Digital Newsletter

July 1st - July 8th, 2023

Combined Worship Service: Sunday, July 2nd @ 10am (Sanctuary)

Adult Lunch Group: Thursday, July 6th @ 11:30am (Olive Garden)

Youth Mission Trip (Street Reach - Memphis): July 9th -14th

Chancel Choir Homecoming Concert: Sunday, July 23rd @6pm

Summer Movies (Pratt Hall): Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26 and August 2nd

Games Day: July 27th @ 10:00am

LifeSouth Blood Drive: Sunday, July 30th 9:00-12:30pm

Concert by Providence Baptist Choir from Opelika: July 30 at 6pm in the Sanctuary

WORSHIP

Sunday, July 2nd - Combined Service at 10:00 am

Sanctuary

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Rev. Stanley Carter

Prattville First Methodist Disaffiliation

Investment Opportunity UPDATE!

We are 55.3% 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 $259,633 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.

FUN CHILDREN'S SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL INFORMATION!

REVISED YOUTH CALENDAR!

All youth, grades 7th-12th, are invited to join us for a fun summer of growing in faith. Throughout the summer there will be a number of ways for youth to connect.

Invite a friend!

Celebrate and honor friends, family, and loved ones by purchasing a new hymnal for our church! Our new hymnal is called Our Great Redeemer's Praise, is published by Seedbed Publishing and should be available late summer. Each hymnal is $50 and a portion of your purchase will go to support our disaffiliation fund. The new hymnal will be a great addition to our future worship life as a church! 

Hymnal Contents:

• Contains over 675 hymns

• Hymnal is the first-ever collection of hymns reflecting the worship traditions of the 12 major North American denominations which trace their heritage to Wesleyan revival

• Includes responsive readings, selected metrical psalter, liturgies including baptism and Holy Communion which are based on the same traditional Anglican rituals that are used in most familiar hymnals in the Wesleyan tribe

• Includes the Wesleyan Covenant Service in updated language for today’s use

• The arrangement of hymns is uniquely organized around the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed.

• Incorporates nearly 100 hymns by Charles and John Wesley—more than any hymnal released in the last century

• Restores traditional language to many hymns which have been edited for theological reasons

To purchase a hymnal or hymnals for our sanctuary, please contact the church office.

Transition Team Update

This summer, we are offering more information on each of the options we are considering for our future at Prattville First Methodist: the Free Methodist Church, the Global Methodist Church, and remaining independent. Last week, we offered more information on the Free Methodist Church. (For more information on the Free Methodist Church, visit fmcusa.org.) This week, we are taking a closer look at the Global Methodist Church.

The Global Methodist Church (GMC) officially launched on May 1, 2022, as a conservative option for churches with traditional beliefs disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church.  For approximately 12 to 18 months, the Global Methodist Church will be a church in transition as it prepares for its convening General Conference. During the transitional period, the Global Methodist Church will operate under the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline.

GMC Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

GMC Vision: To join God in a journey of bringing new life, reconciliation, and the presence of Christ to all people, and to helping each person reflect the character of Christ.

GMC Core Beliefs:  That the one God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – has created all things; that Jesus Christ, through the power of His cross and resurrection, is the Lord and Savior of all the world; and that the Holy Spirit empowers the people of His church to worship and praise God and to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world in word and deed.

GMC Missional Priorities: Biblical Teaching, Transformational Discipleship, Multiplication, Ministry to All People, Global Partners

Since its launch, the GMC has welcomed over 2,000 local churches and 2,400 clergy into the new denomination.  Currently, there are eight provisional annual conferences in the U.S. and one each in Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Philippines. In addition to the existing provisional annual conferences, GMC leaders believe at least four or five additional provisional conferences will be launched before the end of the year.

The conferences are called “provisional” during the GMC’s formational season prior to its convening General Conference. At that conference, scheduled for the fall of 2024, delegates from the provisional annual conferences around the world will gather to worship, pray, celebrate the adoption of a constitution for the new church, and to organize further for the fulfillment of its mission.

