THE TIE Thoughts About Prayer by a Humble Child of God - Brevard First United Methodist ...
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First United Methodist Church
325 North Broad St.
Brevard, NC 28712
MARCH 2022
THE TIE
Thoughts About Prayer by a Humble Child of God
submitted by Greta Wolfe
It seems that lately there is a big emphasis on the Then the next thing that happened that morn was
subject of prayer. Maybe it’s because we are living when I went to watch the TV service at the First
in such a time of toil and trouble. So we need to Presbyterian Church in Greenville as a “prelude” to
remember that the scriptures tell us to honor, watching our service on Facebook. Again, guess what
worship, praise and thank the Lord not because the sermon topic was? “Fresh Prayers for a New Year!"
He needs it, but because He deserves it – and WE That minister said that as we enter into prayer, we
NEED IT! This brought to mind the memory of the enter into the presence of God. (I guess I really hadn’t
day a friend asked me how I prayed and how to do thought about that aspect too much.) He also
it. I simply replied, “I just talk to God.” emphasized that there is no such thing as a “little”
prayer – it is an awesome, intimate, relationship with
Now – let me share the amazing parts of this story. God that could never be classified as “little."
When I got serious about this devotion,
I referred to recent printed devotions that The thought of no such thing as a little prayer took my
mentioned prayer and praying. It was on a breath away because I say little thank you prayers all
Saturday afternoon and I wrote down some ideas day long. For instance – thanks for a convenient
and notes. And went to bed that night thinking parking place, a needed item on a store shelf, the
about them. Then Sunday morning arrived and beauty of 11” of snow and/or a cloudless blue sky.
guess what the “Upper Room” devotion was about? I feel sometimes that I am not being reverent enough,
Yep – praying. A woman from Wisconsin was but I am just a humble child of God and I want Him
telling how she didn’t pray much until she had to know that I know He has gifted me with blessings
her children. Then the more she prayed, the more upon blessings, big and small – large and little.
she sensed God talking to her. PAGE 06
We all know that thankfully there are all kinds of
He answered prayers and sometimes she felt signs prayers. But sometimes it feels good to remember the
of his presence. She heard God urging her to do
Announcements, Events,
old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus." We sing
certain things and she thanked God for small
and Updates
that we are to take everything to God (that “friend”)
blessings and being with her each day. Her thought PAGE 07
in prayer. Nothing is too little or too big. Jesus wants
for the day was that she would talk to God as she to hear about it all. Thank you, Lord and Savior!!!
went about her daily tasks. Her prayers were her
talks with Jesus.
FOR MEMBERS & FRIENDS OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, BREVARD, NC
We Are A House of Prayer
“My house shall be called a house of prayer…”
(Matthew 21:13)
It is the Monday of Holy Week and Jesus made his way into the temple. What happened next
revealed a glimpse of the Jesus we are not used to seeing in the Gospels. Immediately, he was full
of righteous anger. Why? Because the money-changers and others were violating the sanctity of
God’s house.
Jesus wasn’t just angry. He was furious. He overturned tables and literally drove out all who were
selling and buying in the temple.
They were defiling the temple, but Jesus made it clear: “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”
Folks, Jesus wasn’t talking just about the temple. He was talking about the church, our church…and
among all the things we are called to be, here is where you and I meet God, and draw close to God.
And grow as His disciples. For it to happen, Jesus is saying that Brevard First Methodist is to be “a
house of prayer.”
What does that mean? It means first of all, we are a “praying people.” The church we are (and
trying to be) is undergirded by prayer. We pray for each other, for our leaders and pastors and
teachers, our musicians and servers, and for our church as a whole. We pray for God’s guidance and
vision, for tender love and care, and for the will and conviction to put our faith into action.
Second, it means that our prayers are directed to our community and the world, for the welfare of
the poor and needy, and those who mourn or have lost hope, and for God’s Kingdom to come.
Thus, the church as the Body of Christ is meant to be a “house of prayer.”
Moving through many months of a visioning process, participants of different ages and groups
were given the opportunity to list their perceived needs and desires—both for themselves and for
their church. This has turned out to be a gratifying outcome for our leaders and for me. Can you
guess what the most repeated desire from respondents has been? Listen to this—it is the desire to
develop a vital and satisfying prayer life!”
I say amen to that! You see, even before starting the “process of visioning,” the planning team
knew that prayer had to be at the center of moving forward. Not as an “add on,” not as a “rubber
stamp,” but as the key that opened the door to a bright Spirit-led future.
It is also why we are planning a Prayer Seminar on Sunday afternoon, 2/27, (thanks to Brenda
Whitcomb and others). And why, too, we will continue to offer future opportunities to experience
different forms and exercises in praying.
