THE TIE The New Year - God's Year!! - Brevard First United Methodist ...
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First United Methodist Church
325 North Broad St.
Brevard, NC 28712
LATE JANUARY 2022
THE TIE
The New Year -- God's Year!!
Have you ever wondered where the month of January Of course, it wasn’t the same as before COVID. But we
gets its name? Probably not, huh? came together, and it was beautiful. A good reminder, too,
of how much we need each other as the Body of Christ.
It comes from Janus, a god in Roman mythology. He
was the god of “gates, doors, beginnings and endings.” The Spirit was definitely moving on those Sundays. Going
How fitting for the first month of the year. But there is into July we had made it back to 50 percent attendance in
something else about Janus that I find interesting. He is all three worship services. YAY! Then we had a surge hit
often depicted as having TWO FACES…hence, able to our county with the highest numbers we had seen. And we
look forward and backward at the same time! went back to masks for everyone (in keeping with our
desire to love and care for every person in our midst).
We kind of do that in a sense, too. At the beginning of a
new year, don’t we find ourselves looking ahead to new Ending the year, we are again back to 50 percent average
possibilities, while at the same time still looking back attendance for each service. That’s good. Although we
and dealing with “stuff” from the old year? don’t yet know what this new variant might mean for us.
More good news is that many are still worshiping with us on
It is inevitable. There are some things we cannot leave Facebook. In fact, altogether—in person and virtual—our
behind. Some we don’t want to. Some we just can’t average worship attendance is around 460! YAY, again!
“shake off” as much as we would like to. So, January is
kind of our month to look both ways. Two very bright spots came into focus for our church
midway through 2021, even though the challenges and
Okay, let’s review for a moment. How did you fare in frustrations continued to linger. One has to do with the
2021? Was it generally a good year…or at least an number of new folks who have come to our church, mostly
uneventful year? Was it a year you couldn’t wait to put since June (more on this at another
PAGEtime).
06 For the most
behind? For me, those are hard questions to answer. I part, these are folks that have recently moved to our
was very grateful to “leave” 2020 and actually had some community, and they come from different denominations.
high hopes for 2021. Announcements, Events,
and Updates
Second, is beginning a new visioning process for our
One of those was getting past COVID and getting PAGE 07made up the
church. I am so grateful to the folks who
ourselves back to in-person worship, which we finally Vision Team, and the hard work they put into those early
did in April. sessions to lay the foundation for all that is to come.
>>>
FOR MEMBERS & FRIENDS OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, BREVARD, NC
Now, the challenge is to get these thoughts and It is a calling and invitation made to each of us.
discussions out into the whole congregation Are you ready to be excited over what happens?
(despite the delays caused by COVID and other
stuff). You see, we want all of you to feel as excited I am not looking at last year anymore. I don’t want
as we are over what we see God doing with Brevard to be held back by the past. I am looking to now
First UMC. and this new year…to the new ground God is
preparing for us, and the new fruit that will spring
For these two reasons (new folks and a new vision),
forth. Will you join me in sowing the seed and
I am glad to say I am as excited about this new year
reaping the harvest? Will you commit to being
as I have ever been. The Spirit is moving, folks.
Christ’s people in love and service? Will you give
God is unveiling an amazing future.
yourself to Jesus to mold and make new? Will
But wait, God is not going to do it alone. Much of you?
what can happen is up to us as a congregation.
How much do we want it to happen? What are we Brothers and sisters in Christ, by God's grace,
willing to do to claim it? For instance, are we willing we are Brevard First United Methodist Church.
to open ourselves to God’s leading? Are we willing And the people said, “AMEN!!!”
to step up and step out in faith, to be passionate
about loving Christ and our church? Blessings to each,
Folks, this is Christ’s church—His Body—but He
has extended to us the invitation and privilege to be
His partners and, thus, to have ownership and
responsibility in making it what it can be.
LIBRARY NEWS
The Library welcomed Mrs. Marie (Miller)’s Sunday school class of 3-year-olds for a story time in
November. Mrs. Cherie (Tinsley) McGaha put out a nice book display including a board book, The
Story of Thanksgiving, which Mr. Frank (Eastman) read to the class. He was pretty rusty since his
last story hour was 30 years ago.