The North Alabama Provisional Annual Conference and the Alabama-Emerald Coast Provisional Annual Conference are the newest, commencing operations in May 2023. If we affiliate with the GMC, we would belong to the Alabama-Emerald Coast Provisional Annual Conference.

Unlike the UMC, bishops within the GMC will be consecrated to serve for a set term, as opposed to a lifetime role.  The role within the UMC of district superintendent is replaced with that of a presiding elder in the GMC. Local pastors are assigned until either the pastor or local church wants to make a change.

The local church pays up to 1.5% of its operating income for general church connectional funding and up to 5% of its operating income for annual conference connectional funding. This equates to a max of 6.5% for apportionments at this time. The provisional annual conference will determine the percentage of operating income that is to be paid as annual conference connectional funding. However, the percentage cannot exceed the 5% ceiling unless 2/3 of the provisional annual conference delegates vote to raise the ceiling.

Advantages for our church:

 · Traditional theology

 · Plans for a leaner administrative structure and overhead

 · No property trust clause at this time and the GMC website says, “it is almost certain the Global Methodist Church will never adopt one”

 · Apportionments (max of 6.5%) are less than the UMC and Free Methodist Church (9%) but more than remaining independent (0%)

 · Familiar church culture, theology, worship practice, and even denominational leadership

 · A chance to be in on the formation of a new denomination

 · Connection with churches, clergy, and laity we know 

Disadvantages for our church:

· New denomination, not fully formed

· Administrative structure and annual conferences still developing

· Some uncertainty at what the final discipline and doctrine will look like in a few years

For more information on the Global Methodist Church, please visit www.globalmethodist.org.

Questions/Comments Received this Week:

Question: My family has made no move of any kind to include ourselves in this process. With that said, what should we do?

Answer: The best thing to do is to get up to speed on the options we are considering: affiliating with the Free Methodist Church or the Global Methodist Church or remaining independent. Watch our Digital Newsletter for information on each option. We plan to have info sessions in August and then a church-wide vote sometime after that. Also, please consider giving to the disaffiliation fund so that we can pay this debt down as soon as possible.

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).

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.

LEGACY PRAYER TEAM!!

Sundays @ 8:20am in Sanctuary 202!

Have you felt The Lord calling you to do something that is bigger than yourself? Come be a part of our Legacy Prayer Team!!

Matthew 21:13 "And Jesus declared to them, It is written: My house will be called a HOUSE OF PRAYER!"

If you feel called to this team and would like to learn more information please contact our executive administrator, Jennifer Aughtman.

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.

CARE AND SHARE CLASS - facilitator needed! (If you're open to serving, please email jenni@prattvillemethodist.org)

(LOCATION: WESLEY 101)

This eclectic group of women meets to share concerns and care for each other through their studies which revolve around Biblical applications to the trials of life.

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 & 60s. This class is informal with lots of discussion and participation. Topics are centered around current issues based on biblical scriptures with insights and thoughts of popular, present-day authors such as J. Ellsworth Kalas and James W. Moore.

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, Sabrina Colburn, Barbara Foster, Eddie Gaston, Jason Gregory, Mike Harris, Frank Lamar, Marion Lewis, Joan McCloskey, Louise Moody, Nancy Mustin, Eddie Pope, Linda Puckett, Betty Rucker, George Watkins (new prayer requests) John Boutwell, Louise Jennings-McCullar and David McCullar

Extended Family: Ben Calvert, Betty & Charles Coleman, Richard Dudley, Earnie Edwards, Angela Falkner, Patricia & Bryan Hudman, Gwen Lawrence, Alex & Robin Parsons, Deborah Sturdivant, Jami White (new prayer requests) Stephanie Bruner-Allen, Mary Pein, Lane Rich

An Honorarium had been given in honor of Jeremy Pyles by Skip & Charlann Jones and Family.

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God

and in honor of Liam Taylor on his 18th birthday

with love from T.D.

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.