What we know from the early Christians (Acts 2) and countless vital churches today is that a
thriving “house of prayer” will impact individual lives, neighborhoods, and cities; it will yield unity,
mercy, and salvation; and it will be an oasis of hope and reconciliation.
As Greta Wolfe, our dear sister in Christ, said in her beautiful devotion about the old hymn, “What a
Friend We Have in Jesus,” let us “take everything to God in prayer.”
In the love of Christ,
Leadership Council, Fred Cantler
Staff Parish Relations, Becky Alderman
Mike Holder, Sr. Pastor
January 31, 2022
Dear Fred, Becky, Pastor Mike, and congregation,
This letter is to announce my retirement and inform you of my last
day of employment at First United Methodist Church, being
March 30, 2022.
Words cannot express the importance and meaningful experience of working at
FUMC for 20 years. The joy and satisfaction received by working in this place could
not be replaced. The support from the staff and leadership has been appreciated.
While I look forward to retirement, I will miss being part of “the team” and serving the
congregation. I trust the friendships I have developed here will last for many years.
I will be happy to provide whatever assistance I can for a smooth transition to my
successor.
I have always said “you have been and you are my people,” and you are. I love this
congregation.
Thank you for taking the chance on me and hiring me. It has been a beautiful,
wonderful ride.
Gratefully,
Jamie Lancaster
SPRING IS ALMOST HERE! SAVE THE DATE...
Daylight Savings Time A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE
begins on March 13th!
Jamie Lancaster's 20 years
Remember to set your clocks
of service as Administrative Assistant on
AHEAD
one hour Sunday, March 27th after the 10:55
before retiring on service. Mark your calendar!
March 12th. More details forthcoming!
Prayer Seminar
Wednesday Night Souper Suppers are Resuming
On Wednesday, March 2nd, we will begin gathering as a church community for weekly meals. With
COVID numbers on a downward trend, this will be a great way to return to fellowship together.
Meals will be ready at 5:30 PM. Chef Mark Dragon from the Candler area will be our cook. We have
sampled his food, and it is delicious! He has promised to prepare family-friendly meals with
attention to gluten and vegetarian needs.
Pricing will be: Age 13 and older = $10/meal♦ Children (6-12 years) = $6
♦
Children (0-5 years) = free Family rate (for 3 or more) = $25
We realize some of you may not be ready to return to group gatherings; so, we encourage you to
Sunday, February 27th
make reservations for “to-go” boxes that will be ready at 5:30 for pick-up. Reservations are
required for everyone and must be made by 10:00 AM on Mondays before the Wednesday Supper.
3:00-4:30
Menu for March 2nd: Meatball Lasagna PM
♦ Vegetarian Lasagna ♦ Green Beans or Succotash
Garlic/Plain French Bread ♦ Banana Pudding ♦ Iced Tea, Water & Lemonade
Please make your reservations for dining-in and for “to-go” boxes by
completing the pew card and dropping it in the offering plates at the
entrance to the sanctuary or e-mail or call in to Jamie at
jlancaster@brevardfumc.org or 828-883-9025 BY 10:00 AM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28th.
Hope to see you there!!! We do need volunteers to assist with service
and clean-up so please contact Jane Wheeless if you are willing to help.
We hope to have enough helpers so that you would only assist a couple of times a month.
Jane Wheeless, Chair of Church Life Ministry (ph # 828-384-1211)
GREAT DAY OF SERVICE FOR FUMC
Mark your calendars!!
On Saturday, March 19th from
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, we will be working on the outside of our
church facility and grounds. Bring rakes, shovels (we will have
mulch), tree loppers, wheelbarrows and anything else you
think will be useful to clean and spruce up our church. Subway
lunch boxes and beverages will be provided.
Please sign up and indicate if you want to reserve a box
lunch. A sign up sheet will be in the Welcome Center starting
March 7th or you can contact the church office to
place your reservation.
A People Called Out
“...the church has only this task: to embody Christ, to manifest His nature,
to demonstrate God’s love to the world, and to proclaim His Lordship over
all things.” a quote by Manfred Haller in his book, Christ as All in All
as cited by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch in their book, Re Jesus.
A wee question to you as we enter the last discussion of what it means to be a people
called out. Do we – you and I – proclaim God’s Lordship over all things: … as neighbors, in
our workplaces, in our homes and communities, and in our church?
