Newsletter - First United Methodist Church

THE BURNING BUSH
Vol. 23
February, 2015
Issue: 2
NEWSLETTER OF THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Pastor: Rev. Stan Adams
195 Huntsville Rd
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Mission Statement:
TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.
Vision Statement:
Email: esfumc@sbcglobal.net
www.eurekaspringsfumc.org
Office # 479-253-8987
Fax # 479-253-7968
Office Hours: Monday—Friday
8:30am—12:30pm
Reach out to people wherever they are and receive them as they are.
Relate people to God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Nurture and equip people for Christian discipleship, community and world.
Go out to be the church in the family, neighborhood,
As a reconciling congregation, we are committed to equality and full inclusion
in all aspects of The United Methodist Church for all persons, regardless of
race, gender, age, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation,
gender identity, nationality or economic status
WHY SING?
The Internet delivers many and varied answers:
Improves your mood
Strengthens the immune system
Gives satisfaction and happiness with life
A quick word study on variations of the word sing in the Bible reveals that there are more
than 500 favorable references to singing. Fifty of them are direct commands to sing to
God, including this rather emphatic one: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing
praises” (Ps 47:6). Obviously, God is not only concerned that we praise him, but that we sing our praises to him.
The longest book of the Bible, Psalms, is not primarily a book of history, teaching, or prophecy, but a book of poems
set to music. After Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, Moses doesn’t give an eloquent speech. He sings a song.
Exodus 15. Later on, David assigns Levite musicians to sing God’s praises day and night at the temple as part of
temple worship (1Ch 9:33; 15:19–22). This was all part of God’s design to surround his presence with singing.
In the New Testament, there are more than 20 references to music, and almost all of them have to do with singing.
We see Jesus and the disciples singing after their last Passover meal together. In Acts 16 we read of Paul and Silas,
bound in prison, exhausted after being stripped and beaten. Nevertheless, they are praying and singing hymns to
God while the other prisoners listen. In the book of Revelation, John treats us to inconceivable pictures of the
continuous singing that takes place around the throne—a song with such power, such persuasive beauty, that it is
eventually taken up by all creation (Rev 5). One theologian summed it up when he said the early church was birthed
in song. WWW.SoverignGraceMinistries.org
CHILI SUPPER
(BEST DEAL AROUND)
The United Methodist Women are sponsoring our 8th annual Chili Supper on Friday, February 13,
from 4:00-7:00 p.m. It will be held in our Fellowship Hall. Cost is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for ages 4-10,
and under age 3 are free.
Served in addition to the chili will be homemade pie and a choice of beverages
There will also be some special music.
The entire proceeds from this chili supper will be used for missions. Last year monetary gifts were presented to
Flint Street Food Pantry, People Helping People, ECHO, HOME (for homeless, by ECHO), Boy Scouts,
Jeremiah House and OARS.
Please support UMW’s efforts in helping others. This certainly represents The First United Methodist Church .
A very special thank you to all persons involved in this event, in any way.
Tickets can be purchased from UMW members or from Shirley Lykins, UMW Treasurer and ticket chairperson.
Just because it’s “Friday the 13”, don’t let that superstition keep you home. YOU ALL COME and BRING FRIENDS!
February Birthdays
1
2
3
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
21
22
24
25
27
Sara Helms
Aaron Bazan
Barrie Taylor
Kim Westphal
Marquis Jones
Marlene Coiner
Linda Ward
Mary Muller
Curtis Epley
Gerry Toler
Joe Luker
Ryan Grassel
Ross Marsh
Carol Myers
Sue Jones
Stan Adams
Abby Pieper
Shazda Pederson
Pete Hackley
Jean Schwarz
John Muller
Sara Knight
March Birthdays
1
4
6
7
8
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
20
23
24
25
27
31
George Kay
Griggs Covington
Edie Christians
Diane Jones
Jared Christians
Holly Freehling
Marge Stephenson
Frank Cook
Louie Knapp
Keith Westphal
Brett Dickens
Christopher Epley
Lindsay Folker
David Williams
Cary George
Patti Marler
Jennifer Holloway
Laura Covington
Carol Bronner
Connie Featherstone
Ashley Knapp
William James Ward
Linda Sprenger
Kaitlyn Kelley
FLINT STREET FOOD BANK
Just a reminder that every month is our time to
"feed the hungry" of our community. On the
third Sunday of each month, we gather your
donations and take them to the Flint Street
Food Bank.
