“Whom Shall I Send, And Who WIll Go For Us?” ISAIAH 6:8

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“Whom Shall I Send, And Who WIll Go For Us?” ISAIAH 6:8

For 40 years when Richard heard this call he answered with – “Here I am! Send me.”

We have been very fortunate that God placed Richard in three churches in our region, including FUMC. His dedication to his congregations was evident on Sunday afternoon. The reception to honor Richard’s years of service was well attended by the people of Oakland, Floyd and Galax churches. In addition, there was a surprise visit from his sister and her family. People took the opportunity to share with Richard the many ways he positively impacted their lives. In addition to the visits, prayers, and support he has extended to us, his Bible studies and Sunday school class have been extra blessings. The congregations presented Richard with a “gift certificate” for a trip to the Holy Lands with District Superintendent Kim Goddard. Fortunately, Richard will still be in the area so we can enjoy his friendship in the years to come.

“Change”

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I am such a creature of habit. I hate change. I get upset when Head & Shoulders changes their shampoo bottle. I almost went into shock when Food City rearranged their aisles. So you can imagine how the major change in my life, going from Full Elder Status to Retired Elder Status, is affecting me!

For the past forty years my identity has been that of the preacher. I have served United Methodist Congregations as the “Pastor in Charge.” After this Annual Conference this may not be the case. My life has also been centered around the Sunday Worship Service so I will need to make a major readjustment in how I spend my time. This will not come easily for me.

Now my head knows that the change has to come. Especially in our United Methodist itinerant system. We know we are not appointed to stay an any one church or charge but realize that eventually there will be a change. However, this head knowledge never found its way into my heart!

So if I seem preoccupied or “not quite right” during the next few weeks, please bear with me. The Second Sunday in June will be my last time in the pulpit. However I will be “on call” to be your pastor should the need arise, until the new minister takes over July 1st.

Even though I will no longer be your minister I hope to always be your friend.

My new mailing address is: 412 ½ West Center Street, Apt C, Galax, VA 24333

Know that I will always love you.

—Richard

UMW NEWS – April 2018

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Daniel Hass / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0

We had seven members and one guest who attended Spiritual Enrichment Experience at Lake Junaluska April 12-14. We enjoyed the beauty and peace at the lake and experienced a very inspiring retreat. It’s always great to go to the lake. Our next UMW meeting will be May 8th. Norma is in charge of the program. Lunch plans will be announced closer to meeting time. We will be making plans for UMW Sunday which will be on June 24th. Morgan Tompkins will be our guest speaker sharing her mission trip experiences.

Easter at FUMC

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Easter activity and egg hunt will be Palm Sunday, March 25 in Fellowship Hall from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

All children 12 and under are invited to come celebrate the coming of Easter.  We look forward to a great day of fellowship, fun and learning about Jesus.

Plans include:  Crafts, story time, egg hunt, and refreshments.  We will have prizes and surprises.

We will meet in the fellowship hall and the egg hunt will take place rain or shine.

EVERYONE WELCOME.

UMW News – March 2018

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The pancake supper was a success thanks to all of you who participated and to all the great help. Our next UMW meeting will be March 13th in the UMW room. This will be our Call to Prayer meeting and Judy White is in charge of the program. Lunch plans will be announced. New handbooks are ready thanks to Sandy and Elaine so don’t forget to pick yours up. March 17th is the Spring Mini-Retreat at Dublin UMC. Pat Farrell is the speaker. All are welcome to attend. Please let Peggy know if you want to go to this meeting.

We’re going back to Lake Junaluska April 12th for SEE. Please join us for this event.

UMW President, Peggy Chappell

Children’s Bible Study

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We were blessed to have 15 children at our December Children’s Bible Study. We had such a good time studying God’s message of Christmas with the children.

This was the first time some of the children had attended and we feel sure that it will continue to grow and become an important part of our Children’s program.

We invite you to stop by the children’s room and check out what we have been doing. Be sure and notice the bulletin board outside the door.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Ruth Sizemore, Co-Chair Children’s Committee

Poinsettia Orders (Orders Due Dec. 5th)

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If anyone would like to order a poinsettia to be placed on the altar in memory/honor please let the office know and order forms will be available in the bulletins. We are ordering 20 inch poinsettia’s from Personal Touch Florist, who provided us with the beautiful poinsettia’s last year. They will cost $21.00 each and orders are due Dec. 5th.

UMW News October 2017

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We are looking forward to a very busy November. Our regular meeting will be on the 14th at 10:00 am. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall for our World Thank Offering program which will be presented by Earlene. Following the program we will have soup, sandwiches and dessert. All women are invited to attend. You don’t need to bring anything other than yourself. We will have a time of fellowship and food together.

The Angel Tree will be put up around the 17th of the month with gifts due back by December 10th. Many thanks in advance for the help you give in providing Christmas gifts for children in our area.

The Cookie Walk is scheduled for December 2. This is a church wide project. The money earned will be divided between a local mission and UMCOR disaster relief. We need everyone’s help in making cookies, helping put them out on trays December 1st and helping with the sale on the 2nd. Also be sure to buy some cookies for the holidays and tell all your neighbors and friends to come and buy, too. Sign-up sheets will be in the church and you can call Agnes Ritchie for more information.

Peggy Chappell, President

Pledge Sunday – November 19th

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Pledge Sunday will be November 19th. Please place your pledge card in the offering plate or in the box outside the church office. Pledge cards are available at all entrances of the Sanctuary.

New Pastor Expectations Survey

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With the retirement of Richard it is time for the Staff Parish committee, with input from the congregation, to identify the traits we want our new pastor to possess. Staff parish developed the following survey that will help us reflect on pastoral skills that 1) positively impact the future of our church; 2) assist with the growth of our church; and 3) are important to our personal spiritual growth.

Please click here to take the survey.