From the Pastor… (Page 13)

From the Pastor… (Page 13)

Spirit of Unity

JANUARY 8, 2021 Friday Morning First Church Family, On Wednesday, before I was aware of the horrific events in our nation’s capital, I wrote my Newsletter letter to you that was emailed yesterday. So much has happened since then. The events in Washington, D.C. were despicable, violent acts of terror and tyranny. Our nation is broken as never before in my lifetime, and we are all grieving the presence of division, distrust, and hatred. As followers of Christ, we denounce…

January Message

JANUARY 7, 2021  First Church Family,      I pray this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits. What Samaritan’s Purse did at our hospital is amazing, though it’s concerning that Caldwell and the surrounding counties needed the extra space for COVID patients. Please be cautious and stay safe!     The church year, which began with the first Sunday in Advent in late November, moves quickly through Christmas and Epiphany (this past  Sunday.) Immediately, it jumps thirty years to the Baptism of the LORD…

Uncertain Times

Dear First Church Family,                                                                                                                                                                                     I pray that you are persevering during this uncertain time. Not being able to actually be with you is taking its toll on me, as I imagine, it is on you. Our staff surprised me with pictures of many, many of your smiling faces on chairs in the CLC last Sunday during worship, and has done the same in the Sanctuary this week. I love it, but I miss the…

Easter Message

Dear First Church Family, We have been going through tremendous difficulty, both in our country and around the world, due to the Coronavirus. Our prayers are with the thousands of people who have contracted the virus, and whose lives have been lost. Our whole world has changed. Businesses have shut down; numerous cancellations of events we took for granted only a few short weeks ago have taken place; and our worship services have been altered dramatically. Yet, I remind you…

Easter News

FUMC Family, Grace and peace to you from the Risen Christ and our church. It is a blessing to be able to worship together with the use of technology provided for us by the Broyhill Family Foundation in honor of our Allene Broyhill Stevens. We would love to hear from you about your experience of that. And if you are finding it of benefit, why not consider inviting friends and family to do the same? Our Church office will continue…

Restored

First Church Family, It’s been a challenging week for all of us, as we abide by the principles/suggestions that have been provided for us during this time. Our prayers go out to our healthcare providers, who are risking their own health on the front line of our community and world’s war against the Coronavirus. There are many persons in our church and our church’s extended family who are right there helping to diagnose, treat, and save the lives of people across…

Sermon Series: Restored

Ever feel worn down, discouraged, or broken? From time to time, we all do!  It’s part of being human. God has an answer when we are in dark times. Join us on Sundays (February 23 through April 12) during the cold, dark, rainy days of winter to learn how we can be: “Restored” by God.
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United Methodist News

Dear First Church Family, A public announcement was made last Friday about 16 United Methodist leaders across the world who, together, will make a proposal to the United Methodist governing board, the General Conference, in May of 2020, that would allow unhappy churches on the extreme right or left to leave the denomination.  In my opinion, I don’t see that including or affecting us in a major way, other than making the formal United Methodist Church smaller; but we will…

December Message

First Church Family,      We are well into December and that means beautiful seasonal music! This Sunday, in our traditional service (11:00 in the sanctuary) our Chancel Choir, with orchestra, will present its Christmas program. Invite friends and family to attend, as this will be one of our community’s highest quality musical experiences.     At our First Light service (9:00 in the CLC) our theme will be: “What Child is This? #2 – Mighty God.” Then, next Sunday, December…

Back-To-Church Sunday

FUMC Family, This is my favorite time of year. This month, there will be evenings when we feel crispness in the air. Too, football season is upon us. And finally, in a real way our Church Year begins. We will begin the year with a bang, as on Sunday, September 15, we will join literally thousands of churches across the country celebrating: “Back-to-Church Sunday”. At our church, our attendance has been strong all summer. But now school has started, and…