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U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CLARKSBURG, WV

PERMIT #74

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 A.M. …… SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45 A.M. …… ALL ARE WELCOME!

F I R S T U N I T E D

M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

117 N. Second Street

Clarksburg, WV 26301

Phone: 304-623-3397

website: www.cfumc.org

E-mail: cfumc@citynet.net

FUMC Staff

Rev. Greg Godwin, Senior Pastor

Rev. Harry Jenkins, Associate Pastor

Don Gardner, Director of Music and Operations

Jocelyn Blackwell, Children’s Director

Ethan Rapking, Youth Director

Elizabeth Etnoyer, Pianist/Accompanist

Debby McCune, Secretary

John Greaver & Don Barickman, Custodians

O P E N H E A R T S . . . O P E N M I N D S . . . O P E N D O O R S

T H E P E O P L E O F T H E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H .

CL

AR

KS

BU

RG

FIR

ST

UN

ITE

D M

ETH

OD

IST

FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

T H E G R A P E V I N E

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

F R O M T H E

D E S K O F T H E

A S S O C .

P A S T O R

2

N E W S T U D I E S

F O R T H E F A L L 3

M U S I C &

W O R S H I P 4

U M B O O K O F

D I S C I P L I N E 5

V E S P E R S /

M O N A S T I C

M E A L /

R E T R E A T

6

R U M M A G E

S A L E /

M I S S I O N

P I C N I C / N E W

D I R E C T O R Y

7

S T E P H E N

M I N I S T R Y /

F U M C W O M E N

H O L Y

C O M M U N I O N /

N E W S L E T T E R

D E A D L I N E

8

M E E T I N G S /

B I R T H D A Y S /

U S H E R S /

V A N D R I V E R /

G R E E T E R S

9

C A N - D O K I D S /

B R E A K A W A Y

Y O U T H /

C H U R C H

P I C N I C

1 0

A U G U S T

C A L E N D A R

1 1

The Prophet Isaiah reminds us in 40:12

that God “has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the

heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a

balance?”

At the end of Chapter 40 we find these

familiar words of comfort: 28 Have you not known? Have you not

heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable. 29

He gives power to the faint,

and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the LORD shall

renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like

eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint. We all need times and places to renew our strength for our journey with Jesus. I pray you will find that place and time to renew your spirit along with your relationships with family and friends. Lisa and I have found a new place and family at First Clarksburg for renewal on our journey. We look forward to seeing you along the way.

Peace, Pastor Greg

The summer has passed quickly this year. It wasn’t a summer that was in our plans four months ago, however, we are very happy with the turn of events that has led us to Clarksburg. We are feeling more at home with each passing week.

Usually the summer is a time for many to go to the beach. Often in past

summers it has been so for our family too.

During the last year, I had a funeral where the family shared that their loved one found spiritual peace at the beach. Every year in their retirement, they would go to the beach and spend almost a month. Even in his struggles to fight cancer that eventually con-sumed his life, he found the ocean to be a place of God’s peace and a time of renewal. During my times of deployment over-seas, which was most of my time in the Marine Corps, I also found the ocean as a place of peace to renew my thoughts of home. Often while living in Herzliya Pituah, Israel, I would run on the beach in the evenings and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. No chaplain was deployed with us

and our setting didn’t allow many

opportunities for worship attendance. For me, the ocean was often a place

of spiritual renewal and a sense of connection to my family.

Page 2 T H E G R A P E V I N E

FROM THE DESK OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR-Rev. Harry Jenkins

Zip Lining in Paradise

The first time was last September in North Carolina. My grandson, Mathew, wanted to go zip

lining for his birthday. I wasn’t even sure what it was! “You mean someone puts you in a harness and you

go flying in the air attached only to a wire?” I didn’t want to let them know how scary this was to me. I am

afraid of heights. Yet I went and held on so tight I was bruised when I finished. They said the scenery was

beautiful but I was so paralyzed I didn’t notice. I just wanted it to be over with. Yet, I was so glad that I

spent the day with my family and at least made the effort.

Then Clarice and I take other members of our family to Hawaii this summer. Guess what my

granddaughter wants to do? You guessed it! She wants to go zip lining and the course is twice as long as

the one in N. C. “But you went with my cousin, Matthew and Uncle Matt”, she says. So we go. Only this

time my experience was entirely different. I was able to relax, let go of my fear, and not be so anxious about

being out of control. I trusted the line and the harness. But the best thing was being able to live and be at-

tentive to the present moment. It was exhilarating and I enjoyed every moment. The scenery was beauti-

ful—so lush, green, and exotic. The perceived danger and risk taking was now a non-issue.

