We began a new worship series last Sunday called "Where Heaven and Earth Meet." One of the places where heaven and earth meet, which we discussed last Sunday, is in the sacrament of baptism.

This Sunday we'll see how heaven and earth meet more broadly in so many things we do as a church. When we worship, pray, study, fellowship, forgive, give, and work together to advance God's purposes right here on earth... it's as if heaven has yet again come near. The church is called to be an outpost of God's kingdom.

Among those modern-day prophets who called the church to live by different values than the surrounding society was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was often frustrated by churches where that were more committed to maintaining the status quo than bringing heaven's agenda to bear on a broken world. But King held out hope that with God's help and our tireless effort, we could become what he called "The Beloved Community."

Martin Luther King, Jr. described the “Beloved Community” as a society where “caring and compassion drive political policies that support the worldwide elimination of poverty and hunger and all forms of bigotry and violence. At its core, the ‘Beloved Community’ is an engine of reconciliation.”

When the church labors on behalf of the poor, feeds the hungry, welcomes the other, and wages peace, then we're on our way to being the Beloved Community. Heaven and earth will again come near.

In some way or another, I invite you to remember the life and legacy of Dr. King this weekend. A great way is by attending our Western NC Conference's annual commemoration, whether virtually or in person. Click the image below for more information.

Christmas is that holiday whereby Christians celebrate the incarnation. The incarnation is that radical Christian claim that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. In him, heaven and earth met completely.

In a five-week worship series that starts on Sun, January 7, we’ll look at some other places “Where Heaven and Earth Meet.” As we'll see, the logic of the incarnation extends to other areas of the church.

• Sun, Jan 7 - Making a Splash | Baptismal Reaffirmation | Join by video HERE.
• Sun, Jan 14 - No One Is an Island | Why Christian Community Matters
• Sun, Jan 21 - The Good Book | Why We Read the Bible
• Sun, Jan 28 - To Be Christ's Hands and Feet | Why Serving Others Is Essential
• Sun, Feb 4 - A Foretaste of Heaven | The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Faith Jr. (our weekly program for children from pre-K through 5th grade) continues during the 10:35 AM worship service this Sunday, January 14.

Lindsey Stanley, our Children's Ministry Coordinator, will have a great lesson planned for them.

The CREW is the ministry to youth in Grades 6-12 of Faith and two other churches.

The youth had a great time last Sunday at the trampoline park. This Sunday, January 14, we'll resume their regular time and location. We'll meet in the Community Building for games, food and a lesson on Dr. King from 4:30-6:00 PM.

To learn more, reach out to Daniel Nelson, Youth Ministry Coordinator, at 407 718-8856 or [email protected].

Our mission team of youth and adults will again be heading back to perform home repairs with Carolina Cross Connection next summer. But instead of the mountains, we’re headed to the Outer Banks.

Now’s the time for all those who are interested in making the trek to Manteo from June 22-29, 2024 to let us know. An initial deposit of $125 was due on December 31. Reach out to Paul Patyk for more info at [email protected] or 704 201-9745. 

Faith Over 55 is our mature adult ministry. They’ll next meet for a potluck, devotion and program on Thursday, Jan 25 at 11:30 AM. Heather DeLangie will lead program on health and fitness for seniors.

There’s no need to RSVP but reach out to Theron Kindley with any questions at 704 756-2257 or [email protected].

You are welcome to join the annual Equip and Connect Conference. Gifted laypersons and clergy from across the Western NC Conference of The United Methodist Conference more than 30 different seminars between January 21-25 at no charge.

These are great sessions for our formal leaders and anyone else who wishes to do great things in ministry. Click HERE to see the complete list of available classes.

You may also ask Pastor Matt for more details at [email protected] or 704 882-6623.

Giving & Budget Update



Weekly Need in 2024 - $6,517

Received December 24 - $11,440

Received December 31 - $12,218

Received January 7 - $8,543

Thanks to everyone for a generous end to 2023 and a generous start to 2024. A short video featuring some of the great mission and ministry from 2023 made possible by your generosity can be accessed by clicking on the banner above.

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This week's Stewardship Thought comes from Martin Luther King, Jr:

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?'"

For people who want to serve God and their neighbor, Faith offers an array of opportunities. One simple way to do good towards others is by giving to God and to further God's purposes. For those wishing to channel their generosity through Faith Church, we offer 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 Marie Allmon, our Church Treasurer, at 704 301-7534 or [email protected].