FUMC Pastor—Claire Clyburn The First Methogram Making ... · resume weekly meetings on Tuesday,...

SEPTEMBER 2019

“Every member a ‘Minister’”

SEPTEMBER 2019

FUMC-Graham—303 North Main Street Graham, NC 27253 336/226-4343

Pastor—Claire Clyburn

The First Methogram Making Disciples for Jesus Christ through Love and Service!

Dear Friends,

It hardly seems possible that I have been with you two months already! My ability to match names and

faces gets more assured with each day. Thank you again for all the ways you are inviting me to become a

part of your life and the fabric of this church and community.

I’m happy that 125 people participated in our Listening Sessions over about 3 weeks. I’m still putting

together all the results of the responses and will share those top results in the next newsletter. I will share

them first with the Administrative Council and invite their input into how we will incorporate those results

into our long-range planning. In those sessions, I asked 5 questions:

1. What does this church do well?

2. What is the biggest challenge/opportunity facing us in the next 12-24 months?

3. God works a miracle here! What do you see?

4. How has this church helped you to grow spiritually?

5. What do you hope I as the Pastor will do? What are you afraid that I as the Pastor will do?

In September, we begin to think toward 2020 from a variety of perspectives. The staff has begun planning

ways to Worship, Connect, Serve, and Give throughout the fall and into the new year. One of the ways we

begin to prepare is by securing servant leadership for the year ahead. In the United Methodist Church, our

work is done through several executive committees and many ministry teams. We invite you to consider

offering yourself for servant leadership in ways that line up with your ministry passions. There will soon be

a link on the homepage of our website and in the weekly E-News that will take you to a self-submit survey

allowing you to indicate areas of servant leadership that you’d like to be considered for in the coming year.

(Hard copies of a Spiritual Gifts survey, which will give you some idea of your unique giftedness, are

available from Brian Yoder. If you haven’t completed a spiritual gifts inventory recently, you are

encouraged to use this one to begin the process.) The Lay Leadership team begins its work in mid-

September by prayerfully considering the areas of need in our ministry leadership teams and those offering

themselves for leadership. We work with this idea in mind: “If servanthood is beneath you, leadership is

beyond you.” We particularly invite those new to our church to fill out the self-submit form so we can know

of your interest!

Discover the Journey is a six-week session offered for anyone who wants to know more about First United

Methodist Church. The sessions unpack how our church seeks to make disciples through worship,

connecting, serving, and giving. (See article on p. 2.)

In September, we launch a new sermon series called “God’s Messy Family” The series traces the

story of Abraham and Sarah and invites us to discover how our own messy families can be used by God to

bless the world. If you’ve ever felt that you are part of a messy family (and who hasn’t?), this series is for

you! “God’s Messy Family” launches September 8. Companion books are available for purchase for those

who would like to read more about this subject. (See article on p. 2.)

I am generally in the office Mondays-Thursdays unless I have meetings or pastoral responsibilities away

from campus. Those vary day by day and week by week. If you would like to schedule time with me for

conversation or coffee, feel free to contact me or Susan in the office to schedule time to visit.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Claire

“Every member a ‘Minister’” SEPTEMBER 2019

Worship

Diane Turner Barnes Gwen Hall Worth McPherson Mike Smith

Scott Bolin Betty Hardt Revonda Barnwell Mosher Susan Stapleton

Virgie Boyle Velma Hauser Heidi Newberry Janice Stutts

Gretchen Briggs Julia Howard Becky Payne Linda and Wayne Triesche

Jane Bryan Brenda Hudson Donna Peterson Clyde and Marie Ward

Priscilla Chrismon Elizabeth King Loby Phillips Max Way

James Church Carolyn Lapham Frances Price Charlie Whittemore

Nancy Clark Barbara Lowe James Ryan Vivian Williamson

Jackie England Betty May Mimi Saunders Sue Willson

Alma Euliss Pam McDonald Dale Smith Mary Young

In our Thoughts and Prayers

Please call the church office

(336/226-4343) with

changes.

