THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL

FEBRUARY 6, 2011

8:15, 9:30 AND 10:55 AM

Sermon

―Start F.R.E.S.H.: Wholly Holy‖ A fresh start leads to holiness.

Matthew 5:43-48 Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Holy Communion will be celebrated in all three services.

Hymns: Take My Life, and Let It Be O Jesus, I Have Promised

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Brooks Clem, Don Cassil, Jeff Purnell

Acolytes: Bella and Canyon Geisleman

Angels

Roger Barnes

Chuck Dudley

Ann Barnes

Alison Carter

Emily Carter

Laura Carter

David Carter

Margaret Clark

Sara Bryant

John Bryant

Rachel Street

Steve Street

Claire Street

Carol Pratt

Bob Shirley

Deanna Rogers

THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL

JANUARY 30, 2011

8:15, 9:30 & 10:55 AM

Sermon

―Start F.R.E.S.H.: Sync Your Service‖ Our faith is freshened by action.

Matthew 25:31-46 Rev. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Hymns: God of Grace and God of Glory

O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee HereI Am, Lord

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Brooks Clem, Don Cassil

Acolytes: Trinity Dooley, Madison Conaway, MC Nolan

Angels

Paul Lockridge

George Dooley

Betty Lebrescu

Judy Horner

Robert Eichelberger

Robert Andree

Cynthia Purnell

BOARD OF STEWARDS BEGINS NEW YEAR

The Board of Stewards met on January 16, 2011, and inaugurated the New Year with a new strategic ministry plan for the church. The fruit of last fall’s ReMission discussions, the new plan continues many of the emphases of the last strategic plan, while proposing some new initiatives as well. Among the new ideas are a congregational worship survey, in order to gauge effectiveness and hear input on existing worship services, and a large-scale mission projects which will require broad participation by the congregation. The purpose of such a mission project (to be decided by the Mission Planning Team) will be to make a significant impact on the community, and to provide a positive focus and rallying point for the church.

The full plan is available for reading on the website (fumchotsprings.org, on the home page under strategic minis-try plan), or call the church office and we’ll email or mail you one.

The Board also passed a ministry fund budget for 2011 totaling $1,573,970. This budget is virtually the same as the 2010 budget, but will depend on some stronger contributions from unpledged giving, since the pledges were down by about $50,000 from last year. Overall, it was a very positive Board of Stewards meeting, highlighted by the Senior Minister’s inspiring State of the Church Report. We have started off 2011 well!

IN THE HOSPITAL

St. Joseph: Mildred Ferguson

RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Stacy McKuin, John Whelan, Annette Meredith, Carmen Drake

SYMPATHY Carol Chapas, Lucy Morrison,

Frances Ranson (Wayne Ranson’s mother), Beverly Stangle (Mary Jo

Fraley’s sister), A. D. Stroope (Brown Meredith’s brother-in-law), Mary Jo Fraley (husband Gene, daughter

Leigh Ann VanGorder)

JANUARY 23 ATTENDANCE RECORDS

8:15 Service .... 212

ConneXion ..... 238

10:55 Service .. 234

Wed. Night ....... 39

Nursery .............. 29 Total ............... 752

JANUARY 16 ATTENDANCE RECORDS

8:15 Service ....... 195

ConneXion ........ 320

10:55 Service ..... 215

Wed. Night .......... 38

Chapel Communion 32

Nursery ................. 26 Total ................... 826

RIO BRAVO MISSION TRIP SCHEDULED

Rio Bravo mission is scheduled for May 2-8, 2011. This will be a combined medical and con-struction project. For more information, please con-tact the church office at 623-6668.

