube: 17 (8:45C/14;11T/3)
Total: 209
GFUMC BIRTHDAYS
August 2022

Our GFUMC family is special! We want to celebrate each one of you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! Happy Birthday!!
PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES
August 18-21, 2022

Prayer is part of our spiritual DNA at GFUMC, and we are honored to lift God's people up in prayer. If you or someone you know needs prayer please contact us!

For all prayer requests and updates contact
256.582.2001, ext. 210 or ext. 234
THIS WEEK'S SIGN
August 18-21, 2022

IN AN EVER
CHANGING WORLD
GOD DOES NOT CHANGE
Guntersville First UMC | terri.lang@gfumc.net | 256.582.2001 | www.gfumc.net