This story time gives us the chance to introduce our new collection of board books for younger
children. We now have about 25 books including good stories and nonfiction titles. One of our
newer ones is I’m Not a Scaredy-Cat by the popular author Max Lucado. These books are strong
and substantial and easy for preschool children to hold and love. They’re on the back of our shelf
of new books.
For you historical fiction lovers, you might like to check out Keith Parker and Leslie Parker
Borhaug’s new book, To Stand on Solid Ground, about early Brevard history. Several congregation
members have already given it positive reviews.
See you at the library.
P.S. Miracle of miracles, the little children’s chair didn’t break under Mr. Frank’s substantial
weight!
LET'S REMEMBER MR. FRANK in our prayers as he recovers in rehab after a
serious medical incident.
Sunday School for Adults
Sunday School meets from 9:45—10:45 am each Sunday in the lower level
(unless otherwise noted*)
Classes for children and youth also meet during this time.
Each of our classes provides a unique community that is seeking to know God and grow in faith together.
We hope you will explore these classes or speak to one of our ministry staff about beginning something new!
Welcome to FUMC Sunday School!
The Abiding Light Class is a Bible study class that uses the Bible and Standard Lesson Series as their primary
sources. It is led by long-time Sunday School teacher, Don Myracle, with an opportunity for sharing thoughts and
discussion. Topic for January: "The Source of Justice"
The Agape Class is a prayer and study group with a strong heart for outreach. They use both books and DVD
series featuring renowned leaders to guide their discussions. Their contact leaders are Debbie Yunker and Dan
& Kathy Hedberg, with shared leadership for planning and facilitating the class. They meet downstairs in the
Wesley Room. January: Continuing "Parables from the Backside" by J. Ellsworth Kalas
The Asbury Class* is back with interim guest leader, Nancy Loveland!
The class meets from 9:30-10:30 in the Asbury Room (upstairs in the Education Wing). This class uses
Cokesbury’s Adult Bible Study as their curriculum and is taught by Morris Davis, who is committed to returning
when things become a bit more stable. The class begins with with singing from the Cokesbury hymnal and
support for one another with prayer and encouragement. The January Lessons will be looking at "The Spiritual
Practice of Singing."
The Elective Class* meets in the chapel beginning at 9:30. This is a caring community with excellent leadership
that invites a wide variety of guest speakers, ministers, teachers, and leaders from our community, the college,
and around the world for lecture-style learning, experience, and growth. Their class leaders are John Decker and
Dan White.
Journey: An intentional, focused community—growing in faith, learning from the Word, building relationships
with God and each other. They are made up mostly of (but not limited to) parents with school age children and
they share leadership that is coordinated by class leaders, Shannon Allison and Brittany Whitmire. They meet
downstairs in the Journey classroom. January Series: "Christianity and the World's Religions" --Adam
Hamilton
Sisters is a class for women who seek to explore their spiritual journey together. The class leader is Anna
Galloway, a certified lay speaker and a counselor in the county schools. They involve themselves in study,
support of one another, and outreach in the community. They are coming back with a series of short term
studies to allow visitors to explore the group on a limited basis.
Special Friends* is a loving, spirited class for mentally challenged adults led by Dick and Judy Hargett. They
love to sing, share Bible stories, fellowship, and worship together. They meet on the upper level and often
attend worship together.
A New Class for young adults and families with young children has begun! Jim and Becky Alderman are
mentoring this group as they get started. We are excited about this new opportunity and hope it might be a place
for our younger adults to connect to their faith and our community! They meet in their classroom downstairs!
