Digital Newsletter

October 8th - October 14th 2022

Join us for our October sermon series:

"LEGACY: Kingdom Minded - Eternity Focused"

October 9th

Traditional - Dr. Mike Pearson (preaching)

Modern - Owen Spencer (preaching)

October 16th

Children's Sunday @ 9am service

October 23rd

Traditional - Dr. Karl Stegall (preaching)

Special music from our youth choir @ 9am service

Modern - Jennifer Aughtman (preaching)

October 30th

Commitment Sunday - Consecrate 2023 pledge cards

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 9am (Sanctuary)

Our traditional worship service gathers at 9:00am every Sunday morning in the sanctuary. In our traditional service, you will experience rich fellowship, liturgy, wonderful hymns, and a relevant sermon. This service also offers a children's moment, chancel choir, and communion on the first Sunday of the month.

MODERN/CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 11am (Sanctuary)

Modern Worship is our contemporary worship experience that meets at 11:00am on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The service is aimed at creating an environment for all to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Here, you can expect a dynamic blend of Biblical teaching, modern worship music with a live band, and a casual, friendly environment.

Men's Sunday Morning Fellowship resumes - Sunday, October 9th @ 8am (Pratt Hall)

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Kick Off- October 9th

Sunday Night Oct 9th  - Study groups for children/youth and the moms' group will not meet due to Columbus Day weekend/fall break!

Children's Sabbath - October 16th @ 9am

All children's choirs will sing, and children will be speaking in the service.

Bible Club - October 16th @ 2:30 - 3:30m (Pratt Court)

Rise Against Hunger Serve Opportunity - October 16th @ 5-7 pm

This church-wide serve event is a great way for all ages to serve together as we put our faith into action to fight to help end global hunger. We will have a tailgate-style dinner in Pratt Hall (hotdogs and hamburgers provided) and ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share (+ serving utensils). There will be a halftime show in Pratt Hall as we swap the two serve teams in the gym. We can't wait to serve with you all!

Genesis Singers in traditional service - October 23rd @ 9am

Last night for The Chosen 2 & The Gospel of John Bible studies- October 26

2nd - 3rd Grade Choir in traditional service - October 30th @ 9am

Fall Festival - October 30th @ 4:00 - 6:00 pm (FUMC)

Operation Christmas Child packing event - November 6 @ 10am (Pratt Hall)

Bible Club - November 13 @ 3pm (Pratt Court)

Welcome Emersyn James McCain

On October 3rd, 2022, Chris and Jessy McCain welcomed their second little girl, Emersyn James McCain, into the world. Measuring 20” long and weighing 7lbs 13 oz, Emmie is already so loved.

BLESSING OF THE PETS @ FUMC!!

Last Sunday we had our Blessing of the Pets and it was AMAZING!

God, our Creator, we ask you to bless our pets with Your light and love. May our animal friends have good health, happy lives and always be protected and safe. Thank you for the pleasures, playfulness and sometimes the surprising humor our pets display. Thank you for their companionship and friendship. Thank you for the pure beauty of every animal - their form, color, texture, motion is all a work of art, and may we appreciate Your creation of this masterpiece.

We need numerous volunteers to serve at this wonderful outreach event! The areas that need to be covered are as follows:

• Set-up team (will set up tables and equipment in the packing space just prior to the event, approximately 4:00-5:00pm)
• Packing team (will work during the event to make sure each station stays supplied and the packing process runs smoothly; also this team will maintain the count of meals throughout the event)
• Tear-down team (will tear down all tables and equipment and work with RAH rep to make sure their truck is packed up and the packing room is cleared and clean)

Click on the link below to let us know of your interest in being a part of one of these vital serve teams to make our RAH event a success!

CANDY DONATIONS ARE NEEDED!!!!

Operation Christmas Child

We are excited to be doing things a little differently this year! Join us for a

church-wide packing party on November 6th during the Sunday School hour (10am-11am). There will be food, music and fun!

All Life Groups (any small group in the church) are invited to participate. Each group will commit to filling a certain amount of boxes (provided by the church) and will provide the supplies to fill the boxes at the event.

If you don’t belong to a Life Group, you can come in and pack on your own. We will have some supplies available for packing! Our goal is 500 shoeboxes this year, so we hope you will help us meet our goal!

If you would like to get more involved with OCC, please contact Stacey!

