THIS SUNDAY
January 10, 2021
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“Transformation in the Wilderness”
“When we are dry and thirsty,
God restores us”
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Facebook Live and YouTube
Rev. Roy Beth Kelley
“Wonder”
“Holy Spirit”
“Draw Me Close”
“Prepare The Way”
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Facebook Live, YouTube, and FM 96.7
Rev. Roy Beth Kelley
Anthem: “Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized”
Anthem: “Heavenly Light”
Keely Sattazahn, Gaye Mings,
Breck Cogswell, Soloists
Nancy W. Vernon, Organist
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If you would like to join our Online Campus, simply open the camera on your phone, hold it up to the QR code above, and then click the link that appears. It’s that easy! |
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On Monday, December 21, Carey, Abby, and I joined several dozen other people at the McClure amphitheater area to watch the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the twilight sky. (Including our own Jerry and Jane Hartfield--the church member sighting was about as exciting as the start sighting!) This sort of conjunction, which happens rarely, had not been visible in the night sky since the year 1226 C.E. I know I won’t live to see it again!
Astronomers and historians say this conjunction happened around 7 B.C.E. and possibly could have been a natural explanation of the Christmas star mentioned in Matthew 2:2. Because of this occurrence on the winter solstice, it has been dubbed the “Christmas Star,” even though it was planets coming together and not stars, which don’t perceptively move.
I don’t necessarily need a naturalistic explanation for the miracles of God, but it was impressive to see the conjunction, even with the naked eye. (We forgot our binoculars.) To think that something like this might have happened when Jesus was born gave me chill bumps that were not caused by the cool night air.
Of course, the Christmas star is associated with the visit of the Magi to the holy family--Joseph, Mary, and Jesus--as related in Matthew 2.
I guess the most impressive thing about the conjunction for me was the realization that we were seeing something that had last happened almost 800 years ago and that had happened around the time that Jesus was born. It just gave me a sense of the great providential care of our God, who created the universe, yet cares for every creature in it. In this year of death, disease and grief over the pandemic, economic hardships, political and racial unrest, hurricanes and fires, it is good to remember that 2020 was not the only year. There have been lots of years, and good or bad, God is still God--in control--and God’s creation and care are much bigger than any affliction we experience.
As we head into a New Year, that is a great hope to carry with us. For a few more months, we will be dealing with the pandemic. But it will end. (Please stay diligent and safe and do what you’re supposed to do, OK?) There is a new Administration about to be installed in our government, but I’ll bet we haven’t seen the last of political rancor. Racial justice has not been achieved. Natural disasters will come again in 2021.
But we are a people of hope, and we will move forward. We will continue to be creative in providing opportunities for you to engage in spiritual growth. Make use of them. We will continue to be engaged in mission to the community. You can support and join in the transformational ministry at First United Methodist Church. I don’t just predict that; I guarantee it!
The grand conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is over now. It will come again, but we won’t see it. But the Christmas season is not over. We still proclaim the Good News: God is with us! Jesus is the Savior in the manger. He will come again, too, and we will see him! So walk in the light, as the hymn says,
“I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world; the Star of my life is Jesus.”
(UM Hymnal #206)
Walk in the light, as He is the light, and 2021 will be a great year for you. Have a blessed and happy New Year!
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Senior Pastor
breeves@fsfumc.org
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Welcome, 2021! We have sky-high expectations for health, joy and hugs this year! But, I also hope that you have high expectations for your journey of faith. To help you set some goals and make a plan, FSFUMC is introducing new mission and vision statements as well as a plan to help you grow in your faith. Many would say they want to grow in their faith, but most do not have a plan for doing that. And as Yogi Berra said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.” Have you ever thought about your own personal mission as a person who follows Jesus? Have you ever made a plan to follow Jesus?
Near the end of his life, John Wesley, created his signet using three key words surrounding his initials. These three words summed up his life of faith: believe, love, obey. During January you will receive a faith journal which will help you to believe, love and obey God. This journal will become your personal plan for loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor, too (Luke 10:27). There are three areas of growth: 1. Believe is a pathway to faith and is loving God with our minds. 2. Love is a pathway to spiritual disciplines and is loving God with all our hearts and souls. 3. Obey is a pathway to serving and involves loving God with all our strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Depending on your personality, you may naturally gravitate more toward one of these areas. It may be natural for you to respond to God more by thinking or feeling or doing. This plan will help you to be well-rounded---to love God with all of who you are! There will be core steps that all Christians ought to do in all three areas. There will also be beginner steps and advanced steps. You can use the journal to think about where you are now and where you want to go.
