Hello First Methodist,

Every day to us is Easter, with its Resurrection Song!

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK:

• Brunch in the Loft - NEW extended hours for EVERYONE!
• The Rise Adult Sunday School Class meets at this 9:00 this week.
• Kids Sunday Nights - Shanna could use some volunteers (sign up below)
• Youth - Middle and High School meeting at the AB Circle for a community service project from 6-7:30.
• Blood Drive - Monday, April 22nd
• WaveRunners Trip to Oriental - Tuesday, April 23rd

Resurrected Life!

During the season of Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus: Jesus came, Jesus died, and Jesus rose again - all for us - that we might have abundant and eternal life now and forever! Join us as we explore Romans 8 and see the power of the resurrection in our lives today.

Missions Month and Missions Marketplace April 28th

During the month of April we are sharing Missions Moments on Sunday mornings. This week Gwen Joyner and Jennifer Hill spotlighted the Ekklesia Apartment community. FMC supports this community located off Barbour Road in Morehead City of over 100 low income senior housing units with household items such as household cleaners, toilet tissue, Kleenex, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, shampoo, deodorants, hand cream, and hand sanitizer. Items can be donated in the basket in the Atrium. You can also volunteer your time on the property with storytelling, music, arts, and other talents. On April 28th, we will be hosting a Missions Marketplace where you can engage in opportunities to serve in various missions. The Missions Marketplace will be set up in the Loft after the 8:30 service and will continue throughout the morning and after the 11:00 service. Waylon will be serving a shop and browse breakfast.

Brunch in the Loft

April 21st from 9:45-11:45am

Gather in the Loft for brunch and enjoy fellowship with one another. We are expanding the hours to include Traditional and Rise worshippers. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, April 22nd from 9-3

Join us for the Red Cross Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, April 22nd from 9:00am - 3:00pm. If you are not able to donate, you can support the blood drive by baking snacks for our canteen table. Drop this off on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. Contact Pat Bell if you have any questions.

WaveRunners Trip to Oriental, NC

The WaveRunners will be traveling to Oriental, NC on Tuesday, April 23rd. We will meet in the Bridges Street parking lot at 9:00am. Lunch reservations are set for 12:00pm. We look forward to strolling the waterfront and enjoying a wonderful day of fellowship. Mark your calendar for our next adventure touring Beaufort on the Double Decker Bus on May 15th. 

Connections Class

Sunday, May 5th

Connecting to a community of faith can help us become more like Jesus and live a more abundant life. Connections is a one time class on Sunday, May 5th from 3:00-4:30 that will help you learn all about First Methodist as well as discover ways to connect through small groups, volunteer opportunities, and worship. You will get to explore the mission and belief of First Methodist as well as the structure of our administrative council. Come and meet our leadership team, explore our communication tools, and take a tour of our campus. Discover where you can connect at First Methodist to make an impact on our community and around the world. 

Service of One

Sunday, May 19th @ 10:30am

West Carteret High School Auditorium

One Lord. One Faith. One Church. Join us for a Service of One combining our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00am worship services. Free box lunches will be served in the cafeteria following the service. Register online or at the church office for a simple headcount for lunches. 

Operation Christmas Child

During the month of April we are collecting Small Stuffed Animals for Operation Christmas Child. Items are being collected in baskets located in the Atrium and the Rise Lobby. Near the end of the year we will be having a packing party to put together shoeboxes to share the love of Jesus around the world.

Global Methodist Church General Conference

At the NC GMC Annual Conference, Pastor Powell and Pastor Sarah were prayerfully selected as delegates to represent at the Convening General Conference for the Global Methodist Church in September. Continue to pray and lift up the General Conference in Costa Rica.

Shower for Pastor Sarah

Baby in Bloom! Today we showered Pastor Sarah and her baby girl with lots of love and cute, cute baby things. This precious little girl will be surrounded by a fabulous church family!

The Rise Adult Sunday School class meets in The Loft at 9:00am on Sunday mornings led by Cameron and Caleb Thornton. This is a brand new small group inviting new members to join.

SUNDAY NIGHTS - APRIL 21ST!

KIDS ON CAMPUS 5-6:30

MIDDLE AND HIGH YOUTH AT AB CIRCLE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT 6-7:30

Youth Ministry

Project MHC is a mission experience that is designed to be a mission trip experience without leaving our county. We will only be working a few short miles away from the church, but for many of our youth, they will be stepping into a world entirely different from their own. This is designed to be an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith while serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Youth who have completed grades 5-11 (Rising 6th-12th graders)

*Former participants in 12th grade and up are welcome to apply as counselors! Registration Fee - $175 (This cost goes to support the houses that we are working on by providing materials, tools, and more as well as providing for some meals and fun activities for the youth)

Volunteers!

We are recruiting volunteers to participate in Project MHC (Many Hands for Christ) and serve our church and community. Opportunities include small group leaders during the day or evening, small group transportation drivers, shower hosts, prayer partners, and lunch delivery drivers. Project MHC will take place on Monday, June 10th through Wednesday, June 12th. Click the link to serve!

Kids Ministry

Registration for KIDS is now open! Kids are diving deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Register your kids today!

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who would like to dive in and make this event a success. There are a variety of positions available, including class guides for children aged 3 to 5th grade, instructors for preschool and elementary games, art and story time, and those who can help with snacks and decorations. As a volunteer, you will play an important role in helping us create a fun and engaging environment for the children. To register, please visit our website or app and fill out the volunteer registration form. By registering online, we will have your contact information and be able to communicate important information with you. Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve!

Thank you so much for all your help this year. We are so thankful for all of you!

Dear Church Members,

Thank you so much for the meal you recently brought to Hospice House. It was enjoyed as always. Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Crystal Coast Hospice House

ALTAR FLOWERS

The Flowers on the Altar are dedicated to the glory of God and given in memory of Lura & Ted Garner by their family.

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Donations in honor or in memory of friends and church members are a thoughtful way to share with families that loved ones are special to you. First Methodist recently received gifts in memory of Andy Lloyd, Jerry Fischler, Ken Harris, Janice Clontz and Marge Lindsay.

Week of Apr 18 - 24

18 Pam Styron

18 Paige Strickland-Smith

20 Emily Smith

20 Garrett Newman

20 Trace Payne

21 Denny Lawrence

22 Justin Smith

23 Bo Fearing

24 Suzanne Miller

24 Aaron Whitmore

24 Dalton Newman

24 Ella Garner

24 Carter Gann

Please let us know if we do not have your birthday in our system. We don't want to miss anyone!

Adult Sunday School Classes

We are excited to welcome new members to our Adult Sunday School Classes! Classes are open throughout the year and meet at 9:45am on the second floor of the atrium building. To find the classes, simply use the stairs or elevator and follow the hallway to the office reception area. From there, take the hallway to the left and you will find the following Sunday school classes in the order listed below:

Classroom 1 - Faith and Life: Fletcher Poulk - Book of James

Classroom 2 - Jackie Eure Class: Lynne Miller, Janet Roberts, Joyce McCollum - 1 Peter

Classroom 3 - Buck Matthews Class: Rodney Kemp - Gospel of John

Classroom 4 - Stanley Harrell Class: Stanley Harrell - Purpose Driven Life

Large Conference Room - Bible Study Class: Thor & Kay Coole - Chronological Study of the Bible

We hope you will join us for a time of learning and fellowship!