They can use any non-perishable foods, but
especially canned beans (any variety), soups
(tomato, vegetable, chicken-noodle), oatmeal
(any size and variety), and tuna fish
(small cans). Your monetary donations are
also always welcomed .
Thank you for your continued generosity. We
are now adding a request for healthy snacks
that appeal to children to help combat
childhood hunger in Arkansas.
Patsy Brooks 479-253-8857
GRACE CIRCLE UMW
The meeting of United Methodist Women on January 8 resulted in a plan for the entire year of 2015.
Beginning in February, there will be only one meeting on the calendar each month where the program will alternate between Circle and UMW mission projects and planning. These monthly meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of
each month in the church library.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 17 at 1:00 PM in the church library will be chaired by Sherry Kerr, and Marjorie Stephenson will give the program and devotional.
Coming meetings: Ginni Miller, UMW program chairperson, will lead the program of Prayer and Self-Denial on March 17.
All women of the church are invited to attend and bring friends. More information to come by announcements, newsletters,
and telephone calls by Beth Short.
Next Big Event sponsored by UMW: The Annual Chili Supper in Fellowship Hall on Friday, February 13. Over the past
several years, these annual chili suppers have helped to raise over $7,000 for local missions. Don’t miss it!
Tell your friends!
The Carroll County AARP will be offering their Free Tax Aide Program again this year.
This program is intended to serve low-and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those
ages 60 and older. Membership in AARP is NOT required. Between 9am and 3pm.
Mondays: February 2 thru April 6. At: Freeman Heights Baptist Church,
522 W. Freeman Ave.
Berryville, Ar
Wednesdays and Thursdays: February 4 thru April 9. At: Holiday Island Community Church
188 Stateline Drive
Holiday Island, AR
Scouting News:
The Cubs had a very busy December. We all walked in the Eureka Springs Christmas parade. The
boys had fun doing that but probably not as much fun as they had at their Christmas Party that was
held in the beautiful fellowship hall at the church. The evening was full of games, good food and a
Court of Honor to recognize some of the work that the boys had done.
The new year is upon us and we usually focus on inside activities until the weather gets better. That
usually include getting our kids PREPARED for what life may throw at them. Our January meetings
include: "Readyman" for the Webelos which is kind of first aid training on a cub scout level. "Being
Ready" is the activity for Bears that helps them look around the home for hazards and be prepared in
case of fire or other dangers. Along that same line, the Tigers and Wolves went to the Eureka Springs
Police Department to get a tour and learn how our fine men in blue protect us each and every day.
February is a big month for us! We start working on the Pinewood Derby cars and get ready for our
Annual Blue and Gold banquet at the end of the month.
The Boy Scouts are out there too! In January the scouts went to Northark College in Harrison for a
day of classes to include Public Speaking, Communications, some Citizenship classes, First Aid
just to name a few. The older scouts have been putting in time getting ready for a winter campout and
competition with other scouts throughout the area the middle of February. We really look forward to
camping out in the middle of winter in nylon tents, and if we are lucky enough to have snow, well so
much the better! We will be having a “Scout Sunday” on February 8th, and I hope you all come and
meet all these great scouts and their families on this day.
Michael Boardman Cubmaster
Bruce Bieschke Scoutmaster
Can you read this?
Is this better?
How about this?
Isn’t this better?
Since some of our church family members are visually challenged (and that includes
me!) the Adult/Older Adult Ministries Team decided we had a need for larger print
hymnals and Bibles in our sanctuary. So using the funds from our benefactor, we
have purchased three larger print hymnals and three larger print Bibles.
After ordering the hymnals we became aware that they do not have the music, only
the words of each hymn. But at least we can read the words! And since the books
are the same size as our regular hymnals and Bibles we don’t want them to get “lost”
in the pews every week. They have been marked with a diagonal gold band on the
front upper right cover. You will find them each Sunday morning on the table in the
back of the sanctuary near the kitchen. Please feel free to pick one up or ask your
usher to retrieve one for you. We ask that you remember to return these books to the
back of the sanctuary as you exit following each service. That way they will be readily
available for every service and any person wanting to use them. Please feel free to
use and enjoy!