Our relationship with God is the last thing we want to take for granted! Keep an eye out for the “Believe, Love, Obey” logo to pop up all around. Be watching for your journal. And you won’t want to miss the special sermon series beginning January 17, 2021. Our prayer is that in 2021 you and God will come up with a game plan that even Yogi would approve of. It’s time to get in the game! Happy 2021!
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Executive Associate Pastor
rbkelley@fsfumc.org
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BELIEVE, LOVE, OBEY EVENTS |
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You are invited to join in these events which coincide with the “Believe, Love, Obey” sermon series:
1/17 Coffee With the Pastors via zoom at 2 p.m. Meet the pastors, ask all your questions! Starbucks gift card is on us!
1/24 “Believe” Sunday is No Stress Next Step. This is a day to take the next step in your faith in a stress-free and safe way. If you want to be baptized, we will arrange for a time and way to safely get together. If you want to become a member of FSFUMC today is the day to do that online!
1/31 “Love” Sunday is Small Group Sunday. You can join a small group or sign up for Core Class called “What is the Bible?” taught via zoom by Rev. Bud Reeves or “The Basics Class” taught via zoom by Rev. Roy Beth Kelley.
2/7 “Obey” Sunday is Serve Sunday, and we will hold a virtual and socially distanced prayer day for medical personnel and those who are ill. We will gather at Mercy Hospital at 2 and Baptist Medical Center at 3 to hold up signs of encouragement and literally surround the patients and medical personnel with prayer.
Please email rbkelley@fsfumc.org to register or for more any information on any of these events.
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There are over 500 children in foster care in the Fort Smith area. FUMC Children’s Department has made it a mission to help in providing Christmas gifts for these children for several years now. Unsure of how Angel Tree would work for us this year, we decided to take only 30 wish lists, instead of our normal 50. Then, ALL of the lists were spoken for, so I called to see if we could get 10 more, then 5 more!! We received gifts and donations exceeding what we expected!! Thank you so much to all who participated in this mission, we truly thank you! The picture above shows only 2/3’s of what we were a part of! It is a wonderful thing to help others who live right here in our own community! |
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Interim Children’s Ministry Director
kdesoto@fsfumc.org
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The Season of Christmas fills us with love, joy, kindness and a spirit of hope. Just because the month of December has come and gone does not mean that we can’t continue to show that love and kindness for the other 11 months of the year. Isn’t it wonderful when someone does something kind for you? Something trivial or for no reason other than just because. We all know and love this feeling. What better way to show our love and share God’s love than participating in acts of kindness. As the new year begins, I would like to introduce you to what we will call The 12 Months of Loving. Each month we will participate in an act of kindness.
For the month of January, we would like to support and encourage our healthcare workers. They are tired!! Everyone can participate. No excuses! Here are just a few suggestions of things that you can do or you can come up with your own ideas.
1. Wear your mask and follow CDC guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19.
2. Donate blood.
3. Let healthcare workers know that they are appreciated and loved. Give them a shout-out on social media.
4. If you know a healthcare worker personally, offer to take them a meal or bring them a special treat!
5. Join us on Sunday, February 7, as we pray for our healthcare workers and patients at local hospitals. We are planning an online and socially distanced prayer event for Sunday, February 7. The in-person event will be in the parking lots of both hospitals, so watch this space for more details coming soon.
Each month we will have a new act of kindness. Service is a great way to stop thinking about ourselves and our circumstances and challenges. It’s a great way to develop our gratitude. Children and adults learn more about loving others and the importance of kindness when we participate in these acts of love.
Through the newsletter, facebook and announcements on Sunday we will communicate our upcoming project at the end of the month. I hope that you are as excited about this project as I am and that we as a united church can participate in acts of kindness together.
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the Giver.”
Barbera De Angelis
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Director of Adult Discipleship
ethames@fsfumc.org
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In my first semester back in school, one of the introductory courses I was enrolled in was designed, amongst other things, to help students establish a Rule of Life. A “Rule of Life” might sound legalistic, perhaps like a burdensome law we try to keep with white knuckles and inner-shame when we fail. A Rule of Life is actually meant to be the opposite. A Rule of Life is the daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly rhythms that are meant to liberate us for a sustained life with Christ.
A Rule of Life is like a trellis. What does a trellis do? It guides the vines with a structure that will help it to thrive and bear fruit as it was made to. Keeping a Rule of Life is similar because the spiritual disciplines that we practice guide us through our days so that we might “abide in the vine” (John 15), and in season, to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).