William Thomas Stiffler son of Talmon and Ellen Stiffler

Baptism

First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs is a Stephen Ministry con-gregation! The Stephen Ministers appreciate the support of the congregation and we ask for your prayers for the program. Pray for our care receivers and pray for the Stephen Ministers who are providing Christian care giv-ing. Stephen Ministers serve in many ways other than their one-to-one care giving. You will find Stephen Ministers actively supporting many worthwhile ministries including the Caring Place, Samaritan Ministries, Charitable Chris-

tian Medical Clinic, CASA, and others. Contact any Stephen Minister if you know someone who needs the support of a caring Christian care giver. Please pray for Stephen Ministry; we are praying for you and for our Church.

-Bill Cluck, Stephen Minister Leader; Carl Ownbey

OH WHERE, OH WHERE HAVE MY DISHES GONE? OH WHERE, OH WHERE CAN THEY BE?

If you can’t find your favorite dishes, they may be sitting quietly at the CLC Welcome Center Desk. We have lots of unclaimed dish-es that would like to go

home. Please stop by and pick yours up. I’m sure they are missing you!

I was so pleased with the atmos-phere of encouragement that I saw at last week’s Board of Stewards meeting. When I gave the State of the Church Report, which I do every

year at the first Board meeting, I was a little nervous be-cause it contained some challenges. But the Board re-ceived it well and even stood to applaud at the end. I was overwhelmed at such a positive response, and I want to commend the Board of Stewards for their great spirit.

I want to share a condensed version of the State of the Church with the entire congregation. We had 17 bap-tisms, 39 deaths, and 87 new members last year. 31 of the new members were professions of faith—new com-mitments to Jesus Christ. I personally performed 8 wed-dings and 25 funerals last year.

Our children and youth ministries are going well. Both are showing small increases in participation. Chil-dren’s Sunday School is up, and the Wednesday after-noon program is full. The youth choir, Audience of One, showed excellent growth last year.

Adult Sunday School is down about 10%, but attend-ance in other adult small groups (extended studies, short-term studies, affinity groups, etc.) is up. We offered 60 small groups for adults last year, including Sunday School classes.

Worship attendance continued to increase in the ConneXion and decrease in the traditional services. Overall, our worship attendance figure was 769, down from 805 last year.

Financial support decreased slightly in 2010. Overall support was down about 3.5%, but we kept our expens-es in check, so we ended the year with a small surplus. Pledges for 2011 were down about 2%, with a few less people making a commitment.

If there is good news in those last two paragraphs, it is that the decreases in worship and finances were smaller than in the previous year.

The challenges we face are similar to the challenges facing United Methodist Churches across our state and nation. Most are seeing decreases in attendance, aging congregations, and financial struggles. We are not alone. But I do not think our primary challenge is the economy or our demographic data. Most church prob-lems have a spiritual base. When the spirit is right and the church is busy with the work of the Kingdom, most problems are minimized. Everyone is just striving to make the resources meet the Kingdom vision of the church.

Our main problem is that we have let negativity set our agenda and put us into a defensive posture of late. Again, we are not alone in this. America has been cranky for the last couple of years—angry with the gov-ernment, the banks, the schools, and the churches. I

have had many conversations in the last year with peo-ple telling me that some sort of negative conversation about the church came up at the store, at a party, or some other social occasion. Many of the complaints concerned rumors and perceptions that were not based in reality.

We are better than that. So I proposed four con-structive responses to the challenges we are facing. A personal commitment to positivity. We have a

church we can brag on! We have over 750 average attendance. We have strong children, youth, adult discipleship, and music ministries. We reach out into the community in wonderful ways. Our good, posi-tive people need to be more intentional about telling the wonderful news about FUMC. At the same time, we need to hold accountable (in love) those who are negative about the church. We welcome a diversity of opinion and constructive disagreements, but un-checked criticism is destructive of our mission. We need to stand up for our church with expressions of affirmation, unity, and enthusiasm. And we need to invite others to join us! Of course, I or any staff member are happy to have a personal conversation with anyone who has an issue to discuss.

Strategic Ministry Plan. We have an awesome plan for the next three years. Go to the website or get us to send you one. It was created in response to congregational input. A strong mission creates unity. If we get busy accomplishing all the goals we have set, we won’t have time for anything negative to distract us.