Peggy Way, A/OA Chair
First United Methodist Church
Pastor, Rev. Stan Adams
195 Huntsville RD
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479)253-8987
THE BURNING BUSH
The people of The United Methodist Church®
NIGHT INTO DAY
Have you ever stepped out into the end of night,
the moon slowing moving out of sight.
And if you should turn around, the beginning of
day can easily be found.
As the sun begins to rise, the new day is no longer
a surprise, sometimes the colors of the new day, is
enough to take your breath away.
The wonder of it makes one think, the power of
God will make the moon sink.
Replacing it with the dawn of a new day, that God
prevails with the many wonders to stay.
I would hope that each of us can view this
spectacle as God provides us with another of His
miracles.
Night into day is certainly quite stirring, and we
can again find our faith in Him forever enduring.
Just step out into the end of night.
What a wonderful and miraculous sight.
George Kay
We are appreciative of Beverly Beard’s work
of substituting for Marie while Marie is on a
one month leave. Thank you Bev.
Financial Information
Prayer Concerns
Jack Hause
Barrie Fedosa
Lois Cook
Sara Knight
Joe and Melva Luker in the death of Joe’s Mother, Zula
Broyles and the death of Melva’s sister.
Herta Nikolai in the death of her husband, Willi Nikolai.
Aaron Beckins, grandson of Dick and Carolyn Johnston
Our men and women in the service
as of January 25, 2015
January Goal:
$ 17,309
Month YTD Goal:
$ 17,309
January Contributions:
$12,262
Contributions to Date
$12,262
Building Fund Loan balance $ 135,091
Year to date collected $3,396
LIBRARY UPDATE
February, 2015
The library committee would like to thank the Adult/Older Adult Ministries for their generous
donation of eleven new books. These include :
Settling In: My First Year in a Retirement Community (248.85/Mor) by Richard Morgan---52
meditations and prayers to help make decisions about continuing care retirement
communities. Large print.
Forty-Sixty: A Study for Midlife Adults Who Want to Make a Difference (259.3/Gen) by Richard H.
Gentzler--- Identifies major issues faced as we move into midlife.
Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life: 7 Gateways to Spiritual Growth (248.85/Thi)
by Jane Thibault and Richard Morgan---A spiritual guide for individual or group exploration.
Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms (242.65/Buc) by Missy Buchanan--Encouragement to maintain an open dialogue with God. Large print.
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (242.65/Buc)
by Missy Buchanan---Devotions based on the real concerns of the elderly. Large print.
Joy Boosters: 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults (259.3/Buc) by Missy Buchanan---A pocket
guide of creative ideas .
Parents & Grandparents as Spiritual Guides: Nurturing Children of the Promise (248.8/Clo) by
Betty Cloyd---A practical guide to the spiritual mentoring of children.
Not Alone: Encouragement for Caregivers (242.4/Noo) by Nell Noonan---Daily devotions for
caregivers.
No Act of Love is Ever Wasted: The Spirituality of Caring for Persons with Dementia (259.42/Thi)
by Jane Thibault and Richard Morgan---A must read. Large print.
Wild Things: Poems of Grief and Love, Loss and Gratitude (811.6/Bon) by Roberta Bondi--Poetry and reflections to provide comfort through grieving.
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century (259.3/Gen) by Richard Gentzler---A guide for building a
ministry for older adults.
Also on display will be the first novel by Effie Leland Wilder. Out to Pasture (But Not Over the
Hill) (FIC/Wil) was written when she was eighty-five years young. Be prepared to laugh!
Please check out these books from the bookcase in the fellowship hall, but return them
to the library downstairs.
Your Library Committee
To our wonderful church family.
Thank you for your calls, cards and prayers. Special thanks to those of you who
served at the reception; Janet, Sue, Shirley and Suzanne. Loretta, your solo was
moving and beautifully sung. The voices of the choir sounded like angels.