Evangelism Message:

You know that I have not

hesitated to preach anything

that would be helpful to you

but have taught you publicly

and from house to house.

Acts 20: 20 NIV

Want to go deeper during Pastor Claire’s

fall sermon series beginning September 8? If so, then grab a

copy of Jacob Armstrong’s book

God’s Messy Family from the coffeeshop (Rm. 135) or from the

sanctuary breezeway for a

reduced cost of $10

Connect

Why Church? Why United Methodist?

Why First UMC Graham?

Beginning September 30, join Pastor Claire and Brian Yoder on Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm for a 6-week Discover the Journey small group. The sessions unpack how FUMC

Graham seeks to make disciples through worship, connecting, serving, and giving. This small group is for anyone at FUMC . . . whether you are new to the church, have just recently joined, or have been attending longer. Contact Brian ([email protected]) if you are interested. Childcare is available.

SEPTEMBER 2019


SEPTEMBER EVENTS

LOOKING AHEAD: Oct. 27—Trunk-or-Treat at FUMC

Youth Focus Issue for September 2019: Suicide

Bible verse for 2019-2020: “I’ve said these things to

you so that you will have peace in me. In the world

you have distress. But be encouraged! I have

conquered the world.”—John 16: 33

9.2 Hayden Fogleman

9.3 Gabrielle Vincent

9.3 Helen Rhew

9.4 Chris Fulkerson

9.4 Wanda Padgett

9.5 Sue Fenton

9.5 Bobby Johnson

9.5 Ray Johnson

9.6 Deanna Wyatt

9.6 Bruce Althouse

9.6 Britney Woodmansee

9.7 Brian Moore

9.7 Sandra Hartford

9.7 Charlotte Kerr

9.8 Evelyn Simons

9.8 Pat Dixon

9.8 Dick Streszoff

9.8 D. J. Rhew

9.9 Silas Albright

9.9 Donna Roach

9.10 Ruth Rudd

9.10 Kyle Cummings

9.11 Elvin Briggs

9.11 Andrea Rollins

9.11 Autumn O’Daniel

9.11 Leah Edmonds

9.12 Suzanne Brown

9.12 Patricia Walker

9.13 Mildred Huey

9.13 Carly Ray

9.14 Andrew Lambert

9.14 Becky Tate

9.14 Regan Jones

9.15 Jimmy Linens

9.15 Kevin Baker

9.15 Jamie Rollins

9.15 Michael Fabbri

9.16 Izzy Walker

9.17 Tommy Hayes

9.17 Marsha Jones

9.18 Traci Gant

9.18 Sheri Whitney

9.18 Sandy Dutson

9.19 Jerry Ferguson

9.19 Josh Woods

9.23 Melodie Allshouse

9.23 Toni Ennis

9.24 Clint Lloyd

9.24 Cindy Sharpe

9.24 Alex Brink

9.24 Earl Wood

9.25 Carolyn Barnes

9.25 Kelly Cummings

9.25 Courtney Hurt

9.26 Alma Euliss

9.26 Judy Hayes

9.26 Ed Funk

9.26 Cathy Saliga

9.27 Austin Wood

9.28 Margaret Hinshaw

9.29 Jerry Linens

9.30 Jerry Cummings

Please call the church office (336/226-4343) with changes.

Sun. 9 . 1 5-7pm Movie Night

(See article on p. 4)

Sun. 9 . 8 2-7pm

Churchwide Kickoff at

Camp Chestnut Ridge

(Youth help with games.

See article on p. 4.)

Sun. 9 . 15 5-

6:30pm

Youth Kick-off Party at

Ms. Jeanne’s house

(See article on p. 4.)

Sun. 9 . 22 5-

6:30pm Regular Meeting

Sun. 9. 2 2 10am-

1pm

Baked Potato Lunch

Fundraiser

(See article on p. 7.)

Sun. 9 . 22 5-

6:30pm Regular Meeting

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

YOUNG IN HEART MEETING, LUNCHEON, AND FUN DAY

Tuesday, September 3 11:30am

Stafford Hall Come and join us for our regular meeting, a luncheon catered by Marg ($10), and our

regular Adult Game Day following the luncheon.