We don’t have to go zip lining to know what it means to experience fear or being out of con-

trol. As a people of faith, we are invited to put aside our fears and trust a God who loves us and release our-

selves into His hands. Let’s enjoy the ride and take some risks! Where do you feel you need to do this in

your spiritual growth these days? Where do you think God is calling this church to put aside that which pre-

vents us from taking the next step on our spiritual journey together? Let’s not just “hold on”. God is calling

us to a new adventure. He will sustain us and give us what we need.

Welcome to Paradise!

Harry

Mon. 1— 6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee

Tues. 2- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal

Wed. 3— Set-up for Rummage Sale

5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45)

Thur. 4—9:00 am Rummage Sale (till 3:00 )

4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal

5:30 pm On the Way Home

7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Fri. 5— 9:00 am Rummage Sale (till 11:30)

***************************************************************

Sun. 7— 9:30 am Church School

10:45 am Celebration of Holy Communion

Children’s Church during worship

Tue. 9— 12:15 pm Monastic Meal

Wed. 10- 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45)

Thur. 11— NO Handbell / Chancel Choir

5:30 pm On the Way Home

6:00 pm Parish Picnic at Nutter Fort Park

***************************************************************

Sun. 14— 9:30 am Church School / Mission Meal

10:45 am Worship

Children’s Church during worship

Mon. 15–12:00 pm Feed My Sheep

5:00 pm Mission Picnic

Tue. 16- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal

5:00 pm Finance Committee

5:00 pm Outreach Committee

6:00 pm Church Council

Wed.17- 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45)

Thur.18– 12:00 pm FUMC Women

4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal

5:30 pm On the Way Home

7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

***************************************************************

Sun. 21— 9:30 am Church School

10:45 am Worship

Children’s Church during worship

Youth Cook-out

Tue. 23- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal

Wed. 24- 5:00 pm Trustees Meeting

5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45)

Thur.25- NO Handbell / Chancel Choir

5:30 pm On the Way Home

Fri. 26-Sat. 27 Retreat at Jackson’s Mill

*************************************************************

Sun. 28—9:30 am Church School

10:45 am Worship

Children’s Church during worship

5:00 pm Church Picnic -

(site to be determined)

Tue. 30- 12:15 pm Monastic Meal

Wed. 31- 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00)

6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45)

** Staff Meetings — every Wednesday @ 11:00 am ** NA Meetings — every Mon., Wed. & Thurs.

@ 7:00 pm ** AA Meetings — every Mon., Tues., & Wed.

@ 12 noon ; and Tues. at 7:30 pm All NA & AA meetings take place in the Library.

EVENTS LISTED BELOW ARE

OPEN TO EVERYBODY!

These announcements are your invitation to participate

in the mission & ministries of our church.

Questions? Contact Don Gardner at 304-623-3397.

Come and celebrate a new school year with us when we have our Back to School Bash!

Please see Jocelyn and Ethan for more Details!

In September, we will begin our schedule of lunch and activities.

Let’s get this new school year off to a great start!

Can-Do Kids N ews for Ch i l d ren & The i r Fami l i e s !

Page 10 T H E G R A P E V I N E

August Newsletter

It is about that time of the year again. August is the time that we all head back for another year of school.

Last year we had a cook-out in celebration of a new school year.

So on August 21st we are going to be doing the same thing.

So come out and celebrate a new school year.

B R E A K A W A Y Y O U T H !

If you have any questions or would like more information on BreakAway Youth,

you can contact Ethan Rapking at 304-677-9378 or

e-mail ethanarapking@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28th

5:00 P.M.

(site to be determined)

NEW STUDIES FOR THE FALL

I invite members of our congregation to prayerfully consider becoming

participants in one (or more) of the following group studies to begin this fall.

Rev. Harry Jenkins

==============================================================================

HALF TRUTHS by Adam Hamilton

Five Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning on September 11th.

This study explores popular sayings that may have a kernel of truth but are actually Christian clichés.

Session One: Everything happens for a reason.

Session Two: God helps those who help themselves

Session Three: God won’t give you more than you can handle.

Session Four: God said it; I believe it: that settles it.

Session Five: Love the sinner, hate the sin.