I have mused, meditated, read, Googled, prayed and sought to understand if I, as a
Christ-follower and a member of His church, do truly live to complete the task cited as the
only task of the church. I am overwhelmingly convinced and persuaded that if my life is to
be marked as embodying Christ, manifesting His nature, demonstrating His love and
proclaiming His Lordship, then prayer must hold the paramount and commanding place in
my life. My DNA must be P-R-A-Y. It is only with a strong prayer life, a constant
conversation with Jesus, that I can stand a chance of approaching this task and His
eternal purpose(s). I must lose myself in Jesus.
Prayer must hold the paramount and commanding place in our lives;
the letters of our DNA must be P-R-A-Y.
In the Scriptures, the expression to “call on the name of the Lord” does not only mean to
call oneself a Christ-follower and to claim His promises. It can also mean to proclaim
God’s name; that is, to be prayerful witnesses to others about the Lord and what He has
done for the world. Abraham built altars and proclaimed God’s name in the land of Canaan
(Gen. 12:8). To Moses on Mount Sinai, God proclaimed His goodness and grace.
(Exod. 33:19, 34:5).
The psalmist calls on the faithful to give thanks to God and call on His name by making
known to the nations what He has done (Ps. 105:1). Thus, to proclaim the Lord’s name
means both to be messengers of the good news that God still rules the world, and also to
call on the people of the world to view everything in the context of God’s deeds and
character.
And the answer is … only by being prayerful witnesses of the Lord
and what He has done for the world, can we proclaim His Lordship.
A constant work-in-process for me … and how say you?
Blessings,
Rev. Peter Batchelder
WL PROJECT
EMPTY BO
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Mark your calendars!
More details forthcoming.
APRIL NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE: March 18th.
Mailout: March 23rd.
Older Adult
Lunch Bunch!
Wednesday,
March 9th at 12:30 pm.
(12:30 time = Easier
parking because
preschool pick-up
traffic has cleared.)
Need a ride? Call
Kerry @ 828-553-7224.
Children's Ministry
"Whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me." Luke 9:48
Check out our Instagram Page!
Acolyte Schedule
March 6
Bible--Maggie VonCanon
Candle--Henry Baker
Cross--Jaxson Scruggs
March 13
Bible--Everett Reeves
Candle--Miles Reeves
Cross--Rebecca Harris
March 20
Bible--Beecher Allison
Candle--Julianna Futrelle
Cross--Knox Witherspoon
March 27
Bible--Isabella Gibbs
Candle--Sarah Gray Monk
Cross--Ella Monk
Matthew 19:14
Joyful Noise Choir
Age 4 (as of Sept 1, 2021)--2nd Grade
meets on Wednesdays from 4:45-5:30
(We plan to sing in church on March 20
and Palm Sunday!)
Come join us as we
"make a joyful noise to the Lord!"
Sunday School for Adults--Lent
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 March/Lent: "God Frees and Redeems: Liberating Passover"
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. For Lent: Adam Hamilton's Study on "The Lord's Prayer"
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 singing from the Cokesbury hymnal and support
for one another with prayer and encouragement. The March/Lent Lessons will be looking at "The Mark You
Make: The Spiritual Practice of Self-Examination."
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. For Lent: "Encounters with Jesus," by John Endermark
Sisters is a class for women who seek to explore their spiritual journey together. The class leader is Anna
Galloway. 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.
For Lent: "Seven Words: Listening to Christ From the Cross"
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!
Lent: "The Lord's Prayer," by Adam Hamilton
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
When I officiate at a wedding, I always ask those gathered
as witnesses if they will do everything in their power to support
and uphold the new couple in their marriage. I feel the same way
about newly commissioned Stephen Ministers. Will the congregation support
and uphold the new Stephen Ministers as they serve the church and the community?
The journey to become a Stephen Minister begins for nine (9) individuals this month
as they prepare for their commissioning in May. They ask for your prayers and we,
as leaders, ask you to place your trust and confidence in their training and
capability as caregivers.
How will they serve in the church? There are simply not enough hours in the week for a
pastor to cover the broad territory of caring for a congregation the size of ours. Maybe
that’s why Jesus was careful to commission his disciples to help and why they appointed
Stephen and others to be about caring for the needs of the community.
Following that biblical example, Stephen Ministers are trained and commissioned to
care for the needs of the community. They are trustworthy, confidential listeners and
caregivers who usually carry out one-on-one ministry. But not always! Did you know that
the leader of our Prayer Ministry is a Stephen Minister? Stephen Ministers serve in many
ways and are more than capable of hospital and home visitation when a caring, prayerful
presence is a welcome balm. Many of our retired Stephen Ministers make
home visits, phone calls and/or send cards. Will you do everything in your power
to support and uphold our Stephen Ministers?
With love and care,
Kerry Purselle
WE NEED A CONGREGATIONAL FACE BOOK!
