Church Blog (Page 10)
Trust in God
First Church Family, Monday is my sabbath. It is then that I take care of my gardens, catch up on devotional reading, and spend time with my family and friends. This past Monday I worked outside, canned vegetables for the winter, and caught up on some family things. But also, I monitored the plight of Haitians trying to recover from its latest challenge, watched in disbelief as Afghanistan was quickly turned back over to an oppressive regime, received information that our…
VBS Report
First Church Family, This week our Christian Life Center has been abuzz with children participating in our first Vacation Bible School in two years. The experience has been wonderful. Titled: “Rocky Mountain Railway,” together we have learned about the power of God, which is available in all areas of our lives. Many thanks to our Tara Hatton and Jamie Jones for their wonderful leadership; to our Danny Clark, who has gotten our facility ready to receive our volunteers and children…
Summertime News
First Church Family, What a wonderful respite we have had from the heat this week! Though I know the temperatures are going to rise again, this week has made me look forward to fall. Over the past days we have hired exceptional replacements for our Melanie Anderson and her assistant in our Robbins Preschool. Kendra Stuebe, from Christ Methodist Church in Hickory, will serve as our New Director and Lead Teacher. She has experience in the field and appropriate degrees and credentials. Our own…
August Message
Dear First Methodist Family, In Psalm 40, David writes: I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. For the past weeks, we’ve remembered the promises of God, and how they bless our lives. God’s promises…
VBS Registration
First Church Family, I pray that this note finds you in good health and spirits. So many members of our church family have been on vacation, travelling, and entertaining family and friends on weekends that our in-person congregation looks different each week. But every week, new faces are appearing, and FUMC family members are welcomed back. I pray that if you haven’t returned since the pandemic, that you will do so soon! A few updates: food for both Yokefellow and our CCC&TI campus ministry (microwaveable heat…
July Message
First Church Family, When I begin a note to you with those words, I am not just using them figuratively. We are the family of Christ here in Lenoir and are meant to love, pray for, and care for one another. It is an honor to be a brother to all of you! July is upon us, and with it the Independence Day holiday. This year, July 4 comes on a Sunday. We will worship in one service together, at…
4th of July Weekend
First Church Family, I pray you are having a safe and enjoyable lead up to the 4th of July weekend. I am looking forward to Sunday, when we will actually worship on Independence Day, at 10:00AM in our beautiful Sanctuary. The service will focus on God’s presence with us through Holy Communion. We will sing patriotic Christian hymns, and have our FUMC orchestra play patriotic music. Please don’t miss it. I’ve been asked if we could say the “Pledge of Allegiance” during the service.…
Preschool and VBS
First Church Family,At times, we think of summer as a period of time to relax, vacation, and get ready for the fall. While all of those dreams are partially fulfilled during this time, we are FUMC are incredibly busy following God’s plan. By now you certainly have heard that Melanie Anderson, our Robbins Pre-School Director of 27 years, is retiring this summer. Melanie leadership has kept our program at the top of the list of great pre-school programs in our county, and will be…
Promises, Promises
First Church Family, I pray that you had a blessed Memorial Day Weekend. That holiday marks the unofficial beginning of summer. And last Sunday, we began our summer worship series on the “Promises of God.” In ensuing weeks, we will take a close look at some of the important things God promises us in the Scriptures. Topics will include promises made about: eternal life, heaven, the Holy Spirit, God’s presence, rest for the weary, peace in our lives, and God’s guidance, among others. I…
June Message
First Church Family, Over the past week, it has felt like we have jumped right into summer, with daily highs near 90°. That is after a long, cold, dark, and wet winter and early spring. Over the past fourteen months, we at First Methodist have been the most cautious and safety conscious church of which I am aware. We have sought to follow governmental guidelines as closely as possible. And I am proud of and thankful for our decision making…
Diversity and Freedom
First Church Family, I pray that you are in good health and spirits. Much has happened over the past week. The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination was approved for ages 12 up, and thankfully, several of our youth have already been able to get it. I pray that you pursue that option in your families. Over the past fourteen months, we at First Methodist have been the most cautious and safety conscious church of which I am aware. We have sought to follow governmental…
Youth Sunday
First Church Family, One of the treasures in every community and church is its youth. And 2020-21 has been a very challenging, difficult time for them. Last school year was shortened by massive restrictions due to the COVID pandemic. And though this year has been a bit less restrictive, much teaching was done online, masks were required, even for athletes during their events, bands and choruses weren’t allowed to function. The list goes on and on. Actually, to their credit, it…