We will meet in the fellowship hall. Come and join us!

===============================================================

COVENANT BIBLE STUDY

COVENANT is an in-depth Bible study in which participants read and discuss the Bible together,

learning how to love God—and each other—better.

The study is for eight weeks at a time and if the interest continues will go for a total of twenty-four weeks. “Covenant represents a relationship — a living, breathing conversation. We invite you to join in it.

===============================================================================

THE BOOK OF MARK

This study will be three—seven-week sessions and will spiritually ground

this incredible Gospel into the lives of the participants.

===============================================================

CONTEMPLATIVE LIVING

Many mainline churches are drawn to the ancient, yet rediscovered spirituality found in contemplative

prayer and living. We will look at the six streams of spiritual formation written by Richard Foster and

also consider the writings of Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, and others.

=============================================================================

There will be a sign-up form in the August bulletins.

Please let Rev. Harry Jenkins know of your interest by checking the box (on the form) beside the offerings.

The last three suggestions will be evening groups.

If you know of anyone in the community that might be interested, please invite them.

Page 3 T H E G R A P E V I N E

muster the required number of voices on that holiday weekend, so I’ve rescheduled it for this Sunday in mid-August.

I love this gospel song! The first time I heard it was when performed by the Chanticleer Children’s Chorus, under Sarah Carr Parsons’ wonderful direction. I found an arrangement for four-part adult choir, and since then, our Chancel Choir has sung it on several occasions. I think you’ll like it, too!

Sunday, August 28

On Rev. Rick Sale’s last Sunday with us, our Chancel Choir was joined by a host of other musicians, including brass, bells, and percussion, to present the first hearing of the anthem I composed in his honor.

Well, some of you responded —- very diplomatically, I might report — that although you saw the lips of the choir moving, you really couldn’t hear the singing for all the other sound. Hmmm….

So, on this Sunday in August, we’ll repeat the anthem, this time with just singers and piano (and maybe a few bells). Rick’s selection of a text based upon Psalm 104 is one that deserves to be heard.

“O my soul, bless God!

GOD, my God, how great you are!Beautifully, gloriously robed,

Dressed in the light of the sun.

You made a chariot out of the clouds and took off on wind-wings.

What a wildly wonderful world, O God!”

Blessings to you,

Don Gardner

Sunday, August 7

On this first Sunday in August, all of our singers will join together as the First Church Family Choir to present, “Surely It Is God Who Saves Us”.

This familiar anthem is based on a text from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, and is a beloved song of praise.

“Make His deeds

known among the people;

see that they remember

that His name is exulted!

Sing the praises of the Lord

for He has done great things!”

Sunday, August 14

David Haas is a gifted and prolific writer of sacred music. Although he is best known within Catholic churches, his music is of such universal quality that many of us Protestants also rely on his engaging tunes & solid theological texts when selecting anthems.

“Alleluia! Our God Is Speaking” is one such song. The refrain employs a lively rhythmic drive; the verses contin-ue that mood, resulting in a wonderful anthem of praise!

HeartSong will also be on hand to enhance the morning’s musical offerings. They will sing a lovely song by Michael Hansen called “We Are Your Children”. Through this piece, we are reminded that, though we have failures and weaknesses, Your love and mercy prevail, and so, “we come to You.”

Sunday, August 21

The song for this Sunday, “Praise His Holy Name” was originally scheduled for July 3rd, Pastor Godwin’s first service with us. We were unable to

MUSIC AND WORSHIP IN AUGUST

Light and Life

“What

a

Wildly

Wonderful

World,

O God!

Page 4 T H E G R A P E V I N E Page 9 T H E G R A P E V I N E

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

08/01 Elby Diamond

08/01 Susie Wright

08/02 Kerstin Dodrill

08/03 Charlotte Sharpe

08/03 Tom Rogers

08/03 Arthur Pritt, Jr.