Genesis Singers Summer Choir Tour Envelope Fundraiser

This summer the Genesis Singers will be taking off again to spread God's love through song and they need your support! Help them reach their goal of $10,000 by donating to the Envelope Fundraiser. 

Two Ways to Give:

1. Grab an envelope from the church and fill it with the amount of money that you wish to donate. (Checks may be made out to FUMC with Genesis Singers in the memo line.)

2. Click the link below to give online. (Choose "Choir Tour Envelope Fundraiser" from the Fund menu.)

Thank you for supporting the Genesis Singers!!

S.A.S. is made up of seniors who wish to give a helping hand to other seniors who temporarily find themselves incapable of:

• doing household chores
• driving
• light yard work
• running errands

We are available to help healthy individuals who live alone or have no one to help them. If you are interested in serving or know someone who needs help, please call Chris Banks (334) 799-2453 or the church office (334) 365-5977 

Any ladies looking for a morning ladies Circle, next meeting will be Tues, Oct 11 at 10:00am in Wesley 102

SUNDAY NIGHTS @ FUMC

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) - SUNDAYS

Where: Choir Suite

When: 5:00-6:00pm

MOMS STUDY - Sundays @ 5PM (not meeting Oct.9 due to the holiday weekend)

(Wesley 102)

Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today with sections addressing:

• Lies about God
• Lies about Friendship
• Lies about the Future
• Lies about Myself 
• Lies about Boys
• And more!  



Lies Girls Believe is designed to help your daughter fully understand the Truth so she can live the way God meant for her to live—free!

A Mom’s Guide to Lies Girls Believe, the companion book to Lies Girls Believe is your tool to come alongside your daughter in the fight against the lies the world is telling her. The Mom’s Guide provides research, cultural trends, and case studies about the problems tween girls face, but also offers encouragement and biblical insight to empower you to talk with your daughter about God’s truth.

Sunday Night Youth - 6-7:30pm

All youth, grades 7th-12th, are invited to join us for a fun night of food and small groups! Following youth choir, come to the youth room for this exciting new aspect of youth ministry. Invite a friend!

(not meeting Oct 9 due to holiday weekend)

Sunday Nights @ 5pm

Wesley 104

Led by Mat and Christen Napp

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES

FALL BIBLE STUDY OPTIONS:

THE CHOSEN 2 BIBLE STUDY

"The Chosen" is a TV series that brings the story of Jesus and the Bible to life. Join one of our groups on a journey that will give new insight into the story and life of Jesus and inspire great conversation and fellowship. There are two fall meeting options at the church for all to consider:

• Monday Morning Group @ 10am, led by Karen Powell
• Wednesday Evening Group @ 6:15 pm led by Jessica and Eddie Gaston

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN BIBLE STUDY

This study is an examination of the themes in the gospel of John based on John 20:31, These words are written so that you may believe (or strengthen your belief) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. All are invited to attend.

Teacher: Cathy Latham

Wednesdays @ 6pm (Wesley 104)

IMPORTANT Church Discernment Process Update!

RESOURCES TO HELP WITH CHURCH DISCERNMENT

(supplied by our Church Council)

A note from Mike Renegar, Church Council Chair

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As we offer links for your viewing, please understand that we are not promoting or supporting one position over another. We are just offering opportunities for you to educate yourself.

In an effort to get viewpoints and feelings from congregational members, I have been reaching out for a sit-down, face-to-face discussions with many members. I hear from many members who are over 60 years of age and some that are between 45 and 60. The members that I have not heard from are those members who fall between the ages of 25 to 44 years of age. Whether single or married, I want the opportunity to listen to you and share with you. To set an appointment for the sharing time, please contact me by email at m.renegar@icloud.com or text/call me 334-315-1358. I look forward to our time together as we explore what is best for God’s church.

Resource #1:

As part of our educational process, the following is a list of 6 informative videos produced by the Good News Organization on the current division within the United Methodist Church:

The United Methodist Church is Divided and Dividing Click here to watch video #1.

Our differences regarding the Bible. Click here to watch video #2.

Our differences regarding Jesus. Click here to watch video #3.

Our differences regarding sexuality. Click here to watch video #4.

Why it’s time for traditionalists to leave. Click here to watch video #5.

Where should we go? Click here to watch video #6.