Imagine Ministry. The Arkansas United Methodist Conference is re-thinking and re-designing the way we do church in our local churches and our connec-tion. As a leading church in the conference, we will be involved. There is a study on Acts that has just been published; there will be regional meetings later this spring, and we will see a new plan at annual conference this year. The point is to revitalize our ministry in Arkansas by making the local churches stronger. That would be us!

Be United Methodist. I am still firmly convinced that the Wesleyan gospel of grace, openness, and a combination of personal piety and social holiness is the good news that 21st century America is longing to hear. We need to be true to our heritage and communicate it in a relevant way, in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (That’s our denominational mission.) Next time: the rest of the story…

Bro. Bud

YOUTH IN MISSION

Our Junior High Sunday School Class has adopt-ed a boy from Bolivia. The youth have been collect-ing money to send to him. The class is pictured here along with the jar of money they have collected this

month! We are all so proud of them!

Save

the

Date!

2011 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JUNE 20TH-24TH

9:00 AM TILL NOON

We are currently looking for VBS leaders, if you are in-terested in Co-Directing, Directing Pre-K & K, or would like to be in charge of any of the following groups (decorations, registration, snacks, or crafts); OR...if you are interested in just assisting with the VBS decorations and/or the construc-tion of the stage set, please contact Michelle Wilkins (501) 318-3977, or Cynthia Tkach 262-4733. Thanks!

2011 CONFIRMATION CLASSES WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 2ND– APRIL 27TH

For all current 6th graders, or anyone above 6th grade that has not previously attended! Classes will be held on

Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. in the Underground. Watch your mailboxes for further details!

SUNDAY, JAN. 30TH, 4-5 P.M. IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER (ROOM #207)

NEW! NOW FOR AGES KINDERGARTEN-6TH GRADE!!

If you have a child in Kindergarten - 6th grade that has not been to a meeting, please bring them to the January meeting, so we can sign them up as one of our newest “secret agents”! It will be a fun-filled hour as we complete our top secret mission project! We are special agents doing God’s work! Come join us!

Bill Skaggs, youthminister@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 123

Complete and turn in to hold your spot! February 14 DATE NIGHT 5:30-8:30

Fill out ONE per child- $10.00 per child ages 4-12

PARENTS NAME:____________________________________________________________________

CHILD’S NAME:___________________________________________________AGE:_______________

EMERGENCY CONTACT: __________________________________PHONE:____________________

FOOD ALLERGIES:___________________________________________________________________

This is a fund raiser for Audience of One and will be held at the Underground youth room. We will serve hot dogs, chips & drinks for dinner.

Michelle Wilkins, michellewilkins1@yahoo.com 623-6668, Ext. 127

Audience Of One will host a babysitting fundraiser for parents on Valentines Day. You may complete the form and turn it in, along with your money, to Audience of One on 2/6/11 or 2/13/11 in the Christian Life Center.

Candy Poirier, outreach@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 117

In memory of Jim Tucker Lou Boyd John and Mary Hazzard Liz Stathakis David and Karen Perdue Bruce and Cindy Smith Joe and Gretta Kaufman Stuart and Kay Fleischner Bill and Roxanna Darnell Kristen Kaufman Carol Ann Henley Deenie Johnson Lois McMahan Jane Ann Copeland Wayne and Jane Ranson In memory of Randall Williams Bethy Kay Bell Edward and Gwendolyn Whyers Fred and Jane Arnold Mrs. Neil Bennett Stuart and Diana Perry Jerry and Carolyn Keedy In memory of John Payne Seekers Sunday School Class In memory of Barbara Tornquist’s brother-in-law Jerry and Daudet Schreurs In memory of Teresa Cornell Ronald and Patricia Muse In memory of William Yancey Marion Arndt Mary Ann Banzer Tripp Family In memory of Steve Gundy Alison Knight Carter