January: "Short Stories by Jesus" A video series with Amy-Jill Levine
Children's Ministry
"Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me." Luke 9:48
"Feed my lambs"
We celebrate the team of teachers that
has been assembled to lead our
children in Sunday School. Your gifts Acolyte Schedule
are a blessing to our ministry and January 16
witness. Thank you! Bible--Jane Futrelle
Childcare (Age 0-2) Team Preschool 3-4 Team Candle--TBA
Jessie Compton Julie Barnette Cross--Elizabeth Stroup
Janet Klepps Geoff Bishop
Diana Dezwaan Linda Gallo
Tori Brayman Marie Miller January 23
Bible--Everett Reeves
K-1st Grade Team 2nd-3rd Grade Team Candle--Miles Reeves
Faye Coan Mary Arnaudin
Amanda Lewis Katrina Cantler Cross--Knox Witherspoon
Nancy Stoutamire Diane Hodson
Twighla Voglesong Georgianna Ungaro
January 30
4th-5th Grade Team Support Team Bible--Maggie VonCanon
Marcy Heath Sarah Lee Myracle-Music Candle--Sarah Gray Monk
Mary Hunting Cherie McGaha-Library
Cross--Ruby Harris
Steve Hunting Kathy Arden-Attendance
Jane Wheeless
Joyful Noise Choir
Family ChristmasJoyful
Age 4 (as ofNoise ChoirEve
Sept 1, 2021)--2nd Worship
Grade
ecember 24 at 5:00pm
will resume with rehearsals
Join in the telling of the story of Jesus' birth.
on January 26th
We welcome allintochurch
(with plans to sing join us!
on February 13!)
Come join us as we
"make a joyful noise to the Lord!"
A Pe o p l e Ca l l e d O u t :
To E m body Christ, Manife s t i n g H i s N a t u r e ,
D e m o nstrating God’s Lo v e t o t h e W o r l d , and
Proc l aiming His Lordship o v e r a l l T h i n g s
I n t h e l a s t t w o a r t i c l e s , w e h a v e c o n s i d e r e d w h a t i t m eans to live our lives as a
c a l l e d o u t p e o p l e t h a t e m b o d i e s C h r i s t a n d m a n i f e s t s His nature in our lives, 24/7
and in the life of our church.
E m b o d y i n g C h r i s t a n d m a n i f e s t i n g H i s n a t u r e a r e lifelong endeavors,
i m p o s s i b l e o n o u r o w n i n i t i a t i v e a n d e f f o r t s , b u t d oable in concert and
c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h t h e g i f t o f t h e F a t h e r : t h e H o l y Spirit.
E m b o d i m e n t i s t h e r e a l i t y o f C h r i s t , n o t a s a c o n c ept or a doctrine;
M a n i f e s t i n g C h r i s t i s t h e r e v e a l i n g o f C h r i s t i n u s , the hope of glory!
T o d a y , w e w i l l l o o k a t w h a t i t m e a n s t o l i v e s o t h a t y ou and I are… demonstrating
G o d ’ s l o v e t o t h e w o r l d : t h o s e a r o u n d u s . W h e n y o u a nd I give a practical
e x h i b i t i o n a n d v i s u a l e x p l a n a t i o n o f G o d ' s l o v e f o r H i s world to our community and
into the world, it is demonstrating His love.
R e g g i e M c N e a l p u t s i t t h i s w a y : “ J e s u s i n v i t e s u s i n t o His life and clears a path for
u s t h r o u g h H i s p a s s i o n , s e c u r i n g t h e b e t t e r l i f e b y v a nquishing sin, death, and the
g r a v e . H i s w o r k o n t h e c r o s s a n d i n t h e r e s u r r e c t i o n g rant us full title to possess
t h e l i f e H e o f f e r s . I t ' s r e a l l i f e – l i f e a s G o d i n t e n d s . ” This kingdom perspective
f o c u s e s o n t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e f o r p e o p l e i n o u r c o m m unities – physical, economical,
s o c i a l , a s w e l l a s s p i r i t u a l . I n f a c t , t h e r e a l m i s s i o n o f the church is to demonstrate
t h e l o v e o f J e s u s – G o d ’ s l o v e – t o t h e w o r l d a r o u n d us.
F U M C s t a n d s a s a b e a c o n i n B r e v a r d a n d i n T r a n s y l vania County by demonstrating
G o d ' s l o v e a b r o a d t h r o u g h s e r v i c e t o t h o s e w h o a r e disadvantaged, the poor and
t h e n e e d y . I n 2 0 2 0 a n d j u s t b e f o r e C O V I D i n v a d e d , our church surveyed herself
r e g a r d i n g o u r c o m m i t m e n t t o s e r v i n g , b o t h i n s i d e t h e church and in our community.