Resource #2:

If you are interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church, utilize the links below:

Resource #3:

Resource #4:

Click on the following links to listen to informative conversations on the future of the United Methodist Church:

Resource #5:

Resource #6:

Chart comparison of UMC vs.GMC vs. Free Methodist vs. Independent:

Resource #7:

Resource #7:

Resource #8:

School Backpack Ministry DONATIONS NEEDED!!

Early each school year, we begin the good work of collecting food items and packing and distributing backpacks to our local schools to help children and families who suffer from food insecurity. We are still collecting the much-needed food items that will fill these backpacks and serve to bless the families who receive them. We currently are providing these items to over 35 students.

We are running low on items and we need your help; if you feel called to donate it is greatly appreciated! We ask that you pick up a few of the items listed on our lunch & dinner list attached below. Please follow these guidelines when purchasing items:

• Items must be in individual servings.
• Items must be in original, sealed packaging.
• Any brand, any flavor – generic is great, too!
• PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES

Items can be dropped off at the church office during the week.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who has given food, cash or prayers to our ministry. May God Bless You!

Wednesday Night Cook and Serve Teams!

It has been two years since our teams were able to work and serve together in the kitchen due to Covid restrictions, and now we are getting back in the kitchen to cook and serve up some delicious Wednesday night meals for our church family. If you are interested in returning to or joining a team, please contact Luann Williams!

MUSIC MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Chancel (Adult) Choir Rehearsals

Wednesdays

6:30-8:00pm

Choir Suite

Children's Choir Rehearsals

Wednesdays @ 5:45pm

PreK-1st Grade: Wesley 102

2nd-3rd Grade: Wesley 203

4th-6th Grade: Sanctuary 203

Fifty Forward Singers' Rehearsals

Wednesdays

11:00am-12:00pm

Choir Suite

Handbell Choir Rehearsals

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30pm

Sanctuary 204

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir) Rehearsals

Sundays

Every Sunday @ 5pm (Choir room)

Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or by transferring your membership from another congregation. If it fits in your schedule, Pastors Tony or Chris would like to set up an appointment to meet with you; please email or call them at the church. They will also send you a membership form with general questions so we can get to know you better. There are two primary ways to join. Some prefer to walk forward and join the ministers at the altar rail during the closing song at either the modern or traditional service. Others have been introduced to the congregation in a brief video Q&A that is played in the modern service. 

Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Adults and youth older than 6th grade who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Children are considered preparatory members and their membership becomes official when they participate in confirmation class in the 6th grade. For more information or to set up a meeting with our ministers regarding membership, please contact the church office.

From the app, you can watch services live, get access to our digital newsletter, safely give your offerings to the church, check the full prayer list, read the Bible, and check on upcoming events and so much more! Right from your cell phone!

Download it today from Apple or Android app stores and type “First Methodist Prattville.” It only takes a few seconds, but will keep you better connected to all that is happening at the church whether at home or on the go!

Capital Improvement Project

Click on the link below or contact the office to make a gift and continue your partnership with God and the church to further the gospel of Jesus Christ for generations to come!

This fall there is a change to how we refer to our adult small groups and Sunday school classes. This ministry area is being rebranded to better communicate our desire to have adult groups where people can share their lives, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life. Life Groups will gather on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and throughout the week in church classrooms, homes, coffee shops, and other places where people love to connect. We encourage everyone to find a life group!

Sunday Mornings -

COLLEGE AND CAREER 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 206)

Starting late fall!

YOUNG ADULTS - Couples and Singles

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

A class for singles, couples, and young families in their 20's and 30's.

YAMS - Robyn and Stephen Davis  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)

A class for singles and couples in their 30s and 40s, this class studies topics relevant to life experiences. They invite all adults to join them as they learn and grow together.

JOURNEY - Dave Dageforde

(LOCATION: WESLEY 208)

This class, composed of single and married individuals in their 30s and 40s, focuses on finding Christ in all aspects of life. Dave Dageforde teaches this class and invites you to join the journey.

LIFE 101 CLASS - Wayne Lambert  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 207)

With a versatile group of singles and couples (30'-50's, this class studies social topics of today from a Christian perspective. Wayne Lambert teaches this class and uses contemporary resources to study God’s word in today’s world of challenges.