Marie your organ music set the tone. Stan, as always, your words touched the
hearts of all. Many thanks, Joe and Melva Luker
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
REPORT OF MISSION GIVING 2014
A total of $ 1,048.82 was sent to the Northwest District for national and world missions. These offerings are sent through the Women’s Division channels in support of projects to especially aid women
and children across the nation and around the world. Here is a complete breakdown:
INCOME
Beginning Balance
Personal Pledges and Donations
Call to Prayer and Self-Denial
World Thank Offering
Miles of Pennies
Special Mission Recognition from Five Star Women
Unit Offerings (for local missions)
Circle Offerings (for local missions)
Chili Supper Fundraiser
UMW Northwest District Mission Project
Donation for sponsorship of Joseph Tenywah
Postage/Gifts for Joseph Tenywah
$160.72*
$620.00
$67.78
$170.19
$160.85
$50.00
$211.00
$246.41
$1,293.68
$30.00
$432.00
$543.00
TOTAL INCOME
$3,985.63
*This balance included funds needed to reimburse for postage and gifts for Joseph Tenywah.
EXPENSES
Unit Pledge to District
Call to Prayer and Self-Denial
World Thank Offering
Miles of Pennies
Camp Aldersgate
Special Mission Recognition Pins (1)
Gift in Memory (Sent to District) ( 1 )
Gift to Mission Cards (Sent to District)(1)
Program Books/Response Magazine
Mileage to District meetings
Mission U Scholarship and Mileage
Supplies for Chili Supper
UMW Northwest District Mission Project
Brighton Ridge Birthday Party
Graduation Gifts for Students
Sponsorship of Joseph Tenywah (Jan. –D ec. 2015)
Postage/Gifts for Joseph Tenywah
Local Missions
People Helping People
Flint Street Food Pantry
ECHO
HOME
Boy Scouts
Jeremiah House
OARS
TOTAL EXPENSES
Carryover to Next Year…………… $31.76
$500.00
$67.78
$170.19
$160.85
$100.00
$40.00
$5.00
$5.00
$36.50
$87.50
$255.00
$441.10
$30.00
$60.00
$60.00
$432.00
$602.95
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$100.00
$150.00
$150.00
$50.00
$3,953.87
Shirley Lykins, UMW Treasurer
Sun
FEBRUARAY
Mon
Tue
Each Sunday (More items listed on calendar)
8:15 am Choir Rehearsal
8:55 am Grace Immersion Class.
10:00 am Worship
Children’s Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Classes
5:30 –6:30pm Christian Conversation & Prayer
4
Wed
10:30-11:30am
Walking in the Spirit
3
5:30pm
Jubilee Ringers
11
2
6:30-8pm Youth theater
Fellowship hall
10
1
5:30-6:30
Christian Conversation &
Prayer
9
5:30pm
Jubilee Ringers
17
1pm UMW Grace Circle
(in library)
5:30pm
24
5:30pm
Jubilee Ringers
10:30-11:30am
Walking in the Spirit
25
10:30-11:30am
Walking in the Spirit
18
10:30-11:30am
Walking in the Spirit
8
Scout Sunday. Come
6:30-8pm Youth theater
meet the scouts at
Fellowship hall
morning worship
16
5:30-6:30
Christian Conversation &
Prayer
15
6:30-8pm Youth theater
Fellowship hall
10am Methodist Ministers
16:30-8pm Youth theater
Fellowship hall
23
5:30-6:30
Christian Conversation &
Prayer
22
5:30-6:30
Christian Conversation &
Prayer
5
12
Thu
ECHO clinic
19
26
ECHO clinic—
Our church provides
ECHO’s dinner
6
Fri
8:30 prayer group
9:00 fellowship coffee
10:30-11:30amWalking
in the Spirit
13
8:30 prayer group
9:00 fellowship coffee
10:30-11:30 Walking in
the Spirit
4-7 UMW annual Chili
Supper
20
8:30 prayer group
9:00 fellowship coffee
10:30-11:30 Walking in
the Spirit
27
8:30 prayer group
9:00 fellowship coffee
10:30-11:30 Walking in
the Spirit
7
14
21
28
Sat

Download Report