T h e r e s u l t i n d i c a t e d t h a t a t h i r d o f t h o s e r e p o r t i n g w e re serving within the church
a n d t w o - t h i r d s w e r e s e r v i n g i n t h e c o m m u n i t y … T h a t is encouraging news! Of the
n e a r l y 1 8 , 0 0 0 h o u r s r e p o r t e d , t h e t o p f i v e a g e n c i e s cited were:
1. Transylvania Regional and County Schools
2. Habitat for Humanity
3. Sharing House
4. Bread of Life and
5. STEP WNC
B u t d o e s s e r v i c e c o m p l e t e o u r c a l l t o d e m o n s t r a t e G od’s love? As I see Jesus
s e r v i n g o t h e r s , H e a l w a y s p o i n t s t o H i s h e a v e n l y F a t her and calls them into an
e t e r n a l r e l a t i o n s h i p . A s w e m e n t o r a n d t u t o r , a s w e sort donated clothes, as we
p e e l p o t a t o e s f o r a g r a n d a n d w a r m s o u p , a s w e r e p air a leaking roof … a r e w e
p o i n t i n g t o J e s u s a n d c a l l i n g o t h e r s i n t o a n e t e r n a l, living and spirit-filled
r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h o u r h e a v e n l y F a t h e r t h r o u g h J e s us our Savior?
Blessings to you and your household,
PeterB
(Batchelder, peterbatchelder6745@gmail.com
Thank you!!!
Dear Staff and Ministry Teams of FUMC,
We want to express our many thanks for all you have Dear Friends,
done over the years to encourage and support Thank you so much for
our mom, Jane Hill. Thank you to: your participation in our
- Those who faithfully sent weekly bulletins and monthy
2001 Operation Christmas
newsletters--Mom was able to stay connected. Child project.
Those who coordinate radio & online broadcasts of
services--she enjoyed hearing and lately seeing We had a total of 67 boxes
the services. that were filled to the top
and ready to go to the next
- The Prayer Ministry for continued Prayer Grams that
were sent over the past 10 years. stop.
- The Prayer Shawl Ministry--for the beautiful red shawl
Think of these children and
they brought when dad died.
their families learning
about the life of Jesus and
- To the Stephen Ministers for continued support of our
mom in a way that was dear to our dad's heart.
feeling the love and joy
from a shoe box that YOU
- To the carollers who visited her home to spread holiday packed! Thank you
cheer.
for your participation
- And to all of you who visited, called, and prayed for and love!
Mom. She loved this church and serving with you
for many years. Lois Hughes
In Christ,
"Jane's Kids"
Harry, Lynda, & Marie
Sympathy & prayers
For the family of Lucy Parris who died on December 5, 2021.
For the family of Jane Hill who died on December 6, 2021.
For the family of Bob Berg who died on December 20, 2021
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…for their deeds shall follow them.”
(Revelation 14:13)
14th ANNIVERSARY OF THE
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Sunday, January 9th, marked the 14th
Anniversary of our church’s Prayer Shawl
Ministry.
We celebrated at all three worship
services on that Sunday. Again this year,
we asked those who received a Prayer
Shawl in the past to wear or bring them to
worship and join in the celebration. During
the past 14 years this group has knitted,
crocheted or woven, blessed and given
away approximately 1,235 Prayer Shawls.
We have also made and given nearly 600
hats and scarves to local charities and the
mission church in Willow, Alaska.
Prayer Shawls are given to church
members and non-church members who
are going through difficult times as
symbols of God’s love and the love and Does a Label Make a Difference?
caring of this church.
For years and years I have begun each day with a devotion
using The Upper Room and other sources like Daily
We have also given shawls to celebrate Guideposts and Jesus Calling. However, I recently have
happy life events. discovered that a “label” can certainly make a difference!
