THIS SUNDAY
November 29, 2020
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“Waking Up Is Hard To Do”
The Christian life is full of beginnings.
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Facebook Live and In-Person
Rev. Roy Beth Kelley
“Wake Up”
“Living Hope”
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”
“Marvelous Light”
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Facebook Live, FM 96.7, and In-Person
Rev. Roy Beth Kelley
Anthems: “There Is No Rose”
“Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”
Keely Sattazahn, Gaye Mings, Breck Cogswell, Soloists
Nancy W. Vernon, Organist
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One of the great joys of the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas is the relational time I get to spend with family, friends, and church members. The meals, the parties, the worship services, the extended family gatherings. Not this year! All of mine and Carey’s family units are having Thanksgiving in their own homes. Christmas gatherings are going to be limited. We may break the internet with FaceTime. It’s a strange, crazy, challenging, and yes, depressing and exhausting time.
In addition to the disease, death and isolation brought on by the coronavirus, we have seen resurgences of violence, crime, racial injustice, and oppression this year. The economy went bust. Unprecedented natural disasters have claimed lives and property. Where will it end?
What we need is a Savior!
I think the challenges of this year set us up to understand what Advent is all about. In the time before Jesus came, the people were suffering in all the ways that are familiar--death, disease, oppression, poverty. They longed for a sign from heaven that God still cared. Then “the people that walked in darkness [saw] a great light.” Jesus came; the promise was fulfilled; hope was reborn.
During Advent time this year, make the connection that saved a people two millennia ago. Open your hearts for the love of Jesus to be born anew in you. We can’t forget the challenges of the present time, but we can see them for what they are--temporary, human, worldly problems. And our God is bigger, more powerful, and more permanent than all those difficulties. God has come in the baby Jesus to restore the hope and peace of the world. It is time to rejoice! As a people and as a church, we will get through this time of trial together. We will survive. We will come out on the other side. There will be better days ahead, because we have a Savior!
In the meantime, we have different and creative but still meaningful ways for you to do Advent at FUMC. Connect with God and the church through these ministries, and this may be a holiday you will never forget--for good reasons!
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Senior Pastor
breeves@fsfumc.org
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THIS ADVENT, “LOVE CAME DOWN” |
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In the 19th century, poet Christina Rossetti wrote “Love Came Down At Christmas,” a beautiful poem that became a hymn (#242 in our Hymnal). These words perfectly describe the incarnation of God’s Son in Jesus Christ. In him, God sent Love into the world. This advent, our sermon series will look at five ways the coming and birth of Jesus show God’s love to us, giving us hope and peace in troubled times. Be sure to join us every week in person, online, or by radio as we celebrate that “Love Came Down.”
11/29 Waking Up Is Hard To Do Romans 13:11-14
The Christian life is full of beginnings.
12/6 Comfort the People Isaiah 40:1-8, 11
The Baby brings love, hope, and healing.
12/13 What Is Christmas? Luke 1:26-38
It’s all about faith, hope, and love.
12/20 Christmas Waiting To Be Born Luke 1:38-55
God’s great gift is not what we expect.
(11:00--Service of Lessons and Carols)
12/23-24 Love Came Down For Real Luke 2:1-20
“Love was born at Christmas, ...love for plea and gift and sign.”
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LOTS GOING ON THIS ADVENT! |
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- For children: Advent in a bag, Sunday School in a box, Club 56 by Zoom
- For youth: daily devotionals, Christmas party
- For adults and families: Pray Your Way Through Advent, Advent calendar, small group meetings, “Love Came Down” sermon series
- Events: Sunday worship, Wednesday evening prayer, Longest Night service December 13 @ 5:00, Christmas Eve services (12/23 @ 5:30, 12/24 @ noon, 4:00, and 5:30)
- Get more info in newsletters, website, and Facebook page. Or email or call us!