In memory of Patsy Farris Liz Stathakis Bob Carhart Clarence and Brenda Durand In memory of Rena Lou Elliott Liz Stathakis Bob Carhart Joe and Gretta Kaufman Tom and Anne Wallace In memory of Ricky Frizzell Bob Carhart In memory of Paul Ridgeway, nephew of Rev. John Miles Bob Carhart In memory of Mary Jo McCorkle, sister of Helen Wil-son Harold III, Dawn and Melody Duke Mary Humphreys In memory of Gaither Johnston Carolyn Elias In memory of Rev. Harold Barnett, father of Mike Barnett Carolyn Elias In memory of Hershell Bowman Carolyn Elias In memory of Charlie Mae Dunn Deenie Johnson Edna Fields Thomas and Beth Tuttass In memory of Greg Van Bebber, father of Dick Van Bebber Tom and Anne Wallace In memory of Larry Alderman’s brother Clarence and Brenda Durand

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Soul Food Café is open for business on Wednesday’s at 5:15pm followed by worship. This is a great way to fellowship and meet new friends. Pictured are Shirley Love (head chef), Cathy Lindsay and Jerri Roper. They serve once a month in the kitchen. We always have a great time in this ministry and if you would like to help, please call Candy Poirier at 623-6668 ext. 117 and we will sign you up!

SEVENTH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL COMING SOON!!

The Seventh Annual Chocolate Festival will be held Sunday, February 6,from 1-3 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel &Spa to benefit the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic. The clinic is one of FUMC’s local missions. Many local restaurants and organizations will be providing all kind of wonderful choco-late for you to sample and vote for your favorite. There will also be a silent auction with some fabulous items, including spa treatments, tools from Lowes, jewelry from various shops, art work, a progressive boat party on Lake Hamilton and many other items. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door. Advance tickets can be obtained from Bud Reeves, John Cren-shaw, Jane Randall, Ann Felsted or George Dooley.

Teresa Holt, disciple@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 116

NEW YOUNG ADULT SMALL GROUP TO BEGIN

We are in the process of organizing a new young adult small group to begin on Sunday, February 20th, 9:30 a.m., in the Christian Life Center Holy Grounds Café (#201). We will have a get together the Sunday evening before, February 13th, at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Clint and Britani Martin, 124 Bay Ridge Loop. Children are welcome and childcare is provided at the home. Over light refreshments, we will have a chance to get to know each other a little bit better. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact El-len Stiffler, team_stiffler@hotmail.com, or Britani Mar-tin, bteale20@hotmail.com.

“SOLO TOGETHER” INTERNET GROUP KIM CARTER- FACILITATOR

Are you are seeking a more intimate devotional life and small group to share it in, yet your scheduled life can’t seem to find the time to fit it in? This small group is for you! You interact online (in a blog format) to share with one another and utilize a devotional book (Solo – available in the church office for $12.00) that encourages praying the scriptures during the week. The group will meet once a month. If would like more information, contact Kim at 501-282-8883 or carter_kim@ymail.com.

NEW FRIENDS AND GREAT FOOD!!!

What more could anyone ask for? Come join the fun of our small group supper clubs! Each group consists of 8-12 people (singles/couples of all ages) who arrange to meet monthly for dinner at a time and date to be chosen by each group. You may choose to meet at someone's home and bring a dish or go out for the even-ing. This is a great way to make new acquaintances whether you have been around for years or have just come to FUMC recently. To register, fill out the form below and place in offering plate, or contact Julie Shaw at 901-508-0558 or jsdesigns@cablelynx.com; Teresa Holt 501-623-6668, ext.116 or disciple@fumchs.com; or register online at www.fumchotsprings.com – click on adults and

then affinity groups. Registration ends on February 13th and we will get together to meet our tablemates on February 20th, (NOTE NEW DATE) 6:00 p.m. (Location to be determined later)