Guideposts publishes lots of books each autumn and this
This ministry group meets in the Chapel year one of them caught my eye. So I ordered one and
on the 2nd Monday of each month when it arrived in October I was amazed because the title
between 9:45 AM and 11:15 AM. MORNINGS WITH JESUS 2022, spoke to me in capital
letters. Now each morning as I open my eyes I don’t
simply have "my devotions.” Instead I can hardly wait to
have my “morning with Jesus!” To be honest I couldn’t
wait until 2022 to start daily reading this book. And I will
reread it again throughout 2022 as I continue to have my
“mornings with Jesus.”
I highly recommend that you relabel your devotions.
It makes them extra special and personal to consider
them instead as “mornings with Jesus’ with or without a
book so entitled! - Greta Wolfe
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE: January 27th.
Mailout: February 3rd.
Child-Family Council Instagram
Our church’s Child-Family Council has an Instagram account! Please follow us at
brevard_fumc_child_family to get information and updates on what’s going on in our
children’s ministries! If you prefer that your child’s photograph not be included in an
Instagram post please text or call Katrina Cantler:(828) 506-7607
January MELP Schedule
YOUTH
January 9th - Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
January 16th - No MELP
January 23th - Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian
January 30th - St. Philips Episcopal
LATE JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
16 Jim Boyd 22 Amber Williams 29 George Hensley
Olin Williams 23 Arlene Bowles 30 Edwin Arnaudin
17 Donald Brookshire 25 Larry Chapman Pat Woodyard
18 Parker Laughridge Jessie Dodson 31 John David Clark
19 Wanda Moser Twighla Voglesong Dick Hargett
Talyn Sotirakopulos 27 Miles Reeves Harper Hewitt
Erik Wahus 28 Howard Kisamore Charlene Tinsley
Glenn Weidner
Debbie Yunker
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
1 Dan Harris 10 Roberta Ashley 22 AJ Dawson
Jonlyn Parker Lynsy Folckomer 23 Rachel Ahrens
2 Edward Coye 1 1 J ames Davis Jay Coan
Frank Eastman Linda Hair Rachel Daniels
3 Paul Folckomer Julia Van Horn Jesse Phillips
Cambelle Healy Emmaline Wayne 24 Robert Eckert
John Phillips 1 3 Jason Epperson Paul Heidmann
Tom Shetler James Whitcomb Ashleigh Holder
Marie Miller
4 Melanie Booth-Butterfield 1 4 M i e k e B e n e p e Jennie Moser
Craig Burghardt
Eli Habel Pat Ream
15 Chris Dodson
5 Cindy Adams 25 Beth Keener
16 Damien LaForenza, II
Dee Campbell Tom Stroup
Marilyn Lockhart
Tinley Sotirakopulos 26 Jake Nissley
18 Kathy Arden 27 Peter Batchelder
Lei Williams Frank Wolf Sallie Harden
6 Mary Arnaudin 19 Priscilla Chamlee Jonathan Hatter
Larry Leininger Martha Jaye Johnson Ron Koelling
Michael Pratt 20 Mark Habel 28 Scott Baker
Michael Ream Randy Hoover Linda Epperson
Sam Reeves Shirley Rogers 29 Jean Woods
7 Barbara Gibson 21 James Furr
8 Gil Garner Al Strickland
9 Wayne Bowers
Lisa Folckomer
Pat Garner
Barry Jones
PLEASE BE MINDFUL! … LIGHTS OUT! DOORS LOCKED BEHIND YOU! THANK YOU!! Electronic Giving ARE YOU ON OUR
EMAIL DISTRIBUTION LIST?
Are any of your monthly bills Receive important worship information,
automatically drafted from your bad weather cancellations, death notices
checking account? The power bill? and more. Please send me an email with
The telephone bill? Your insurance your request: jlancaster@brevardfumc.org.
payment? You can use the same I will add you to the list.
easy, convenient form of giving for
Thank you! Jamie
your confidential contribution to
the church. You can make the
payment weekly, monthly, or
whenever you like. And, it is easy
to change or stop the payment TUESDAY
whenever you want.