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THREE SIMPLE RULES FOR YOUR 2020 HOLIDAY |
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Part of being a United Methodist includes the tradition of following John Wesley’s General Rules. Reuben Job simplified to three simple rules: do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. I think these rules are going to have extra significance for us this holiday season. The reality is sinking in that this Christmas will be different. We must adjust our normal traditions as a matter of protecting the health and safety of our friends, family and neighbors. “Do no harm” seems to be the motto of the day. We can surely commit to the safety of wearing masks and staying socially distanced. Many of us will not be able to spend time with friends and family. But, this is a temporary choice designed to “do no harm.” If having a zoom Christmas means we stay healthy, that is a sacrifice that we can make. However, it makes it even more important that we find creative ways to connect with those who might be alone.
We also have the opportunity to “do good” this holiday. For instance, our angel tree has gone virtual this year. Please contact Kelly Desoto to receive an angel to purchase items for, or you can simply send a donation. On Giving Tuesday FSFUMC will be collecting money to help Feed the Fort! We have several awesome ministries that continue to provide food to folks right here in Fort Smith. Not to mention the fact that this is the perfect time to reach out in special ways to people you know who might need a little encouragement and love (Hint: remember to show your own friends and family extra love, too). This Christmas more than ever it is about showing God’s love not about the busyness we usually associate with Christmas
And we ought never to forget the third rule: “stay in love with God!” This is vitally important when honestly none of us are really doing that great. So, over the next few weeks, the church wants to help you to lean on the power of God through some ordinary means that help us experience God’s extraordinary love. We invite you to Pray Your Way Through Advent (see Elizabeth Thames’ article), and complete the daily challenges that you will find on our FSFUMC Advent Calendar (part of this newsletter, too). You won’t want to miss one week of our Advent sermon series “Love Came Down,” and there will be terrific music in worship each week. You are invited to be a part of the Longest Night Service both in-person and on Facebook Live on Sunday, December 13. Our children are receiving advent at home bags so that they can have their own advent wreaths and other great activities. And our youth will receive devotionals throughout the Advent season. Of course, we hope you will make your plans now to attend one of our candlelight worship services either in-person or online (service dates and times are in this bulletin, too). Wherever you are when you sing “Silent Night” the glory of Christ will be proclaimed!
One of Wesley’s general rules says that disciples do good “by running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily.” Hang in there friends. God is with you, and so is FSFUMC.
To read about the General Rules:
For Angel Tree or children’s advent bag information: kdesoto@fsfumc.org
May your Advent be blessed,
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Executive Associate Pastor
rbkelley@fsfumc.org
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“TO A BETTER FUTURE” HEADS TOWARD CONCLUSION |
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We had a great initial response to our “To A Better Future” generosity emphasis on November 22. If you have not yet turned in an Estimate of Giving card, please do so at your earliest convenience. Mail your card in, hand-deliver it to the church, or fill one out at the website (fsfumc.org). Thanks for supporting the life-changing ministry of FSFUMC! |
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Social Justice Book Club:
Next meeting– Tuesday, January 26th on Zoom. Contact Roy Beth Kelley for more details.
Current book is “Six by Ten: Stories from Solitary” by Taylor Pendergrass
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YEAR-END GIVING STRATEGIES |
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As we approach the end of the year, there are ways you can maximize your ministry impact by completing your 2020 Estimate of Giving or by making a gift to FUMC. Let your money make a difference for God’s Kingdom this year!
- We will mail out statements of contributions early in December. This will let you know where you are in your giving.
- Gifts to the church of appreciated stock or IRA distributions, if made directly to the church, avoid taxes and maximize the deduction and the gift.
- The CARES act allows expanded deductions for charitable gifts in 2020. Consult your financial advisor.
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We follow IRS guidelines on year-end contributions: Checks sent by mail must be postmarked no later than December 31 to count towards 2020 donations. Donations given in person must be received in the church office no later than December 31 to count towards 2020 donations. Online contributions completed by December 31 will count for 2020. Checks dated December but postmarked after December 31 or received in our office after December 31 have to be considered 2021 donations.
- This might be a good time to consider setting up an estate gift to the FUMC Foundation. Talk to Patti Cox (pcox@fsfumc.org) or Bud Reeves.
