CONNECT - GROW - SERVE - WORSHIP

Digital Newsletter

September 16th - 23rd, 2023

Next Steps Class - THIS SUNDAY @ 10:15-11am (Wesley 101)

Wednesday Night Dinner and Activities - September 20th @ 5-7:30pm

Small group/Sunday School Class Leadership Meeting - Sunday, September 24 @ 11:15am (after Sunday School) in Wesley 101

Church-Wide Vote on Affiliation - Sunday, September 24th @ 2pm (Sanctuary)

Prattville Methodist Women Salad Supper - Monday, September 25th @ 6pm (Epworth 101, the gym)

Operation Christmas Child Kickoff - Sunday, October 8th @ 9 & 11am worship services

WORSHIP

Sunday, September 17th

Traditional Service: 9am (Sanctuary)

Contemporary Service: 11am (Pratt Hall)

BRING YOUR BIBLE TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY!

Scripture Lesson

"For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."

  --- Jeremiah 29:10-14

Sunday Morning Small Groups for All Ages

Christianity was never designed to be a journey taken alone. In fact, we cannot grow into the fullness God has for us without living life with other people. You are invited Sunday morning at 10am to join in a small group or Sunday School class at PFMC. From children to senior adults, there is a place for you to connect, grow in your faith, and experience life like never before. If you have questions, feel free to contact our Director of Discipleship and Missions - Daniel Patrick (daniel@prattvillemethodist.org).

Don't delay! Hope to see you on Sunday morning.

Transition Team Update 9/16

The Church Council has set the date for the church to vote on our options for the future on Sunday, September 24. The vote will take place at 2pm in the Sanctuary with the same rules in place as the disaffiliation vote: must be a member to vote and must be present to vote.

Question Received this Week:

Question: How will we determine percent of vote to accomplish a certain outcome? Will it be simply the choice that receives the most votes? Will it require over 50% of votes, etc?

Answer: The Church Council is handling the procedure for the vote on 9/24. They have decided that a majority (one vote more than 50%) will determine the outcome of the vote.

Please direct any questions or concerns to the Transition Team via 1) emailing transition@prattvillemethodist.org or 2) dropping a note in one of three boxes at the church (Sanctuary, Pratt Hall, church office)

Now is also the time to be educating ourselves on our denominational options now that we have disaffiliated from the UMC. Please click on the Affiliation button below to read this educational information which has been available on our website. Our vote is September 24 and we want everyone to be informed.

CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING @ PFMC ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS FOR ALL AGES!

NEW SERVE OPPORTUNITY IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Prattville First Methodist Disaffiliation

Investment Opportunity UPDATE!

We are 89% of the way to retiring the debt occurred as a part of our disaffiliation. Way to go! In just a few short weeks we have seen an incredible outpouring of generosity and faithfulness that has been inspiring and has helped to build the momentum we need to erase this outstanding balance. So far $415,765 of the $469,069 has been collected through gifts, both large and small, targeted on helping our congregation move into the future debt-free and positioned to have a greater impact on the world around us with the light of Christ.

If you have not yet invested in this effort, we encourage you to make a gift, that can be done through our website (under the giving tab) or by placing a check in the offering plate designated to the disaffiliation fund. The sooner this debt is retired, the sooner we can refocus our combined financial giving towards the important mission and ministry supported through our general fund. We continue to stress that the work of the general fund in our church still needs to be fully supported in order to continue our mission to make disciples and to avoid disruptions in ongoing ministries.

Prayer changes things. 

We believe this and trust that you do too! If you are a prayer warrior or feel led to start praying more intentionally over our church, its ministries and our church family, we invite you to join our Prayer Team. We meet in-person on Sundays @ 8:20am in Sanctuary 202, but also send out communication with prayer requests and updates each week if you are unable to join us.

The Lord is calling you to do something that is bigger than yourself. Come and find your place be a part of our Legacy Prayer Team!!

Join our amazing staff team @ PFM!

We are searching for a dynamic leader for our Director of Communications and Marketing.

PFMC serves as a place of connection, worship, growth and serving individuals and families in Prattville and throughout the River Region. Our mission is to share the life-changing power of Jesus Christ everywhere and every day!

Wednesday Night Dinner Cook-Teams

Our Wednesday Night Dinners have resumed. Michelle Taylor, our new Food Services Coordinator, is working now to put our cook teams in place. If you were on a team, and/or would love to join a team, please let Michelle know so she can save your spot for you. Contact her at michelle@prattvillemethodist.org.

Joining Prattville First Methodist

Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or by transferring your membership from another congregation. If it fits in your schedule, Pastor Tony would like to set up an appointment to meet with you; please email or call him at the church. He will also send you a membership form with general questions so we can get to know you better. There are two primary ways to join. Some prefer to walk forward and join the minister at the altar rail during the closing song at either the modern or traditional service. Others have been introduced to the congregation in a brief video Q&A that is played in the modern service. 

Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Adults and youth older than 6th grade who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Children are considered preparatory members, and their membership becomes official when they participate in confirmation class in the 6th grade. For more information or to set up a meeting with Pastor Tony regarding membership, please contact the church office.

From the app, you can watch services live, get access to our digital newsletter, safely give your offerings to the church, check the full prayer list, read the Bible, and check on upcoming events and so much more! Right from your cell phone!

Download it today from Apple or Android app stores and type “Prattville First Methodist.” It only takes a few seconds, but will keep you better connected to all that is happening at the church whether at home or on the go!

Sunday Morning Small Groups

Join one today!

Sunday Mornings -

YOUNG ADULTS - David Lewis

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

A class for singles, couples, and young families in their 20s and 30s.

Y.A.M.S. (Young Adults Married & Single) - Robyn and Stephen Davis  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)

A class for singles and couples in their 30s and 40s, this class studies topics relevant to life experiences. They invite all adults to join them as they learn and grow together.

JOURNEY CLASS - Dave Dageforde

(LOCATION: WESLEY 208)

This class, composed of single and married individuals in their 40s-50s and focuses on finding Christ in all aspects of life. Dave Dageforde teaches this class and invites you to join the journey.

LIFE 101 CLASS - Wayne Lambert  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 207)

With a versatile group of singles and couples (30'-50's, this class studies social topics of today from a Christian perspective. Wayne Lambert teaches this class and uses contemporary resources to study God’s word in today’s world of challenges.

NEW AGAPE - Brad Robbins and Tim Meadows

(LOCATION: WESLEY 202) 

A melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and ideas forms the membership of this class. This discussion-based class has a strong emphasis on Church and Community Service. The doors of the class are always open to anyone who is seeking to begin a journey to a closer relationship with God.

JOHN WESLEY CLASS - Billy and Michelle Taylor  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 203)

A newer class for adults is the John Wesley class. Anyone who is not currently attending another class is invited to join them. They study different topics based on scripture for today’s world. They are taught by Billy Taylor.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS - Cathy Latham

(LOCATION: WESLEY 210)

The Friendship Class has a relaxed atmosphere made up mostly of empty nesters of all ages. The class format is discussion style and includes fun, fellowship, and friendship. Interactive studies focus on living the Christian life in today's world.

DAVID R. WHITE CLASS - Karen Powell 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 212)

The David R. White Sunday School Class was named for a former Methodist minister and member of this class. It is composed of singles and couples in their 50s and older, many of whom are retired. This class is informal, lessons focusing on Bible study and a variety of Christian book studies by some well-known Bible teachers and pastors like Tony Evans, David Jeremiah, and Louie Giglio, to name a few. Mission and service-minded, this class supports a wide variety of ministries financially and participates in several outreach and serve opportunities, living out the calling to love and serve others. We are a caring community of believers committed to growing in our faith and in our knowledge of God and His Word. We also support each other through prayer and friendship, enjoying a fellowship supper quarterly. 

POWELL FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Carol Risher 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104 and also ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM)

A mixed group of active retired (or soon to be retired) members who love learning of all types, but especially learning the Word. They share concerns, pray about and act on them, sing traditional hymns, and study the Bible. Leaders expand the prepared material with historical background and current relevance.

Prayer Concerns

Church Family: Ray Brasel, Ann & John Boutwell, Tony Camara, Sabrina Colburn, Eddie Gaston, Frank Keller, Frank & Betty Lamar, Ben Lambert, Marion Lewis, Louise Moody, Eddie Pope, Ann Thrower 

Extended Family: Stephanie Bruner-Allen, Ben Calvert, Richard Dudley, Angela Falkner, Amanda Lamar, Mike Lamar, Gwen Lawrence, Kim Miers, Deborah Sturdivant, Bill Tatum, Jami White (new prayer needs) Peter Dudle, Amy Mann, Robin Rogers, Carrie Shuett

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Will Taylor from his Mom.

Sanctuary Altar

Flower Calendar

THERE ARE SUNDAYS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH FOR YOU TO HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE!

Contact Freda Clark (freda@prattvillemethodist.org) or (334-365-5977) in the church office to reserve your date on the calendar for the upcoming weeks and months.

Add the Instant Church Directory App Today!

Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download. Go to the App Store on your phone. Search for Instant Church Directory. Download the app. Sign in with your email address and create your own password (you don’t need an administrative password to access the directory). Anytime updates are made to the directory, they will update on your device too. In the app, you will be able to search for church members' photos, and can call, email and text right from the app! Please check your information on the app and make sure it is correct. If you aren't able to log in, then we don't have your correct email address. If any of your contact info has changed, please call or text Carmen McCullough at 334.301.4641. For instance, do we need to delete a home phone number that's no longer in service? The online directory is separate from the church database, so call Carmen with any edits/changes to your contact info, or if you would like to update your photo in our online directory.