FUMCG LADIES’

CROCHET

RESUMES!

After a summer

hiatus, Ladies'

Crochet night will

resume weekly

meetings on Tuesday,

September 3 at 7pm

at the home of

Jeanne Owen, 623 Johnson Avenue, Graham. All skill

levels are welcome! We invite new members for a fun

time of conversation and needlework.

New sessions of LIFE groups will launch in September. Look for a bulletin insert and articles in the weekly E-News for further information.

GROUPS


Celebrating all year! Happy 150

th Birthday

to United Methodist Women! United Methodist Women have seven avenues of mission giving: Pledge to Mission, World Thank Offering, Special Mission Recognition Pins, Gift to Mission Cards, Gift in Memory Cards, Penny and a Prayer, and Candle Burning. About 70% of mission-giving funds from members goes to programs and projects supporting women, children, and youth. Around 20-30% stays with the local district and conference organizations of United Methodist Women for local mission. Only 9% covers administrative costs.

This year, we celebrate 150 years of changing the lives of women, children, and youth worldwide!

First United Methodist Church has four active UMW circles, all of which meet on the first Monday of every month. We are one of the most active groups in this church! As most circles took a break from meeting over the summer and are starting back up this month, September is a great time to join a circle if you have been considering doing so. Contact the church office (336/226-4343) or visit our website http://fumcgraham-nc.org/connect/prayer-interest-groups for more information about UMW or if you would like to join one of our circles. You will be glad that you did!

Intergenerational Family Fall Kick-Off

Camp Chestnut Ridge

4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Road Efland, NC

Sunday, September 8 1-7pm

Contact Brian Yoder (919/428-1841)

if you would like to ride the church bus to/from Camp

Chestnut Ridge.

September 1 5-7pm.

• Parents should plan to come and fill out all forms and permission slips on arrival.

• Domino’s Pizza and drinks will be provided.. • Dessert donations are requested.

REFUGE Youth Kickoff Ms. Jeanne’s House

5-6:30pm

Come and bring a friend!

SEPTEMBER 2019


LIBRARY LOWDOWN FOR SEPTEMBER Pastor Claire’s Reading Questions

Pastor Claire recently answered some questions about her reading history and memo-rable books. What a great way to get to know a new friend! How many of her favor-ite titles have you read? How would you answer these questions?

Who was your favorite children's author? Pastor Claire: I loved the Nancy Drew mystery series!

Name a favorite children's book. Pastor Claire: On the Day You Were Born is a book I read often to my daughter when she was a toddler; it helped me name the unfathomable ways we are all tethered together in the universe.

As a middle school reader, would you have been more likely to choose a book from biography, science fiction, fantasy, nature and science, fiction, or history? Pastor Claire: I enjoyed science fiction; especially Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man collection of short stories. I still think that a story in that book about a group of children experiencing a short period of sunshine in an otherwise rainy world is one of the scariest things I’ve ever read.

Can you name a book you were assigned to read for school (that you might not oth-erwise have picked up) that you are glad to have read? If so, what and why? Pastor Claire: I placed out of spelling in 6th grade and so was sent to the library each day to read. My teacher suggested 1984 by George Orwell. I was probably a little young for the bigger themes in the book, but the dystopian future described in that novel haunted me for years, and I am still glad I read it then.

Can you name a book you were assigned to read that you hated? If so, what and why? Pastor Claire: The blessing of middle age is that some things fade away. I can’t remember hating a book.

What are you reading now? Pastor Claire: I always have at least one or two novels going, at least one or two books related to my work (ministry, biblical studies, current trends in Christianity, etc.), a cooking book, and one book of general knowledge. I love to read novels—mystery, southern fiction, historical fiction. For work, I’m reading The Kaleidoscope Leader, Dare to Lead, and Grace Will Lead Me Home. My general knowledge book is The Artful Universe by John Barrow. My cooking book is The Provencal Table. The mystery novel is Magpie Murders, but I’ll have finished that and one or two others by the time you read this. (It’s a mystery to me why I love to read mysteries!)