- As always, we appreciate (and depend on) your support!
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We boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame,
because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,
who has been given to us.
— Romans 5: 2-5
Recently I came across an interesting idea in a book that I was reading. The idea was that people of faith have a “bifocal existence”. I’m not an optometrist, and you may not be either, but the metaphor needn't be lost on us. Our lives are “bifocal” because we see our present times with a focus on two things: the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and the restoration of all things in Christ’s Second Coming.
This dual focus has infinite implications for how we are to live today. First, because Christ is victorious over death (1 Cor. 15:26), we know that we will share in his victory over death as well (Rom. 6:8). This gives us confidence to face each day, not with reckless foolishness, but with reckless love. The Spirit that brought Christ from the dead is the same Spirit that breathes life into us (Rom. 8:11)! What a blessed assurance!
Secondly as we experience personal and communal formation into the image of Christ, we can trust that this renewal isn’t for us alone. God wants this renewal for all of the earth, and it’s only beginning with us! One day, Jesus will come back and make all things new (Rev. 21: 5) and complete the good work that he started within us (Phil. 1: 6). This isn’t an excuse to neglect the days we are given and wait idly, but it is an invitation to actively partner with Christ in this ministry of redemption!
This “bifocal existence” is something our youth ministry will seek to embody this month. We will be meditating on the coming of Christ through our Advent devotionals. We will be spreading hope and joy to our neighbors through Christmas carols on December 6. We will also be celebrating our fellowship with Christ and with one another during our socially distant Christmas party on December 13. Through these “bifocals”, hope can be seen! Amen.
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Director of Youth Ministries
mmings@fsfumc.org
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PRAY YOUR WAY THROUGH ADVENT |
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“If we do not pray, we fail to realize that we are in the presence of God.” (Karl Barth). Boy do we need to feel the presence of God as 2020 comes to a close! Many of us struggle with prayer. Our minds wander, we get bored, we wonder if we are being heard, we struggle with the right words to say, and we panic if asked to pray aloud. If we are to have even a small chance to actually pray without ceasing as the apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians, we will need some help. Our hope is that through the Advent season we can provide you with some tools for daily prayer. Each day members of our congregation will present a different prayer practice through a video that will be posted on our online campus and that you will receive through a daily email. There will also be a link to the Upper Room where you can download Prayer Practices for Disciples: Creating a Life with God or we have a few copies of the books here at the church.
Starting December 1 (with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays) we hope that you will watch the video and try out some of these practices on your own. There are many different types or prayers that will be presented. Some are great to do alone and some are great to try as a family. We hope that praying your way through the Advent Season will bring much needed hope, peace, joy and remind us to stay alert and awake listening for God’s word. Our hope is in him.
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Director of Adult Discipleship
ethames@fsfumc.org
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In St. Vincent’s Hospital:
Loss of Loved Ones and Friends:
- Seth Hattabaugh—Grandfather of Brandon (Aimee) Hattabaugh, Great grandfather of Justin, Tyler and Anna Grace Hattabaugh
- Jerry Tunnell—Father of Jana (Brandy) Ballard, Grandfather of Kylie Bllard and Kacie (Aaron) Stabler
- Donna Ragar—Mother of Tony (Erika) Ragar, Grandmother of James Ragar
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Sunday, November 29