08/04 Kyle Gay

08/05 Valerie Blurton

08/05 Jennifer Gaston

08/05 Amanda Waldeck

08/06 Stephen Davisson

08/06 Evan Rogers

08/07 Sandra Brown

08/07 Daniel Rogers

08/08 Velma Reeves

08/08 Kristen Grega

08/08 Joseph Reinhart

08/09 Mary Childers

08/12 Christy Walls

08/13 Louise Thomas

08/13 Megan

Cunningham

08/14 Mike Smith

08/14 Karla Smith

08/14 George Skinner

08/16 Lisa Anderson

08/16 Robert Santiago

08/16 Adalay Grega

08/17 Bill Kirk

08/18 Kristin Burton

08/18 Leah Burnside

08/19 Louise Kovach

08/19 Rev. Rick Sale

08/19 Teresa Gouer

08/19 Michael Squires

08/19 Kayla Lantz

08/20 Greg Thomas

08/21 Dan Quance

08/21 Kolby Alonso

08/21 Jeff Waldeck

08/22 Bob Sayre

08/22 Cecil Maxwell

08/23 Linda Smith

08/23 Carrie Jo Barratt

08/23 Jonah Williams

08/23 Abrielle Mills

08/23 Rev. Harry Jenkins

08/24 Leslie Six

08/24 Robin Ayscue

08/25 Donna Williams

08/25 Tracy Keister

08/25 Gabe Rhodes

08/26 Frank McKinney

08/26 Duane Blackwell

08/26 Kolby Williams

08/27 Elizabeth Layton

08/27 Kelley Huss

08/27 Chelsea Faris

08/27 Rose Cole

08/28 Jeremy Brannon

08/29 Landyn Reppert

08/30 Adelle Thrush

08/31 Betty Goodwin

08/31 Jeanne Marsh

08/31 Ronna Righter

08/31 Reagan Jenkins

Happy Birthday to All!!

COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

JUST A

REMINDER …

Monday, August 1

6:00 pm SPRC Meeting

Tuesday, August 16

5:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting

5:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting

6:00 pm Church Council

WEDNESDAY, August 24

5:00 pm Trustees Meeting

PLEASE MAKE NOTE AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

======================================

If there are

corrections

or omissions,

please accept our

apologies,

and let us know.

Thank you

AUGUST USHERS

Ed Arnold, Harry Looker,

Jeff Spellman, John Cathell

AUGUST VAN DRIVER

Phil Ferber

GREETERS FOR AUGUST

7 narthex Jeanne & Mike Dyer

elevator Roxanne Panarella & Curt Diaz

14 narthex Tammy & Randy Matheny

elevator Judy Burns

21 narthex Judy Burns

elevator Jill & Mark Lilly

28 narthex Cathy Willison & Christy Fubio

elevator Diane Davis

Page 8 T H E G R A P E V I N E

STEPHEN MINISTRY … CARING MOMENTS

CRISIS CAN TURN YOUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN

When an event shakes up your world, you can either let it hurt you or help you. If you would like help

in turning a life crisis into an opportunity of growth and faith, a Stephen Minister is ready to take the

journey with you or with someone you know who is experiencing a crisis.

A Stephen Minister is : A highly trained lay volunteer

An exceptionally good listener

trained to provide confidentiality supervised quality care

A Special Christian Friend

readily available to offer God’s love through a Christian

caring relationship on a one-to-one basis.

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE THROUGH PEOPLE

You or those you know – family, friends, co-workers - do not have to go through the rough times alone!

Contact Referral Coordinator Cheryl Moorhead 304-677-9859 or Rev. Harry Jenkins 304-623-3397.

Thursday, August 18th at noon .

Jackie Ritter of Hope, Inc. will present the program.

Velma Reeves will serve as hostess.

ARTICLES for the

SEPTEMBER GRAPEVINE

need to be in the office by

Wednesday, August 10th.

THANK YOU!

Holy Communion will be served on the 1st Sunday (August 7th) at 10:45 a.m.

will meet on

Our United Methodist “Book of Discipline”

Page 5 T H E G R A P E V I N E

As United Methodists, we are guided primarily by two books: The Bible, and the UM Book of Discipline.

In the next few issues of The Grapevine, I will provide an overview of the Book of Discipline...its nature and purpose,

and its role in our understanding of what it means to be, in John Wesley’s terms, “The people called Methodist”.

Don Gardner

==========================================================================

EPISCOPAL GREETINGS from 2012 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE

To all people and pastors of United Methodism:

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 1:3

The Discipline of The United Methodist Church is the product of over 200 years of the General Conferences of the

denominations that now form The United Methodist Church.