Name (s) _______________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________________________________ E-Mail__________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, January 26 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class 10:00 a.m. Boundaries 11:00 a.m. Retired Old Men Eating Out– KJ’s Grill 3:30 p.m. W.A.K. and C.L.U.B. 4:30 p.m. Children’s Choirs 4:45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. Jubilation! Handbells Wednesday Night Youth 5:15 p.m. Soul Food Café 6:00 p.m. Living Prayer Worship 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Thursday, January 27 9:00 a.m. Disciple II A Heart Like His 5:00 p.m. A Heart Like His 5:30 p.m. Jesus in the Gospels 6:30 p.m. ConneXion Practice Friday, January 28 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class 5:30 p.m. Foundations SS Class Party-Underground Sunday, January 30 8:15 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

The ConneXion 10:45 a.m. Connect Groups 10:55 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Audience of One Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. Disciple I UMY-Underground Monday, January 31 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Companions in Christ 9:30 a.m. Intermediate/Beginning Handbells 11:00 a.m. Celebration Handbells 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 5:30 p.m. Wesley Ministry Network 6:00 p.m. Disciple I Divorce Care/Divorce Care 4 Kids Financial Peace Griefshare Boundaries Tuesday, February 1 9:00 a.m. Companions in Christ 1:30 p.m. Outreach Committee Meeting 5:30 p.m. Spanish Class UMW Night Circle 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training

THE NEW CARING PLACE SALE/AUCTION UPDATE

The Caring Place would like to extend a huge ―Thank You!‖ to all who have helped support The New Caring Place Sale/Auction. Since the beginning of Septem-ber 2010, we have generated a total of $7,554.85 from the auction/sale and dona-tions to the Caring Place Scholarship Fund! We have set a weekly goal of raising $1,000 and we are currently right on target, thanks to all of you! Spring time is right around the corner and we would like for you to remember The Caring Place Sale/Auction when cleaning out your closets, attics, and garages! Each and every dime is allocated to The Caring Place Scholarship Fund. In addition, for anyone who has lost a loved one in their family we will gladly come to the home and pick-up any articles they would like to donate to The Caring Place. If you are looking for ways to give back to your communi-ty, consider getting involved with The Caring Place Sale/Auction. We are in need of volunteers to help pick up items for sale and deliver them to Godbehere Auction Company. You may contact Ken Krabbe at 520-0343 or 622-9341.

Periodicals postage paid at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The First United Methodist Church Messenger

[USPS 198-840] is published bi-weekly by First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue,

Hot Springs, AR 71901. Subscriptions are 50 cents per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

www.fumchotsprings.org

(501) 623-6668 / FAX: (501) 623-2293

Editor - Donna Mory

SENIOR MINISTER………………….Dr.. William O. “Bud” Reeves brobud@fumchs.com ext. 100

EXECUTIVE MINISTER……………...Rev. Carl Ownbey cownbey@fumchs.com ext. 103

VISITATION MINISTER……………...Rev. John Polk johnsp@prodigy.net

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTER……….…..Rev. Teresa Holt disciple@fumchs.com ext. 116

OUTREACH MINISTRIES...………...Candy Poirier cpoirier@fumchs.com ext. 117

YOUTH MINISTRIES………………...Bill Skaggs billskaggsminister@gmail.com ext. 123

MUSIC MINISTRIES…………………Dr. Ron Hall rhall@fumchs.com ext. 118

……………………………………….Mike Lovelady mlovelady@fumchs.com ext. 107

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES…………..Michelle Wilkins cminister@fumchs.com ext. 127

PHYSICAL PLANT MANAGER……Tom McCarver tmccarver@fumchs.com ext. 112

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR………Lisa Humphreys lhumphreys@fumchs.com ext. 102

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT …...Cory Cox membership@fumchs.com ext. 105

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY .... Donna Mory churchsecretary@fumchs.com ext. 104

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER…Kalani Sarver cdc@fumchs.com 318-1377

THE CARING PLACE………………Lynn Reeves caring@cablelynx.com 623-2881

Listen to our 10:55 am service every week on F.M. Station 104.5 “The Bull”