8:30 am Taking it to the Streets, Downtown
8:30 am Cornerstone Class, Zoom
9:30 am Believers Class, Outside at 2720 Lela Street
9:30 am Connexion Worship, Facebook Live and In-Person
9:45 am Roundtable Class, Zoom
11:00 am Sanctuary Worship, Facebook Live, FM 96.7, and In-Person
5:00 pm Club 56, Zoom
5:30 pm First Youth, Loft
Monday, November 30
2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Zoom
6:00 pm Girls Troop 2, 3rd Floor
7:00 pm Boys Troop 2, 3rd Floor
Tuesday, December 1
10:00 am Reckless Love Group / Friends Classroom
Wednesday, December 2
10:00 am Casserole Group Cooking, Aldersgate
4:00 pm Prayer Bead Class, Loft
5:30 pm Evening Prayer, Facebook Live
6:30 pm Club 56, Zoom
6:30 pm Chapel Class, Roebuck
Thursday, December 3
10:00 am Casserole Group Cooking, Aldersgate
7:00 pm College Ministry, Loft
Friday, December 4
10:30 am Roundtable Class, Zoom
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PLEASE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS |
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- James and Dianne Meadors—Transfer from another UMC
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In Memory of:
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Larry Clark by Kent and Nancy Blochberger, Patricia Janes, Judy Owens, Chris and Hollie Greer, Kenneth and Linda Schmidt, Larry and Janet Nelson, Keith and Laura Blythe, Jim Woods
- Susie McOlvin by Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Shepherd
- Bud and Joyce Cooksey by Max and Linda Armstrong, Steve and Linda Armstrong, Wes and Sandra Kaundart, Fran Bateman, Joseph and Laura Chancey, Jerry and June Boyd, Caron Roberts, Bob & Donna Skinner, David and Rebecca Shipman, Debbie Hall
- Jane Williams by John and Michelle Harp
- Philip and Mary Hill by Tommy and Blanche Donoho
- Betty Stanfield for Carillon Restoration Fund by Nancy Baker, Mary Booth, Charles and Jeanne Ledbetter, Jack and Louanna Green, Larry and Sharon Weir, Bob and Nadine Miller, Floyd and Judy Bradberry, John and Jayne Alford, Michael and Elizabeth Thames, Judy Owens, Michael and Ted Mock, Robert and Joan Jaggers, Mrs. Hugh Atwood, Rusty and Sherry Jones, Paul and Suzanne Henson, Mike and Jane Rappeport, Elizabeth Eads, Byron and Linda Ware, Ruth Davis, Harry and Eleanor Foltz, Marjorie Boer, Jeff and Laura Palmer, Helen Hughes, John and Harriet Beasley, Kelly and Marilyn Newton, Bob and Beth Knox, Angie Alrod, Gena Carter and Susan Goss, Patsy Jones, Dr. Vent and Martha Murphy, David and Joy Armbruster, Marlin and Janet Fretheim, Bob and Jan Cooper, Russell and Lynn Owen, George and Nancy Heflin, Steve and Lucy Gist, Roundtable Sunday School Class, Jim and Jane Walcott and Family, Loretta Parker, Fran Bateman, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cohen, Jan and Jim Beauchamp, Frank and Jean Corley, David and Dana Craig, Tony and Lynnell Leraris, Bed and Lane Shipley, Tim and Cindy McNally, Stacy Roberts, Jerry and Jane Hartfield
In Honor of:
- Elizabeth Thames by Catherine Crosland
- George Beattie by Ed and Jeanne Starr
- Philip Brown by Ed and Jeanne Starr
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PASTOR ON CALL
M-F 8:30 AM-4:30 PM: (479) 782-5068
Weekends and Evenings: (479) 459-5060
When there is a hospitalization, a death in the family, or any other time you may need urgent pastoral care, we encourage you to use these numbers. The pastors rotate on-call responsibilities to assure that one of them is always accessible.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 N. 15th St. Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 782-5068 | fsfumc.org
Pastor on Call (479) 459-5060
Email: fsfumc@fsfumc.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:30AM-4:30PM
Closed for lunch 12:30PM-1:30PM
SUNDAY SERVICES
- 8:30AM Cornerstone and Roundtable Sunday School Class, Zoom
- 9:30AM Believers Sunday School Class, 2720 Lela Street
- 9:30AM Connexion, Facebook Live and In-Person
- 11:00AM Sanctuary, Radio broadcast on 96.7 FM, Facebook Live, and In-Person
WEDNESDAY SERVICE
- 5:30PM Evening Prayer, Facebook Live and in person
- 6:00PM Chapel Class, Zoom
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST NEWS published weekly except the last week of the year by First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. |
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