Who is your favorite author? Pastor Claire: I enjoy books by Gail Godwin, Jill McCorkle, J. K. Rowling, Ron Rash, Wiley Cash, and a host of others.

What was the last book you read for fun, for pleasure? Pastor Claire: Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt.

Name five titles that have influenced you the most. Pastor Claire: May I count the Harry Potter series as one? May I count the Chronicles of Narnia as another? A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Name the one book that has meant the most to you. Pastor Claire: I have found that different books mean the most to me at different times of my life.

What do you read daily? Pastor Claire: I read at least one hour a day; mostly fiction (bedtime reading). I read some blogs (occasionally).

What is the book you want to read next? Pastor Claire: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.

Have you published any articles or other writings? Pastor Claire: I have edited a book and contributed an article about the different ways people experienced a call to ministry. It’s called Here I Am, Lord. There used to be a journal called the Abingdon Preacher’s Annual, and I have a few sermons in those collections.

Are you planning any writing projects? Pastor Claire: What an inspiring thought! Not at this time, but perhaps one day.


Serve WATCH D.O.G.S. Are Here!

Watch out! WATCH D.O.G.S. are on duty at South Graham Elementary!

WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is an educational initiative that seeks to promote father involvement in the school day. Dads are

encouraged to come to school with their child for a day, offering an opportunity to observe and

participate in their child’s learning process. The presence of encouraging male role models is important for all students and sends a positive

message that education is important. Having dads on duty provides another set of eyes and ears to enhance school security and prevent bullying. For those students without a father figure in the home, male volunteers become surrogate dads for the day, offering a

wonderful opportunity to foster constructive male interaction.

WATCH D.O.G.S. is a national program started in 1998 with tremendous success across

the country. The United Methodist Church is encouraging this program as part of the C4C (Congregations for Children) initiative , and we were excited to bring this wonderful

program to south Graham during the 2018-2019 school year.

Our first year was a tremendous success, far exceeding our initial expectations. We had

an average of 105 fathers and children attend our pizza kick-off parties. Forty-seven men signed up to participate, and 30 men served as WATCH D.O.G.S. during the 2018-2019 school year, many of them volunteering for multiple days.

As we begin a new school year, we are seeking men in our congregation to become WATCH D.O.G.S. for a day. You can volunteer for as little as two hours or for one full school day.

Please contact Charlie Carrico at [email protected] if you would like more detailed information about how you can be involved in this ministry. Most of all, please pray for

the continued success of this fabulous part of our South Graham ministry efforts.

C4C.FUMCG@SouthGraham, making a difference for the children of our community!

MISSION SPOTLIGHT FOR SEPTEMBER:

Allied Churches of Alamance County

Starting last month, our Missions Committee began highlighting one of the many missions that your Faith Promise contributions support.

This month, we have selected Allied Churches of Alamance County. The mission of ACAC is to prevent and end homelessness and food insecurity through providing direct service and leadership in collaborative community efforts. Last year, Allied Churches was second only to UMCOR in Faith Promise contributions from our congregation.

Currently, we are not actively collecting food for Allied Churches, but If you would like to contribute to Allied Churches through your second-mile giving, make out your check to First United Methodist Church and write “Allied Churches” on the memo line. Your or your group (LIFE group, Sunday School class, youth group, etc.) may contact Allied Churches directly for volunteer opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 2019


Give Memorial AND HONOR gifts

In Memory of By

Kitti Heath Peggy Jenks

Sandra Hartford’s mother Peggy Jenks

Linda Boggs Donald and Penny Hardie

Anne Briggs Peggy Jenks

Anne Briggs David and Carol Steele

Anne Briggs Cynthia Bugg

Anne Briggs Don and Dot Lee

Anne Briggs Helen Euliss

Anne Briggs Charles and Camille Staton

Anne Briggs Cynthia Briggs

Anne Briggs Gail Nelson

Anne Briggs Bill and Fran Bryant

Anne Briggs Teresa Teague

Anne Briggs Julia Howard

Melvin Russell Don and Dot Lee

Melvin Russell Sherrie Moore

Carl McIntyre Don and Dot Lee

In Honor Of By

Roger and Marsha Jones Gretchen Briggs

UMW Mission Focuses for SEPTEMBER Crisis Center

NEEDS: 1. Toilet tissue 2. Paper towels 3. Plastic storage bags (quart & pint sizes)