The Discipline as the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, polity, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves remains constant. Each General Conference amends, perfects, clarifies, and adds its own contribution to the Discipline. We do not see the Discipline as sacrosanct or infallible, but we do consider it a document suitable to our heritage. It is the most current statement of how United Methodists agree to live their lives together. It reflects our understanding of the Church and articulates the mission of The United Methodist Church: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Discipline defines what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

This book of covenant sets forth the theological grounding of The United Methodist Church in biblical faith, and affirms that we go forward as “loyal heirs to all that [is] best in the Christian past.” It makes clear that The United Methodist Church is an inclusive society without regard to ethnic origin, economic condition, gender, age, or the disabilities of its constituents. It asserts that all who are baptized and confirmed are ministers of Jesus Christ. It affirms the conciliar principle and connectionalism as distinctive marks of United Methodist ecclesiology, makes clear the global character of the Church’s mission, and declares interdependence with other Christian bodies both in spirit and cooperation. It affirms with John Wesley that solitary religion is invalid and that Christ lays claim upon the whole life of those who accept him as Lord and Savior.

We therefore commend this Discipline to all in our constituency and to friends beyond our bounds who would seek to understand what it means to be a United Methodist. Communication is essential for understanding what the Church is and does. We expect the Discipline to be found in libraries of local churches, colleges, universities, and seminaries, as well as in the homes of ordained, diaconal, and licensed ministers and lay members of The United Methodist Church. We pray that it will enable all persons to celebrate God’s grace, exalt the meaning of faithful discipleship, align with the mission, and inspire on the part of many a deeper desire to be more effective witnesses for the Head of the Church, even Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Council of Bishops

Rosemarie Wenner, President Warner H. Brown, Jr., President Designate Robert E. Hayes, Jr., Secretary

— The Book of Discipline, 2012 © The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.

Page 6 T H E G R A P E V I N E

Fellowship Meal at 5:15 p.m. Vespers from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.

We have had a wonderful response to our new

program of mid-week worship and table fellowship!

Join us at 5:15 p.m.. for a home-cooked meal ($4 donation) in our church parlor.

From 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., an Evening Prayer service is offered.

Weather permitting, we may hold this outside.

Even if you don’t come for the meal, do come for the worship.

Sunday morning worship is still our primary service this Summer,

but if you can’t come on a Sunday, do get your weekly worship on a Wednesday.

Questions? Contact Don Gardner at dgardner55@yahoo.com or 304-623-3397.

THIS SUMMER — WEDNESDAY WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP MEAL

OVERNIGHT CHURCH RETREAT AT JACKSON’S MILL

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

Don has reserved Kanawha Cabin for an 24 hr. retreat in late August.

Cost per person will be $35.00 (includes 3 meals & dorm lodging)

We’ll meet here at First Church at 5:15 p.m., on Friday for dinner and orientation,

then head to the Mill.

Mark your calendars now! (More details coming in bulletin inserts….or contact Don Gardner).

MONASTIC MEALS

Every Tuesday —

Prepared meal ($3.00 each) in our parlor,

eaten in silence while scriptures and other sacred books are read.

12:15-12:45 p.m. Come earlier for silent meditation.

If you would like to attend, or to cook one of the meals, call Don at 623-3397.

Page 7 T H E G R A P E V I N E

OUTREACH INFORMATION

RUMMAGE SALE

Our next RUMMAGE SALE will be held on Thursday, August 4th, from

9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m., and on Friday, August 5th, from 9:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Set-up will be on Wednesday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m.

WE ARE IN NEED OF ITEMS FOR THE SALE!

You may bring them in anytime before August 3rd.

MISSION PICNIC

(Mission parking lot)

On Monday, August 15th at 5:00 p.m., we will be providing a picnic

in Glen Elk for the dinner patrons of the Clarksburg Mission and

other folks in the Glen Elk area. We need help with set-up, clean-up

and food donations. BUT our biggest need: YOUR attendance, First

Church, to reach out “beyond our walls” and plant some seeds. Come, be in fellowship with our neighbors in Glen

Elk and enjoy a picnic dinner and devotions.

Participation from our church family has been tremendous in the past!

Let’s hold up our reputation in the community as “The church who helps people.”

If you can help, please contact Cheryl Moorhead (677-9859), Liz Pigg (641-1212),

Tammy Matheny (476-2015 or Kim Floyd (641-3417).

NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

We want you to be a part of our new directory!

We’ll make it “in house” again, so all we ask is that you stop in the parlor

on one of the soon to be scheduled Sundays, to have your picture taken

and to fill out an updated “Family Information” form.

Simple as that! No schedules, no salespersons.

Watch your Sunday bulletins for more information.

We need YOU to make our directory complete!

There will be NOT be an

Outreach Committee

in August.