It is difficult enough for those of us who see each other every week, but imagine how
challenging it will be for a new pastor to connect our welcoming faces with names!
Are there any volunteers willing to do some digital photography? Simple, phone
photography is fine. We can set up a station for Sunday mornings and then maybe someone
who is good with the computer?? can create a simple directory for us.
Contact Kerry ( 828-553-7224 or kerryinpoland@hotmail.com )
March MELP Schedule
YOUTH
March 6th - St. Philips Episcopal
March 13th - No Youth
March 27 - Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
A Note From Rachel:
I have decided to step away from my position of Director of Youth and College
Ministries, my last day will be February 27th. This was a challenging decision to make
as I love my students dearly. They make the program what it is and it is such a joy to
work with them. It is bittersweet to be leaving, but I also have some exciting things
coming up on the horizon. I will be serving as the 2022 Appalachian Trail Chaplain
through the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church this year, something
that has been in the works since 2018. Until I leave I will get to work full-time training
dogs for a little while. Those of you who know me know that it is pretty much ALL I talk
about when I have the chance. My Ivy girl is my world, but she has not come without
her own challenges. I want to help other people with reactive dogs learn to
understand their dog's reactivity, help create a stronger connection, and better
quality of life for the dogs just like someone did for Ivy and I.
My time here has taught me so much about ministry, about my students, and about
what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve
with your students. I will still be around and I will happily share my personal contact
info with you to stay connected if you would like it. I am working to make the
transition as smooth as possible and wish you all the best in the future.
Grace and peace,
Rachel AhrensMARCH BIRTHDAYS
1 Bob Gibson 18 Zhenya Parker
Paul Phillips Meredith Manker 25 Barbara Barton
Kristi Stephenson 20 Ella Burdette Logan Dye
9 Wesley Kreigsman
3 Margaret Casler Astrid Loveland David Rowe
Anna McCall
Liz Gibbs Kenneth Olson 27 Shirley Cassell
10 Ray Garner, Jr.
4 Ezekiel Lewis Heather Reedy John Findlay
11 Julia Anne Edwards
5 Connie Kay Hughes 21 Camille Ziegler Joe Hamrick
12 Spencer Ennis
Averie McCall 22 Hayes Bryson Betty Padrick
13 Kathy Bailey
Eve Walker Greg Garner 28 Ashley Bamford
Karen Koelling
6 Don Campbell Hannah Gill Sarah Gorgas
14 Gillian Hillman
Lowell Hamilton Kristen Thrower Pamela Love
Simons Welter
7 Ian Alley 23 Rebecca Stroup Allison Walker
15 Dot Holton
Burgon Gibbs 24 Shirley Booth 29 Jeannette Wheeler
Rick McGaha, Jr.
Elizabeth Rahn Beth Burghardt 30 Mike Harle
16 Nancy Deaver
8 Jim Alderman Marie Williamson Zack Scruggs
17 Rebecca Harris
Mike Shelley
18 Mary Daniels
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR WEEKDAY
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM IN MARCH
Meredith Manker, wife of Mike Harle, comes by transfer from Church of the Redeemer
Episcopal Church in Greenville, SC. They live in Pisgah Forest.
Marcy Heath joins us by Profession of Faith. She lives in Connestee Falls.
Jay & Marsha Farrell join us by transfer from First Baptist Church in Madison, AL. They live in
Brevard.
Lynn Poe joins us by transfer from Niles First Church of the Nazarene in Niles, OH. she lives
in Sapphire.
Carol Rutledge comes by Letter of Transfer from Friendswood United Methodist church in
Friendswood, Texas. She and her husband, Mike, live in Connestee Falls.Return Service Requested
Brevard, NC 28712
325 North Broad Street
Permit No. 62
Brevard, NC
First United Methodist Church
PAID
U S Postage
BREVARD
Non-Profit
Worship
March 2 - 6:30 PM March 20
Ash Wednesday Third Sunday in Lent
"Create in Me" Luke 13:1-9
Isaiah 55:1-9
"BEING WITH GOD" Rev. Mike Holder
Sermon series for Lent
March 27
March 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
First Sunday in Lent
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Holy Communion
Rev. Mike Holder
SUNDAY WORSHIP Romans 10:8b-13
Like 4:1-13 April 3
8:30 AM Traditional Worship Rev. Mike Holder Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:00 AM Praise Service Holy Communion
March 13
10:55 AM Traditional Worship Second Sunday in Lent
Philipians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Masks are required in Psalm 27 Rev. Mike Holder
Philipians 3:17--4:1
the building/worship.
Rev. Mike HolderYou can also read