The Board of Directors would like to thank all those who helped with the painting project for the PlaySchool classrooms 115, 118, and 120. The painting team included Roger Jones, Ray Dorsett, Trey Rice, John Harrod, David Easter, Martin

Perkey, Jason Woody, Reid Allshouse, and Brian Yoder. The Board of Directors appreciates all who share their time and talents to help maintain our facilities.

Baked Potato & Salad Luncheon

Funds raised will go directly to help support the annual youth

trip to Pilgrimage on November 8-10 in Fayetteville.

It’s a girl! You are invited to a Floating Baby Shower

Sunday, September 29 2-4pm

Church parlor (Rm. 104)

Please drop by for some cake and punch and to chat with soon-to-be parents Meagan Sisco and Jack Wilson.

Meagan is a staff member at FUMC, serving as Wiggler Worship leader for our Well service. Now they will have a wiggler of their own!

They have registered their new little one at Target, and they would also be grateful for Amazon gift cards.

Please direct any questions to hostesses Candice Harrod, Linda Fogleman, Elaine Caudill, and Marsha Jones.


The First Methogram—(USPS 715-740) Periodicals Postage Paid at Published Monthly by Graham, North Carolina 27253 First United Methodist Church 303 N. Main Street Graham, North Carolina 27253

WE THANK GOD FOR:

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: The Well Service 9am, Sunday School: 10am, Traditional Worship Service: 11am

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7am Men’s Breakfast

6pm Girl Scouts

2 Labor Day

Church Offices closed

2pm UMW Circle 3

3 11:30am Young In Heart Lunch-eon and Fun Day

7pm Boy Scotus

7pm Cub Scouts

7pm Crochet

4 6:30pm Handbells

7:30pm Choir

5 8:15am Thursday Prayer Breakfast

5:30 Exchange Club Project

6:30pm Girl Scouts

7pm Praise Team

6 9:30am Chrismon workshop

7

8 “Meet and

Greet”

2pm Fall Kickoff

6pm Girl Scouts

9 6pm Book Club #2

7pm Stewardship Leadership

10

7pm Board of Directors

7pm Boy Scouts

7pm Cub Scouts

7pm Crochet

11 9:30am Library Ministry Team

6:30 Handbells

7:30pm Choir



6:30pm Girl Scouts

7pm Pastor’s Book Club

7pm Praise Team

13

14

15 Newsletter Deadline

12noon Geek Squad

4pm Children’s Ministry

5pm First Place

6pm Girl Scouts

16 6pm Book Club #2

6:30pm Lay Leadership Committee

17 10am Jail Ministry Team

2pm Pastor’s Book Club

7pm Finance

7pm Boy Scouts

7pm Cub Scouts

7pm Crochet

18

6:30pm Handbells

7:30pm Choir


5:30pm Exchange Club Project

6:30pm Girl Scouts

7pm Staff Parish Relations

7pm Praise Team

20

21

22 5pm First Place

6pm Girl Scouts

23 6pm Book Club #2

24

7pm Stewardship Committee

7pm Cub Scouts

7pm Boy Scouts

7pm Crochet

25 9:30am Newsletter Volunteers

6:30pm Handbells

7:30pm Choir



6:30pm Girl Scouts

7pm Praise Team

27

28

3pm Girl Scout Ceremony

4pm Peak Worship

29 (Starting after Well Service) Youth Baked Potato Luncheon

2pm Baby Shower

5pm First Place

6pm Girl Scouts

30 6pm Book Club #2

6:30pm Missions Committee

7pm Discover the Journey

Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The First Methogram 303 N. Main Street Graham, North Carolina 27253

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