Last week, we shared a report from your members of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference from their recent meeting at Lake Junaluska. One element that we left out of that report was the results of the special offering that was collected for the creation of special new churches. Our church and the other participating churches gave almost $50K for this purpose!

These special new congregations will be trauma-informed, healing communities. Half the collected funds will be used to start and support such new faith communities in Ukraine. Two United Methodist churches have already been started among refugee communities in Europe. These communities will be moved to Ukraine after the war ends. Other faith communities will be needed for the survivors. Our special offering will help fund these endeavors.

The other half of the special offering will be used to help starting healing focused congregations closer to home in Western NC. After the many struggles, divisions and conflicts of the past few years, these new churches will be especially equipped to minister to those who have suffered most.

The ability to add our generosity to that of our fellow United Methodists is one of the strengths of our connection. Working together, around the corner and around the world, we can accomplish far more than any one congregation can alone. That's one of many reasons that many of us are proud to BeUMC.

This Sunday, July 2 marks the culmination of our worship series on the Sabbath. Just as we saw the Sabbath interwoven into the Bible's very first story, set at the beginning of time, Sabbath is also interwoven into the last story the Bible tells.

Read Revelation 21:1-5 and 22:1-5 to prepare in advance. Then, join us Sunday, July 2 at 10:35 AM --- either online or in person. If you have missed any Sundays in the series, they can be found on our YouTube channel HERE.

Another highlight of this Sunday, July 2 will be the reception of Holy Communion.

As part of this worship service, all who wish to participate will receive this sacrament that reminds us of the lengths that Jesus went to in order to assure our forgiveness. By offering juice rather than wine, rice crackers in addition to loaf bread, and individual sanitary kits, we try to remove every impediment to you receiving the gifts God wishes to give you. We’re even going to bless the elements of those worshiping from home. 

Our Administrative Assistant, Dianna Boyadjian, is organizing an indoor church workday each Wednesday.

She had initially planned to host these events through June, but they've been so fruitful we're continuing into July. Can you help?

Join her from 10-12:00 all weeks that you can to share in some organizing, cleaning and disposal projects. For the next session, on July 5, Dianna needs help continuing to sort old files in the Community Building. There’s no need to sign up, but you may contact Dianna at 704 882-6623 x101 or [email protected] with any questions.

An easy way to start a conversation about your faith and the church you attend is through wearing a T-shirt. For the first time in a few years, we've worked up a new T-shirt design.

These shirts will be great for when we serve our neighbors, participate in outreach events or even run to the grocery store.

Contact Dianna Boyadjian in the church office to reserve your shirt today. Dianna can be reached at [email protected] or 704 882-6623.

An easy way to start a conversation about your faith and the church you attend is through wearing a T-shirt. For the first time in a few years, we've worked up a new T-shirt design.

These shirts will be great for when we serve our neighbors, participate in outreach events or even run to the grocery store.

Contact Dianna Boyadjian in the church office to reserve your shirt today. Dianna can be reached at [email protected] or 704 882-6623.

Pastor Matt would like the opportunity to talk with as many members and attendees of Faith Church as possible this summer.

Possible discussion topics include how things are going for you spiritually, what kinds of small groups in which you would be interested, whether you might want to join the church if you haven't already, and your hopes and dreams for the future of Faith. Matt can meet you via phone, video, or in person - either at church or a place of your choosing.

To set up your appointment with Matt, click the image, visit www.faithisalive.org/bookings, call 704 882-6623 or email [email protected].

We're very proud of our group of 22 youth and adults who have been serving at Carolina Cross Connection this week.

By all accounts, they've had a great time making homes warmer, safer, drier and more accessible for people who can't afford to have the work done otherwise. The team is due back tomorrow - Saturday, July 1 around 1:00 PM. continue to keep them in your prayers.

The team expects to have too many great photos and too many powerful stories to keep to themselves. They are planning to share them in worship at Indian Trail and Faith UMCs on Sunday, July 9 and at Stallings on Sunday, July 16.

Faith United Methodist Church’s 2023 Vacation Bible School theme is Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love. 

This year’s VBS program will run from Monday, July 17 – Friday, July 21 from 5:30-7:45 PM. Faith Church is located at 3708 Faith Church Rd in the Village of Lake Park. The program is 100% free of charge to members and guests. We take children ages 3 and potty-trained through rising sixth graders.

For the first time this year, we’re offering an inclusive class for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities from rising indergarten through sixth graders. There are also opportunities for parents, grandparents, and youth to volunteer.

Prior registration is essential. Please sign up to attend or volunteer at the link below:

https://vbspro.events/p/events/7ce7d1

Please enjoy these video highlights of last year's VBS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgUwJKgTYI0

If you have any questions, reach out to Lindsey Stanley, our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, at [email protected] or 704 942-6725.

We have been able to do some amazing things in Christ's name so far this year, through your prayers, hard work and great generosity. For a reminder of some of the highlights in mission and ministry, click the image above.

Giving & Budget Update



Weekly Need in 2023 - $6,400

Received June 18 - $4,508

Received June 25 - $3,653

Our Stewardship Thought for this week comes from the Roman orator Seneca:

“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to your fingers.”

Like Seneca understood, unconditional generosity is generosity in its highest form. If you give to Faith Church, we can't promise God will bless your every endeavor, make hair grow on your head, or ensure you'll always get your own way. But for those who are willing to be generous anyway, Faith Church offers a variety of ways to give.

• 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 [email protected].