NEW AGAPE - Jennifer Humphrey, John Story, Brad Robbins (LOCATION: WESLEY 202) 

A melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and ideas forms the membership of this class. This discussion-based class has a strong emphasis on Church and Community Service. The doors of the class are always open to anyone who is seeking to begin a journey to a closer relationship with God.

JOHN WESLEY CLASS - Billy and Michelle Taylor  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 203)

A newer class for adults is the John Wesley class. Anyone who is not currently attending another class is invited to join them. They study different topics based on scripture for today’s world. They are taught by Billy Taylor.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS - Cathy Latham

(LOCATION: WESLEY 210)

The Friendship Class has a relaxed atmosphere made up mostly of empty nesters of all ages. The class format is discussion style and includes fun, fellowship, and friendship. Interactive studies focus on living the Christian life in today's world.

CARE AND SHARE CLASS - Susan Poteat  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 101)

This eclectic group of women meets to share concerns and care for each other through their studies which revolve around Biblical applications to the trials of life.

DAVID R. WHITE CLASS - Karen Powell 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 212)

The David R. White Sunday School Class was named for a former Methodist minister and member of this class. It is composed of singles and couples in their 50’s & 60’s. This class is informal with lots of discussion and participation. Topics are centered around current issues based on biblical scriptures with insights and thoughts of popular, present-day authors such as J. Ellsworth Kalas and James W. Moore.

POWELL FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Carol Risher 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104, ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM)

A mixed group of active retired (or soon to be retired) members who love learning of all types, but especially learning the Word. They share concerns, pray about and act on them, sing traditional hymns, and study the Bible. Leaders expand the prepared material with historical background and current relevance.

PAIRS AND SPARES/NEW ERA CLASS

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104)

Sunday Nights -

YOUNG ADULTS - Pastor Chris

(LOCATION: SANCTUARY 202)

This group meets at 6 pm on Sunday nights for fellowship, sometimes dinner, and growing together in faith.

MOMS STUDY

(LOCATON: WESLEY 102)

This group meets at 5 pm on Sunday nights. Today’s girls face a number of challenges we never dealt with at their age. From skyrocketing anxiety rates to bullying on social media, the Enemy’s lies are everywhere. Prepare your daughter for the difficult challenges she’ll face in the world today.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST PRATTVILLE

Church Family:

Sabrina McDaniel-Colburn, Ann Fuller, Mike Harris, Rev. Leonard & Carlyn Howell, Sandy Hudman, Frank Lamar, Marion Lewis, Betty Mashburn, Joan McCloskey, Louise Moody, Sonya Murphree, Bob Olson, Eddie Pope, Julie Price, (New prayer needs) Lanieya Page, Helen Yarbrough

Extended Family:

Jan Baker, Lorriene Benninger, Baker Brownell, Ben Calvert, Carol Carroll, Darlene Clark, Patricia Gartman, Luke Hall, Leighton Howe, Jonathan & Beverly Howell, Patricia Lee, Gail Keith, Kim Miers, Terrell Moorer, Deborah Sturdivant, Eunice Weihert (New prayer needs) Lily & Phoebe Ferguson, Patricia Hudman, Destiny Toney

Death: Joan Schulz - mother of David Schulz

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God and in honor of Vickie Tuvlin with love from her son, Jeremy Pyles.

Sanctuary Altar

Flower Calendar

THERE ARE SUNDAYS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH FOR YOU TO HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE!

Contact Freda Clark (freda@prattvillemethodist.org) or (334-365-5977) in the church office to reserve your date on the calendar for the upcoming weeks and months.

WEEK OF 10/2/2022

Worship Services (In-person & On-line): 419

Sunday School: 209

• Adult: 149
• Youth: 30
• Children: 30

2022 Operating Budget: $1,535,576

2022 Disbursements Year-to-Date: $711,457

2022 Received Year-to-Date: $696,221

*Financial update reflects month ending June 2022

Add the Instant Church Directory App Today!

Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download. Go to the App Store on your phone. Search for Instant Church Directory. Download the app. Sign in with your email address and create your own password (you don’t need an administrative password to access the directory). Anytime updates are made to the directory, they will update on your device too. In the app, you will be able to search for church members' photos, and can call, email and text right from the app! Please check your information on the app and make sure it is correct. If any of your contact info has changed, please call or text Carmen McCullough at 334.301.4641. The online directory is separate from the church database, so call Carmen with any edits/changes to your contact info, or if you would like to update your photo in our online directory.