As we enter into a new year, the opportunity is ripe for reflection. What daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rhythms of unforced grace need to be present in your life so that you might thrive in Christ? What dreams has the Holy Spirit imprinted upon your heart, and how might you “plant the seeds” or “till the earth” for this calling to come alive?
I pray that God would give you a wholehearted desire to serve and love him, as well as his Creation this year. I look forward to joining alongside you in another year of ministry at our church and in our community. May the rhythms of our life make space for the presence of the God who is love! Amen.
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Director of Youth Ministries
mmings@fsfumc.org
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In St. John’s Tulsa Hospital:
Loss of Loved Ones and Friends:
- Donald E. Sudbrink—Father of David (Janice) Sudbrink, Gradfather of Sam (Mckenna) Sudbrink and Ben Sudbrink
- Weldon Odell Ramey—Father of Kriss Marshell and Grandfather of Ramey, Brooklyn, Jonathan, and Ashtyn Marshell
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Sunday, January 10
8:30 am Cornerstone Class, Zoom
9:30 am Believers Class, Zoom
9:30 am Connexion Worship, Facebook Live and YouTube
9:45 am Roundtable Class, Zoom
11:00 am Sanctuary Worship, Facebook Live, YouTube, and FM 96.7
5:30 pm First Youth, Zoom
Monday, January 11
2:00 pm Staff Meeting, Zoom
Wednesday, January 13
5:30 pm Evening Prayer, Facebook Live and YouTube
6:30 pm Club 56, Zoom
6:30 pm Chapel Class, Zoom
Thursday, January 14
7:00 pm College Ministry, Zoom
Friday, January 15
10:30 am Roundtable Class, Zoom
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Sunday, January 24th
No Stress Next Step. This is a day to take the next step in your faith in a stress-free and safe way. If you want to be baptized, we will arrange for a time and way to safely get together. If you want to become a member of FSFUMC today is the day to do that online!
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Sunday, January 31st
Small Group Sunday. You can join a small group or sign up for Core Class called “What is the Bible?” taught via zoom by Rev. Bud Reeves or “The Basics Class” taught via zoom by Rev. Roy Beth Kelley.
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Sunday, February 7th
Is Serve Sunday, and we will hold a virtual and socially distanced prayer day for medical personnel and those who are ill. We will gather at Mercy Hospital and at Baptist Medical Center to hold up signs of encouragement and literally surround the patients and medical personnel with prayer.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
We have an opportunity for a full-time program ministry to children and families. Successful candidate will have deep Christian faith and love for children, organizational and personal relation skills, drive and initiative to develop and grow a great children’s program. Dynamic downtown church in a great community. Full benefits and salary commensurate with experience.
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PART-TIME TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
We are seeking a part-time technical director to lead a technology team for Sunday morning worship. Approximately 6-8 hours/week, mostly on Sunday morning. Expertise and experience required in audio, video, and livestream production.
Inquiries or resumes to Trevor Hardcastle (thardcastle@fsfumc.org).
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In Memory of:
- Betty Stanfield by Mardell McClurkin, Linda Dickinson, James and Susan Blaydes, James and Barbara Saviers
- Bud and Joyce Cooksey by Chloe Kirksey, Fran Riddell
- Dick and Mildred Aclin by Mary Kay Aclin, Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Virginia Cowart by David Cowart and Family
- Warren Giss by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Brad Jessen by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Jane Williams by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Hershel McClurkin by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Gene Graham by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
- Annette Phillips by Mrs. Ruth Bartlett
In Honor of:
- Rev. Roy Beth Kelley by Janice and Bob Powell
- Rev. Bud Reeves by Janice and Bob Powell
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PASTOR ON CALL
M-F 8:30 AM-4:30 PM: (479) 782-5068
Weekends and Evenings: (479) 459-5060
When there is a hospitalization, a death in the family, or any other time you may need urgent pastoral care, we encourage you to use these numbers. The pastors rotate on-call responsibilities to assure that one of them is always accessible.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 N. 15th St. Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 782-5068 | fsfumc.org
Pastor on Call (479) 459-5060
Email: fsfumc@fsfumc.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:30AM-4:30PM
Closed for lunch 12:30PM-1:30PM
SUNDAY SERVICES
- 8:30AM Cornerstone and Roundtable Sunday School Class, Zoom
- 9:30AM Believers Sunday School Class, Zoom
- 9:30AM Connexion, Facebook Live and YouTube
- 11:00AM Sanctuary, Radio broadcast on 96.7 FM, Facebook Live, and YouTube
WEDNESDAY SERVICE
- 5:30PM Evening Prayer, Facebook Live, and YouTube
- 6:00PM Chapel Class, Zoom
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST NEWS published weekly except the last week of the year by First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. |
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