PRAYER GROUP
If you are interested in joining
others who have opted for this meets in the
method of giving, call the financial
office for an authorization form.
Asbury Room
It’s never too late to sign up for at 11:00 AM
electronic-giving — for the general
budget and/or for designated each Tuesday.
offerings. Of course, you may still
use offering envelopes to make
We need prayer
additional offerings to the various warriors.
church ministries throughout the
year. Call the Finance Office. (883- No experience
9025, ext. 116)
necessary.
WELCOME NEW MEMBER!
BOB MEFFERT
6785 Rich Mountain Road
Cedar Mtn. NC 28718
Transfers from:Philadelphia UMC, Fort Mill, SC
Bob plays bass guitar for the 9:00 Praise Service.STEPPING UP IN 2022
Opportunities for Serving My Ch urch
T h o s e w h o f o l l o w C h r i s t a r e c a l l e d t o b e “ s h a r e r s o f t h e Go o d Ne w s . ” T h a t i s
t h e w a y t h e A p o s t l e P a u l p u t i t i n h i s l e t t e r t o t h e E p h e s i a n s (3 : 6 ). C e r t a i n l y ,
o n e o f t h e b e s t w a y s i s t o “ s h a r e ” o n e s e l f i n s e r v i c e; t o o f f e r o u r s e l v e s , o u r gi f t s
and graces, our time, and our hearts.
M o v i n g i n t o t h e n e w y e a r , s e v e r a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s a re a v a i l a b l e t o s e r v e o u r
church. These are:
___ Ushers and Greeters (8:30 & 10:55)
___ Lay Readers in Worship (8:30 & 10:55)
___ D r i v i n g t h e B u s f o r o u r f o l k s a t C o l l e g e W a l k ( 10 : 5 5 )
___ Facebook Broadcast Team (10:55 and other times)
___ Coffee Bar (Sunday mornings)
___ Handy-Person Duties around the Church
I n a d d i t i o n , t h e s e a r e t h e M i n i s t r y T e a m s w e a r e b u i l d i n g t o “d r e a m , ” p l a n a n d
help implement these important ministries:
___ H o s p i t a l i t y ( W e l c o m i n g a n d f o l l o w i n g u p w i t h “gu e s t s ”
___ Church Life & Fellowship
___ Congregational Care & Caring Ministries
___ Discipleship & Spiritual Life (Studies, Small Groups, Sunday School)
___ Worship & Music
___ Health & Wholeness
___ Communications & Social Media
___ Fresh Expressions (new worship experiences)
___ Creation Care
___ Mission Team
Also, there are numerous mission ministries in the community to which we can
direct you, including:
___ The Sharing House
___ Bread of Life
___ Habitat for Humanity
___ The Haven
___ Rise & Shine
___ The Children’s Place
___ Others, List:
Please return or email: Rev. Mike Holder (mholder@brevardfumc.org)
NAME: _______________________________________
EMAIL & PHONE _______________________________INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event of snow and/or ice, several church
officials will confer by telephone. If the roads
and sidewalks are deemed unsafe, we will
notify you of cancellations by way of TV
channels WLOS 13 and WYFF 4 at the earliest
possible time.
We will also send out an E-Blast regarding late
starts or cancellations. At all times we will Worship in January
practice SAFETY FIRST, and urge you not to
travel if the roads and walking areas are not
safe where you live. January 16 January 30
Second Sunday after Epiphany Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Call the church office if you would like to be 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
included on our email distribution list. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Luke 4:21-30
883-9025. John 2:1-11
Guest Preacher: Allie Williams
"Jesus' First Miracle!"
(2nd in series: "Who is Jesus?")
SUNDAY WORSHIP Rev. Mike Holder
8:30 AM Traditional Worship February 6
January 23
9:00 AM Praise Service Third Sunday after Epiphany Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1-8
10:55 AM Traditional Worship 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
Luke 5:1-11
Luke 4:14-21
Masks are required in "Jesus' First Teaching!"
"Jesus Calls!"
(series: "Who is Jesus?")
the building/worship. (3rd in series: "Who is Jesus?") Rev. Mike Holder
Rev. Mike HolderYou can also read
