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The United Methodist Church is clear in its convictions that work is a means of stewardship and God-given creativity and that all human beings deserve dignity and justice in the workplace. In early twentieth century America, poor labor conditions prompted the Methodist Church of the time to pen a social creed, spelling out the rights of workers.

 

At the turn of the twentieth century, the U.S. was shifting from a rural, agrarian society to an industrial economy. Children as young as four joined adults, working in factories and coal mines.


In 1908, the Methodist Church took a stand for the rights of workers with a Social Creed that called for an end to child labor, a fair wage, and safety standards.


The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, the head of The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, says that "In 1912, Teddy Roosevelt was quoting much of the content of the Social Creed. That was four years after the Social Creed had been written."


The idea of a denomination setting these ideals in writing was groundbreaking but the principles had a long history.


The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe: "Actually the predecessor bodies of The United Methodist Church had for over 100 years had statements on peace, on world order, anti-slavery, fairness for all. So our history, since the time of Wesley really, there were always statements in the Books of Discipline about the Methodist commitments to social holiness and to justice. So, it's never not been there."


This article is excerpted from United Methodist Church website. To read more at UMC dot org about our various commitments to a better world, click HERE.


Being part of a denomination that tries to apply the timeless truth of the gospel to our ever-changing circumstances is part of what makes many of us proud to #BeUMC.

This Week at Faith

A big highlight of worship this Sunday, September 3 will be the celebration of Holy Communion. We pray that everyone will feel welcome to receive the gifts that God has prepared for them in worship at 10:35 AM.

 

During the service Pastor Matt will conclude our worship series

called "Road Trip." This Road Trip has featured the relentless travels of Jesus, according to the Gospel of Mark. When they killed him and buried him in a tomb, Jesus' opponents, thought they had finally stopped him and his movement. But on Easter, as we'll see Sunday, the Risen Christ promised to meet his disciples on the road again.

 

We thank everyone who's worshiping with us from home for their

extreme patience as we work on our livestream issues. We are working on a plan

that we hope will make things much better going forward.

Another highlight in worship this Sunday, September 3 will be getting to hear a video report from Zach Perkins. Zach works full-time with Campus Outreach at UNC Charlotte.

 

Campus Outreach is an evangelical campus ministry that seeks to make new disciples of Jesus Christ and equip existing disciples through regular fellowship, small group studies and leadership development. As many of you know, Zach grew up at Faith Church. He's the son of Jennifer and Bryan Perkins.



At Faith, we're excited to support Zach, his family and this terrific ministry

through our prayers and our mission budget

We are glad to offer a weekly youth group gathering called "The CREW." Young people in grades 6-12 join for fun, food, fellowship, and programs aimed at helping them follow Jesus more closely. We partner with Stallings and Indian Trail UMC to make a bigger group.


  • Sun, Sept 3 - Movie night in the Faith Church Sanctuary and Campfire for Labor Day Weekend. Dropoff at the Sanctuary at 6:30 PM, having eaten supper already. Pickup at the firepit at 9:00 PM.
  • Sun, Sept 10 - Back to School Kickoff at Faith from 4:30-6:00 PM. Lots of crazy games and supper will be provided. This a great time for our 6th graders and anyone else new to the group to begin.

The Women of Faith gather monthly for fellowship, fun, service and more. 

 

Their next gathering is on Saturday, September 9 at 9:30 AM. Join them in the Community Building for a delicious breakfast and some dreaming together about all the group can do this fall.

 

No need to RSVP but reach out to Jackie Meunier with questions at 704 877-5606 or jackimeunier@yahoo.com.

What does it mean “To Be UMC?” 

 

In our new three-week worship series, which begins next Sunday, September 10 - we will look at some distinctive United Methodist beliefs. As we’ll see, the very things John Wesley taught 300 years ago are key to our identity and faithfulness today. Here are the weekly themes, based on a recent book by Bishop Ken Carter:

 

·      Sun, Sept 10 - The Riches of Grace

·      Sun, Sept 17 - The Power of Connection

·      Sun, Sept 24 - The Heart of Holiness

 

Make plans to join us each week!

After worship next Sunday, members of Faith Church's Congregational Care Team will have a brief meeting of the Sanctuary. Congregational Care reaches out to people when there's a life event such as a birth, death or medical crisis with tangible signs of God's love and ours.


They'll be checking in on how things are going for our existing volunteers. It would also be a good time for any new people who are interested in learning more. If you are unable to attend, but want to learn more, reach out to Missy Manus at missyhq@aol.com or 704 651-8269.

A couple weeks ago, Felicia Mckoy offered a Ministry Moment about the joy and meaning she finds in volunteering at the animal shelter. Felicia encouraged us to volunteer, foster, adopt and advocate for our four-legged friends.


To learn more about how you can help at Animal Care and Control of Charlotte, where Felicia volunteers, click HERE.


To learn more about the Union County Animal Shelter, click HERE.

Giving in Faith

Giving & Budget Update



Weekly Need in 2023 - $6,400

Received August 20 - $6,502

Received August 27 - $2,989


Our Stewardship Thought comes from Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.


"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."


In a world where we can easily get discouraged by what we don't have in terms of time, talents, finances and more, Roosevelt encourages us to seize the opportunities we do have. Our efforts, however meager they seem to us, are not merely added but multiplied when we combine them with the offerings of others and use them for God's purposes.


That's why we at Faith Church treasure every gift, large and small, given to further God's Kingdom. For those willing to contribute what they can, Faith tries to make it easy:


  • Everyone is of course welcome to give a gift by cash or check in person during a worship service or by bringing them at a convenient time during the week to the church office.
  • Checks can be mailed to Faith United Methodist Church | 3708 Faith Church Rd | Indian Trail NC 28079.
  • More and more people are enjoying the convenience of giving online. Our secure EasyTithe giving page can be accessed HERE. One-time and recurring gifts are welcome there. If viewing this email on a desktop computer, you may also scan the QR code below with your phone.


If you have any questions about giving, reach out to Amy Zelen, our Church Treasurer, at 704 441-1690 or amyzelen@gmail.com.

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